Patent Publication Number: US-2021176574-A1

Title: Linear transducer in a flapping and bending apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/748,980, entitled LINEAR TRANSDUCER IN A FLAPPING AND BENDING APPARATUS, filed on Oct. 22, 2018, naming Tommy BERGS of Molnlycke, Sweden as an inventor, the entire contents of that application being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Hearing loss, which may be due to many different causes, is generally of two types: conductive and sensorineural. Sensorineural hearing loss is due to the absence or destruction of the hair cells in the cochlea that transduce sound signals into nerve impulses. Various hearing prostheses are commercially available to provide individuals suffering from sensorineural hearing loss with the ability to perceive sound. For example, cochlear implants use an electrode array implanted in the cochlea of a recipient to bypass the mechanisms of the ear. More specifically, an electrical stimulus is provided via the electrode array to the auditory nerve, thereby causing a hearing percept. 
     Conductive hearing loss occurs when the normal mechanical pathways that provide sound to hair cells in the cochlea are impeded, for example, by damage to the ossicular chain or the ear canal. Individuals suffering from conductive hearing loss may retain some form of residual hearing because the hair cells in the cochlea may remain undamaged. 
     Individuals suffering from conductive hearing loss typically receive an acoustic hearing aid. Hearing aids rely on principles of air conduction to transmit acoustic signals to the cochlea. In particular, a hearing aid typically uses an arrangement positioned in the recipient&#39;s ear canal or on the outer ear to amplify a sound received by the outer ear of the recipient. This amplified sound reaches the cochlea causing motion of the perilymph and stimulation of the auditory nerve. 
     In contrast to hearing aids, which rely primarily on the principles of air conduction, certain types of hearing prostheses, commonly referred to as bone conduction devices, convert a received sound into vibrations. The vibrations are transferred through the skull to the cochlea causing generation of nerve impulses, which result in the perception of the received sound. Bone conduction devices are suitable to treat a variety of types of hearing loss and may be suitable for individuals who cannot derive sufficient benefit from acoustic hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc., or for individuals who suffer from stuttering problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment, there is a component of a bone conduction device, comprising a housing and a bender apparatus located in the housing, wherein the bender apparatus is a device of a piezoelectric bender. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, there is a component of a bone conduction device, comprising a housing and a flapper apparatus located in the housing, wherein the flapper apparatus includes a piezoelectric apparatus that is a contractor and/or an extender and/or a shearer, and the flapper apparatus is at least an effectively symmetrical apparatus. 
     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, there is a component of a bone conduction device, comprising a housing and a piezo-seismic mass assembly configured to flap to evoke a hearing percept as a result of energizement of a piezoelectric transducer of the assembly, wherein the component is configured to enable permanent shock-proofing of the piezo transducer of the piezo-seismic mass assembly beyond that which results from damping while at least a portion of the piezo-seismic mass assembly is fixed relative to the housing. 
     In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, there is a method, comprising obtaining a component of a bone conduction device including a transducer-seismic mass assembly located within a housing, and operating the transducer of the assembly such that a first seismic mass and a second seismic mass of the assembly moves upwards and downwards in an arcuate motion effectively symmetrical to a plane between the two seism masses to produce vibrations that evoke a first hearing percept via bone conduction, wherein the arcuate motion is driven by a piezoelectric system which is only coupled to the seismic masses and/or support structure thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments are described below with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary bone conduction device in which at least some embodiments can be implemented; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating a passive transcutaneous bone conduction device; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram conceptually illustrating an active transcutaneous bone conduction device in accordance with at least some exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of an outer portion of an implantable component of a bone conduction device; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an exemplary implantable component of a bone conduction device; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the exemplary implantable component of  FIG. 5  in operation; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the exemplary implantable component of  FIG. 5  in a failure mode; 
         FIG. 8  is another schematic diagram of a cross-section of the exemplary implantable component of  FIG. 5  in a failure mode; 
         FIGS. 9-11  present various exemplary shock-proofing apparatuses; 
         FIG. 12  presents an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary transducer assembly; 
         FIG. 13  presents a depiction of the embodiment of  FIG. 12  in operation; 
         FIGS. 14-22 and 26-31 and 33-35  present additional exemplary embodiments of exemplary transducer assemblies; 
         FIG. 23  presents another exemplary embodiment of an exemplary transducer assembly; 
         FIGS. 24 and 25  present exemplary depictions of the embodiment of  23  in operation; and 
         FIG. 32  presents an exemplary flowchart for an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments herein are described primarily in terms of a bone conduction device, such as an active transcutaneous bone conduction device and a passive transcutaneous bone conduction device, as well as percutaneous bone conduction devices. Thus, any disclosure herein of one corresponds to another disclosure of the other two unless otherwise noted. Any disclosure herein is a disclosure of the subject matter disclosed with any one of the three types of bone conduction devices just detailed, unless otherwise noted. Also, it is noted that the teachings detailed herein and/or variations thereof are also applicable to a middle ear implant or an inner ear implant that utilizes a mechanical actuator. Also, any disclosure herein corresponds to a disclosure of the utilization of the teachings herein in a prosthesis that is different than a hearing prosthesis, such as, for example, a bionic limb or appendage, a muscle stimulator, etc. Moreover, any disclosure herein corresponds to a disclosure of the utilization of the teachings herein in a non-prosthetic device (e.g., a device that simply has a piezoelectric transducer). Accordingly, any disclosure herein of teachings corresponds to a disclosure of use in a middle ear implant or an inner ear mechanical stimulator, or a general prosthesis, or a non-prosthetic device. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bone conduction device  100  in which embodiments may be implemented. As shown, the recipient has an outer ear  101 , a middle ear  102 , and an inner ear  103 . Elements of outer ear  101 , middle ear  102 , and inner ear  103  are described below, followed by a description of bone conduction device  100 . 
     In a fully functional human hearing anatomy, outer ear  101  comprises an auricle  105  and an ear canal  106 . A sound wave or acoustic pressure  107  is collected by auricle  105  and channeled into and through ear canal  106 . Disposed across the distal end of ear canal  106  is a tympanic membrane  104  which vibrates in response to acoustic wave  107 . This vibration is coupled to oval window or fenestra ovalis  210  through three bones of middle ear  102 , collectively referred to as the ossicles  111  and comprising the malleus  112 , the incus  113 , and the stapes  114 . The ossicles  111  of middle ear  102  serve to filter and amplify acoustic wave  107 , causing oval window  210  to vibrate. Such vibration sets up waves of fluid motion within cochlea  139 . Such fluid motion, in turn, activates hair cells (not shown) that line the inside of cochlea  139 . Activation of the hair cells causes appropriate nerve impulses to be transferred through the spiral ganglion cells and auditory nerve  116  to the brain (not shown), where they are perceived as sound. 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates the positioning of bone conduction device  100  relative to outer ear  101 , middle ear  102 , and inner ear  103  of a recipient of device  100 . Bone conduction device  100  comprises an external component  140  and implantable component  150 . As shown, bone conduction device  100  is positioned behind outer ear  101  of the recipient and comprises a sound input element  126  to receive sound signals. Sound input element  126  may comprise, for example, a microphone. In an exemplary embodiment, sound input element  126  may be located, for example, on or in bone conduction device  100 , or on a cable extending from bone conduction device  100 . 
     More particularly, sound input device  126  (e.g., a microphone) converts received sound signals into electrical signals. These electrical signals are processed by the sound processor. The sound processor generates control signals which cause the actuator to vibrate. In other words, the actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical motion to impart vibrations to the recipient&#39;s skull. 
     Alternatively, sound input element  126  may be subcutaneously implanted in the recipient or positioned in the recipient&#39;s ear. Sound input element  126  may also be a component that receives an electronic signal indicative of sound, such as, for example, from an external audio device. For example, sound input element  126  may receive a sound signal in the form of an electrical signal from an MP3 player electronically connected to sound input element  126 . 
     Bone conduction device  100  comprises a sound processor (not shown), an actuator (also not shown), and/or various other operational components. In operation, the sound processor converts received sounds into electrical signals. These electrical signals are utilized by the sound processor to generate control signals that cause the actuator to vibrate. In other words, the actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical vibrations for delivery to the recipient. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, a fixation system  162  may be used to secure implantable component  150  to skull  136 . As described below, fixation system  162  may be a bone screw fixed to skull  136 , and also attached to implantable component  150 . 
     In one arrangement of  FIG. 1 , bone conduction device  100  can be a passive transcutaneous bone conduction device. That is, no active components, such as the actuator, are implanted beneath the recipient&#39;s skin  132 . In such an arrangement, the active actuator is located in external component  140 , and implantable component  150  includes a magnetic plate, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The magnetic plate of the implantable component  150  vibrates in response to vibration transmitted through the skin, mechanically and/or via a magnetic field, that is generated by an external magnetic plate. 
