Hearing Protectors, Electrical Patents (Class 381/72)
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Patent number: 10206043Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for audio pass-through are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of operating a wearable audio device may involve receiving an ambient audio signal, detecting a first audio signal from within the received ambient audio signal, and determining that the first audio signal meets a first metric for pass-through to a user of the wearable audio device. The first metric may be indicative of a first priority level of the first audio signal to the user. The method may further involve isolating the first audio signal based on filtering the ambient audio signal in response to determining that the first audio signal meets the first metric and adjusting playback of the isolated first audio signal for the user via a speaker.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.Inventors: Michael Pate, Morgan Pate
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Patent number: 10200786Abstract: One general aspect includes a method of remote volume adjustment through a telematics unit of a vehicle, the method including: establishing a short-range wireless connection (SRWC), via the telematics unit, with a wireless device present within the interior of the vehicle; receiving, via the telematics unit, one or more commands to set a maximum volume level for the wireless device; and limiting, via the telematics unit, the audio output directed to the wireless device to the maximum volume level.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mark P. Friedrich, Gregg R. Kittinger
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Patent number: 10170095Abstract: Aspects are generally directed to headphone systems that adjust Active Noise Reduction operations based on measurements of environmental conditions. In one example, a headphone system includes an earpiece having an interior volume, the earpiece configured to couple to an ear and define an acoustic volume including the interior volume and a volume within the ear, a speaker to provide acoustic energy to the acoustic volume based on a received driver signal, a feedback microphone to detect at least residual noise within the acoustic volume and generate a feedback audio signal indicative of the residual noise, and a control circuit including a sensor interface configured to receive an atmospheric pressure signal, the control circuit coupled to the feedback microphone to receive the feedback audio signal, and the control circuit configured to adjust the driver signal based at least in part on the feedback audio signal and the atmospheric pressure signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: BOSE CORPORATIONInventor: Paul Yamkovoy
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Patent number: 10165345Abstract: Presented here is an apparatus and method to increase a listener's enjoyment of sound by combining in-ear headphones with either over-ear headphones or on-ear headphones. One embodiment is headphones that include an ear-cup with an ear-bud protruding toward the listener's ear-canal. The ear-cup substantially surrounds the listener's ear and delivers sub sonic and low-frequency vibrations to the listener's skin stimulating a vibrotactile response. The ear-bud is disposed within the listener's ear canal and delivers a full range of audible frequencies. Additionally, the headphones, along with the ear-cup in the ear-bud, provide both passive and active noise cancellation.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: NURA HOLDINGS PTY LTDInventors: Kyle Damon Slater, Luke John Campbell, Dragan Petrovic
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Patent number: 10031718Abstract: Methods and systems for augmenting an audio signal are provided for herein. In some embodiments, a method can be performed by a sound processing system of a computing device. In such embodiments, the sound processing system can receive a captured audio signal from a microphone coupled with the sound processing system. The sound processing system can then produce an augmented audio signal by selectively filtering the captured audio signal based on a physical location of the computing device. This resulting augmented audio signal can reflect an effect associated with the physical location of the computing device. The augmented audio signal can then be output, by the sound processing system, to a speaker coupled with the computing device to enable consumption of the augmented audio signal by a user of the computing device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: James Dack, Jeffrey Kohler, Shawn Wright, Denise Ng
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Patent number: 9955264Abstract: Systems and methods of alert and notification transmission are contemplated in which a transceiver provides an alert/notification to a user(s) wearing a headset that provides hearing protection device with an integrated transceiver (e.g., radio) and on-board siren-voice alert function board. Typically, this device would be used in a loud noise area (>+70 dB) that would otherwise prevent the user from hearing an alert and notification, such as a siren tone and/or Public Address announcement. While the alert and notification is silent, the device is contemplated to provide sufficient hearing protection (>+15 dB) from the ambient surroundings. It is also contemplated that it could play local music through an audio input port/other receiving method. When an alert and notification command is communicated to a headset device's address (or globally) through the transceiver, the device(s) would then proceed to play, within the headset, the desired alert and notification message.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Inventor: Darryl Dwight Brayton
