Specified Casing Or Housing Patents (Class 381/322)
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Patent number: 11968494Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a loudspeaker apparatus. The loudspeaker apparatus may include a circuit housing, an ear hook, a rear hook, a loudspeaker component, and a magnetic connector. The circuit housing may be configured to accommodate a control circuit or a battery component. The ear hook may be connected to one end of the circuit housing and at least partially covered by a first protective housing. The rear hook connected to another end of the circuit housing and at least partially covered by a second protective housing. The magnetic connector may be configured to absorb a charging interface of an external power source to establish an electrical connection so as to charge the loudspeaker apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Yongjian Li, Haofeng Zhang, Fen You
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Patent number: 11962979Abstract: An apparatus includes a support configured to be worn on a head of a recipient and to hold at least one device next to the recipient's skull. The at least one device provides information to the recipient. The support is configured to generate a force that presses against the head and to actively adjust the force while the support is worn by the recipient.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2023Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Per Hillström, Kristian Gunnar Asnes
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Patent number: 11951220Abstract: The present invention refers to a storage device for headphones comprising a compartment for non liquid means for cleaning the headphones and/or means for charging electronic devices. It further refers to a cleaning device for headphones.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: DEGAUSS LABS ABInventors: Claes Persson, Nicolas Persson
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Patent number: 11937051Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a socket connector for a hearing device. The hearing device comprises a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) unit and a Receiver-In-the-Ear (RIE) unit, the BTE unit comprising a frame, wherein the frame comprises electronic components of the BTE unit, the RIE unit comprising a plug connector configured for providing an electrical connection between the RIE unit and the BTE unit. The socket connector is connectable to the frame of the BTE unit and is configured for detachably connecting the plug connector to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2023Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Laurids Egedal Kirchhoff
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Patent number: 11929625Abstract: A wireless charging hearing aid is disclosed, comprising a housing, an inner housing, a power management module, a circuit board and a control button. An electromagnetic induction technology is utilized in the disclosed to obtain an inductive current for charging a built-in battery. Elements within the housing do not need to be in contact with an external charging joint, the sealing of the housing is better, thereby achieving complete waterproofing and dustproofing, and improving the adaptability when using the disclosed. Besides, shapes and the number of layers of a receiving coil are flexibly designed according to requirements, and a magnetic conductive sheet is used to shield an inductive magnetic field to prevent the inductive magnetic field negatively influencing other elements. The elements within the housing can be arranged arbitrarily, which improves the flexibility in designing an overall appearance, and facilitates to incorporate artistic designs while reduces the design difficulties.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Inventor: Zhengdong Huang
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Patent number: 11930327Abstract: A hearing aid assembly includes a receiver speaker enclosed within a receiver housing. The receiver housing defines a circuitous receiver acoustic channel, wherein the receiver channel defines an open side along at least a portion of the receiver channel. The receiver channel also defines a pass-through passage extending from a first side of the receiver housing to a second side of the receiver housing, wherein the pass-through passage is partially defined by the wall defining a receiver opening. The hearing aid assembly also includes an earbud configured to fit over at least a portion of the receiver housing and partially cover the open side of the receiver channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2023Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, Brian Thomas Dahl
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Patent number: 11917358Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a loudspeaker apparatus. The loudspeaker apparatus may include a circuit housing, an ear hook, a rear hook, a loudspeaker component, and a magnetic connector. The circuit housing may be configured to accommodate a control circuit or a battery component. The ear hook may be connected to one end of the circuit housing and at least partially covered by a first protective housing. The rear hook connected to another end of the circuit housing and at least partially covered by a second protective housing. The magnetic connector may be configured to absorb a charging interface of an external power source to establish an electrical connection so as to charge the loudspeaker apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Yongjian Li, Haofeng Zhang, Fen You
