On Body Or Clothing Patents (Class 381/364)
  • Patent number: 11956582
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an alignment device suited for use with a microphone. The device may include an end that is configured to contact a user's face, an attachment portion, with the attachment portion having an attachment piece configured to attach to a microphone. The device also can include a tendril extending between the end and the attachment portion. The tendril can extend along a length of the microphone to a point past a grille of the microphone. The end can be offset from the grille to maintain the user's face a distance from the grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hadersbeck & Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Hadersbeck, Adam Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11785428
    Abstract: A system, mobile radio, remote speaker microphone and wearable mask are provided. In one or more embodiments, a mobile radio is provided. A mobile radio is provided and includes communication interface configured to: receive at least one of first wireless audio signals from a wearable mask and second wireless audio signals from another mobile radio; and processing circuitry in operative communication with the communication interface, the processing circuitry configured to, if first wireless audio and second wireless audio signals are received by the communication interface, sum the first and second wireless audio signals for transmission to a remote speaker microphone if a first criterion is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Darin Kyle Thompson, Vincent Scott Garmon
  • Patent number: 11672423
    Abstract: A vibration detection apparatus is disclosed. The vibration detection apparatus comprises a body configured to have internal space, and a vibration sensor formed on the body and configured to sense vibration from a measuring object. Here, a space exists between the vibration sensor and a surface opposed to the vibration sensor of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Myongji University Industry and Academia Coop Fdn
    Inventors: Jung Kuk Kim, Jae Hyun Park, Min Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 11539845
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced teleconferencing. An example method includes generating a teleconference interface with a plurality of user-controlled participant interface elements representing participants of the teleconference; identifying a first conversation based on positions, in the teleconference interface, of a first subset of the participant interface elements; identifying a second conversation based on the positions, in the teleconference interface, of a second subset of the participant interface elements; accessing supplemental data, from at least one of a networking or social media database, for the participants of the teleconference; and presenting, within the participant interface elements, the supplemental data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Spencer G Fowers, David Anthony Tittsworth, Amber Dawn Hoak
  • Patent number: 11366325
    Abstract: An audio component for a head-mounted display system includes a first port through which sound is projected to a user during operation in a first audio mode, a second port through which sound is projected to a user during operation in a second audio mode, an insulator positioned along an acoustic path between the first port and the second port, wherein the insulator is configured to inhibit sound projection along the acoustic path by isolating the first port from the second port, and an earpiece configured to engage the audio component to an ear of the a user, to deliver sound from the audio component to the user, and to reduce ambient noise from a surrounding environment during operation of the audio component in the second audio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Silfvast, James W. VanDyke, Jeremy C. Franklin, Neal D. Evans, Christopher T. Eubank
  • Patent number: 10737185
    Abstract: In a virtual environment such as an online game, a voice chat audio signal controls the volume of chat audio signals between users. The volume of chat audio signals between users can be controlled depending on one or more factors such as volume of the user's voices spoken into their audio input device and the relative positions of virtual objects controlled by the users. In one implementation, a voice chat audio signal from a first user to a second user is reduced in volume if a distance between the virtual objects of the first and second players exceeds a threshold distance and if the volume in audio input device of the first player is less than a threshold volume. A volume of a user's chat input can also control aspects of a virtual environment. The result a more realistic audible chat interaction among users controlling characters in a virtual environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Fargo
  • Patent number: 9820031
    Abstract: A system for securing headphone transducers is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a first transducer device having a first mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A first coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the first mechanical housing of the first transducer device. A second transducer device has a second mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A second coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the second mechanical housing of the second transducer device. The first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device when in close proximity to each other, such that the inner surfaces of the first and second mechanical devices are opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KADDAN ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick Sean Harper
