Patents by Inventor Robert Schindler
Robert Schindler 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: 10605465Abstract: Appliances, such as hot water heaters, hot water heater controllers, and methods of operating such hot water heaters, that take into consideration the availability and capacity of alternative energy sources so that additional efficiencies can be realized by sensing the availability of an alternative energy source and adjusting the control algorithms used to control the use of the available electric power is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Joseph Ferron, Wayne Robert Schindler
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Publication number: 20170122574Abstract: Appliances, such as hot water heaters, hot water heater controllers, and methods of operating such hot water heaters, that take into consideration the availability and capacity of alternative energy sources so that additional efficiencies can be realized by sensing the availability of an alternative energy source and adjusting the control algorithms used to control the use of the available electric power is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2016Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Joseph Ferron, Wayne Robert Schindler
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Patent number: 8864255Abstract: Printing methods are provided. In one method, printing an inkjet image using a liquid hydrophilic inkjet ink onto a surface of a semi-absorbent recording medium generating a toner image having toner particles arranged conforming to the inkjet image and transferring the toner image onto the recording medium where an unabsorbed volume of the inkjet ink is present on the recording medium. The toner particles manage unabsorbed volumes of the inkjet ink to protect the recording medium from image artifacts that can be created by an unabsorbed volume of the inkjet ink on the surface without a liquid management toner image.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Thomas Nathaniel Tombs, Donald Saul Rimai, Roland Robert Schindler, II
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Patent number: 8503707Abstract: An embodiment provides a seal for retaining a hearing device within the ear canal comprising a curved shell having an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. An interior surface of a shell wall has a scalloped shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall conforms to the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The scalloped shape can be configured to produce a substantially constant amount of inward deformation of a shell wall independent of a force application point on a shell perimeter. The shell can include a coating to retain the seal in the canal and/or to promote asparagine growth into the coating to fastenly retain the seal in the canal.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C Urso, Adnan Shennib, Greg Anderson, Sunder Ram, Robert Schindler, Ian Day, James Buckley
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Publication number: 20130162704Abstract: Printing methods are provided. In one method, printing an inkjet image using a liquid hydrophilic inkjet ink onto a surface of a semi-absorbent recording medium generating a toner image having toner particles arranged conforming to the inkjet image and transferring the toner image onto the recording medium where an unabsorbed volume of the inkjet ink is present on the recording medium. The toner particles manage unabsorbed volumes of the inkjet ink to protect the recording medium from image artifacts that can be created by an unabsorbed volume of the inkjet ink on the surface without a liquid management toner image.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventors: Thomas Nathaniel Tombs, Donald Saul Rimai, Roland Robert Schindler, II
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Publication number: 20130162705Abstract: Printers are provided. In one printer, an inkjet image is printed on a receiver using a hydrophilic ink capturing an image of the first print after a predetermined period of absorption and local areas the receiver that have reached a threshold level of non-uniform distortion and where additional ink remains for absorption are identified. A liquid management toner image is generated that provides toner particles for transfer onto the receiver in the identified areas in register with the inkjet print as non-uniformly distorted; and transferring the liquid management toner image onto the receiver. The liquid management toner image reduces absorption of ink in the receiver in the identified areas control the extent of distortion in the area.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventors: Thomas Nathaniel Tombs, Donald Saul Rimai, Roland Robert Schindler, II
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Publication number: 20120201408Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting a deep-in-the-ear-canal (DIC) hearing aid into the ear canal, activating the inserted DIC hearing aid, and removing the DIC hearing aid. Exemplary apparatus may include a base a platform configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear, a chimney configured to fit into the ear canal projecting distally from the platform, and a DIC hearing aid or a DIC hearing aid removal device or a DIC hearing aid activation device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventor: Robert A. Schindler
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Publication number: 20120105136Abstract: A fuse system for use with a disposable component of a device may include a disposable component having at least a first lockout circuit and a second lockout circuit. The first lockout circuit may include a first fuse link, and the second lockout circuit may include a second fuse link. The fuse system may include a computing device in communication with the first lockout circuit and the second lockout circuit, and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the computing device. The computer-readable storage medium may include one or more programming instructions for deactivating the first fuse link at a first time, and deactivating the second fuse link at a second time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: THERMALTHERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: J. Michael Fausset, Michael Sturdevant, Robert Schindler, Michael Terry
