Housed Microphone Patents (Class 381/355)
  • Patent number: 11968487
    Abstract: A microphone assembly can include a form-factor adapter housing including an interface opening and an external acoustic port, and an internal microphone assembly disposed at least partially within the adapter housing. The internal microphone assembly can include an internal housing having an internal acoustic port and electrical interface contacts, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) motor disposed in the internal housing, and an integrated circuit disposed in the internal housing, the integrated circuit electrically coupled to the MEMS motor and to the electrical interface contacts. The assembly can include an adapter interface located at the interface opening and comprising external host device interface contacts electrically coupled to the electrical interface contacts, the external host device interface contacts exposed to an exterior of the microphone assembly. The internal acoustic port can be acoustically coupled to the external acoustic port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Janice LoPresti, Steve Kearey, Usha Murthy
  • Patent number: 11948596
    Abstract: Embodiments may provide techniques that protect voice-controllable devices and systems such that the microphone can be shielded from attacking modulated laser beams. Embodiments may provide a physical device that may include two or more layers of integrated material that sits on top of the microphones of the voice-controllable devices and/or systems. The device may act as a physical barrier against the injected malicious laser beams while allowing sound waves reach the microphone for normal operation. For example, in an embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a first layer including at least one opening and a second layer including at least one opening, wherein the at least one opening in the first layer and the at least one opening in the second layer are arranged so as to block the passage of light, but to allow the passage of sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Eugene Britto John, Ram Narayan Krishnan
  • Patent number: 11775006
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a device magnet designed to magnetically couple with an accessory device magnet. The electronic device further includes a display assembly and a magnetic field sensor configured to detect the accessory device magnet, thereby providing an indication that the accessory device is covering the display assembly. The electronic device further includes a shunt assembly designed to reduce the magnitude of the magnetic field of the device magnet, as determined by the magnetic field sensor, while allowing the magnetic field from the accessory device to sufficiently reach the magnetic field sensor. As such, the magnetic field sensor can be placed near the device magnet without triggering the magnetic field sensor. The electronic device may further include a microphone. Communication between the microphone and an integrated circuit can cease based on the magnetic field sensor detecting the accessory device magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Pinciuc, Zhen Zhang
  • Patent number: 11750983
    Abstract: A microphone assembly includes a substrate and a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) die. The substrate comprises a top layer and a bottom layer. The top layer comprises a layer of solder mask material spanning across at least a portion of the substrate and one or more standoffs formed of the solder mask material. The one or more standoffs and the layer of solder mask material comprising a single, contiguous structure. The MEMS die is disposed on the one or more standoffs and is coupled to the substrate via a bonding material. The bonding material forms an acoustic seal between the substrate and the MEMS die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Tony K. Lim, Norman Dennis Talag
  • Patent number: 11488606
    Abstract: An audio system receives an audio signal from a digital microphone, which has an analog-digital converter with a controllable sampling rate. In response to a determination that a predetermined trigger phrase is not detected in the decimated audio signal, the sampling rate of the analog-digital converter in the digital microphone is controlled such that the audio signal has a first sample rate. In response to a determination that the predetermined trigger phrase is detected in the decimated signal, the sampling rate of the analog-digital converter in the digital microphone is controlled such that the audio signal has a second sample rate higher than the first sample rate, and the audio signal is applied to a spoof detection circuit, to determine whether the received signal contains live speech or replayed speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Lesso
  • Patent number: 11483650
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a display includes a housing comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface comprises a transparent material covering the second surface and the housing includes two or more microphone ports disposed along a parting line between the first surface and the second surface exterior to the transparent material. The housing further includes two or more microphones coupled with the two or more microphone ports. A microphone signal processing system may be utilize to increase directional sensitivity of the two more microphones toward an audio source. An angle detector to detect an angle of the may be utilized to accommodate the directional sensitivity provided by the microphone signal processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11462447
