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).

  • Patent number: 11889302
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230328515
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Kenneth U. Victa, Benjamin A. Detwiler, Nikhil Nilakantan, Todd Wheeler, Robert W. Mayor, Brent M. Ledvina, E. Thomas Erdmann, IV, Sriram Hariharan
  • Publication number: 20230276183
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
  • Patent number: 11736938
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11678129
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
  • Publication number: 20220070667
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Kenneth U. Victa, Benjamin A. Detwiler, Nikhil Nilakantan, Todd Wheeler, Robert W. Mayor, Brent M. Ledvina, E. Thomas Erdmann, IV, Sriram Hariharan
  • Publication number: 20210235206
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
  • Patent number: 11012795
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
  • Publication number: 20200245083
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Gregory John Haubrich
  • Patent number: 10715937
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Haubrich, Nikhil Nilakantan
  • Patent number: 10631109
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Greg Haubrich
  • Publication number: 20200015024
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Greg Haubrich, Nikhil Nilakantan
  • Patent number: 10511920
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Haubrich, Nikhil Nilakantan
  • Publication number: 20190320269
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Greg Haubrich, Nikhil Nilakantan
  • Publication number: 20190098420
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Ezdeen Elghannai, Nikhil Nilakantan, Aaron Anderson, Greg Haubrich
  • Patent number: 10090875
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Penumbra Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Gerard McCaughey, Kevin Wolentarski, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Richard Shields
  • Patent number: 10090578
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Penumbra Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Wolentarski, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Shields, Mike Farese, Ryan McCaughey, Justin Adams
  • Publication number: 20180069582
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan Gerard McCaughey, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Richard Shields
  • Patent number: 9838060
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Antenna79, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Gerard McCaughey, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Richard Shields
  • Publication number: 20170047635
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: Antenna79, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Wolentarski, Nikhil Nilakantan, Karl Shields, Mike Farese, Ryan McCaughey, Justin Adams