Patents by Inventor Engbert Wilmink
Engbert Wilmink 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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Patent number: 11804205Abstract: An injection moulded acoustic filter comprising a foil piece or filter structure having a plurality of micro-slits configured to act as acoustic channels through the foil piece for filtering sound waves impinging the foil piece. The micro-slits have a maximum slit width across a surface of the foil piece of less than one hundred micrometres and a combined slit length along the surface of the foil piece of at least five millimetres. An earplug comprising the acoustic filter. A method and mould for manufacturing the acoustic filter.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Pieter Gerard Van 'T Hof, Engbert Wilmink
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Publication number: 20220349490Abstract: An acoustic device may include a housing; an acoustic channel for passing sound through the housing; a valve seat arranged in the acoustic channel; a valve member configured to control the passing of sound through the channel depending on a configuration of the valve member with respect to the valve seat; an actuator comprising a first SMA wire section and a second SMA wire section configured to actuate the valve member and to change a configuration of the valve member with respect to the valve seat from an open configuration to a closed configuration and vice versa, respectively, when activated; and a retention mechanism which is configured to provide a retention force for retaining the valve member in the closed configuration, wherein the retention force is configured to be overcome by the actuator such that the valve member is released from the closed configuration upon activation of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Anna Glazer, Krisztián Képíró, Engbert Wilmink, Nishant Shankar Lawand
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Patent number: 11463803Abstract: An acoustic device is described that comprises an acoustic channel extending through its housing and an acoustic valve disposed in the acoustic channel. The acoustic valve is configured to determine a passage of sound through the housing via the acoustic channel. The acoustic valve comprises a deformable shape forming a deformable perimeter of the acoustic channel, and an actuating mechanism configured to exert an actuating force deforming the deformable shape causing the deformable perimeter to move and change the passage of sound.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Engbert Wilmink, Nishant Shankar Lawand, Krisztian Kepiro
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Patent number: 11438709Abstract: An acoustic filter (100) comprises a filter housing (10) with an acoustic channel (11) and acoustic valve (20) in the channel. The acoustic valve (20) can be moved to along a trajectory (S) between positions (P1, P2). An actuator (30) is configured to actuate the acoustic valve (20) along the trajectory (S). The actuator (30) comprises one or more mechanical elements (31,32). The mechanical elements can move the acoustic valve (20) along at least an initial part of the trajectory. The actuator (30) comprises one or more magnetic elements (41, 42) with a magnetic field (M1,M2) configured to exert a magnetic force (Fm) on the acoustic valve (20). This may help to move the acoustic valve (20) to the second position (P2) along a final part of the trajectory and keep the acoustic valve (20) at the second position (P2). Accordingly the stroke of the valve can be enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2019Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Adrian Lara-Quintanilla, Pieter Gerard Van 'T Hof, Engbert Wilmink
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Patent number: 11273076Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an acoustic valve (10) for hearing protection. The valve (10) comprises a housing (1) that is placeable or integrated in an ear plug (100). The housing (1) comprises a sound passage (2) extending through the housing (1) for allowing at least partial transmission of sound from the external surroundings (11) into the auditory canal (13). The housing comprises an impulse filter (3) comprising a rigid plate (4). The rigid plate (4) forms an enclosed volume (12) within the sound passage (2) of the valve. The rigid plate (4) comprises at least one perforation (5) for passing part of the sound from the external surroundings (11) via the perforation (5) into the enclosed volume (12). The housing further comprises an acoustic filter (6) comprising a mesh (7) arranged in the sound passage (2) between the rigid plate (4) and the auditory canal (13).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Pieter Gerard van't Hof, Engbert Wilmink
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Patent number: 11266532Abstract: An acoustic filter including a valve system with acoustic valves arranged in a sound passage for controlling the acoustic resistance of respective apertures based on a control signal for selecting an attenuation of a sound pressure level of transmitted sound compared to that of received sound. The acoustic filter is adapted to provide the selection of the attenuation from a sequence of predetermined attenuations based on a selection of the control signal. Each attenuation in the sequence corresponds to acoustic valves providing the apertures with a respective predetermined acoustic resistance, wherein the acoustic resistances of subsequent attenuations in the sequence are adapted to correspond with a linear increase or decrease in the attenuation of the sound in decibels.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: SONOVA AGInventors: Pieter Gerard Van 'T Hof, Adrián Lara-Quintanilla, Engbert Wilmink