  • Patent number: 9014395
    Abstract: An audio analysis apparatus includes the following components. A main body includes a discrimination unit and a transmission unit. A strap is used for hanging the main body from a user's neck. A first audio acquisition device is provided to the strap or the main body. A second audio acquisition device is provided to the strap at a position where a distance between the second audio acquisition device and the user's mouth is smaller than the distance between the first audio acquisition device and the user's in a state where the strap is worn around the user's neck. The discrimination unit discriminates whether an acquired sound is an uttered voice of the user or of another person by comparing audio signals of the sound acquired by the first and second audio acquisition devices. The transmission unit transmits information including the discrimination result to an external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Harada, Hirohito Yoneyama, Kei Shimotani, Yohei Nishino, Kiyoshi Iida, Takao Naito
  • Patent number: 9014402
    Abstract: An acoustically isolated support and handle system for a sound pickup system includes vibrationally isolated, releasable connections for an adjustable microphone adapter in front of the reflector and for a pair of support handles and optionally a universal mounting bracket at the rear of the reflector. The handles provide a connection bracket for the optional use of a neck strap that would allow an operator to shift at least a portion of the weight of the device to the operator's neck and back while also providing the option for handheld aiming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Klover Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Terpstra, Patrick Santini
  • Patent number: 8995692
    Abstract: An apparatus for personal media playing, the apparatus comprising: a signal receiver, configured to receive a media signal, a signal generator, in communication with the signal receiver, configured to derive a plurality of signals from the received media signal, and tailor each of the derived signals for a respective one of a plurality of body areas of a user, and a plurality of vibration devices, in communication with the signal generator, each vibration device being deployable on a respective one of the body areas of the user and configured to vibrate on the body area, according to the signal tailored for the body area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Woojer Ltd
    Inventor: Mor Efrati
  • Patent number: 8965026
    Abstract: Some embodiments herein include at least one of systems, methods, and devices for remote audio capture using a hand-held device. In some embodiments, the device captures, stores, and transmits audio to another device via wireless technologies. In some embodiments, the device may be used either as a hand-held microphone or as a lavaliere microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Canopy Co.
    Inventor: Andrew Charles Kamin-Lyndgaard
  • Patent number: 8958578
    Abstract: A throat vibration audio wireless transmission apparatus comprises a body, a throat vibration detection module and a wireless transmission module. The body includes a cap, a flexible base and a deformation holding member. The cap has multiple cover portions and at least one elastic bending portion bridging two neighboring cover portions. The deformation holding member can be pushed by forces to form an arched shape and drive the flexible base and cap to bend to allow the elastic bending portion to extend towards the cover portions at two sides thereof. The throat vibration detector detects a vibration wave and converts to an electric signal. The control circuit board receives the electric signal and converts to an audio signal which is then transmitted by the wireless transmission module. The apparatus can be adjusted according to a user's neck and attached thereon closely to receive sound without being interfered by environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Yi Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8942403
    Abstract: A wiring harness for clothing, and garments so equipped. The wiring harness is of asymmetrical configuration, and may extend through channels positioned substantially along reinforced portions of the garment. The wiring harness includes a T-junction from which extend a male media connector and two media cables, a first media cable extending along seams of one side of the garment, and a second media cable extending along a neck portion of the garment from the T-junction at one side to another side, both media cables terminating in male media connectors. The male media connector of the T-junction and the male media connector of the second media cable connect to female media connectors of earphone cables, while the male media connector of the first media cable connects to a female media connector of a portable media device, which may be disposed within a pocket of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Skullcandy, Inc.