    Abstract: A sensor package substrate disclosed in the present specification has a mounting area in which a sensor chip is mounted and a controller chip connected to the sensor chip. A through hole is formed in the sensor package substrate so as to overlap the mounting area in a plan view and to penetrate the substrate from one surface to the other surface thereof. The mounting area and the controller chip overlap each other in a plan view. According to the present invention, by reducing the thickness of an insulating layer, it is possible not only to reduce the distance of a wiring for the sensor chip and controller chip, but also to reduce the area of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Tsuyutani, Yoshihiro Suzuki, Akira Motohashi
  • Patent number: 11365118
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor assembly (100) comprising: a base (102) having a host-device interface (104), a lid (108) mounted on the base (102) to form a housing (110), the lid (108) having an insulative structural core (112) between an inner metal skin (114) and an outer metal skin (116); and a transduction element (118) disposed in the housing (112). Advantageously, the lid (108) of the sensor assembly (100) can help to minimize and reduce undesirable thermo-acoustic effects produced by external environmental conditions that may result in acoustic artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Watson, Adam Ariffin
  • Patent number: 11310931
    Abstract: A waterproof membrane of the present disclosure has an insertion loss of 5.0 dB or less for sound with a frequency of 1 kHz, and an insertion loss of 5.0 dB or less for sound with a frequency of 10 kHz when a permeation region for sound of the waterproof membrane has an area of 1.3 mm2. The waterproof membrane of the present disclosure can cope with further size reduction of the permeation region. A waterproof member of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned waterproof membrane of the present invention and a support member joined to the waterproof membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tamao Fukushima, Takeo Inoue, Yu Kamamoto, Hisae Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 11299392
    Abstract: The Application describes a substrate design for a MEMS transducer package. The substrate is defined by a conductive layer which forms the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate. The substrate is also provided with a conductive portion which is electrically isolated from the rest of the conductive layer. The conductive portion is supported between a first plane defined by the upper surface of the substrate and a second plane defined by the lower surface of the substrate by an electrically insulating moulding substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rkia Achehboune, Roberto Brioschi, Dimitris Drogoudis, David Patten
  • Patent number: 11297442
    Abstract: A Microphone module (101) is disclosed which comprises a MEMS-microphone capsule (102), a PCB (103) and a sealing element (104), wherein the PCB (103) comprises on its top surface (108) a first groove (115) which opens at a first end (115a) into the first passage (109) and the PCB (103) further comprises on its top surface (108) a second groove (116) which opens at a first end (116a) into the second passage (110) and wherein the sealing element (104) is arranged on the top surface (108) of the PCB (103) and that the sealing element (104) covers the first groove (115) and the second groove (116) in such a way that the first groove (115) is transformed into a first channel (117) and the second grove (116) is transformed into a second channel (118).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: VALEO TELEMATIK UND AKUSTIK GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Klose
  • Patent number: 11245783
    Abstract: The invention provides a terminal device having a main body, a sounding assembly and a cover plate. The sounding assembly includes a housing and a sounding body. The housing has an accommodating groove and a first sounding channel. The main body has a second sounding channel and a first sound emitting hole. The cover plate has a first through hole. When the sounding assembly is located at the first position, the sound is propagated to the outside through the first through hole, the second sounding channel and the first sound emitting hole in sequence. When the sounding assembly is located at the second position, the sound is propagated to the outside through the first sounding channel. The present invention improves the problem that the sound effect is affected by airflow sound, piano sound, etc., generated by the terminal device in the speaker mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: AAC Technologies Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Xiao, Xiaodong Liu, Ronglin Linghu
  • Patent number: 11149939
    Abstract: An apparatus for an audio sound system may include a speaker unit that may include a speaker housing configured to be selectively, at least partially, illuminated. The speaker unit may further include an illumination source configured to at least partially illuminate the speaker housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: ROSWELL CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Darrick Wilson, Colin Brumbaugh
  • Patent number: 11146896
    Abstract: An MEMS microphone comprises a substrate; a cover covering the substrate and forming an acoustic cavity with the substrate, wherein the substrate of the acoustic cavity is provided with: an acoustic transducer disposed in a first region of the substrate; an integrated circuit chip comprising a first bonding pad and a second bonding pad, wherein the first bonding pad is connected to the acoustic transducer via lead wires, the second bonding pad communicates with a groove formed at a bottom of the integrated circuit chip; a metal connection layer is formed on a surface of the groove and a portion where the metal connection layer extends to a bottom surface of the integrated circuit chip serves as a metal connection area. The integrated circuit chip is connected to a second region of the substrate through the metal connection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Jinghua Ye
