Patents by Inventor Matthias Mullenborn

Matthias Mullenborn 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: 8300862
    Abstract: Provided herein is a device for wirelessly communicating with hearing assistance devices. According to various embodiments, the device includes a first interface for communicating with a programmer and a second interface for wirelessly communicating with a hearing assistance device. The second interface is adapted to receive a plurality of communication modules. Each of the modules is adapted for communication with at least one specific type of hearing assistance device. The device includes a housing for the first interface, the second interface, and electrical connections between the interfaces. The housing adapted to be worn around the neck of a person wearing the hearing assistance device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Starkey Kaboratories, Inc, Oticon A/S
    Inventors: James Newton, Mark Seel, Matthias Müllenborn, Per Kokholm Sørensen, Garry Richardson
  • Patent number: 8300864
    Abstract: The invention relates to wireless communication between listening devices, in particular to a hearing aid system comprising a hearing instrument and a telephone apparatus. The invention further relates to a method of receiving a telephone call and to the use of a hearing aid system. The object of the present invention is to provide a relatively simple, reliable scheme for receiving a telephone call in a hearing instrument. The problem is solved in that the telephone apparatus comprises a transmitter for establishing a short range digital, low-power link to a hearing instrument comprising a corresponding receiver. This has the advantage of providing a relatively simple and low power solution, where at least the incoming part of a telephone conversation is wirelessly transmitted via a low-power link. The invention may e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Matthias Müllenborn, Morlen Kjær Johansen
  • Patent number: 8103025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface mountable acoustic transducer system, comprising one or more transducers, a processing circuit electrically connected to the one or more transducers, and contact points arranged on an exterior surface part of the transducer system. The contact points are adapted to establish electrical connections between the transducer system and an external substrate, the contact points further being adapted to facilitate mounting of the transducer system on the external substrate by conventional surface mounting techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Epcos PTE Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthias Mullenborn, Jochen F. Kuhmann, Peter Scheel
  • Patent number: 7792315
    Abstract: A silicon-based transducer assembly coupled to a movable structure in a hearing instrument. The transducer assembly includes at least one microphone chip and an ASIC having multiple integrated components such as any combination of a DSP, an A/D converter, an amplifier, a filter, or a wireless interface. The movable structure may be a battery access door, a volume dial, a switch, or a touch pad. A protection strip can be disposed across the battery access door to prevent debris from clogging the silicon-based transducer assembly. The transducer assembly may also include an array of microphone chips to achieve adaptive beam steering or directionality. When equipped with a wireless interface, the hearing instrument wirelessly communicates with another hearing instrument or with a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Epcos AG
    Inventors: Matthias Müllenborn, Aart Z. van Halteren
  • Publication number: 20090296967
    Abstract: The invention relates to wireless communication between listening devices, in particular to a hearing aid system comprising a hearing instrument and a telephone apparatus. The invention further relates to a method of receiving a telephone call and to the use of a hearing aid system. The object of the present invention is to provide a relatively simple, reliable scheme for receiving a telephone call in a hearing instrument. The problem is solved in that the telephone apparatus comprises a transmitter for establishing a short range digital, low-power link to a hearing instrument comprising a corresponding receiver. This has the advantage of providing a relatively simple and low power solution, where at least the incoming part of a telephone conversation is wirelessly transmitted via a low-power link. The invention may e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Matthias MULLENBORN, Morlen Kjaer JOHANSEN
  • Patent number: 7592964
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface mounted coil (200) for wireless communication. The coil (200) comprises a wire (202) wounded about a core (204) thereby establishing a plurality of windings and having its ends terminated on mounting sections (208) at each end of the core (204). The coil (200) further comprises a shielding layer (212, 300) wound about a central part of the core (204) thereby covering said windings. The shielding layer (212, 300) comprises a shielding pattern and a contact section (214) for connecting to a ground level and to the shielding pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Matthias Müllenborn, Frank Engel Rasmussen, Mohamad Essabar, Mogens Øllgaard, Christian Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7466835
    Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature MEMS microphone comprising a single-ended transducer element connected to an amplifier providing a differential electrical output at terminals arranged at a substantially plane exterior surface. The differential or balanced output signal provides a miniature microphone exhibiting a high dynamic range and a reduced susceptibility to EMI. The microphone is adapted for surface mounting thus the extra output terminal required is still suitable for low cost mass production. In preferred embodiments the transducer element and amplifier are silicon-based. The microphone may have a plurality of separate single-ended transducer elements connected to separate amplifiers providing separate differential outputs. The microphones according to the invention are advantageous for applications within for example hearing aids and mobile equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Sonion A/S
