Patents by Inventor Thomas John Chappell

Thomas John Chappell 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: 12069439
    Abstract: A method of configuring a custom insert of a charger, wherein the custom insert is for aligning a first charging element of a hearing device and a transmitter charging element of a charger, includes: obtaining a digital three-dimensional hearing device model comprising a representation of the first charging element; obtaining a digital three-dimensional charger model comprising a representation of the transmitter charging element; obtaining a digital three-dimensional insert model; obtaining a digital cavity representing a cavity in the custom insert; and creating a custom digital three-dimensional insert model based on the digital cavity and the digital three-dimensional insert model, such that the representation of the first charging element in the digital three-dimensional hearing device model and the representation of the transmitter charging element in the three-dimensional charger model, are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Søren Davids, Thomas John Chappell, Anders Hjermø Michaelsen
  • Publication number: 20240258830
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wirelessly rechargeable in-car hearing device, a charger for a wirelessly rechargeable in-car hearing device, and a system comprising a wirelessly rechargeable in-car hearing device and a charger for the wirelessly rechargeable in-car hearing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Thomas John Chappell, Søren Davids, Henrik Nielsen
  • Patent number: 12046914
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device, a charger for a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device, and a system comprising a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device and a charger for the wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Thomas John Chappell, Søren Davids, Henrik Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20230362562
    Abstract: An in-the-ear (ITE) part includes: a connector for coupling with a BTE part; a hollow earmould comprising a front end, a rear end, and a hollow cavity, wherein the front end of the earmould is configured to face a tympanic membrane of the user, the front end comprising a front opening, the front opening comprising a front filter, the rear end comprising a rear opening; a receiver in the hollow cavity; a sound passage extending between the front opening and the rear end; an active vent, wherein when the active vent is in an open state, the active vent provides a fluid connection through the sound passage, and wherein when the active vent is in a closed state, the active vent hinders the fluid connection through the sound passage; and a rear filter at the rear opening, or in the hollow cavity between the rear opening and the active vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Jan Johansen, Henrik Nielsen, Thomas John Chappell, Timea Denisa Merca, Thomas Olsgaard
  • Publication number: 20230353960
    Abstract: A method of configuring a custom insert of a charger, wherein the custom insert is for aligning a first charging element of a hearing device and a transmitter charging element of a charger, includes: obtaining a digital three-dimensional hearing device model comprising a representation of the first charging element; obtaining a digital three-dimensional charger model comprising a representation of the transmitter charging element; obtaining a digital three-dimensional insert model; obtaining a digital cavity representing a cavity in the custom insert; and creating a custom digital three-dimensional insert model based on the digital cavity and the digital three-dimensional insert model, such that the representation of the first charging element in the digital three-dimensional hearing device model and the representation of the transmitter charging element in the three-dimensional charger model, are aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Henrik NIELSEN, Søren DAVIDS, Thomas John CHAPPELL, Anders Hjermø MICHAELSEN
  • Patent number: 11792585
    Abstract: A method of configuring a custom insert of a charger, wherein the custom insert is for aligning a first charging element of a hearing device and a transmitter charging element of a charger, includes: obtaining a digital three-dimensional hearing device model comprising a representation of the first charging element; obtaining a digital three-dimensional charger model comprising a representation of the transmitter charging element; obtaining a digital three-dimensional insert model; obtaining a digital cavity representing a cavity in the custom insert; and creating a custom digital three-dimensional insert model based on the digital cavity and the digital three-dimensional insert model, such that the representation of the first charging element in the digital three-dimensional hearing device model and the representation of the transmitter charging element in the three-dimensional charger model, are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Søren Davids, Thomas John Chappell, Anders Hjermø Michaelsen
  • Publication number: 20230319494
    Abstract: A hearing device includes: an earmould having a front end comprising a front opening, a rear end, and a middle part, the front end of the earmould configured to face a tympanic membrane, the front opening being in fluid communication with an outside of an ear canal; a receiver housing at least partly in the earmould, the receiver housing accommodating a receiver; a sound passage extending at least between the front opening and the rear end; an active vent between an end of the receiver housing and the front opening of the earmould, wherein when the active vent is in an open state, the active vent allows sound transmission through the sound passage, and wherein when the active vent is in a closed state, the active vent hinders the sound transmission; and a supporting structure configured to maintain the receiver housing in place with respect to the earmould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Jan JOHANSEN, Henrik NIELSEN, Thomas John CHAPPELL, Timea Denisa MERCA, Thomas OLSGAARD
