Patents Examined by Matthew Eason
  • Patent number: 10779068
    Abstract: A microphone includes finger grips extending at least partially around a circumference of the microphone head and/or handle to improve a performer's grip thereon during use. A transducer is located and oriented within the head to improve reception based on grip location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Andrew Williams, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10773948
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor structure including a first electrode layer, forming a sacrificial layer on the first electrode layer, the sacrificial layer including a recess having a pointed bottom defining a depth, forming a second electrode layer on the sacrificial layer, the second electrode layer including a first opening exposing the recess, and forming a support layer filling the recess, the first opening, and on the second electrode layer. A portion of the support layer filling the recess forms a stopper having a height equal to the depth of the recess. The method also includes forming a second opening extending through the support layer and the second electrode layer and exposing a surface of the sacrificial layer, and removing a portion of the sacrificial layer to form a cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION, SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (BEIJING) CORPORATION
    Inventor: Xianchao Wang
  • Patent number: 10771879
    Abstract: Headphone eartips with internal support components and methods for making the same are provided. Different support components may provide specific amounts and types of additional rigidity at specific portions of an exterior surface of an outer eartip body that may be expected to interface with specific portions of an ear canal geometry when an eartip subassembly is positioned within the ear canal, such that the eartip subassembly may conform to the various shapes of the ear canal while maintaining an acoustic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan L. Huwe, Brad G. Boozer, Erik L. Wang, Phillip Qian
  • Patent number: 10768209
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the supply voltage of a hearing aid comprising an electric cell (1) comprises the steps of counting the number of times the supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, and setting an alarm flag if said number of times reaches a predetermined value. The method may be implemented using a circuit for monitoring the supply voltage of an electric cell. The circuit comprises a timer timing a detection interval, a detector for detecting drops in the voltage below a predetermined threshold value, a counter for counting the number of detections within said detecting interval, means (3) for setting an alarm flag if said number of times reaches a predetermined value within said first detection interval, and means (12) for suspending alarms during warm-up phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: WIDEX A/S
    Inventors: David Welner, Ole Erik Toft
  • Patent number: 10764660
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine and methods of operating an electronic gaming machine that provide selectable sound beams. In various embodiments, the electronic gaming machine includes a housing having a front side, a head position tracker supported by the housing, a first speaker array supported by the housing, and a second speaker array supported by the housing. The first speaker array includes a plurality of independently operable first speakers that are positioned at different angles to direct sound beams at different angles relative to the front side of the housing. The second speaker array includes a plurality of independently operable second speakers that are positioned at different angles to direct sound beams at different angles relative to the front side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Stefan Keilwert, David Small, David Froy, Klaus Achmueller
  • Patent number: 10764671
    Abstract: A headband assembly that is constructed and arranged to be worn on or over a head of a user, having a curved compliant spring member, a cushion member that is configured to be in contact with or proximate the head of the user when the headband assembly is worn by the user, a spine that is coupled to both the cushion member and the spring member, and a cap that at least partially overlies the spring member and the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Heaston, Alison Leedham
  • Patent number: 10757491
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Patent number: 10743113
    Abstract: A microphone can include a cover having a series of slits and a nest. The nest can be configured to receive a first diaphragm, a second diaphragm, and a PCB in a stacked arrangement, such that the PCB is positioned between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. Also the first diaphragm can define a first plane, the second diaphragm can define a second plane, and the PCB can define a third plane and the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane can extend parallel to one another. The cover can also include slits having a first length and a second length, and the first length can be greater than the second length. The slits can extend both radially and axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Segota, Michael Alwicker, Daniel Pratt, John Miller, Elizabeth Cho
  • Patent number: 10743117
    Abstract: The disclosure presents a method and a hearing device comprising a first portion adapted for being arranged behind an ear of a user for providing a signal, an output transducer for converting the signal to an acoustic output, a coupling element coupling to the first portion, an antenna comprising an external antenna arranged at least externally to the first portion and an internal parasitic element, a feeding unit configured to supply a current to the external antenna, and the feeding unit is further configured to supply the current to the internal parasitic element via a wireless coupling, a wireless interface for receiving and/or transmitting data by means of the antenna, and wherein the coupling element comprises the external antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: OTICON A/S
    Inventors: Jens Troelsen, Rune Sø, Morten Thougaard
  • Patent number: 10743118
    Abstract: An assembly for a hearing aid is disclosed. The hearing aid with the assembly comprises an in the ear part and a behind the ear part and a part mechanically interconnecting the two parts. In the interconnection, a flexible substrate is arranged. The flexible substrate comprises conductive paths. The conductive paths may be used for communication between the in the ear part and the behind the ear part, and/or for an antenna function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: OTICON A/S
