Patents by Inventor Martin Lenhardt
Martin Lenhardt 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).
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Hearing device improvements using modulation of acoustically coupled signals at middle ear resonance
Patent number: 8189839Abstract: There is provided hearing device improvements using modulation techniques adapted to the characteristics of auditory and vestibular hearing. One embodiment provides for extending hearing to the infrasonic range by extracting sounds from the high ambient noise in this range and applying them to a carrier in the ultrasonic “quiet zone.” Further extension of hearing into the ultrasonic range is provided by a modulation scheme which uses a fluid conduction coupler to match impedance for a vibration transducer applied to the skin. A variation on this embodiment integrates this ultrasonic hearing extension with normal acoustic headphones. Another embodiment compensates for high frequency hearing loss by a modulation scheme which uses middle ear resonance as an amplifier. A further embodiment combines ultrasonic transposition with wireless modulation to obtain secure communication.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth UniversityInventors: Martin Lenhardt, Douglas Richards -
Patent number: 8111860Abstract: A waterproof recreational audio device and method that transmits sound via transcutaneous bone conduction provides high fidelity musical signals to a user. The device can be worn on the head of a user and integrated into various types of headgear. The device is tunable for sound quality and comfort by adjusting and moving the sound transmitting transducers around the head of the user. The present invention uses commercially available transducers to produce sounds in the low, mid and high frequency ranges. A sound source for the musical signal can also be provided as part of the waterproof recreational audio device. Controls enable the user to select volume levels for the high, mid and low frequency ranges, while a volume limiter restricts the mid range to a preset maximum volume level to allow external ambient sounds to be heard via the ear canal and protects the hearing of the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth UniversityInventors: Sheldon M. Retchin, Martin Lenhardt
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Publication number: 20100246867Abstract: There is provided hearing device improvements using modulation techniques adapted to the characteristics of auditory and vestibular hearing. One embodiment provides for extending hearing to the infrasonic range by extracting sounds from the high ambient noise in this range and applying them to a carrier in the ultrasonic “quiet zone.” Further extension of hearing into the ultrasonic range is provided by a modulation scheme which uses a fluid conduction coupler to match impedance for a vibration transducer applied to the skin. A variation on this embodiment integrates this ultrasonic hearing extension with normal acoustic headphones. Another embodiment compensates for high frequency hearing loss by a modulation scheme which uses middle ear resonance as an amplifier. A further embodiment combines ultrasonic transposition with wireless modulation to obtain secure communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Martin Lenhardt, Douglas Richards
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Patent number: 7616771Abstract: There is provided hearing device improvements using modulation techniques adapted to the characteristics of auditory and vestibular hearing. One embodiment provides for extending hearing to the infrasonic range by extracting sounds from the high ambient noise in this range and applying them to a carrier in the ultrasonic quiet zone. Further extension of hearing into the ultrasonic range is provided by a modulation scheme which uses a fluid conduction coupler to match impedance for a vibration transducer applied to the skin. A variation on this embodiment integrates this ultrasonic hearing extension with normal acoustic headphones. Another embodiment compensates for high frequency hearing loss by a modulation scheme which uses middle ear resonance as an amplifier. A further embodiment combines ultrasonic transposition with wireless modulation to obtain secure communication.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth UniversityInventors: Martin Lenhardt, Douglas Richards
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Publication number: 20090149748Abstract: Lung injury such as pneumothorax now can be diagnosed reliably, portably and quickly. Vibro-acoustic waves are sent through the chest and the resulting wave is measured. By analyzing attenuation characteristics determined by the geometry of the chest structures, a determination can be made of whether the patient's pleural space is healthy, contains air (pneumothorax) or contains fluid (hemothorax).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2006Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITYInventors: Martin Lenhardt, Kevin Ward
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Publication number: 20080107289Abstract: A waterproof recreational audio device and method that transmits sound via transcutaneous bone conduction provides high fidelity musical signals to a user. The device can be worn on the head of a user and integrated into various types of headgear. The device is tunable for sound quality and comfort by adjusting and moving the sound transmitting transducers around the head of the user. The present invention uses commercially available transducers to produce sounds in the low, mid and high frequency ranges. A sound source for the musical signal can also be provided as part of the waterproof recreational audio device. Controls enable the user to select volume levels for the high, mid and low frequency ranges, while a volume limiter restricts the mid range to a preset maximum volume level to allow external ambient sounds to be heard via the ear canal and protects the hearing of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Sheldon Retchin, Martin Lenhardt
