Patents by Inventor Thorben Neu

Thorben Neu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7734256
    Abstract: A system for interfacing with an audio player comprises a housing (110, 410) containing a first connector (111, 411), a transmission device (120, 420) including a second connector (121, 421) capable of removable engagement with the first connector, a power interface (130, 430) electrically coupled to the housing, and an audio interface (140, 440) electrically coupled to the housing and capable of being coupled to the audio player. The transmission device is connectable both to the housing and to the audio player directly, and is capable of transmitting an audio signal generated by the audio player to a playback device such as a radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Duncan Seil, Ian Sinclair, Brian VanHarlingen, Thorben Neu, John Wadsworth
  • Publication number: 20100134072
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a rechargeable battery pack can be configured to power an electronic device having a first battery. The rechargeable battery pack can comprise a second battery supplemental to the first battery, an external power input configured to couple to an external power source, a power output for powering the electronic device. The rechargeable battery pack can also comprise a first circuit comprising a first power path between the external power input and the power output, a second power path between the second battery and the power output, and a power switch set. When the external power source is decoupled from the external power input, the first power path is disabled by the power switch set, and the second power path is enabled by the power switch set. When the external power source is coupled to the external power input, the first power path is enabled by the power switch set, and the second power path is disabled by the power switch set. Other examples and embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, John Wadsworth, Ian Sinclair, Jeff Meyers, Oliver Duncan Seil, Barry P. Sween
  • Publication number: 20100104125
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a headset system comprises a headset comprising a body and an earpiece, and a docking station comprising a receiving mechanism sized to receive a portion of the body. The earpiece can be located outside of the receiving mechanism when the portion of the body is coupled to the receiving mechanism. Other examples and embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, Vijendra Nalwad, Carlos del Toro
  • Patent number: 7664287
    Abstract: A headset capable of receiving signals from an electronic device includes a body (110), a neck (120) protruding from the body, a speaker (130) coupled to the neck, an ear loop (140) removably attached to the neck, and an earplug (150) removably attached to the neck. The ear loop can include an attachment portion (810) including a substantially circular arc, and an ear engagement portion (820) coupled to the headset attachment portion and including a flexible wire (821) surrounded by a coating (822). The earplug can include a neck attachment portion (1110) and an ear engaging portion (1120) adjacent to the headset engaging portion and having a protruding lip (1121).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, Vijendra Nalwad, Carlos del Toro
  • Patent number: 7656120
    Abstract: A power supply system capable of providing electric power to an electronic device having a first battery includes a battery pack (100) and an attachment apparatus (300). The battery pack includes a body (110) having at least a first recess (221), a second battery inside the body, and at least one of a first circuit (500) capable of dynamically changing a charge current supplied to the second battery based on a power consumption level of the electronic device, and a second circuit (600) capable of dynamically switching the electronic device between a recharging state and a non-recharging state depending on a status of the battery pack. The attachment apparatus includes a frame (310), an extension (350) protruding from the frame, and attachment features (461) suitable for working with the recess to attach the battery pack and the attachment apparatus to each other and to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, John Wadsworth, Ian Sinclair, Jeff Meyers, Oliver Duncan Seil, Barry P. Sween
  • Publication number: 20090081966
    Abstract: A communications device (100) for remotely controlling an electrical device (690) can include: (a) a transmitter (220) for transmitting electrical signals; (b) a casing (110) having a first surface (129) in a first plane, and mechanically coupled to the transmitter; and (c) a user control mechanism (160) with an outer surface (161) and electrically coupled to the transmitter with the outer surface of the user control mechanism projecting out of the first plane. The casing and the transmitter are configured to be coupled to an upper arm of a user. The user control mechanism and the casing are flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, David Kleeman
  • Publication number: 20090009936
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronic accessory for coupling electronic devices to an external power supply includes: (a) a holder having: (1) a cradle section configured to couple to at least two of the electronic devices, the cradle section comprising a power coupling; and (2) two or more side supports, each of the two or more side supports configured to removably couple to the cradle section; and (b) a power unit electrically coupled to the power coupling and configured to removably couple to the external power supply. At least a first one of the two or more side supports is configured to provide support to a first one of the electronic devices when the first one of the electronic devices is coupled to the cradle section. At least a second one of the two or more side supports is configured to provide support to a second one of the electronic devices when the second one of the electronic devices is coupled to the cradle section. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, Vincent Razo, Scott Jackson
