Diaphragm And Enclosure Patents (Class 181/148)
  • Patent number: 8270652
    Abstract: A television mount incorporating an integrated audio system. The mount attaches the television to a wall or a pedestal. The mount includes an electronics/subwoofer enclosure. This enclosure house an audio amplifier and a low-range speaker. One or more external speakers are attached to a speaker assembly which is connected to the mount—preferably by attaching the supports to the electronics/subwoofer enclosure. The speaker supports is preferably made adjustable so that the degree of extension from the mount may be adjusted by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Metra Electronics, Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Caldes, Raymond I. Leake
  • Publication number: 20120152648
    Abstract: A speaker has a speaker unit and a box. The speaker unit has a speaker unit side terminal. The box includes a casing having an internal space, and a box side terminal arranged in the casing so as to be in close contact with the casing. Under the condition that the speaker unit is housed in the internal space, a first terminal serving as one of the speaker unit side terminal and the box side terminal has a projection, a second terminal serving as the other thereof surrounds and sandwiches an outer periphery of the projection from at least both sides, and the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected with soldering. Thus, it is possible to obtain the speaker which can improve workability on a connection between the speaker unit and the box and save a space, and the portable information terminal provided with the speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Hiwatashi
  • Patent number: 8204266
    Abstract: An electronic device having an audio function and its loudspeaker arrangement are described. The electronic device comprises an exterior housing, an acoustic transducer and an acoustic radiator forming a part of the exterior housing of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the exterior housing undergoes pistonic movement and is provided with hydrogel pads to couple an acoustic signal to an auxiliary surface, which then vibrates in a distributed mode. The voice coil may be directly bonded to the exterior housing. A formation may be provided to promote pistonic movement of a part of the exterior housing. Methods of operation and formation are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: SFX Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Jordi Frigola Munoz, Rene Meinhard Winter, Piyush Gaur
  • Patent number: 8196700
    Abstract: In an anti-vibration device 10 including: an outer cylinder 11, an attachment member 12, a rubber elastic portion 13 which elastically connects the outer cylinder 11 to the attachment member 12, a primary liquid chamber 16 which encloses a liquid therein by using the rubber elastic portion 13 as a part of a partition wall, a secondary liquid chamber 17 which encloses a liquid therein by using a diaphragm 14 as a part of a partition wall, an orifice 19 which allows the primary liquid chamber 16 and the secondary liquid chamber 17 to communicate with each other, a division member 15 which is provided between the primary liquid chamber 16 and the secondary liquid chamber 17, and a movable plate 18 which displaces in accordance with a pressure difference between the primary liquid chamber 16 and the secondary liquid chamber 17, the division member 15 including a first division plate 21 forming a part of the partition wall of the primary liquid chamber 16 and a second division plate 22 forming a part of the partit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Kousuke Toba
  • Patent number: 8194897
    Abstract: A speaker system includes a body unit, a front panel slidably coupled to a front surface of the body unit, a first speaker unit that is provided on the front surface the body unit to output sound, and a second speaker unit that is provided on a rear surface of the front panel to output sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jung Woo Choi
  • Patent number: 8191674
    Abstract: A loudspeaker horn includes a pair of opposed flared sides defining a passage diverging to a mouth, and a vane positioned in the passage for steering sound waves through the passage. The vane may have a straight configuration and be either centrally located between the flared sides or laterally offset in the diverging passage. The vane may be fixed in position or, more preferably, be pivotable so as to be adjustable before each new use according to conditions at that use. The horn may be part of a horn unit that includes a funnel for feeding sound to the horn, and the horn or horn unit may be part of a horn loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Martin Audio Limited
    Inventor: Ambrose Thompson
  • Patent number: 8184820
    Abstract: A noise control system is directed to the path along which the noise is transmitted from the source of the noise being generated to the receiver of the noise in the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle. The noise control system is deployed in a box structure, such as the dual bulkhead of the dashboard of the vehicle, to provide a constrained volume within which engine noise can be controlled. The dual bulkhead plenum houses an active noise control apparatus, such as a speaker or a vibrating device, between the bulkheads to be operable with a control algorithm to generate sound that can control the noise or vibrations generated by the engine. The plenum can also be treated with passive noise control materials, such as viscoelastic damping materials, acoustical foam or heavy vinyl barrier and foam to block airborne sound and vibrations, in addition to the active noise control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Takeshi Abe, Robert G. Rebandt, II, Ming-te Cheng