     In another arrangement of  FIG. 1 , bone conduction device  100  can be an active transcutaneous bone conduction device where at least one active component, such as the actuator, is implanted beneath the recipient&#39;s skin  132  and is thus part of the implantable component  150 . As described below, in such an arrangement, external component  140  may comprise a sound processor and transmitter, while implantable component  150  may comprise a signal receiver and/or various other electronic circuits/devices. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary transcutaneous bone conduction device  300  that includes an external device  340  (corresponding to, for example, element  140  of  FIG. 1 ) and an implantable component  350  (corresponding to, for example, element  150  of  FIG. 1 ). The transcutaneous bone conduction device  300  of  FIG. 2  is a passive transcutaneous bone conduction device in that a vibrating actuator  342  (which can be an electromagnetic actuator or a piezoelectric actuator) is located in the external device  340 . Vibrating actuator  342  is located in housing  344  of the external component and is coupled to plate  346 . Plate  346  may be in the form of a permanent magnet and/or in another form that generates and/or is reactive to a magnetic field, or otherwise permits the establishment of magnetic attraction between the external device  340  and the implantable component  350  sufficient to hold the external device  340  against the skin of the recipient. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the vibrating actuator  342  is a device that converts electrical signals into vibration. In operation, sound input element  126  converts sound into electrical signals. Specifically, the transcutaneous bone conduction device  300  provides these electrical signals to vibrating actuator  342 , or to a sound processor (not shown) that processes the electrical signals, and then provides those processed signals to vibrating actuator  342 . The vibrating actuator  342  converts the electrical signals (processed or unprocessed) into vibrations. Because vibrating actuator  342  is mechanically coupled to plate  346 , the vibrations are transferred from the vibrating actuator  342  to plate  346 . Implanted plate assembly  352  is part of the implantable component  350  and is made of a ferromagnetic material that may be in the form of a permanent magnet, that generates and/or is reactive to a magnetic field, or otherwise permits the establishment of a magnetic attraction between the external device  340  and the implantable component  350  sufficient to hold the external device  340  against the skin of the recipient. Accordingly, vibrations produced by the vibrating actuator  342  of the external device  340  are transferred from plate  346  across the skin to plate  355  of plate assembly  352 . This can be accomplished as a result of mechanical conduction of the vibrations through the skin, resulting from the external device  340  being in direct contact with the skin and/or from the magnetic field between the two plates. These vibrations are transferred without penetrating the skin with a solid object, such as an abutment, with respect to a percutaneous bone conduction device. 
     As may be seen, the implanted plate assembly  352  is substantially rigidly attached to a bone fixture  341  in this embodiment. Plate screw  356  is used to secure plate assembly  352  to bone fixture  341 . The portions of plate screw  356  that interface with the bone fixture  341  substantially correspond to an abutment screw discussed in some additional detail below, thus permitting plate screw  356  to readily fit into an existing bone fixture used in a percutaneous bone conduction device. In an exemplary embodiment, plate screw  356  is configured so that the same tools and procedures that are used to install and/or remove an abutment screw (described below) from bone fixture  341  can be used to install and/or remove plate screw  356  from the bone fixture  341  (and thus the plate assembly  352 ). 
       FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a transcutaneous bone conduction device  400  according to another embodiment that includes an external device  440  (corresponding to, for example, element  140 B of  FIG. 1 ) and an implantable component  450  (corresponding to, for example, element  150  of  FIG. 1 ). The transcutaneous bone conduction device  400  of  FIG. 3  is an active transcutaneous bone conduction device in that the vibrating actuator  452  (which can be an electromagnetic actuator, or a piezoelectric actuator, etc.) is located in the implantable component  450 . Specifically, a vibratory element in the form of vibrating actuator  452  is located in housing  454  of the implantable component  450 . In an exemplary embodiment, much like the vibrating actuator  342  described above with respect to transcutaneous bone conduction device  300 , the vibrating actuator  452  is a device that converts electrical signals into vibration. 
     External component  440  includes a sound input element  126  that converts sound into electrical signals. Specifically, the transcutaneous bone conduction device  400  provides these electrical signals to vibrating actuator  452 , or to a sound processor (not shown) that processes the electrical signals, and then provides those processed signals to the implantable component  450  through the skin of the recipient via a magnetic inductance link. In this regard, a transmitter coil  442  of the external component  440  transmits these signals to implanted receiver coil  456  located in housing  458  of the implantable component  450 . Components (not shown) in the housing  458 , such as, for example, a signal generator or an implanted sound processor, then generate electrical signals to be delivered to vibrating actuator  452  via electrical lead assembly  460 . The vibrating actuator  452  converts the electrical signals into vibrations. 
     The vibrating actuator  452  is mechanically coupled to the housing  454 . Housing  454  and vibrating actuator  452  collectively form a vibratory apparatus  453 . The housing  454  is substantially rigidly attached to bone fixture  341 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  depict another exemplary embodiment of an implantable component usable in an active transcutaneous bone conduction device, here, implantable component  550 .  FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the implantable component  550  which includes housing  554  which entails two housing bodies made of titanium in an exemplary embodiment, welded together at seam  444  to form a hermetically sealed housing.  FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view of the implantable component  550 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the implantable component  550  is used in the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in place of implantable component  450 . As can be seen, implantable component  550  combines an actuator (corresponding with respect to functionality to actuator  452  detailed above) and, optionally, an inductance coil  511  (corresponding to coil  456  detailed above). Elements  555  plus  553  combine to establish a transducer-seismic mass assembly, sometimes herein referred to as an actuator and/or a vibratory apparatus, etc. Briefly, it is noted that the vibrating actuator  552  includes a so-called counterweight/mass  553  that is supported by piezoelectric components  555 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the piezoelectric components  555  flex upon the exposure of an electrical current thereto, thus moving the counterweight  553 . In an exemplary embodiment, this movement creates vibrations that are ultimately transferred to the recipient to evoke a hearing percept. Note that in some other embodiments, consistent with the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the coil is located outside of the housing  553 , and is in communication therewith via a feedthrough or the like. Any disclosure herein associated with one corresponds to a disclosure associated with the other, unless otherwise noted. 
     As can be understood from the schematic of  FIG. 5 , in an exemplary embodiment, the housing  554  entirely and completely encompasses the vibratory apparatus  552 , but includes feedthrough  505 , so as to permit the electrical lead assembly  460  to communicate with the vibrating actuator  452  therein. It is briefly noted at this time that some and/or all of the components of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  are at least generally rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis  559 . In this regard, the screw  356 A is circular about the longitudinal axis  559 . Back lines have been omitted for purposes of clarity in some instances. 
     Still with reference to  FIG. 5 , as can be seen, there is a space  577  located between the housing  554  in general, and the inside wall thereof in particular, and the counterweight  553 . This space has utilitarian value with respect to enabling the implantable component  550  to function as a transducer in that, in a scenario where the implantable component is an actuator, the piezoelectric material  555  can flex in a bending manner (the piezoelectric component  555  is a bender—in an exemplary embodiment, a two or more layer element produces curvature when one layer expands while the other layer contracts—these transducers are often referred to as benders, bimorphs, or flexural elements), which can enable the counterweight  553  to move within the housing  554  so as to generate vibrations to evoke a hearing percept.  FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary scenario of movement of the piezoelectric material  555  when subjected to an electrical current along with the movement of the counterweight  553 . As can be seen, space  577  provides for the movement of the actuator  552  within housing  554  so that the counterweight  553  does not come into contact with the inside wall of the housing  554 . There can exist a failure mode with this device. Specifically, in a scenario where prior to the attachment of the housing  554  and the components therein to the bone fixture  341 , the housing and the components therein are subjected to an acceleration above certain amounts and/or a deceleration above certain amounts, the piezoelectric material  555  will be bent or otherwise deformed beyond its operational limits, which can, in some instances, have a deleterious effect on the piezoelectric material. 
       FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary failure mode, where implantable subcomponent  551  (without bone fixture  541 ) prior to implantation into a recipient (and thus prior to attachment to the bone fixture  541 ) is dropped from a height of, for example, 30 cm, or from 1.2 meters, etc., onto a standard operating room floor or the like. The resulting deceleration causes the piezoelectric material  555 , which is connected to the counterweight  553 , to deform as seen in  FIG. 7 . This can break or otherwise plastically deform the piezoelectric material  555  (irrespective of whether the counterweight  553  contacts the housing walls, in some embodiments—indeed, in many embodiments, the piezoelectric material  555  will fail prior to the counterweights contacting the walls—thus,  FIG. 7  is presented for purposes of conceptual illustration). The teachings detailed herein are directed towards avoiding such a scenario when associated with such decelerations and/or accelerations. 
     It is noted that while much of the disclosure herein is directed to a piezoelectric transducer, the teachings herein can also be applicable to an electromagnetic transducer. Thus, any disclosure associated with one corresponds to a disclosure of such for the other, and vis-versa. 
     Still further, it is noted that in at least some exemplary embodiments of a transcutaneous bone conduction device utilizing a piezoelectric actuator, it may not necessarily be the case that  FIG. 7  represents a scenario that results in, all the time, a failure mode. That is, in some embodiments, the scenario depicted in  FIG. 7  does not result in a failure mode for all types of piezoelectric actuators. In at least some exemplary embodiments, it is the “bounce back” from the initial deflection and the momentum that carries the piezoelectric material past the at rest position in the other direction that causes a failure mode. That is, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, there can be, in some scenarios, a reaction such that after the piezoelectric material  555  is deformed as depicted in  FIG. 7  (or, in some instances, approximately thereabouts, or, in some instances, more than that which usually results from activation of the transducer in even extreme operational scenarios), the piezoelectric material deforms oppositely towards its at rest position, but owing to the fact that it was deformed a substantial amount as depicted in  FIG. 7  (or as just described), as the piezo material springs/bounces back to the “at rest” position, the counterweights  553  have momentum which causes the piezoelectric material to deform in the opposite direction, as depicted by way of example in  FIG. 8 . In fact, in some instances, even though the counterweights  553  specifically, or the piezoelectric actuator in general, do not contact the inside of the housing  554 , as was the case in  FIG. 7 , this “flapping” can cause the piezoelectric material  555  to break or otherwise permanently deform in a manner that does not have utilitarian value. To be clear, this phenomenon can also be the case with respect to the scenario  FIG. 7 , except where the counterweight  553  did not contact the inside the housing  554 . That is, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the flapping can cause permanent damage to the piezoelectric material  555  irrespective of whether or not the counterweights  553  or other components of the piezoelectric actuator contact the housing. In at least some exemplary embodiments of the teachings detailed herein and/or variations thereof, this permanent damage is prevented from occurring, or otherwise the likelihood of such permanent damage is reduced, some exemplary embodiments of achieving such prevention and/or reduction will now be described. 