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Patent number: 11917355Abstract: An earphone includes a housing that defines a force input surface opposite a touch input surface. A spring member in the housing includes a first arm that biases a touch sensor toward the touch input surface. The spring member also includes a second arm that biases a first force electrode toward the housing and allows the first force electrode to move toward a second force electrode when a force is applied to the force input surface. A non-binary amount of the force is determinable using a change in a mutual capacitance between the first force electrode and the second force electrode. The mutual capacitance between the first force electrode and the second force electrode may be measured upon detecting a touch using the touch sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nahid Harjee, Brian R. Twehues, Teera Songatikamas
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Patent number: 11889266Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system comprising: an ear tip including a transmit coil, wherein the transmit coil is connected to an audio processor, including an H Bridge circuit; a first input to the H Bridge circuit comprising an AND circuit wherein a first input to the AND circuit comprises a carrier signal and a second input to the AND circuit comprises an output of a delta sigma modulation circuit, wherein the delta sigma modulation circuit is a component of the audio processor; and a second input to the H Bridge circuit comprising an NAND circuit wherein a first input to the NAND circuit comprises a carrier signal and a second input to the NAND circuit comprises an output of the delta sigma modulation circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Earlens CorporationInventors: Lawrence W. Arne, Douglas Webb, Jeffrey Ward Tuttle, Konstadinos Hatzianestis
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Patent number: 11835683Abstract: A tactile feedback mechanism is provided, including a movable part, a fixed part, and a driving assembly. The movable part includes a first weight element. The movable part is movable relative to the fixed part. The driving assembly is used for driving the movable part to move relative to the fixed part. The first weight element is made of a metal material.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Pai-Jui Cheng, Shu-Shan Chen
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Patent number: 11818533Abstract: The embodiments of present disclosure disclose a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker may include an ear hook including a first plug end and a second plug end. The ear hook may be surrounded by a protection sleeve, and the protection sleeve may be made of an elastic waterproof material. The loudspeaker may include an earphone core housing configured to accommodate the earphone core, and the earphone core housing may be fixed to the first plug end through plugging, and may be elastically abutted against the protection sleeve elastically. The loudspeaker may include a circuit housing configured to accommodate a control circuit or a battery. The circuit housing may be fixed to the second plug end through plugging.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Chaowu Li, Yongjian Li
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Patent number: 11792564Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hearing device comprising an earpiece provided with a vent configured to provide for a venting of sound waves between an inner region of the ear canal and an ambient environment outside the ear canal; the earpiece further comprising an acoustic valve including a valve member moveable relative to the vent between different positions and an actuator configured to provide an actuation force for a movement of the valve member such that an effective open cross-sectional area of the vent can be modified by the movement of the valve member; the hearing device further comprising an output transducer configured to be acoustically coupled to the inner region of the ear canal.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Erwin Kuipers, Manuel Weibel, Christian Frei-Krumme, Maxi Susanne Moritz
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Patent number: 11765529Abstract: A bone conduction device, including a transducer and a housing, wherein the housing is directly flexibly connected to the transducer at a dynamic component of the bone conduction device and directly flexibly connected to a static component of the bone conduction device. In an exemplary embodiment, the bone conduction device is a percutaneous bone conduction device.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Dan Nyström, Tobias Good
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Patent number: 11750967Abstract: A microphone includes a base, at least one sound receiving element, and a flexible circuit board. The base has a plurality of supporting portions, a plurality of damping portions, and a bearing portion. The plurality of supporting portions are spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of damping portions is disposed on an inner surface of the corresponding supporting portion. The bearing portion is connected to the plurality of damping portions and is suspended between the plurality of supporting portions. The at least one sound receiving element is disposed on the base. The flexible circuit board is disposed on the base and has a first transmission segment. The first transmission segment is electrically coupled to the at least one sound receiving element, and the first transmission segment has a plurality of bending sections.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: HTC CorporationInventors: Li-Hsun Chang, Chen-Fu Chang, I-Chung Wu, Pei-Wen Wang
