Ear Insert Patents (Class 381/328)
  • Patent number: 12245873
    Abstract: A removable wearable device sleeve includes a sleeve body, one or more sensors, and an interface for operative communication with the wearable device. A removable sleeve includes a sleeve body having a front element having a first aperture, a back element having a second aperture, a tubular element having a first end and a second end with a third aperture, and one or more back elements define a cavity to encase an earpiece, an interface, and a sensor, wherein the sensor communicates sensor readings to the wearable device through the interface. A method of placing a sensor configured to communicate with a wearable device onto the wearable device includes providing a removable sleeve and inserting the wearable device through the first aperture of the front element into the cavity of the removable sleeve to provide a removable wearable device sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: BRAGI GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Vincent Boesen, Jake Berry Turner
  • Patent number: 12236955
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and systems for encoding instructions in audio data that, when output on a speaker of a first device in an environment, cause a second device to output content in the environment. In some instances, the audio data has a frequency that is inaudible to users in the environment. Thus, the first device is able to cause the second device to output the content without users in the environment hearing the instructions. In some instances, the first device also outputs content, and the content output by the second device is played at an offset relative to a position of the content output by the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zoe Adams, Pete Klein, Derick Deller, Michael John Guarniere, Alina Chen, Apoorv Naik, Jeremy Daniel Johnson, Aslan Appleman
  • Patent number: 12238472
    Abstract: This application discloses a method for determining a wearing status of a wireless earphone and a wireless earphone. The method includes: obtaining a first output of a sensor system, where the first output indicates a moving status of a housing, and determining, based on the first output, whether a body portion is put in a user's ear. This application further discloses a method for determining a double-tapped status of a wireless earphone and a wireless earphone. The method includes: obtaining a first output of a sensor system, where the first output indicates a moving status of a housing, and determining, by using a neural network model and by using the first output as a model input, whether the housing is double-tapped by an external object. This application improves accuracy of identifying the wearing status of the wireless earphone and improves accuracy of identifying the double-tapped status of the wireless earphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haiying Chen, Liangfang Qian, Linxing Xi
  • Patent number: 12231856
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hearing instrument includes placing a component support structure at least partially in a bath of a resin liquid, wherein one or more operative components of the hearing instrument are attached to or contained within the component support structure prior to the component support structure being at least partially placed in the bath of the resin liquid. While the component support structure is at least partially in the bath, volumetric 3-dimensional (3D) printing is performed to form a shell of the hearing instrument attached to the component support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Westley G. Gentry, Michael Karl Sacha, Craig C. Feldsien, Jay Stewart
  • Patent number: 12225355
    Abstract: A bilateral hearing device system includes a hearing device. The hearing device includes a first input transducer configured for providing a first electric input signal, a second input transducer configured for providing a second electric input signal, a voice detector module configured to detect own voice of a user, the voice detector comprising a first band-pass filter configured for band-pass filtering the first electric input signal and a second band-pass filter configured for band-pass filtering the second electric input signal. The hearing device comprises a processing unit configured to provide a first electric output signal based on the first and second electric input signals; and an output transducer configured to provide an acoustic output signal, wherein the voice detector module is configured for notifying a detection of the own voice to the processing unit if one or more detection criteria are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Rob De Vries, Changxue Ma, Srdjan Petrovic
  • Patent number: 12223980
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a condition of a first headset enclosed in a headset enclosure. The method comprises playing a first audio stimulus through a first speaker of the headset; detecting a first response signal derived by a first transducer; and determining a condition of the first speaker and/or first transducer based on the first response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas I. Harvey, John P. Lesso
  • Patent number: 12212936
    Abstract: Devices and methods to reduce ear wax clogging of acoustic ports, hearing aid systems, and feedback reduction systems are provided. A conformal hearing aid includes a hearing aid body, where the hearing aid body houses a microphone and a receiver, where the microphone is positioned within the hearing aid body to measure acoustic signals from an ambient environment, and where the receiver is positioned within the hearing aid body to emit acoustic signals toward a tympanic membrane of a user; an expandable element, where the expandable element is operatively connected to the hearing aid body, and where the expandable element is configured to encompass a circumferential portion of the hearing aid body when expanded; and an inflation management system, where the inflation management system is configured to expand the expandable element when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: The Diablo Canyon Collective LLC