     It is noted that the phrase “flapping” and the phrase “flap,” as used herein, does not connote a failure mode per se. Indeed, the normal operation of the device  551  of  FIG. 5  is to flap (in a bending manner—more on this below). It is the amount of flap that causes the failure mode. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a cross-section through the geometric center of subcomponent  851 . Implantable subcomponent  851  includes a housing  854  that encases an actuator  852 , which actuator includes a piezoelectric material  855  corresponding to material  555  of  FIG. 7 , and a counterweight  853  that corresponds to the counterweight  553  of  FIG. 7 . Also seen in  FIG. 9  is that the housing  854  includes a core  859 . In this exemplary embodiment, the core  859  is an integral part with the bottom of the housing. The core  859  has a passage through which screw  856  extends, which screw is configured to screw into the bone fixture implanted into the bone of the recipient so as to fix the implantable subcomponent  851  to bone of the recipient. In this exemplary embodiment, the core  859  is such that the screw  856  can extend therethrough while maintaining a hermetically sealed environment within the housing (e.g., the housing subcomponent that forms the top of the housing  854  can be laser welded at the seams with the housing subcomponent that forms the bottom of the housing  854  and the core  859 ). 
       FIG. 10  depicts a larger view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . As can be seen, the piezoelectric material  855  is coated with a coating, thereby establishing the piezoelectric component. In some alternate embodiments, the piezoelectric material has no coating. Hereinafter, any use of the phrase piezoelectric material corresponds to a disclosure of piezoelectric material with coating, and thus a disclosure of a piezoelectric component, as well as a disclosure of a piezoelectric material without a coating (which still can be a piezoelectric component—there is just no coating), unless otherwise specified. The piezoelectric component  855  is clamped between two springs  910  and  920 . A washer  930  is interposed between the top spring  910  and the piezoelectric material  855 . Thus, the clamping of the piezoelectric component is in part, indirect by the springs. Where there is a washer at the bottom, as is the case in some embodiments, the clamping would be totally indirect by the springs, whereas in some exemplary embodiments, where there is no washer  930 , and the springs directly contact the piezoelectric component, the clamping is totally direct. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the springs  910  and  920  provide shock-proofing to the implantable subcomponent  851 . The springs permit the entire piezoelectric component  855  to move upwards and/or downwards when subjected to a high acceleration and/or a high deceleration. This is as opposed to the scenario where only a portion of the piezoelectric component moves when exposed to these high accelerations, as is the case in some of the other embodiments herein. In this regard, the combination of the piezoelectric component and the counterweight creates a transducer-seismic mass assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the springs permit the entire transducer-seismic mass assembly to move upwards and/or downwards when subjected to a high acceleration and/or a high deceleration. Again, this is as opposed to a scenario where only a portion of that transducer-seismic mass assembly moves, as is the case with respect to some other embodiments. 
     It is noted that the embodiment of  FIG. 9  provides, via springs  910  and  920  and the associated components, a centralized support for the bender that results in a mounting force. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting force provides a function of mounting the piezoelectric bender in the housing that is analogous to the arrangement that results if the bender is hard mounted/rigidly fixed to the core  859  vis-à-vis positioning the transducer-seismic mass assembly in the housing. Thus, the arrangement seen in  FIG. 9  provides a variable mounting force. The limitations on the bending of the piezoelectric material from the stopping force occur at outboard locations. 
     Exemplary embodiments include impulse force damper(s) disposed between a component of the transducer (or, in some embodiments, the transducer-seismic mass assembly—more on this below). Impulse force damper assemblies, in at least some exemplary embodiments, fills the space/gap between the mass and the housing, while in other embodiments, are present in the gap but do not fill the space. In some embodiments, impulse force dampers substantially absorb impulse forces created by physical movement of transducer along the vibration axis. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , vibrator  300 A has a transducer  302  supported by a support  301  which is mechanically fixed to the wall of the housing  308 . The transducer  302  includes a piezoelectric component that includes sides  304 A,  304 B, respectively (which collectively correspond to piezoelectric component  555  detailed above), where masses  307 A,  307 B are supported by the piezoelectric component in general, and the sides  304 A and  304 B respectively. In some embodiments, the interior of the housing  308  is filled with an inert gas  306 . In an exemplary embodiment, the interior of the housing  308  is filled with argon. 
     Each mass  307  is formed of material such as tungsten, tungsten alloy, brass, etc., and may have a variety of shapes. Additionally, the shape, size, configuration, orientation, etc., of each mass  307 A and  307 B can be selected to increase the transmission of the mechanical force from piezoelectric transducer  302  to the recipient&#39;s skull and to provide a utilitarian frequency response of the transducer. In certain embodiments, the size and shape of each mass  307 A and  307 B is chosen to ensure that there is utilitarian mechanical force is generated and to provide a utilitarian response of the transducer  302 . 
     In specific embodiments, masses  307 A and  307 B have a weight between approximately 1 g and approximately 50 g (individually). Furthermore, the material forming masses  307  can have a density, e.g., between approximately 2000 kg/m3 and approximately 22000 kg/m3. As shown, the vibrator includes a coupling  160  which is presented in generic terms. In some embodiments, the coupling is a coupling that connects to a bone fixture, while in other embodiments the coupling is a coupling that connects to a skin interface pad that abuts the skin of the recipient. 
     Transducer  302  is suspended in housing  308  such that there is a distance between the housing  308  and the masses, which enables vibration of transducer  302  in vibration axis  310 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , impulse force damper assemblies  316 A-D are disposed between housing interior surface  314  and the adjacent surfaces  312  of masses  307  to substantially fill the respective distances between housing interior surface  314  and juxtaposed mass surface  312 . In at least some embodiments, impulse force damper assemblies  316 A-D limit or otherwise prevent a rapid acceleration and deceleration of masses  307 A and B. Such movement may cause a significant impulse force to be applied to piezoelectric component. For ease of description, impulse force damper assembly  316 A will be described below. With the exceptions noted below, the description of impulse force damper assembly  316 A applies to impulse force dampers assemblies  316 B-D. 
     In certain embodiments, impulse force damper assembly  316 A includes at least two layers, an elastic force dissipation layer  318 A and an isolation layer  320 A. 
     Thus, exemplary impulse force damper assembly  316 A is configured to achieve impulse force dissipation through a combination of deformation of an elastic material exhibiting sufficiently low stiffness and shear damping via substantial gross slip along the interface where a surface of impulse force damper assembly  316 A abuts an adjacent layer or surface. In one embodiment, impulse force dissipation layer  318 A comprises a cured liquid silicone rubber. 
     In certain embodiments, impulse force dissipation layer  318 A comprises a material having one of more of the following: an ASTM technical standard D2240 Durometer Type OO scale value less than or equal to about 40; a Tensile Strength of about 325 psi; an Elongation of about 1075%; a Tear Strength of about 60 ppi; a Stress at 100% Strain of about 10 psi; a Stress at 300% Strain of about 30 psi; and a Stress at 500% Strain of about 65 psi. A commercially available example of such a material is Model No. MED 82-50 1 0-02 (a type of liquid silicone rubber) manufactured by NUSIL® Technology, LLC, in a cured state. 
     Thus, in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , impulse force dissipation layer  318 A is configured to exhibit non-negligible adhesion to housing surface  314  and substantially no adhesion to isolation layer  320 A. This enables impulse force damper  316 A to dissipate energy through a combination of deformation and shear damping along the interface between with isolation layer  320 A. Shear damping refers to the lateral sliding or slipping of the layers  318 A and  320 A, which is possible due to lack of adhesion between the layers. 
     In the embodiment above with respect to  FIG. 11 , the piezoelectric component is a bender. 
       FIG. 12  depicts an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary implantable subcomponent  1251  having utilitarian value in that such can reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of (which includes eliminating the possibility of occurrence of) the failure mode associated with that depicted in  FIG. 7 , and the variations detailed above. That said, in some embodiments, this device can still experience the occurrence of the above failure mode. Further, it is noted that this device, in some embodiments, can in fact not reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of the above. The ability of the device of  FIG. 12  and/or the other devices detailed below to resist or otherwise address the failure mode detailed above with respect to  FIG. 7  is but an exemplary embodiment of some of these embodiments, and other embodiments do not have this ability or otherwise, to the extent the ability is present, may be de minimis. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a cross-section through the geometric center of the subcomponent  1251  (which is sometimes referred to herein as component, for linguistic simplicity). Implantable subcomponent  1251  includes a housing  1254  that encases an actuator  1252 , which actuator includes a piezoelectric material  1257  which does not correspond to that of  FIG. 7 , but which is different, a spring  1255  which supports counterweights  1253  that functionally, with respect to evoking a hearing percept, corresponds to the counterweight  553  above, in that it establishes at least part of a seismic mass. 
