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).
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Patent number: 8971559Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Michael Karl Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 8923539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
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Publication number: 20130108093Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Micro Ear Technology, Inc., d/b/a MICRO-TECHInventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
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Patent number: 8433088Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Inventors: Mike K. Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 8412100Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jorge F. Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 8259973Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
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Patent number: 8218804Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Mike K. Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
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Publication number: 20120163640Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: MICRO EAR TECHNOLOGY, INC. d/b/a Micro-TechInventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 8027638Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 7822217Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Hagen, Mark A. Bren, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson, David A. Preves
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Patent number: 7813762Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
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Publication number: 20080273727Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Lawrence Hagen, Mark A. Bren, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson, David A. Preves
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Patent number: 7447325Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts, Blane Anderson, Mike K. Sacha
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Publication number: 20080199030Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: Mike K. Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 7369671Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Starkey, Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Mike K. Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 7369669Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Hagen, Mark A. Bren, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson, David A. Preves
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Publication number: 20070230727Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: Jorge Sanguino, Randall W. Roberts
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Patent number: 7248713Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Micro Bar Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Bren, Lawrence T. Hagen, Randall W. Roberts, Timothy S. Peterson
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Patent number: 7010136Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.Inventors: Randall W. Roberts, David A. Preves, Mark A. Bren
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Publication number: 20040052392Abstract: 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. The magnetic field can be generated by a magnet in a telephone handset. The hearing aid further is programmed based on time-varying characteristics of the magnetic field. Wireless activation or deactivation of the hearing aid is also described. A magnetic field dependant switch turns the hearing aid on or off.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Mike K. Sacha, Mark A. Bren, Timothy S. Peterson, Randall W. Roberts