Abstract: A twisting ring control for a compact speaker is rotatably mounted on a speaker encircling the speaker baffle. When the ring is rotated in one direction, the ring causes the speaker to be switched off, and when the ring is rotated in the opposite direction, the ring causes the speaker to be switched on. A volume control can be integrated into the same mechanism, and arranged such that, after the speaker is switched on, when the ring is rotated in one direction the volume is increased and when the ring is rotated in the opposite direction the volume is decreased.

Abstract: A portable media reproduction system preferably includes a housing with an attached docking component for receiving a portable media player, the docking component being recessed into the housing when in a closed position such that the first side forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. A latch is provided for holding the docking component in the closed position, and a connector connects to the portable media player. The connector is positioned on the docking component to receive the portable media player when the docking component is in an open position. A base component is recessed into the second side of the housing when in a closed position such that the second side of the housing forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. The base component is extendable into an open position such that the it supports the portable media reproduction system in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A ferrofluid based magnetic seal, comprising at least one gasket, the at least one gasket comprising a flexible, closed cell material, such as, without limitation, neoprene, polyvinylchloride, or plastic, and a ferrofluid core; a first housing, wherein a first face of the first housing is designed to receive at least a portion of the gasket; a second housing, wherein a first face of the second housing is designed to receive at least a portion of at least one magnet; and wherein the at least one magnet is positioned such that when the first housing and the second housing are in close proximity, the at least one magnet is positioned substantially along the length of the at least one gasket.

Abstract: An audio speaker has a speaker surround integral with a covering or underlayer for the speaker housing. A flexible coating on the speaker housing, preferably a synthetic elastomer formed by an overmold process, at least partially covers an opening therein. A cone or other radiator may be attached to the coating in the region that it covers the opening leaving a portion of the coating to act as a speaker surround for the radiator, which may form an active or passive speaker driver.

Abstract: A system for facilitating wireless communication between an accessory and a device comprising a device capable of converting at least an audio signal into a signal transmittable by a wireless communication means; a wireless communication means associated with the device capable of transmitting the converted signal; an accessory, including a docking cradle comprising a plurality of pins, wherein at least one pin on the docking cradle is capable of receiving an audio signal; and an adaptor capable of communicatively coupling with the accessory's docking cradle, the adaptor being capable of receiving the transmission from the wireless communication means associated with the device and converting the signal into an audio signal that can be received by the accessory via the docking cradle.

Abstract: An audio distribution system in one embodiment includes a master device, a powered speaker unit, and an expander device. The master device has an output port for receiving a cable carrying an electrical power signal along with a digital audio signal. The speaker unit includes a first port for receiving the electrical power signal and the digital audio power signal, and a second port for sending the signals. A digital-to-analog converter in the speaker unit converts the digital audio signal to an analog audio signal, and a speaker driver uses the signal to produce sound. The expander device is electrically connectable to the second port of the speaker unit for providing electrical power to one or more further speaker units. In another embodiment, the invention provides a master mixer device and a speaker unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a speaker assembly and cooperating suspension ring designed to allow installation of the assembly in a horizontal ceiling tile from below are disclosed. The speaker assembly includes a body or housing with a flange at one end. The body has a diameter that allows it to fit through a hole the ceiling tile and the suspension ring. The assembly is further provided with clamps attached to the flange next to the body. In order to bring the flange into contact with the ceiling tile, the assembly must be aligned so that the clamps penetrate cooperating voids in the suspension ring. The assembly is then rotated in a direction depending on the tile thickness and lowered into a position where the clamps engage with projections on the suspension ring so that the suspension ring supports the weight of the assembly.

Abstract: A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable audio reproduction system can include a docking station or similar means for communicatively coupling an audio device to the portable audio reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable audio reproduction system with the audio device. The speakers of the portable audio reproduction system can preferably be received within a base portion of the system, thereby protecting the speakers during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability. External connections may also be provided, thereby enabling the portable audio reproduction system to receive audio signals from additional sources, and a mixer allows the system to reproduce signals from a portable audio device and an auxiliary source, such as a computer.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes a support base having a first speaker driver mounted thereto, the first speaker driver being adapted to reproduce sound across a first frequency band. The system further includes a speaker housing having at least one second speaker driver mounted therein, the second speaker driver being adapted to reproduce sound across a second frequency band, the high end of the second frequency band being higher than the high end of the first frequency band. A hinged connection is provided between the support base and the speaker housing, whereby the speaker housing can be vertically pivoted about a generally horizontal axis.