    Inventors: Courtney C. Oman, James D. Oman, Jon Lee Anderson
  • Patent number: 8879751
    Abstract: A headset having game, chat and microphone audio signals is provided with a programmable signal processor for individually modifying the audio signals and a memory configured to store a plurality of user-selectable signal-processing parameter settings that determine the manner in which the audio signals will be altered by the signal processor. The parameter settings collectively form a preset, and one or more user-operable controls can select and activate a preset from the plurality of presets stored in memory. The parameters stored in the selected preset can be loaded into the signal processor such that the sound characteristics of the audio paths are modified in accordance with the parameter settings in the selected preset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventor: Carmine J. Bonanno
  • Patent number: 8855331
    Abstract: An audio analysis apparatus includes the following components. A strap has an end portion connected to a main body and is used to hang the main body from a user's neck. A first audio acquisition device is at the end portion or in the main body. Second and third audio acquisition devices are at positions separate from the end portion by substantially the same predetermined distances, on the respective sides of the strap extending from the user's neck. An analysis unit discriminates whether an acquired sound is an uttered voice of the user or another person by comparing audio signals of acquired by the first and second or third audio acquisition devices and detects an orientation of the user's face by comparing the audio signals acquired by the second and third audio acquisition devices. A transmission unit transmits the analysis result to an external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Iida, Haruo Harada, Hirohito Yoneyama, Kei Shimotani, Yohei Nishino
  • Patent number: 8712077
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Additionally, a multiband actuation system may be used where two or more transducers each deliver sounds within certain frequencies. Also, the assembly may also utilize the sensation of directionality via the conducted vibrations to emulate directional perception of audio signals received by the user. Another feature may include the ability to vibrationally conduct ancillary audio signals to the user along with primary audio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sonitus Medical, inc.
    Inventor: Amir Abolfathi
  • Publication number: 20130308813
    Abstract: An acoustically isolated support and handle system for a sound pickup system includes vibrationally isolated, releasable connections for an adjustable microphone adapter in front of the reflector and for a pair of support handles and optionally a universal mounting bracket at the rear of the reflector. The handles provide a connection bracket for the optional use of a neck strap that would allow an operator to shift at least a portion of the weight of the device to the operator's neck and back while also providing the option for handheld aiming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick Santini, Paul Terpstra
  • Patent number: 8564961
    Abstract: Electronic devices are provided with housing components that have improved aesthetics. One or more holes may be formed through an extruded portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Joseph Weber
  • Patent number: 8477981
    Abstract: A watch (1) has a microphone (16) placed in a watchcase (2), a bracelet (3) with two end parts respectively attached to two opposite sides of the case and at least one through aperture (7) made in a lateral wall (12) of the case. The through aperture defines a first sound wave guide channel, and opens into the case in the direction of said microphone. The microphone is connected in the case to a sound wave processing unit circuit (19) for voice recognition. The watch further includes an audio guide member (6) fitted with a second open sound wave guide channel that comes into direct contact with the external surface of the lateral wall of the case across an area (13) that extends on either side of the aperture so as to guide the sound waves towards said first channel. This guide member may be made in an end part of the bracelet. In this manner, any interference from reflecting cavities, edges or surfaces in said area close to the aperture can be removed or attenuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research & Development Ltd
    Inventors: Pascal Heck, Paul Dinnissen, Frédéric Meylan, Jean-Pierre Mignot
  • Publication number: 20130163802
    Abstract: A microphone worn on a pair of eyeglasses includes a microphone body and at least a suspender. The microphone body includes a thin rod, an end of which is a high sensitivity microphone and the other end is a plug; the thin rod is assembled with an electric wire through the plug and a socket. An upper end of the suspender is installed on a temple at a side of the eyeglasses and a lower end is a hook unit. When the microphone body is used, the thin rod is installed on the hook unit to assemble the microphone body with the temple at the side of the eyeglasses; therefore, when the eyeglasses are worn, the microphone body is worn simultaneously. Not contacting with an ear to cause uncomfortableness, the microphone body is worn conveniently and handy, can be applied to frames of various sizes and carried conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Liang-Chih CHENG
  • Publication number: 20120314131
