Power Supply Or Programming Interface Terminals Patents (Class 381/323)
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Publication number: 20130216079Abstract: A hearing aid includes a shell for accommodation of a signal processor for processing an audio signal into a processed audio signal, and a receiver that is connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the processed audio signal into an acoustic sound signal, and a flexible elongated member with a first end attached to the shell, and a second free end, wherein the flexible elongated member comprises a lumen for housing a wire that is for providing current to an electronic device, the flexible elongated member having a shape for stabilizing the shell relative to a user's ear.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: GN RESOUND A/SInventor: GN RESOUND A/S
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Patent number: 8515112Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: Scott A. Crawford, Douglas P. Lynch, Carla Mann Woods
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Patent number: 8515111Abstract: In an in-the-ear hearing aid forming an inner casing space with a shell 1 and a face plate 2, a protector 10 is provided to separate a battery housing space 8 and an inner shell space 9 which constitute the inner casing space. The face plate 2 forms an opening section 5 for loading and unloading a battery B and is integrally formed with battery contacting units 12, 13 by an insert molding method, while the protector 10 is provided to cover the battery B and is formed as a container with an opening section 10a, wherein the opening section 5 of the face plate 2 and the opening section 10a of the protector 10 are joined.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Rion Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsushi Saito
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Patent number: 8503706Abstract: The hearing device comprises a battery door (20); a connector (2) having N?1 electrical contacts (6); and a user control (8). The user control (8) consists of a) an elastic actuation member (14); and operationally connected thereto b) a contact changing member (12), which can be different from or identical with the elastic actuation member (14); and operationally connected thereto c) at least one of the N electrical contacts (6). At least a portion of the elastic actuation member (14) forms at least a portion of the battery door (20). The connector (2) is a connector for providing a communication connection to the hearing device. The user control(8) can be a pushbutton switch. The elastic actuation member (14) comprises a body substantially made of elastomeric material and can hold the contact changing member (12). The contact changing member (12) is provided for changing the state of contacting of said at least one electrical contact (6), e.g., to establish or interrupt an electrical connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: André Lucien Ochsenbein, André Simmler, Urs Zueger, Hans Georg Meier
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Publication number: 20130195303Abstract: With this hearing aid, when a battery case (2) is pulled out from a main body case (1), a battery (3) is held in place by a magnet (9) provided to the bottom portion (8) of the battery case (2). When the battery (3) is taken out, a finger (10) is inserted into a battery case compartment (4) of the main body case (1). At this point the finger (10) goes into a cut-out portion (7) provided to the battery case (2) and touches the battery (3), so the battery (3) is taken out by moving the finger (10) downward.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8494173Abstract: An integrated circuit includes at least one output cell including a first output cell having a ground pin connected to a ground rail, a first power supply pin connected to a first power rail, a second power supply pin connected to a second power rail, a data pin, at least one voltage select pin, and an output pin wired to the first output pad. The first output cell is configured to operate according to a first mode wherein the output pin has a first voltage amplitude, and according to a second mode wherein the output pin has a second voltage amplitude larger than the first voltage amplitude depending on a control signal applied to the at least one voltage select pin.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: GN ReSound A/SInventors: Dan Christian Raun Jensen, Palle Hegne Pedersen