  • Patent number: 11122359
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an acoustic output apparatus. The acoustic output apparatus may include an earphone core including at least one acoustic driver for outputting sound though one or more sound guiding holes set on the acoustic output apparatus, a controller configured to cause the at least one acoustic driver to output sound, a power source assembly configured to provide electrical power to the earphone core, the one or more sensors, and the controller, and an interactive control component configured to allow an interaction between a user and the acoustic output apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: SHENZHEN VOXTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lei Zhang, Junjiang Fu, Bingyan Yan, Fengyun Liao, Xin Qi
  • Patent number: 10945056
    Abstract: There is provided a microphone assembly, comprising a base body portion comprising a top plate at its distal end; and a dome portion mounted at the distal end of the base body portion and having a perforated structure with at least 50% of outwardly facing surface area of the dome portion being formed by open areas, the dome portion made of a plastic material; at least one microphone capsule located within the dome portion, and an RF antenna located within the dome portion, the top plate comprising a reflection cone pointing towards the dome portion in order to reflect sound axially impinging on the reflection cone radially outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Fabrice Charriere, Marc Herren, Samuel Harsch
  • Patent number: 10943870
    Abstract: A microphone package structure includes a substrate, a metal housing, a MEMS microphone component and at least one integrated circuit component. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other. The metal housing is located on the first surface such that the substrate and the metal housing collectively define a hollow chamber. The MEMS microphone component is located on the metal housing and within the hollow chamber. The at least one integrated circuit component is located within a region of the second surface on which the metal housing has a vertical projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: MERRY ELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chao-Sen Chang
  • Patent number: 10841700
    Abstract: To provide a sound pickup device which is worn on an ear of a user and used. A sound pickup device includes: a sound pickup part; and a holding part that includes a sound transmission part and is configured to hold the sound pickup part in an ear canal of a user. The holding part includes a ring body having an opening portion that serves as the sound transmission part, and one or more arms each of which has one end coupled to the ring body and another end supporting the sound pickup part. The ring body is inserted into a cavum concha of the user and is locked in a vicinity of an intertragic notch. The holding part holds the sound pickup part so that a microphone hole is oriented to outside of the ear canal and the microphone hole is positioned on a farther side of an entrance of the ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Go Igarashi, Toru Nakagawa, Naoki Shinmen, Tetsu Magariyachi, Homare Kon, Koyuru Okimoto, Kohei Asada
  • Patent number: 10827245
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microphone assembly is provided. The assembly comprises an enclosure, a single micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) transducer, a substrate layer, and an application housing. The single MEMS transducer is positioned within the enclosure. The substrate layer supports the single MEMS transducer. The application housing supports the substrate layer and defining at least a portion of a first transmission mechanism to enable a first side of the single MEMS transducer to receive an audio input signal and at least a portion of a second transmission mechanism to enable a second side of the single MEMS transducer to receive the audio input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Marc Reese, John Baumhauer, Fengyuan Li, Spiro Iraclianos
  • Patent number: 10820083
    Abstract: An acoustic device including a motor disposed in a housing having a non-porous elastomeric membrane disposed across an acoustic path defined by a sound port of the housing is disclosed. The motor may be embodied as MEMS transducer configured to generate an electrical signal responsive to an acoustic signal, or as some other electromechanical device. The membrane has a compliance that is 1 to 100 times a compliance of the acoustic device without the membrane, wherein the membrane prevents ingress of contaminants (e.g., solids, liquids or light) via the sound port while permitting propagation of the acoustic signal along the acoustic path without significant loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: John Szczech, Sandra Vos, William Ryan, Yu Du, Jose Salazar, Charles King
  • Patent number: 10750292
    Abstract: Provided are a MEMS microphone chip and an MEMS microphone. The MEMS microphone chip comprises a substrate, a backplate and a vibration diaphragm, the backplate and the vibration diaphragm constituting two electrodes of a capacitor respectively, the backplate and the vibration diaphragm being suspended above the substrate, the backplate being located between the substrate and the vibration diaphragm, and the substrate being provided with a back chamber and a support column, the support column being connected to a side wall of the back chamber via a connection portion, a through hole or a notch being formed in the connection portion through its thickness direction, to allow spaces at opposite sides of the connection portion to communicate with each other; and the support column being configured to support the backplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Goertek, Inc.