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Patent number: 11743630Abstract: The application discloses an eartip, an earphone device, an earphone housing and a hearbud housing device. The eartip can include an outer portion, an inner portion, and an encapsulated volume formed by the inner and outer portion, wherein the outer portion is designed to contact the ear canal, and wherein the inner portion is designed to fit upon a stent. In an alternative embodiment, the airtip can include an inverted body, wherein when the inverted body is at least partially folded on itself the inverted body is arranged to include a bulbous region sized for insertion in an ear canal, a cavity internal to the bulbous region that holds a gas, where increasing pressure on the bulbous region releases a portion of the gas.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Earsoft, LLCInventor: John P Keady
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Patent number: 11722828Abstract: Disclosed is a hearing device comprising a housing. The housing comprises a first input transducer configured to generate one or more input transducer signals based on a received audio signal. The housing comprises a push button for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device. The housing comprises a foam element arranged at least partly between the first input transducer and the push button for supporting the push button, wherein the foam element comprises a first foam part being an open-cell foam which is configured for accumulating ear wax and dirt.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventors: Alexander Wildt Forrest, Laurids Egedal Kirchhoff, Emil Holm Knudsen
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Patent number: 11716581Abstract: A medical hearing-aid earphone includes a housing, and a battery assembly and a circuit board assembly located in the housing, where the housing is internally provided with a sound cavity, and the medical hearing-aid earphone further includes a speaker assembly located in the housing and a holder sleeved outside the speaker assembly. The holder and the speaker assembly divide the sound cavity into a front sound cavity and a rear sound cavity, where a relative position of the speaker assembly in the holder is adjustable during assembling. The medical hearing-aid earphone is convenient to adjust space sizes of a front sound cavity and a rear sound cavity, so that the medical hearing-aid earphone can be customized according to requirements of different users and has a larger application range.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: MERRY ELECTRONICS(SUZHOU) CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuanqiao Peng, Guanghong Yu, Xu Liu, Xiaolong Liu
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Patent number: 11716574Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a speaker device. The speaker device may include a core housing, a circuit housing, an ear hook, and a housing sheath. The core housing may be configured to accommodate an earphone core. The circuit housing may be configured to accommodate a control circuit or a battery. The control circuit or the battery may be configured to drive the earphone core to vibrate to produce sound. The ear hook may be configured to connect the core housing and the circuit housing. The housing sheath may at least partially cover the circuit housing and the ear hook. The housing sheath may include waterproof material. The waterproof performance of the speaker device may be improved through sealed connections among various components of the speaker device in the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Chaowu Li, Yongjian Li, Yueqiang Wang
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Patent number: 11711660Abstract: The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. Sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to telecoils, and GMR or TMR sensors. Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, James R. Newton
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Patent number: 11683631Abstract: A flexible arm that is configured to be located between and physically and electrically connect an acoustic module of an open-ear headphone to a battery housing of the open-ear headphone. The flexible arm defines an original resting length and position between the acoustic module and the battery housing. The flexible arm includes a flexible printed circuit that extends through the entire original resting length of the flexible arm and comprises a conductor that is configured to carry electrical energy between the acoustic module and the battery housing. A first interface structure is coupled to one of the acoustic module and the battery housing. A flexible material encases at least some of the flexible printed circuit and at least some of the first interface structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2022Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: BOSE CORPORATIONInventors: Caitlin Hanson, Robert Knox, Richard Lionel Lanoue, III, Allen Graff, Andrew J. LaFosse, Nathan T. Smith, Edgardo Alicea, Thomas D. Chambers
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Patent number: 11682533Abstract: An earbud device having a user interface that incorporates a rotary switch is described. The rotary switch is part of a stem that extends from the main body of the earbud, and can provide file selection and/or volume control functions. The interface can include a pressure switch, which can provide switching between on, off, and sleep modes. The pressure switch can also be positioned on the stem, and in some embodiments the rotary switch can also act as the pressure switch when pressed. In some embodiments the user interface can utilize a combination of rotary switch and pressure switch inputs.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Soniphi LLCInventor: Wayne J. Powell
