Patents by Inventor Benjamin S. Willis

Benjamin S. Willis 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).

  • Publication number: 20210227311
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an improved ear-worn device for attaching the ear-worn device to an ear of a user using a hooking body. The hooking body may be secured to the user's ear. In some embodiments, a device body may be coupled to the hooking body via a hinge. The device body may be moved (relative to the hooking body) using the hinge to cause the ear-worn device to transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen John Minarsch, Lea Martin, Adam Abraham Jossem, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Benjamin S. Willis, Joseph B. Moak, Sam Rhea Sarcia, Donovan Deame, Douglas B. Satzger, Yuri Litvinov, Faisal Mohammed Alshaker, Ichiro Yamada, Kellen H. Chow, Insang Hwang, Ferdinand Ygona Laurino
  • Publication number: 20210037301
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an improved ear-worn device for attaching the ear-worn device to an ear of a user using a hooking body. The hooking body may be secured to the user's ear. In some embodiments, a device body may be coupled to the hooking body via a hinge. The device body may be moved (relative to the hooking body) using the hinge to cause the ear-worn device to transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen John MINARSCH, Lea MARTIN, Adam Abraham JOSSEM, Dae Il KWON, Francesca Alyssum QUAGLIA, Benjamin S. WILLIS, Joseph B. MOAK, Sam Rhea SARCIA, Donovan DEAME, Douglas B. SATZGER
  • Patent number: 10884696
    Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to an audio computing device and methods for modifying and/or blending an ambient-sound signal and a non-ambient-sound signal together into a blended signal having one or more desirable characteristics. In some embodiments, the audio computing device may obtain an ambient sound signal by capturing ambient sound with a microphone. The audio computing device may also obtain a non-ambient sound signal that does not represent ambient sounds. The audio computing device may modify one or both of the sound signals to change properties of the sound signals based at least in part on contextual information related to the sound signals, the audio computing device, or the like. The audio computing device may then blend the modified signals together and cause the blended signal to be output as sound via a speaker that provides an improved audio experience for a user of the audio computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Joseph David Dieter, Joshua Debner, Gelmont Rios, Kyle Marcolini, Brian Jackson
  • Publication number: 20200389714
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an audio system and methods for facilitating a group-listening user experience. A first audio device and a second audio device may each include at least one speaker. The first audio device and the second audio device may be selectively coupled to each other via one or more coupling devices. In such embodiments, the respective speaker or speakers of each of the first and second audio devices may be configured to direct sound into the combined acoustic chamber formed by the first and second audio devices. The combined acoustic chamber may be configured to have a shape that is suitable for mixing, combining, blending, acoustically amplifying, and/or directing the sound from the speakers of the first and second audio devices in a direction that is away from the audio system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas Roche, Michael Sapene, Eliza Arango-Vargas, Benjamin S. Willis
  • Publication number: 20200334003
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an audio system and methods for facilitating a group-listening user experience. A first audio device and a second audio device may each include at least one speaker. The first audio device and the second audio device may be selectively coupled to each other via one or more coupling devices. In such embodiments, the respective speaker or speakers of each of the first and second audio devices may be configured to direct sound into the at least partial acoustic chamber formed by the first and second audio devices. The at least partial acoustic chamber may be configured to have a shape that is suitable for mixing, combining, blending, acoustically amplifying, and/or directing the sound from the speakers of the first and second audio devices in a direction that is away from the audio system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Joseph David Dieter, Gelmont Rios, Stephen John Minarsch, Kyle Marcolini, Adam Abraham Jossem, Eliza Arango Vargas
  • Patent number: 10642572
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an audio system and methods for facilitating a group-listening user experience. A first audio device and a second audio device may each include at least one speaker. The first audio device and the second audio device may be selectively coupled to each other via one or more coupling devices. In such embodiments, the respective speaker or speakers of each of the first and second audio devices may be configured to direct sound into the at least partial acoustic chamber formed by the first and second audio devices. The at least partial acoustic chamber may be configured to have a shape that is suitable for mixing, combining, blending, acoustically amplifying, and/or directing the sound from the speakers of the first and second audio devices in a direction that is away from the audio system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Joseph David Dieter, Gelmont Rios, Stephen John Minarsch, Kyle Marcolini, Adam Abraham Jossem, Eliza Arango Vargas
