Patents by Inventor Lawrence T. Hagen

Lawrence T. Hagen 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: 10212525
    Abstract: An earpiece designed to fit a substantial majority (over 90%) of people without customization to the outer ears, i.e., without the need to make customized measurements or a mold of the actual ear of an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Blue-Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence T Hagen, Johan D Carlson, Randall Wayne Roberts, Margaret V Nilson
  • Publication number: 20170127198
    Abstract: An earpiece designed to fit a substantial majority (over 90%) of people without customization to the outer ears, i.e., without the need to make customized measurements or a mold of the actual ear of an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, Johan D. Carlson, Randall Wayne Roberts, Margaret V. Nilson
  • Patent number: 9398362
    Abstract: An earpiece designed to fit a substantial majority (over 90%) of people without customization to the outer ears, i.e., without the need to make customized measurements or a mold of the actual ear of an individual. The device is generally C-shaped and contacts the outer ear in four locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Blue-Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, Johan D. Carlson, Randall Wayne Roberts, Margaret V. Nilson
  • Patent number: 8923539
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a hearing aid include a mechanism to detect the presence of a magnetic field using a magnetic sensing device disposed in a hearing aid, to digitally modify a frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the detection of the presence, and to modify the frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the magnetic sensing device determining removal of the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140153768
    Abstract: An earpiece designed to fit a substantial majority (over 90%) of people without customization to the outer ears, i.e., without the need to make customized measurements or a mold of the actual ear of an individual. The device is generally C-shaped and contacts the outer ear in four locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Blue-Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, Johan D. Carlson, Randall Wayne Roberts, Margaret V. Nilson
  • Publication number: 20130108093
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a hearing aid include a mechanism to detect the presence of a magnetic field using a magnetic sensing device disposed in a hearing aid, to digitally modify a frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the detection of the presence, and to modify the frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the magnetic sensing device determining removal of the magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Micro Ear Technology, Inc., d/b/a MICRO-TECH
    Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8259973
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a hearing aid include a mechanism to detect the presence of a magnetic field using a magnetic sensing device disposed in a hearing aid, to digitally modify a frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the detection of the presence, and to modify the frequency response of the hearing aid in response to the magnetic sensing device determining removal of the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7929723
    Abstract: A system for programming one or more hearing aids with a host computer, the system including a hearing aid programmer for wireless communications with the host computer. In various embodiments, the hearing aid programmer has at least one interface connector for communication with at least one hearing aid. Additionally, in various embodiments, the system includes a wireless interface adapted for connecting to the at least one interface connector of the hearing aid programmer, the wireless interface further adapted for wireless communication with one or more hearing aids. Varying embodiments of the present subject matter include a wireless interface which contains signal processing electronics, a memory connected to the signal processing electronics; and a wireless module connected to the signal processing electronics and adapted for wireless communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves, James Newton, Garry Richardson
  • Patent number: 7787647
    Abstract: A system for programming one or more hearing aids with a host computer, the system including a hearing aid programmer for wireless communications with the host computer. In various embodiments, the hearing aid programmer has at least one interface connector for communication with at least one hearing aid. Additionally, in various embodiments, the system includes a wireless interface adapted for connecting to the at least one interface connector of the hearing aid programmer, the wireless interface further adapted for wireless communication with one or more hearing aids. Varying embodiments of the present subject matter include a wireless interface which contains signal processing electronics, a memory connected to the signal processing electronics; and a wireless module connected to the signal processing electronics and adapted for wireless communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves, James Newton, Garry Richardson
  • Publication number: 20100086153
    Abstract: A system for programming one or more hearing aids with a host computer, the system including a hearing aid programmer for wireless communications with the host computer. In various embodiments, the hearing aid programmer has at least one interface connector for communication with at least one hearing aid. Additionally, in various embodiments, the system includes a wireless interface adapted for connecting to the at least one interface connector of the hearing aid programmer, the wireless interface further adapted for wireless communication with one or more hearing aids. Varying embodiments of the present subject matter include a wireless interface which contains signal processing electronics, a memory connected to the signal processing electronics; and a wireless module connected to the signal processing electronics and adapted for wireless communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves, James Newton, Garry Richardson
  • Patent number: 7451256
    Abstract: A hearing aid programming system with a host computer for providing at least one hearing aid program and having at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port in combination with a PCMCIA card inserted in the port and arranged for interacting with the host computer for controlling programming of a hearing aid. The host computer provides power and ground to the PCMCIA card and provides for downloading the hearing aid programming software to the PCMCIA card upon initialization. A microprocessor on the PCMCIA card executes the programming software. A portable programming arrangement utilizes a portable multiprogram unit to store one or more hearing aid programs which may be downloaded from the host computer. The portable multiprogram unit includes a wireless interconnection for transmitting selected ones of the programs to hearing aids to be programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves