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Patent number: 11678099Abstract: Disclosed is a hearing device configured to be worn in an ear of a user. The hearing device is configured to provide an audio signal to the user. The hearing device comprises a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly comprises a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly comprises: a first circuit board; a second circuit board; a third circuit board interconnected with the first circuit board and the second circuit board; and a fourth circuit board. The circuit assembly comprises a battery, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is folded about the battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: GN HEARING 2 A/SInventor: Emil Holm Knudsen
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Patent number: 11671768Abstract: A hearing aid, in particular a BTE hearing aid, includes a base part and an ear hook which can be attached to the base part. In an assembled state, the base part and the ear hook are connected by a nozzle and a receptacle. A sound channel runs through the nozzle. The nozzle has a circumferential outer wall and the receptacle has a circumferential inner wall. In the assembled state, a circumferential sealing ring having a thickness is disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall. The sealing ring lies in particular in an annular groove and the inner wall preferably has two reduction sections which compress the sealing ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Elson Lim, Ravikumar Badiger, Trung Le
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Patent number: 11670305Abstract: Methods of compensating for lost data packets in hearing aid systems wherein a data streaming device streams packets of data to at least two hearing aids are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Earlens CorporationInventor: Brendan Larkin
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Patent number: 11671772Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported at, by, in or on the wearer's ear. A processor is disposed in the enclosure. A speaker or a receiver is coupled to the processor. A radio frequency transceiver is disposed in the enclosure and coupled to the processor. An antenna is disposed in or on the enclosure. A magnetically coupled feed arrangement comprises a separable transformer. The separable transformer comprises a first coil coupled to the antenna and a second coil coupled to the transceiver, wherein the second coil is physically and electrically separated from the first coil. The feed arrangement is configured to feed the antenna via mutual inductance between the first and second coils.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Paul Anders Shriner, Aaron Anderson, Gregory J. Haubrich, Nasser Pooladian
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Patent number: 11665489Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hearing aid and detachable speaker unit assembly. The detachable speaker unit assembly comprises a fastening structure to provide an enhanced removal force and stable insertion into the ear canal of the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Oticon A/SInventors: Bjarne Laursen, Bozhidar Kuzhuharov
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Patent number: 11659343Abstract: A listening device is disclosed for positioning in an ear canal of a user to process an environmental sound signal. The device can include an earpiece positionable in the ear canal of the user. A microphone can be positioned on the earpiece for receiving the environmental sound signal when the earpiece is positioned in the user's ear canal. A sound processing unit can be electrically coupled with the microphone, the sound processing unit programmed to produce a processed sound signal by identifying a target sound signature within the environmental sound signal received from the microphone, and modifying the identified target sound signature within the processed sound signal. A speaker can be electrically coupled to the sound processing unit, the speaker configured to project the processed sound signal as audible sound.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Inventors: William Dickinson, David Gnewikow
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Patent number: 11659312Abstract: In an embodiment, an earphone having a solid earphone body is provided. A first mounting recess is formed in a first end of the earphone body. A first acoustic driver is disposed in the first mounting recess. At least a first sound bore is formed in the solid earphone body. The at least a first sound bore fluidly communicates with the first mounting recess and a first exit port formed at a second end of the earphone body. The second end of the earphone body is configured to be placed in an ear canal of a user. The earphone can be fabricated by a method that includes defining negative spaces for the first acoustic driver and the at least a first sound bore in a virtual model of the earphone body.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Audiolineout LLCInventors: Valivann Seangly, Ben Loeliger, Kenneth Ball, Caleb Rosenau
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Patent number: 11653158Abstract: The present disclosure relates in a first aspect to a head-wearable hearing instrument comprising first and second portions and a radio-frequency data communication interface configured to transmit and receive data packets at transmit and receipt time slots, respectively, through a wireless communication channel. The head-wearable hearing instrument comprises a connector assembly configured to electrically and mechanically interconnect the first portion with the second portion. The second portion comprises a sensor configured to measure a physical property and generate sensor data representative of the measured physical property. The head-wearable hearing instrument further comprises a wired data communication link extending between the first and second portions through the connector assembly for transmission of sensor data during transmit time slots. Said transmit time slots of the sensor data and at least said receipt time slots of the wireless communication channel are non-overlapping in time.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventors: Søren Helstrup Kvist, Thorvaldur Oli Bodvarsson