    Inventors: Kenneth Rueskov Møller, Jens Troelsen, Rune Sø, Oliver Sundberg, Finn Danielsen, Jesper B. Johansen, Mads Sager, Svend Oscar Petersen, Bent Jakobsen
  • Patent number: 10735874
    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: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SoundMed, LLC
    Inventor: Amir A. Abolfathi
  • Patent number: 10721566
    Abstract: The present invention provides a receiver assembly. The receiver assembly comprises a receiver housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part. The receiver housing defines an inner space, and the first housing part and the second housing part are movable relative to each other to define an open configuration and a closed configuration. The receiver assembly further comprises an armature extending in a first direction in the inner space, and a diaphragm operationally attached to the armature via a drive pin extending in a second direction, where the first and second directions are different. The drive pin and the armature are formed in one part. A circumferential edge part of the diaphragm is arranged in a joint between the first housing part and the second housing part in the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Sonion Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Mattijs Tjepkema, Jan Hijman, Gerardus Johannes Franciscus Theodorus van der Beek, Camiel Eugène Groffen, Tomasz Kaszuba, Krzysztof Bialy, Grzegorz Kurpiel
  • Patent number: 10715899
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wind noise prevention microphone and an earphone cable control apparatus. The microphone comprises: a microphone chamber enclosed by a bottom and a first side wall; a microphone unit arranged inside the microphone chamber and of which a sound pick-up hole of the microphone unit is arranged opposite to the bottom, a set gap being arranged between the sound pick-up hole and the bottom; and a sound channel in communication with the sound pick-up hole and an outer space, and led out of the first side wall. The sound channel of the microphone is arranged on a side of the sound pick-up hole of the microphone, other than directly opposite to the sound pick-up hole of the microphone, which can effectively reduce wind noise and improve the sound pick-up quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: GOERTEK INC.
    Inventors: Liyang Zhu, Mingjun Zuo, Shiwen Zhang, Jiangtao Xu
  • Patent number: 10708697
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes an assembly, the assembly comprising: a microphone for reception of sound and conversion of the received sound into a corresponding first audio signal; a signal processor configured to provide a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid, wherein the second audio signal is based on the first audio signal; a wireless communication unit; and an antenna system comprising a first feeding structure and a radiating segment; wherein the first feeding structure is connected or coupled to the wireless communication unit; and wherein at least a part of the first feeding structure is galvanically disconnected from the radiating segment, and is capactively coupled to the radiating segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: GN HEARING A/S
    Inventor: Alexandre Pinto
  • Patent number: 10701490
    Abstract: The invention relates to audio transducers, such as loudspeaker, microphones and the like, and includes improvements in or relating to: audio transducer diaphragm structures and assemblies, audio transducer mounting systems; audio transducer diaphragm suspension systems, personal audio devices incorporating the same and any combination thereof. The embodiments of the invention include linear action and rotational action transducers. For both types of transducer, rigid and composite diaphragm constructions and unsupported diaphragm periphery designs are described. Systems and methods for mounting the transducer to a housing, such as an enclosure or baffle are also described. Furthermore, hinge systems including: rigid contact hinge systems and flexible hinge systems are also disclosed for various rotational action transducer embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: WING ACOUSTICS LIMITED
    Inventors: David John Palmer, Michael Ian Palmer
  • Patent number: 10694279
    Abstract: A loudspeaker can include first and second drivers. The first driver can include a cone that has a center region, a peripheral region surrounding the center region, and a boundary connecting the center region and the peripheral region. A bridge can position the second driver coaxial with and proximal to the first driver. The center region of the cone can be recessed to allow a lower profile of the loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Benny Danovi
  • Patent number: 10694276
    Abstract: A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn K. Trainer, Scott C. Grinker, Ethan L. Huwe, Craig M. Stanley
  • Patent number: 10694280
    Abstract: A speaker system broadly comprises a plurality of speaker assemblies each including a speaker housing, an input circuit, a low range speaker, and a higher-range speaker. The input circuit receives audio signals from a sound system or other controller and actively or passively sends the audio signals to the speakers. The low-range speaker is positioned in the upper section and the higher-range speaker is positioned in the lower section. Each speaker assembly is configured to be spaced from the other speaker assemblies within a listening area with each speaker assembly generating low frequency soundwaves and higher-frequency soundwaves. This reduces or eliminates out-of-phase crossover frequency wave cancellation effects within the listening area. The speaker housings are compact while allowing the low-range speaker and higher-range speaker to effectively produce and project desired soundwaves from the suspended speaker housing into the listening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: MS ELECTRONICS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher E. Combest, Lindsey K. Humphrey, Kenneth Hecht
  • Patent number: 10681438
    Abstract: A dynamic arrangement for loudspeaker grilles is disclosed. A first perforated grille is operable to move with respect to a second perforated grille. The relative movement is controlled to cause the two respective sets of perforations to fall in or out of alignment as required, leading to advantageous effects such as different levels of acoustic transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Bech
  • Patent number: 10679597
    Abstract: A flow controlled sound generation system is disclosed that includes one or more fluid pumps to control air flow through a sound channel. The air flow is modulated through one or more valves to produce audible frequency pressure waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: DeftIO LLC
    Inventor: Manjirnath Chatterjee