Patents by Inventor David E. Schafer

David E. Schafer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8824726
    Abstract: An armature apparatus includes a first tine member, a second tine member, a center tine member, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is coupled to the first tine member, the second tine member, and the connecting portion, and the connecting portion has a line of symmetry. The center tine member is attached to the connecting portion along the line of symmetry such that approximately one half the area of the connection portion is above the center tine member and approximately one half the area of the connection portion is below the center tine member. The attachment is effective to prevent a formation of a horizontal force in the center tine member along the third length when a vertical force is applied to the center tine member in the direction of third thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Miller, Clifford Ryan Grounds, Henry Nepomuceno, David E. Schafer, George Patterson
  • Publication number: 20130315436
    Abstract: An armature apparatus includes a first tine member, a second tine member, a center tine member, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is coupled to the first tine member, the second tine member, and the connecting portion, and the connecting portion has a line of symmetry. The center tine member is attached to the connecting portion along the line of symmetry such that approximately one half the area of the connection portion is above the center tine member and approximately one half the area of the connection portion is below the center tine member. The attachment is effective to prevent a formation of a horizontal force in the center tine member along the third length when a vertical force is applied to the center tine member in the direction of third thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Miller, Clifford Ryan Grounds, Henry Nepomuceno, David E. Schafer, George Patterson
  • Patent number: 8494209
    Abstract: An armature apparatus includes a first tine member, a second tine member, a center tine member, and a connecting portion. The first tine member has a first length and a first width and these define a first surface. The second tine member has a second length and a second width and these define a second surface. The first surface generally faces the second surface and the first surface is generally parallel relation to the second surface. The center tine member has a third length and the third length is generally parallel to the first length and the second length. The connecting portion couples the center tine member to the first surface along the first length and to the second surface along the second length. The center tine member is generally disposed in a plane extending between the first tine member and the second tine member and the plane divides the first surface of the first tine member and the second surface of the second tine member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Miller, Clifford Ryan Grounds, Henry Nepomuceno, David E. Schafer, George Patterson
  • Publication number: 20100284561
    Abstract: An armature apparatus includes a first tine member, a second tine member, a center tine member, and a connecting portion. The first tine member has a first length and a first width and these define a first surface. The second tine member has a second length and a second width and these define a second surface. The first surface generally faces the second surface and the first surface is generally parallel relation to the second surface. The center tine member has a third length and the third length is generally parallel to the first length and the second length. The connecting portion couples the center tine member to the first surface along the first length and to the second surface along the second length. The center tine member is generally disposed in a plane extending between the first tine member and the second tine member and the plane divides the first surface of the first tine member and the second surface of the second tine member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas E. Miller, Clifford Ryan Grounds, David E. Schafer, Henry Nepomuceno, George Patterson
  • Patent number: 7415125
    Abstract: A receiver assembly includes a first diaphragm assembly having a diaphragm, and a second diaphragm assembly having a diaphragm. A linkage assembly is coupled to an armature of the receiver. The linkage assembly is also coupled to the first diaphragm assembly and to the second diaphragm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. Warren, Stephen C. Thompson, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 7366317
    Abstract: Various linkage assemblies are shown and described for connecting a first movable member to a second movable member of a transducer. The linkage assemblies provide for motion amplification or reduction and, when used for sound generating purposes such as hearing aids or speakers, three different schemes for compensating for amplification-induced distortion. One scheme for compensating for distortion while providing amplification is the use of a lower horizontal span segment in a closed-loop linkage assembly that is longer than a corresponding upper horizontal span segment or upper vertex. Thus, a horizontal span segment used to connect the loop to the first movable member of the armature is longer than a corresponding segment or vertex used to connect the loop to the second movable member. A second distortion compensating feature that provides amplification is found in the use of non-parallel legs used to connect the linkage loop to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Miller, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 7336797
    Abstract: A receiver assembly includes a housing having a fixed housing portion and a shiftable housing portion cooperating to define a hollow cavity. A flexible membrane secured between the fixed housing portion and the shiftable housing portion and adapted to allow relative motion between the fixed and shiftable housing portions. The receiver assembly further includes a magnetic motor assembly including a displaceable drive rod; and a link assembly having a first end fixedly attached to an inner surface of the shiftable housing and a second end coupled to the drive rod. The link assembly translates the shiftable housing portion relative to the fixed housing portion in response to the displacement of the drive rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Thompson, David E. Schafer, Daniel M. Warren