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Patent number: 9936312Abstract: A hearing aid includes: a hearing aid component configured to be arranged at a head of a user, and away from an ear canal of the user, the hearing aid component configured to provide a signal to an earpiece; the earpiece configured to be arranged at the ear of the user, and configured to provide an acoustic output to the user; and a coupling element configured for coupling the hearing aid component and the earpiece, the coupling element having a tube and an electrically conducting element; wherein the electrically conducting element in the coupling element of the hearing aid is configured to operate as a part of an antenna for wireless communication, and wherein the electrically conducting element is configured for electromagnetic signal emission and/or electromagnetic signal reception.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: GN HEARING A/SInventors: Werner Meskens, Tadeusz Jurkiewicz, Steve Winnall, Limin Zhong
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Patent number: 9900689Abstract: A dynamic processor for compressing an incoming audio signal is provided. The processor includes an adaptive detector, an adaptive module, and an amplifier. The adaptive detector includes a first adaptive filter and is configured to apply a transfer function to the incoming audio signal to generate a detector output signal. The adaptive module includes a second adaptive filter and is configured to generate a control signal based on the detector output signal. The amplifier is configured to receive the control signal from the adaptive module and to generate a compressed audio signal based on the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Harman International Industries IncorporatedInventors: Richard A. Kreifeldt, Ajay Iyer
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Patent number: 9900682Abstract: A headphone with a headband and at least one earcup. The at least one earcup is movably coupled to the headband by a joint that is structured to allow rotation of the earcup relative to the headband about two mutually perpendicular axes, and translation along one of these axes.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: John J. Breen, Eric M. Wallace, Michael J. Monahan
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Patent number: 9845163Abstract: A display assembly for displaying a parameter of an aircraft, comprising a parameter device and a non-transparent display device. The parameter device for gathering a parameter of the aircraft and/or of an equipment of the aircraft includes a sending unit for sending the parameter. The non-transparent display device is detachable, is configured to display the parameter, and comprises a receiving unit for receiving the parameter. The sending unit transmits the parameter directly to the receiving unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbHInventors: Jens Gaertner, Philipp Schneider, Daniel Dreyer, Anja Karner, Matthias Oberhauser
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Patent number: 9769567Abstract: An audio processing system and method are described. A microphone is arranged to generate a microphone output signal responsive to an acoustic input. A speaker is arranged to generate an acoustic output responsive to a speaker input signal and to generate a speaker output signal responsive to the acoustic input. A wind noise detector is arranged to receive and process the microphone output signal and/or the speaker output signal to detect wind noise. A signal processor is arranged to receive the microphone output signal and is configured to process the speaker output signal when wind noise has been detected. The microphone output signal is modified using a result of processing the speaker output signal to reduce the amount of wind noise in a processed audio signal output by the signal processor.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventor: Shawn Scarlett
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Patent number: 9636260Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include hearing protection earmuffs, which generally might have two earcups providing passive noise reduction (e.g. an effective NRR to protect a user from a damaging external noise environment). Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for transmitting external sounds to a speaker within the earcup, blocking transmission of sounds that are higher than a hearing protection threshold, amplifying sounds that are below the hearing protection threshold, and reducing or filtering undesirable background sounds by determining the frequency of the transmitted sounds.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: John Jenkins
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Patent number: 9603746Abstract: A sound attenuation system can include a first end that can include a shaft and a flange, the flange can be coupled to the shaft, and a second end that can include a filter stem and a cap. The filter stem can have a hole. The cap can have a first position in which the cap occludes the hole and can have a second position in which the cap is clear of the hole.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: JMJ Holdings, LLCInventor: David M. Chenal
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Patent number: 9558732Abstract: An active noise control system includes a first microphone, a controller operably coupled to the first microphone, and a speaker operably coupled to the controller. The first microphone senses a sound input in an audible spectrum, wherein the sound input includes a disturbance noise portion. The controller includes a selection unit and an output unit. The selection unit determines the disturbance noise portion of the sound input based on a highest frequency level of the sound input. The output unit removes the disturbance noise portion from the sound input to generate a filtered sound input. The speaker generates a speaker output based on the filtered sound input.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Waite, Atul G. Kelkar