    Inventor: John P. Keady
  • Patent number: 12212913
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide an earphone device with which a user can satisfactorily listen to audio data regardless of the wearing state of an earphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: D&M Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinya Narisawa, Osamu Horikawa, Jun Shiroishi
  • Patent number: 12212917
    Abstract: Earphone positioning and retention mechanisms are disclosed. One earphone described includes a speaker driver, a flexible eartip comprising a first oval shaped contact surface at an opening forming a hole through the eartip, the first oval shaped contact surface configured to contact an outer surface of a user's ear canal when worn, a body portion comprising a second contact surface configured to position behind an anti-tragus portion of the user's ear, and, a retaining member formed of a compliant material, comprising a third contact surface configured to conform to a cymba conch portion of the user's ear, where the body portion and the retaining member are shaped in a way that the second contact surface contacts the anti-tragus portion and the third contact surface contacts the cymba conch portion at the same time, when the first contact surface is already in contact with the outer surface of the ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: SONOS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon Holley, Wei-Hean Liew, Jerad Lewis, David Amaranto, Alexia Delhoume, Casper Asmussen, Victor Johansson
  • Patent number: 12192717
    Abstract: A wearable audio output device with a rotatable input mechanism outputs first audio that is based on first media and, while outputting the first audio, receives a first input via the rotatable input mechanism. In response to receiving the first input: in accordance with a determination that the first input is a first type of input to the rotatable input mechanism that includes rotation of the rotatable input mechanism, the wearable audio output device changes an audio output volume of the first audio based on the rotation of the rotatable input mechanism while continuing to output the first audio; and, in accordance with a determination that the first input is a second type of input to the rotatable input mechanism, where the second type of input is different from the first type of input, the wearable audio output device ceases to output the first audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Taylor G. Carrigan
  • Patent number: 12172022
    Abstract: An implantable medical device may include a plurality of electrical components connected to form operational circuitry, a canister shaped for housing the operational circuitry, and a dampening layer configured to reduce internal motion between the operational circuitry and at least one of a plurality of additional component within the canister, the dampening layer selectively disposed over the operational circuitry but not over the at least one additional component, the dampening layer providing electrical isolation to the operational circuitry, the dampening layer comprising a moldable material in direct contact with an inner surface of the canister. Methods of manufacturing such a medical device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Becklund, James Michael English, Benjamin J. Haasl, Moira B. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 12167206
    Abstract: An earpiece for a hearing device for insertion into an ear canal of a user and having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The earpiece comprises an earpiece housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer surface connecting the distal end to the proximal end. The earpiece housing having a sound outlet at the proximal end and a microphone inlet. The earpiece comprises a receiver for providing an audio output signal to an ear canal when the earpiece is inserted into the ear canal. The receiver has a receiver axis being a longitudinal center axis. The earpiece comprises a microphone for provision of a first microphone input signal. The microphone comprises a microphone membrane, wherein the microphone has a microphone axis forming a normal to the microphone membrane. The receiver axis and the microphone axis form a first angle, wherein the first angle is larger than 5 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventor: Timea Denisa Merca
  • Patent number: 12166583
    Abstract: The innovation relates to technologies by which the signal characteristics and, hence, environmental conditions of a transmitter can be concealed. In one aspect, a data transmitter comprises a transmitter and a changer, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a signal, wherein at least one signal parameter of the signal depends on at least one environmental parameter in an environment of the data transmitter, wherein the changer is configured to change the at least one signal parameter of the signal or a parameter on which the at least one signal parameter of the signal depends, in order to conceal the at least one environmental parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Diehl Metering GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Kilian, Josef Bernhard, Thomas Kauppert, Hristo Petkov, Johannes Wechsler, Jakob Kneissl, Raphael Mzyk, Klaus Gottschalk, Dominik Soller, Michael Schlicht
  • Patent number: 12167201