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Patent number: 8477977Abstract: The hearing device comprises a connector (2) having at least one electrical contact (6); and a user control (8); wherein said user control (8) comprises said at least one electrical contact (6). Typically, said connector is a connector for providing a communication connection to said hearing device. The user control can be a pushbutton switch. In one embodiment, said connector comprises at least two electrical contacts (6), and said user control comprises a shorting member (12) for shorting said at least two electrical contacts when operated. In one embodiment, said user control comprises an elastic member (14), which is deformed when said user control is operated, for resetting said user control into its original position. Through this, a small-size hearing device can be realized. The method of operating a hearing device comprises the step of using at least one electrical contact (6) of a connector (2) of said hearing device as a part of a user control (8) of said hearing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Phonak AGInventor: Paul C. Aquilina
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Patent number: 8467556Abstract: A modular canal hearing aid assembly having a main module positioned in the ear canal and a disposable battery module laterally positioned in the ear canal. The main module incorporates the durable components of a hearing device including the receiver, microphone and electronics. The disposable battery module comprises consumable elements including battery and incoming sound port. The disposable battery module provides a unitary structure that is easier to handle, remove from the main module, and replace when any of the consumable elements is depleted or degraded. The canal hearing device assembly is generic in shape and provided with assorted seal tips for “instant fitting” without resorting to custom manufacturing.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Ihear Medical, Inc.Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela
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Patent number: 8462972Abstract: A listening device comprising an ITE part adapted for being located in an ear canal of a user and a BTE part adapted for being located behind an ear of the user, the ITE and BTE parts being at least mechanically connected by a connecting element, the listening device having a rechargeable energy source and electric charge terminals for allowing the charging of the rechargeable energy source when electrically connected to charging terminals of a charging station. Further, a method of charging a rechargeable energy source of a listening device and to a listening system. The electric charging terminals of the listening device are located in or on the ITE part, the connecting element or in an electrical connector of the connecting element connectable to the BTE part, or in an electrical connector of the BTE part connectable to the electrical connector of the connecting element.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Oticon A/SInventor: Simon Hastrup
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Patent number: 8462968Abstract: A mobile communication device that is compliant with the Hearing Aid Compliance Act. The device includes a coil and circuitry that can couple, through electromagnetic induction, the output of an audio codec of the device to a hearing aid. The coil and circuitry can also be used to charge the battery of the device. The coil and circuitry can further be used, through electromagnetic induction, to transfer energy from the battery of the device to the battery of the hearing aid to charge the battery of the hearing aid.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventor: Marc Drader
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Patent number: 8462973Abstract: An improved open ear hearing aid fitting for insertion into an ear canal is provided. The fitting offers enhanced acoustic performance while maintaining user comfort. The fitting comprises a polymeric body having at least one acoustic source and at least one aperture extending there through and a peripheral portion shaped to conform to surface of the ear canal. A porous material covers at least one aperture of the body.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventor: Wayne M. Gibbons
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Publication number: 20130142370Abstract: A microphone assembly having a housing, a transducer, and an electronic circuit. The housing has an opening, and the transducer is disposed within that opening. The electronic circuit covers the opening such that the transducer is surrounded by at least the electronic circuit and the housing. The electronic circuit includes a substrate and an amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal into an amplified electrical signal which is coupled to a connection means. The connection means provides a direct electrical connection between the electronic circuit and a receiver. The amplifier is mounted on the substrate and disposed on a side of the substrate of the electronic circuit facing the transducer. The receiver is disposed on a side opposite the side and outside the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Sonion Nederland B.V.Inventor: Sonion Nederland B.V.