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Patent number: 9478115Abstract: An operator system for a machine, in particular for a beverage processing machine, the system comprising a mobile operator device for the machine, a signal emitter for reporting alarm and/or warning signals and safely glasses for protecting the eyes of a user. The safety glasses have a display system that is designed in particular as a head-mounted display, or a virtual retina display, or a projector and the operator device and/or the signal emitter and/or the safety glasses have a respective data transmitter for exchanging machine information and/or alarm and/or warning signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: KRONES AGInventors: Wolfgang Hahn, Timo Pronold, Johannes Böhm, Christina Traub
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Patent number: 9456264Abstract: A hearing dose management device has an input, an output 6B for feeding an acoustic transducer, and an attenuating device configured to provide a controlled attenuation between the input and the output. The attenuation is dependent on past levels of the output so as to manage a hearing dose delivered by an acoustic transducer.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: LIMITEAR LIMITEDInventor: Richard Glover
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Patent number: 9380374Abstract: The present universal wearable computing device relates to a hearing assistance system, device, method, and apparatus that provide a discreet approach to user hearing assistance, without relying on a conventional hearing aid. The hearing assistance system and the requisite electronics may be incorporated into frames that also function as eyeglasses with earphone(s) that may be connected to the frame to assist user hearing. An earphone may be configured with minimal electronics, such that a power source enable sound transmissions to the ear, is provided by a connection to the frame of the eyeglasses. In another example, the earphone is configured without any electronics and sound is transmitted to the user/listener's ear(s) via a psychoacoustic system. The sound quality of the transmissions to the earphones may be optimized using a tuning/equalizer application operating from a computing device, such as an app on a mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: OKAPPI, Inc.Inventors: Peter J. Sprague, Wayne D. Boyle, Janet M. Baker
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Patent number: 9357288Abstract: A system for monitoring sound pressure levels at the ear includes an ambient sound microphone (ASM) for receiving ambient sounds and an ear canal microphone (ECM) for producing audio signals as a function of ambient sound received at the ambient sound microphone and a sound signal received from an associated personal audio device. A logic circuit is operatively associated with the ASM and ECM calculates a total SPL_Dose experienced by the ear at a time t. The total SPL_Dose is calculated by determining SPL_Dose for periods ?t as measured at the ECM. The logic circuit may select an action parameter in response to the Total SPL_Dose.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Personics Holdings, LLCInventors: Steven W. Goldstein, John Usher, Brian Fligor, John P. Keady
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Patent number: 9236041Abstract: There is provided a filter circuit for producing a noise reduction signal for reducing a noise signal collected by a microphone, including: a digital section including an analog/digital conversion section configured to convert the noise signal into a digital noise signal, a digital filter section configured to produce a digital noise reduction signal based on the digital noise signal, and a digital/analog conversion section configured to convert the digital noise reduction signal into an analog noise reduction signal; an analog path connected in parallel to said digital section and configured to output the noise signal as it is or after processed by an analog filter; and a synthesis section configured to synthesize the analog noise reduction signal outputted from said digital/analog conversion section of said digital section and the analog signal outputted from said analog path to produce a noise reduction signal to be used for noise reduction.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kohei Asada, Tetsunori Itabashi
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Patent number: 9124965Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adaptively managing a plurality of microphones and speakers in an electronic device. A mode of operation of the electronic device may be determined, and operation of at least one speaker may be managed, based on the determined mode of operation. The managing may comprise adaptively switching or modifying functions of the at least one speaker. For example, the at least one speaker may be configured to act as microphone or as vibration detector. Input obtained using the at least one speaker may be utilized in optimizing audio related functions, such as noise reduction and/or acoustic echo canceling.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: DSP Group LTD.Inventors: Arie Heiman, Uri Yehuday, Roei Roeimi
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Patent number: 9117437Abstract: A noise cancelling headphone is described. The noise cancelling headphone utilizes a low power consuming noise cancellation circuit wherein an audio input signal is directly fed into the headphone without the use of an additional headphone amplifier. The noise cancelling circuit uses a microphone to pick up ambient noise and produces a signal which is equal in amplitude but opposite in polarity to the ambient noise signal. The resultant signal is mixed with the audio input signal and fed into the speakers of the headphone. This method is advantageous because it uses fewer components than conventional noise cancellation circuits and it also consumes less power due to the use of fewer components. The distortion of the audio input signal is also reduced since no amplification is performed to the audio input signal onboard the noise cancellation circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Sony EMCS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.Inventors: Kah Chun Chin, Choon Huat Khoh, Siew Pheng Chong, Jin Ngee Ong