  • Publication number: 20230319495
    Abstract: Provided is a hearing device comprising an earmould. The earmould comprises a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and a middle part arranged in-between the front and a rear end. The front end comprises a front opening, and the rear end comprises a rear opening. The earmould is configured for the front end to be positioned facing a tympanic membrane of the user during use. The hearing device further comprises a receiver housing arranged at least partly within the earmould, and a supporting structure configured to hold the receiver housing in place within the earmould. At least part of the supporting structure comprises a material that is softer than the material used to make the middle part of the earmould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Jan JOHANSEN, Henrik NIELSEN, Thomas John CHAPPELL, Timea Denisa MERCA, Thomas OLSGAARD
  • Patent number: 11765525
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a charger insert part of a hearing instrument charger device comprising a charger casing having a receiving portion, and a first charger element, includes: obtaining a first virtual model of the rechargeable hearing instrument shaped or to be shaped to at least partly conform to a shape of a portion of an ear canal of a user, wherein the first virtual model comprises an allocated position for a second charger element; obtaining a second virtual model of the charger insert part for manufacturing the charger insert part, such that when the charger insert part is placed in the receiving portion, the first charger element will be in a relation with the second charger element; and shaping, by a manufacturing process, the charger insert part based on the second virtual model, the second virtual model being based on the first virtual model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Søren Davids, Thomas John Chappell
  • Publication number: 20230188908
    Abstract: A hearing instrument charger device for charging an individually shaped hearing instrument, includes: a charger casing; a charger power supply within the charger casing; a first charger coil connected to the charger power supply; charger electronics for controlling charging of the hearing instrument; and a holder configured for receiving the hearing instrument, the holder located within the charger casing; wherein the holder for the hearing instrument has a shape that is specific for the individually shaped hearing instrument, such that when the individually shaped hearing instrument is received in the holder, a second charger coil of the individually shaped hearing instrument is in an operative position for receiving charging power from the first charger coil of the hearing instrument charger device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Henrik NIELSEN, Søren DAVIDS, Thomas John CHAPPELL
  • Patent number: 11647341
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hearing aid for placement in an ear canal, the hearing aid having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is inserted into the ear canal to face the tympanic membrane, the distal end is opposite. The hearing aid comprises a shell customized for the ear canal. The shell comprises an inner space configured for at least partly receiving a rechargeable battery, a charging arrangement, at least one microphone arrangement, and an integrated circuit. The hearing aid comprises a faceplate comprising an upper face and a lower face, the upper face being exposed at the distal end when the shell is placed in the user's ear canal. The faceplate is configured for closing the inner space, wherein the IC is arranged between the faceplate and the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Thomas John Chappell, Søren Davids
  • Patent number: 11638101
    Abstract: A hearing aid for placement in an ear canal of a user, includes: a shell; a faceplate comprising an upper face, and a lower face, and a circumference, the upper face being exposed when the shell is placed in an ear of the user; a coil arranged at the faceplate; and a button arrangement comprising a plunger configured to control an integrated circuit arranged below the coil, the coil comprising one or more windings, the one or more windings being circumferential of an inner cavity of the coil with respect to a center or longitudinal axis of the coil, the button arrangement being configured such that the plunger in at least one position extends through the inner cavity of the coil for engaging the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Thomas John Chappell, Søren Davids, Shi Pu, Anders Hjermø Michaelsen
  • Patent number: 11582566
    Abstract: A hearing instrument charger device for charging an individually shaped hearing instrument, includes: a charger casing; a charger power supply within the charger casing; a first charger coil connected to the charger power supply; charger electronics for controlling charging of the hearing instrument; and a holder configured for receiving the hearing instrument, the holder located within the charger casing; wherein the holder for the hearing instrument has a shape that is specific for the individually shaped hearing instrument, such that when the individually shaped hearing instrument is received in the holder, a second charger coil of the individually shaped hearing instrument is in an operative position for receiving charging power from the first charger coil of the hearing instrument charger device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Søren Davids, Thomas John Chappell
  • Patent number: 11540067
