Ear Insert Patents (Class 381/328)
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Patent number: 12047746Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Andrew Joseph Johnson
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Patent number: 12028670Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 13, 2022Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: BOSE CORPORATIONInventors: Cedrik Bacon, Sean Patterson, Donna Marie Sullivan, Christopher Ratcliffe
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Patent number: 12010477Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2023Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nahid Harjee, Brian R. Twehues, Teera Songatikamas, Aonan Li, Travis N. Owens, Kyle J. Campiotti
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Patent number: 11997442Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2023Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Joel Miller, Todd Reily
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Patent number: 11991495Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: ADAPTO GLOBAL APSInventors: Mads Staerke, Jesper Martini
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Patent number: 11985484Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: ListeningAssist CorporationInventor: Hayato Tsuge
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Patent number: 11979709Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2023Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Lei Zhang, Peigeng Tong, Guolin Xie, Yongjian Li, Jiang Xu, Tao Zhao, Duoduo Wu, Ao Ji, Xin Qi
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Patent number: 11979703Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Sean T. McIntosh, Jason C. Della Rosa, Samuel G. Parker, Benjamin A. Cousins, Ethan L. Huwe
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Patent number: 11979718Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Earlens CorporationInventors: Peter Dy, Rodney Perkins, James Silver, Jake Olsen, Paul Rucker, Kyle Imatani, Bryan Flaherty, Daniel Hallock, Iljong Lee, Ketan Muni
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Patent number: 11962963Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 11, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICAInventor: Toshiyuki Matsumura
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Patent number: 11956600Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: The Diablo Canyon Collective LLCInventor: John P. Keady
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Patent number: 11956596Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 10, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Jan Johansen
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Patent number: 11924613Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 3, 2023Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Listen and Be Heard LLCInventor: Narendar Bahadur Sahgal
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Patent number: 11910149Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nahid Harjee, Brian R. Twehues, Teera Songatikamas, Aonan Li, Travis N. Owens, Kyle J. Campiotti
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Patent number: 11900016Abstract: The systems and methods described relate to the concept that smart devices can be used to 1) sense various types of phenomena like sound, blue light exposure, RF and microwave radiation, and 2) in real-time analyze, report and/or control outputs (e.g., displays or speakers). The systems are configurable and use standard computing devices, such as wearable electronics, tablet computers, and mobile phones to measure various frequency bands across multiple points, allowing a single user to visualize and/or adjust environmental conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Inventor: Levaughn Denton
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Patent number: 11889275Abstract: A device to test the seal quality of an earpiece. Audio processing circuitry produces an audio signal for driving a speaker. Output from the microphone while the speaker is being driven by the audio signal is used to determine the seal. The device or method further includes control circuitry to evaluate a seal quality of the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2023Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Staton Techiya LLCInventors: John Usher, John P. Keady
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Patent number: 11889265Abstract: A hearing aid device is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises means to improve, augment and/or protect the hearing capability of a user by receiving acoustic signals from the surroundings of the user, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one of the user's ears. The hearing aid device comprises a sensor member for detecting the movement and/or acceleration and/or orientation (or spatial position) of the hearing aid device. The hearing aid device comprises at least two hearing aid microphones and a control unit for determining the position or a deviation from an intended position of the hearing aid device or hearing aid microphones. The hearing aid device is configured to compensate for a possible dislocation of the hearing aid microphones.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Oticon A/SInventors: Michael Syskind Pedersen, Kenneth Rueskov Møller, Svend Oscar Petersen, Niels Stubager Kiemer, Jesper Kofoed Nielsen, Björn Ohl, Marianne Kleist Elmlund, Karin Carvalho, Henrik Bendsen, Regin Kopp Pedersen, Christian C Bürger, Steen Michael Munk, Morten Christophersen, Julie Hefting Pedersen, Bo Westergård, Maria Oxenbøll