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Patent number: 9112468Abstract: An audio device prevents an excessive volume output in a case such as when a set of headphones is replaced or a power supply is turned ON from OFF. A mute control circuit includes a switch that detects insertion of a headphone plug and a switch that detects a volume position. When no insertion of a headphone plug is detected, a mute mode is activated to output no audio signals. When insertion of a headphone plug is detected and it is not detected that the volume position is set at a mute position or near to the mute position, the mute mode is maintained, while when it is detected that the volume position is set at the mute position or near to the mute position, the mute mode is canceled.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: TEAC CorporationInventor: Kazuo Watanabe
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Patent number: 9091280Abstract: A system and method for controlling noise produced by an air handling system is provided. The system includes a source microphone to collect sound measurements from the air handling system and a processor to define a cancellation signal that at least partially cancels out the sound measurements. The system also includes a speaker to generate the cancellation signal. The sound measurements are at least partially canceled out within a region of cancellation. Accordingly, the system further includes a response microphone to collect response sound measurements at the region of cancellation. The processor tunes the cancellation signal based on the response sound measurements.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Nortek Air Solutions, LLCInventor: Lawrence G. Hopkins
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Patent number: 9094766Abstract: An example of an apparatus configured to be worn by a person who has an ear and an ear canal includes a first microphone adapted to be worn about the ear of the person, and a second microphone adapted to be worn at a different location than the first microphone. The apparatus includes a sound processor adapted to process signals from the first microphone to produce a processed sound signal, a receiver adapted to convert the processed sound signal into an audible signal to the wearer of the hearing assistance device, and a voice detector to detect the voice of the wearer. The voice detector includes an adaptive filter to receive signals from the first microphone and the second microphone.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Ivo Merks
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Patent number: 9087506Abstract: There is disclosed a passive acoustical filter including a first filter element coupled between an ambient and an ear of a listener, at least a portion of the first filter element filled with a material in which a speed of sound is lower than a speed of sound in air.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Doppler Labs, Inc.Inventors: Noah Kraft, Richard Fritz Lanman, Dan Wiggins, Jonathan Oswaks, Nils Jacob Palmborg
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Publication number: 20150117659Abstract: An electronic hearing protector includes an ear cup assembly comprising a front exterior microphone that provides a front microphone signal and a rear exterior microphone that provides a rear microphone signal. A processor receives and digitizes the front microphone signal and the rear microphone signal, and provides a front channel signal and a rear channel signal indicative thereof respectively. A filter receives the rear channel signal and has a cut-off frequency value that provides a high-frequency roll-off and a notch at a notch filter frequency value that is less than the cut-off frequency value, where the filter provides a filtered signal. A first signal indicative of the front channel signal and a second signal indicative of the filtered signal are summed, and a signal indicative of the summed signal is provided to a speaker within the ear cup that provides an audio signal within the first ear cup indicative of the summed signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: James Kirsch, Jeffrey L. Hutchings, Russell Lambert, Josh Hunsaker
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Publication number: 20150117660Abstract: An hearing protection device is provided. The hearing protection device can include a speaker to relay sounds, such as conversations, to the user of the hearing protection. The hearing protection device can include an electronics package that can filter out undesirable sounds, such as to improve the user's ability to hear conversations around them while still protecting the user's ears.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Douglas D. Fletcher, Oscar M. Hemberg, Eric O. Hemberg
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Patent number: 8995676Abstract: A hearing protector comprises two protective muffs (1) with passive noise damping, a microphone (3) disposed in at least the one protective muff (1) and connected to an analog and a digital signal processing device (5 and 7, respectively), the signal processing devices (5, 7) being connected to loudspeakers (4) disposed interiorly in the protective muffs (1) for extinguishing interior noise in the protective muffs (1). The analog signal processing device is rehearsed for processing non-repeatable noise, while the digital signal processing device is rehearsed for processing repeatable noise. According to the invention, a further microphone (8) is disposed outside the passive noise damping and is connected to the digital signal processing device for tracing and locking onto repeatable noise.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: 3M Svenska ABInventor: Henrik Fransson
