Brian Lee Fideler

US Patent:

7171014, Jan 30, 2007

Filed:

Oct 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/284878

Inventors:

Nelson Morales - Lakeville MN, US
Brian L. Fideler - Jordan MN, US
Mike K. Sacha - Chanhassen MN, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381322, 381324, 381328

Abstract:

A hearing aid having a battery door seal that substantially reduces or eliminates unwanted air flow from and into a battery compartment is provided. Eliminating unwanted air flow removes a potential source of acoustic feedback and provides significant improvement in frequency response of the hearing aid. The hearing aid includes a battery compartment with sidewalls that have a step joint formed between an opening in a faceplate to the battery compartment and a substantially flat portion of the sidewalls. The battery door has a lip that sets on the step joint when the battery door closes providing an air seal around a substantial portion of the battery compartment. A thin slit is provided between the faceplate and the battery door behind the end of the battery door, where the battery door is connected to the faceplate by a hinge to provide appropriate air flow for proper battery operation.

US Patent:

7443992, Oct 28, 2008

Filed:

Apr 15, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/824775

Inventors:

Brian Fideler - Jordan MN, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381328, 381322, 381323

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for a modular hearing aid for a user having a hearing canal, including a housing adapted to fit within at least a portion of the hearing canal, and having at least one access port, a cover adapted for at least partially covering the at least one access port, and signal processing electronics connected to a microphone and a power supply. In various examples, a microphone housing is adapted to mount to the housing and to fit within the at least one access port, and to connect to the microphone, the signal processing electronics and the power supply. In one variant, the apparatus includes a receiver connected to the signal processing electronics, and a fastener as a unitary connector of the cover and microphone housing to the housing. Other variations are presented herein.

US Patent:

8055002, Nov 8, 2011

Filed:

Aug 12, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/190499

Inventors:

Brian Fideler - Jordan MN, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381322, 381324, 2989621

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for a modular hearing aid for a user having a hearing canal, including a housing adapted to fit within at least a portion of the hearing canal, and having at least one access port, a cover adapted for at least partially covering the at least one access port, and signal processing electronics connected to a microphone and a power supply. In various examples, a microphone housing is adapted to mount to the housing and to fit within the at least one access port, and to connect to the microphone, the signal processing electronics and the power supply. In one variant, the apparatus includes a receiver connected to the signal processing electronics, and a fastener as a unitary connector of the cover and microphone housing to the housing. Other variations are presented herein.

US Patent:

8180084, May 15, 2012

Filed:

Mar 21, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/689354

Inventors:

Sidney A. Higgins - Maple Grove MN, US
Brian Fideler - Jordan MN, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381323, 381324

Abstract:

The present subject matter includes a switch and an operator to interface with the switch, the operator in a battery door of a hearing assistance device. One embodiment includes a housing, hearing assistance electronics disposed in the housing, a hinge electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics, and a battery door coupled to the hinge, the battery door includes a switch comprising an operator and at least one contact connected to the hinge.

US Patent:

8374370, Feb 12, 2013

Filed:

Mar 31, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/414876

Inventors:

Tao Zhang - Eden Prairie MN, US
Brian Fideler - Jordan MN, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H04R 25/02

US Classification:

381330, 381 60, 381322, 381324, 381381, 381382

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for a hearing assistance device housing for use in real ear measurements. The methods and apparatus for configuration of a hearing assistance device using an apparatus including an opening to receive a sound tube for real ear measurements and providing an opening for connection of a sound hook to a housing of the hearing assistance device.

US Patent:

8428282, Apr 23, 2013

Filed:

Sep 29, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/240794

Inventors:

Brian Fideler - Jordan MN, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381328, 381322, 381324

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for a modular hearing aid for a user having a hearing canal, including a microphone connected to signal processing electronics and a power supply, a housing shaped for use in at least a portion of the hearing canal and including at least one opening and a microphone hood detachably connected to the opening in the housing, wherein the microphone hood includes one or more external ports linked to an internal port such that air may flow between the one or more external ports and the internal port. In various examples, a microphone housing is adapted to mount to the housing and to fit within the at least one access port, and to connect to the microphone, the signal processing electronics and the power supply. In one variant, the apparatus includes a receiver connected to the signal processing electronics, and a fastener as a unitary connector of the cover and microphone housing to the housing. Other variations are presented herein.

US Patent:

8565462, Oct 22, 2013

Filed:

Mar 21, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/689358

Inventors:

Brian Fideler - Jordan MN, US
Sidney A. Higgins - Maple Grove MN, US
Michael Karl Sacha - Chanhassen MN, US
Thomas Howard Burns - Chaska MN, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381330, 381327, 381324

Abstract:

One embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus for disposition between a pinna and a head of a user, the apparatus including a behind-the-ear housing, the housing having a first lateral side located adjacent the user's ear and a second lateral side located adjacent the side of the user's head when the apparatus is worn as directed, hearing assistance electronics disposed in the behind-the-ear housing, and a control disposed on at least one lateral side of the behind-the-ear housing, the control coupled to the hearing assistance electronics.

US Patent:

20040052390, Mar 18, 2004

Filed:

Sep 12, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/243991

Inventors:

Nelson Morales - Lakeville MN, US
Jeffrey Larson - Rogers MN, US
Brian Fideler - Jordan MN, US

International Classification:

H04R025/00

US Classification:

381/323000, 381/312000, 381/322000

Abstract:

An interface actuator is shown that guides a data transmission line to a programming interface only when the interface actuator is in a certain desired actuation state. Incorrect insertion of the data transmission line is substantially prohibited, and potential damage to the data transmission line is minimized. Further, in one embodiment, after the data transmission line has been guided into place, programming can be performed while the battery is in place.