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Patent number: 11882405Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for determining a nozzle of an audio device is, at least partially blocked. More specifically, based on a measured transfer function between the driver and a microphone and an expected transfer function between the driver and the microphone, a blockage is detected. In response to the detected blockage, the user is notified.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: BOSE CORPORATIONInventors: Liam Robert Kelly, Peter McPhillips Moriarty, Ryan terMeulen
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Patent number: 11882411Abstract: Disclosed is a system, a hearing device and a method for encapsulating one or more electronic components on a substrate. The method comprises providing a dam on the substrate, the dam is provided around the one or more electronic components, the dam comprises a dam material comprising an electrically conducting material. The method comprises providing a liquid fill encapsulation material within the dam on the substrate, the fill encapsulation material encapsulates the one or more electronic components, the fill encapsulation material is configured to solidify, the solidified fill encapsulating material comprises a first surface exposed to surroundings. The method comprises applying a cover material on the first surface of the solidified fill encapsulation material, the cover material comprising an electrically conducting material, whereby the one or more electronic components are encapsulated and electromagnetically shielded.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2022Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Thorvaldur Oli Bodvarsson
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Patent number: 11882408Abstract: An earpiece for a hearing device, includes: an earpiece housing comprising an ear canal portion and an outer ear portion, the ear canal portion extending along an ear canal axis for positioning in an ear canal of a user, the ear canal portion having a first end; a first microphone for detecting ambient sound via a first input port in the earpiece housing; a second microphone; and a receiver for providing an audio output signal to the ear canal when the earpiece is inserted in an ear of the user; wherein the first microphone is arranged at a first distance from the first input port, wherein the first distance is at least 2 mm when measured parallel to a main plane having a main plane normal parallel to a main axis, the main axis forming a first main angle that is less than 30 degrees with the ear canal axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2021Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Erik Alan Lindberg
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Patent number: 11877110Abstract: Aspects describe air flow relief features in the cosmetic surface of the housing of an in-ear audio output device. Due to design constraints based, at least in part, on the limited space available in the acoustic chamber and ear geometry, ports coupling the acoustic chamber with an area outside the housing are susceptible to full blockage when placed in-ear. Air flow relief channels for ports, extending from the port aligned in the concha cymba, over the helix crus, to the cymba cavum minimize complete blockages of the port as compared to current designs.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: BOSE CORPORATIONInventors: Cedrik Bacon, Sean Patterson, Donna Marie Sullivan, Richmond Andrew Real, Christopher Ratcliffe
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Patent number: 11869531Abstract: Systems and methods for acoustic event detection model selection are disclosed. For example, models may be calibrated utilizing audio samples from sound output by specific audio-output devices. Thereafter, a determination may be made as to which audio-input devices are near a give audio-output device and a model selector may select a model trained to detect an acoustic event produced by the audio-output device. The proximate audio-input device(s) may be configured with the selected model to detect the acoustic event.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David Berol
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Patent number: 11864915Abstract: An ear-worn electronic monitoring system includes an on-ear component comprising a housing configured for placement on, in or about the wearer's ear. The on-ear component comprises a power source and a first interface coupled to the power source. The monitoring system also includes an in-ear component comprising a housing configured for deployment at least partially within an ear canal of the wearer. The in-ear component comprises a second interface configured to couple to and decouple from the first interface, a controller coupled to a memory, one or more physiologic sensors coupled to the controller and memory, and power management circuitry coupled to the controller. The power management circuitry comprises a wireless power receiver configured to receive power from a wireless powering arrangement. The power management circuitry is further configured to receive power from the power source of the on-ear component when the second interface is coupled to the first interface.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Paul Anders Shriner, Ezdeen Elghannai, Stephen Paul Flood, Gregory J. Haubrich, Zhenchao Yang
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Patent number: 11859606Abstract: A magnetically driven pressure generator including a housing, flexible member, first magnetic force generator, and second magnetic force generator. The magnetically driven pressure generator oscillates the flexible member to increase or decrease the volume of a chamber, inversely increasing or decreasing the pressure of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2020Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Nocira, LLCInventors: David George, Kevin E. Willey, John Claude