  • Patent number: 7164776
    Abstract: A balanced receiver providing significantly reduced vibration is disclosed. The balanced receiver comprises a closed loop operably attached between an armature and a diaphragm. The effective moving mass of the diaphragm is designed to match the effective moving mass of the armature. The closed loop facilitates the balancing of the motion of the diaphragm and the motion of the armature, thus reducing the vibration of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas Miller, August Mostardo, Elmer Carlson, David E. Schafer
  • Publication number: 20040258260
    Abstract: A receiver assembly includes a housing having a fixed housing portion and a shiftable housing portion cooperating to define a hollow cavity. A flexible membrane secured between the fixed housing portion and the shiftable housing portion and adapted to allow relative motion between the fixed and shfitable housing portions. The receiver assembly further includes a magnetic motor assembly including a displaceable drive rod; and a link assembly having a first end fixedly attached to an inner surface of the shiftable housing and a second end coupled to the drive rod. The link assembly translates the shiftable housing portion relative to the fixed housing portion in response to the displacement of the drive rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen C. Thompson, David E. Schafer, Daniel M. Warren
  • Patent number: 5870482
    Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a solid state condenser transducer, and methods of manufacture, are disclosed. The transducer comprises a semi-conductor substrate forming a frame and having an opening, a thin-film cantilever structure forming a diaphragm extending over a portion of the opening, the structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion is attached to the frame, and the distal portion extends over a portion of the frame. A variable gap capacitor having a movable plate and a fixed plate is provided, wherein the movable plate is disposed on the distal portion of the structure and the fixed plate is disposed on the frame adjacent the movable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter V. Loeppert, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 5740261
    Abstract: A housing for shielding a transducer of the type mounted on a silicon die attached to a flexible circuit. The housing provides a jacket which protects the silicon die from physical damage. The jacket, in cooperation with the top and bottom cups, further provides a shield for the silicon die from light and electromagnetic interferences. An acoustic port located on the top portion of the jacket furnishes the means by which acoustic energy enters the jacket to contact the transducer. A back cavity, formed between the bottom cup and the silicon die, serves as the acoustic pressure reference which allows the microphone to function properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter V. Loeppert, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 4640702
    Abstract: 2-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl-5-thiazolecarbothioic acid derivatives having the formula ##STR1## where R is C.sub.1-5 alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, have been found to be effective in reducing herbicidal injury to grain sorghum caused by the application thereto of a 2-haloacetanilide herbicide, especially, alachlor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Raymond C. Grabiak, Robert K. Howe, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 4605431
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to the use of organophosphorous compounds as antidotes for thiolcarbamate herbicides used in various crops, particularly grass crops, e.g., corn, rice, barley, sorghum and wheat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: David E. Schafer, Albert J. Czajkowski
  • Patent number: 4594093
    Abstract: This invention relates to triester derivatives of N-phosphonomethylthionoglycine which represent a new class of organic chemical compounds. This invention further relates to herbicidal compositions and methods employing such compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: Monsanto Co.
    Inventors: James A. Sikorski, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 4507143
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of certain organothiophosphorous compounds as antidotes for thiocarbamate herbicides in grass crops as well as to herbicidal compositions containing a thiocarbamate herbicide and an antidotally effective amount of an organothiophosphorous compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: David E. Schafer, Albert J. Czajkowski
  • Patent number: 4379716
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to the use of organophosphorous compounds as antidotes for thiolcarbamate herbicides used in various crops, particularly grass crops, e.g., corn, rice, barley, sorghum and wheat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: David E. Schafer, Albert J. Czajkowski
  • Patent number: 4347366
    Abstract: The invention relates to 2-(pyridylthio)pyridine-N-oxides and their use in reducing the herbicidal injury to sorghum due to the application thereto of various herbicides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: John J. D'Amico, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 4243406
    Abstract: The invention relates to the safening of crop plants to the use of herbicides using a 5-aryl-4-isoxazolecarboxylate or composition containing such compounds to reduce the herbicidal injury to treated crop plants. The invention is also concerned with novel compositions which comprise an acetanilide herbicide and a 5-aryl-4-isoxazolecarboxylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Brannigan, John E. Franz, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 4239527
    Abstract: The invention relates to 2-(pyridylthio)pyridine-N-oxides and their use in reducing the herbicidal injury to sorghum due to the application thereto of various herbicides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: John J. D'Amico, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 4231786
    Abstract: A method and compositions for reducing injury to crops, especially wheat and sorghum, by thiolcarbamate herbicides employing compounds having in common the base structure ##STR1## wherein Y and Y' are oxygen or sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Albert J. Czajkowski, David E. Schafer