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Publication number: 20130129128Abstract: Hearing devices configured to fit within the bony portion of the ear canal and batteries that may be used with same.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: INSOUND MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Paul Wagner, Stuart Wenzel, Michael Au, Igal Ladabaum
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Publication number: 20130129127Abstract: Hearing devices configured to fit within the bony portion of the ear canal and batteries that may be used with same.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: INSOUND MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Paul Wagner, Stuart Wenzel, Michael Au, Igal Ladabaum
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Patent number: 8442252Abstract: A hearing aid includes a casing, an ear hook, and an ear tube. The casing includes a first connector on an upper portion of the casing and a second connector on a lower portion of the casing, wherein the first and second connectors are substantially identical. The ear hook includes a receptacle sized to fit the first and second connectors and adapted to releasably couple to one of the first connector and the second connector. The ear tube includes a receptacle sized to fit the first and second connectors and adapted to releasably couple to another of the first connector and the second connector.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Audiotoniq, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Meosky, Frederick Neumeyer
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Publication number: 20130114838Abstract: A hearing device has a battery compartment for mounting a battery and is provided in a housing. While the battery compartment is being closed there is a risk that a contact element projecting into the battery compartment causes a short circuit between the poles of the battery. The hearing device has a contacting device for the battery that is easy to manufacture. In the battery compartment, a contact element is provided for electrical contacting of the battery which can be deflected against a spring force when inserting the battery. A contact region of the contact element as a result presses against the battery when the battery is inserted. The contact element has an abutment device formed from an electrically insulating material with a surface disposed obliquely in respect of a direction of insertion of the battery, against which the battery abuts when the contact region is deflected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.Inventor: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
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Patent number: 8437488Abstract: A hearing instrument comprises an openable cover lid, the cover lid comprising at least one electrical input element and at least one lid contact terminal arranged to physically and electrically contact at least one corresponding device contact terminal when the lid is in a closed position. The cover lid further comprises at least two electrical input, each of the at least two input elements being functionally associated with the impedance between the lid contact terminal and a further terminal, and the hearing instrument comprises means to infer the state of the input elements from said impedance. In a preferred embodiment, the number of input elements is equal to or larger than the number of lid contact terminals. In a further embodiment, the lid is the lid of a battery compartment of the hearing instrument, and in a closed position of the lid at least one of the input elements is in electrical contact with one of the terminals of a battery lying in the battery compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: Ivo Hasler, Andi Vonlanthen, Bruno Gabathuler
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Publication number: 20130101148Abstract: A hearing aid retainer accessory for use with a hearing aid that comprises a battery compartment to be fitted with a battery drawer, wherein the hearing aid retainer accessory comprises a retainer portion with a connection section that is adapted to be engaged with a hearing aid via a battery drawer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: OTICON A/SInventor: Oticon A/S
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Publication number: 20130083952Abstract: With a hearing aid device in a frame configuration, acoustic feedback is avoided with an opened battery charger. To this end, a seal surrounds the frame component in an annular manner, the seal sealing a gap between the frame component and the housing thus providing a more user friendly hearing aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.Inventor: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.
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Patent number: 8411888Abstract: A hearing aid (1) and a method of managing data stored in a logging device in a hearing aid is devised. The method involves obtaining sets of data representing parameters such as the sound environment at a predetermined data acquisition rate and storing the data according to one of a plurality of a set of possible parameter sets in a histogram (15) is having room for a limited number of instances of each particular set of parameters. If the limit for a particular histogram bin is reached when an instance is stored in the histogram, the data acquisition rate is adjusted according to a specified scheme and the number of instances of every parameter set is reduced by a fixed factor. Acquired data in the histogram thus reflects the most recent sound environments experienced by the hearing aid user.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Widex A/SInventor: Jakob Nielsen