  • Publication number: 20080165989
    Abstract: An audio mixer for a portable media device includes: (a) an audio receiving mechanism capable of receiving audio signals from a plurality of components of a user's media system, modifying the characteristics of the received audio signals, summing the modified audio signals into a master audio signal, and outputting the master audio signal to a portable media device to be saved to the portable media device as a recording; (b) a docking station to receive a portable media device; and (c) a portable media device operating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Duncan Seil, Scott Jackson, Steve Lane, Ernesto Quniteros, Thorben Neu, Robert Reay
  • Publication number: 20080126975
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing a user with feedback as to the status of the command they have initiated by depressing a button, series of buttons or sequence of buttons on a human interface device (“HID”) for a time period beyond a fraction of a second to activate a function. In one embodiment, feedback provided for a press and hold (“P+H”) operation informs the user that their button press action has been detected by a multi-function device (“MFD”) and a visual and/or audible indication is provided, informing him or her to continue pressing the button or buttons on the HID to activate one or more functions. A graphical display with a periodically updated progress bar displays how much longer the user should continue pressing the button or buttons to successfully transmit a command to the MFD with an animation showing which command will be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Ali Vassigh, Thorben Neu
  • Publication number: 20080051160
    Abstract: A holder, electrical supply, and optional radio frequency transmitter unit to hold, supply power to, and receive a data signal from an operating electronic device when the device (e.g., MP3 player) is held in the unit is disclosed. Electrical power enters the unit's power acquisition portion (e.g., cigarette lighter adapter) from an external source and flows to the electronic device via the holder. A data signal from the electronic device is processed by an radio frequency transmitter in the unit, and the resulting radio frequency signal is broadcast by an antenna (e.g., gooseneck) that preferably forms a repositionable mechanical connection between the holder and the power acquisition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Oliver Seil, Jeffrey Meyers, Vijendra Nalwad, Thorben Neu, Ernesto Quinteros, Ian Sinclair, John Wadsworth
  • Publication number: 20070291973
    Abstract: An electronic accessory (715) for an MP3 player comprising: (a) a body (705) having a neck (707) extending from the body, the neck having a cross-sectional dimension that is substantially less than a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the body; (b) an electrical connector (763) located at least partially within the neck and configured to electrically connect the accessory to the MP3 player; (c) at least one electrical components (701) located at least partially within the body; and (d) a at least two electrical conductors (790) electrically coupling the electrical components to the electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Belkin Corporation
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, David Kleemann, Vincent Razo
  • Publication number: 20070291954
    Abstract: An audio receiving system (100) for an MP3 player (108) including: (a) a stereo audio receiving mechanism (101) capable of receiving sounds and converting the sounds into stereo electrical audio signals; and (b) an audio interface (102) electrically coupled to the stereo audio receiving system and configured to be plugged into and electrically coupled to the MP3 player and to enable the MP3 player to record sounds in stereo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Belkin Corporation
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, Scott Jackson, Vincent Razo
  • Patent number: 7292881
    Abstract: A holder, electrical supply, and optional RF transmitter unit to hold, supply power to, and receive a data signal from an operating electronic device when the device (e.g., MP3 player) is held in the unit is disclosed. Electrical power enters the unit's power acquisition portion (e.g., cigarette lighter adapter) from an external source and flows to the electronic device via the holder. A data signal from the electronic device is processed by an RF transmitter in the unit, and the resulting RF signal is broadcast by an antenna (e.g., gooseneck) that preferably forms a repositionable mechanical connection between the holder and the power acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Duncan Seil, Jeffrey David Meyers, Vijendra Nalwad, Thorben Neu, Ernesto Victor Quinteros, Ian Sinclair, John F. Wadsworth
  • Patent number: D546811
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, Ernesto Quinteros, Vincent Razo, Scott Jackson
  • Patent number: D549210
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, David Kleemann, Vincent Razo
  • Patent number: D565031
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Duncan Seil, Scott Jackson, Steve Lane, Ernesto Quniteros, Thorben Neu
  • Patent number: D572230
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, David Kleeman, Oliver Duncan Seil
  • Patent number: D587246
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, David Kleeman
  • Patent number: D597093
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, Vincent Razo
  • Patent number: D611040
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Belkin International Inc.
    Inventors: Thorben Neu, Yuji Ikeda, Abraham Camacho, Michael Wick, Matthew P. Glidden