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Patent number: 11653151Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a speaker device. The speaker device may include a core housing, a circuit housing, an ear hook, and a housing sheath. The circuit housing may be configured to accommodate a control circuit or a battery. The control circuit or the battery may be configured to drive an earphone core to vibrate to generate a sound. The core housing may be configured to accommodate the earphone core. The core housing may include a housing front panel facing a human body and a housing rear panel opposite to the housing front panel. The earphone core may be configured to cause the housing front panel and the housing rear panel to vibrate. Vibration of the housing front panel may have a first phase, and vibration of the housing rear panel may have a second phase.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Chaowu Li, Yongjian Li, Yueqiang Wang
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Patent number: 11653161Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a socket connector for a hearing device. The hearing device comprises a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) unit and a Receiver-In-the-Ear (RIE) unit, the BTE unit comprising a frame, wherein the frame comprises electronic components of the BTE unit, the RIE unit comprising a plug connector configured for providing an electrical connection between the RIE unit and the BTE unit. The socket connector is connectable to the frame of the BTE unit and is configured for detachably connecting the plug connector to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Laurids Egedal Kirchhoff
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Patent number: 11653160Abstract: An apparatus includes a support configured to be worn on a head of a recipient and to hold at least one device next to the recipient's skull. The at least one device provides information to the recipient. The support is configured to generate a force that presses against the head and to actively adjust the force while the support is worn by the recipient.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2022Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Per Hillström, Kristian Gunnar Asnes
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Patent number: 11647342Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for avoidance of user discomfort due to pressure differences by vent valve. In one embodiment, a method for equalizing air pressure in ear canal includes sensing a pressure difference between a pressure in ear canal (PEC) and an ambient pressure (PAMB) by a sensor of a hearing device. Based on sensing the pressure difference, an active valve is set to a first position to open a vent through the hearing device or to a second position to close the vent through the hearing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Sonova AGInventor: Erwin Kuipers
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Patent number: 11638101Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2022Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventors: Henrik Nielsen, Thomas John Chappell, Søren Davids, Shi Pu, Anders Hjermø Michaelsen
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Patent number: 11638084Abstract: The application is directed to an eartip. The eartip can include an outer portion, an inner portion, and an encapsulated volume formed by the inner and outer portion, wherein the outer portion is designed to contact the ear canal, and wherein the inner portion is designed to fit upon a stent.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2019Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Earsoft, LLCInventor: John Keady
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Patent number: 11632638Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a hearing device, comprising a receiver and an active vent. The method includes 1) upon request to switch the active vent into a different state, estimating a transfer function (H, Hrec?mic) from the receiver to obtain a first transfer function (?a), 2) subsequently switching the active vent, 3) subsequently estimating a transfer function (H, Hrec?mic) from the receiver to obtain a second transfer function (?b), 4) comparing the first transfer function (?a) to the second transfer function (?b) to obtain a divergence measure (D), 5) concluding that the active vent has actually been switched into the different state if the divergence measure (D) exceeds a threshold (Ddiff).Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Sonova AGInventor: Jean-Louis Durrieu
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Patent number: 11606639Abstract: An earpiece including an intra-auricular support, a projection element coupled thereto, and a flexible body disposed thereon and inside an external ear canal of an ear, and a moldable earpiece material moldable about the intra-auricular support to conform to the auricle of an ear and curable to provide a fixed configuration of the earpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2022Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Decibullz LLCInventor: Kyle J Kirkpatrick
