Patents by Inventor Chris Howes

Chris Howes 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: 12101604
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to systems, devices and methods for fitting hearing assistance devices. In a first aspect, a method of fitting a hearing assistance device is included, the method including providing an audio sample to a hearing assistance device wearer, receiving input from the hearing assistance device wearer regarding a preferred sound volume or perceived loudness, receiving input from the hearing assistance device wearer with the external device regarding a bass/treble balance, and determining a maximum power output of the hearing assistance device that does not exceed a loudness discomfort level (LDL). Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Austin, David Alan Fabry, Justin R. Burwinkel, Jeffrey Paul Solum, Chris Howes, Manfred Stoifl
  • Publication number: 20240109699
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to cases such as battery cases and wearable device cases that can be used to prolong the life of batteries used for powering wearable devices. In a first aspect, a case can be included having a base portion defining one or more battery wells and a lid portion including one or more battery well plugs. The lid portion moves between a closed position wherein it can be engaged with the base portion and an open position wherein it can be disengaged from the base portion to allow access to contents therein. The one or more battery well plugs engage with the one or more battery wells when the lid is in the closed position to prevent the flow of oxygen into a battery within the battery well thereby slowing or ceasing the oxidation reaction of the battery and preserving battery life. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Denise Klokow, Chris Howes
  • Publication number: 20220369053
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to systems, devices and methods for fitting hearing assistance devices. In a first aspect, a method of fitting a hearing assistance device is included, the method including providing an audio sample to a hearing assistance device wearer, receiving input from the hearing assistance device wearer regarding a preferred sound volume or perceived loudness, receiving input from the hearing assistance device wearer with the external device regarding a bass/treble balance, and determining a maximum power output of the hearing assistance device that does not exceed a loudness discomfort level (LDL). Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: William F. Austin, David Alan Fabry, Justin R. Burwinkel, Jeffrey Paul Solum, Chris Howes, Manfred Stoifl