    Abstract: Some embodiments herein include at least one of systems, methods, and devices for remote audio capture using a hand-held device. In some embodiments, the device captures, stores, and transmits audio to another device via wireless technologies. In some embodiments, the device may be used either as a hand-held microphone or as a lavaliere microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew Charles Kamin-Lyndgaard
  • Patent number: 8311255
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a housing and a connector assembly coupled to the housing. The connector assembly can include a microphone port. The electronic device can further include a microphone mounted within the housing and a channel that fluidically couples the microphone to the microphone port. A joint connector and microphone assembly is also provided. The assembly can include a microphone with a top surface and side surfaces. The top surface of the microphone can include a microphone input. The assembly can include a microphone boot mounted to the microphone such that the boot interfaces with a portion of the top surface and the side surfaces to form a seal around the microphone input. The microphone boot can include a connector sealing portion and an aperture for fluidically coupling the microphone input to a microphone port. The assembly can include a connector plate mounted to the connector sealing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: M. Evans Hankey, Emery Sanford, Christopher D Prest
  • Patent number: 8311257
    Abstract: An earphone mounting structure includes an earphone consisting of a flat base frame shell, a speaker, a cover frame shell capped and a detachable decorative cap shell, and a mounting device adapted for securing the earphone to a cap for the head of a person. The mounting device can be formed of a snap fastener, a clamping device, or pads of hook and loop materials, enabling the earphone to be conveniently and detachably fastened to the user's cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Chiu-Yueh Hu
  • Publication number: 20120243714
    Abstract: Microphone placement for oral applications are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Multiple microphones may be positioned throughout the user's mouth to enhance reception of audio signals from outside sources as well as from the user's own voice. For instance, one or more microphones may be placed in contact with the inner surface of the user's cheeks to detect outside audio signals as well as in direct contact with the user's tooth or teeth to receive the user's voice through vibrational detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, Reza KASSAYAN
  • Patent number: 8213647
    Abstract: An electroacoustic device includes a rear body portion containing electronic circuits, being so dimensioned and shaped as to be carried by a human user behind the user's ear and having an upper end portion and a frontal body portion with an upper end portion connected to the upper end portion of the rear body portion. The device may include an electroacoustic speaker transducer connected to the frontal body portion and arrangeable in a sound transmitting relationship to the user's ear canal when the device is carried by the human user. The speaker transducer may be rotatable about an axis which is arranged on a plane that is substantially parallel to the side of the head of the user when the device is carried by the human user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Casper van der Bilt, Gerjo Sampimon, Angelique Hofstede, Hedzer van der Kamp
  • Patent number: 8175314
    Abstract: A tactical microphone support system to attach a tactical microphone to a law enforcement uniform and keep it supported in place, particularly when a law enforcement officer is being physically active, such as, for example, while pursuing a suspect. Preferably, the tactical microphone support attaches to at least one button on a law enforcement shirt. The tactical microphone support provides for center, right or left handed attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Brian E. Webster
  • Patent number: 8155345
    Abstract: A wearable terminal is constantly worn by a user and continually picks up images and sounds from the surroundings. Even when using a directional microphone to sensitively pick up targeted audio, the wearable terminal can reduce noise occurring due to motion of the device, for example when the user is walking, and reduce the influence of a shift of the sound pickup direction. For this purpose, the wearable terminal includes a sensor for detecting motion, and performs microphone directivity control to use the directional microphone when the amount of motion is small, and to use an omnidirectional microphone that is not likely to be influenced by noise when the amount of motion is large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Tagawa, Takeo Kanamori
  • Patent number: 8150089
    Abstract: A wireless microphone is provided. The wireless microphone includes: a transmitter wirelessly transmitting audio signals converted from sound collected with a microphone unit; and a receiver receiving said audio signals. A clip is provided on one surface of the transmitter in which the microphone unit is attached to the other surface thereof; and the transmitter is capable of being mounted on a plane using the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Segawa, Fujio Nemoto
  • Patent number: 8144911
