Patents Examined by Jesse A Elbin
  • Patent number: 8879773
    Abstract: A retractable storage system for handheld electronic device comprises a removable panel with one or more storage chambers for storing an accessory item, such as a wireless earbud, cabled earbud, headphone cable or e-cigarette, and a retractable mechanism to retrieve and dispense the stored accessory item through an accessory station. The removable panel can be replaced with another removable panel configured with different structure to store different accessory item, such as a battery to charge a wireless earbud or e-cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hybrid Skillz Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Merenda
  • Patent number: 8879761
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for outputting audio based on an orientation of an electronic device, or video shown by the electronic device. The audio may be mapped to a set of speakers using either or both of the device and video orientation to determine which speakers receive certain audio channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Martin E. Johnson, Ruchi Goel, Darby E. Hadley, John Raff
  • Patent number: 8873784
    Abstract: The hearing aid comprises a casing element enclosing electronic components and a battery drawer hingedly connected to the casing element for pivotal movement with respect to the casing element. Bushings in the casing element corresponding to seats in the battery drawer are provided coaxially with the desired pivotal axle and a metal hinge pin is provided coaxially with the desired pivotal axle and extends centrally through holes in the bushings, the battery drawer and the casing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Sune Pelle Borregaard, Jens Lundby, Carsten Rømer
  • Patent number: 8873781
    Abstract: A method of operating a hearing device monitors for a head movement of a hearing device wearer. When a head movement is detected, an acoustic signal acquired by a microphone is output in an amplified and phase-modulated manner with a receiver. Furthermore, a hearing device includes a motion sensor and a signal processing unit that is configured to execute the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronny Hannemann, Sebastian Pape
  • Patent number: 8867760
    Abstract: In a mixer, each input channel adjustment unit includes a main system unit that generates a main system signal, and a plurality of MIX send units that generate a plurality of MIX send signals. In each MIX send unit, a signal selection unit selects an audio signal from a plurality of audio signals being involved in the main system unit and including at least an audio signal to be inputted to a filter unit of the main system unit and an audio signal to be inputted to a main system gain adjustment unit. A linked gain setting unit of the MIX send unit applies a gain that increases or decreases in linking with the gain of the main system gain adjustment unit, to the audio signal that is selected by the signal selection unit. A linked ON/OFF unit of the MIX send unit sets ON state or OFF state of the audio signal that is selected by the signal selection unit in linking with the ON state or OFF state of a main system ON/OFF unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Okabayashi
  • Patent number: 8849435
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to digital downloading jukebox systems of the type that typically include a central server and remote jukebox devices that communicate with the central server for royalty accounting and/or content updates. More particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that have revenue-enhancing features such as for example, music recommendation engines and bartender loyalty programs. Such innovative techniques help to both increase per jukebox revenue as well as keep jukebox patrons engaged with the jukebox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: TouchTunes Music Corporation
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Mounir Khenfir, Billy Panagiotopoulos, Christian Pompidor, Francois Beaumier, Frederic Baril, Sebastien Hebert
  • Patent number: 8848965
    Abstract: A device for preventing the tangling of cords associated with in-ear earphones is disclosed. The device includes an annular portion and a sectioned membrane disposed interior to the annular portion. The annular portion is formed of an elastomeric material. The sectioned membrane includes a plurality of separate sections where each section is configured to be displaced independently of another section. The sectioned membrane is configured to grip a cord associated with a pair of in-ear earphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Garret W. Glaser
  • Patent number: 8848959
    Abstract: A safety device reversibly attachable to any hearing aid of a type having a behind the ear unit with a connecting member and an ear bud prevents the hearing aid from being lost or damaged if the unit is dislodged from behind the ear of the wearer. The device is virtually invisible so as not to draw attention to the fact that the wearer is using a hearing aid. One portion of a two part attaching strip is adhered to the behind the ear unit. The second portion can be securely and reversibly united with the first portion to attach or remove the device from the hearing aid. A transparent filament is integral with the second portion at one end and to a securing plate at the opposing end. The securing plate can receive the temple of a pair of glasses or another retaining article worn on the person of the wearer. A slit in the securing plate is opened by pressure on the side rim enabling the insertion of the retaining article which is held securely when the pressure is removed and the slit closed around it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Milton Richter
  • Patent number: 8842854
    Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly recording multi-track audio files without the data corruption or loss of data that typically occurs with wireless data transmission. In some aspects, each performer is equipped with a local audio device capable of locally recording the respective performer's audio while also transmitting it to a master recorder. Functions of the local audio device may be adjusted remotely. The locally recorded audio may be used to repair or replace any audio lost or corrupted during transmission to the master recorder. Such repair or replacement may be performed electronically or via playback of the locally recorded audio. In other aspects, a master recorder is not required since all locally recorded audio may be combined or otherwise processed post-recording. Locally recorded audio may include identifiers to aid in post-recording identification of such audio. A multi-memory unit is also provided to facilitate manipulation and processing of audio files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Zaxcom, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Norman Sanders, Howard Glenn Stark
  • Patent number: 8837767
    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, multiple configurations of the mount are provided that allow the loudspeaker to be mounted with a variety of orientations with respect to the mounting surface. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker comprises a tweeter with a rotatable wave guide that allows the dispersion angle of the tweeter to be adjusted to accommodate the variety of orientations at which the loudspeaker may be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William C Stewart, Jeff Hatley, Michael Hudson, Larry Frerichs, Clinton Strong, Wesley Trenholme-Pihl
  • Patent number: 8811642
    Abstract: A hearing assistance device has one multipurpose control device that operates in an algorithm selection mode and a daily use mode. In the algorithm selection mode, the multipurpose control device is used to switch between amplification algorithms and select one of the algorithms to be implemented in an audio processing program. In the daily use mode, the multipurpose control device is used to adjust the volume of sound generated by an audio output section. A battery compartment door of the device has an open position in which the device is powered off, and a closed position in which the device is powered on. The multipurpose control device and the battery compartment door are the only user-operable controls on the hearing assistance device for controlling the device and powering the device on or off. No other controls are needed for adjusting volume, selecting algorithms, and switching between and selecting programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel R. Schumaier