    Abstract: A hearing device includes a first input transducer configured for providing a first electric input signal, a second input transducer configured for providing a second electric input signal, a voice detector module configured to detect own voice of a user based on one or more detection criteria, the voice detector comprising a first band-pass filter configured for band-pass filtering the first electric input signal and a second band-pass filter configured for band-pass filtering the second electric input signal. The hearing device further comprises a processing unit configured to provide a first electric output signal based on the first and second electric input signals; and an output transducer configured to provide an acoustic output signal, wherein the voice detector module is further configured for notifying a detection of the own voice to the processing unit if one or more of the detection criteria are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventors: Rob De Vries, Changxue Ma, Srdjan Petrovic
  • Patent number: 12160701
    Abstract: A dual structure thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) eartip having a wax guard, which is an eartip mounted on one side of an earphone and inserted into an external auditory meatus of a wearer to stably fix the position of the earphone including a core portion formed in a hollow cylindrical structure corresponding to an outer circumferential surface of one end of the earphone and configured with a TPE material having a first hardness value; a wax guard portion formed in a plate-type structure integrally formed with an upper end of the core portion and having a plurality of through-holes formed therein and configured with the same material having the same hardness value as the core portion; and a flange portion formed in a structure continuously forming a curved structure sideward and downward in a radial shape after extending a predetermined height upward from the upper end of the core portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: AZLA Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Won Lee
  • Patent number: 12150783
    Abstract: A hearing device such as a receiver-in-ear assembly. The assembly includes a housing having a cavity extending through the housing; an optical transducer mounted in the cavity within a thickness of the housing, the optical transducer being mounted on a circuit board layer such that a spacing exists between a side of the optical transducer and a sidewall of the cavity. The circuit board layer extends underneath the housing and touching the housing such that the optical transducer is held within the cavity without touching the housing. The assembly further includes a protective substance forming a shield over the optical transducer and the cavity, the protective substance configured to affect a field of view of the optical transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Sonion Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Eeuwe Jan Vos, Dion Ivo De Roo, Alwin Fransen
  • Patent number: 12144707
    Abstract: A smart hearing protection (SHP) device operatively connected to a human ear is disclosed. An internal sensor disposed on an inner side of the SHP device is configured to measure sound pressure level exposure of the human ear. An external sensor disposed on an outer side of the SHP device is configured to measure a sound pressure level external to the SHP device. The SHP includes a wireless transmitter operatively connected to both the internal and external sensors for transmitting data to a smart hearing software application for storing sensor data and monitoring sound pressure levels in connection with occupational safety and health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Ayman M. Arfaj, Hassan A. Al Khunaizi, Salim A. Khasawinah
  • Patent number: 12149877
    Abstract: A sound device including a transducer, a housing accommodating the transducer, the transducer having a front chamber and a back chamber that face each other with respect to the transducer, and a microphone disposed inside the front chamber. The housing includes a speaker hole located at an outer surface of the housing at a portion of the front chamber, an air hole located at the outer surface of the housing at a rear portion of the back chamber, and an inner space configured to allow air passing through the air hole to flow into the front chamber therethrough independent of the back chamber. The transducer outputs sound based on sound information received by the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Giljae Lee, Yonghyuk Na, Juchul Yun, Jongjin Kim, Hyunseung Yu, Seunghark Paek, Sooyong Song, Heuisik Seo
  • Patent number: 12149880
    Abstract: A transducer arrangement for head-or earphones including a sound steering unit, the sound steering unit includes a frontal chamber and at least one sound canal. Each of the at least one sound canals have at least one internal opening towards the frontal chamber and an external open end for directing sound towards the outside of the transducer arrangement. The transducer arrangement further includes a rear chamber and at least one loudspeaker arranged between the frontal chamber and the rear chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Inventor: Genaro Woelfl
  • Patent number: 12143770
    Abstract: Sound-producing acoustic receivers are disclosed. The acoustic receiver includes a receiver housing with a first internal volume and a second internal volume, a first diaphragm separating the first internal volume into a first front volume and a first back volume such that the first front volume has a first sound outlet port, a second diaphragm separating the second internal volume into a second front volume and a second back volume such that the second front volume has a second sound outlet port, a motor disposed at least partially inside the housing such that the motor including an armature mechanically coupled to both the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, an acoustic seal between the first front volume and the second back volume such that the acoustic seal accommodates the mechanical coupling of the armature to one of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: KNOWLES ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: Shehab Albahri, Yahui Zhang, Kalyan Nadella, Thomas Miller, Christopher Monti, Charles King, Jose Salazar