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Patent number: 11592689Abstract: An adaptor system to facilitate use of eyewear with an audio processor for a cochlear hearing implant. The system includes an audio processor adaptor configured to mount to the audio processor and an eyewear adaptor configured to mount to the eyewear. The audio processor adaptor and the eyewear adaptor can be selectively connected to join the eyewear and the audio processor. The audio processor adaptor may include an ear hook portion that allows the audio processor to be worn over a wearer's ear even when separated from the eyewear. The adaptor system may be provided as a kit including a plurality of audio processor adaptors configured to mount to different audio processors and/or a plurality of eyewear adaptors configured to mount to different eyewear. The adaptors may include universal connectors that allow any audio processor adaptor to be interconnected with any eyewear adaptor.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: Daniel A. Taylor, Jaclyn D. Vander Ploeg
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Patent number: 11582545Abstract: An acoustic output device includes a base case whose internal space is formed as an arrangement space and in which an insertion hole communicating with the internal space is formed, a cover that covers at least a part of the base case, an elastically deformable waterproof sheet including a flat surface portion joined to the base case and a bag-shaped pocket portion inserted into the insertion hole, a push button including an operating portion to be pressed and operated and a working portion inserted into the pocket portion, a substrate that is arranged in the arrangement space, and a switch that is arranged on the substrate and operated by the working portion via the pocket portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Daisuke Kurihara, Ryo Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 11575984Abstract: An earphone includes an earphone body, a loudspeaker embedded on the wearing surface of the earphone body, a gas bag disposed on the base member of the earphone body, a gas actuator disposed on the base member of the earphone body, and a valve component having a valve unit. When the gas actuator and the valve component are driven, the valve unit is opened to control gas introduction of the gas actuator, and the gas actuator is actuated to transmit the gas to the ventilating channel for gas collection, and the gas actuator further transmits the gas to the gas bag for inflating the gas bag, so that the gas bag is expanded and protruded out of the wearing surface, thereby capable of allowing the earphone to be stably worn and attached to a user's ear portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Ta-Wei Hsueh, Yu-Tzu Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Yang Ku, Yi-Ting Lu
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Patent number: 11570559Abstract: A hearing instrument comprises a wireless communication unit interconnected with an antenna for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field having an RF wavelength, a speaker interconnected with the wireless communication unit and being configured to provide an output audio signal. A battery is configured to supply power to the hearing instrument and a filter circuit interconnects the battery and a power management circuit of the hearing instrument. The antenna extends from a feed and at least a part of the antenna being is arranged adjacent the battery. A distance between the at least part of the antenna and the battery is below 1/40 of the wavelength. The filter circuit is configured to de-couple the battery and the power management circuit at frequencies above 3 MHz and configured to connect the battery to the power management circuit at frequencies below 300 kHz.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventors: Søren Kvist, Alexandre da Luz Pinto, Nikolaj Peter Brunvoll Kammersgaard
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Patent number: 11570561Abstract: A hearing device includes: an earpiece having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the earpiece is configured for insertion into an ear canal of a user, and wherein at least a part of the earpiece is configured for placement along a first bend of the ear canal; wherein the earpiece comprises a flexible member, at least a part of the flexible member located at the first end of the earpiece, wherein at least a part of the flexible member is configured for placement along a second bend of the ear canal located between the first bend and an eardrum.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Falcom A/SInventors: Vidya Krull, Andrew Dittberner
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Patent number: 11564025Abstract: An earplug includes a housing and a receiver positioned in the housing. The receiver may be configured to receive a wireless audio signal from an audio source external to the earplug and convert the wireless audio signal to an electrical audio signal. The earplug may include a speaker configured to receive electrical audio signal from the receiver and convert the electrical audio signal into audible sound output from a speaker port. The earplug may include a projection including an opening that defines at least a portion of a sound channel from the speaker. The projection may receive the audible sound output from the speaker and output the audible sound out of the earplug. The earplug may include earplug padding configured to form a seal with a user's ear canal. The earplug may include an acoustic vent positioned in the sound channel, including a waterproof membrane extending across the channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Pearson Blundell, Christopher Hudson, Zoltan S. Brutler
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Patent number: 11546708Abstract: An external component of a bone conduction device, including a vibrator and a platform configured to transfer vibrations from the vibrator to skin of the recipient, wherein the vibrator and platform are configured to quick connect and quick disconnect to and from, respectively, one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: David Nathan Morris, Marcus Andersson, Göran Björn, Kristian Gunnar Asnes, Carl Van Himbeeck