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Publication number: 20120106016Abstract: A fuse system for a hyperthermia apparatus may include a disposable reservoir cartridge configured to be used with a hyperthermia apparatus. The disposable reservoir cartridge may include at least a first lockout circuit and a second lockout circuit. The first lockout circuit may include a first fuse link, and the second lockout circuit may include a second fuse link. The fuse system may include a computing device in communication with the first lockout circuit and the second lockout circuit, and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the computing device. The computer-readable storage medium may include one or more programming instructions for deactivating the first fuse link at a first time, and deactivating the second fuse link at a second time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: THERMALTHERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: J. Michael Fausset, Michael Sturdevant, Robert Schindler, Michael Terry
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Patent number: 8155361Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for inserting a deep-in-the-ear-canal (DIC) hearing aid into the ear canal. The method may be performed by a DIC hearing aid user self-inserting the hearing aid or by a second person assisting the user. Embodiments of a DIC hearing aid insertion device include a base configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear, a chimney configured to fit into the ear canal projecting distally from the base and having a channel sized for a DIC hearing aid, and a piston. The piston is supported by a support structure such that the piston's longitudinal axis is collinear with the channel and the piston is moveable into the channel. A method of using the insertion device includes seating the DIC hearing aid in the insertion device, positioning the base of the insertion conformably within the conchal bowl of the ear, and inserting the hearing aid deep into the ear canal.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Schindler
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Patent number: 8132586Abstract: A supervisory system and method for monitoring multiple flow rate fluid distribution systems and for determining the presence of a failure therein are provided. The system monitors the flow of fluid through the distribution system with a single flow meter, determines the flow rate at which fluid is flowing, and accumulates at that rate a water flow control value. If the accumulated water flow value exceeds a predetermined threshold, further flow of fluid in the system will be disabled. To take account of the multiple flow rates capable through the distribution system, the accumulated water flow value will decremented at the immediately preceding increment rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventor: Wayne Robert Schindler
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Publication number: 20100142739Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for inserting a deep-in-the-ear-canal (DIC) hearing aid into the ear canal. The method may be performed by a DIC hearing aid user self-inserting the hearing aid or by a second person assisting the user. Embodiments of a DIC hearing aid insertion device include a base configured to fit into the conchal cavity of an ear, a chimney configured to fit into the ear canal projecting distally from the base and having a channel sized for a DIC hearing aid, and a piston. The piston is supported by a support structure such that the piston's longitudinal axis is collinear with the channel and the piston is moveable into the channel. A method of using the insertion device includes seating the DIC hearing aid in the insertion device, positioning the base of the insertion conformably within the conchal bowl of the ear, and inserting the hearing aid deep into the ear canal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Robert A. Schindler
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Patent number: 7720242Abstract: Various embodiments provide a flexible joint for extended wear hearing devices. One embodiment provides a flexible joint for a hearing device comprising a compliant tube having a lateral and a medial end, a pivotal portion and a lumen. The hearing device can include a CIC hearing aid positioned in the bony portion of the ear canal. The tube ends are configured to be coupled to lateral and medial device assemblies. The tube allows the lateral assembly to advance the medial assembly into the bony portion of the ear canal and have the lateral and medial assemblies conform to the shape of the ear canal via pivotal movement. The tube also acoustically decouples the two assemblies. The pivotal portion can comprise a necked portion or otherwise have decreased stiffness relative to other tube portions. The tube can be shaped to fit over and retain one or both assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Greg Anderson, Adnan Shennib, Robert Schindler, Alex Tilson, Steve Blumenkranz, Ian Day
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Publication number: 20100098281Abstract: An embodiment provides a seal for retaining a hearing device within the ear canal comprising a curved shell having an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. An interior surface of a shell wall has a scalloped shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall conforms to the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The scalloped shape can be configured to produce a substantially constant amount of inward deformation of a shell wall independent of a force application point on a shell perimeter. The shell can include a coating to retain the seal in the canal and/or to promote asparagine growth into the coating to fastenly retain the seal in the canal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Urso, Adnan Shennib, Greg Anderson, Sunder Ram, Robert Schindler, Ian Day, James Buckley