  • Patent number: 8167083
    Abstract: A reconfigurable loudspeaker enclosure. A loudspeaker enclosure, includes a first section that includes a mounting location for an acoustic driver. The mounting location includes a first section mating surface and first section walls, a second section that includes an exit for an acoustic element from which acoustic energy can be radiated. The second section includes a second section mating surface and second section walls. The first section mating surface and the second section are rotatably coupled so that in a first configuration the first section walls and the second section walls are substantially continuous, and so that in a second configuration, the walls of the two sections are substantially non-continuous or perpendicular or both and so that in both the first configuration and the second configuration the two sections are coupled acoustically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Roman N. Litovsky, Chester Smith Williams
  • Publication number: 20120080260
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided which comprises forming a loudspeaker frame so as to define a driver housing portion, a horn portion, and a conformal portion. A driver aperture is defined for the driver housing portion, and a port aperture is defined for the horn portion. A driver is attached to the loudspeaker frame proximate to the driver aperture. A rear baffle is applied to a first conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame. The rear baffle defines a horn cavity wall of a horn cavity of the horn portion. The horn cavity has an increasing cross sectional area as the distance from the driver housing portion increases. A grille is applied to a second conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: RGB SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM CAMERON STEWART, JR., ANDREW C. EDWARDS, MICHAEL HUDSON, ANDREW EVANS
  • Patent number: 8141675
    Abstract: A micro-speaker includes a frame, a case supported by the frame, a sound generator located between the frame and the case. The case has a sound hole and a peripheral plate surrounding the sound hole. The peripheral plate includes an outer surface, an inner surface and an inclining surface extending from the inner surface toward the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: AAC Acoustic Technologies (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., American Audio Components Inc.
    Inventors: Qian Xu, Jing He
  • Patent number: 8144889
    Abstract: A noise control system operable within a box-like structure provided by the dual bulkhead plenum of the vehicle dashboard positioned within the transfer path along which the noise is being transmitted from the source of the generated noise to the receiver of the noise in the passenger compartment of an automobile. The plenum is divided into discrete chambers into each of which is provided smart materials affixed to the walls of the plenum to be operable for selectively changing a property characteristic of the chambers to vary the acoustic resonance of the plenum and change the effectiveness of controlling the transmission of noise energy therethrough. A controller is coupled to the smart materials to change said property characteristic of the smart material in response to noise cancellation requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ming-te Cheng, Takeshi Abe, Robert G. Rebandt, II
  • Patent number: 8127885
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, Jr., Andrew C Edwards, Michael Hudson, Andrew Evans
  • Patent number: 8126179
    Abstract: A diaphragm for outputting sound by vibrating has a hole of a predetermined shape that allows another member to extend therethrough. A sound output apparatus includes a first member, the diaphragm, and a second member. The first member extends through the hole of the diaphragm, and the first member is screwed into the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Junichi Shima, Akihiko Arimitsu, Takuro Ema
  • Patent number: 8118134
    Abstract: A front resonator for a speaker of a wireless device, comprising: an enclosure mounted over the speaker and forming with an upper surface of the speaker a front volume for the front resonator; and, a horizontal or approximately horizontal tube formed or mounted on a surface of the enclosure, the tube coupled to the front volume, and the tube having at least one end to emit sound generated by the speaker and passing through the front volume and tube from the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Gunther Burghardt, Markus Thrien
  • Patent number: 8111855
    Abstract: A microphone assembly (10) using in a portable electronic device includes a fixing component (12) detachably fixed to a housing (30) of the portable electronic device, and a main microphone body (14) latched to the fixing component (12). The microphone assembly (10) may be conveniently detached and increases reliability of the housing (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai-Po Chan, Chao-Yuan Cheng, Chao-Kun Tseng
  • Patent number: 8109360
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver. The loudspeaker assembly can be used to replace ceiling tiles having any size or configuration, and can also me mounted in other surfaces, such as ceiling walls, floors, table tops, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, Jr., Andrew C. Edwards, Michael Hudson, Andrew Evans