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Publication number: 20210409874Abstract: An acoustic filter (100) comprises a filter housing (10) with an acoustic channel (11) and acoustic valve (20) in the channel The acoustic valve (20) can be moved to along a trajectory (S) between positions (P1, P2). An actuator (30) is configured to actuate the acoustic valve (20) along the trajectory (S). The actuator (30) comprises one or more mechanical elements (31,32). The mechanical elements can move the acoustic valve (20) along at least an initial part of the trajectory. The actuator (30) comprises one or more magnetic elements (41, 42) with a magnetic field (M1,M2) configured to exert a magnetic force (Fm) on the acoustic valve (20). This may help to move the acoustic valve (20) to the second position (P2) along a final part of the trajectory and keep the acoustic valve (20) at the second position (P2). Accordingly the stroke of the valve can be enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2019Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Adrian LARA-QUINTANILLA, Pieter Gerard VAN 'T HOF, Engbert WILMINK
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Publication number: 20210227315Abstract: An acoustic device is described that comprises an acoustic channel extending through its housing and an acoustic valve disposed in the acoustic channel. The acoustic valve is configured to determine a passage of sound through the housing via the acoustic channel. The acoustic valve comprises a deformable shape forming a deformable perimeter of the acoustic channel, and an actuating mechanism configured to exert an actuating force deforming the deformable shape causing the deformable perimeter to move and change the passage of sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Engbert WILMINK, Nishant Shankar LAWAND, Krisztian KEPIRO
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Publication number: 20200352788Abstract: An acoustic filter including a valve system with acoustic valves arranged in a sound passage for controlling the acoustic resistance of respective apertures based on a control signal for selecting an attenuation of a sound pressure level of transmitted sound compared to that of received sound. The acoustic filter is adapted to provide the selection of the attenuation from a sequence of predetermined attenuations based on a selection of the control signal. Each attenuation in the sequence corresponds to acoustic valves providing the apertures with a respective predetermined acoustic resistance, wherein the acoustic resistances of subsequent attenuations in the sequence are adapted to correspond with a linear increase or decrease in the attenuation of the sound in decibels.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2019Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Pieter Gerard VAN 'T HOF, Adrián LARA-QUINTANILLA, Engbert WILMINK
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Publication number: 20180277087Abstract: An injection moulded acoustic filter comprising a foil piece or filter structure having a plurality of micro-slits configured to act as acoustic channels through the foil piece for filtering sound waves impinging the foil piece. The micro-slits have a maximum slit width across a surface of the foil piece of less than one hundred micrometres and a combined slit length along the surface of the foil piece of at least five millimetres. An earplug comprising the acoustic filter. A method and mould for manufacturing the acoustic filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2016Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Pieter Gerard VAN 'T HOF, Engbert WILMINK
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Patent number: 9930454Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for determining a mold shape quality (Q) of an ear mold (2) customized to an ear canal (31) of a user by means of a mold testing system (100). The mold testing system (100) comprises an acoustic generator (3) and a microphone (4) arranged in a test housing (1) with an open end (1c) that is connectable to an inner passage (2c) of the custom ear mold (2). The method comprises inserting the ear mold (2) into the ear canal (31); connecting the test housing (1) to the ear mold (2); generating an acoustic signal (Sg) into the ear canal (31) via the inner passage (2c); measuring the acoustic signal (Sr) from the ear canal (31); comparing the measured signal (Sm) with a reference signal (Se); and providing a feedback signal (Sf) based on the said comparison. The feedback signal (Sf) is a measure for the mold shape quality (Q) of the custom ear mold (2).Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: DYNAMIC EAR COMPANY B.V.Inventors: Pieter Gerard van't Hof, Engbert Wilmink
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Publication number: 20170202710Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an acoustic valve (10) for hearing protection. The valve (10) comprises a housing (1) that is placeable or integrated in an ear plug (100). The housing (1) comprises a sound passage (2) extending through the housing (1) for allowing at least partial transmission of sound from the external surroundings (11) into the auditory canal (13). The housing comprises an impulse filter (3) comprising a rigid plate (4). The rigid plate (4) forms an enclosed volume (12) within the sound passage (2) of the valve. The rigid plate (4) comprises at least one perforation (5) for passing part of the sound from the external surroundings (11) via the perforation (5) into the enclosed volume (12). The housing further comprises an acoustic filter (6) comprising a mesh (7) arranged in the sound passage (2) between the rigid plate (4) and the auditory canal (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2015Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Pieter Gerard van 't Hof, Engbert Wilmink