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Patent number: 8958571Abstract: A personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, includes noise canceling circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal from a reference microphone signal and injects the anti-noise signal into the speaker or other transducer output to cause cancellation of ambient audio sounds. An error microphone may also be provided proximate the speaker to estimate an electro-acoustical path from the noise canceling circuit through the transducer. A processing circuit uses the reference and/or error microphone, optionally along with a microphone provided for capturing near-end speech, to determine whether one of the reference or error microphones is obstructed by comparing their received signal content and takes action to avoid generation of erroneous anti-noise.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Nitin Kwatra, Jeffrey Alderson, Jon D. Hendrix
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Publication number: 20150043743Abstract: An improved hearing protection device intended to be inserted into an external auditory meatus of a user, having a housing structure, a passive tuning element, and a passive, nonlinear acoustic filter. The tuning element and the acoustic filter may be supported in series by the housing structure. The tuning element may be or include a diaphragm, a resonator, or both. The housing structure may support a diaphragm of the tuning element at its circumference, and may provide cavities on both sides of the diaphragm. In some embodiments electronic components are included in the hearing protection device to counteract insertion loss provided by the passive element, and restore natural hearing for low to moderate sound pressure levels, Communications devices may also be incorporated into the hearing protection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: George Douglas Meegan, Theodore Francis Argo, IV, Jennifer Nicole Congdon
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Patent number: 8953815Abstract: Housings on the right/left of the noise cancellation headphone, where a speaker unit is incorporated, are connected to each other with a headband, and a battery receiving portion is provided on a side surface of at least one of the right and left housings. The battery receiving mechanism includes: a battery receiving portion provided in the side surface of the housing; a battery lid opening and closing the battery receiving portion; and a flexible connecting member preventing the battery lid from dropping off from the housing in a state where the battery lid opens the battery receiving portion. The housing and the battery lid each include an engagement part which engages with each other by pushing in the battery lid in a direction intersecting with the side surface of the housing, and the battery lid occupies a part of the side surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Ryuji Shinozaki
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Publication number: 20150036834Abstract: An ear attenuator headset that allows a user to adjust the amount of attenuation in a variable, continuous fashion from zero attenuation to maximum attenuation without removing the device from a user's head. The ear attenuator headset includes a passageway, the passageway allowing for sound to pass through the headset and a control element, the control element able to control the amount of sound that passes through the passageway of the ear attenuator headset. The ear attenuator can be used in headsets, headphones, and earbuds where electronic sounds are transmitted and added variable attenuation is also available for the consumer to take advantage of for reduction of the external environmental sounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Natan Bauman, Ralph T. Campagna
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Patent number: 8929559Abstract: This disclosure relates to method and apparatus for selecting right and left configurations of hearing assistance device circuits, such as battery polarity. In various applications the present subject matter is applicable to a flexible circuit in hearing assistance devices, including but not limited to hearing aids. In one example, a printed circuit board is configured during manufacture to be used in either a left or a right hearing assistance device. The printed circuit board includes a solder selectable portion to provide for selection of left or right during assembly of the hearing assistance device, according to various embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Dale Splettstoeszer
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Patent number: 8923523Abstract: The selective filtering earplugs allow a user to filter most external and environmental sounds, only allowing a set of pre-approved sounds to be heard by the user. The earplugs include a sound acquisition module and at least one filtering earplug. The sound acquisition module includes a microphone for receiving environmental sounds and a controller for converting the received environmental sounds to a digital signal. First memory is provided for storing the digital signal and second memory is provided for storing a database of pre-approved sound signals. The controller compares the digital signal with the database of pre-authorized sound signals. If the digital signal matches a pre-authorized sound signal of the database, then a transmitter transmits the digital signal. The filtering earplug includes a receiver for receiving the digital signal and a converter for converting the digital signal into an audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventor: Abdelhafid Bouhraoua
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Patent number: 8917880Abstract: Methods of operating an audio device are provided. A method includes calculating estimated sound pressure levels (SPLs) for drive signals directed to an ear canal receiver (ECR) during a time increment ?t; calculating an estimated SPL_Dose during the time increment ?t using the estimated sound pressure levels; and calculating a total SPL_Dose at a time t of the audio device using the estimated SPL_Dose.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Personics Holdings, LLC.Inventors: Steven W. Goldstein, John Usher, Brian Fligor, John P. Keady