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Patent number: 11533573Abstract: A hearing device and subassembly therefor includes a sleeve member configured for at least partial insertion into a user's ear canal, the sleeve member defining a cavity that receives and retains at least a portion of a sound-producing electroacoustic transducer. The sleeve member includes a cable interface, wherein an electrical interface of a sound-producing electroacoustic transducer received in the cavity is accessible via the cable interface. The device also includes on or more sensors integrated with the sleeve member and positioned to sense a biomarker or other condition when the sleeve member is at least partially inserted into the user's ear canal. The hearing device includes conductive traces integrated with the sleeve member, where at least one conductive trace is electrically connected to the sensor and electrically connectable via the cable interface.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: KNOWLES ELECTRONICS, LLCInventors: Earl E. Houcek, Matthew Manley, Daryl Barry, Yahui Zhang, Steve Kearey
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Patent number: 11523205Abstract: Embodiments describe an eartip including an eartip body having an attachment end and an interfacing end opposite from the attachment end, and including an inner eartip body and an outer eartip body. The inner eartip body has a sidewall that extends between the interfacing end and the attachment end, and includes a groove formed in an outer surface of the sidewall. The outer eartip body is sized and shaped to be inserted into an ear canal and extends from the interfacing end toward the attachment end of the eartip.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Dustin A. Hatfield, Shota Aoyagi, Timothy E. Emmott, Ethan L. Huwe, Mitchell R. Lerner, Sean T. McIntosh, Yi-Fang D. Tsai, Jason C. Della Rosa, Patrick W. Sheppard, Samuel G. Parker, David J. Feathers, Brian R. Twehues, Daniel Strongwater
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Patent number: 11516600Abstract: A hearing aid is configured to be worn in and/or at an ear of a user, and comprises a) an input transducer for converting an input sound to an electric input signal representing sound, b) an output transducer for converting a processed electric output signal to an output sound, c) a signal processor operationally coupled to the input and output transducers and configured to apply a forward gain to the electric input signal or a signal originating therefrom, wherein the input transducer, the signal processor and the output transducer forming part of a forward path of the hearing aid.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: OTICON A/SInventors: Meng Guo, Bernhard Kuenzle
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Patent number: 11504533Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compact hearing aids, components thereof, and support systems therefor, as well as methods of insertion and removal thereof. The compact hearing aids generally include a sensor, such as a microphone, an actuation mass, an energy source for providing power to the compact hearing aid, a processor, and an actuator enclosed in a housing that is designed to be inserted through the tympanic membrane during a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. In operation, the microphone receives sound waves and converts the sound waves into electrical signals. A processor then modifies the electrical signals and provides the electrical signals to the actuator. The actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical motion, which actuates the actuation mass to modulate the velocity or the position of the tympanic membrane.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2021Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: NANOEAR CORPORATION, INC.Inventors: Ron L. Moses, Michael M. Moore, Christopher Salthouse
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Patent number: 11490214Abstract: A hearing aid electrical contact structure and a hearing aid are provided. The hearing aid electrical contact structure includes: a housing, wherein the housing includes a front section and a rear section connected to each other; the rear section is used for accommodating a battery and at least a part of a flexible circuit board; an outer side surface of the rear section has at least two side holes; a conductive contact sheet is assembled in each of the at least two side holes, and the conductive contact sheet is electrically connected to a pad of the flexible circuit board; an outer surface of the conductive contact sheet realizes a transition with the outer side surface of the rear section. The hearing aid electrical contact structure has a smooth surface without any groove structure or convex structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Xiamen Retone Hearing Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chengxiang Zhang
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Patent number: 11477587Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for training a hearing prosthesis to classify/categorize received sound signals as either including a recipient's own voice (i.e., the voice or speech of the recipient of the hearing prosthesis) or external voice (i.e., the voice or speech of one or more persons other than the recipient). The techniques presented herein use the captured voice (speech) of the recipient to train the hearing prosthesis to perform the classification of the sound signals as including the recipient's own voice or external voice.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Matthew Brown