Abstract: A housing for electronic devices such as loudspeakers has a control panel on a first surface and a door hingedly connected to and adjacent to the panel. An opening mechanism releases the door from a closed position, allowing rotation of the door about an axis that extends through the hinged connection of the door and the housing such that the door continues movement until the door is positioned along a second surface of the housing and the panel is exposed. When in the fully opened position, the door may be received by a recess in the housing. When the housing is resting upon a surface, the door may be placed in a partially opened position wherein it lies flat on the surface.

Abstract: A portable media reproduction system into which a portable media player can be inserted. The portable media reproduction system includes a docking component wherein the size of the docking component can be adjusted to fit a given portable media player. The portable media reproduction system also includes a video output connector, a subwoofer, and a passive radiator.

Abstract: An automatic cable retracting system includes a base and a guide connected to the base, the guide translationally movable along a line parallel to the surface of the base. A biasing device is provided for resisting movement of the guide, in a direction along the line, over a range of motion. A cable having a middle section and a first and second end of the middle section is provided, a portion of the middle section being in contact with and changing direction around the guide. The system can be configured so that a tension on the first end causes the first end to move a length, and causes the guide to move a distance of at least a portion of the range of motion. The system can further be configured so that the length moved by the first end as a result of the tension is greater than the distance moved by the guide as a result of the tension. The system may be integrated into an electronic device, such as a speaker, a computer mouse, a keyboard or the like.

Abstract: A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable media reproduction system includes a docking component for communicatively coupling a portable media player device to the portable media reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable media reproduction system with the media player device. The speaker component of the portable media reproduction system can preferably be engaged with a base component of the system, thereby protecting the docking component during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability.

Abstract: A circuit according to the present invention improves the power supply rejection ratio for a pulse width modulated digital amplifier and can be used as a compressor and/or limiter. The circuit preferably operates by using voltage level translation to vary the amplitude of a triangle wave in response to changes in power supply voltage prior to input of the wave into a comparator of the PWM device. Because the circuit operates to improve power supply rejection, little or no distortion is introduced into the signal when used as a compressor and/or limiter. Additionally, the circuit is optionally implemented in a Class D amplifier, and provides a lower cost of implementation than conventional designs in such implementations.

Abstract: A stand system with an integrated electrical plug for portable electronic devices such as speakers and the like includes a housing with a resting surface, the housing having a desired position upon a support surface. A female fitting is operably connected to the housing for conducting electrical signals. A male fitting integrated with a housing stand is further provided, the male fitting adapted to mate with the female fitting and conduct electrical signals. Mating the male fitting with the female fitting causes the housing stand to provide support for the housing, in combination with the resting surface, permitting the housing to maintain the desired position upon the surface, and permitting electrical signals to be conducted between the male fitting and the female fitting.

Abstract: A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable audio reproduction system can include a docking station or similar means for communicatively coupling an audio device to the portable audio reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable audio reproduction system with the audio device. The speakers of the portable audio reproduction system can preferably be received within a base portion of the system, thereby protecting the speakers during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability. External connections may also be provided, thereby enabling the portable audio reproduction system to receive audio signals from additional sources, and a mixer allows the system to reproduce signals from a portable audio device and an auxiliary source, such as a computer.

Abstract: An adapting device for adapting a first portable media player to emulate selected mechanical and electrical characteristics of a second portable media player includes a housing having first and second connectors. A signal converter may be operatively connected to the first connector and the second connector for converting a first signal representing at least one command received over the second connector into a second signal representing the command to be transmitted over the first connector. A mechanical interface is configured to interconnect the second connector with an accessory device that accommodates a second portable media player having the second connector.

Abstract: A speaker system utilizes dipole speaker drivers in conjunction with monopole speaker drivers in a listening area to disperse a surround sound effect to a listener. The dipole speaker drivers are physically mounted on top of the front left and right speakers and are angled in a way that the surround information is delivered to the listener via wall/room reflections. By reflecting the sound off the walls, the system provides a delayed diffuse audio signal from the dipole speakers, enhancing the surround effect.

Abstract: A portable media reproduction system preferably includes a housing with an attached docking component for receiving a portable media player, the docking component being recessed into the housing when in a closed position such that the first side forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. A latch is provided for holding the docking component in the closed position, and a connector connects to the portable media player. The connector is positioned on the docking component to receive the portable media player when the docking component is in an open position. A base component is recessed into the second side of the housing when in a closed position such that the second side of the housing forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. The base component is extendable into an open position such that the it supports the portable media reproduction system in a substantially upright position.