Patents by Inventor Kevin H. Franck

Kevin H. Franck 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: 10284972
    Abstract: A method of operating a hearing assistance system that includes a binaural hearing device with first and second earpieces, each earpiece adapted to be worn over, on or in one ear. Each earpiece has an electroacoustic transducer that converts an input electrical audio signal for the ear into sound, and at least one microphone that converts sound into an electrical microphone output signal. The hearing assistance system is adapted to process microphone output signals from both earpieces to create the electrical audio signals that are used to drive the transducers of both earpieces. A situation in which one of the earpieces is not over, on or in an ear is detected, and in response the processing of at least one of the microphone output signals that creates the audio signals is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Jahn D. Eichfeld, Kevin H. Franck, Lisa A. Fitch
  • Publication number: 20180227677
    Abstract: A method of operating a hearing assistance system that includes a binaural hearing device with first and second earpieces, each earpiece adapted to be worn over, on or in one ear. Each earpiece has an electroacoustic transducer that converts an input electrical audio signal for the ear into sound, and at least one microphone that converts sound into an electrical microphone output signal. The hearing assistance system is adapted to process microphone output signals from both earpieces to create the electrical audio signals that are used to drive the transducers of both earpieces. A situation in which one of the earpieces is not over, on or in an ear is detected, and in response the processing of at least one of the microphone output signals that creates the audio signals is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Jahn D. Eichfeld, Kevin H. Franck, Lisa A. Fitch
  • Patent number: 9967682
    Abstract: A method of operating a hearing assistance system that includes a binaural hearing device with first and second earpieces, each earpiece adapted to be worn over, on or in one ear. Each earpiece has an electroacoustic transducer that converts an input electrical audio signal for the ear into sound, and at least one microphone that converts sound into an electrical microphone output signal. The hearing assistance system is adapted to process microphone output signals from both earpieces to create the electrical audio signals that are used to drive the transducers of both earpieces. A situation in which one of the earpieces is not over, on or in an ear is detected, and in response the processing of at least one of the microphone output signals that creates the audio signals is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Jahn D. Eichfeld, Kevin H. Franck, Lisa A. Fitch
  • Publication number: 20170195802
    Abstract: A method of operating a hearing assistance system that includes a binaural hearing device with first and second earpieces, each earpiece adapted to be worn over, on or in one ear. Each earpiece has an electroacoustic transducer that converts an input electrical audio signal for the ear into sound, and at least one microphone that converts sound into an electrical microphone output signal. The hearing assistance system is adapted to process microphone output signals from both earpieces to create the electrical audio signals that are used to drive the transducers of both earpieces. A situation in which one of the earpieces is not over, on or in an ear is detected, and in response the processing of at least one of the microphone output signals that creates the audio signals is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Jahn D. Eichfeld, Kevin H. Franck, Lisa A. Fitch
  • Patent number: 7617000
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for programming a neural prosthesis (e.g., a hearing prosthesis), and for fitting a speech processor and implantable cochlear stimulator by programming the speech processor are disclosed. A preferred method and apparatus for fitting a neural prosthesis to a sensorineural-impaired user includes the steps of presenting one or more neural stimuli to the user through the neural prosthesis for a user response to the one or more neural stimuli with each neural stimulus having an associated icon displayed by a user interface, obtaining the user response by monitoring user selection of the associated icon subjectively corresponding to a selected neural stimulus, and adjusting the neural prosthesis so that the user is enabled to optimally detect the neural stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
    Inventor: Kevin H. Franck
  • Patent number: 6925332
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for programming a neural prosthesis, more particularly to methods for programming a hearing prosthesis, and most particularly to methods for fitting a speech processor and implantable cochlear stimulator by programming the speech processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
    Inventor: Kevin H. Franck
  • Publication number: 20040197750
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to methods for computer-assisted role-playing of a life skill simulation by one or more living subject(s). The inventive subject matter further relates to methods for operating a computer system to simulate a life skill environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph G. Donaher, Kevin H. Franck
  • Publication number: 20040152946
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for programming a neural prosthesis, more particularly to methods for programming a hearing prosthesis, and most particularly to methods for fitting a speech processor and implantable cochlear stimulator by programming the speech processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin H. Franck