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Publication number: 20130064407Abstract: A power management system for a digital processing core of a battery-powered hearing aid is adapted for providing power to the hearing aid circuit in a particularly efficient manner. The power management system comprises a first linear voltage regulator, and a second linear voltage regulator in series with a switched-capacitor 2:1 SC converter, a positive bulk biasing voltage supply, and a negative bulk biasing voltage supply, for controlling the switching speed, threshold voltage, and current leak from the semiconductor elements of the digital processing core when the core is operated at the reduced voltage provided by the power management system. The power management system may save between 50% and 70% of the power consumed by the digital processing core of the hearing aid circuit. The invention further provides a method for providing a supply voltage to a digital hearing aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: WIDEX A/SInventor: Per Flemming HOEVESTEEN
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Patent number: 8385573Abstract: The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device connection system for a user having an ear canal comprising a housing, electronics disposed in the housing, a cable electrically connected to the receiver and at least one conductive silicone component to electrically connect the electronics to the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Sidney A. Higgins
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Patent number: 8379896Abstract: The present invention concerns a feed device for feeding a microphone with a dc voltage. The feed device has first, second and third terminals (a, b, c), a resistor arrangement having at least a one resistor (R1-R3) and a dc voltage source (11) for providing a feed voltage. In that case the resistor arrangement is disposed between the dc voltage source (11) and the first and second terminals (a, b). In addition the feed device has a measuring device and a control device (4). The measuring device detects a dc voltage between the first and second terminals and the third terminal, and the control device (4) reduces or increases the ohmic resistance of the resistor arrangement and the feed voltage of the dc voltage source (11).Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Manfred Hibbing, Tom-Fabian Frey
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Patent number: 8369553Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance device for an ear of a wearer comprising a microphone for receiving sound, hearing assistance electronics in communications with the microphone, the hearing assistance electronics including a hybrid circuit, and a wearable housing adapted to house at least the hearing assistance electronics. The hybrid circuit comprises a first integrated circuit die having one or more through-silicon-vias (TSVs), a first redistribution layer disposed on a surface of the first integrated circuit, and a second integrated circuit die having one or more contacts, the second integrated circuit die disposed on the first redistribution layer, wherein the first redistribution layer is adapted to connect one or more of the one or more TSVs of the first integrated circuit die to one or more of the one or more contacts of the second integrated circuit die.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Craig Dumas, Douglas F. Link
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Patent number: 8369552Abstract: A microphone assembly having a housing, a transducer, and an electronic circuit. The housing has an opening, and the transducer is disposed within that opening. The electronic circuit covers the opening such that the transducer is surrounded by at least the electronic circuit and the housing. The electronic circuit includes a substrate and an amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal into an amplified electrical signal which is coupled to a connection means. The connection means provides a direct electrical connection between the electronic circuit and a receiver. The amplifier is mounted on the substrate and disposed on a side of the substrate of the electronic circuit facing the transducer. The receiver is disposed on a side opposite the side and outside the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Sonion Nederland B.V.Inventors: Wilmink Engbert, Aart Zeger van Halteren, Hendrik Dolleman, Paul Christiaan van Hal
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Patent number: 8363872Abstract: A magnetized hearing-aid earpiece inductive coupling system includes a hearing-aid earpiece including a magnetized assembly with an inductive coil. The earpiece also includes an earpiece controller that is communicatively coupled with the inductive coil and that controls adjustable settings of the earpiece. A hearing-aid programming device includes a magnetized coupler with a second inductive coil. The magnetized assembly and the magnetized coupler are configured to magnetically hold the two inductive coils in proximity to one another, such that the inductive coils inductively communicatively couple the earpiece controller with the hearing-aid programming device. The hearing-aid programming device is thereby enabled to instruct the earpiece controller to adjust the earpiece's adjustable settings.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Inventors: Dan Wiggins, Donald L Bowie
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Patent number: 8363869Abstract: A hearing aid including an audio-processing device. The audio-processing device may be configured to receive a signal from a microphone and send the signal to a receiver. The hearing aid may include a hearing aid housing coupled to the audio-processing device. The hearing aid housing may have a body and a battery door. The battery door may be coupled to the body to form a battery cavity. The battery door may be movable about an axis of rotation that extends through a circular cross section of the battery cavity. Additional hearing aid housing configurations and methods for manufacturing hearing aids are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Sonic Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Owen Brimhall, Jeremy Horton, Craig Collotzi
