Patents by Inventor Melvin Duane Frerking
Melvin Duane Frerking 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: 9554220Abstract: A system and method for providing a hearing aid compatibility mode of communication service to hearing aid users is disclosed. The described system can store an indication at a communication network that a given account is used by a person who wears hearing aid equipment. Services provided to that account can then use communication parameters and network resources which tend to minimize interference with a hearing aid. The network can instruct the user equipment and the radio access network to communicate using hearing aid friendly parameters. In some cases, network resources beyond those allocated for accounts not indicated as hearing aid user accounts can be allocated. Parameters adjusted in hearing aid compatibility mode can include codec rates, operating power levels, and burst frame length, among others. In some described embodiments, the hearing aid compatibility mode can be selectively enabled as desired by an account user.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Patent number: 9326076Abstract: A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Publication number: 20140369539Abstract: A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Patent number: 8837759Abstract: A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Publication number: 20140153756Abstract: A system and method for providing a hearing aid compatibility mode of communication service to hearing aid users is disclosed. The described system can store an indication at a communication network that a given account is used by a person who wears hearing aid equipment. Services provided to that account can then use communication parameters and network resources which tend to minimize interference with a hearing aid. The network can instruct the user equipment and the radio access network to communicate using hearing aid friendly parameters. In some cases, network resources beyond those allocated for accounts not indicated as hearing aid user accounts can be allocated. Parameters adjusted in hearing aid compatibility mode can include codec rates, operating power levels, and burst frame length, among others. In some described embodiments, the hearing aid compatibility mode can be selectively enabled as desired by an account user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: AT&T MOBILITY II LLCInventor: Melvin Duane Frerking
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Patent number: 8670355Abstract: A system and method for providing a hearing aid compatibility mode of communication service to hearing aid users is disclosed. The described system can store an indication at a communication network that a given account is used by a person who wears hearing aid equipment. Services provided to that account can then use communication parameters and network resources which tend to minimize interference with a hearing aid. The network can instruct the user equipment and the radio access network to communicate using hearing aid friendly parameters. In some cases, network resources beyond those allocated for accounts not indicated as hearing aid user accounts can be allocated. Parameters adjusted in hearing aid compatibility mode can include codec rates, operating power levels, and burst frame length, among others. In some described embodiments, the hearing aid compatibility mode can be selectively enabled as desired by an account user.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Patent number: 8620319Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for selectively masking or revealing an availability of mobile voice and data services associated with a mobile device when a handoff frequency from data capable to data-limited networks exceeds a threshold. The system can include components that can detect a network handoff event, compute a handoff frequency and compare the handoff frequency to a threshold. Additional components can mask availability of voice and data services at mobile device based on the comparison. Also disclosed is a method for determining a mobile device location, mapping RF signal quality of data capable networks surrounding the location, and indicating an impending loss of service if the RF signal quality falls below a quality threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Balasubramaniam Kulasekaran Thandu, Melvin Duane Frerking
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Patent number: 8606333Abstract: A mechanism for switching a wireless device between normal operation and a lower-power mode is provided. A wireless device has a selection mechanism for reducing the power output of the wireless device. The wireless device then returns to a normal operation mode upon user release of the selection mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Patent number: 8594352Abstract: An apparatus and method for active cancellation of interference at a hearing assistive devices are presented. The apparatus includes an interference cancellation circuit for cancelling an interference component of a composite signal, and an activator circuit for enabling interference cancellation circuit. The interference cancellation circuit generates an estimated replica of the interference from an interference profile, inverts the replica to form a cancellation waveform, then adds the cancellation waveform to the composite signal to cancel the interference component. An interference profile can be provided by performing a training sequence on a composite signal to detect a repetitive signal and building a profile using its parameters, retrieving a profile stored in memory, or using an antenna to capture an RF signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela, Philip R. Specht
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Patent number: 8509466Abstract: A system and method provides optimization of the strength and orientation of the inductive field of a hearing aid compatible (“HAC”) device, relative to a telecoil in a user's hearing aid. One aspect provides control of the drive level of a transmitting telecoil contained in the HAC device. Other aspects provide steering of the inductive field of the device by using a telecoil array and controlling the amplitude or phase of the signals transmitted by each telecoil in the array to create a composite field. Another aspect provides a plurality of transmitting telecoils arranged such that each telecoil has a different orientation, and a plurality of switches for controlling which transmitting telecoil is active. The user may then select the telecoil having a preferred orientation. Another aspect allows a transmitting telecoil to be physically oriented to an optimal position by embedding the telecoil in a substantially spherical element.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventor: Melvin Duane Frerking
