Patents by Inventor Thomas Blaise Bergner

Thomas Blaise Bergner 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: 11006230
    Abstract: Photoactive cleaning hearing assistance devices and methods of cleaning hearing assistance devices are described. Photoactive nanoparticles may be disposed on or in the hearing assistance devices. The photoactive nanoparticles provide a localized surface plasmon resonance effect when illuminated with light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Sidney A. Higgins, Susan Marie Johansson
  • Patent number: 10405109
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for modular circuit component for a hearing assistance device flex antenna. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a universal apparatus for use with multiple hearing assistance devices. The apparatus includes a circuit module including an outer radial surface, the circuit module configured to provide electronics for a hearing assistance device. A flex circuit loop antenna is configured to be affixed to the outer radial surface, and the antenna is configured for wireless communication for the hearing assistance device. After the antenna is affixed to the outer radial surface, the circuit module is configured to be inserted into a plurality of different main hearing assistance device chassis. In various embodiments, the circuit module includes a retention feature and the antenna includes an opening configured to align with and receive the retention feature to affix the antenna to the circuit module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Jay Rabel
  • Publication number: 20190166439
    Abstract: Photoactive cleaning hearing assistance devices and methods of cleaning hearing assistance devices are described. Photoactive nanoparticles may be disposed on or in the hearing assistance devices. The photoactive nanoparticles provide a localized surface plasmon resonance effect when illuminated with light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Sidney A. Higgins, Susan Marie Johansson
  • Patent number: 10257624
    Abstract: A hearing aid is described which incorporates an antenna integrated into the housing or shell. The hearing aid shell may constructed by forming an inner shell portion, disposing an antenna on an outer surface of the inner shell portion, and forming an outer shell portion around the inner shell portion. In various embodiments, the hearing aid shell may be constructed using an injection molding process or a 3D printing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Rabel, Thomas Spaulding, Thomas Blaise Bergner
  • Patent number: 10219088
    Abstract: Photoactive cleaning hearing assistance devices and methods of cleaning hearing assistance devices are described. Photoactive nanoparticles may be disposed on or in the hearing assistance devices. The photoactive nanoparticles provide a localized surface plasmon resonance effect when illuminated with light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Sidney A. Higgins, Susan Marie Johansson
  • Publication number: 20180115843
    Abstract: Photoactive cleaning hearing assistance devices and methods of cleaning hearing assistance devices are described. Photoactive nanoparticles may be disposed on or in the hearing assistance devices. The photoactive nanoparticles provide a localized surface plasmon resonance effect when illuminated with light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Sidney A. Higgins, Susan Marie Johansson
  • Publication number: 20180063657
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for modular circuit component for a hearing assistance device flex antenna. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a universal apparatus for use with multiple hearing assistance devices. The apparatus includes a circuit module including an outer radial surface, the circuit module configured to provide electronics for a hearing assistance device. A flex circuit loop antenna is configured to be affixed to the outer radial surface, and the antenna is configured for wireless communication for the hearing assistance device. After the antenna is affixed to the outer radial surface, the circuit module is configured to be inserted into a plurality of different main hearing assistance device chassis. In various embodiments, the circuit module includes a retention feature and the antenna includes an opening configured to align with and receive the retention feature to affix the antenna to the circuit module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Jay Rabel
  • Patent number: 9743198
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for modular circuit component for a hearing assistance device flex antenna. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a universal apparatus for use with multiple hearing assistance devices. The apparatus includes a circuit module including an outer radial surface, the circuit module configured to provide electronics for a hearing assistance device. A flex circuit loop antenna is configured to be affixed to the outer radial surface, and the antenna is configured for wireless communication for the hearing assistance device. After the antenna is affixed to the outer radial surface, the circuit module is configured to be inserted into a plurality of different main hearing assistance device chassis. In various embodiments, the circuit module includes a retention feature and the antenna includes an opening configured to align with and receive the retention feature to affix the antenna to the circuit module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Jay Rabel
  • Publication number: 20170055088
    Abstract: A hearing aid is described which incorporates an antenna integrated into the housing or shell. The hearing aid shell may constructed by forming an inner shell portion, disposing an antenna on an outer surface of the inner shell portion, and forming an outer shell portion around the inner shell portion. In various embodiments, the hearing aid shell may be constructed using an injection molding process or a 3D printing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Jay Rabel, Thomas Spaulding, Thomas Blaise Bergner