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Patent number: 8903114Abstract: An in-ear device comprises a main body for placement in the outer ear of a wearer and has at least two derivative canals each containing a filtering medium differing from one another in terms of their frequency suppression capabilities, and a preferably rotatable knob enabling selection of the respective filtering canal without the need for removal of the device from the ear.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Sonomax Technologies Inc.Inventors: Jérémie Voix, Jean-Nicolas Laperle
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Patent number: 8897458Abstract: An earplug which conforms to the concha of the ear and extends into the ear canal. The construction consists of a flexible outer skin with at least one filler material, preferably two or more materials of varying hardness, to form an essentially solid structure except for sound channels, or electronics packages, or other devices, parts and cavities that may be located within the flexible skin. The flexible skin can be fabricated using a rapid-prototyping printing process.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Red Tail Hawk CorporationInventors: John W. Parkins, Mark DeWilde
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Publication number: 20140321660Abstract: A hearing protection earpiece having a shell shaped according to conform to the user's concha and ear canal and having an open hollow lateral portion to be inserted into the user's concha and a medial portion to be inserted into at least an outer portion of the user's ear canal, wherein the medial portion of the shell is axially adjacent to the lateral portion of the shell, wherein the lateral portion of the shell forms part of an open portion of the earpiece and the medial portion of the shell forms part of a closed portion of the earpiece, wherein the earpiece provides for a mechanical sound attenuation of at least 10 dB averaged over the audible frequency range, and wherein the lateral portion of the shell has a wall thickness of not more than 3 mm and is shaped to cover at least half of the concha area.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Phonak AGInventor: Samuel Harsch
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Patent number: 8873765Abstract: To provide a noise reduction transmitter which can secure clarity of sounds collected in very noisy environments and maintain a quality of sounds without devising a noise insulation cover particularly. A transmission microphone 7 is arranged inside a noise insulation cover 2 worn on and covering at least a user's 1 mouth. A noise detection microphone 9 which detects external noises is arranged outside the noise insulation cover, and a noise component cancellation circuit 11 is provided which generates a noise component cancellation signal based on an output signal from the noise detection microphone. An electroacoustic transducer 8 is arranged in the noise insulation cover to reproduce a noise component cancellation sound based on an output signal from the noise component cancellation circuit 11.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Hiroshi Akino
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Patent number: 8868137Abstract: A system includes an active noise-reducing headset and an alert processor. The active noise reducing headset includes a communication module that establishes a wireless communication link, a microphone that generates a microphone signal in response to ambient noise, a speaker, a noise reduction circuit that generates a noise reduction signal in response to the microphone signal, and a control circuit that receives an incoming alert signal from the communication module and plays the alert signal over the speaker. The alert processor includes a second communication module that establishes the wireless link with the active noise-reducing headset, and a controller that receive an incoming alert signal, generates an alert notification in response to the alert signal, and transmits the alert notification to the active noise-reducing headset.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
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Patent number: 8867766Abstract: Audible signals (m2) which are transmitted via an uncontrolled transmission path (11) to an individual's ear wearing the control signal processing path (1) of a hearing device are compensated by audible signals (m3) which are produced by an additional controlled signal processing path (20). Signal processing parts are commonly exploited (25b, 25d, 7/27) by both controlled signal processing paths (1, 20).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Phonak AGInventor: Hans-Ueli Roeck
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Patent number: 8861747Abstract: The application relates to a compressor circuit for a listening device, the compressor circuit comprising a pair of input terminals and a pair of output terminals, the compressor circuit being adapted for receiving an electric input signal representing an audio signal with an input voltage swing Vipp at the input terminals and for providing a possibly compressed version of the input signal as an output signal with an output voltage swing Vopp at the output terminals, the compressor circuit comprising. The application further relates to a listening device and to the use of the compressor circuit. The object of the present application is to provide a compressor circuit with a proper functioning also at relatively low input levels.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Senheiser Communications A/SInventors: Ole N. Christensen, Niels C. S. Hansen