     Exemplary embodiments for the below embodiments will typically be described in terms of an implantable housing/implantable sub-component of a bone conduction device. However, the below teachings are also applicable to passive transcutaneous bone conduction devices and percutaneous bone conduction devices where the housing, etc., is located outside the recipient. Thus, any disclosure herein with respect to an implantable device corresponds to a disclosure of another embodiment where the device is not implantable or otherwise as part of a component that is external to the recipient. 
     Moreover, the teachings detailed herein can be applicable to any type of mechanical actuator, such as that used in a conventional hearing aid. Also, the teachings detailed herein can be utilized for any type of transducer, such as, for example, a microphone. 
     Still with reference to  FIG. 12 , the counter weight  1253  is fixed to the spring  1255 , which can be a leaf spring or the like. Here, the spring  1255  bends as does the piezoelectric element of  FIG. 5  above. However, the bending is driven by the piezoelectric element  1257  which is not part of the spring  1255 . The piezoelectric element  1257 , in this exemplary embodiment, does not bend. Instead, the piezoelectric element is a contractor and/or an extender piezoelectric element. This as distinct from a bender. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the piezoelectric element  1257  is a piezoelectric stack. In this regard, the piezoelectric element comprises a plurality of layers stacked one on top of the other, in the horizontal direction. In an exemplary embodiment, when an electric field having a given polarity is placed across the thickness of the sheets of the piezoelectric material, the piece expands in the thickness or longitudinal direction, and can contract in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the axis of polarization). When the electric field having the opposite polarity is placed across the thickness of the sheets, the piece contracts in the thickness or longitudinal direction, and can expand in the transverse direction. The multilayer motor  1252  includes any number of piezoelectric layers that are stacked one on top of the other that can enable the teachings detailed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, again,  1257  is a piezoelectric stack. 
     That said, in an exemplary embodiment,  1257  can be a piezoelectric layer that is configured to contract or expand in the transverse direction. Further, in some embodiments,  1257  can be a plurality of piezoelectric layers that are layered one on top of the other, while still being contractors and extenders. In an exemplary embodiment, a multilayered element behaves like a single layer when both layers expand or contract together. If an electric field is applied which makes the element thinner, extension along the length and width results. Indeed, in some embodiments, the layering can generally correspond to the layers of a bender detailed above. That said, with respect to a bender, one layer expands and/or contracts more than the other layer, which causes the bending. In embodiments associated with  FIG. 12 , and unless otherwise noted, this phenomenon specifically does not occur in the embodiments herein and below. 
       FIG. 12  depicts the piezoelectric stack  1257  in a contracted state.  FIG. 13  depicts the piezoelectric stack  1257  in an extended state. As can be seen, this has the effect of at least enabling the seismic mass  1253  (there are two here, one on each side—in some embodiments, there are more than two seismic masses—any arrangement of seismic masses that can enable the teachings detailed herein can be utilized in at least some exemplary embodiments), to move from the position in  FIG. 12  to the position in  FIG. 13 . Upon contraction from the expanded state, the piezoelectric stack moves to the configuration seen in  FIG. 12 , and so on, which causes the piezoelectric seismic mass assembly (spring and seismic mass) to flap. Here, the flapping is due to the bending of the spring. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , there are hinge components  1260  which are connected to arms  1270  which are connected to brackets of the actuator  1252  which transfer the force of the piezoelectric element as a result of expansion and/or contraction to the seismic masses  1253  as can be seen. In this embodiment, the hinges are fixed to the seismic masses. This can have utilitarian value with respect to enabling a device where the contraction of the piezoelectric elements “pulls” the seismic masses  1253  towards each other, and thus causes the spring  1255  to flex upwards, and thus moves the seismic masses upwards. The extension of the piezoelectric element  1257  push is the seismic masses away from each other, and thus causes the spring to bend downward and thus move the seismic masses downward. This causes the spring-seismic mass assembly to flap. 
     In the above embodiment, the relaxed state of the spring is a flat spring. In an exemplary embodiment, this corresponds to a relaxed state of the piezoelectric stack  1257 . That said, in an exemplary embodiment, the relaxed state of the spring can be bent/flexed upwards and/or downwards. In an exemplary embodiment, the relaxed state could be as depicted in  FIGS. 12 and/or 13 . The piezoelectric stack would be configured accordingly. 
     Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, the piezoelectric stack is controlled such that the application of voltage thereto occurs only when it is desired that the stack extend or contract, but not both. In this regard, the contraction could be the result of the piezoelectric element returning to its relaxed state, which could occur by simply eliminating the current applied thereto. Alternatively, the contraction can correspond to that which results from the application of electric current, and the removal of the electric current causes the piezoelectric stack to expand towards its relaxed state. Any combination or permutation of a relaxed spring that is flat or is bent and a relaxed state and/or expanded state and/or a contracted state of the piezoelectric stack/piezoelectric element that can have utilitarian value can be utilized in at least some exemplary embodiments. 
     Briefly, as will be described in greater detail below, some embodiments include a piezoelectric element that is a “shearer.” Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment there is a component of a bone conduction device, such as sub component  1251 , which includes a housing, such as housing  554  or  1254 , etc., and which also includes a flapper apparatus located in the housing. The flapper apparatus comprises the piezoelectric actuator, the spring, the seismic mass, and the accompanying components that support such/hold such together. In an exemplary embodiment, the flapper apparatus includes a piezoelectric apparatus that is a contractor and/or an extender and/or a shearer. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the piezoelectric apparatus is a contractor in some instances, an extender in other instances, and a contractor-extender any other instances. It is noted that with respect to the aforementioned classifications, such as based on how the piezoelectric apparatus is utilized when electricity is applied thereto. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, a piezoelectric stack can be a contractor-extender if positive and negative voltages are applied in an alternating manner, but only an extender if only positive voltage is applied or only a contractor if only negative voltages applied (or vice versa). 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the component (sub-component) is configured to convert a non-bending movement of the piezoelectric apparatus into a bending movement of the flapper apparatus. That said, some embodiments do not include devices that have a bending movement, but instead have a rigid flapping movement. 
     Briefly, it is noted that the phrase “flapping” as used herein covers the bending of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , and the rigid flapping of  FIG. 14  as will be described below. Bending does not include the embodiment of  FIG. 14 . In this regard,  FIG. 14  presents an exemplary subcomponent  1451  that includes a flapper apparatus established by seismic masses  1353 , actuator  1252 , which can correspond to the actuator of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , arms  1270  and hinges  1260 . Also included in this flapper apparatus is a first and second rigid arm  1455 , which are rigidly connected to the masses  1353  on one end, and connected to respective hinges  1360  at the other end. In an exemplary embodiment, where  FIG. 14  depicts the actuator  1252  in its relaxed state (here, the actuator is an extender, although in an alternate embodiment,  FIG. 14  could represent a contractor-extender in its contracted state), the masses  1353  are pulled upwards by the actuator. Upon actuation of the actuator, the piezoelectric stack expands and pushes the masses  1353  outward and thus downward, owing to the reaction of the system about hinges  1360 . When current is cut off from the piezoelectric elements, the piezoelectric stack contracts and thus pulls the masses  1353  inward and thus upward (owing to the reaction of the hinges), causing the flapper apparatus to flap. Here, the flapping is rigid because the “wings” do not bend. The wings move as a single body/solid body that does not deform during the flapping. This as opposed to the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , where the spring deforms during the flapping. 
     As can be seen, support structure  1490 , which can correspond to a plate that is secured at least indirectly to housing  554 , bifurcates the piezoelectric stack. In some embodiments, two separate actuators are located where actuator  1252  is present. That said, in some embodiments, the piezoelectric elements are electrically connected through plate  1490 , and thus effectively correspond to a single actuator. Plate  1490  provides a reaction force for the piezoelectric stack so that the flapper apparatus remains “balanced.” If there was no plate  1490 , in some embodiments, one of the wings would simply fall towards the bottom of the housing and the other would move towards the top of the housing, and actuation of the actuator would simply result in some rattling inside the housing in at least some embodiments. That said, in some alternate embodiments, the system is sufficiently configured such that plate  1490  is not present and is not necessary to keep the system “balanced.” This can be arranged by utilizing careful tolerancing and placement of the components in some embodiments. Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment, hinges  1360  are torsion hinges. The hinges  1360  can bias the system, such as with a counterclockwise torque on the right arm  1455 , and a clockwise torque on the left arm  1455 , which will balance the system. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator  1252  is strong enough to overcome this torque and cause the flapper apparatus to flap. Any arrangement that can enable the teachings detailed herein can be utilized in at least some exemplary embodiments. 
     Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the sub component is configured to convert a non-bending movement of the piezoelectric apparatus into a rigid flapping movement of the flapper apparatus. 
       FIG. 15  presents an exemplary embodiment of a flapper apparatus that has rigid flapping. Here, it can be seen that the flapper is a nonsymmetrical flapper, as opposed to the embodiments detailed above. Briefly, with respect to the plane  1599  seen in  FIG. 15 , which plane is a plane of symmetry with respect to the flapper apparatus, or at least some of the components thereof, or at least the output of the flapper apparatus, with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 12, 13, and 14  detailed above, here, the flapper apparatus is not so symmetrical about that plane. In fact, effectively all of the components save a portion of plate  1590  (which has been extended to the top of the housing for additional support) lie to the left of the plane  1599 . This is not the case with the embodiments detailed above. 
     Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, there are components as detailed herein where the flapper apparatus is an effectively symmetrical apparatus, such as seen in  FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 , and in an alternate exemplary embodiment, there are components as detailed herein where the flapper apparatus is effectively asymmetrical. 