    Inventors: Lars Jørn Stenberg, Matthias Müllenborn, Igor Mucha
  • Patent number: 7447323
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface mountable acoustic transducer system, comprising one or more transducers, a processing circuit electrically connected to the one or more transducers, and contact points arranged on an exterior surface part of the transducer system. The contact points are adapted to establish electrical connections between the transducer system and an external substrate, the contact points further being adapted to facilitate mounting of the transducer system on the external substrate by conventional surface mounting techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Pulse MEMS ApS
    Inventors: Matthias Mullenborn, Jochen F. Kuhmann, Peter Scheel
  • Publication number: 20080137888
    Abstract: Provided herein is a device for wirelessly communicating with hearing assistance devices. According to various embodiments, the device includes a first interface for communicating with a programmer and a second interface for wirelessly communicating with a hearing assistance device. The second interface is adapted to receive a plurality of communication modules. Each of the modules is adapted for communication with at least one specific type of hearing assistance device. The device includes a housing for the first interface, the second interface, and electrical connections between the interfaces. The housing adapted to be worn around the neck of a person wearing the hearing assistance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Micro Ear Technology, Inc. D/B/A Micro Tech
    Inventors: James Newton, Mark Seel, Matthias Mullenborn, Per Kokholm Sorensen, Garry Richardson
  • Publication number: 20070286437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface mountable acoustic transducer system, comprising one or more transducers, a processing circuit electrically connected to the one or more transducers, and contact points arranged on an exterior surface part of the transducer system. The contact points are adapted to establish electrical connections between the transducer system and an external substrate, the contact points further being adapted to facilitate mounting of the transducer system on the external substrate by conventional surface mounting techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Matthias Mullenborn, Jochen Kuhmann, Peter Scheel
  • Patent number: 7221767
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface mountable acoustic transducer system, comprising one or more transducers, a processing circuit electrically connected to the one or more transducers, and contact points arranged on an exterior surface part of the transducer system. The contact points are adapted to establish electrical connections between the transducer system and an external substrate, the contact points further being adapted to facilitate mounting of the transducer system on the external substrate by conventional surface mounting techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Sonion Mems A/S
    Inventors: Matthias Mullenborn, Jochen F. Kuhmann, Peter Scheel
  • Publication number: 20070071260
    Abstract: A silicon-based transducer assembly coupled to a movable structure in a hearing instrument. The transducer assembly includes at least one microphone chip and an ASIC having multiple integrated components such as any combination of a DSP, an A/D converter, an amplifier, a filter, or a wireless interface. The movable structure may be a battery access door, a volume dial, a switch, or a touch pad. A protection strip can be disposed across the battery access door to prevent debris from clogging the silicon-based transducer assembly. The transducer assembly may also include an array of microphone chips to achieve adaptive beam steering or directionality. When equipped with a wireless interface, the hearing instrument wirelessly communicates with another hearing instrument or with a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Inventors: Matthias Mullenborn, Aart van Halteren
  • Patent number: 7142682
    Abstract: A silicon-based transducer assembly coupled to a movable structure in a hearing instrument. The transducer assembly includes at least one microphone chip and an ASIC having multiple integrated components such as any combination of a DSP, an A/D converter, an amplifier, a filter, or a wireless interface. The movable structure may be a battery access door, a volume dial, a switch, or a touch pad. A protection strip can be disposed across the battery access door to prevent debris from clogging the silicon-based transducer assembly. The transducer assembly may also include an array of microphone chips to achieve adaptive beam steering or directionality. When equipped with a wireless interface, the hearing instrument wirelessly communicates with another hearing instrument or with a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sonion Mems A/S
    Inventors: Matthias Müllenborn, Aart Z. van Halteren
  • Publication number: 20060115102
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface mountable acoustic transducer system, comprising one or more transducers, a processing circuit electrically connected to the one or more transducers, and contact points arranged on an exterior surface part of the transducer system. The contact points are adapted to establish electrical connections between the transducer system and an external substrate, the contact points further being adapted to facilitate mounting of the transducer system on the external substrate by conventional surface mounting techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventors: Matthias Mullenborn, Jochen Kuhmann, Peter Scheel
  • Patent number: 6859542