  • Patent number: 8091681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided which comprises forming a loudspeaker frame so as to define a driver housing portion, a horn portion, and a conformal portion. A driver aperture is defined for the driver housing portion, and a port aperture is defined for the horn portion. A driver is attached to the loudspeaker frame proximate to the driver aperture. A rear baffle is applied to a first conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame. The rear baffle defines a horn cavity wall of a horn cavity of the horn portion. The horn cavity has an increasing cross sectional area as the distance from the driver housing portion increases. A grille is applied to a second conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, Jr., Andrew C Edwards, Michael Hudson, Andrew Evans
  • Patent number: 8083024
    Abstract: A speaker enclosure having a substantially seamless rigid outer skin, a middle sound absorbing layer, and a substantially seamless inner skin results in a lightweight speaker having sound absorbing characteristics. The speaker enclosure is comprised of two basic parts, a box section and a baffle section where each of these sections include a rigid outer skin, the middle sound absorbing layer and a seamless inner skin and are made according to the same method. The outer skin is formed from a layer of sheet molding compound, the middle sound absorbing layer includes pieces of honeycomb material, and the inner skin is formed from a layer of sheet molding compound. The layers of material are placed into a mold and then cured through vacuum bagging and heating thereby producing a strong, lightweight speaker enclosure made of materials which attenuate the transmission and retransmission of errant sound waves in the enclosure thereby reducing distortion of the sound signal produced by the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Southern California Sound Image
    Inventor: Ross Ritto
  • Patent number: 8066095
    Abstract: A compact bass speaker cabinet uses a long, narrow, tapered waveguide that acts as does a small radial portion of the air outside a large pulsating sphere, and has the same bass response as the large pulsating sphere. The smaller end is closed and the longer end is open. In one embodiment the inside of the waveguide is a rectangle about an inch thick and substantially as wide as the speaker or speakers that are mounted on the wider surface close to or slightly overlapping the closed end; and the inside surfaces are tapered so that they meet at a point which lies beyond the closed end by a distance equal to the radian wavelength of the longest sound wave that is to be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Nicholas Sheppard Bromer
  • Publication number: 20110284315
    Abstract: A reconfigurable loudspeaker enclosure. A loudspeaker enclosure, includes a first section that includes a mounting location for an acoustic driver. The mounting location includes a first section mating surface and first section walls, a second section that includes an exit for an acoustic element from which acoustic energy can be radiated. The second section includes a second section mating surface and second section walls. The first section mating surface and the second section are rotatably coupled so that in a first configuration the first section walls and the second section walls are substantially continuous, and so that in a second configuration, the walls of the two sections are substantially non-continuous or perpendicular or both and so that in both the first configuration and the second configuration the two sections are coupled acoustically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Roman N. Litovsky, Chester Smith Williams
  • Patent number: 8036409
    Abstract: A speaker cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a pair of side plates whose outer peripheral portions define no apexes; and a bent plate curved in conformity with the outer peripheral portions of the pair of side plates and mounted to the pair of side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Onkyo Corporation, Takamine Gakki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadatoshi Hisamoto, Yushi Ono, Kosuke Heki, Koichi Sadaie, Hiroyuki Mizutani
  • Publication number: 20110061965
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: RGB SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM CAMERON STEWART, JR., ANDREW C. EDWARDS, MICHAEL HUDSON, ANDREW EVANS
  • Publication number: 20110042161
    Abstract: A front resonator for a speaker of a wireless device, comprising: an enclosure mounted over the speaker and forming with an upper surface of the speaker a front volume for the front resonator; and, a horizontal or approximately horizontal tube formed or mounted on a surface of the enclosure, the tube coupled to the front volume, and the tube having at least one end to emit sound generated by the speaker and passing through the front volume and tube from the wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Gunther BURGHARDT, Markus THRIEN
  • Patent number: 7886867
    Abstract: A flexible multiple speaker support apparatus is provided for supporting a plurality of speakers therein and includes a flexible, hollow speaker support unit which includes a plurality of open, sound emission channels. The speakers are housed within the flexible, hollow speaker support unit, and the speakers are placed in registration with the open, sound emission channels. With one embodiment of the invention, the flexible, hollow speaker support unit includes a flexible, tubular speaker support member, and the flexible, tubular speaker support member includes a plurality of the open, sound emission channels. The speakers are placed in registration with the open, sound emission channels. With another embodiment of the invention, a suspension bracket assembly is connected to the flexible, hollow speaker support unit for supporting the flexible, hollow speaker support unit in a desired orientation from a ceiling, wall or other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Steven L. Adams
  • Patent number: 7886868