  • Patent number: 12133039
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an acoustic output apparatus. The acoustic output apparatus may include an acoustic output component and a supporting structure forming an acoustically open structure that allows the acoustic output component to acoustically communicate with the surroundings. The acoustic output component may include a plurality of acoustic drivers, each of which may be configured to output a sound with a frequency range. At least one of the acoustic drivers may include a magnetic system for generating a first magnetic field. The magnetic system may include a first magnetic component for generating a second magnetic field and at least one second magnetic component. A magnetic gap may be formed between the first magnetic component and the at least one second magnetic component. A magnetic field intensity of the first magnetic field in the magnetic gap may be greater than that of the second magnetic field in the magnetic gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lei Zhang, Junjiang Fu, Bingyan Yan, Fengyun Liao, Xin Qi
  • Patent number: 12133041
    Abstract: An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein may include: a housing, a speaker embedded in the housing, an acoustic duct configured to transfer an output from the speaker to a user, an external hole formed in the housing to be connected to outside the electronic device, an external sound duct configured to transfer a sound introduced through the external hole to the user, and a variable hole member comprising a variable opening disposed in at least one of the external hole and the external sound duct, wherein the variable hole member may include a conductive member comprising a conductive material configured to apply an electric signal, a ventilation hole configured to allow a sound transferred from the external hole to pass therethrough, and a deformable member comprising a deformable material configured to deform based on the electric signal to close at least a portion of the ventilation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoungho Bang, Sungwook Kang, Junghyeon Kim, Jinyong Kim, Hangil Moon, Igor Ivanov, Byeongmin Lee, Jaeseong Lee, Hyung Lee, Joonrae Cho
  • Patent number: 12133054
    Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Earlens Corporation
    Inventors: Sunil Puria, Micha Rosen, Jonathan P. Fay, Paul Rucker, James Stone
  • Patent number: 12127584
    Abstract: A vaporizer accessory case and kit is provided. The device includes a container having a base and a plurality of perimeter sidewalk defining an interior volume. A lid is removably securable to the plurality of perimeter sidewalk, such that the lid encloses the interior volume. An insert is disposed within the interior volume, wherein the insert includes a plurality of divided slots. Each of the plurality of divided slots is dimensioned to removably secure at least one vaporizer accessory therein. In some embodiments, a plurality of sanitary mouthpiece covers is further provided, the plurality of sanitary mouthpiece covers including a first open end opposite a second open end, wherein the second open end is removably securable to a vaporizer mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Inventor: Armen Tovmasyan
  • Patent number: 12133036
    Abstract: Personal electronic devices are provided in the form of personal audio equipment. Devices of the present disclosure include readily-moldable ear inserts that are selectively formed to fit the shape of a user's ear and do not require heating, curing, setting, or other temperature manipulation. In some embodiments, the devices comprise wireless audio technology and wireless conductive charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Inventor: Shea Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 12126313
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for adaptive sound equalization in personal hearing devices are disclosed. In some embodiments a microphone in a personal hearing device receives sound from the listener's environment. The sound then is analyzed to determine one or more desired targets, for instance loudness level or spectral balance. The determined targets then are used to control adaptive processing of the sound received by the microphone to generate a perceptually improved sound to render to the listener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: DTS Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Walsh, Michael M. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 12126980
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chaowu Li, Yongjian Li, Yueqiang Wang
  • Patent number: 12126962
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for an automatic hearing loop memory for hearing assistance systems. A method includes receiving an acoustic input at a microphone and receiving an inductive input at a magnetic sensor. The method further includes using an operatively connected processor of the hearing assistance system to process the acoustic input from the microphone using instructions stored in a first set of memory locations, and to process the inductive input from the magnetic sensor using instructions stored in a second set of memory locations, and to optionally discontinue processing the acoustic input when a demodulator circuit operatively connected to the processor detects a predetermined signal indicative of the presence of a hearing loop system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin R. Burwinkel
  • Patent number: 12114131
