Patents by Inventor Joel Butler

Joel Butler 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: 11882421
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Healy, Edward John Neary, Erich Hubert Vogel, Andrew Michael Poulain, Gregory J. Long, Joel A. Butler, Angela Williams, Luca Revelli, Dossym Nurmukhanov, Tanner James Cook, Marcelo Traverso M., Kenneth Schindler
  • Publication number: 20230403091
    Abstract: A distributed amplification and packetized audio transmission system for clock synchronization and alignment between an audio/power source and endpoints with dedicated amplifiers and speakers. An Ethernet audio signal is combined with a Power-Line Communications (PLC) signal for transmission from the source to the endpoints over a common conductor. A single master clock in the source synchronizes the Ethernet audio transmitter with the PLC transmitter. Each end-point has a PLC receiver to recover the master clock for use by its Ethernet audio receiver to provide reliable clock synchronization between the source clock and the endpoint clocks. The endpoints can adjust and re-timestamp the PTP packetized clock based upon symbol and timing information from the PLC receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Joel BUTLER, Jeremy SOMMERFELD
  • Publication number: 20230327353
    Abstract: Embodiments of a configurable loudspeaker using a user orientable routing card that allows for multiple electrical drive modes in a non-powered loudspeaker system. The speaker has one or more drivers mounted in enclosure, an audio input interface configured to be coupled to an audio source through one or more amplifiers, and a connector interface configured to receive a routing card. The routing card is configured to be inserted in a first orientation to connect the audio input interface in a first operating mode with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers, and a second orientation to connect the audio input interface in a second operating mode with respect to driver selection and connection to the one or more amplifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Joel A. Butler, Jeremy David Sommerfeld
  • Publication number: 20230317051
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided an asymmetrical acoustic horn. The asymmetrical acoustic horn includes a single acoustic waveguide. The single acoustic waveguide includes a first asymmetrical horn section configured to support one or more first acoustic transducers, and a second asymmetrical horn section configured to support one or more second acoustic transducers, the one or more second acoustic transducers having a different frequency range than the one or more first acoustic transducers. The first asymmetrical horn section and the second asymmetrical horn section are contiguous with each other and are configured to separate respective ones of the one or more first acoustic transducers from corresponding ones of the one or more second acoustic transducers by a corresponding one or more predetermined and fixed distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Joel A. BUTLER, Garth Norman SHOWALTER, Brian RUFF, Mario DI COLA
  • Publication number: 20230209267
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew HEALY, Edward John NEARY, Erich Hubert VOGEL, Andrew Michael POULAIN, Gregory J. LONG, Joel A. BUTLER, Angela WILLIAMS, Luca REVELLI, Dossym NURMUKHANOV, Tanner James COOK, Marcelo TRAVERSO M., Kenneth SCHINDLER
  • Patent number: 11689860
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Healy, Edward John Neary, Erich Hubert Vogel, Andrew Michael Poulain, Gregory J. Long, Joel A. Butler, Angela Williams, Luca Revelli, Dossym Nurmukhanov, Tanner James Cook, Marcelo Traverso M., Kenneth Schindler
  • Patent number: 11601759
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Healy, Edward John Neary, Erich Hubert Vogel, Andrew Michael Poulain, Gregory J. Long, Joel A. Butler, Angela Williams, Luca Revelli, Dossym Nurmukhanov, Tanner James Cook, Marcelo Traverso M., Kenneth Schindler
  • Publication number: 20220360901
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew HEALY, Edward J. NEARY, Erich H. VOGEL, Andrew M. POULAIN, Gregory J. LONG, Joel A. BUTLER, Angela S. WILLIAMS, Luca REVELLI, Dossym NURMUKHANOV, Tanner COOK, Marcelo TRAVERSO M., Kenneth SCHINDLER
  • Publication number: 20220353617
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew HEALY, Edward J. NEARY, Erich H. VOGEL, Andrew M. POULAIN, Gregory J. LONG, Joel A. BUTLER, Angela S. WILLIAMS, Luca REVELLI, Dossym NURMUKHANOV, Tanner COOK, Marcelo TRAVERSO M., Kenneth SCHINDLER
  • Patent number: 11418109
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Healy, Edward J. Neary, Erich H. Vogel, Andrew M. Poulain, Gregory J. Long, Joel A. Butler, Angela S. Williams, Luca Revelli, Dossym Nurmukhanov, Tanner Cook, Marcelo Traverso M., Kenneth Schindler
  • Patent number: 11290819
    Abstract: Embodiments include a power source outputting power to drive speakers and lights in a venue; a control unit coupled to the power source and outputting multi-channel digital audio data to the speakers and light control data to the lights; and a unitary transmission bus coupling the output of the power source to the speakers and the lights and transmitting the power, the digital audio data, and the light control data to the speakers and the lights. The lighting control data comprises metadata superimposed over the digital audio data and power. Other actuators besides lights may also be used such as e.g. steam/water generators, smell/aroma generators, prop movements, LCD displays, hologram generators, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Healy, Andrew Michael Poulain, Joel A. Butler, Dossym Nurmukhanov, James Tanner Cook
  • Publication number: 20210376711
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew HEALY, Edward J. NEARY, Erich H. VOGEL, Andrew M. POULAIN, Gregory J. LONG, Joel A. BUTLER, Angela S. WILLIAMS, Luca REVELLI, Dossym NURMUKHANOV, Tanner COOK, Marcelo M. TRAVERSO, Kenneth Schindler
  • Patent number: 11121620