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Patent number: 11863928Abstract: Disclosed is an earpiece and a retaining member for an earpiece. The earpiece being configured for insertion into at least a part of the ear canal of a user's ear. The retaining member comprising a body part configured to be attached to the earpiece. The retaining member comprising an elongated part configured to abut at least a part of the concha of the user's ear, when the retaining member is attached to the earpiece and the earpiece is inserted in its intended position in the user's ear, thereby providing retention of the earpiece in the ear canal. The body part comprises an opening/slit/gap configured to be arranged on a protrusion on the earpiece.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Jan Johansen
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Patent number: 11863956Abstract: Methods and systems for providing audio to a user include retrieving aural attributes of the user and analyzing the aural attributes to detect any aural imbalance between two ears of the user. An audio generated by an interactive application is dynamically calibrated, in accordance to aural imbalance detected between the two ears of the user, to generate a calibrated audio. The audio of the interactive application is forwarded to a first side of a headphone directed toward a first ear of the user and the calibrated audio to second side of the headphone directed toward a second ear. The different audio provided via different sides of the headphone compensate for the aural imbalance detected in the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLCInventor: Bethany Tinklenberg
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Patent number: 11838718Abstract: A hearing protection system, a hearing protection device and related method, the hearing protection device comprising an earpiece device comprising a first connector, and first and second earpieces, the first earpiece comprising a first primary microphone and a first receiver wired to the first connector and the second earpiece comprising a second primary microphone and a second receiver wired to the first connector; and a processing device comprising a processor, an earpiece interface, and a wireless communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to receive a first microphone input signal from the first primary microphone; process the first microphone input signal for provision of a first primary output signal for the first receiver based on the first microphone input signal; receive a communication request from a communication device via the communication interface; and in response to receipt of the communication request, communicate with the communication device via the communication interfacType: GrantFiled: October 22, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Casper Silbo Raft
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Patent number: 11832428Abstract: A wearable audio device sized to fit within an ear of an user comprises an outer housing; a circuit board positioned within the outer housing; a battery having an anode and a cathode, the battery being connected to the circuit board; a speaker adjacent the battery; and an electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shield tab coupled to the anode. The EMI shield tab may be configured to shield the speaker from EMI generated by the circuit board and to provide an electrical interconnection to the anode.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Yao Ding, Troy Edwards, Gemin Li
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Patent number: 11823681Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Zoe Adams, Pete Klein, Derick Deller, Michael John Guarniere, Alina Chen, Apoorv Naik, Jeremy Daniel Johnson, Aslan Appleman
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Patent number: 11818528Abstract: Wireless earbuds may be provided with adjustable-shape housings. The housings may have bendable portions. Bendable metal members, hinges, or other flexible structures may be used in forming bendable structures for the earbuds. Electrical components may be covered by a layer of molded foam. A cover such as a fabric cover may be used to cover the molded foam. Spacer fabric or other soft material may be interposed between the fabric cover and the foam. The housing may be bent or otherwise adjusted between two or more states such as a normal, non-sleep, walking state in which the housing is expanded for normal operation while a user is sitting or walking and a sleep state in which the housing is bent to enhance comfort while sleeping. The wireless earbuds may have illumination systems, sensors, and other components.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Yi Zou, Chad J. Miller, Daniel A. Podhajny, Joshua A. Hoover, Kristen L. Cretella, Nicholas R. Trincia, Seul Bi Kim, William Leith, Yue Chen
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Patent number: 11805374Abstract: Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Earlens CorporationInventors: Rodney C. Perkins, Vincent Pluvinage
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Patent number: 11770664Abstract: A guard for a space access device is configured to output air flow through a distal end portion thereof. The guard includes q housing having a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a filter portion positioned between the proximal and distal end openings. The filter includes a first plate having a first opening therethrough and a second plate having a second opening therethrough. When the first plate is overlaid in contact with the second plate, this forms an aperture that extends through both the first and second plates.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: EARGO, INC.Inventors: Michael Barrett, Manny Ocano, Daniel Shen, Iain Butler, Florent Michel, Raphael Michel, Keith Wong
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Patent number: 11770652Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventor: Mikkel Nielsen
