Abstract: A simplified VCA circuit is presented. The VCA of the present invention uses fewer components and is less complex than prior art OTA-based VCAs. Further, the VCA of the present invention has improved total harmonic distortion (THD) and DC offset characteristics as compared to prior art VCAs. The VCA may be used to prevent clipping with the addition of clipping detection circuitry.

Abstract: A modular, customizable, versatile, easy to use, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing surface mountable enclosure is presented. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes a modular housing that is configured to be gangable with one or more other housings to provide a range of sizes and configurations. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing is configured to accept a variety of interchangeable cassettes or modules that provide a variety of cable and power connections or other resources. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing includes an articulating lid mechanism that is configured to smoothly open and slide neatly out of the way while occupying a reduced volume than the lid mechanisms of the prior art. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes cam driven mounting clamps that allow the enclosure to be quickly and easily secured to a table top or other mounting surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a loudspeaker system that includes a loudspeaker and a detachable mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount include electrical connectors that are engaged when the loudspeaker is attached to the mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount comprise mating mounting structures that support the loudspeaker on the mount when the mounting structure of the loudspeaker is engaged with the mounting structure of the mount. In one or more embodiments, mating electrical connectors are incorporated in the mounting structures such that engaging the mounting structures simultaneously engages the electrical connectors. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker comprises a locking mechanism that positively retains the loudspeaker on the mount.

Abstract: The present invention is a ceiling-mountable enclosure comprising a support frame, a lightweight inner enclosure, and a back box configured for installation in a suspended ceiling. The apparatus of the present invention includes a removable device door configured to be mounted to the support frame. Electrical and signal wires are routed through conduit access plates provided at the back box. Electrical or other equipment is mounted to a removable device door. The removable device door with mounted equipment is attached to the support frame, then rotated upwards to fit flush with the ceiling and fastened to the support frame. A variety of power receptacles are provided that are configured to be mounted to either the back box, the inner enclosure, or the removable device door. The enclosure includes a cooling system comprising an electrically powered fan and air ducts integrated into the inner enclosure. The air ducts include a textured surface that improves the air flow through the ducts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loudspeaker assembly and a method of assembling a loudspeaker assembly. In one or more embodiments, the invention comprises forming a front baffle comprising a first driver mounting portion, an intermediate portion, and an edge mounting portion. A first driver is installed in the first driver mounting portion proximate to a first driver aperture. A rear baffle is formed from a second material, which, in one or more embodiments, is less stiff than the first material from which the front baffle is formed. The rear baffle comprises a top portion, sidewalls, a recessed mounting portion, and an edge portion. The edge mounting portion of the front baffle is attached to the recessed mounting portion of the rear baffle such that an entirety of said front baffle is recessed within said rear baffle spaced apart from said open bottom portion.

Abstract: A cable retractor is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is articulate, comprising an articulate housing which comprises a cable stop housing pivotably coupled to a pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor also comprises a first pulley assembly coupled to the pulley housing, an end cap coupled to the pulley housing, a spring coupled to the end cap, and a second pulley assembly coupled to the spring. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly are disposed within the pulley housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a cable stop assembly is coupled to the cable stop housing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the cable retractor is configured to be mountable to a cable access enclosure in a plurality of orientations.

Abstract: A triangular waveform generator includes a square waveform clock circuit and an integrating circuit. The integration circuit receives input from the square waveform clock circuit and generates a triangular waveform output. A feedback circuit is operatively connected to the integrating circuit to reduce the audio band noise content in the triangular waveform output. The feedback circuit acts as a DC balance without significant sacrifice in the linearity of the triangular waveform output.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for installing a tile-mounted ceiling speaker that combines the ease of installation of a lay-in speaker system with the visual appearance of a tile-mounted speaker system. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame, back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile, a ceiling ring configured to be mounted in an opening in a ceiling tile, and a loudspeaker cartridge configured to be mounted to the support frame through the ceiling tile opening.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for installing a tile-mounted ceiling speaker that combines the ease of installation of a lay-in speaker system with the visual appearance of a tile-mounted speaker system. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame and back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile and a loudspeaker cartridge configured to be mounted to the support frame through an appropriately-sized hole in the ceiling tile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure distribution of digital content is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an intermediate device maintains an authorized content sink list which it uses to allow reauthorization of a first content sink for access to first content from a first content source when the first content sink has a first content sink entry on the authorized content sink list. In accordance with at least one embodiment, reauthorization is conditioned upon a first content sink entry currency status having not yet expired. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the intermediate device allows authentication of the first content sink by the first content source when no first content sink entry exists on the authorized content sink list or when the first content sink entry currency status has expired.

Abstract: The present invention is a ceiling-mountable enclosure comprising a support frame, a lightweight inner enclosure, and a back box configured for installation in a suspended ceiling. The apparatus of the present invention includes a removable device door configured to be mounted to the support frame. Electrical and signal wires are routed through conduit access plates provided at the back box. Electrical or other equipment is mounted to a removable device door. The removable device door with mounted equipment is attached to the support frame, then rotated upwards to fit flush with the ceiling and fastened to the support frame. A variety of power receptacles are provided that are configured to be mounted to either the back box, the inner enclosure, or the removable device door. The enclosure includes a cooling system comprising an electrically powered fan and air ducts integrated into the inner enclosure.

Abstract: A modular, customizable, versatile, easy to use, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing surface mountable enclosure is presented. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes a modular housing that is configured to be gangable with one or more other housings to provide a range of sizes and configurations. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing of the invention is configured to accept a variety of interchangeable cassettes or modules that provide a variety of cable and power connections or other resources. In one or more embodiments, the modular housing of the invention includes an articulating lid mechanism that is configured to smoothly open and slide neatly out of the way while occupying a reduced volume than the lid mechanisms of the prior art. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure includes cam driven mounting clamps that allow the enclosure to be quickly and easily secured to a table top or other mounting surface.

Abstract: A simplified VCA circuit is presented. The VCA of the present invention uses fewer components and is less complex than prior art OTA-based VCAs. Further, the VCA of the present invention has improved total harmonic distortion (THD) and DC offset characteristics as compared to prior art VCAs. The VCA may be used to prevent clipping with the addition of clipping detection circuitry.