    Abstract: A button structure for a hearing device, includes: a first microphone, the first microphone being configured to receive sound via a first microphone input; an elastic member comprising a first part and a second part, the first part comprising a user interface surface, the second part comprising a first opening, the first opening being aligned with the first microphone input; a switch component, wherein the user interface surface is configured to be operated by a user to activate the switch component; and an outer shielding comprising a shield opening and a second opening, wherein at least a portion of the first part of the elastic member extends through the shield opening, wherein the second opening of the outer shield is aligned with the first opening of the second part of the elastic member, and wherein the outer shielding is in contact with the elastic member to create a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Søren Davids, Thomas John Chappell
  • Publication number: 20220393507
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device, a charger for a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device, and a system comprising a wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device and a charger for the wirelessly rechargeable in-ear hearing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Thomas John Chappell, Søren Davids, Henrik Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20220240025
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hearing aid for placement in an ear canal, the hearing aid having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is inserted into the ear canal to face the tympanic membrane, the distal end is opposite. The hearing aid comprises a shell customized for the ear canal. The shell comprises an inner space configured for at least partly receiving a rechargeable battery, a charging arrangement, at least one microphone arrangement, and an integrated circuit. The hearing aid comprises a faceplate comprising an upper face and a lower face, the upper face being exposed at the distal end when the shell is placed in the user's ear canal. The faceplate is configured for closing the inner space, wherein the IC is arranged between the faceplate and the proximal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Henrik NIELSEN, Thomas John CHAPPELL, Søren DAVIDS
  • Patent number: 11368795
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hearing aid for placement in an ear canal, the hearing aid having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is inserted into the ear canal to face the tympanic membrane, the distal end is opposite. The hearing aid comprises a shell customized for the ear canal. The shell comprises an inner space configured for at least partly receiving a rechargeable battery, a charging arrangement, at least one microphone arrangement, and an integrated circuit. The hearing aid comprises a faceplate comprising an upper face and a lower face, the upper face being exposed at the distal end when the shell is placed in the user's ear canal. The faceplate is configured for closing the inner space, wherein the IC is arranged between the faceplate and the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Thomas John Chappell, Soren Davids
  • Publication number: 20220191628
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a charger insert part of a hearing instrument charger device comprising a charger casing having a receiving portion, and a first charger element, includes: obtaining a first virtual model of the rechargeable hearing instrument shaped or to be shaped to at least partly conform to a shape of a portion of an ear canal of a user, wherein the first virtual model comprises an allocated position for a second charger element; obtaining a second virtual model of the charger insert part for manufacturing the charger insert part, such that when the charger insert part is placed in the receiving portion, the first charger element will be in a relation with the second charger element; and shaping, by a manufacturing process, the charger insert part based on the second virtual model, the second virtual model being based on the first virtual model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Søren Davids, Thomas John Chappell
  • Publication number: 20220150646
    Abstract: A hearing aid for placement in an ear canal of a user, includes: a shell; a faceplate comprising an upper face, and a lower face, and a circumference, the upper face being exposed when the shell is placed in an ear of the user; a coil arranged at the faceplate; and a button arrangement comprising a plunger configured to control an integrated circuit arranged below the coil, the coil comprising one or more windings, the one or more windings being circumferential of an inner cavity of the coil with respect to a center or longitudinal axis of the coil, the button arrangement being configured such that the plunger in at least one position extends through the inner cavity of the coil for engaging the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: GN Hearing A/S
    Inventors: Henrik NIELSEN, Thomas John CHAPPELL, Søren DAVIDS, Shi PU, Anders Hjermø MICHAELSEN
  • Patent number: 11245989
    Abstract: A hearing aid for placement in an ear canal of a user, includes: a shell; a faceplate comprising an upper face, and a lower face, and a circumference, the upper face being exposed when the shell is placed in an ear of the user; a coil arranged at the faceplate; and a button arrangement comprising a plunger configured to control an integrated circuit arranged below the coil, the coil comprising one or more windings, the one or more windings being circumferential of an inner cavity of the coil with respect to a center or longitudinal axis of the coil, the button arrangement being configured such that the plunger in at least one position extends through the inner cavity of the coil for engaging the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Nielsen, Thomas John Chappell, Søren Davids, Shi Pu, Anders Hjermø Michaelsen