Patents by Inventor Randall W. Roberts

Randall W. Roberts 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: 8971559
    Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically, non-manually switches at least one of inputs, filters, or programmable parameters in the presence of a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Karl Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
  • 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: 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: 8433088
    Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically, non-manually switches at least one of inputs, filters, or programmable parameters in the presence of a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Mike K. Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8412100
    Abstract: An apparatus for an ear of a user comprising a custom-fitted, in-the-ear earmold, receiver electronics detachably connected to the earmold and amplifier electronics detachably and electrically connected to the receiver electronics. In some embodiments, the amplifier electronics include a wireless communications module with wireless communications electronics disposed in the wireless communications module, wherein the wireless communications electronics support wireless communications between the user and a device. Such teachings in various examples are applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional systems and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge F. Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
  • 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: 8218804
    Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically, non-manually, controls a configuration of the hearing aid in the presence of a magnetic field. In an embodiment, the switch in the hearing aid is configured to control a filtering configuration of the hearing aid in the presence of a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike K. Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20120163640
    Abstract: An apparatus for an ear of a user comprising a custom-fitted, in-the-ear earmold, receiver electronics detachably connected to the earmold and amplifier electronics detachably and electrically connected to the receiver electronics. In some embodiments, the amplifier electronics include a wireless communications module with wireless communications electronics disposed in the wireless communications module, wherein the wireless communications electronics support wireless communications between the user and a device. Such teachings in various examples are applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional systems and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: MICRO EAR TECHNOLOGY, INC. d/b/a Micro-Tech
    Inventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8027638
    Abstract: An apparatus for an ear of a user comprising a custom-fitted, in-the-ear earmold, receiver electronics detachably connected to the earmold and amplifier electronics detachably and electrically connected to the receiver electronics. In some embodiments, the amplifier electronics include a wireless communications module with wireless communications electronics disposed in the wireless communications module, wherein the wireless communications electronics support wireless communications between the user and a device. Such teachings in various examples are applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional systems and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7822217
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for diotically presenting second-order gradient directional hearing aid signals. The present subject matter provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio, and presents a desired directional signal to each ear. One aspect is a hearing aid system. In one embodiment, the system includes a first microphone system in a first device and a second microphone system in a second device. The first microphone system has a first output signal, and the second microphone system has a second output signal. Each output signal includes a first-order directional signal. The system further includes a first receiver circuit and a second receiver circuit. The combination of the first output signal and the second output signal provides a diotic presentation of a second-order gradient signal to both the first receiver circuit and the second receiver circuit. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Hagen, Mark A. Bren, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson, David A. Preves
  • Patent number: 7813762
    Abstract: A wireless communications adapter adapted for connection to a direct audio input of a hearing assistance device, the wireless communications adapter adapted for radio frequency communications with a remote device. Varying embodiments enable communication using a protocol compatible with a BLUETOOTH standard to reach a hearing assistance device through a direct audio input. Some examples of the wireless communication adapter offer microphone options to receive audio information and transmit it with far field communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20080273727
    Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Systems, devices and methods are provided for diotically presenting second-order gradient directional hearing aid signals. The present subject matter provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio, and presents a desired directional signal to each ear. One aspect is a hearing aid system. In one embodiment, the system includes a first microphone system in a first device and a second microphone system in a second device. The first microphone system has a first output signal, and the second microphone system has a second output signal. Each output signal includes a first-order directional signal. The system further includes a first receiver circuit and a second receiver circuit. The combination of the first output signal and the second output signal provides a diotic presentation of a second-order gradient signal to both the first receiver circuit and the second receiver circuit. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Lawrence Hagen, Mark A. Bren, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson, David A. Preves
  • Patent number: 7447325
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for selectively coupling hearing aids to electromagnetic fields. One aspect relates to a hearing aid device. In various embodiments, the hearing aid device includes an induction signal receiver for receiving induction signals, a microphone system for receiving acoustic signals, a hearing aid receiver, and a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit includes a proximity sensor for detecting an induction source. The signal processing circuit presents a first signal to the hearing aid receiver that is representative of the acoustic signals. When the induction source is detected, the signal processing circuit presents a second signal to the hearing aid receiver that is representative of the induction signals and transmits a third signal representative of the induction signals from the hearing aid device to a second hearing aid device. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts, Blane Anderson, Mike K. Sacha
  • Publication number: 20080199030
    Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a switch that automatically, non-manually switches at least one of inputs, filters, or programmable parameters in the presence of a magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Mike K. Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7369669
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for diotically presenting second-order gradient directional hearing aid signals. The present subject matter provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio, and presents a desired directional signal to each ear. One aspect is a hearing aid system. In one embodiment, the system includes a first microphone system in a first device and a second microphone system in a second device. The first microphone system has a first output signal, and the second microphone system has a second output signal. Each output signal includes a first-order directional signal. The system further includes a first receiver circuit and a second receiver circuit. The combination of the first output signal and the second output signal provides a diotic presentation of a second-order gradient signal to both the first receiver circuit and the second receiver circuit. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Hagen, Mark A. Bren, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson, David A. Preves
  • Patent number: 7369671
    Abstract: A hearing aid is provided with a a programmable, signal processing circuit electrically connecting an input system to an output system, a magnetic field sensor, and a selection circuit connected to the magnetic sensor. The selection circuit may be adapted to control at least one of the input system, output system, and the signal processing circuit, where the selection circuit in conjunction with the magnetic field is configured to select the system or circuit to control based a magnetic field strength received at the magnetic field sensor being one of at least three levels of magnetic field strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Starkey, Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike K. Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20070230727
    Abstract: An apparatus for an ear of a user comprising a custom-fitted, in-the-ear earmold, receiver electronics detachably connected to the earmold and amplifier electronics detachably and electrically connected to the receiver electronics. In some embodiments, the amplifier electronics include a wireless communications module with wireless communications electronics disposed in the wireless communications module, wherein the wireless communications electronics support wireless communications between the user and a device. Such teachings in various examples are applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional systems and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
  • 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: 7010136
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of employing an electronic hearing aid device to assist a hearing impaired patient. The resonance curve of the outer auditory canal of the patient is determined. A device in accordance with the present invention is tuned to a frequency response curve which matches the measured resonance curve. The device is tuned by adjusting the overshoot of a low pass filter stage which is interposed between the microphone input and a class D output stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall W. Roberts, David A. Preves, Mark A. Bren
  • Publication number: 20040052391
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for selectively coupling hearing aids to electromagnetic fields. One aspect relates to a hearing aid device. In various embodiments, the hearing aid device includes an induction signal receiver for receiving induction signals, a microphone system for receiving acoustic signals, a hearing aid receiver, and a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit includes a proximity sensor for detecting an induction source. The signal processing circuit presents a first signal to the hearing aid receiver that is representative of the acoustic signals. When the induction source is detected, the signal processing circuit presents a second signal to the hearing aid receiver that is representative of the induction signals and transmits a third signal representative of the induction signals from the hearing aid device to a second hearing aid device. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicants: Micro Ear Technology, Inc., d/b/a MICRO-TECH
    Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts, Blane Anderson, Mike K. Sacha