    Inventors: Junkai Zhan, Jianglong Li, Mengjin Cai
  • Patent number: 10737931
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first device and a second device. The first device includes a plate including a plurality of apertures; a membrane disposed opposite to the plate and including a plurality of corrugations, and a conductive plug extending through the plate and the membrane. The second device includes a substrate and a bond pad disposed over the substrate, wherein the conductive plug is bonded with the bond pad to integrate the first device with the second device, and the plate includes a semiconductive member and a tensile member, and the semiconductive member is disposed within the tensile member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Hsien Chang, Chun-Ren Cheng, Wei-Cheng Shen, Wen-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 10696545
    Abstract: The application describes a package for a MEMS transducer. The package has a package substrate having an acoustic port formed in the package substrate. The acoustic port comprises a first acoustic port volume portion and a second acoustic port volume portion, the first acoustic port volume portion being separated from the second acoustic port volume potion by a discontinuity in a sidewall of the substrate. The cross sectional area of the first acoustic port volume portion is greater than the cross sectional area of the second acoustic port volume portion. A barrier may be attached to the upper surface of the package substrate so as to seal or cover the acoustic port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksey Sergeyevich Khenkin, David Patten
  • Patent number: 10667495
    Abstract: An animal emotion estimation device includes: a sound collector configured by an elastic member having a recess, a sound concentrating microphone provided on the bottom portion of the recess, and an impact absorber covering the entire of the elastic member and the sound concentrating microphone; a harness to mount the sound collector on an animal; a converter that filters and converts the sound collected through the sound collector into a heart rate signal; an estimation portion that estimates the emotion of the animal based on the heart rate signal; and an output unit that supplies information showing the estimation estimated by the estimation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Langualess Inc.
    Inventor: Joji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10674243
    Abstract: A microphone assembly for an external surface of a vehicle comprises a microphone housing, a microphone assembly, and a wind break member. The microphone housing comprises a housing support. The microphone is disposed in the microphone housing. The wind break member has a base and a wind break portion. The base of the wind break member comprises a floor surface, a leading edge, and a trailing edge opposite the leading edge. The wind break portion of the wind break member is disposed proximate the leading edge of the base. The microphone housing is disposed on the base of the wind break member proximate the wind break portion. The wind break portion comprises a top surface that forms a first angle relative to the base of the wind break member. The top surface has one of a concave shape, a convex shape, and a compound concave and convex shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Walter A. Kargus, IV, Bassam S. Shahmurad
  • Patent number: 10667038
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone assembly including an enclosure having a top side and a bottom side that define a first chamber having a first volume and an acoustic inlet port formed through one of the top side or the bottom side. The assembly further including a MEMS microphone mounted within the first chamber, the MEMS microphone defining a second chamber having a second volume and a diaphragm having a first side interfacing with the first chamber and a second side interfacing with the second chamber. The assembly also including an acoustically absorbent material within one of the first chamber or the second chamber, the acoustically absorbent material to cause a simulated acoustic enlargement of the first volume or the second volume, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Janhavi S. Agashe, Jae H. Lee, Ruchir M. Dave
  • Patent number: 10631100
    Abstract: A device includes: a first sidewall including a first opening extending through the first sidewall; a first sensor attached to an interior surface of the first sidewall, wherein the first sensor is aligned to at least partially cover the first opening; a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; a third sidewall attaching the first sidewall to the second sidewall; and a first contact pad disposed on an exterior surface of the third sidewall, wherein the first contact pad is configured to provide at least one of a power connection or a signal connection for the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Chau Fatt Chiang, Kok Yau Chua
  • Patent number: 10595132
    Abstract: A device includes: a first sidewall including a first opening extending through the first sidewall; a first sensor attached to an interior surface of the first sidewall, wherein the first sensor is aligned to at least partially cover the first opening; a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; a third sidewall attaching the first sidewall to the second sidewall; and a first contact pad disposed on an exterior surface of the third sidewall, wherein the first contact pad is configured to provide at least one of a power connection or a signal connection for the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Chau Fatt Chiang, Kok Yau Chua