    Abstract: An ear-worn electronic system comprises an inner device and an outer device configured for deployment at one ear of a wearer. The inner device comprises a first housing configured for placement at least partially within an ear canal of the wearer, a first rechargeable battery and first charging circuitry disposed in the first housing, and first electronic circuitry disposed in the first housing and coupled to the first rechargeable battery. The outer device comprises a second housing separate from the first housing and configured for placement at the wearer's ear proximal of the first housing in an outer ear direction, and a second rechargeable battery and second charging circuitry disposed in the second housing. The second charging circuitry is configured to cooperate with the first charging circuitry to charge the first rechargeable battery via a charging link between the first and second charging circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: STARKEY LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Karrie LaRae Recker
  • Patent number: 12114132
    Abstract: An ear-worn electronic system comprise a plurality of discrete devices configured for deployment at one ear of a wearer. The system comprises a first device configured for placement at least partially within an ear canal of the wearer. The first device comprises at least a first processor, one or more first microphones, a first speaker, a first rechargeable battery, and first charging circuitry. The system comprises a second device configured for placement at the wearer's ear proximal of the first device in an outer ear direction. The second device comprises at least a second processor, a second rechargeable battery, and second charging circuitry. The first device is configured to operate autonomously when operating in an independent mode relative to the second device. The first and second devices are configured to operate cooperatively when operating in a communicatively coupled mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: STARKEY LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Karrie LaRae Recker
  • Patent number: 12114140
    Abstract: An earpiece having a longitudinal axis and having an earpiece housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a receiver located within the earpiece housing, a wire extending from the earpiece housing, the wire comprising a plurality of conductors including a ground conductor and a first conductor, and an intermediate module located within the earpiece housing, the intermediate module comprising a primary set of connector terminals and a secondary set of connector terminals, the primary set of connector terminals including wire connector terminals electrically connected to the plurality of conductors of the wire, and the secondary set of connector terminals comprising a first secondary connector terminal and a second secondary connector terminal, wherein the first secondary connector terminal and the second secondary connector terminal are each connected to a wire connector terminal of the primary set of connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventor: Mikkel Nielsen
  • Patent number: 12108216
    Abstract: A vibrator including a housing, a transducer positioned within the housing such that there is a gap between the transducer and housing, and a damper assembly, disposed in the gap between the housing and at least a portion of the transducer, the damper assembly extending a sub-distance of the total distance of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Jan Vermeiren, Travis Rian Andrews
  • Patent number: 12101590
    Abstract: An earphone includes a speaker housing; a speaker positioned in the speaker housing; a stem extending from the speaker housing, the stem defining an input surface; a conductive object disposed within the stem; a flexible circuit positioned between the stem and the conductive object; a member positioned between the flexible circuit and the conductive object operable to allow the flexible circuit to move with respect to the stem; a force sensor electrode disposed within the flexible circuit; and a controller operable to determine an input to the earphone using a change in capacitance detected using the force sensor electrode, the change in capacitance corresponding to a non-binary amount of a force applied to the input surface. In some examples, the earphone further includes a touch sensor electrode disposed within the flexible circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nahid Harjee, Brian R. Twehues, Teera Songatikamas, Aonan Li, Travis N. Owens, Kyle J. Campiotti
  • Patent number: 12089010
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hearing aid in which a receiver is provided in a form implanted into the mastoid antrum. In the hearing aid, an output device is used while being disposed at a position separated from an input device, so that the hearing aid is less affected by feedback and does not have sound feedback even at a high output, and thus the hearing aid is applicable to people having moderate to severe hearing loss. Further, an implantation operation method for locating the output device in the mastoid antrum is simple and it is possible to obtain constant hearing aid performance regardless of the level of the implantation technology of the output device. Still further, a receiver using air as an output medium is implanted into the mastoid antrum, so that the implantable hearing aid has small resistance to the output medium and has high output efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
    Inventors: Kyu-Yup Lee, Ki Woong Seong
  • Patent number: 12067098
    Abstract: Provided are a personal authentication device performing accurate authentication immediately follow insertion an earphone/microphone device to wear, and preventing spoofing after authentication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignees: NEC CORPORATION, NEC Platforms, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Koshinaka, Kouji Oosugi, Kohei Osugi
  • Patent number: 12069444