     Briefly, it is noted that any disclosure herein of structure according to the teachings detailed herein corresponds to a disclosure of a component that includes at least some structural components that are symmetrical about a given plane and/or a disclosure of a flapper apparatus that is symmetrical about a given plane. In some embodiments, the apparatuses disclosed herein are rotationally symmetrical while in other embodiments the apparatuses are symmetric about a given plane but not rotationally symmetric. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the symmetry is achieved via weight and/or spatial location and/or center of gravity of components, etc. In this regard, providing that the center of gravities are arranged properly and the movements of the various components are properly choreographed, there can be effectively symmetrical apparatuses that are not structurally symmetrical. That said, in some alternate embodiments, there are effectively symmetrical apparatuses that are structurally symmetrical. 
     Returning back to the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , while this embodiment has been presented in terms of a rigid flapper (albeit with one wing—one wing can flap), in an alternative embodiment, arm  1455  can be replaced by a spring, such as a leaf spring. 
     It is also noted that in some embodiments, both a rigid structure and a flexible structure can be combined, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as seen above, the flapper apparatus includes at least two counterweights located at least generally symmetrically with respect to the flapper apparatus. It is noted that in an exemplary embodiment, other structural components may not be generally symmetrical. In an exemplary embodiment, it is the center of gravities of the wings of the flapper apparatus that are symmetrical. 
     It is noted that the aforementioned disclosures associated with symmetrical embodiments correspond to that which is the case when there is no current that is applied to the actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the flapper apparatuses can be configured such that they remain effectively symmetrical even when current is applied to the actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the flapper apparatuses can be configured such that they remain effectively symmetrical during a full flap (up-down-up, or vice versa). 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the counterweights rotate during flapping of the flapper apparatus at least about equally and opposite to one another. That said, in some alternate embodiments, the counterweights do not rotate, as will be described in greater detail below. Still further, in some alternate embodiments, the counterweights rotate during flapping, but do not rotate at least about equally and/or opposite to one another. 
     The embodiments of  FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15  presents a flapper apparatus that includes a counterweight, and a counterweight support structure. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the counterweight support structure corresponds to the spring. In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the counterweight support structure includes the arms and the hinges. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the flapper apparatus is configured such that the piezoelectric apparatus extends substantially parallel to the support structure that supports the counterweight. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, again where the flapper apparatus includes a counterweight and a counterweight support structure, the flapper apparatus is configured such that a force generated by the piezoelectric apparatus is applied directly onto at least one of the counterweight or the support structure to move the counterweight in a vibratory manner. This is the case with the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , where the force generated by the actuator  1252  is applied directly to the counterweight. 
       FIG. 16  depicts an alternate embodiment of a sub component, sub component  1651 , according to an exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , bolt  1680  extends to the bone fixture  341  and is screwed therein during attachment of the housing  1654  to the already implanted bone fixture  341  so as to establish the implantable component  1651 . In this regard, bolt  1680  includes a male threaded end  1686  that threads into female threads located within bone fixture  341 . This operates as an effective jackscrew to pull the head of the bolt  1680  downward towards the bone fixture  341 , thus driving the housing  1654  onto the fixture  341 , thus securing the housing to the fixture  341 . As seen, core  1659  separates the passage for the bolt from the interior of the housing. It is noted that in alternate embodiments, the bolt does not extend through the housing, but instead the threaded boss is attached to the outside of the housing. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , the piezoelectric stack is fixed to the core  1659 . In this exemplary embodiment, the core  1659  has flats to accommodate the generally flat surfaces of the piezoelectric layers. That said, in an alternate embodiment, a block of metal or plastic, etc., having a rectangular or square outer profile and a circular inner profile with a hole therethrough is fit around the core  1659 , which provides an interface between the piezoelectric elements and the core. Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment, the actuator  1252  is an assembly that includes the aforementioned rectangular outer profile component, that is slipped over the court  1659  during manufacturing, so as to position the actuator in the housing  1654 . 
     An alternate embodiment includes an actuator assembly that “floats” around the core  1659 . In this exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned body having the hole therethrough is configured such that the hole has a larger diameter than the outer diameter of the core  1659 . The diameter is sufficiently large enough to accommodate any play in the system that can occur during actuation to have the flapper apparatus flap. Accordingly, the actuator assembly never contacts the core  1659 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts an alternate embodiment of a component  1751  where the actuator  1752  is not fixed to the spring-seismic mass assembly made up of seismic mass elements  1753  (which, in some embodiments, are tungsten blocks) and spring  1255 . By way of example only and not by way of limitation, a sliding body  1760 , which can correspond to a hemispherical body of metal supported by armed  1270  abuts plate  1770 . Here, spring  1255  is pretensioned so that it seeks to be in the state that it is in  FIG. 18  (in an alternate embodiment, it can be the case as shown in  FIG. 17 , and in an alternate embodiment, the spring can be such that in its relaxed state, it is flat), and the actuator  1752  is in its relaxed state or its expanded state (note that the relaxed state can be a compressed state—the phrase relaxed state as used with respect to the piezoelectric elements correspond to that which is the case when there is no current being applied thereto—this is differentiated from the relaxed state of the spring, for example, where there is no force being applied thereto). In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator  1752  prevents the spring from further bending upwards. Upon actuation of the actuator, which can cause the actuator to contract, as seen in  FIG. 18 , the spring  1255  springs upward driving the masses  1753  upward. This is because the contraction of the actuator  1752  moves the sliding surfaces  1760  inward, thus relieving the force that is applied to plates  1770  (which owing to the resulting moments created thereby, push the spring downward as shown in  FIG. 17 ), and thus the spring seeking to return to its relaxed state of  FIG. 18 , drives the masses  1753  upward, thus causing the flapper apparatus to flap upwards. Upon the application of a current to cause the actuator  1752  to expand, the actuator applies a force onto the plates  1770 , thus causing the flapper to flap downwards. The slider element  1760  slide along the surface of plate  1770 . They are not fixed to each other in this embodiment. The surfaces of the slider elements in the surfaces of the plates are low friction surfaces and/or can be coated with a lubricant. 
     Thus, it can be seen that in an exemplary embodiment, such as the embodiments of  FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15 , the piezoelectric apparatus applies at least one of a push force or a pull force onto an assembly including a seismic mass to move the seismic mass in a vibratory manner. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, such as that seen in  FIGS. 17 and 18  and variations thereof, the piezoelectric apparatus applies only a push force, in an alternate embodiment, the piezoelectric apparatus applies only a pull force. Some additional features of this will be described below. 
       FIG. 19  presents an alternate embodiment of a component  1951  that utilizes lever arms as they connection between the actuator and the seismic mass and/or the supports thereof. Here, a lever arm  1780  is attached to the hinge  1960  on the arm  1270 . This lever arm  1780  can provide for force transfer from the actuator  1952  to the seismic mass and/or the support thereof while also providing rigid decoupling but maintaining coupling between the two components. It is also noted that in an alternate embodiment, instead of a hinge  1960 , a spring can be used (a living hinge for example—all disclosures herein of a hinge corresponds to a disclosure of a living hinge, unless otherwise noted). 
       FIG. 20  depicts an alternate embodiment of a component  2051 , that utilizes a support structure that includes fixed arms  2055  (actually, in this embodiment, only one arm), fixed relative to the housing  554 . Here, the seismic masses  2053  are supported by respective hinges  2020  which are attached to the arms  2055 . In an exemplary embodiment, upon actuation of the actuator  2052 , arms  2070  are moved, which move hinges  2070 . Hinges  2070  are attached to arms  2080  which are attached to masses  2050 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 , the actuator  2052  is in a relaxed state or a contracted state. Upon the actuator achieving an extended state, the result is that seen in  FIG. 21 . Both of the seismic masses are rotated in an equal and opposite manner such that the outboard portions are closer to the bottom of the housing than that which was the case when the actuator had the status of FIG.  20 . Upon contraction of the actuator, the masses are rotated back to the position seen in  FIG. 20 . By repeatedly doing this, vibrations are achieved, which vibrations are utilized to evoke a hearing percept in some embodiments. 
     In at least some exemplary embodiments, there is a component of a bone conduction device, such as any of the subcomponents detailed herein, comprising a housing and a bender apparatus located in the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the bender apparatus corresponds to the spring and seismic mass components of  FIG. 12  detailed above. In an exemplary embodiment, consistent with the teachings detailed herein, the bender apparatus is a device of a piezoelectric bender. Accordingly, it can be seen that in at least some exemplary embodiments, the functionality of a bender can be at least approximated, if not outright achieved, without utilizing a piezoelectric bender component. Instead, the functionality of a bender can be achieved utilizing a contractor and/or an extender and/or a shearer piezoelectric element. 
     In view of the above, in at least some exemplary embodiments, there is a component of a bone conduction device, such as sub component  1251  detailed above, which includes a bender apparatus, which bender apparatus includes a piezoelectric element, and, in conjunction with other components of the bender apparatus, duplicates a piezoelectric bender. Further as can be seen above, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the component includes a seismic mass, which seismic mass is supported by the bender apparatus. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the bender apparatus is the only component that supports the size of mass in the housing. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the bender apparatus is a metal spring-based apparatus. That said, in an alternate embodiment, the bender apparatus is a plastic spring-based apparatus. In some embodiments, the spring is a lease spring in accordance with the teachings detailed above. It is noted that the embodiments of  FIG. 14  is not a bender apparatus/does not include a bender apparatus. Instead, as noted above, that is a rigid flapper apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, a flexible flapper apparatus can be a bender apparatus. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the bender apparatus includes a piezoelectric element configured to drive bending of the bender apparatus, and the piezoelectric element is isolated from bending of the bender apparatus. This is, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, seen in the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, upon actuation of the piezoelectric component, the piezoelectric component moves in a linear manner with respect to a longitudinal axis thereof. This as contrasted to a bender. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, again where the bender apparatus includes a piezoelectric element, here, in the form of a piezoelectric actuator, the component of the bone conduction device is configured such that the piezoelectric actuator functions as a puppeteer to cause the bender apparatus to bend upwards and/or downwards. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the bender apparatus includes a piezoelectric component, and the bender apparatus includes a spring that is bent in a relaxed state. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the spring applies a pre-stress on the piezoelectric element. This can be utilitarian with respect to protecting the integrity of the piezoelectric element when subjected to shock. (More on this below.) 