    Abstract: A garment with a speaker function is provided. The garment includes a garment body, a bag, and an electret speaker. The bag disposed on the garment body includes a sound-absorbing layer. The electret speaker, disposed in the bag, gives off sounds to a first direction and a second direction at the same time. The sound-absorbing layer absorbs the sound of the second direction. Therefore, the present invention not only provides convenience to the user, but also enhances the acoustic quality of the electret speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Dar-Ming Chiang, Jen-Yuh Jiang
  • Patent number: 8111862
    Abstract: An ear-hanging microphone comprising; a c-shaped hanger; a cable pole, whose first end connecting said hanger at a first end thereof; a flexible strap, whose two ends being twisted on said hanger, and the length of said flexible strap being shorter than the longest one of the diameters of said hanger; a microphone, which connecting said cable pole at a second end thereof; a stop block, which connecting said hanger at a second end thereof; a socket, which being embedded in said stop block, and said socket and said microphone being linked electrically; a pin, which being correspondingly inserted into said socket to realize electrical link; and an electrical cable, which being linked electrically with said pin. Because of the usage of the flexible strap, the usage period of the ear-hanging microphone is prolonged and the user feels more comfortable and convenienter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Ying Jui Wu
  • Publication number: 20120014553
    Abstract: A headset having game, chat and microphone audio signals is provided with a programmable signal processor for individually modifying the audio signals and a memory configured to store a plurality of user-selectable signal-processing parameter settings that determine the manner in which the audio signals will be altered by the signal processor. The parameter settings collectively form a preset, and one or more user-operable controls can select and activate a preset from the plurality of presets stored in memory. The parameters stored in the selected preset can be loaded into the signal processor such that the sound characteristics of the audio paths are modified in accordance with the parameter settings in the selected preset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Carmine J. Bonanno
  • Patent number: 8081789
    Abstract: A microphone device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of microphones and a microphone holder for holding the microphones. The microphones include a first sound receiving part and a second sound receiving part. The microphone holder comprises a holder body, and the holder body includes a plurality of microphone engaging recesses facing in different directions from each other and to be removably in engagement with the plurality of microphones. These microphone engaging recesses are to be in engagement with the plurality of microphones with the first sound receiving part facing the outer side of the holder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiho Suzuki, Hitoshi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8055005
    Abstract: A Bluetooth earphone and a lanyard structure thereof are provided. The Bluetooth earphone includes an earphone body and a lanyard structure. The lanyard structure includes a lanyard and a clip element. The lanyard is disposed on the clip element. The clip element includes two hooks gripping the earphone body for combining the lanyard structure with the earphone body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chun-Hsin Liu, Chung-Chun Wu, Jui-Chi Liao
  • Publication number: 20110200222
    Abstract: An implantable microphone is disclosed having an external diaphragm and housing that forming chamber capable of being pressurized by deformational movement of the diaphragm induced by pressure waves (e.g., acoustic signals) propagating through overlying tissue. The chamber is shaped such that the volume of the chamber upon deflection of the diaphragm is reduced compared to a static volume of the chamber (i.e., volume of the chamber with no diaphragm deflection). As a result, the change in pressure within the chamber for a given diaphragm displacement is greater than it would be within a chamber having a cylindrical volume, leading to greater microphone sensitivity. In one arrangement, the chamber is shaped such that it is deeper at its center than at its edges, for example, to form a conical or paraboloidal volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Otologics, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Allan Miller, III, Robert Edwin Schneider
  • Patent number: 7974845
    Abstract: Stuttering treatment methods and apparatus which utilize removable oral-based appliances having actuators which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance are described. Such oral appliances may receive the user's voice and process the voice to introduce a time delay and/or a frequency shift. The altered audio feedback signal is then transmitted back to the user through a tooth, teeth, or other bone via a vibrating actuator element. The actuator element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuator mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Sonitus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John Spiridigliozzi, Amir A. Abolfathi
  • Publication number: 20110123050
    Abstract: A user wearable accessory provides push-to-tall (PTT), microphone and adjustable electrical cord length features in a single device. First and second adjustable electrical cords couple a portable communication device to an earpiece. The accessory is formed of front and back housing portions coupled together to provide a spooling feature therebetween. The spooling feature accommodates the two electrical cords such that a user is able to wrap each cord to provide an overall desired length. Users of different heights can adjust the cord length as desired thereby minimizing tangling of the cords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: LanTing L. Garra, Vance M. McGary, Craig F. Siddoway