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Patent number: 8340336Abstract: A speaker assembly, a method for manufacturing a speaker assembly and a wireless device are provided. Such a speaker assembly may include a diaphragm for generating sound, a transducer for causing the diaphragm to generate sound and an integrated inductive element that is electrically connected to the transducer. The diaphragm, transducer and integrated inductive element are contained within the speaker assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Patent number: 8300865Abstract: A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Patent number: 8094848Abstract: An adjustable hearing assistive device that automatically configures to the hearing needs of a user. The adjustable hearing assistive device can be in the form of a hearing aid that includes a presence activated sensor adapted to receive setting data, hearing processing circuitry adapted to receive sound and manipulate an audio signal, and a controller adapted to configure the processing circuitry in response to the setting data so that sound output to a user is in accordance with the hearing needs of the user. The setting data can include settings for a default mode of operation or temporary settings for use when the user is in a particular environment. Setting data can be provided by a hearing profile tag in the form of an RFID tag and the presence activated sensor can be an RFID reader.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Publication number: 20110075872Abstract: A system and method provides optimization of the strength and orientation of the inductive field of a hearing aid compatible (“HAC”) device, relative to a telecoil in a user's hearing aid. One aspect provides control of the drive level of a transmitting telecoil contained in the HAC device. Other aspects provide steering of the inductive field of the device by using a telecoil array and controlling the amplitude or phase of the signals transmitted by each telecoil in the array to create a composite field. Another aspect provides a plurality of transmitting telecoils arranged such that each telecoil has a different orientation, and a plurality of switches for controlling which transmitting telecoil is active. The user may then select the telecoil having a preferred orientation. Another aspect allows a transmitting telecoil to be physically oriented to an optimal position by embedding the telecoil in a substantially spherical element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Melvin Duane Frerking
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Patent number: 7869612Abstract: A system and method provides optimization of the strength and orientation of the inductive field of a hearing aid compatible (“HAC”) device, relative to a telecoil in a user's hearing aid. One aspect provides control of the drive level of a transmitting telecoil contained in the HAC device. Other aspects provide steering of the inductive field of the device by using a telecoil array and controlling the amplitude or phase of the signals transmitted by each telecoil in the array to create a composite field. Another aspect provides a plurality of transmitting telecoils arranged such that each telecoil has a different orientation, and a plurality of switches for controlling which transmitting telecoil is active. The user may then select the telecoil having a preferred orientation. Another aspect allows a transmitting telecoil to be physically oriented to an optimal position by embedding the telecoil in a substantially spherical element.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventor: Melvin Duane Frerking
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Publication number: 20100303268Abstract: A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Publication number: 20100220867Abstract: An apparatus and method for active cancellation of interference at a hearing assistive devices are presented. The apparatus includes an interference cancellation circuit for cancelling an interference component of a composite signal, and an activator circuit for enabling interference cancellation circuit. The interference cancellation circuit generates an estimated replica of the interference from an interference profile, inverts the replica to form a cancellation waveform, then adds the cancellation waveform to the composite signal to cancel the interference component. An interference profile can be provided by performing a training sequence on a composite signal to detect a repetitive signal and building a profile using its parameters, retrieving a profile stored in memory, or using an antenna to capture an RF signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela, Philip R. Specht
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Patent number: 7787648Abstract: An apparatus and method for active cancellation of interference at a hearing assistive devices are presented. The apparatus includes an interference cancellation circuit for cancelling an interference component of a composite signal, and an activator circuit for enabling interference cancellation circuit. The interference cancellation circuit generates an estimated replica of the interference from an interference profile, inverts the replica to form a cancellation waveform, then adds the cancellation waveform to the composite signal to cancel the interference component. An interference profile can be provided by performing a training sequence on a composite signal to detect a repetitive signal and building a profile using its parameters, retrieving a profile stored in memory, or using an antenna to capture an RF signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela, Philip R. Specht
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Patent number: 7783067Abstract: A method and system to optimize the relative position of an inductive field of a hearing aid compatible device and a telecoil of a hearing assistive device, are provided. A Steerable Hearing Aid Compatible Device (SHAD) has a steerable inductive field for locating an inductive field in accordance with the location of a telecoil in the hearing assistive device. A Telecoil Hearing Assistive Device (THAD) has a telecoil and telecoil orientation tag. The location of the telecoil of the THAD is determined with respect to a reference system and this telecoil location information is stored on the telecoil orientation tag as Telecoil Location Information (TLI) and provided to the SHAD. In an exemplary embodiment the telecoil orientation tag may be an RFID tag that is read by a tag reader of the SHAD. The SHAD receives the TLI and generates an inductive field in accordance with the TLI, such as a position that is parallel to the telecoil of the THAD.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
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Patent number: 7397926Abstract: A system and method provides optimization of the strength and orientation of the inductive field of a hearing aid compatible (“HAC”) device, relative to a telecoil in a user's hearing aid. One aspect provides control of the drive level of a transmitting telecoil contained in the HAC device. Other aspects provide steering of the inductive field of the device by using a telecoil array and controlling the amplitude or phase of the signals transmitted by each telecoil in the array to create a composite field. Another aspect provides a plurality of transmitting telecoils arranged such that each telecoil has a different orientation, and a plurality of switches for controlling which transmitting telecoil is active. The user may then select the telecoil having a preferred orientation. Another aspect allows a transmitting telecoil to be physically oriented to an optimal position by embedding the telecoil in a substantially spherical element.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventor: Melvin Duane Frerking