    Abstract: Example techniques involve a calibration state variable. An example implementation receives, via a network interface, an indication that the first playback device is calibrated. Based on receiving the indication that the first playback device is calibrated, the example implementation updates a calibration state variable to indicate that the first playback device is calibrated, wherein the calibration state variable is stored in the data storage. The example implementation sends, via the network interface, an indication of the updated calibration state variable to a second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Dayn Wilberding, Neil Griffiths
  • 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
  • Patent number: 12047746
    Abstract: To provide improved feedback reduction in hearing assistance devices, technical solutions described herein include remeasuring a feedback path and updating adaptive feedback cancellation parameters whenever a user receives and plays an audio stream signal. When the user converts the audio stream signal into an acoustic audio signal using a speaker within the hearing assistance device, a feedback portion of the acoustic audio signal may be fed back into the microphone of the hearing assistance device. The hearing assistance device can then compare the feedback portion to the received audio stream signal, and that comparison can be used to update adaptive feedback cancellation parameters within the hearing assistance device. When the hearing assistance device receives an acoustic audio input at the microphone, it may amplify that input and apply the received acoustic audio input based on the updated adaptive feedback cancellation parameters to reduce or minimize feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Joseph Johnson
  • Patent number: 12028670
    Abstract: Aspects describe an in-ear audio output device. The in-ear audio output device includes an acoustic chamber defined by an earbud housing shaped to fit in the lower concha of an ear of a wearer of the in-ear audio output device, the earbud housing comprising: a resistive port located on a first side of the earbud housing creating an opening in a wall of the earbud housing and a first feedforward microphone located on a second side of the earbud housing, the second side substantially opposite the first side of the earbud housing; and a stability band. The stability band includes at least one attachment feature that couples the stability band to the earbud housing and a first side substantially opposite the attachment feature that only partially covers the resistive port when the in-ear audio output device is positioned in the ear of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: BOSE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cedrik Bacon, Sean Patterson, Donna Marie Sullivan, Christopher Ratcliffe
  • Patent number: 12010477
    Abstract: An earphone includes a speaker housing; a speaker positioned in the speaker housing; a stem extending from the speaker housing, the stem defining an input surface; a conductive object disposed within the stem; a flexible circuit positioned between the stem and the conductive object; a member positioned between the flexible circuit and the conductive object operable to allow the flexible circuit to move with respect to the stem; a force sensor electrode disposed within the flexible circuit; and a controller operable to determine an input to the earphone using a change in capacitance detected using the force sensor electrode, the change in capacitance corresponding to a non-binary amount of a force applied to the input surface. In some examples, the earphone further includes a touch sensor electrode disposed within the flexible circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nahid Harjee, Brian R. Twehues, Teera Songatikamas, Aonan Li, Travis N. Owens, Kyle J. Campiotti
  • Patent number: 11997442
    Abstract: An open-ear headphone with an acoustic module that is configured to be located at least in part in a concha of an outer ear of a user. The acoustic module includes an acoustic transducer, and a sound-emitting opening that is configured to emit sound produced by the acoustic transducer. A battery housing is configured to be located behind the outer ear and contains a battery power source. A compliant connecting portion couples the battery housing to the acoustic module. The connecting position enables displacement of the battery housing relative to the acoustic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Miller, Todd Reily
  • Patent number: 11991495
    Abstract: A modular earpiece adaptor may include an earpiece adaptor body having an upper surface and a lower surface, and one or more apertures within the earpiece adaptor body extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The one or more apertures may be configured to removably couple one or more earpiece inserts to the earpiece adaptor body. The earpiece adaptor body is configured to be removably couplable to an earpiece housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: ADAPTO GLOBAL APS
    Inventors: Mads Staerke, Jesper Martini
  • Patent number: 11985484
    Abstract: A ready-made device attachable to an outer ear achieving excellent feeling of attachment and high stability is provided. The device attachable to an outer ear according to this invention includes an inserting part of a tubular shape to be inserted into an external auditory canal and a setting part to be set in a cavity of concha, and the inserting part and the setting part are disposed on an imaginary spherical surface, and the inserting part is rotatable around a longitudinal axis thereof inside the external auditory canal. Since the setting part is arranged on the same imaginary spherical surface as the inserting part, the setting part is disposed along an inner wall of a cavity of concha in a state where the inserting part is inside the external auditory canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: ListeningAssist Corporation
    Inventor: Hayato Tsuge
  • Patent number: 11979709