  • Patent number: 8812138
    Abstract: A method and system of controlling and/or configuring an electronic audio processor and/or synthesizer, comprises a network or bi-directional data port that allows such a device to be connected to a computer or computer network, as well as within the memory of the device, or within memory or other data storage attached to or integrated with the device, the software required for the user to control and/or configure the device itself from a computer, such that the software can be transferred to the computer, executed, and used to control and/or configure the device without requiring the user to have previously found and installed such control and/or configuration software on the computer through means other than those described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: John Hilton Grigsby, Noel Jonathon Cragg
  • Patent number: 8798301
    Abstract: A removal tool for removing canal hearing devices from the ear canal, examples of which may include a hand piece and a removal loop having a wide section for placing over a knob handle structure incorporated within the canal hearing device, and a narrow section for interlocking with the knob handle to remove the hearing device from the ear. The removal loop is generally configured in the shape of keyhole to guide and transition of the knob and shaft of the knob handle into the narrow section for capture and interlocking therewithin. The removal tool may provide ease of use, particularly for individuals with poor dexterity and/or poor vision. In a preferred embodiment, the removal loop is made of a single formed wire for improved durability, lower cost of fabrication, and safe operation that minimizes contact with the walls of the ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ihear Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Adnan Shennib, Victor Valenzuela, Patrick Contioso
  • Patent number: 8781150
    Abstract: A low frequency transducer arrangement includes a substantially cylindrical structure surrounding a pole piece. The pole piece and the substantially cylindrical structure define a substantially cylindrical air gap therebetween. Two opposite ends of the air gap are both open and separated from each other in an axial direction. A first magnet is disposed in either the pole piece or the substantially cylindrical structure. A second magnet is separated in the axial direction from the first magnet by a middle magnetic gap. The second magnet is disposed in either the pole piece or the substantially cylindrical structure. The first and second magnets provide flux in a same direction in the middle magnetic gap. A top magnetic gap is disposed axially adjacent the first magnet and opposite the middle magnetic gap. A bottom magnetic gap is disposed axially adjacent the second magnet and opposite the middle magnetic gap. A voice coil is at least partially disposed in the air gap and operates in the middle magnetic gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Alan Babb
  • Patent number: 8781613
    Abstract: An audio apparatus for a portable device is provided. The portable device includes computing hardware coupled to associated data memory, which stores one or more audio or computer program products that include a plurality of audio libraries. The audio apparatus is operable to execute the audio products upon the computing hardware, whereby the audio products are operable to call the audio libraries to generate digital audio data. The digital audio data so generated is provided to sound-generating hardware, which is then operable to generate acoustic audio signals corresponding to the digital audio data. The audio apparatus is operable to host one or more replacement audio products, which are storable in the data memory. The audio apparatus is operable to invoke the replacement audio products as an alternative to the audio products for generating the digital audio data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Applifier Oy
    Inventor: Antti Tapaninen
  • Patent number: 8774446
    Abstract: A retractable storage system for handheld electronic device comprises a removable panel with one or more storage chambers for storing an accessory item, such as a wireless earbud, cabled earbud, headphone cable or e-cigarette, and a retractable mechanism to retrieve and dispense the stored accessory item through an accessory station. The removable panel can be replaced with another removable panel configured with different structure to store different accessory item, such as a battery to charge a wireless earbud or e-cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hybrid Skillz Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Merenda
  • Patent number: 8774953
    Abstract: An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following elements: a detection unit configured to detect an amount of change in position of an image data item that is displayed on a display screen; and a processing unit configured to perform image processing on the image data item in accordance with a detection result that is obtained by the detection unit, and to perform audio processing on an audio data item corresponding to the image data item in accordance with the detection result that is obtained by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Yuasa
  • Patent number: 8755922
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a wave field synthesis renderer with audio objects includes a provider for providing a scene description, wherein the scene description defines a temporal sequence of audio objects in an audio scene and further includes information on the source position of a virtual source as well as on a start or an end of the virtual source. Furthermore, the audio object includes at least a reference to an audio file associated with the virtual source. The audio objects are processed by a processor, in order to generate a single output data stream for each renderer module, wherein both information on the position of the virtual source and the audio file itself are included in mutual association in this output data stream. With this, high portability on the one hand and high quality due to secure data consistency on the other hand are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Katrin Reichelt, Gabriel Gatzsche, Sandra Brix
  • Patent number: 8755920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an audio recording electronic book apparatus featuring a recording function to take an audio note, comprising a display module for displaying the contents of an electronic book; a memory unit for storing at least one electronic book file; a micro process unit for reading an electronic book file and displaying it on the display module; a recording/broadcasting module for inputting an audio note after startup and storing in the memory unit as an audio data file; and a correspondence table for recording the linkage relationship related to the audio data file and the electronic book file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Kai-Cheng Chuang, Tzu-Ming Wang, Po-Wen Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8737674
    Abstract: A housed loudspeaker array includes a first substrate having a plurality of loudspeaker elements formed therein, a second substrate fixed at a first surface of the first substrate in a flip-chip manner and comprising a plurality of orifices that are aligned with the loudspeaker elements of the plurality of loudspeaker elements of the first substrate, and a cover applied to a second surface of the first substrate opposite to the first surface. A method for manufacturing the housed loudspeaker array is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Alfons Dehe