    Abstract: A self-draining grill and system incorporating the same. The grill includes a plurality of ribs extending from a surface of a housing and angled downward in a direction across the surface of the housing. One or more openings are disposed between the ribs and allow air flow to a sound generation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventors: Emmanuel Stathopoulos, Simon Jean Vezina, Parimal Patel
  • Patent number: 7878296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to speakers and, more particularly, to a speaker sound system, characterized in that the speaker, mounted on a speaker housing constituting a sound emission apparatus, has a guide cover to guide sound radiating from the back of the speaker forwards when the sound is output both forwards and backwards because of fluctuations of a cone of the speaker due to electrical signals, that is integrally attached to the surface of the speaker, thereby providing vivid high-fidelity sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: In-hee Lee
  • Patent number: 7870928
    Abstract: A bass reflex type speaker is disclosed. The bass reflex type speaker includes an enclosure, two speakers, and a bass reflex tube. The enclosure includes a main portion and two protruding portions protruding from the main portion. The main portion defines a sound cavity therein. The protruding portion defines a sound path therein communicating with the sound cavity. The two speakers are connected to the corresponding protruding portion to close the sound path. One end of the bass reflex tube is fixed in the enclosure, and the other end of the bass reflex tube extends out of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bin Jiang, Man-Zhong Wang
  • Patent number: 7866438
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, Jr., Andrew C. Edwards, Michael Hudson, Andrew Evans
  • Patent number: 7861825
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided which comprises forming a loudspeaker frame so as to define a driver housing portion, a horn portion, and a conformal portion. A driver aperture is defined for the driver housing portion, and a port aperture is defined for the horn portion. A driver is attached to the loudspeaker frame proximate to the driver aperture. A rear baffle is applied to a first conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame. The rear baffle defines a horn cavity wall of a horn cavity of the horn portion. The horn cavity has an increasing cross sectional area as the distance from the driver housing portion increases. A grille is applied to a second conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, Jr., Andrew C. Edwards, Michael Hudson, Andrew Evans
  • Publication number: 20100326766
    Abstract: A micro-speaker includes a frame, a case supported by the frame, a sound generator located between the frame and the case. The case has a sound hole and a peripheral plate surrounding the sound hole. The peripheral plate includes an outer surface, an inner surface and an inclining surface extending from the inner surface toward the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicants: AAC ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGIES (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD, AMERICAN AUDIO COMPONENTS INC.
    Inventors: Qian Xu, Jing He
  • Publication number: 20100294587
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a subwoofer enclosure includes a substantially triangular first face, second face, third face, and fourth face, a first corner at an intersection of the first, second and third faces, a second corner at an intersection of the first, second and fourth faces, a third corner at an intersection of the first, third and fourth faces, a fourth corner at an intersection of the second, third and fourth faces, wherein an angle between the first corner and a midpoint between the third corner and the fourth corner, having the second corner as its vertex, is substantially ninety degrees, wherein an angle between the third corner and the fourth corner, having the second corner as its vertex, is substantially ninety degrees, and a subwoofer driver attached to the third face, having a free air resonant frequency less than one hundred Hertz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Derek W. Meyer, Aaron T. Emigh
  • Patent number: 7838768
    Abstract: An electrical device having a housing and moisture-sensitive electrical structural units situated in the housing, having a pressure compensation element situated in a housing part, which avoids, preferably prevents, the ingress of moisture, the pressure compensation element including a diaphragm which is permeable to gas, having an impact protection element situated in front of the diaphragm, which at least avoids spraying a liquid directly onto the diaphragm, wherein the impact protection element is in one piece part of the housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Zadach, Jochen Kuhn
  • Patent number: 7835537
    Abstract: A loudspeaker may include a baffle, a planar diaphragm transducer carried by the baffle and having a front surface for radiating acoustic energy therefrom, and a slotted waveguide adjacent the front surface of the planar diaphragm transducer. The planar diaphragm transducer may be operable to a desired high frequency, and the slotted opening may have a width not substantially greater than a wavelength corresponding to the desired high frequency. For example, for a desired high frequency of about 20 KHz, the slotted opening may have a width not greater than about two-thirds of an inch. Accordingly, the loudspeaker including the slotted waveguide may provide nearly constant horizontal directivity over a large angle. In another embodiment, the loudspeaker may include a conical diaphragm transducer with a slotted waveguide adjacent its front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Brian E. Cheney