       FIG. 22  shows another embodiment, where there is a component  2251 , which includes an actuator  2252 . This actuator is different than the actuator  1252  above, in that it includes two separate piezoelectric portions, portion  2257 A and  2257 B. In an exemplary embodiment, the two separate portions are optimized for respective frequencies of operation/frequencies of sound captured by the sound capture device that are utilized to evoke a hearing percept having those frequencies. In an exemplary embodiment, portion  2257 A is actuated for low-frequency vibrations, and portion  2257 B is actuated for frequencies different than low-frequency vibrations (e.g., medium and/or high frequency vibrations). In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion  2257 A is actuated for frequencies up to or about or no more than 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 1800, 1900, or 2000 Hz or any value or range of values therebetween in 0.1 Hz increments, and the second portion  2257 B is actuated for frequencies beyond those ranges. While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 22  depicts the respective layers abutting one another, in an exemplary embodiment, the layers of the two separate portions could be separated from each other via an insulator of the like, or could have their own respective brackets, the respective brackets being connected to each other. Note also that in some embodiments, the length of the different portions could be different so as to achieve a different result. In exemplary embodiments, the portions are rigidly connected to one another. 
     Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, there is a bender apparatus that includes a first piezoelectric portion and a second piezoelectric portion ( 2257 A and  2257 B, respectively, for example). In this embodiment, the first piezoelectric portion is optimized for a first range of frequencies of bending and the second piezoelectric portion is optimized for a second range of frequencies of bending higher than the first range. Both the first piezoelectric portion and the second piezoelectric portion cause bending of the same components of the bender. In an exemplary embodiment, both portions can be actuated at the same time, while in other embodiments, the portions are actuated separately, while in further embodiments, the portions can be actuated both at the same time and separately. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, there can be overlap between the two actuations. For example, during a first temporal period, the first portion is actuated for the second portion is not actuated. During a second temporal period adjacent to and contiguous with the first temporal period, both the first and second portions are actuated and during a third temporal portion contiguous with the second temporal portion and adjacent thereto, only the second portion is actuated. 
     In operation, in an exemplary embodiment, separate currents can be applied to the separate portions to actuate for a given frequency. That said, in an exemplary embodiment, the current can be applied to both portions of the same time in an equal manner, if there is a desire for both to actuate at the same time. Note further, the currents that are applied at the same time can be controlled to achieve a different performance that may be utilitarian. 
     In view of the above, it can be seen that in an exemplary embodiment, there is a component of a bone conduction device, that includes a bender apparatus, which bender apparatus includes a first piezoelectric portion and a second piezoelectric portion. In this exemplary embodiment, the first piezoelectric portion is optimized for a first range of frequencies of bending and the second piezoelectric portion is optimized for a second range of frequencies of bending higher than the first range. Further, as can be seen from  FIG. 22 , both the first piezoelectric portion and the second piezoelectric portion cause bending of the same components of the bender. This as differentiated from a device that utilizes two separate piezoelectric portions which respectively bend or otherwise move different components. 
     As noted above, in an exemplary embodiment, the piezoelectric element can be a shearer.  FIG. 23  depicts an exemplary implantable sub component to  351  according to an exemplary embodiment that utilizes such a piezoelectric element. Here, piezoelectric elements  2352  are connected to arms  2365  which are rigid structural components, which are connected to hinges at the ends of the arms, which are connected to seismic masses  2353 . The seismic masses  2353  are supported by spring  2355 , which spring can be a leaf spring, or the like. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 23  depicts solid rigid arms utilized everywhere to support and move the seismic masses. That said, it is noted that in an alternate embodiment, and all-spring arrangement can be utilized instead. That is, instead of the rigid solid arms, leaf springs could be utilized, where the arms are not present.  FIG. 27B  shows an exemplary embodiment of this, of implantable component  2751 B, which utilizes springs  2399  in place of the arms. (More on this below.) 
       FIG. 23  depicts the piezoelectric elements at a relaxed state or at a state where a first voltage is applied depending on the embodiment. Upon the application of a voltage, the piezoelectric elements shear as seen in  FIG. 24 , which drives the arms  2365  outboard, which applies an outward force onto the tops of the seismic masses  2353 , which pushes the seismic masses outward and thus downward, thus bending spring  2355  as seen. (It is briefly noted that the bending that occurs during actuation of the devices herein is relatively small, as will be described in greater detail below, the figures represent exaggerated bending for the most part.  FIGS. 23 and 24  depict the bending and a less exaggerated manner than that of the above figures.) Consistent with the teachings detailed herein, the arms  2365  do not bend, as they are rigid structural components. (As will be described in greater detail below, in other embodiments, arms  2365  can also correspond instead to leaf springs—any structure that can enable the teachings detailed herein can be utilized in at least some exemplary embodiments.) 
     Upon the removal of the current, the springs drive the seismic masses back to the state shown in  FIG. 23 . In an exemplary embodiment, upon the application of a negative current, the piezoelectric elements shear in the opposite direction, as seen in  FIG. 25 , thus pulling the arms  2365  and board, thus pulling the seismic masses  2353  upwards and bending the spring  2355  upwards. It is noted that the configuration of  FIG. 25  can also be the state of the piezoelectric elements when no voltage is applied. That said, the configuration of  FIG. 24  can be the state of the piezoelectric elements when no voltage is applied. Any regime that can enable the teachings detailed herein can be utilized in at least some exemplary embodiments. 
       FIG. 26  depicts an alternate embodiment of a sub component  2651  that utilizes rigid solid structure to connect the piezoelectric elements  2352  to the seismic masses  2353 . Here, there arms  2656  and  2655  as shown. Plates  2677  are present to provide additional moment, although it is noted that in an alternate embodiment, the hinge of armed  2656  could be directly connected to seismic mass  2353 . In this exemplary embodiment, actuation of the piezoelectric elements results in flapping of the seismic masses, but no bending. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 26 , the hinges are coupled to the plates  2677 . In an alternate embodiment, the arrangement can be such that instead of hinges, the sliding surfaces can be utilized in at least some locations. Note further, that in an exemplary embodiment, instead of the separate hinges, plate  2677  can be a leaf spring in and of itself. In this regard,  FIG. 27  depicts such an embodiment. The leaf springs  2777  provide the relaxation of the rigidity of the system so that the seismic masses can rotate. In this regard, the springs  2777 , which completely and totally support the masses  2753 , can be rigidly attached to the arms, but the springs enable the system to move so that the system is not a rigid system. Note further that in an alternate embodiment, a pin system can be utilized or the like, where the masses are essentially clamped in between the two arms, and the arms and/or the masses have line contact on the top and the bottom with the respective arms, so that there can be rotation at the line contact when the system moves. (For example, triangular supports can be utilized, where the “point” of the triangle interfaces with the arm and/or the seismic mass.) It is noted that in a variation of the embodiment of  FIG. 27A , a conventional pinch can be utilized for the top and/or the bottom, and the spring can be utilized for the bottom and/or the top. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 26  depicts solid rigid arms utilized everywhere to support and move the seismic masses. That said, it is noted that in an alternate embodiment, an all-spring arrangement can be utilized instead. 
     Additional hinge components may or may not be present. In this regard, any disclosure herein of the utilization of a spring or the like corresponds to a disclosure of an alternative embodiment where rigid solid arms having little to no flexural features are utilized in the alternative. The reverse is also the case. Any disclosure herein of the utilization of a rigid or stiff arm or the like corresponds to a disclosure of an alternate embodiment where a spring or a flexible component is instead utilized. All of this is subject to the proviso that the contrary is not indicated, and that the art enable such. 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 and 26 , the piezoelectric elements have the bottom surface that is fixed relative to the housing  554 . It is the top surface is that move relative to the housing, and thus move the arms. In an alternate embodiment, it is the top surface that is fixed, in the bottom surface that moves relative to the housing. In this regard, it is noted that any disclosure herein of a particular arrangement also corresponds to a disclosure of an alternate embodiment where that arrangement is reversed unless otherwise noted, providing it the art that the art enable such. In a somewhat similar vein,  FIG. 28  presents an alternative embodiment that utilizes different fixation and different support of the piezoelectric elements. Here, there is a center beam  2872 , that is ultimately rigidly connected to the housing or another component thereof. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 28 , center beam  2872  extends in and out of the plane of the figure. In some embodiments, it extends to the sidewalls of the housing, and is otherwise secured thereto, while in an alternate embodiment, the center beam is supported by a U-shaped structure that supports the sides of the center beam that are clear of the leaf spring  2577 , which U-shaped structure has arms that extend down to the floor of the housing, where the U-shaped structure is secured thereto. Any arrangement of supporting the piezoelectric elements  2852  that can enable the teachings detailed herein can you be utilized in at least some exemplary embodiments. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 28 , which depicts an implantable sub component  2851 , when the piezoelectric elements  2852  sheer as shown (or, in an alternate embodiment, this can be the relaxed state, etc.), the spring  2855  is driven downwards, or otherwise bends downwards, and when the piezoelectric elements  2852  here in the opposite direction, the spring is bent upwards. It is noted that this exemplary embodiment utilizes a combination of sliding and fixed hinges to maintain the system in a functional manner. In this regard, a pushing action occurs on one of the seismic masses while a pushing action occurs on the other of the seismic masses. When the here is reversed, the opposite occurs. Thus, there is utilitarian value with respect to having a coupling arrangement that permits the relative movement of the rigid arms that are utilized in this embodiment, with the seismic masses. Such utilitarian value could be achieved, in some embodiments, by utilizing a lever system and/or a slotted system that permits movement of the relative components while still enabling the masses to be held in a manner that prevents them from moving free of the arms  2865 , etc. 
