Patents by Inventor Richard Hodges
Richard Hodges 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).
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Patent number: 11696070Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a loudspeaker from excessive excursion include an audio source, an adaptive excursion protection filter, an audio clipper, an inverse excursion protection filter, an amplifier and a loudspeaker. The system performs operations including receiving an audio signal, applying an excursion protection filter, the excursion protection filter adapting in real-time to one or more speaker conditions, clipping the audio signal, applying an inverse excursion protection filter, and amplifying, using an amplification circuit, the audio signal for output to the speaker.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Richard Hodges, Harry Lau, Michael Townsend
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Publication number: 20220038815Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a loudspeaker from excessive excursion include an audio source, an adaptive excursion protection filter, an audio clipper, an inverse excursion protection filter, an amplifier and a loudspeaker. The system performs operations including receiving an audio signal, applying an excursion protection filter, the excursion protection filter adapting in real-time to one or more speaker conditions, clipping the audio signal, applying an inverse excursion protection filter, and amplifying, using an amplification circuit, the audio signal for output to the speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Richard HODGES, Harry LAU, Michael TOWNSEND
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Patent number: 11184705Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a loudspeaker from excessive excursion include an audio source, an adaptive excursion protection filter, an audio clipper, an inverse excursion protection filter, an amplifier and a loudspeaker. The system performs operations including receiving an audio signal, applying an excursion protection filter, the excursion protection filter adapting in real-time to one or more speaker conditions, clipping the audio signal, applying an inverse excursion protection filter, and amplifying, using an amplification circuit, the audio signal for output to the speaker.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATEDInventors: Richard Hodges, Harry Lau, Michael Townsend
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Publication number: 20210136491Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a loudspeaker from excessive excursion include an audio source, an adaptive excursion protection filter, an audio clipper, an inverse excursion protection filter, an amplifier and a loudspeaker. The system performs operations including receiving an audio signal, applying an excursion protection filter, the excursion protection filter adapting in real-time to one or more speaker conditions, clipping the audio signal, applying an inverse excursion protection filter, and amplifying, using an amplification circuit, the audio signal for output to the speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Richard Hodges, Harry Lau, Michael Townsend
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Publication number: 20130287203Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for improved echo cancellation are disclosed. In one example, an audio signal to be output at a loudspeaker is received and processed to generate an optimized audio signal. The optimized audio signal produces a reduced distortion when output at the loudspeaker. The method further includes utilizing the optimized audio signal to reduce echo in a transmit audio signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: PLANTRONICS, INC.Inventor: Richard Hodges
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Patent number: 7925004Abstract: A speakerphone having improved echo cancellation and sound output includes at least one directional microphone having at least one axis of sensitivity and at least one zone of insensitivity, and a speaker disposed in the zone of insensitivity of the microphone to radiate sound away from the microphone and towards a reflective surface, such as a desktop or wall, against which the speakerphone is disposed. A baseplate disposed adjacent to the speaker outlet can combine with the housing of the phone to form a flaring, right-angled horn having an inlet coupled to the outlet of the speaker and an outlet terminating at a periphery of the housing. A wall-mounting embodiment incorporates a unidirectional microphone with an axis of sensitivity oriented perpendicular to the wall, and a desktop-mounting embodiment includes an array of at least two bi-directional microphones having respective axes of sensitivity oriented parallel to the desktop.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventors: Richard Hodges, Gordon S. Simmons
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Patent number: 7433462Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for use with a near-end telephone. The near-end telephone is operable to generate an outgoing signal directed to a far-end telephone and to receive an incoming signal generated at least in part by the far-end telephone. A first signal processor is operable to dynamically adjust a first signal level associated with the outgoing signal with reference to the first signal level. A second signal processor is operable to dynamically adjust a second signal level associated with the incoming signal with reference to the second signal level. The first and second signal processors are further operable to control a loop gain to inhibit loop instability.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Plantronics, IncInventors: Richard Hodges, David Roberts, Keith McMillen, Leif Claesson, Sreevathsa G. Sreenivasa Reddy, Keith Edwards
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Publication number: 20070263845Abstract: A speakerphone having improved echo cancellation and sound output includes at least one directional microphone having at least one axis of sensitivity and at least one zone of insensitivity, and a speaker disposed in the zone of insensitivity of the microphone to radiate sound away from the microphone and towards a reflective surface, such as a desktop or wall, against which the speakerphone is disposed. A baseplate disposed adjacent to the speaker outlet can combine with the housing of the phone to form a flaring, right-angled horn having an inlet coupled to the outlet of the speaker and an outlet terminating at a periphery of the housing. A wallmounting embodiment incorporates a unidirectional microphone with an axis of sensitivity oriented perpendicular to the wall, and a desktop-mounting embodiment includes an array of at least two bi-directional microphones having respective axes of sensitivity oriented parallel to the desktop.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2006Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventors: Richard Hodges, Gordon Simmons
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Patent number: 7236929Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are described for implementing effective echo suppression in a wide variety of telephony system architectures. These methods and apparatus include broadband and multi-band techniques for speech detection, estimation of near-end transmission path attenuation, and estimation of far-end transmission path attenuation and delay.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.Inventor: Richard Hodges
