Patents by Inventor Amir Abolfathi

Amir Abolfathi 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: 7796769
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Additionally, a multiband actuation system may be used where two or more transducers each deliver sounds within certain frequencies. Also, the assembly may also utilize the sensation of directionality via the conducted vibrations to emulate directional perception of audio signals received by the user. Another feature may include the ability to vibrationally conduct ancillary audio signals to the user along with primary audio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sonitus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Abolfathi
  • Publication number: 20100220883
    Abstract: Actuator systems for oral-based appliances utilizing transducers which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such oral appliances may be a custom-made device which receives incoming sounds and transmits the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element. The transducer element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric transducer mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christoph MENZEL, Amir ABOLFATHI
  • Publication number: 20100194333
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for charging an intra-oral apparatus includes an intra-oral appliance having an appliance charger coil defining a first portion of an electromagnetic loop; and a charger base having a base charger coil defining a second portion of the electromagnetic loop, wherein the appliance charger coil and the base charger coil in combination transfer energy for inductive charging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Reza KASSAYAN, John SPIRIDIGLIOZZI, Amir ABOLFATHI
  • Publication number: 20100189288
    Abstract: Actuator systems for oral-based appliances utilizing transducers which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such oral appliances may be a custom-made device which receives incoming sounds and transmits the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element. The transducer element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric transducer mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christoph MENZEL, Amir ABOLFATHI
  • Publication number: 20100185046
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a dental implant are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon the implant to form a hearing assembly. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Amir ABOLFATHI
  • Patent number: 7724911
    Abstract: Actuator systems for oral-based appliances utilizing transducers which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such oral appliances may be a custom-made device which receives incoming sounds and transmits the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element. The transducer element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric transducer mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Sonitus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Menzel, Amir Abolfathi
  • Publication number: 20100098270
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a bone conduction communication apparatus with a housing having a shape which is conformable to at least a portion of at least one tooth of a user; a transceiver mounted in the housing; and a transducer disposed within or upon the housing and in vibratory communication with a surface of the at least one tooth to transmit sound through the at least one tooth. A positioning system is provided to transmit positional information to the transceiver to be delivered to the transducer; and a communication device links the transceiver with a second person. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Sonitus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, Reza KASSAYAN
  • Publication number: 20100098269
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a bone conduction communication apparatus with a housing having a shape which is conformable to at least a portion of at least one tooth of a user; a transceiver mounted in the housing; and a transducer disposed within or upon the housing and in vibratory communication with a surface of the at least one tooth to transmit sound through the at least one tooth. A positioning system is provided to transmit navigational instructions to the transceiver to be delivered to the transducer; and a long range secure communication radio links the transceiver with a remote person. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, Reza KASSAYAN
  • Patent number: 7682303
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a dental implant are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon the implant to form a hearing assembly. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sonitus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Abolfathi
  • Patent number: 7664277
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a tooth or teeth are disclosed herein. The assembly may include a bracket which is adhered or affixed onto the tooth or teeth and an electronics and/or transducer assembly which may be removably coupled to the bracket. The electronic and/or transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to the bracket for transmission into the underlying tooth or other bone structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sonitus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Abolfathi, John Spiridigliozzi
  • Publication number: 20100006111
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or actuator assembly through a custom-fitted dental appliance are disclosed herein. The customized fitting is done by the user. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded intra-orally on a tooth or oral tissue. The electronic and actuator assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating actuator element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: John SPIRIDIGLIOZZI, Amir ABOLFATHI, Emir DELJKICH
  • Publication number: 20090281433
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed determining a pulmonary function by mounting one or more sensors intra-orally; capturing intra-oral data; and determining the pulmonary function based on an analysis of the intra-oral data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Vahid SAADAT, Amir ABOLFATHI
  • Publication number: 20090274325
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a dental patch are disclosed herein. The patch assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded intra-orally on a tooth or oral tissue. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Sonitus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Abolfathi
  • Publication number: 20090268932
    Abstract: Microphone placement for oral applications are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Multiple microphones may be positioned throughout the user's mouth to enhance reception of audio signals from outside sources as well as from the user's own voice. For instance, one or more microphones may be placed in contact with the inner surface of the user's cheeks to detect outside audio signals as well as in direct contact with the user's tooth or teeth to receive the user's voice through vibrational detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, Reza KASSAYAN
  • Publication number: 20090270673
    Abstract: Methods and systems for tinnitus treatment are described where a device is coupled to a surface of a bone or to a tooth or several teeth. Such a device may comprise an oral appliance having an electronic and/or transducer assembly for generating sounds via a vibrating transducer element. Generally, the transducer may be programmed to adjust any number of settings and treatment options to generate one or more frequencies of sound via the actuatable transducer to transmit a modified audio signal via vibratory conductance to an inner ear of the patient to mask the tinnitus. The audio signal is also modified to account for any hearing loss of the patient as well as a bone sensitivity threshold measured from the patient and calibrated by the programming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, Reza KASSAYAN
  • Publication number: 20090226020
    Abstract: An intra-oral hearing appliance includes an actuator to provide bone conduction sound transmission; a transceiver coupled to the actuator to cause the actuator to generate sound; and a first chamber containing the actuator and the transceiver, said first chamber adapted to be coupled to one or more teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Sonitus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Abolfathi, John Spiridigliozzi
  • Publication number: 20090226011
    Abstract: An intra-oral hearing appliance includes an actuator to provide bone conduction sound transmission; a transceiver coupled to the actuator to cause the actuator to generate sound; and a first chamber containing the actuator and the transceiver, said first chamber adapted to be coupled to one or more teeth without contacting the occlusal surfaces of the one or more teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, John SPIRIDIGLIOZZI
  • Publication number: 20090226017
    Abstract: An intra-oral hearing appliance includes an actuator to provide bone conduction sound transmission; a transceiver coupled to the actuator to cause the actuator to generate sound; and a first chamber containing the actuator and the transceiver, said first chamber adapted to be coupled to one or more teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Sonitus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, John SPIRIDIGLIOZZI
  • Publication number: 20090220921
    Abstract: An electronic and transducer device can be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance or other oral device to form a two-way communication assembly. The device contains a motion sensor to detect external forces imposed on the user such as an explosion, for example. The information is stored for medical treatment, among others. In another embodiment, the device provides an electronic and transducer device that can be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance or other oral device to form a medical tag containing patient identifiable information. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device fabricated from a thermal forming process utilizing a replicate model of a dental structure obtained by conventional dental impression methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, John SPIRIDIGLIOZZI
  • Patent number: 7578673
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth to move the tooth from an initial position to a target position are disclosed. The system digitizes a model of the patient's tooth at the initial position; places an object on the tooth model at the target position; determines the position of the object at the initial position; and fabricates the dental template to locate the object on the patient's tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Huafeng Wen, Eric Kuo, Amir Abolfathi, Loc X. Phan, Peter G. Knopp