  • Patent number: 7798284
    Abstract: An electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel, a holding frame that holds the electro-optical panel, and a sound-production frame that is attached to the holding frame, constitutes a sound-production air space at the rear of the holding frame, and holds a sound-production unit. The holding frame is provided with an internal sound-guiding path that is connected to the inside of the sound-production air space and opens to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Wada
  • Patent number: 7796774
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention is disclosed a portable speaker of exceptionally low bulk yet very good performance which incorporates a non-homogeneous enclosure shape consisting of two main parts, one shallow box-shaped housing section and one cylindrical housing section, and incorporating retractable legs for support of the housing on the ground or table on which it is placed during its operation. A much larger loudspeaker than would be otherwise possible can then be used in an enclosure of very small bulk. The box-shaped housing section is dedicated to housing only the frame/basket and concentric diaphragm of the speaker, which, together generally comprises only half the speakers total length where the other half of the speakers length, the magnet assembly, is enclosed by the cylindrical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Neil Fredrick Albert
  • Publication number: 20100199924
    Abstract: A sound module for insertion within a pet toy. The sound module is in the form of a shell housing an integrated circuit, power source and speaker, the integrated circuit being programmed to generate a signal to the speaker for creating an audible sound. The shell is in the form of a sphere, oval, square or rectangle ideally having a wall for thickness of between 2 mm and 5 mm and composed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Worldwise Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin del Pinal, Andrew Murrer
  • Patent number: 7753163
    Abstract: A method and system (50) for inducing multi-frequency vibrations in a vibration propagating structure, for example a seat (52), is disclosed. The system is comprised of an acoustic vibration transducer unit (12) mounted on a relatively flat and rigid surface (54?) such that the direction of movement of an actuating element in the unit is parallel to the surface. When the unit is driven by an amplified low frequency audio signal a person sitting in the seat experiences vibrations. Additionally, a series of vibration propagating structures, for example a row of seats at a movie theatre, can be connected in series via vibration-propagating members (60) between adjacent seats thereby allowing a single acoustic vibration transducer unit to propagate vibrations to all connected seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: 9168-1478 Quebec Inc.
    Inventor: Gilbert Bouchard
  • Patent number: 7748494
    Abstract: An acoustic chamber as part of adapter for an appliance. The acoustic chamber is substantially enclosed except at the exterior surface, and is configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of different consumer electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Leclear, Ruben E. Rothermel, Andrew M. Tenbarge, James W. Kendall, Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7743877
    Abstract: A speaker system that includes a speaker unit, a cabinet, a plurality of protruding materials, and a gas adsorbing material. The cabinet forms a chamber at a backside of the speaker unit. The plurality of protruding materials are formed inside the chamber and connected to the cabinet. The gas adsorbing material is supported, in a space, by the plurality of protruding materials. Accordingly, it is possible to easily increase a contact area between the gas adsorbing material and the space theresurrounding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Saiki, Toshiyuki Matsumura
  • Patent number: 7726440
    Abstract: Vehicle electrical and electronic components are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Integral Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Aisenbrey
  • Patent number: 7720248
    Abstract: A frame for a speaker device includes a magnetic circuit housing unit which houses a magnetic circuit, an annular outer peripheral portion which is arranged on an outer side of the magnetic circuit housing unit, and plural arm portions which connect the magnetic circuit housing unit and the outer peripheral portion. The plural arm portions form such plural bridges that a pair of the arm portions are linearly positioned to connect two parts of the outer peripheral portion, and each of the bridges does not pass through a center of the outer peripheral portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Sasaki, Yutaka Moriyama, Eiji Sakaguchi, Hidehito Oki, Tsutomu Harano, Masaki Soda, Nobuo Aizawa, Ryoji Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7717227
    Abstract: A speaker attaching construction mounted on a plate, including a speaker removably provided with fixtures, having a first engager on one side of an attaching plate and a second engager formed with an engaging piece on the other side of the attaching plate, at a plurality of points by engaging the first engagers with receivers of a frame, through clamping the plate by means of the engaging pieces passed fixing holes of the plate and elastically restored and the attaching plate. This can facilitate the attaching operation and eliminate the stress, resulting from the elastic force, from being applied to the frame. Thus, the speaker can be set up stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: TWD, Inc.
