John H Terry

US Patent:

6940466, Sep 6, 2005

Filed:

Nov 25, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/722093

Inventors:

John David Terry - Santa Rosa CA, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN
Oticon A/S - Hellerup

International Classification:

H01Q001/52
H04B001/16

US Classification:

343841, 343860, 455341

Abstract:

Devices and methods are provided to enhance magnetic field communication. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method for transmitting and receiving signals using an antenna element electrically connected to a driver and an amplifier. According to various embodiments of the method, a first signal is transmitted from the antenna element and a second signal that was induced in the antenna element is received. Transmitting the first signal includes driving the first signal through the antenna element using the driver, and monitoring the first signal through an input impedance of the amplifier. Receiving the second signal includes reducing the input impedance of the amplifier, and receiving the second signal at the amplifier through the reduced input impedance. Various embodiments shield the antenna element from electric and electromagnetic fields. Other aspects are provided herein.

US Patent:

7277687, Oct 2, 2007

Filed:

Dec 3, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/727263

Inventors:

John David Terry - Santa Rosa CA, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H04B 1/18

US Classification:

455293, 455337, 329369

Abstract:

An AM demodulator using totem pole complementary metal oxide semiconductor transistors having a feedback to provide a common gate voltage of approximately half that across the transistors in the totem pole. The AM demodulator used in a hearing assistance device and in a programmer of a hearing assistance device.

US Patent:

7313378, Dec 25, 2007

Filed:

Nov 26, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/723843

Inventors:

John David Terry - Santa Rosa CA, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H04B 1/06
H04B 7/00

US Classification:

455254, 4552341, 4552501

Abstract:

An automatic gain control provides for enhanced acquisition and tracking of wireless signals. The wireless signals may include signals using electrostatic fields, magnetic fields, or electromagnetic fields. In an embodiment, wireless signals are provided as radio frequency signals. The automatic gain control design is intended to quickly acquire new incoming information in a wireless signal. A control unit regulates the automatic gain control to manage the acquisition and gain of the wireless signal based on a transmission protocol. The automatic gain control adjusts the gain for the wireless signal to a minimal level required for detection for a preprogrammed amount of time, at the same time minimizing unwanted background noise from interfering with the data packet. When the communication session is concluded, the automatic gain control can be released allowing increased sensitivity in preparation of the next transmission.

US Patent:

7358923, Apr 15, 2008

Filed:

Jun 23, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/165142

Inventors:

John David Terry - Santa Rosa CA, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN
Oticon A/S - Hellerup

International Classification:

H01Q 1/52

US Classification:

343841, 343860

Abstract:

Devices and methods are provided to enhance magnetic field communication. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method for transmitting and receiving signals using an antenna element electrically connected to a driver and an amplifier. According to various embodiments of the method, a first signal is transmitted from the antenna element and a second signal that was induced in the antenna element is received. Transmitting the first signal includes driving the first signal through the antenna element using the driver, and monitoring the first signal through an input impedance of the amplifier. Receiving the second signal includes reducing the input impedance of the amplifier, and receiving the second signal at the amplifier through the reduced input impedance. Various embodiments shield the antenna element from electric and electromagnetic fields. Other aspects are provided herein.

US Patent:

7512383, Mar 31, 2009

Filed:

Nov 26, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/723890

Inventors:

Mohamad Essabar - Copenhagen, DK
John David Terry - Santa Rosa CA, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN
Oticon A/S - Hellerup

International Classification:

H04B 1/44

US Classification:

455 78, 455 82, 455 83, 4551931, 4551973, 381312, 381331, 331 59, 333100

Abstract:

Systems, devices and methods are provided to switch between transmit and receive modes in wireless hearing aids. One aspect relates to an apparatus for use within a communication system that has an inductive coil connected to a tuning capacitor at a node. An amplifier is connected to the node through a DC blocking capacitor to receive an induced signal in the inductive coil in a receive mode. A driver energizes the inductive coil with a driven signal in a transmit mode. According to various embodiments, the apparatus transforms the inductive coil, the tuning capacitor and the DC blocking capacitor into an equivalent series resonant circuit to reduce an inductive load in the transmit mode, and transforms the inductive coil, the tuning capacitor and the DC blocking capacitor into an equivalent parallel resonant circuit to increase an inductive load in the receive mode.

US Patent:

7710345, May 4, 2010

Filed:

Mar 19, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/051109

Inventors:

John David Terry - Santa Rosa CA, US

Assignee:

Starkey Laboratories, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

H01Q 1/52

US Classification:

343841, 343842, 455131

Abstract:

Devices and methods are provided to enhance magnetic field communication. One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a method for transmitting and receiving signals using an antenna element electrically connected to a driver and an amplifier. According to various embodiments of the method, a first signal is transmitted from the antenna element and a second signal that was induced in the antenna element is received. Transmitting the first signal includes driving the first signal through the antenna element using the driver, and monitoring the first signal through an input impedance of the amplifier. Receiving the second signal includes reducing the input impedance of the amplifier, and receiving the second signal at the amplifier through the reduced input impedance. Various embodiments shield the antenna element from electric and electromagnetic fields. Other aspects are provided herein.