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Publication number: 20160241967Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for determining a mould shape quality (Q) of an ear mould (2) customized to an ear canal (31) of a user by means of a mould testing system (100). The mould testing system (100) comprises an acoustic generator (3) and a microphone (4) arranged in a test housing (1) with an open end (1c) that is connectable to an inner passage (2c) of the custom ear mould (2). The method comprises inserting the ear mould (2) into the ear canal (31); connecting the test housing (1) to the ear mould (2); generating an acoustic signal (Sg) into the ear canal (31) via the inner passage (2c); measuring the acoustic signal (Sr) from the ear canal (31); comparing the measured signal (Sm) with a reference signal (Se); and providing a feedback signal (Sf) based on the said comparison. The feedback signal (Sf) is a measure for the mould shape quality (Q) of the custom ear mould (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2014Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Pieter Gerard van 't Hof, Engbert Wilmink
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Patent number: 8689931Abstract: An ear protector (1) with a sound damping filter (3), comprises a membrane (5). The membrane is composed of a material that permits the transmission of air and water vapor with respect to the ear from the into the outside of the ear protector, the membrane is pre stressed mounted in the filter, enabling a bigger surface and hence bigger air and water transport at same sound attenuation.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Dynamic Ear Company B.V.Inventor: Engbert Wilmink
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Publication number: 20130126262Abstract: An ear protector (1) with a sound damping filter (3), comprises a membrane (5). The membrane is composed of a material that permits the transmission of air and water vapour with respect to the ear from the into the outside of the ear protector, the membrane is pre stressed mounted in the filter, enabling a bigger surface and hence bigger air and water transport at same sound attenuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: DYNAMIC EAR COMPANY B.V.Inventor: Engbert Wilmink
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Patent number: 8155338Abstract: An earplug is described for insertion in an auditory duct. The earplug includes a loudspeaker for connection to a playback device. When inserted in a user's ear, the loudspeaker is in acoustic communication with the ear's canal. A transmitter is provided that transmits ambient sound to the ear canal with an adjustable damping level. A regulating unit regulates a damping level depending on detection of control signals to the loudspeaker. When the user does not listen to, for instance, music of the playback device, the user can simply observe ambient sounds without removing the earplug from the ear.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Dynamic Ear Company B.V.Inventor: Engbert Wilmink
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Patent number: 7783056Abstract: Earplug comprising a plug member for blocking a man's ear canal, said plug member comprising at least one acoustic channel for channeling incoming acoustic energy to said man's ear. According to the invention, a detector for detecting an acoustic energy level or for detecting a control signal that is indicative for an acoustic energy level to be received, an acoustic valve positioned in said channel, and a control unit that, in response to said detector, controls said valve so as to attenuate the acoustic energy channeled through said acoustic channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventor: Engbert Wilmink
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Patent number: 7706561Abstract: Apparatus and method for manufacturing an electroacoustic transducer for, for instance, a hearing aid, with a diaphragm arranged in a housing. The diaphragm is attached onto a film or punched from a sheet of material, such that along the circumferential edge of the diaphragm, a free strip of film or a strip of material remains present, in a capillary space between the circumferential edge of the film and the inner wall of the housing, or in a capillary space between the diaphragm and the strip of material, a polymer of a low viscosity is provided to connect to diaphragm with the housing wall. Through the method, the production of the transducer is greatly simplified.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Sonion Nederland B.V.Inventors: Engbert Wilmink, Aart Zeger van Halteren, Hendrik Dolleman, Paul Christiaan van Hal
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Publication number: 20090220103Abstract: An earplug is described for insertion in an auditory duct. The earplug includes a loudspeaker for connection to a playback device. When inserted in a user's ear, the loudspeaker is in acoustic communication with the ear's canal. A transmitter is provided that transmits ambient sound to the ear canal with an adjustable damping level. A regulating unit regulates a damping level depending on detection of control signals to the loudspeaker. When the user does not listen to, for instance, music of the playback device, the user can simply observe ambient sounds without removing the earplug from the ear.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: DYNAMIC EAR COMPANY B.V.Inventor: Engbert Wilmink
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Publication number: 20070086599Abstract: Earplug comprising a plug member for blocking a man's ear canal, said plug member comprising at least one acoustic channel for channeling incoming acoustic energy to said man's ear. According to the invention, a detector for detecting an acoustic energy level or for detecting a control signal that is indicative for an acoustic energy level to be received, an acoustic valve positioned in said channel, and a control unit that, in response to said detector, controls said valve so as to attenuate the acoustic energy channeled through said acoustic channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2004Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: Nederlandse Organisatic voortoegepastnatuurweten- schappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventor: Engbert Wilmink