  • Patent number: 7760896
    Abstract: A mount assembly for a personal microphone is described. The mount assembly includes a spring-biased clip and a cage. The clip connects the assembly to an article of clothing. The cage is formed from an elongated bar made of rigid material. The bar is formed into a helix to define an enclosure that receives a microphone. The spirals of the helix may form a conical structure formed of spirals with increasing diameters. The cage may further include a base that secures the transmission cable of the microphone. The assembly protects the microphone from contact with objects, thus minimizes ambient and mechanical interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Gabor Medveczky
  • Patent number: 7752716
    Abstract: Elastic force originating from an elastic body is applied to gripping portions, so that a lower member and an upper member functions as a clip. An elastic member is formed in such a manner as to be cut out from an attachment surface of the lower member along the contour (other than a portion thereof) of a closed figure, and can warp with respect to the attachment surface with that portion taken as a warp axis. The elastic member has a projection on the leading end thereof, and a rear panel has a recess in an attachment surface thereof. When the rear panel is rotated with respect to the lower member, the projection is disengaged from the recess by warping of the elastic member, or engaged with the recess by a retroaction of the warping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Icom Incorporated
    Inventor: Shuichi Babasaki
  • Publication number: 20100092021
    Abstract: An implantable microphone for a hearing prosthesis. The microphone comprises: a housing having a diaphragm chamber formed therein, and an aperture extending from the exterior surface of the housing to the chamber; a diaphragm disposed on the exterior of the housing so as to seal the aperture, and configured to vibrate in response to sound signals; a sensor positioned adjacent an end of the chamber opposing the diaphragm, and configured to detect vibration of the diaphragm, and to generate electrical signals based thereon; and a stiffening material substantially filling the regions of the housing external to the sensor and the diaphragm such that that air gaps within the filled regions of the housing are substantially eliminated, wherein the stiffening material has an elastic modulus that enables the housing to substantially resist deformation there of in response to body-noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: COCHLEAR LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Wiskerke, Wim Bervoets
  • Publication number: 20100083470
    Abstract: A microphone holder includes a rotational shaft capable of fitting into a clamping unit of a holder base through pushing and opening tip ends of bent arms of the clamping unit. The rotational shaft of the microphone holder has, at an outer periphery of the rotational shaft, a plurality of smooth concave portions at different angular positions. The rotational shaft is stably fit into the clamping unit as convex portions of the clamping unit fit into the concave portions of the rotational shaft. An angle of the microphone holder can be adjusted through smooth rotation of the microphone holder accompanied by sliding between the convex portions of the holding unit and the concave portions of the rotational shaft. Thus, noise generated upon the adjusting can be substantially reduced. A user can easily adjust the direction of the microphone only through the rotation of the microphone holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AUDIO-TECHNICA
    Inventor: Takashi MURATA
  • Publication number: 20100014689
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for capturing sound for communication by mounting one or more intra-oral microphones to capture sound; and mounting a mouth wearable communicator in the oral cavity to communicate sound with a remote unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Reza Kassayan, John Spiridigliozzi
  • Publication number: 20090316945
    Abstract: A transportable sensor or set of sensors maybe carried conveniently by a user in a condition ready to be connected to a computing device, such as a PDA, a pocket computer, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer which may have an internet connection and communications capabilities. The sensor(s) maybe carried by a user, preferably on his person, in a convenient way and so that they may be readily and quickly connected to a computing device. It is contemplated that such connection would be possible through the inclusion of a modular or industry standard connector on the device. The sensor could also be detachably connectable to or housed within a housing provided in an article with an independent function, such as a pen, a wireless telephone, an eyeglass frame, an eyeglass cover, a shirt pocket, a belt, or an article of clothing worn by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Ali N. Akansu
  • Publication number: 20090274331
    Abstract: A microphone device includes an earpiece unit and a sound pickup unit. The earpiece unit includes a pliable ring part adapted for looping around an ear of a wearer and bendable to conform to the shape of the ear of the wearer. The sound pickup unit includes a boom component that is connected to the earpiece unit and that has a front boom section extending to a vicinity of the mouth of the wearer when the earpiece unit is worn on the ear of the wearer. The sound pickup unit further includes a sound pickup member mounted on the front boom section of the boom component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Mipro Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Weng