  • Patent number: 7248713
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone for providing an electrical signal representative of a received acoustic signal, a means for filtering the electrical signal and a means for automatic switching. Upon detecting a presence of a magnetic field, the means for automatic switching enables the means for filtering to modify a frequency response of the hearing aid to boost a low frequency gain and reduce a high frequency gain. Such filtering can be used with or without a telecoil. A hearing aid including a telecoil is configured with a preamplifier, a inductive element, and a switch control integrated onto a single common circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Micro Bar Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6888948
    Abstract: An improved hearing aid programming system with a host computer for providing at least one hearing aid program and having at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port in combination with a PCMCIA card inserted in the port and arranged for interacting with the host computer for controlling programming of a hearing aid. The host computer provides power and ground to the PCMCIA card and provides for downloading the hearing aid programming software to the PCMCIA card upon initialization. A microprocessor on the PCMCIA card executes the programming software. A hearing aid interface for adjusting voltage levels and impedance levels is adapted for coupling signals to the hearing aid being programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves
  • Publication number: 20030059073
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes a microphone for providing an electrical signal representative of a received acoustic signal, a means for filtering the electrical signal and a means for automatic switching. Upon detecting a presence of a magnetic field, the means for automatic switching enables the means for filtering to modify a frequency response of the hearing aid to boost a low frequency gain and reduce a high frequency gain. Such filtering can be used with or without a telecoil. A hearing aid including a telecoil is configured with a preamplifier, a inductive element, and a switch control integrated onto a single common circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Micro Ear Technology, Inc., d/b/a MICRO-TECH
    Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20020191805
    Abstract: Apparatus for use as an in-the-ear hearing aid. The apparatus includes a housing having a shell and a face plate, wherein the shell is molded to custom fit a hearing aid wearer's ear. A first non-directional microphone system is included having a first output signal representative of the sound received. A second non-directional microphone system is included having a second output signal representative of the sound received. A switch mechanism is included having an operator extending through the housing for switching the in-the-ear hearing aid between a non-directional mode and a directional mode. In the directional mode, the microphone system is adjustable to account for component tolerances. The switched directional/non directional microphone feature is employed in a custom in-the-ear Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) or Bilateral Routing of Signals (BiCROS) two instrument hearing aid system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Micro Ear Technology, Inc., d/b/a MICRO-TECH
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves
  • Publication number: 20020168075
    Abstract: An improved hearing aid programming system with a host computer for providing at least one hearing aid program and having at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port in combination with a PCMCIA card inserted in the port and arranged for interacting with the host computer for controlling programming of a hearing aid. The host computer provides power and ground to the PCMCIA card and provides for downloading the hearing aid programming software to the PCMCIA card upon initialization. A microprocessor on the PCMCIA card executes the programming software. A hearing aid interface for adjusting voltage levels and impedance levels is adapted for coupling signals to the hearing aid being programmed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves
  • Patent number: 6442279
    Abstract: An acoustic conditioning apparatus. The mechanism includes an attenuator to limit excessive noise levels. The attenuator includes a circuit for compressing an output sound pressure level below a desired level, such as 90 dBA over an eight-hour period. The mechanism also includes an amplifier for conditioning ambient sound level in accordance with the normal needs of a hearing impaired person using the conditioning apparatus. Additionally included is a switch in an electrical circuit to enable selection of attenuation of excessive noise levels or normal amplification. The switch can be controlled either manually by means of a toggle on a housing enclosing the various components, or automatically in response to the sensed noise level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Preves, Robert L. Millier, Lawrence T. Hagen, Ning Shen
  • Patent number: 6424722
    Abstract: An improved hearing aid programming system with a host computer for providing at least one hearing aid program and having at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port in combination with a PCMCIA card inserted in the port and arranged for interacting with the host computer for controlling programming of a hearing aid. The host computer provides power and ground to the PCMCIA card and provides for downloading the hearing aid programming software to the PCMCIA card upon initialization. A microprocessor on the PCMCIA card executes the programming software. A hearing aid interface for adjusting voltage levels and impedance levels is adapted for coupling signals to the hearing aid being programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves
  • Patent number: 6389142
    Abstract: Apparatus for use as an in-the-ear hearing aid. The apparatus includes a housing having a shell and a face plate, wherein the shell is molded to custom fit a hearing aid wearer's ear. A first non-directional microphone system is included having a first output signal representative of the sound received. A second non-directional microphone system is included having a second output signal representative of the sound received. A switch mechanism is included having an operator extending through the housing for switching the in-the-ear hearing aid between a non-directional mode and a directional mode. In the directional mode, the microphone system is adjustable to account for component tolerances. The switched directional/non directional microphone feature is employed in a custom in-the-ear Contralateral Routing of Signals (CROS) or Bilateral Routing of Signals (BiCROS) two instrument hearing aid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Hagen, David A. Preves
  • Patent number: D698445
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Blue-Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Wayne Roberts, Lawrence T. Hagen, D. Johan Carlson, Margaret V. Nilson