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Patent number: 11765527Abstract: A hearing aid is described which incorporates an antenna integrated into the housing that is configured to radiate with linear polarization such that the electric field is perpendicular to the head of a wearer. The described technique results in lower propagation losses from ear to ear and an improvement in ear-to-ear communications using a far-field link (e.g., in the 2.4 GHz band).Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Paul Flood
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Patent number: 11758340Abstract: A flexible circuit board of a hearing aid and the hearing aid are provided. The flexible circuit board has an annular portion bent into an annular shape, wherein the annular portion is used for surrounding a peripheral side of a battery, and an outer side surface of the annular portion has pads; the flexible circuit board has a device portion located on a front side of the annular portion, wherein the device portion is used for installing electronic devices and is used for electrically connecting a receiver; the flexible circuit board has a chip portion connected to a bottom end of the annular portion, wherein the chip portion is used for binding a chip. The flexible circuit board strings together the receiver, the chip and the battery into a compact structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Xiamen Retone Hearing Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chengxiang Zhang
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Patent number: 11750966Abstract: An earphone comprising: an earphone housing having a cap portion and a body portion that interlock with one another to enclose a driver, the driver having a front face that outputs sound waves and a back face opposite the front face, the cap portion defines a first chamber coupled to the front face of the driver and the body portion defines a second chamber coupled to the back face of the driver, a first opening formed through the cap portion; a first port and a second port formed through the body portion and open to a surrounding environment; and a mesh coupled to the first opening, the first port or the second port.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Howes, Yacine Azmi, Scott P. Porter, Jonathan S. Aase, Andrew P. Bright, Christopher R. Wilk
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Patent number: 11750961Abstract: An earpiece including an external surface having a first fixed configuration disposable within the outer ear and having a passage adapted for retention of an in ear device, the earpiece heatable to achieve a moldable condition which allows reconfiguration of the external surface by engagement with the outer ear to dispose the external surface in a second fixed configuration in greater conformity to the outer ear.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Decibullz LLCInventor: Kyle J Kirkpatrick
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Patent number: 11743626Abstract: There is provided a sound device used while being worn on the listener's ears. The sound device includes a main body installed on a medial surface of an auricle, a holding portion having an annular hollow structure arranged to be coupled to an intertragic notch of an ear near an entrance of an ear canal, a sound guide portion formed as a pipe structure having one end communicating with the main body and another end communicating with the holding portion, an open/close operation unit configured to open or close an earhole, and a control unit configured to control driving of the open/close operation unit. The earhole open/close state is set for each user. The earhole open/close state can be switched depending on the type of application or content to be played, ambient noise level, user behavior, position information, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATIONInventors: Go Igarashi, Naoki Shinmen, Kohei Asada
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Patent number: 11729560Abstract: An illustrative hearing device may include a battery compartment located in a housing and including a microphone and a battery. The housing may include a casing forming the battery compartment and a lid member having a hinged end pivotally connected to the casing such that the lid member is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position relative to the casing. The lid member may be formed to define an opening through the lid member that is configured to allow the microphone and the battery to be in air communication with ambient air when the lid member is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Daniel Probst, Andre Ochsenbein
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Patent number: 11729562Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a protective sleeve for an external component of a hearing prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: David Harte, Taduesz Jurkiewicz, Slobodan Ilic, Hans Yoo
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Patent number: 11716575Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bone conduction speaker and its compound vibration device. The compound vibration device comprises a vibration conductive plate and a vibration board, the vibration conductive plate is set to be the first torus, where at least two first rods inside it converge to its center; the vibration board is set as the second torus, where at least two second rods inside it converge to its center. The vibration conductive plate is fixed with the vibration board; the first torus is fixed on a magnetic system, and the second torus comprises a fixed voice coil, which is driven by the magnetic system. The bone conduction speaker in the present disclosure and its compound vibration device adopt the fixed vibration conductive plate and vibration board, making the technique simpler with a lower cost; because the two adjustable parts in the compound vibration device can adjust both low frequency and high frequency area, the frequency response obtained is flatter and the sound is broader.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN SHOKZ CO., LTD.Inventors: Xin Qi, Fengyun Liao, Jinbo Zheng, Qian Chen, Hao Chen, Lei Zhang, Junjiang Fu, Bingyan Yan