     In an alternate embodiment, there can be utilitarian value with respect to utilizing a full spring arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 29 .  FIG. 29  depicts the mainspring  2855 , and two secondary springs  2965 , one attached to the top of the top piezoelectric element and one attached to the bottom of the bottom piezoelectric element. Owing to the utilization of the separate secondary springs, the masses  2853  will be kept from flopping or otherwise swinging free during actuation. Any arrangement that can enable a shearing piezoelectric element to be utilized so that the seismic mass moves in an arcuate motion upward and downward such that the masses of the seismic mass are controlled in a manner that can enable utilitarian bone conduction hearing percepts to be evoked can be utilized in at least some exemplary embodiments. 
       FIG. 30  depicts yet another alternative embodiment of an implantable component  3051 . Here, the respective piezoelectric elements  2852  are mounted in a manner such that the top portion of the top piezoelectric element  2852  is hard mounted via support  2872  which is rigidly connected to the housing wall, which can be a plate or a solid body of metal or the like, and the bottom portion of the bottom piezoelectric element  2852  is hard mounted via a second support  2872 , again which is rigidly connected to the housing wall. In this embodiment, the connections are to the top and the bottom of the housing walls, but it is to be understood that in an exemplary embodiment, instead of the supports  2872  extending downward and upward, the supports could extend inward and outwards to the sidewalls (essentially being connected to the sidewalls in the manner of the embodiment of  FIG. 23  detailed above, except with two supports  2872 —note that in an alternate embodiment, the embodiment of  FIG. 23  can be connected to the bottom and/or top color wall plan apparatus that extends from support  2872  around the piezoelectric elements and then upward and downward/to the sides of the piezoelectric elements consider an H structure, where the cross component is  2872 —a double cross H structure could be used with the embodiment of  FIG. 28 ). Any arrangement that can enable rigid support for connections to the housing walls and/or ultimately to the bone screw can be utilized in at least some exemplary embodiments. 
       FIG. 30  depicts the piezoelectric elements shearing to the right, which in the arrangement of  FIG. 30 , causes the masses to move arcuately downward. It is noted that in an alternate embodiment, the opposite could be the case—shearing to the right will cause the masses to move upwards. In an exemplary embodiment, the springs can be pretensioned or otherwise have a relaxed state as shown, thus driving the piezoelectric elements to the right. In an alternate embodiment, this can be the default state of the piezoelectric elements. 
     In a further embodiment, the implantable component can include an apparatus that prevents the springs and/or the seismic mass from moving in the wrong direction (e.g., one mass moving up and one moving down. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, in a relaxed state, the mainspring  2855  can be planar, while the secondary springs are biased in one direction or the other so that the secondary springs “lead” the masses in the proper directions. 
       FIG. 31  presents an alternate embodiment of an implantable component  3151 , which utilizes a single rigid arm  3155  instead of a mainspring. Here, hinge components are located at the ends of the arm  3155  so that the masses can articulate there about during actuation. 
       FIG. 32  presents an exemplary algorithm for an exemplary method, method  3200 . Method  3200  includes method action  3210 , which includes obtaining a component of a bone conduction device including a transducer-seismic mass assembly located within a housing. Method  3200  further includes method action  3220 , which includes operating the transducer of the assembly such that a first seismic mass and a second seismic mass (e.g., the masses on either side of the springs/arms) of the assembly moves upwards and downwards in an arcuate motion effectively symmetrical to a plane between the two seism masses (e.g., plane  1399 ) to produce vibrations that evoke a first hearing percept via bone conduction. In an exemplary embodiment of this embodiment, the aforementioned arcuate motion is driven by a piezoelectric system which is only coupled to the seismic masses and/or support structure thereof. This is seen in  FIG. 13  by way of example. Consistent with the teachings above, in an exemplary embodiment, the first seismic mass and the second seismic mass are supported by a spring that corresponds to a support structure, which spring bends upwards and downwards with the arcuate movement of the seismic masses, and the piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric system are isolated from the bending. 
     In at least some exemplary embodiments, with respect to the torque that is imparted onto the seismic masses, the amount of torque that is experienced by the piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric system collectively amount to no more than 50, 40, 30, 25, 20, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% or even zero of the torque that is imparted onto the seismic masses. 
     In some embodiments, the aforementioned arcuate movement is achieved by at least one of a pushing force or a pulling exerted onto the seismic masses and/or the support structure thereof, the forces being generated by piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric system. Further, consistent with the teachings detailed above, the piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric system do not form part of the support structure supporting the masses. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, if the piezoelectric elements and/or the piezoelectric system were completely removed from the implantable component, all other things being equal, the relative positioning of the masses of the seismic masses would be, with respect to the centers of gravity thereof, or any other utilitarian measuring point, no more than 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6. 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1%, or even zero percent of the maximum deflection of the transducer in response to a pure sine wave at 1000 Hz representing input of such a sound at 100 dB. 
     In at least some embodiments, piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric system respectively move respective first portions of respective support structures respectively supporting the seismic masses and only indirectly move respective second portions of respective support structures respectively supporting the seismic masses. Such an exemplary embodiment is thus directed towards embodiments where the support structure includes the piezoelectric system. In this regard, in an exemplary embodiment, in the absence of the piezoelectric elements and/or the piezoelectric system, the seismic masses would no longer be supported. Further, in some embodiments, the piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric system respectively support respective first components of respective support structures respectively supporting the seismic masses and second portions of respective support structures are not supported directly or indirectly by the piezoelectric elements. 
     In any event, as seen from the above, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric system are non-bending components. This as opposed to the piezoelectric vendors detailed above. This is not to say that there is not some trace bending in the elements—all shape changing components have some variations. This is to say that the person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that this is not a piezoelectric element utilized for bending purposes. 
       FIG. 33  presents another exemplary embodiment of an implantable component, implantable component  3351 , which utilizes a combination of rigid arms  3355  and flexible component  3366 . In this exemplary embodiment, component  3366  is a spring, such as a plate spring. Thus, the bending and/or the articulation of the support structure occurs at the spring  3366 . In this embodiment, the spring  3366  is rigidly connected to the housing. It is also noted that in at least some exemplary embodiments, instead of the flexible component  3366 , rotating hinge (ball or pin, etc.) can instead be utilized.  FIG. 34  presents an alternate exemplary embodiment of an implantable component,  3451 , that includes the additional flexible components  3376  located outboard of the arms  3355 , as can be seen. This can provide further flexibility to the overall support structure so as to enable the seismic masses to move in accordance with the teachings detailed herein. 
     In this regard, in an exemplary embodiment, there is a component of a bone conduction device, such a sub-component as detailed above, or an external component of a passive transcutaneous bone conduction device and/or a removable component of a percutaneous bone conduction device, which component comprises a housing. In this exemplary embodiment, the component also includes a piezo-seismic mass assembly configured to flap to evoke a hearing percept as a result of energizement of a piezoelectric transducer of the assembly. Further, in this exemplary embodiment, the component is configured to enable permanent shock-proofing of the piezo transducer of the piezo-seismic mass assembly beyond that which results from damping (no damping may be present in an exemplary embodiment, which satisfies this feature) while at least a portion of the piezo-seismic mass assembly is fixed relative to the housing. This permanent shock proofing can be achieved in a variety of manners. In some embodiments, the utilization of the piezoelectric elements detailed herein are of a type that resists failure or otherwise do not break upon the most extreme movements of the piezo-seismic mass assembly. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the attachments or the connections between the piezoelectric system and the rest of the bender apparatus are such that upon a certain amount of deflection, the piezoelectric system decouples, at least in part, from the rest of the bender apparatus, thus permitting the seismic masses to continue to travel as a result of the shock, but the piezoelectric components do not travel with the seismic masses because they are no longer coupled to the seismic masses directly or indirectly and/or the amount of travel of the seismic masses does not result in the same amount of travel to the piezoelectric system. 
     By way of example only and not by way of limitation, in an exemplary embodiment, arms  1270  can be established by telescopic system that upon a certain amount of force, the arms telescopic outward. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, two concentric tubes can be located within one another, which concentric tubes are held together or otherwise the positions thereof are maintained relative to one another utilizing components that will “release” or otherwise “give” upon a certain force, which force would exist upon the movement of the seismic masses beyond a certain amount, such as a maximum amount that will be experienced during normal operation of the subcomponent to evoke a hearing percept and/or a certain amount that is, statistically speaking, unlikely to cause damage to the piezoelectric elements and/or the piezoelectric system. 
