Patents by Inventor Nikhil Nilakantan
Nikhil Nilakantan 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: 11889302Abstract: The presence of a wireless device and/or accessory that cannot maintain an independent network connection can be detected by network connected wireless devices and the location of the detected device and/or accessory can be reported to a device location service. As the wireless devices and/or accessories do not have independent network connections, periodic maintenance is performed on those devices by nearby owner devices to which the wireless devices and/or accessories are paired or associated. Described herein are systems, methods, and associated devices to maintain a locatable wireless device by a set of multiple owner devices for that wireless device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Kenneth U. Victa, Benjamin A. Detwiler, Nikhil Nilakantan, Todd Wheeler, Robert W. Mayor, Brent M. Ledvina, E. Thomas Erdmann, IV, Sriram Hariharan
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Publication number: 20230328515Abstract: The presence of a wireless device and/or accessory that cannot maintain an independent network connection can be detected by network connected wireless devices and the location of the detected device and/or accessory can be reported to a device location service. As the wireless devices and/or accessories do not have independent network connections, periodic maintenance is performed on those devices by nearby owner devices to which the wireless devices and/or accessories are paired or associated. Described herein are systems, methods, and associated devices to maintain a locatable wireless device by a set of multiple owner devices for that wireless device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Kenneth U. Victa, Benjamin A. Detwiler, Nikhil Nilakantan, Todd Wheeler, Robert W. Mayor, Brent M. Ledvina, E. Thomas Erdmann, IV, Sriram Hariharan
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Publication number: 20230276183Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported by or in an ear of the wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the enclosure and comprises a wireless transceiver. An antenna is situated in or on the enclosure and coupled to the wireless transceiver. The antenna comprises a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a strap comprising a reactive component connected to the first and second antenna elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
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Patent number: 11736938Abstract: The presence of a wireless device and/or accessory that cannot maintain an independent network connection can be detected by network connected wireless devices and the location of the detected device and/or accessory can be reported to a device location service. As the wireless devices and/or accessories do not have independent network connections, periodic maintenance is performed on those devices by nearby owner devices to which the wireless devices and/or accessories are paired or associated. Described herein are systems, methods, and associated devices to maintain a locatable wireless device by a set of multiple owner devices for that wireless device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Kenneth U. Victa, Benjamin A. Detwiler, Nikhil Nilakantan, Todd Wheeler, Robert W. Mayor, Brent M. Ledvina, E. Thomas Erdmann, IV, Sriram Hariharan
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Patent number: 11678129Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported by or in an ear of the wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the enclosure and comprises a wireless transceiver. An antenna is situated in or on the enclosure and coupled to the wireless transceiver. The antenna comprises a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a strap comprising a reactive component connected to the first and second antenna elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
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Publication number: 20220070667Abstract: The presence of a wireless device and/or accessory that cannot maintain an independent network connection can be detected by network connected wireless devices and the location of the detected device and/or accessory can be reported to a device location service. As the wireless devices and/or accessories do not have independent network connections, periodic maintenance is performed on those devices by nearby owner devices to which the wireless devices and/or accessories are paired or associated. Described herein are systems, methods, and associated devices to maintain a locatable wireless device by a set of multiple owner devices for that wireless device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: Kenneth U. Victa, Benjamin A. Detwiler, Nikhil Nilakantan, Todd Wheeler, Robert W. Mayor, Brent M. Ledvina, E. Thomas Erdmann, IV, Sriram Hariharan
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Publication number: 20210235206Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported by or in an ear of the wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the enclosure and comprises a wireless transceiver. An antenna is situated in or on the enclosure and coupled to the wireless transceiver. The antenna comprises a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a strap comprising a reactive component connected to the first and second antenna elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
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Patent number: 11012795Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported by or in an ear of the wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the enclosure and comprises a wireless transceiver. An antenna is situated in or on the enclosure and coupled to the wireless transceiver. The antenna comprises a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a strap comprising a reactive component connected to the first and second antenna elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
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Publication number: 20200245083Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported by or in an ear of the wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the enclosure and comprises a wireless transceiver. An antenna is situated in or on the enclosure and coupled to the wireless transceiver. The antenna comprises a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a strap comprising a reactive component connected to the first and second antenna elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
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Patent number: 10715937Abstract: An ear-worn electronic device includes a housing comprising a first end and an opposing second end, a first side and an opposing second side, and the first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The first side is configured to contact the wearer's head. A battery is disposed within the housing proximate the first end. An acoustic receiver or an acoustic receiver connector is disposed within the housing proximate the second end. Electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radio are disposed in the housing. A directional magnetic antenna is situated in or on the housing and coupled to the NFMI radio. The antenna comprises a core having a complex shape and a coil wound around a portion of the core. The core comprises a closed end oriented toward a source of magnetic noise and an open end oriented away from the source of magnetic noise.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Greg Haubrich, Nikhil Nilakantan
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Patent number: 10631109Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported by or in an ear of the wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the enclosure and comprises a wireless transceiver. An antenna is situated in or on the enclosure and coupled to the wireless transceiver. The antenna comprises a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a strap comprising a reactive component connected to the first and second antenna elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Greg Haubrich
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Publication number: 20200015024Abstract: An ear-worn electronic device includes a housing comprising a first end and an opposing second end, a first side and an opposing second side, and the first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The first side is configured to contact the wearer's head. A battery is disposed within the housing proximate the first end. An acoustic receiver or an acoustic receiver connector is disposed within the housing proximate the second end. Electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radio are disposed in the housing. A directional magnetic antenna is situated in or on the housing and coupled to the NFMI radio. The antenna comprises a core having a complex shape and a coil wound around a portion of the core. The core comprises a closed end oriented toward a source of magnetic noise and an open end oriented away from the source of magnetic noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: Greg Haubrich, Nikhil Nilakantan
