Patents by Inventor Bruno Gabathuler

Bruno Gabathuler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10587965
    Abstract: An adaptable/adjustable hearing device charging port (10) for a hearing device charger (7) that can adapt/adjust in size to accommodate and hold hearing devices (2) of different sizes and/or shapes. The adjustable hearing device charging port (10) adapts elastically so that hearing devices (2) of different sizes can be inserted into the hearing device charging port (10) and can be hold in a charging position in the hearing device charger (7), in which charging position hearing device charging contacts (6) of the hearing device (2) are electrically contacted with charger contacts (8) in the hearing device charger (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Josef Mueller, Jonas Meyer, Bruno Gabathuler
  • Publication number: 20190239004
    Abstract: An adaptable/adjustable hearing device charging port (10) for a hearing device charger (7) that can adapt/adjust in size to accommodate and hold hearing devices (2) of different sizes and/or shapes. The adjustable hearing device charging port (10) adapts elastically so that hearing devices (2) of different sizes can be inserted into the hearing device charging port (10) and can be hold in a charging position in the hearing device charger (7), in which charging position hearing device charging contacts (6) of the hearing device (2) are electrically contacted with charger contacts (8) in the hearing device charger (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Josef Mueller, Jonas Meyer, Bruno Gabathuler
  • Patent number: 9832579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an encapulated hearing device (50), e.g. for long-term wear, in which an electronics module (10) is encapsulated into a thermoformed hull (30) by means of an appropriate adhesive (41). This thermoformed hull (30) acts as an improved barrier between the electronics module (10) and the environment of the inner ear, reducing the risk of moisture reaching electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Erdal Karamuk, Bruno Gabathuler, Andi Vonlanthen, Stephanie Thomas, Markus Muller
  • Publication number: 20150249896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an encapulated hearing device (50), e.g. for long-term wear, in which an electronics module (10) is encapsulated into a thermoformed hull (30) by means of an appropriate adhesive (41). This thermoformed hull (30) acts as an improved barrier between the electronics module (10) and the environment of the inner ear, reducing the risk of moisture reaching electrical components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: Erdal Karamuk, Bruno Gabathuler, Andi Vonlanthen, Stephanie Thomas, Markus Muller
  • Patent number: 8978885
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system that allows an easy and quick exchange of small batteries of hearing devices as well as a method for exchanging a battery of a hearing device that combines the installation of a new battery into the hearing device with the deinstallation of the battery to be replaced from the hearing device in a single action using a single mechanism. The inventive battery exchange system comprises a carrier module 1, which features a hearing device receiving means shaped to receive a part of a hearing device 4 and a battery passage that traverses the carrier module 1, a battery dispensing module 2 adapted to accommodate at least one battery 7 and a battery ejection means 3 adapted to eject a battery 7 from the battery dispensing module 2 into the battery passage of the carrier module 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventor: Bruno Gabathuler
  • Patent number: 8781144
    Abstract: A hearing device with a connecting portion (15) for the connection of a hook or acoustic tube comprises an inside thread (21) or internal thread portion at the connecting portion intended for the attachment of a hook or acoustic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Bruno Gabathuler, Paul Portmann, Erich Dittli
  • Patent number: 8651895
    Abstract: For the connection of a programming device to a hearing device an insertable plate (21) into the casing or frame of the hearing device is provided, comprising on one side contacts (29) to the hearing device electronics and on the other side contact pins (27), provided for the connection of a contact adapter/cable system of the programming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Paul Portmann, Erich Dittli, Bruno Gabathuler, Erdal Karamuk
  • Patent number: 8437488
    Abstract: A hearing instrument comprises an openable cover lid, the cover lid comprising at least one electrical input element and at least one lid contact terminal arranged to physically and electrically contact at least one corresponding device contact terminal when the lid is in a closed position. The cover lid further comprises at least two electrical input, each of the at least two input elements being functionally associated with the impedance between the lid contact terminal and a further terminal, and the hearing instrument comprises means to infer the state of the input elements from said impedance. In a preferred embodiment, the number of input elements is equal to or larger than the number of lid contact terminals. In a further embodiment, the lid is the lid of a battery compartment of the hearing instrument, and in a closed position of the lid at least one of the input elements is in electrical contact with one of the terminals of a battery lying in the battery compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Ivo Hasler, Andi Vonlanthen, Bruno Gabathuler
  • Patent number: 8437489
    Abstract: A hearing instrument with at least one microphone and signal processing includes at least two receivers having a different frequency response. At least a first one of the receivers can be placed outside the ear canal, for example in a behind-the-ear component. A behind-the-ear component and an external component can be provided for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear with a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component. The sound processing means can feed the first receiver with a first signal of a first central frequency and the second receiver with a second signal of a second central frequency. The signal processing means can be one or two signal processing units. A frequency separating filter can have an input operatively connected to an output of the signal processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Sven von Dombrowski, Hans Leysieffer, Bruno Gabathuler
  • Publication number: 20120312833
