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Digital Method for Improved Custom Hearing Protection Equipment

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Navy 		Award ID:
87769 		Program Year/Program:
2008 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
N082-153-0340 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Adaptive Technologies, Inc.
2020 Kraft Drive Suite 3040 Blacksburg, VA -
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Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2008
Title: Digital Method for Improved Custom Hearing Protection Equipment
Agency / Branch: DOD / NAVY
Contract: N68335-08-C-0484
Award Amount: $79,764.00
 

Abstract:

Custom fitting hearing protection ear plugs have been shown to provide substantial benefits for personnel working in high noise environments such as around military aircraft and in a range of other war fighter and civilian industrial scenarios. Current manufacturing processes for shaping custom ear plugs require that physical impressions be taken of customers ear canals. Since this involves injecting silicone material directly into the ear, physical impression taking can be uncomfortable for the customer and yield results which will vary with the skill and technique of the practitioner. The focus of this Phase I program is to develop new means, based on Computed Tomography (CT) imaging technology, for capturing ear anatomy information without the need for physical impressions. Eliminating the physical impression will also eliminate the associated discomfort and variability and lead to more satisfied customers getting more reliable hearing protection. This Phase I program will further demonstrate initial feasibility of completing a custom earplug manufacturing process using only digital data, starting from a non-invasive CT scan through production to a finished hearing protector product. A report describing the approach and initial demonstration of the new capabilities will be provided at the conclusion of this work.

Principal Investigator:

Ean Schiller
Mechanical Engineer
5409511284
ean@adaptivetechinc.com

Business Contact:

William Saunders
President
5409511284
will@adaptivetechinc.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2020 Kraft Drive Suite 3040 Blacksburg, VA 24060

EIN/Tax ID: 541688539
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No