  • Patent number: 10382855
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an improved attachment apparatus for attaching the attachment apparatus to an ear of a user using a hook body. The hooking body may be secured to the user's ear, such as in response to receiving a deforming force from the user that causes the hooking body to deform in conformity with at least a portion of the root of the user's ear. In some embodiments, the hooking body may be coupled to the attachment body via the bridging member of the attachment body. Accordingly, the hooking body may be configured to secured the attachment apparatus to the user's ear. In some embodiments, a sealing body may be coupled to the plate member of the attachment body, and the cover body may form at least a partial acoustic seal around the user's ear while the hooking body is secured to the attachment apparatus to the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Adam Abraham Jossem, Stephen John Minarsch, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Lea Martin
  • Publication number: 20190129684
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an audio system and methods for facilitating a group-listening user experience. A first audio device and a second audio device may each include at least one speaker. The first audio device and the second audio device may be selectively coupled to each other via one or more coupling devices. In such embodiments, the respective speaker or speakers of each of the first and second audio devices may be configured to direct sound into the at least partial acoustic chamber formed by the first and second audio devices. The at least partial acoustic chamber may be configured to have a shape that is suitable for mixing, combining, blending, acoustically amplifying, and/or directing the sound from the speakers of the first and second audio devices in a direction that is away from the audio system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Joseph David Dieter, Gelmont Rios, Stephen John Minarsch, Kyle Marcolini, Adam Abraham Jossem, Eliza Arango Vargas
  • Patent number: 10045114
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide for an improved attachment apparatus for attaching the attachment apparatus to an ear of a user. In some embodiments, the attachment apparatus may include an attachment body that defines an opening configured to enable at least a portion of a user's ear to pass through the opening when the attachment apparatus is coupled to the user. In such embodiments, the attachment body may prevent an anterior portion of the ear from passing through the opening and may receive, from an interaction with the anterior portion of the ear, a force that biases the first attachment portion in a direction away from a median plane of the user. In some embodiments, the attachment body may secure the attachment apparatus to the ear of the user while the first attachment portion is biased away from the median plane of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Dae Il Kwon
  • Patent number: D814445
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Adam Abraham Jossem, Stephen John Minarsch, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia
  • Patent number: D815065
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Stephen John Minarsch, Adam Abraham Jossem, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia
  • Patent number: D822007
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Adam Abraham Jossem, Stephen John Minarsch, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Lea Martin
  • Patent number: D840378
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Adam Abraham Jossem, Stephen John Minarsch, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Lea Martin
  • Patent number: D853323
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen John Minarsch, Lea Martin, Adam Abraham Jossem, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Benjamin S. Willis, Joseph B. Moak, Sam Rhea Sarcia, Donovan Deame, Douglas B. Satzger
  • Patent number: D857667
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Adam Abraham Jossem, Stephen John Minarsch, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Lea Martin
  • Patent number: D860972
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen John Minarsch, Lea Martin, Adam Abraham Jossem, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Benjamin S. Willis, Joseph B. Moak, Sam Rhea Sarcia, Donovan Deame, Douglas B. Satzger
  • Patent number: D880458
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen John Minarsch, Lea Martin, Adam Abraham Jossem, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Benjamin S. Willis, Joseph B. Moak, Sam Rhea Sarcia, Donovan Deame, Douglas B. Satzger
  • Patent number: D886802
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Willis, Adam Abraham Jossem, Stephen John Minarsch, Dae Il Kwon, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Lea Martin
  • Patent number: D908666
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Adam Abraham Jossem, Lea Martin, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Ferdinand Ygona Laurino, Benjamin S. Willis
  • Patent number: D912649
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Human, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ferdinand Ygona Laurino, Lea Martin, Adam Abraham Jossem, Francesca Alyssum Quaglia, Benjamin S. Willis