  • Publication number: 20090274332
    Abstract: A miniaturized acoustic boom structure includes a microphone boom housing having a wind screen and a microphone pod configured to hold a microphone. The microphone pod has an outer surface secured to an inner surface of the microphone boom housing, an interior having one or more surfaces configured to form an acoustic seal around at least a portion of the periphery of the microphone, and first and second pod port openings. The first and second pod port openings provide sound wave access to opposing sides of a diaphragm of the microphone, and are shaped and spaced away from the first and second microphone ports of the microphone so that an acoustic path length between the first and second pod port openings is greater than an acoustic path length between the first and second microphone ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: PLANTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: John S. Graham, Osman K. Isvan
  • Publication number: 20090268932
    Abstract: Microphone placement for oral applications are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a removable oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such an oral appliance may be a custom-made device which can enhance and/or optimize received audio signals for vibrational conduction to the user. Received audio signals may be processed to cancel acoustic echo such that undesired sounds received by one or more intra-buccal and/or extra-buccal microphones are eliminated or mitigated. Multiple microphones may be positioned throughout the user's mouth to enhance reception of audio signals from outside sources as well as from the user's own voice. For instance, one or more microphones may be placed in contact with the inner surface of the user's cheeks to detect outside audio signals as well as in direct contact with the user's tooth or teeth to receive the user's voice through vibrational detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: SONITUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Amir ABOLFATHI, Reza KASSAYAN
  • Patent number: 7570977
    Abstract: A personal wearable communication and speaker entertainment system which provides improved quality audio response and which does not interfere with the wearer's activities or block environmental sounds is disclosed. The speaker system is connected to or in communication with a conventional source of audio signals, such as radio, tape player, CD player, cellular telephone or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: S1 Audio, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Carl Gantz, Tai Hoon Kim Matlin
  • Publication number: 20090129620
    Abstract: A wearable terminal is constantly worn by a user and continually picks up images and sounds from the surroundings. Even when using a directional microphone to sensitively pick up targeted audio, the wearable terminal can reduce noise occurring due to motion of the device, for example when the user is walking, and reduce the influence of a shift of the sound pickup direction. For this purpose, the wearable terminal includes a sensor for detecting motion, and performs microphone directivity control to use the directional microphone when the amount of motion is small, and to use an omnidirectional microphone that is not likely to be influenced by noise when the amount of motion is large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Junichi Tagawa, Takeo Kanamori
  • Patent number: 7536020
    Abstract: A wearable communication device includes a bone conduction actuator which is applicable for being in contact with a user's wrist, hand, back of the hand, finger or nail in order to transmit voice signals. The user inserts the user's finger into the user's ear canal, or touches the user's finger to a part near the user's ear, or puts the user's fingertip or nail on the user's ear canal so as to block the user's ear canal when the user uses the wearable communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Fukumoto, Yoshinobu Tonomura
  • Publication number: 20090111527
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a communication device are disclosed. The system generally includes a housing, a microphone for converting an acoustic signal to an electrical signal disposed within the housing, a receiver for converting an electrical signal to an acoustic signal disposed within the housing, and an adhesive attached to the housing for removably adhering the housing to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew K. Richardson, Elizabeth A. Walikis
  • Publication number: 20090060247
    Abstract: A microphone device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of microphones and a microphone holder for holding the microphones. The microphones include a first sound receiving part and a second sound receiving part. The microphone holder comprises a holder body, and the holder body includes a plurality of microphone engaging recesses facing in different directions from each other and to be removably in engagement with the plurality of microphones. These microphone engaging recesses are to be in engagement with the plurality of microphones with the first sound receiving part facing the outer side of the holder body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiho SUZUKI, Hitoshi MIYAMOTO