    Abstract: A method of providing at least part of a diaphragm and at least a part of a back-plate of a condenser microphone with a hydrophobic layer so as to avoid stiction between said diaphragm and said back-plate. The layer is deposited via a number small of openings in the back-plate, the diaphragm and/or between the diaphragm and the back-plate. Provides a homogeneous and structured hydrophobic layer, even to small internal cavities of the microstructure. The layer may be deposited by a liquid phase or a vapor phase deposition method. The method may be applied naturally in continuation of the normal manufacturing process. Further, a MEMS condenser microphone is provided having such a hydrophobic layer. The static distance between the diaphragm and the back-plate of the microphone is smaller than 10 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Sonion Lyngby A/S
    Inventors: Ib Johannsen, Niels Bent Larsen, Matthias Mullenborn, Pirmin Hermann Otto Rombach
  • Publication number: 20040202345
    Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature MEMS microphone comprising a single-ended transducer element connected to an amplifier providing a differential electrical output at terminals arranged at a substantially plane exterior surface. The differential or balanced output signal provides a miniature microphone exhibiting a high dynamic range and a reduced susceptibility to EMI. The microphone is adapted for surface mounting thus the extra output terminal required is still suitable for low cost mass production. In preferred embodiments the transducer element and amplifier are silicon-based. The microphone may have a plurality of separate single-ended transducer elements connected to separate amplifiers providing separate differential outputs. The microphones according to the invention are advantageous for applications within for example hearing aids and mobile equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Lar Jorn Stenberg, Matthias Mullenborn, Igor Mucha
  • Publication number: 20040120540
    Abstract: A silicon-based transducer assembly coupled to a movable structure in a hearing instrument. The transducer assembly includes at least one microphone chip and an ASIC having multiple integrated components such as any combination of a DSP, an A/D converter, an amplifier, a filter, or a wireless interface. The movable structure may be a battery access door, a volume dial, a switch, or a touch pad. A protection strip can be disposed across the battery access door to prevent debris from clogging the silicon-based transducer assembly. The transducer assembly may also include an array of microphone chips to achieve adaptive beam steering or directionality. When equipped with a wireless interface, the hearing instrument wirelessly communicates with another hearing instrument or with a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Matthias Mullenborn, Aart Z. van Halteren
  • Patent number: RE40781
    Abstract: A method of providing at least part of a diaphragm and at least a part of a back-plate of a condenser microphone with a hydrophobic layer so as to avoid stiction between said diaphragm and said back-plate. The layer is deposited via a number small of openings in the back-plate, the diaphragm and/or between the diaphragm and the back-plate. Provides a homogeneous and structured hydrophobic layer, even to small internal cavities of the microstructure. The layer may be deposited by a liquid phase or a vapor phase deposition method. The method may be applied naturally in continuation of the normal manufacturing process. Further, a MEMS condenser microphone is provided having such a hydrophobic layer. The static distance between the diaphragm and the back-plate of the microphone is smaller than 10 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Pulse MEMS ApS
    Inventors: Ib Johannsen, Niels Bent Larsen, Matthias Mullenborn, Pirmin Hermann Otto Rombach
  • Patent number: RE42346
    Abstract: A solid state silicon-based condenser microphone comprising a silicon transducer chip (1). The transducer chip includes a backplate (13) and a diaphragm (12) arranged substantially parallel to each other with a small air gap in between, thereby forming an electrical capacitor. The diaphragm (12) is movable relative to the backplate (13) in response to incident sound. An integrated electronic circuit chip (3) or ASIC is electrically coupled to the transducer chip (1). An intermediate layer (2) fixes the transducer chip (1) to the integrated electronic circuit chip (3) with the transducer chip (1) on a first side of the intermediate layer (2) and the integrated electronic circuit chip (3) on a second side of the intermediate layer (2) opposite the first side. The intermediate layer (2) has a sound inlet (4) on the same side as the ASIC giving access of sound to the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Epcos PTE Ltd.
    Inventors: Pirmin Rombach, Matthias Müllenborn, Ole Hansen, Matthias Heschel, Siebe Bouwstra, Maja Amskov Gravad, Henrick Laurids Hvims, Jørgen B. Elmer, legal representative
  • Patent number: RE42347
    Abstract: A solid state silicon-based condenser microphone comprising a silicon transducer chip (1). The transducer chip includes a backplate (13) and a diaphragm (12) arranged substantially parallel to each other with a small air gap in between, thereby forming an electrical capacitor. The diaphragm (12) is movable relative to the backplate (13) in response to incident sound. An integrated electronic circuit chip (3) or ASIC is electrically coupled to the transducer chip (1). An intermediate layer (2) fixes the transducer chip (1) to the integrated electronic circuit chip (3) with the transducer chip (1) on a first side of the intermediate layer (2) and the integrated electronic circuit chip (3) on a second side of the intermediate layer (2) opposite the first side. The intermediate layer (2) has a sound inlet (4) on the same side as the ASIC giving access of sound to the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Epcos PTE Ltd.
    Inventors: Pirmin Rombach, Matthias Müllenborn, Ole Hansen, Matthias Heschel, Siebe Bouwstra, Maja Amskov Gravad, Henrik Laurids Hvims, Jorgen B. Elmer, legal representative