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Patent number: 8358785Abstract: Wireless communication is to be enabled between hearing units of small construction, especially between hearing aids with an increased data rate. To this end it is provided in accordance with the invention that the hearing unit is fitted with a transceiver which has an inductive receiving device and a digital wideband pulse transmitter. Two such hearing units can then communicate wirelessly with one another with the help of a communication station which is structurally separate from the hearing units and with which a message can be transmitted from the one to the other of the hearing units. The digital wideband pulse transmitter can be implemented in a structurally small manner in the hearing unit and with low power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHInventors: Peter Nikles, Ulrich Schätzle
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Publication number: 20130016862Abstract: A hearing aid includes a magnetostrictive electroactive (ME) sensor that generates an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field or a mechanical pressure. In various embodiments, the ME sensor is used for cordless charging of a rechargeable battery in the hearing aid by generating an electrical signal in response to a magnetic field generated for power transfer, magnetic sound signal reception, and/or detection of user commands by sensing a magnetic field or a pressure applied to the hearing aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: James R. Newton, Michael Karl Sacha, Wei Li Lin
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Publication number: 20130004003Abstract: This hearing aid comprises a main body case (1), a battery case (7) provided so that it can be pulled from inside the main body case (1) to outside of the main body case (1), a control device (14) that is actuated by electromotive force of an air battery (8) housed in the battery case (7), a microphone (4) and speaker (3) electrically connected to the control device (14), and a switching portion for cutting off power from the air battery (8) to the control device (14) in conjunction with manipulation that pulls at least part of the battery case (7) out of the main body case (1). A magnet (11) that blocks off air holes (10) in the air battery (8) is provided to the bottom part of the (7). The magnet (11) closes off the air holes (10) in conjunction with manipulation that pulls at least part of the battery case (7) out of the main body case (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventor: Minoru Tada
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Patent number: 8345903Abstract: A battery bay of a hearing device should be better protected against unwanted opening. A housing for a hearing device is therefore provided with: a battery bay that is mounted on the housing and can be moved into an open position as well as a closed position; a projection that is permanently attached to the housing, and a securing element to prevent a movement of the battery bay. The securing element is supported on the battery bay and can be pivoted between a secured position and an unsecured position. The securing element also engages behind the projection in the secured position and the closed position of the battery bay so that the battery bay cannot be moved into the open position. The securing element has a recess in which, in the secured position, a tool can be held to move the securing element into the unsecured position.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Uwe Flaig, Michael Sattler
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Patent number: 8345905Abstract: An arc-shaped waterproof wall is provided around a shaft to which a hearing aid main body case and a battery case are rotatably attached, and waterproof ribs are provided to the outer periphery of the installation face of the battery case and the hearing aid main body case, which improves the ability to prevent the penetration of moisture while also keep the cost low.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Keiichi Takeda, Yosimasa Simogochi, Minoru Tada, Makoto Yagi, Fumihiro Asayama
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Patent number: 8340339Abstract: In one embodiment, a headset system comprises a headset comprising a body and an earpiece, and a docking station comprising a receiving mechanism sized to receive a portion of the body. The earpiece can be located outside of the receiving mechanism when the portion of the body is coupled to the receiving mechanism. Other examples and embodiments are described herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.Inventors: Thorben Neu, Vijendra Nalwad, Carlos del Toro
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Patent number: 8340335Abstract: A modular canal hearing device having a speaker module placed in the bony region for extended wear while a main module is removably inserted in the cartilaginous region. The main module wirelessly activates the speaker module when placed in proximity thereto. The main module is removed daily or as needed for maintenance of the hearing device such as for battery replacement. The speaker module remains undisturbed in the bony region to avoid skin friction. The main module contains the microphone, electronics, battery and in the preferred embodiment an inductive coupling coil for inductively sending audio signals to the receiver module. The modular design allows for a highly miniaturized design that is easier to navigate in the ear canal for improved fit and sound fidelity at the eardrum while allowing easy maintenance of a removable module.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: iHear Medical, Inc.Inventor: Adnan Shennib