  • Patent number: 10567870
    Abstract: A shotgun microphone unit which includes a housing, a microphone capsule, a shotgun tube having a longitudinal axis, and a shotgun mounting for mounting the shotgun tube with the microphone capsule within the housing. The shotgun mounting has an axial and a radial mounting, wherein the axial mounting is softer than the radial mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lars Heine, Lars Heinrich
  • Patent number: 10433071
    Abstract: A microphone includes a base with a port extending therethrough, and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device coupled to the base. The MEMS device includes a diaphragm, a back plate, and a substrate. The substrate forms a back-hole. A capillary structure is disposed in the back-hole of the substrate, the cover, adjacent to the MEMS, or combinations thereof. The capillary structure includes a plurality of capillaries extending through the capillary structure. The capillary structure may have at least one hydrophobic surface and is configured to inhibit contaminants from outside the microphone from reaching the diaphragm via the port. In some embodiments, the capillary structure may protect against EMI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Sagnik Pal, Sung Bok Lee
  • Patent number: 10405106
    Abstract: A microphone includes a base; a first micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) device and a second MEMS device disposed on the base. The first MEMS device has a first diaphragm and a first back plate, and the second MEMS device has a second diaphragm and a second back plate. The first MEMS device and the second MEMS device are arranged such that positive pressure moves the first diaphragm towards the first back plate, and the positive pressure simultaneously moves the second diaphragm of the from second back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 10399850
    Abstract: A packaged integrated device includes a package substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the package substrate has a hole therethrough. The integrated device package also includes a first lid mounted on the first surface of the package substrate to define a first cavity, and a second lid mounted on the second surface of the package substrate to define a second cavity. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) die can be mounted on the first surface of the package substrate inside the first cavity and over the hole. A port can be formed in the first lid or the second lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: David Bolognia, Kieran P. Harney
  • Patent number: 10375481
    Abstract: A MEMS capacitive transducer with increased robustness and resilience to acoustic shock. The transducer structure includes a flexible membrane supported between a first volume and a second volume, and at least one variable vent structure in communication with at least one of the first and second volumes. The variable vent structure includes at least one moveable portion which is moveable in response to a pressure differential across the moveable portion so as to vary the size of a flow path through the vent structure. The variable vent may be formed through the membrane and the moveable portion may be a part of the membrane, defined by one or more channels, that is deflectable away from the surface of the membrane. The variable vent is preferably closed in the normal range of pressure differentials but opens at high pressure differentials to provide more rapid equalisation of the air volumes above and below the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Robert Jenkins, Tsjerk Hans Hoekstra, Euan James Boyd
  • Patent number: 10375491
    Abstract: A hearing device, e.g. a hearing aid, having a protection system is disclosed. The device includes an input unit for receiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings and providing a corresponding audio signal, and an output unit receiving said audio signal and providing an audible signal to the user, where the hearing device further includes a barrier element for protecting elements of the hearing device. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a hearing device inlet system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Michael Frydendal Larssen, Michael Frank Petersen, Troels Holm Pedersen, Brian Spidsbjerg, Lars Monroy, Lars Persson, Jesper Pedersen, Sune Heibing, Mikael Andersen, Henning Bjerregaard, Niels Erik Holm Christensen, Preben Kvist
  • Patent number: 10362406
    Abstract: A MEMS microphone package includes a substrate including a base layer, a sound hole cut through the base layer, a conduction part arranged on the base layer, a sidewall connected with one end thereof to the top surface of the base layer and having a conducting line electrically connected to the conduction part, a cover plate connected to an opposite end of the sidewall and having a solder pad and a third contact disposed in conduction with the solder pad and electrically connected to the conducting line, an acoustic wave sensor mounted on the top surface of the base layer to face toward the sound hole, a processor chip mounted on the top surface of the base layer and electrically connected to the acoustic wave sensor and the conduction part, and one or multiple electronic components electrically bonded to the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: LINGSEN PRECISION INDSUTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yao-Ting Yeh, Hsien-Ken Liao, Jyong-Yue Tian, Ming-Te Tu