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system that allows an easy and quick exchange of small batteries of hearing devices as well as a method for exchanging a battery of a hearing device that combines the installation of a new battery into the hearing device with the deinstallation of the battery to be replaced from the hearing device in a single action using a single mechanism. The inventive battery exchange system comprises a carrier module 1, which features a hearing device receiving means shaped to receive a part of a hearing device 4 and a battery passage that traverses the carrier module 1, a battery dispensing module 2 adapted to accommodate at least one battery 7 and a battery ejection means 3 adapted to eject a battery 7 from the battery dispensing module 2 into the battery passage of the carrier module 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventor: Bruno Gabathuler
  • Patent number: 8284973
    Abstract: The hearing device comprises at least one microphone (2) arranged within the housing (3) of the hearing device, with its sound inlet aperture (2?) being connected via a canal (7) to the outside of the housing (3) and a sound permeable cover (10) serving as microphone protection that is arranged in the region of the outlet opening of said canal (7). The canal (7) of the hearing device is provided as a blind hole and the microphone (2) is arranged at the side of said canal (7) and at least one opening or channel (9) is provided connecting said canal (7) with said sound inlet aperture (2?) of said microphone (2). By providing the canal (7) as a blind hole, all dirt eventually intruding the canal (7) will be collected at the bottom (7?) of canal (7) and will therefore not reach directly the microphone (2) or the sound inlet openings of the microphone (2) respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Bruno Gabathuler, Andre Lucien Ochsenbein
  • Publication number: 20120202371
    Abstract: For the connection of a programming device to a hearing device an insertable plate (21) into the casing or frame of the hearing device is provided, comprising on one side contacts (29) to the hearing device electronics and on the other side contact pins (27), provided for the connection of a contact adapter/cable system of the programming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Paul Portmann, Erich Dittli, Bruno Gabathuler, Erdal Karamuk
  • Patent number: 8229150
    Abstract: The present hearing device with at least one microphone (1) arranged within the housing of the hearing device, wherein the microphone (1) is arranged within a mounting plate (4) of the hearing device, an opening (3) for receiving the microphone (1) is inventively provided within said mounting plate (4) and further elastic material (2) is arranged in at least a part area between said microphone (1) and the wall of said opening (3) facing said microphone (1). The elastic material (2) is providing a clamping action or friction fit that reliably fixes the microphone (1) in its built-in position within the mounting plate (4) or the opening (3) respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Andi Vonlanthen, Bruno Gabathuler
  • Publication number: 20120148079
    Abstract: A hearing device with a connecting portion (15) for the connection of a hook or acoustic tube comprises an inside thread (21) or internal thread portion at the connecting portion intended for the attachment of a hook or acoustic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Bruno Gabathuler, Paul Portmann, Erich Dittli
  • Patent number: 8031044
    Abstract: A switch element (1) for actuating a setting parameter on an electronic microdevice, such as a hearing aid, is characterized by a rotary element (7) having peripherally at least three contact points (9), said contact points being connected to one another in electrically conductive fashion. Furthermore, the switch element has an elastically mounted reset element connected with the rotary element as well as at least two electric leader contacts (3, 5), which can be switched into electrically conducting contact by turning the rotary element via the contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Bruno Gabathuler, Andi Vonlanthen
  • Publication number: 20110091061
    Abstract: A hearing instrument with at least one microphone and signal processing includes at least two receivers having a different frequency response. At least a first one of the receivers can be placed outside the ear canal, for example in a behind-the-ear component. A behind-the-ear component and an external component can be provided for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear with a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component. The sound processing means can feed the first receiver with a first signal of a first central frequency and the second receiver with a second signal of a second central frequency. The signal processing means can be one or two signal processing units. A frequency separating filter can have an input operatively connected to an output of the signal processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Sven von Dombrowski, Hans Leysieffer, Bruno Gabathuler
  • Publication number: 20110091060
    Abstract: A hearing instrument includes a behind-the-ear component and an external component for being placed in the user's ear canal or in the user's ear and a connection link between the behind-the-ear component and the external component. The connection link is reversibly pluggable to the behind-the-ear component and/or the in-the-ear-canal component and has a length that is reversibly adjustable. Fixation means is provided for reversibly fixing the adjusted length of the connection link. The in-the-ear-canal component may be connected to the fixation means and detached therefrom when the same is in the ear canal. An in-the-ear-canal component to be placed in a user's ear canal can have fixation means for fixing it in the ear canal. The fixation means includes an outer shell shaped to fit in the user's ear canal and a mounting structure for holding the in-the-ear-canal component. The outer shell is preferably resilient, with an elasticity allowing temporal deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Sven von Dombrowski, Hans Leysieffer, Bruno Gabathuler
  • Patent number: D762305
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SONOVA AG
    Inventors: Bruno Gabathuler, Erich Dittli, Richard Niccolai, Hans Georg Meier, Katja Dietrich
  • Patent number: D804034
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SONOVA AG
    Inventors: Bruno Gabathuler, Erich Dittli, Richard Niccolai, Hans Georg Meier, Katja Dietrich
  • Patent number: D804035
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SONOVA AG
    Inventors: Bruno Gabathuler, Erich Dittli, Richard Niccolai, Hans Georg Meier, Katja Dietrich