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Publication number: 20120314893Abstract: A hearing aid is powered by a rechargeable battery and senses a sound signal being a magnetic field using a telecoil. The hearing aid includes a battery recharge coil for receiving power from a hearing aid charger via an inductive couple. The telecoil and the inductive coil are integrated into a single device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Michael Karl Sacha, James R. Newton
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Patent number: 8325958Abstract: The components of a hearing apparatus and in particular of a hearing device are to be better protected against environmental influences. A hearing apparatus is thus provided with at least one acoustic converter, e.g. receiver, in a converter housing for receiving or outputting a sound, with a sound opening in the converter housing, through which or by which a sound is received or output respectively, being sealed with an airtight membrane. A pressure equalization facility is connected to the converter housing or is integrated onto the converter housing, so that the pressures on both sides of the membrane can be equalized.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Uwe Rass
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Patent number: 8311253Abstract: An earpiece. The earpiece includes an electronics module for wirelessly receiving incoming audio signals from an external source. The earpiece further includes a positioning and retaining structure comprising at least an outer leg and an inner leg, each of the outer leg and inner leg being attached at an attachment end to the body and attached at a joined end to each other. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure is substantially stiffer in one direction than in another. In its intended position, one of the two legs contacts the anti-helix at the rear of the concha, the joined end is under the anti-helix; a planar portion of the body contacts the concha; and a portion of the body is under the anti-tragus.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Ryan C. Silvestri, Eric M. Wallace, Kevin P. Annunziato, Ian M. Collier, Michael Monahan
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Publication number: 20120269370Abstract: A hearing device has a housing, in which an earpiece and a battery are disposed. The housing has a first housing part and a second housing part. The housing parts are connected to one another by way of a connection. At least one housing part or an attenuation element provided in the connection between the housing parts is formed of an elastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.Inventors: ENDRE BARTI, HARTMUT RITTER, MICHAEL SATTLER, CHRISTIAN WEISTENHÖFER
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Patent number: 8295521Abstract: A hearing apparatus with a housing including a housing interior is provided. Signal processing components are accommodated in the housing interior. The hearing apparatus includes a battery compartment fastened in or on the housing, which has a battery compartment interior into which a battery is inserted for supplying power to the hearing apparatus. Further, a membrane is provided, which separates the housing interior from the battery compartment interior. The membrane is fastened to the housing or to the battery compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Hoong Yih Chan, PhanHow Amy Cheng, Leep Foong Chew, Cheoung Hong Lee, Meng Kiang Lim
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Patent number: 8290191Abstract: A combination of a hearing aid (1) and an adapter shoe (13), wherein the hearing aid has a pivotable battery compartment (6), and wherein the adapter shoe has engagement means (14, 15) for engaging the exterior of the hearing aid housing, blocking means (21) for blocking pivoting of the pivotable wall, and engagement means (23) for engaging the pivotable wall. The invention also provides an adapter shoe and a method of attaching an adapter shoe.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Widex A/SInventor: Dennis Brian Nielsen
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Patent number: 8290188Abstract: A hearing aid (1) has means for entering or leaving a stand-by mode initiated by a remote control (14). During use, a dedicated stand-by command issued by the remote control is received and decoded in the hearing aid. When a stand-by command is recognized, a clock signal to the signal-processing parts (3) of the hearing aid (1) is disabled, effectively halting the signal processing. In the stand-by mode, the hearing aid circuitry draws very little power from the battery. Reception of a similar command in the hearing aid during the stand-by mode enables the clock signal to the signal-processing parts of the hearing aid, enabling signal processing. A method to manage the stand-by mode involves the step of calling a soft-boot routine when the hearing aid leaves stand-by mode and resumes normal operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Widex A/SInventor: Morten Suurballe
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Patent number: 8284969Abstract: A hearing aid has an operating device with an operating element for activating a first operating function and a second operating function of the hearing aid. The operating device is configured to cause an execution of an operating function of the hearing aid by activating the corresponding operating function via the operating element. The operating device suppresses the execution of the first operating function by activating the first operating function via the operating element if the second operating function is activated via the operating element.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Markus Heerlein, Harald Klemenz, Beng Hai Tan, Kim Ho Patrick Yau