     Further, in an exemplary embodiment, such as an embodiment where the system is prestressed, the tubes can be slipped fitted to one another, such that the tubes maintain a collapsed state that is a minimum, but can expand upon movements of the seismic masses beyond a certain amount. In this regard, in an exemplary embodiment, the prestressed springs apply sufficient force to always maintain the tubes in the clap state during the aforementioned normal operation scenarios of the subcomponent. This is somewhat analogous to prestressed concrete or the like. Regardless of the position of the bender components during the travel of the bender components during normal operation, there will always be some form of compressive stress at one the aforementioned system. During travel of the bender components during abnormal operation, this prestress goes to zero and then the two components can separate and otherwise slide relative to one another, permitting the one component to move with the seismic mass throughout the full travel of the seismic mass while the other component stays fixed relative to the piezoelectric elements. This effectively decouples the extreme movements of the seismic mass from the piezoelectric elements. 
     Prestressing the springs can provide some if not total shock proofing. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the stacks are preloaded to a value of less, than, more than or about equal to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 450, or 500 times or more or any value or range of values therebetween in integer increments the maximum amount of force that will be generated by the piezoelectric stack upon an input signal of a pure sine wave at 1000 Hz representing a sound that is at 100 dB. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the preloading is such that during maximum deflection during normal operation, a preload will still remain on the stack. This can have utilitarian value with respect to an arrangement where the masses will decouple from the stack. The arrangement can be configured so that the decoupling occurs upon a force that is lower than that which would eliminate the preloading. This can also be the case with respect to a clamp arrangement, where the maximum amount of expansion of the piezoelectric stack is halted before the stack could extend beyond its full preloading value. 
     It is briefly noted that in at least some exemplary embodiments, in the absence of voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements, the piezoelectric elements are compressed or otherwise retract. 
     In at least some exemplary embodiments, the amount of extension of the stack upon the application of a pure sine wave representing a sound that is at 100 dB is less than, greater than, or about equal to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6. 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6. 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7. 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7. 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6. 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.25, 6.5, 6.75, 7, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 microns or any value or range of values therebetween in 0.01-micron increments. 
     It is noted that the above are but some of the ways that the teachings detailed herein enable shock proofing. Still further, in an exemplary embodiment, again, time with the concept of utilizing prestress, although in other embodiments, prestress is not needed, the spring components themselves or otherwise the articulating components provide shock proofing. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, the springs can be configured to so that upon a certain amount of force, the springs will deflect in a different manner than that which would occur during normal operations, which deflection could potentially cancel out at least some of the extension of the piezoelectric elements which would otherwise occur without that deflection. This can provide some if not total shock proofing. 
       FIG. 35  presents another exemplary embodiment that utilizes distance restrictor  3577 . Restrictor  3577  is presented as a metal clamp like device that extends from one side of the piezoelectric stack to the other side of the piezoelectric stack. The clamp surfaces are configured to limit expansion of the piezoelectric elements beyond a certain amount. In an exemplary embodiment, the restrictor  3577  has a distance between the clamping surfaces that are greater than the greatest expansion of the piezoelectric elements that occurs during normal operation of the subcomponent. The distance is less than that which would result if the piezoelectric elements were permitted to fully expand with respect to full movement of the seismic masses during a shock scenario. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 35 , one side of the restrictor is fixedly mounted to one side of the transducer, while the other side has a gap to permit expansion for the normal operation. 
     In at least some exemplary embodiments, the piezoelectric elements are configured to withstand high compressive forces. Accordingly, the restrictor  3577  is not needed to restrict movement of the piezoelectric elements inward, but only outward. 
     It is also noted that in a variation of the embodiment of  FIG. 35 , the restrictor can instead be mounted on the seismic masses of the like. 
     In at least some exemplary embodiments, the amount of extension of the stack from a neutral position causes less than, greater than or about equal to 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6. 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7. 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7. 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6. 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.25, 6.5, 6.75, 7, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, or 150 or more or any value or range of values therebetween in 0.01 increments deflection at an outermost location on the seismic mass. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as compared to an optimized piezoelectric bender that would cause the masses to deflect by the same amount, the amount of power used by the bender stack is at least 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6. 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7. 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7. 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6. 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.25, 6.5, 6.75, 7, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 times less than that which would be consumed by the optimized bender. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the permanent shock-proofing exists while a vibratory path extending from at least the seismic mass assembly to the housing remains in place when experiencing a G force that moves the mass assembly a maximum amount (as opposed to, for example, the amount that is moved when the assembly flaps to evoke a hearing percept during normal operation, or when subjected to a G force that causes movement in excess of that but not an amount corresponding to the maximum movement). Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment, the component of the bone conduction device is configured such that the vibratory path extending from the assembly to the housing remains in place until the component is broken. 
     An exemplary embodiment includes an exemplary method, which includes executing any one or more of the method actions detailed herein, and then or before executing the method action of subjecting the component to at least XYZ G acceleration that causes the masses to flap. In an exemplary embodiment, XYZ is 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500 or more. 
     This method also includes preventing the piezoelectric elements from moving the full distance that would otherwise result due to the full movement of the seismic masses subject to those accelerations. This can be achieved by any of the teachings applicable herein. 
     Note further, in an exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned accelerations occur, except that method includes preventing the entire system from moving the amount that would otherwise exist in the absence of the shock protection teachings detailed herein, which is implemented without damping. 
     Further, the transducer is damped via at least one of gas or shear damping during operation of the transducer during operation of the transducer. Also, in some embodiments, the transducer is damped primarily via one of gas or shear damping during operation of the transducer during operation of the transducer. 
     In another exemplary method, there a method that includes executing method  3300 , and further comprising subjecting the component to at least an XYZ G acceleration that causes the transducer to flex or bend. The method further includes preventing the transducer from flexing or bending beyond a maximum amount of flexing or bending that would otherwise take place in the absence of the action of preventing without changing a state of the component from that which existed during operation of the transducer. In this regard, some anti-shock apparatus is used in bone conduction devices are of a configuration that alternately places the device into shock-proofing and out of shock-proofing, thus changing a state of the component. Moreover, in the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the movement of the transducer-seismic mass assembly relative to the housing in its entirety also changes a state of the component. Here, the state of the component remains the same. 
     It is specifically noted that at least some of the shock proofing detailed herein does not utilize damping. Indeed, the embodiment of  FIG. 35  is not damping. Instead, it is a binary device that halts further movement/extension of the piezoelectric elements. In this regard, at least some exemplary embodiments are the antithesis of damping. There is banging of components shall it be said, but the banging prevents damage before the damage can occur. 
     Still further, in an exemplary embodiment of the teachings herein, during operation of the transducer, a mass of the seismic-mass assembly moves relative to the transducer. Again, this is differentiated from the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , where the mass (actually, masses) move in a one-to-one relationship with the movements of the transducer. 
     In some embodiments, the maximum amount of movement that the seismic masses move at their most outboard locations is ABC micrometers in any one direction from an at-rest location. In an exemplary embodiment, ABC is 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or any value or range of values therebetween in about 0.1 increments. In some embodiments, this is irrespective of the G force environment, while in other embodiments, this is only in a 1 G environment during the normal operation of the component. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the distance from the center of the bender apparatus to the outermost edge of the bender apparatus is about 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6. 4.7, 4.8, 4.9. 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.25, 6.5, 6.75, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, 13 or 14 or 15 mm or any value or range of values therebetween in about 0.01 mm increments. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the resonant frequency of the arrangement according to the embodiments herein or variations thereof is lower than that which results according to the embodiment of  FIG. 11  and prior thereto, all other things being equal. That is, for the same size bender apparatus, and the same weight of seismic mass, in the same size housing (height, length, width), for the same type of connection), the resonant frequency is at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 percent lower than that which would be the case for an embodiment according to  FIG. 11 . 
     Briefly, it is noted that in some embodiments, when exposed to a 10, 15, or 20 G acceleration and/or deceleration, without the movement limitation devices disclosed herein (e.g., simulated mass and moment arrangement), the resulting flap and/or bending moves the seismic masses at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 times the amount that occurs during normal operation in response to a pure sine wave at 1000 Hz at 80 dB (as measured at the microphone of the external component when used therewith). 
     Briefly, it is noted that in some embodiments, when exposed to a 10, 15, or 20 G acceleration and/or deceleration, with the movement limitation devices disclosed herein, the resulting flap and/or bending moves the bending apparatus no more than 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8. 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6. 2.7. 2.8, 2.9, 3. 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 20 times or any value or range of values therebetween in 0.01 increments, the amount that occurs during normal operation in response to a pure sine wave at 1000 Hz at 80 dB (as measured at the microphone of the external component when used therewith). 
     It is noted that any disclosure of a device and/or system herein corresponds to a disclosure of a method of utilizing such device and/or system. It is further noted that any disclosure of a device and/or system herein corresponds to a disclosure of a method of manufacturing such device and/or system. It is further noted that any disclosure of a method action detailed herein corresponds to a disclosure of a device and/or system for executing that method action/a device and/or system having such functionality corresponding to the method action. It is also noted that any disclosure of a functionality of a device herein corresponds to a method including a method action corresponding to such functionality. Also, any disclosure of any manufacturing methods detailed herein corresponds to a disclosure of a device and/or system resulting from such manufacturing methods and/or a disclosure of a method of utilizing the resulting device and/or system. 
     Unless otherwise specified or otherwise not enabled by the art, any one or more teachings detailed herein with respect to one embodiment can be combined with one or more teachings of any other teaching detailed herein with respect to other embodiments. Also, unless otherwise specified or otherwise not enabled, any one or more teachings detailed herein can be excluded from combination with one or more other teachings, in some embodiments. 
     While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.