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Patent number: 7310427Abstract: A waterproof recreational audio device and method that transmits sound via transcutaneous bone conduction provides high fidelity musical signals to a user. The device can be worn on the head of a user and integrated into various types of headgear. The device is tunable for sound quality and comfort by adjusting and moving the sound transmitting transducers around the head of the user. The present invention preferably uses transducers to produce sounds in the low, mid and high frequency ranges. A sound source for the musical signal can also be provided as part of the waterproof recreational audio device. Controls enable the user to select volume levels for the high, mid and low frequency ranges, while a volume limiter restricts the mid range to a preset maximum volume level to allow external ambient sounds to be heard via the ear canal and protects the hearing of the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth UniversityInventors: Sheldon M. Retchin, Martin Lenhardt
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Publication number: 20070225618Abstract: Acoustical-based methods that increase tissue oxygenation, and equipment for carrying out the methods, are provided. The methods involve exposing tissue to low frequency sound in order to increase blood flow in the tissue, and hence oxygenation of the tissue. The methods may be used to treat or prevent disorders related to ischemia and low blood flow, such as shock, stroke and congestive heart failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2005Publication date: September 27, 2007Inventors: Kevin Ward, Martin Lenhardt
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Publication number: 20070123796Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring acoustic energy applied to the head to detect increases in intracranial pressure. Acoustic eye patches are applied to a patient's eye or eyelid, and an ultrasonic sweep generator applies an acoustic signal across the patient's skull, the signal being swept across a predetermined range. The eye patches have piezoelectric film sensors for measuring the acoustic signal. In one embodiment the predetermined range is in the ultrasonic band and an analyzer determines from the output of the sensors a resonant frequency and a damping of acoustic amplitude at said resonant frequency, there being a correlation between said damping and intra cranial pressure. In another embodiment the predetermined range includes a range less than 20 kHz and the analyzer determines retinal artery pulsations, with pressure being applied to the eye until the pulsations disappear, such pressure being a measure of intra cranial pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2004Publication date: May 31, 2007Applicant: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITYInventors: Martin Lenhardt, Kevin Ward
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Publication number: 20060188115Abstract: There is provided hearing device (140) improvements using modulation techniques adapted to the characteristics of auditory and vestibular hearing. One embodiment provides for extending hearing to the infrasonic range and applying them to a carrier in the ultrasonic “quiet zone”. Further extension of hearing into the ultrasonic range is provided by a modulation scheme which uses a fluid conduction coupler to match impedance for a vibration transducer applied to the skin. A variation on this embodiment integrates this ultrasonic hearing extension with normal acoustic headphones. Another embodiment compensates for high frequency hearing loss by a modulation scheme which uses middle ear resonance as an amplifier. A further embodiment combines ultrasonic transposition with wireless modulation to obtain secure communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2005Publication date: August 24, 2006Inventors: Martin Lenhardt, Douglas Richards
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Publication number: 20050201574Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for treating sensrineural hearing loss include applying high frequency to ultrasonic frequency vibration stimulus to the head or neck of a patient for a suitable period of time. Hearing and sound discrimination are improved by stimulating the patient's cortices leading to stimulation of cortical neurons to increase sensitivity to high frequency sound. Stimulus signals may be applied by bone conduction via transducers attached to the head or neck, or by airborne conduction via headphones, or by a combination thereof. Stimulus signals may be recorded and may be remotely produced and transmitted via a telecommunications link to a receiver in a remote location. A compact auditory stimulation device includes electronics for storing a personalized stimulus signal, sound generators to produce the stimulus, a microprocessor, and a vibrator, such as headphones.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2005Publication date: September 15, 2005Applicant: SOUND TECHNIQUE SYSTEMSInventor: Martin Lenhardt
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Publication number: 20040062411Abstract: A waterproof recreational audio device and method that transmits sound via transcutaneous bone conduction provides high fidelity musical signals to a user. The device can be worn on the head of a user and integrated into various types of headgear. The device is tunable for sound quality and comfort by adjusting and moving the sound transmitting transducers around the head of the user. The present invention uses commercially available transducers to produce sounds in the low, mid and high frequency ranges. A sound source for the musical signal can also be provided as part of the waterproof recreational audio device. Controls enable the user to select volume levels for the high, mid and low frequency ranges, while a volume limiter restricts the mid range to a preset maximum volume level to allow external ambient sounds to be heard via the ear canal and protects the hearing of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Sheldon M. Retchin, Martin Lenhardt