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Publication number: 20120250922Abstract: A hearing aid includes a device housing (2) in which a programmable sound processing device is received on a carrier. The carrier is provided on a main surface with a conductor track which lies exposed in an opening (8) in an outer casing of the device housing (2). A coupling connector (20) of an external programming device can be received in the opening in order to place the conductor track on the main surface of the carrier into direct and operative contact with a corresponding conductor track on the coupling connector. A separate connector for the purpose of programming and tuning the sound processing device to the individual hearing characteristics and/or wishes of a user can thus be omitted from the hearing aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: EXSILENT RESEARCH B.V.Inventors: Roderik Paul Bernard Eduard Marie Peters, Randall Carey Dillon
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Patent number: 8280089Abstract: A power management system (1) for a digital processing core (12) of a battery-powered hearing aid is adapted for providing power to the hearing aid circuit in a particularly efficient manner. The power management system (1) comprises a first linear voltage regulator (25, 26, 28), and a second linear voltage regulator (25, 27) in series with a switched-capacitor 2:1 SC converter (21), a positive bulk biasing voltage supply (10), and a negative bulk biasing voltage supply (11), for controlling the switching speed, threshold voltage, and current leak from the semiconductor elements (13, 14) of the digital processing core (12) when the core (12) is operated at the reduced voltage provided by the power management system (1). The power management system (1) may save between 50% and 70% of the power consumed by the digital processing core (12) of the hearing aid circuit when compared to existing hearing aids, and may thus prolong the battery life.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Widex A/SInventor: Per Flemming Hoevesteen
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Patent number: 8280085Abstract: A hearing aid has a housing, a signal-processing arrangement housed in the housing, an LED, an actuatable switching element arranged on the housing, and a battery. The LED is connected to a positive pole of the battery with its anode connector and to a first connector of the signal-processing arrangement with its cathode connector. The signal-processing arrangement is formed with a monitoring unit, which switches the first connector if there is a drop below a first threshold voltage such that the cathode connector can be connected to a negative pole of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Markus Heerlein, Harald Klemenz
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Publication number: 20120243717Abstract: A hearing aid has a coupling structure, a first hearing aid housing portion and a second hearing aid housing portion including a flexible material so that the second hearing aid housing portion is adaptable to different ear canal size. The second hearing aid housing portion is detachably coupled to the first hearing aid housing portion via the coupling structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2009Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.Inventors: Yew Yee Marcus Lim, Kok Hong Ng, Wen Chong Lex Tan
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Patent number: 8275163Abstract: A battery compartment for a behind-the-ear hearing device includes a battery compartment body having a battery receiving space for accommodating a battery and at least one latching element for locking to a hearing device housing. The latching element and the battery compartment body are formed of different materials and the latching element is disposed in a holding device in the battery compartment body. A behind-the-ear hearing device with a latching element and the use of polyoxymethylene for manufacturing the latching element, are likewise provided. As a result of the separation of the latching element and the battery compartment body and the use of different materials, a switching and locking function can be optimized and the wearing quality can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Werner Fickweiler, Björn Freels, Markus Trautner
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Patent number: 8270645Abstract: A hearing aid includes a main body and a battery holder that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body by revolving around a revolving shaft. The main body has a lock bar provided so as to traverse the space in which the battery holder is installed, and a protruding portion that protrudes toward this installation space. The battery holder has a first concave portion and a second concave portion that latch the lock bar and the protruding portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Keiichi Takeda, Yosimasa Simogochi, Minoru Tada, Makoto Yagi, Fumihiro Asayama
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Patent number: 8270646Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid device and a hearing aid switch. The switch is operable to open and close an electric circuit of the hearing aid device. A lock for the switch is operable to selectively enable and disenable a hearing aid device function. The hearing aid device comprises a device for selectively inhibiting the operation of the switch to enable or to disenable the hearing aid device function.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Ptd. Ltd.Inventors: Markus Heerlein, Wai Kit Ho, Kah Hooi Vincent Ong
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Patent number: 8270647Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLCInventors: Scott A. Crawford, Douglas P. Lynch, Carla Mann Woods