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Patent number: 8855322Abstract: An original loudness level of an audio signal is maintained for a mobile device while maintaining sound quality as good as possible and protecting the loudspeaker used in the mobile device. The loudness of an audio (e.g., speech) signal may be maximized while controlling the excursion of the diaphragm of the loudspeaker (in a mobile device) to stay within the allowed range. In an implementation, the peak excursion is predicted (e.g., estimated) using the input signal and an excursion transfer function. The signal may then be modified to limit the excursion and to maximize loudness.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Sang-Uk Ryu, Jongwon Shin, Roy Silverstein, Andre Gustavo P. Schevciw, Pei Xiang
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Publication number: 20140294191Abstract: A sound monitoring control for controlling the sound pressure level (SPL) delivered to the ears of a user of a hearing protection device. The control employs a measurement of the actual sound heard by the user, using a microphone to control the sound level and to help prevent noise induced hearing loss. A measurement, using a dosimeter microphone, of the actual sound pressure levels heard by the user can be used in audio processing schemes to ensure that the user is only exposed to safe levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Red Tail Hawk CorporationInventor: John W. Parkins
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Patent number: 8848939Abstract: A system to occlude an ear canal is provided. The system includes an expandable device, a reservoir, a channel coupled between the expandable device and the reservoir, and a pump. The pump expands the expandable device such that a surface of the expandable device contacts an ear canal wall and imparts a force onto the ear canal wall, to produce a tensional strain in the ear canal wall. The strained ear canal wall impedes bodily-propagated sound from entering the ear canal through the ear canal wall, to reduce an occlusion effect by the bodily-propagated sound.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Personics Holdings, LLC.Inventors: John P. Keady, Gary Hoshizaki
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Patent number: 8831232Abstract: An anti-noise earmuff device includes an audio signal processor unit, a Bluetooth module, an audio mixer unit and an amplifier unit. The audio signal processor unit is arranged in the earmuffs for control audio signal output, protecting the user's eardrums against noise of high-decibel level. The Bluetooth module receives or communicates with a mobile communication device through an antenna, allowing the user to listen to the music and to communicate with people outside without needing taking off the earmuff device.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventor: Ching Kuo Chuang
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Patent number: 8804972Abstract: Methods and system for a sealing test comprising the steps of: sealing a predefined volume of gas; sampling a predefined frequency range, whereby there is no need to inject a predefined sound wave while sampling the predefined frequency range; and determining whether the predefined volume of gas is sealed or unsealed according to the sampled frequency range.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Source of Sound LtdInventors: Nir Klein, Yaakov Butbul
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Patent number: 8788077Abstract: Control devices are provided. A control device includes an input, an output, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive an input signal through the input. The input signal is generated from a user interface on a media device. The processor sends a control signal through the output to a sound reproduction device. The output signal controls audio generated by the sound reproduction device. The input, output, and processor are not included in the media device and are not included in the sound reproduction device.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Personics Holdings, LLC.Inventors: Steven Wayne Goldstein, John Usher
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Publication number: 20140198926Abstract: Systems and methods for providing communication and protection by an electronic earplug are provided. A communication and protection system includes an electronic earplug operable in a transmit mode and a receive mode. The electronic earplug includes an external microphone, an ear canal microphone, processing circuitry, and a receiver. In the receive mode, the external microphone is configured to transduce sound pressure levels received from exterior to an ear canal to electrical signals; the processing circuitry is configured to process the electrical signals from the external microphone to provide processed electrical signals; and, the receiver is configured to convert the processed electrical signal to sound. In the transmit mode, the ear canal microphone is configured to transduce sound pressure levels received from in the ear canal to electrical signals provided to a communication device; and, one or more of the external microphone, the processing circuitry, and the receiver is disabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Etymotic Research, Inc.Inventors: Mead C. Killion, James Collins, Timothy Scott Monroe, Russ Thoma, Viorel Drambarean, Andrew Haapapuro, Jerrold Zdenek
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Patent number: 8774421Abstract: A noise canceling headphone includes a microphone provided in a headphone housing, collecting external sound, a canceling signal generating circuit generating a canceling signal in response to a signal output from the microphone which cancels external sound passing through the housing without being attenuated by a sound insulating characteristic of the headphone, a compensating signal generating circuit generating a compensating signal that compensates for the external sound attenuated by the sound insulating characteristic of the headphone, an adding circuit that adds a musical signal input from the exterior to the compensating signal, and a speaker unit that outputs an output signal from the adding circuit and the canceling signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Tominori Kimura