    Abstract: An earphone, including a sound production component; an ear-hook configured to place the sound production component near an ear canal without blocking an opening of the ear canal, at least a portion of the sound production component extends into a concha cavity; and a microphone assembly including a first microphone and a second microphone disposed in the sound production component or the ear hook, the sound production component or the ear hook includes a first sound hole and a second sound hole corresponding to the first microphone and the second microphone, respectively; wherein a projection of the first sound hole on a sagittal plane and a projection of the second sound hole on the sagittal plane have a first distance, a ratio of the first distance to a size of a projection of the sound production component on the sagittal plane along a major axis direction is 0.7-1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lei Zhang, Peigeng Tong, Guolin Xie, Yongjian Li, Jiang Xu, Tao Zhao, Duoduo Wu, Ao Ji, Xin Qi
  • Patent number: 11979703
    Abstract: Embodiments describe an eartip including an eartip body having an attachment end and an interfacing end opposite from the attachment end. The eartip body can include an inner eartip body having a sidewall extending between the interfacing end and the attachment end, the sidewall defining a channel and having a first thickness near the attachment end and a second thickness different from the first thickness at the interfacing end. The eartip can also include an attachment structure coupled to the inner eartip body at the attachment end, the attachment structure having an inner surface and an outer surface. The attachment structure can include an upper region interfacing with the sidewall and defining discrete through-holes, a lower region below the upper region where the inner surface defines a plurality of recesses positioned around the lower region, and a mesh extending across the channel and into the upper region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Sean T. McIntosh, Jason C. Della Rosa, Samuel G. Parker, Benjamin A. Cousins, Ethan L. Huwe
  • Patent number: 11979718
    Abstract: Hearing aid devices, methods of manufacture, methods of use, and kits are provided. In certain aspects, the hearing aid devices comprise an apparatus having a transducer and a retention structure comprising a shape profile corresponding to a tissue of the user, and a layer of elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Earlens Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Dy, Rodney Perkins, James Silver, Jake Olsen, Paul Rucker, Kyle Imatani, Bryan Flaherty, Daniel Hallock, Iljong Lee, Ketan Muni
  • Patent number: 11962963
    Abstract: An earbud includes: a speaker unit which generates a sound wave; a first housing which houses the speaker unit, and has a first opening which faces a sound wave generation surface of the speaker unit; a sound conduit having one end connected to the first opening; an ear plug which is attached to the other end of the sound conduit, the ear plug being inserted into the ear canal; and an air conduit which is disposed so as to penetrate the ear plug and the first housing, the air conduit being disposed independently from the sound conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Matsumura
  • Patent number: 11956596
    Abstract: An earpiece for insertion into an ear canal of a user and having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The earpiece comprises an earpiece part comprising an earpiece housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer surface connecting the distal end to the proximal end. The earpiece housing comprises a first primary vent aperture and a second primary vent aperture in the outer surface. The earpiece part optionally comprises a receiver arranged within the earpiece housing. The earpiece comprises a dome for securing the earpiece in the ear canal. The dome has an inner surface extending circumferentially along the outer surface of the earpiece housing. The dome comprises a proximal surface having a first primary vent aperture. The earpiece comprises a vent path forming a fluid communication between the first primary vent aperture of the dome and the second primary vent aperture of the earpiece housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventor: Jan Johansen
  • Patent number: 11956600
    Abstract: Devices and methods to reduce ear wax clogging of acoustic ports, hearing aid systems, and feedback reduction systems are provided. A conformal hearing aid includes a hearing aid body, where the hearing aid body houses a microphone and a receiver, where the microphone is positioned within the hearing aid body to measure acoustic signals from an ambient environment, and where the receiver is positioned within the hearing aid body to emit acoustic signals toward a tympanic membrane of a user; an expandable element, where the expandable element is operatively connected to the hearing aid body, and where the expandable element is configured to encompass a circumferential portion of the hearing aid body when expanded; and an inflation management system, where the inflation management system is configured to expand the expandable element when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: The Diablo Canyon Collective LLC
    Inventor: John P. Keady
  • Patent number: 11924613
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are method, system, and computer program product embodiments for performing the continuous tuning of received audio input from an earpiece, wherein the audio input is independently altered in the frequency domain for output to an earpiece worn by a user based on tuning profiles chosen by the user, or in combination with power conservation tuning profile auto-switching modes, including a time only and location only mode, switching tuning profiles based on data analyzed from various electronic sensors, for an optimal experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Listen and Be Heard LLC
    Inventor: Narendar Bahadur Sahgal