    Inventor: Seiichi Kusano
  • Patent number: 7699138
    Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other objects, includes a panel that replaces a substantial section of wallboard instead of being installed behind the wallboard. In preferred embodiments a rim extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a distance of less than ½ inch, and preferably by only ? inch or even 1/16 inch. The face of the object can be quite large, up to 40 in2 or more, and still be relatively small with respect to the panel. Panels are contemplated that have a width at least two, three or more times that of the face of the object, and along with optional wings are wider than the stud separation in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Scott Struthers, Ray Call, Todd Ryan
  • Patent number: 7686129
    Abstract: A horn and a loudspeaker employing the horn are disclosed that include a body having a throat that expands outwardly to a mouth such that a first interior area defined by the throat is smaller than a second interior area defined by the mouth. A plurality of raised surface areas is located on an interior surface of the body. The raised surface areas extend into a hollow interior defined by the body a predetermined distance and are utilized to channel sound waves through the body and out the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Klipsch LLC
    Inventor: Rogelio Delgado, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7669692
    Abstract: A sound diffuser includes a front plate defining a plurality of sound exit holes. An outer frustoconical wall extends from the front plate, the outer frustoconical wall decreasing in diameter from the front plate. An inner frustoconical wall extends from the outer frustoconical wall toward the front plate, the inner frustoconical wall decreasing in diameter toward the front plate and defining a sound entry opening spaced apart from the front plate. A plurality of legs are coupled to at least one of the front plate and the outer frustoconical wall, the legs extending away from the front plate to contact a speaker cover. First and second straps operatively extend from the front plate, the first strap having a distal end with a fastener for connection to a speaker case. The second strap also has a distal end with a fastener for connection to the speaker case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: James W. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20100032232
    Abstract: A speaker device of a video display apparatus which realizes a high quality sound by improving a bass property even in the case that an enclosure unit has a smaller internal volume than that a speaker unit should basically have is provided. The speaker device includes at least one speaker unit, an enclosure unit which contains and supports the speaker unit and has an opening formed on a side surface thereof, and a cover which closes and seals the opening of the enclosure unit and is movable by an air movement inside the enclosure unit. The cover is formed of a material which is not permeable to air, and this material may be at least one of resin, textile, vinyl and paper. The cover may be formed of a foam rubber of an elastomeric system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Soo-chan LIM
  • Publication number: 20100002894
    Abstract: A MEMS device includes a vent hole structure and a MEMS structure disposed on a same side of a substrate. The vent hole structure adjoins the MEMS structure with an etch stop structure therebetween. The MEMS structure includes a chamber, the vent hole structure includes a metal layer having at least a hole thereon as a vent hole to connect the chamber of the MEMS structure through the etch stop structure. Accordingly, the MEMS device has a lateral vent hole. Furthermore, as the vent hole structure and the MEMS structure are disposed on the same side of the substrate, the manufacturing process is convenient and timesaving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Bang-Chiang Lan, Li-Hsun Ho, Wei-Cheng Wu, Hui-Min Wu, Min Chen, Chien-Hsin Huang, Ming-I Wang
  • Publication number: 20090321179
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, JR., Andrew C. Edwards, Michael Hudson, Andrew Evans
  • Publication number: 20090314575
    Abstract: A holding device for an ultrasonic transformer having a diaphragm cup, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes the following: a housing to accommodate the diaphragm cup; a decoupling component to position the diaphragm cup on the housing and on a holding section in vibration-damped manner; and a filler material to connect the diaphragm cup and the decoupling component to the housing in a vibration-damped and sealing, form-fitting manner, the decoupling component sealingly filling a gap between an edge of an opening of the housing and the diaphragm cup, as well as a corresponding method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Martin Reiche
  • Patent number: 7624839
    Abstract: A compact loudspeaker enclosure combines planar type devices for high frequency sound reproduction and cone type active devices for low frequency sound reproduction. The low frequency cone type transducers are mounted in baffles between forward and rear enclosed spaces and thus do not directly radiate into the environment. The first enclosed space is acoustically coupled to the environment by the planar device which is mounted between the first enclosed space and the environment with one major face mounted to radiate either directly into the environment or to be horn loaded. The planar operates as a passive radiator to the LF devices at low frequencies and an active device above a crossover frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Curtis E. Graber