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Patent number: 10511920Abstract: An ear-worn electronic device includes a housing comprising a first end and an opposing second end, a first side and an opposing second side, and the first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The first side is configured to contact the wearer's head. A battery is disposed within the housing proximate the first end. An acoustic receiver or an acoustic receiver connector is disposed within the housing proximate the second end. Electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radio are disposed in the housing. A directional magnetic antenna is situated in or on the housing and coupled to the NFMI radio. The antenna comprises a core having a complex shape and a coil wound around a portion of the core. The core comprises a closed end oriented toward a source of magnetic noise and an open end oriented away from the source of magnetic noise.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Greg Haubrich, Nikhil Nilakantan
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Publication number: 20190320269Abstract: An ear-worn electronic device includes a housing comprising a first end and an opposing second end, a first side and an opposing second side, and the first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The first side is configured to contact the wearer's head. A battery is disposed within the housing proximate the first end. An acoustic receiver or an acoustic receiver connector is disposed within the housing proximate the second end. Electronics including a near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) radio are disposed in the housing. A directional magnetic antenna is situated in or on the housing and coupled to the NFMI radio. The antenna comprises a core having a complex shape and a coil wound around a portion of the core. The core comprises a closed end oriented toward a source of magnetic noise and an open end oriented away from the source of magnetic noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Greg Haubrich, Nikhil Nilakantan
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Publication number: 20190098420Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported by or in an ear of the wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the enclosure and comprises a wireless transceiver. An antenna is situated in or on the enclosure and coupled to the wireless transceiver. The antenna comprises a first antenna element, a second antenna element, and a strap comprising a reactive component connected to the first and second antenna elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2017Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Greg Haubrich
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Patent number: 10090875Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a protective cover configured to attach to a wireless device having an exterior surface. The surface includes a first portion and a second portion mutually exclusive from the first portion. The second portion of the surface is associated with at least a portion of an antenna of the wireless device that performs proximity sensing for the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to cover the first portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to not cover the second portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. As a result, the proximity sensing and/or the power transmitted by the antenna are not affected by the protective cover when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device and when the wireless device is operational.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Penumbra Brands, LLCInventors: Ryan Gerard McCaughey, Kevin Wolentarski, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Richard Shields
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Patent number: 10090578Abstract: An external case is configured to attach to a wireless device that has an antenna and a case separate from the external case. The external case has a first case portion and a second case portion. The second case portion is moveably attached to the first case portion and is moveable between a first position corresponding to the external case being closed and a second position corresponding to the external case being open. Additionally, the second case portion has an antenna system. The antenna system is parasitically coupled to the antenna of the wireless device. The antenna system receives from and sends to free space when the wireless device is operational, when the external case is attached to the wireless device, and when the second case portion is in the first position and in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Penumbra Brands, LLCInventors: Kevin Wolentarski, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Shields, Mike Farese, Ryan McCaughey, Justin Adams
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Publication number: 20180069582Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a protective cover configured to attach to a wireless device having an exterior surface. The surface includes a first portion and a second portion mutually exclusive from the first portion. The second portion of the surface is associated with at least a portion of an antenna of the wireless device that performs proximity sensing for the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to cover the first portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to not cover the second portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. As a result, the proximity sensing and/or the power transmitted by the antenna are not affected by the protective cover when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device and when the wireless device is operational.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Ryan Gerard McCaughey, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Richard Shields
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Patent number: 9838060Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a protective cover configured to attach to a wireless device having an exterior surface. The surface includes a first portion and a second portion mutually exclusive from the first portion. The second portion of the surface is associated with at least a portion of an antenna of the wireless device that performs proximity sensing for the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to cover the first portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. The protective cover is configured to not cover the second portion of the surface when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device. As a result, the proximity sensing and/or the power transmitted by the antenna are not affected by the protective cover when the protective cover is attached to the wireless device and when the wireless device is operational.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Antenna79, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Gerard McCaughey, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Richard Shields
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Publication number: 20170047635Abstract: An external case is configured to attach to a wireless device that has an antenna and a case separate from the external case. The external case has a first case portion and a second case portion. The second case portion is moveably attached to the first case portion and is moveable between a first position corresponding to the external case being closed and a second position corresponding to the external case being open. Additionally, the second case portion has an antenna system. The antenna system is parasitically coupled to the antenna of the wireless device. The antenna system receives from and sends to free space when the wireless device is operational, when the external case is attached to the wireless device, and when the second case portion is in the first position and in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2015Publication date: February 16, 2017Applicant: Antenna79, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Wolentarski, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Shields, Mike Farese, Ryan McCaughey, Justin Adams