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Patent number: 7664282Abstract: An embodiment provides a seal for retaining a hearing device within the ear canal comprising a curved shell having an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. An interior surface of a shell wall has a scalloped shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall conforms to the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The scalloped shape can be configured to produce a substantially constant amount of inward deformation of a shell wall independent of a force application point on a shell perimeter. The shell can include a coating to retain the seal in the canal and/or to promote asparagine growth into the coating to fastenly retain the seal in the canal.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard C Urso, Adnan Shennib, Greg Anderson, Sunder Ram, Robert Schindler, Ian Day, James Buckley
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Publication number: 20100024541Abstract: A supervisory system and method for monitoring multiple flow rate fluid distribution systems and for determining the presence of a failure therein are provided. The system monitors the flow of fluid through the distribution system with a single flow meter, determines the flow rate at which fluid is flowing, and accumulates at that rate a water flow control value. If the accumulated water flow value exceeds a predetermined threshold, further flow of fluid in the system will be disabled. To take account of the multiple flow rates capable through the distribution system, the accumulated water flow value will decremented at the immediately preceding increment rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventor: Wayne Robert Schindler
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Patent number: 7580537Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide seals for retaining hearing devices in the ear canal. An embodiment provides a seal for a hearing device comprising a curved shell having a wall and an opening at a shell apex portion. The shell defines a cavity for retention of a device component. The shell wall has a shape configured to distribute compressive forces applied to the shell perimeter such that when the shell is positioned in the canal, the shell wall dynamically conforms to changes in the shape of the canal to maintain an acoustical seal between a shell exterior surface and the canal walls. The shell can include an anti-microbial coating to produce a reduction in bacteria contacting the coating. Also, the shell wall can have a water vapor transmission rate to reduce moisture accumulation in the canal during periods of extended wear to reduce the incidence of infection and otitis.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Richard Carl Urso, Adnan Shennib, Greg Anderson, Sunder Ram, Robert Schindler, Ian Day, James Buckley, John Sadler, Alex Tilson
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Patent number: 7551747Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a protective cap assembly for a CIC hearing aid. The assembly comprises a perforated cap configured to be mounted over the lateral end of the hearing aid to protect the hearing aid from contaminants. At a least a portion of the cap includes a protective coating and a plurality of perforations. The placement and size of the perforations can be configured to provide sufficient aeration and drainage to reduce a relative humidity of the cap interior when the hearing aid is positioned in the ear canal. The perforations also operate as sound conduction channels for conducting sound to the cap interior. The perforations have a minimum size wherein a single perforation provides sufficient acoustic transmittance to a hearing aid component such that a hearing aid performance parameter is not substantially adversely affected. They can also be configured to provide splash protection for the cap interior.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Cuongdung Huynh, Greg Anderson, Sunder Ram, Dean Johnson, Richard Gable, Robert Schindler, Pat Contioso, Gregory Kushner, Richard Carl Urso, Adnan Shennib
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Patent number: 7477753Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, assemblies and methods for packaging hearing devices to protect them during shipping and storage. Many embodiments provide packaging systems that allow metal-air battery powered hearing aids to be stored for several months or longer with a live battery and then ready for use upon opening of the packaging. One embodiment provides a packaging system for a hearing aid comprising a packaging container and a hearing aid disposed in the container. The container comprises an air-impermeable material and has a removal cap that forms an air-impermeable seal with the container. The hearing aid can be positioned on a compliant support coupled to the interior surface of the cap. The support and container protect the hearing aid from shock and vibration as well as reducing the application of force to sensitive components. The container can also include one or more structures for ESD protection.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: James P. Buckley, Robert Schindler, Pat Contioso, John Sadler
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Publication number: 20070154042Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, assemblies and methods for packaging hearing devices to protect them during shipping and storage. Many embodiments provide packaging systems that allow metal-air battery powered hearing aids to be stored for several months or longer with a live battery and then ready for use upon opening of the packaging. One embodiment provides a packaging system for a hearing aid comprising a packaging container and a hearing aid disposed in the container. The container comprises an air-impermeable material and has a removal cap that forms an air-impermeable seal with the container. The hearing aid can be positioned on a compliant support coupled to the interior surface of the cap. The support and container protect the hearing aid from shock and vibration as well as reducing the application of force to sensitive components. The container can also include one or more structures for ESD protection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.Inventors: James Buckley, Robert Schindler, Pat Contioso, John Sadler