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Healy, Edward J. Neary, Erich H. Vogel, Andrew M. Poulain, Gregory J. Long, Joel A. Butler, Angela S. Williams, Luca Revelli, Dossym Nurmukhanov, Tanner Cook, Marcelo Traverso M., Kenneth Schindler
  • Patent number: 11095264
    Abstract: Configurable amplifier systems are described in which the power supply rail of a linear amplifier, e.g., a class A amplifier, is modulated by a switching amplifier, e.g., a class D amplifier, that may also be configured to operate independently of the linear amplifier. Techniques are also described by which the standing current of the output stage of a linear amplifier is modulated based on the input signal to the linear amplifier or based on modulation of the power supply rail of the linear amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Schindler, Scott P. Robinson, Joel A. Butler
  • Publication number: 20210235192
    Abstract: Embodiments include a power source out-putting power to drive speakers and lights in a venue; a control unit coupled to the power source and outputting multi-channel digital audio data to the speakers and light control data to the lights; and a unitary transmission bus coupling the output of the power source to the speakers and the lights and transmitting the power, the digital audio data, and the light control data to the speakers and the lights. The lighting control data comprises metadata super-imposed over the digital audio data and power. Other actuators besides lights may also be used such as e.g. steam/water generators, smell/aroma generators, prop movements, LCD displays, hologram generators, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew HEALY, Andrew Michael POULAIN, Joel A. BUTLER, Dossym NURMUKHANOV, James Tanner COOK
  • Publication number: 20210211038
    Abstract: An integrated cinema amplifier comprises a power supply stage that distributes power over a plurality of channels for rendering immersive audio content in a surround sound listening environment. The amplifier automatically detects maximum and net power availability and requirements based on audio content by decoding audio metadata and dynamically adjusts gains to each channel or sets of channels based on content and operational/environmental conditions. A power supply stage provides power to drive a plurality of channels corresponding to speaker feeds to a plurality of speakers. The amplifier has a front panel having an LED array with each LED associated with a respective channel or group of channels of the multi-channel amplifier, and a control unit configured to light the LEDs according to display patterns based on operating status or error conditions of the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew HEALY, Edward J. NEARY, Erich H. VOGEL, Andrew M. POULAIN, Gregory J. LONG, Joel A. BUTLER, Angela S. WILLIAMS, Luca REVELLI, Dossym NURMUKHANOV, Tanner COOK, Marcelo M. TRAVERSO, Kenneth Schindler
  • Publication number: 20200395908
    Abstract: Configurable amplifier systems are described in which the power supply rail of a linear amplifier, e.g., a class A amplifier, is modulated by a switching amplifier, e.g., a class D amplifier, that may also be configured to operate independently of the linear amplifier. Techniques are also described by which the standing current of the output stage of a linear amplifier is modulated based on the input signal to the linear amplifier or based on modulation of the power supply rail of the linear amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth SCHINDLER, Scott P. ROBINSON, Joel A. BUTLER
  • Patent number: 10778160
    Abstract: A circuit for stabilizing a Class-D audio amplifier having a loop bandwidth modulator configured to modulate a loop bandwidth of the amplifier as a function of one or more control signals, a tuned output filter terminator coupled to a low-pass filter and configured to provide stabilizing control feedback to loop bandwidth modulator, and a carrier injection system configured to provide a wide range fixed frequency operation. Also, a method of stabilizing a feedback network within a Class-D amplifier by providing a first feedback loop coupling an output of a PWM logic stage of the amplifier to an input circuit of the amplifier, providing a second feedback loop coupling an output of a switching output stage of the amplifier to the input circuit, and providing a third feedback loop coupling an output of a low-pass filter of the amplifier to the input circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Joel A Butler
  • Publication number: 20200036348
    Abstract: A circuit for stabilizing a Class-D audio amplifier having a loop bandwidth modulator configured to modulate a loop bandwidth of the amplifier as a function of one or more control signals, a tuned output filter terminator coupled to a low-pass filter and configured to provide stabilizing control feedback to loop bandwidth modulator, and a carrier injection system configured to provide a wide range fixed frequency operation. Also, a method of stabilizing a feedback network within a Class-D amplifier by providing a first feedback loop coupling an output of a PWM logic stage of the amplifier to an input circuit of the amplifier, providing a second feedback loop coupling an output of a switching output stage of the amplifier to the input circuit, and providing a third feedback loop coupling an output of a low-pass filter of the amplifier to the input circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Joel A Butler
  • Patent number: 10365673
    Abstract: A protection and attenuation circuit for sensitive AC loads is described. The circuit provides AC power protection and attenuation utilizing high-efficiency switch-mode techniques to attenuate an AC power signal by incorporating a bidirectional, transistorized switch driven from a pulse width modulation signal, PWM. The circuit monitors characteristics of the AC power signal driving a known load and characteristics of the load or other elements and determines the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated signal, PWM, based upon the duration and amplitude of the over-voltage, over-current, over-limit or other event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Joel Butler