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Patent number: 11701014Abstract: A gas control device includes a pump, a valve, a cuff, and a controller. The valve includes a first plate having a first vent hole and a first vent hole, a channel forming plate having an exhaust hole and an exhaust channel, a second plate having a second vent hole, and an edge separation plate. A manchette rubber tube in the cuff is joined to the periphery of the second vent hole in the second plate by an adhesive, and thus the valve is connected to the cuff. The exhaust hole is opened to the atmosphere. The pump includes a pump housing having a discharge hole and a discharge hole. The upper surface of the pump housing is joined to the bottom surface of the edge separation plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenichiro Kawamura, Yukiharu Kodama, Kosuke Narita, Hiroki Achiwa, Hiroshi Takemura
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Patent number: 11700494Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, the invention comprises a light tip cable including a cartridge assembly affixed to a medial end of the cable, the cartridge assembly including an emitter housing where the emitter housing includes an opening at a medial end of the housing and a flange at a lateral end of the housing. In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge assembly includes a light emitting element in the housing extending to the opening, retention features covering at least a portion of the housing, including the flange, the retention features comprising a lateral face and a lobe and at least one load bearing strand extending from the cable to the emitter; and electrical connectors extending from the cable to the light emitting element.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2022Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Earlens CorporationInventors: Eric B. Johnson, Vincent W. Ku, Patricia Ho, Ryan Lane-Lutter, Daniel K. Hallock
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Patent number: 11700495Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2022Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Staton Techiya LLCInventor: John P. Keady
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Patent number: 11699920Abstract: A wireless power receiver and a wireless power reception method are disclosed. The wireless power receiver includes a charging element, a receiving coil configured to wirelessly receive power from a wireless power transmitter, a rectifier configured to convert an alternating current (AC) voltage generated from the receiving coil to a direct current (DC) voltage, and to output the DC voltage, a voltage converter configured to generate a charging current to charge the charging element, based on the DC voltage output from the rectifier, a current measurer configured to measure the charging current transferred to the charging element, and a controller configured to control a level of the charging current generated from the voltage converter based on a result of the measuring.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hankyu Lee, Seungchul Jung
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Patent number: 11700476Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Brandon Holley, Wei-Hean Liew, Jerad Lewis, David Amaranto, Alexia Delhoume, Casper Asmussen, Victor Johansson
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Patent number: 11691348Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hearing device is disclosed. The hearing device comprises a speaker, a first chamber, and a sound channel arranged between the first chamber and the surroundings of the hearing device or a second chamber. An element of a thermoplastic material being in a solid state is arranged in the sound channel. A laser light is applied to the element to thereby activate the element to change from the solid state to a liquid state. The element then changes from the solid state to the liquid state filling out a cross-section of the sound channel and thereby sealing the sound channel. Finally, cooling of the element is allowed leading to a change of the element from the liquid state to solid state while filling out the cross-section of the sound channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: GN AUDIO A/SInventor: Erik Lindgren
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Patent number: 11677165Abstract: A set of headphones include a zone that is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, a first earpiece including a first directional antenna operable at a first frequency and having a first radiation pattern radiating away from the zone, and a second earpiece including a second directional antenna operable at the first frequency and having a second radiation pattern radiating away from the zone.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventor: Dan Gorcea
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Patent number: 11678106Abstract: This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Phillip Qian, Edward Siahaan, Erik L. Wang, Christopher J. Stringer, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Daniel Max Strongwater, Jason J. LeBlanc
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Patent number: 11678131Abstract: A device, comprising a coupling apparatus configured to couple to a male mating coupling component and also configured to couple to a female mating coupling component. In some embodiments, the coupling apparatus is configured to snap couple to a male mating coupling component and also configured to snap couple to a female mating coupling component.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Marcus Andersson