  • Patent number: 9497554
    Abstract: Described herein is a multi-pin flex-based electrical plug and socket that can be incorporated into a hearing aid and be used to serve two purposes depending on the orientation with which the plug is inserted into the socket. For example, the plug may be inserted into the socket in a first orientation (e.g., right-side up) for programming the hearing aid and inserted in a second orientation (e.g., upside down) for inputting a DAI signal. In an alternate embodiment, the plug and socket forms a both-ways-okay connector such that the plug can be inserted in a either a first orientation or a second orientation (e.g., either right-side up or upside down) and still function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Blaise Bergner
  • Patent number: 9363613
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing an environmentally sealed hearing assistance device that is easy to manufacture. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of manufacturing a hearing assistance device. A hearing assistance device electrical component is placed into a mold and a liquid polymer resin is inserted into the mold. The polymer resin is cured into a solid state to encase the electrical component. In various embodiments, the hearing assistance device is assembled using the encased electrical component. The polymer resin is adapted to resist moisture ingress and to protect the electrical component from corrosion, shock and vibration, in various embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Thomas Spaulding
  • Publication number: 20150326981
    Abstract: Described herein is a multi-pin flex-based electrical plug and socket that can be incorporated into a hearing aid and be used to serve two purposes depending on the orientation with which the plug is inserted into the socket. For example, the plug may be inserted into the socket in a first orientation (e.g., right-side up) for programming the hearing aid and inserted in a second orientation (e.g., upside down) for inputting a DAI signal. In an alternate embodiment, the plug and socket forms a both-ways-okay connector such that the plug can be inserted in a either a first orientation or a second orientation (e.g., either right-side up or upside down) and still function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Blaise Bergner
  • Publication number: 20150201288
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for modular circuit component for a hearing assistance device flex antenna. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a universal apparatus for use with multiple hearing assistance devices. The apparatus includes a circuit module including an outer radial surface, the circuit module configured to provide electronics for a hearing assistance device. A flex circuit loop antenna is configured to be affixed to the outer radial surface, and the antenna is configured for wireless communication for the hearing assistance device. After the antenna is affixed to the outer radial surface, the circuit module is configured to be inserted into a plurality of different main hearing assistance device chassis. In various embodiments, the circuit module includes a retention feature and the antenna includes an opening configured to align with and receive the retention feature to affix the antenna to the circuit module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Jay Rabel
  • Publication number: 20140044292
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for providing an environmentally sealed hearing assistance device that is easy to manufacture. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of manufacturing a hearing assistance device. A hearing assistance device electrical component is placed into a mold and a liquid polymer resin is inserted into the mold. The polymer resin is cured into a solid state to encase the electrical component. In various embodiments, the hearing assistance device is assembled using the encased electrical component. The polymer resin is adapted to resist moisture ingress and to protect the electrical component from corrosion, shock and vibration, in various embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: STARKEY LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Blaise Bergner, Thomas Spaulding
  • Patent number: 8638965
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to connections for receiver-in-canal hearing devices. In various embodiments, a hearing device includes a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component. A first connector portion is disposed in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics. A second connector portion is adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector portion. In various embodiments, at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion employ scratch pads for contacts. The first connector portion is top loading, in an embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Curt Johnson, Thomas Spaulding, Thomas Blaise Bergner
  • Publication number: 20120014549
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to connections for receiver-in-canal hearing devices. In various embodiments, a hearing device includes a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component. A first connector portion is disposed in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics. A second connector portion is adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector portion. In various embodiments, at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion employ scratch pads for contacts. The first connector portion is top loading, in an embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Curt Johnson, Thomas Spaulding, Thomas Blaise Bergner