  • Patent number: 10321239
    Abstract: A microphone includes a main body surrounding a longitudinal axis that extends in a top-bottom direction, a battery holder mounted to the main body, and a protective cover. The protective cover has a cover body pivotally connected to and openably covering the battery holder for retaining a battery therein, and a positioning unit connected to the cover body. The protective cover is pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the top-bottom direction to turn upward and downward and to move between a closed position, where the positioning unit engages the battery holder, and an opened position, where the positioning unit is disengaged from the battery holder in a direction transverse to the top-bottom direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Mascot Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Tien Chiang
  • Patent number: 10310577
    Abstract: Disclosed is a host communication module, which is provided in a host device that can be connected to a slave device, including: a host power communication unit, in a transmission mode, receiving a power voltage for driving an active slave device from the host device and allowing the host device and the active slave device to perform power communication using the power voltage, and in a reception mode, receiving a power pulse from the active slave device and allowing the host device and the active slave device to perform power communication using the power pulse and a terminal connection unit transmitting or receiving the power pulse to or from the active slave device via a microphone jack provided in the host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: GMK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin Soon Hwang
  • Patent number: 10281485
    Abstract: Multi-path signal processing for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors is described. An exemplary MEMS sensor apparatus can comprise a single MEMS sensor element and an associated integrated circuit (IC) that facilitates generating multiple output signals having different output signal electrical characteristics required by a host system. Provided implementations can minimize cost and IC die area of associated MEMS sensor apparatuses and systems by employing one or more signal multiplexers (MUXs) on a single common signal path from the single MEMS sensor element. In addition, various methods of generating multiple output signals having different output signal electrical characteristics from a single MEMS sensor element are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Omid Oliaei, Mehran Ayat
  • Patent number: 10277983
    Abstract: A microphone apparatus is disclosed. A microphone apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a vibration membrane disposed inside a case and formed on an upper surface of a main substrate; an acoustic component including an absorbing unit cut over a predetermined section toward the outside of a fixed membrane and having a predetermined pattern; a microphone module including a semiconductor chip electrically connected to the acoustic component inside the case; and a printed circuit board on which the microphone module is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ilseon Yoo
  • Patent number: 10231061
    Abstract: A sound transducer includes a housing with a sound port and a MEMS structure disposed in an interior space of the housing. The MEMS structure and the sound port are acoustically coupled to each other. The MEMS structure separates a front volume from a back volume of the housing. At least one vent hole of the MEMS structure allows a gas exchange between the front volume and the back volume. The sound port allows a liquid to enter the front volume. Further, the MEMS structure prevents liquid from entering the back volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Alfons Dehe, Ulrich Krumbein
  • Patent number: 10231058
    Abstract: An audio apparatus includes a housing, a piezoelectric vibration unit provided to the housing and having a piezoelectric element, and a communication unit for receiving an audio signal. When a received audio signal is applied to the piezoelectric element while a load of the audio apparatus is applied to the piezoelectric vibration unit, the piezoelectric element is deformed causing deformation of the piezoelectric vibration unit, whereby a contact surface in contact with the audio apparatus vibrates and generate a sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiji Horii
  • Patent number: 10212524
    Abstract: A boot is used to cover an inlet of a microphone of an auditory prosthesis. The boot prevents water, sweat, and other debris from damaging the microphone or entering the prosthesis housing. Additionally, the boot can include structure that helps dampen vibrations within the auditory prosthesis, thus improving microphone performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: COCHLEAR LIMITED
    Inventors: James Vandyke, David Harte, Jan Patrick Frieding
  • Patent number: 10206046
    Abstract: A circuit board module for a sound transducer assembly for generating and/or detecting sound waves in the audible wavelength spectrum includes a circuit board, which features a recess with a first opening. At least a part of a MEMS sound transducer is arranged in the area of the first opening, such that the recess at least partially forms a cavity of the MEMS sound transducer. The recess features a second opening opposite to the first opening, such that the recess extends completely through the circuit board. A sound transducer assembly includes such a circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: USOUND GMBH
