Patents by Inventor Gary Zajicek

Gary Zajicek 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: 10771906
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for improved microphone protection for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device, such as a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing aid, that includes a battery door with a microphone slit and a battery contact including a microphone port. In various embodiments, the microphone slit and the microphone port are configured to create a nonlinear acoustic path to a microphone of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the acoustic path is configured to prevent earwax from blocking and/or damaging the microphone, such as during insertion, removal or cleaning of the hearing assistance device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Gary Zajicek, Toto Saykeo, Jerome C. Ruzicka, Janet Richardson
  • Publication number: 20200037087
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for improved microphone protection for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device, such as a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing aid, that includes a battery door with a microphone slit and a battery contact including a microphone port. In various embodiments, the microphone slit and the microphone port are configured to create a nonlinear acoustic path to a microphone of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the acoustic path is configured to prevent earwax from blocking and/or damaging the microphone, such as during insertion, removal or cleaning of the hearing assistance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Gary Zajicek, Toto Saykeo, Jerome C. Ruzicka, Janet Richardson
  • Patent number: 10440484
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for improved microphone protection for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device, such as a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing aid, that includes a battery door with a microphone slit and a battery contact including a microphone port. In various embodiments, the microphone slit and the microphone port are configured to create a nonlinear acoustic path to a microphone of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the acoustic path is configured to prevent earwax from blocking and/or damaging the microphone, such as during insertion, removal or cleaning of the hearing assistance device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Gary Zajicek, Toto Saykeo, Jerome C. Ruzicka, Janet Richardson
  • Publication number: 20170311098
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for improved microphone protection for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device, such as a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing aid, that includes a battery door with a microphone slit and a battery contact including a microphone port. In various embodiments, the microphone slit and the microphone port are configured to create a nonlinear acoustic path to a microphone of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the acoustic path is configured to prevent earwax from blocking and/or damaging the microphone, such as during insertion, removal or cleaning of the hearing assistance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: SIDNEY A. HIGGINS, GARY ZAJICEK, TOTO SAYKEO, JEROME C. RUZICKA, JANET RICHARDSON
  • Patent number: 9648429
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for improved microphone protection for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device, such as a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing aid, that includes a battery door with a microphone slit and a battery contact including a microphone port. In various embodiments, the microphone slit and the microphone port are configured to create a nonlinear acoustic path to a microphone of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the acoustic path is configured to prevent earwax from blocking and/or damaging the microphone, such as during insertion, removal or cleaning of the hearing assistance device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Gary Zajicek, Toto Saykeo, Jerome C. Ruzicka, Janet Richardson
  • Patent number: 9408004
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved receiver connectors for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance system including a flex connector. A hearing assistance device housing includes hearing assistance electronics for a hearing assistance device. The system also includes a receiver configured to convert an electrical signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an acoustic signal. The receiver is configured to enable a quick connect and disconnect at various degrees on and off vertical axial alignment with repeatable reliability, according to various embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Gary Zajicek
  • Publication number: 20140334651
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for improved microphone protection for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device, such as a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing aid, that includes a battery door with a microphone slit and a battery contact including a microphone port. In various embodiments, the microphone slit and the microphone port are configured to create a nonlinear acoustic path to a microphone of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the acoustic path is configured to prevent earwax from blocking and/or damaging the microphone, such as during insertion, removal or cleaning of the hearing assistance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A Higgins, Gary Zajicek, Toto Saykeo, Jerome C. Ruzicka, Janet Richardson
  • Publication number: 20130294628
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved receiver connectors for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance system including a flex connector. A hearing assistance device housing includes hearing assistance electronics for a hearing assistance device. The system also includes a receiver configured to convert an electrical signal from the hearing assistance electronics to an acoustic signal. The receiver is configured to enable a quick connect and disconnect at various degrees on and off vertical axial alignment with repeatable reliability, according to various embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Gary Zajicek