    Inventors: Ferruccio Bottoni, Andrea Rusconi Clerici Beltrami
  • Patent number: 10206023
    Abstract: A microphone includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) die configured to sense an acoustic signal, a base, and a lid. The base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a first electrical pad and a second electrical pad. The first electrical pad and the second electrical pad are configured to transmit an electrical signal indicative of the acoustic signal. The lid has a top surface and a bottom surface. The lid includes a cavity that surrounds the MEMS die. The top surface of the lid includes a third electrical pad and a fourth electrical pad. The first electrical pad and the third electrical pad are electrically connected, and the second electrical pad and the fourth electrical pad are electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Pete Loeppert
  • Patent number: 10178458
    Abstract: A technique capable of accurately recognizing a voice input from a user and to uniform likelihood of depression of an outer skin is provided. A voice recognition device P includes an exoskeleton 5, a cushion member 6 that has elasticity and covers the exoskeleton 5, an outer skin 7 that covers the cushion member 6, a microphone 3 fixed to the exoskeleton 5, and a voice recognition unit 4 that recognizes a voice obtained by the microphone 3. In a voice input area 11, which is on an outer side of the microphone 3, the cushion member 6 has zero thickness. In a position in the vicinity of the microphone 3 that does not overlap the microphone 3, spring members 13 that are extended from the exoskeleton 5 to the outer skin 7 and are less compressed and deformed than the cushion member 6 are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Wataru Kaku
  • Patent number: 10117027
    Abstract: A microphone and a method for producing a microphone are disclosed. The microphone includes a substrate, a spring element plastically elongated in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, a transducer element in electrical contact with the substrate by way of the spring element and a cover to which the transducer element is fastened, the cover is arranged in such a way that the transducer element is arranged between the cover and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Wolfgang Pahl
  • Patent number: 10009694
    Abstract: A MEMS microphone assembly has an enclosure enclosing a volume of air. A MEMS microphone chip is provided within the enclosure. First and second acoustic ports are formed in the enclosure, defining first and second fluid paths between the volume of air and air outside the enclosure. The MEMS microphone responds to a pre-determined linear interpolative value between two independent pressure signals supplied via first and second ports according to the potentiometic ratio of the acoustic impedances of the first and second ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: INCUS LABORATORIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Alastair Sibbald, Peter John McCutcheon, Robert Alcock, David Monteith
  • Patent number: 9942666
    Abstract: A condenser microphone is provided that can ensure the fixation of an electroacoustic transducer inside a unit case and the grounding of the electroacoustic transducer, regardless of variations in manufacture of the unit case and a circuit board. A condenser microphone unit includes an electroacoustic transducer and a unit case accommodating the electroacoustic transducer. The unit case includes at least one protrusion that is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the unit case. The electroacoustic transducer is fixed inside the unit case with the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AUDIO-TECHNICA
    Inventors: Satoshi Yoshino, Hiroaki Furuya
  • Patent number: 9911724
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a semiconductor structure includes a multi-chip package system (MCPS). The MCPS includes one or more dies, a molding compound extending along sidewalls of the one or more dies, and a redistribution layer (RDL) over the one or more dies and the molding compound. The semiconductor structure also includes at least one sensor coupled to the RDL, with the RDL interposed between the at least one sensor and the one or more dies. The semiconductor structure further includes a substrate having conductive features on a first side of the substrate. The conductive features are coupled to the RDL. The substrate has a cavity extending from the first side of the substrate to a second side of the substrate opposite the first side, and the at least one sensor is disposed in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Hua Chen, Yu-Feng Chen, Hao-Yi Tsai, Chung-Shi Liu, Chen-Hua Yu
  • Patent number: 9856132
    Abstract: One example includes an integrated circuit including at least one electrical interconnects disposed on an elongate are extending away from a main portion of the integrated circuit and a microelectromechanical layer including an oscillating portion, the microelectromechanical layer coupled to the main portion of the integrated circuit, wherein the microelectromechanical layer includes a cap comprising a membrane that extends to the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Janusz Bryzek, John Gardner Bloomsburgh, Cenk Acar