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Publication number: 20070071975Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell fiber has an inner and outer electrode that is either an anode or cathode, a first and second layer that include either a fuel catalyst layer or oxidant catalyst layer, and a proton exchange membrane. These components are combined into a fiber having a diameter of about 5 mm or less and the length of about 1 cm or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2005Publication date: March 29, 2007Inventors: Jonas Gunter, Richard Hodge, Karen McGrady
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Publication number: 20060243332Abstract: A fluid coupling for providing a fluid connection between an electronic module and a rack having an electrical connector to which the electronic module is connected, comprises a male coupler and a mating female coupler. The male coupler includes a male coupler body and a nipple, and the female coupler includes a female coupler body and a socket for receiving the nipple to establish a sealed fluid flow path between the male and female couplers when the couplers are connected together.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2006Publication date: November 2, 2006Applicant: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Rex Harvey, Richard Hodges, Joseph Marban
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Publication number: 20060124482Abstract: A disposable cover for use with a remote control device for providing a protective sanitation barrier to human infection includes a rear member having a flat surface. A front curved member is integrally molded in a seamless unitary, one-piece construction with the rear member at a plurality of rounded surfaces to form a single-use, disposable protective enclosure. An anti-bacterial compound impregnates the rear member, the front curved member and the rounded surfaces for destroying bacteria on the remote control device. An orifice is formed in the rear member for enabling the remote control device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. Finally, the front member, rear member and the rounded surfaces are comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for conforming to the shape of the remote control device for providing a disposable, protective sanitation barrier to human infection.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2006Publication date: June 15, 2006Inventor: Richard Hodges
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Publication number: 20060073067Abstract: A method, and product, for large-scale decontamination uses a stable, solid peracid compound, such as acetyl peroxyborate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2004Publication date: April 6, 2006Inventors: Amanda Schilling, Richard Hodge
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Publication number: 20050286443Abstract: A conferencing system is described which includes a plurality of conferencing devices and a hub device. Each conferencing device is operable to process near-end speech energy signals to improve the intelligibility of the near-end speech, transmit the processed near-end signals to the hub device, receive far-end signals from the hub device, process the far-end signals, and present the processed far-end signals over its speaker. The hub device is operable to communicate with each of the conferencing devices and a voice communication system, selectively combine the processed near-end signals received from the conferencing devices, transmit the combined near-end signals to the voice communication system, receive the far-end signals from the voice communication system, and transmit the far-end signals to the conferencing devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2004Publication date: December 29, 2005Applicant: Octiv, Inc.Inventors: Keith McMillen, Richard Hodges, Keith Edwards
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Publication number: 20050285935Abstract: A conferencing device is described which includes at least one speaker, at least one microphone for capturing energy corresponding to near-end speech, a signal interface for connecting to a voice communication system, and a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor is operable to process near-end signals corresponding to the near-end speech energy in each of a plurality of frequency bands to improve intelligibility thereof, and transmit the processed near-end signals to the voice communication system via the signal interface. The digital signal processor is also operable to receive far-end signals from the voice communication system via the signal interface, process the far-end signals in each of the plurality of frequency bands, and transmit the processed far-end signals for presentation over the speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2004Publication date: December 29, 2005Applicant: Octiv, Inc.Inventors: Richard Hodges, Keith McMillen, Leif Claesson, Keith Edwards
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Publication number: 20050288203Abstract: A microemulsion composition having a solid source of peroxycarboxylic acid and germinant is used for chemical and biological warfare decontamination. A process for decontaminating uses the microemulsion composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2003Publication date: December 29, 2005Inventors: Jerry Brown, Richard Hodge, Margaret McCabe, Karen McGrady, Amanda Schilling
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Publication number: 20050279661Abstract: A disposable cover for use with a remote control device for providing a protective barrier to human infection comprising a front member having a continuously flat surface and a rear member integrally molded in a seamless unitary, one-piece construction with the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming a single-use, disposable protective enclosure. An orifice is formed in and parallel to an oblong dimension of the rear member for enabling most any size remote control device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces designed into the disposable cover facilitate the closing of the orifice for enclosing the remote control device. The front member, rear member and rounded surfaces are each comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for conforming to the shape of the remote control device and for providing a disposable, protective sanitation barrier to human infection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2005Publication date: December 22, 2005Inventor: Richard Hodges
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Publication number: 20050098456Abstract: A cover for use with a remote control device comprising a front member which exhibits a continuous flat surface and a rear member having a curved surface. The rear member is integrally formed with the front member at a plurality of rounded surfaces for forming an enclosure. An orifice is formed in the curved surface of the rear member for enabling a remote control device to be inserted into and removed from the enclosure. The rounded surfaces designed into the cover facilitate the closing of the orifice for enclosing the remote control device. The front member, rear member and rounded surfaces are each comprised of a flexible, stretchable and transparent material for conforming to the shape of the remote control device and for providing a sanitation barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: May 12, 2005Inventor: Richard Hodges
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Publication number: 20050059566Abstract: A microemulsion composition having a solid source of peroxycarboxylic acid and germinant is used for chemical and biological warfare decontamination. A process for decontaminating uses the microemulsion composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2003Publication date: March 17, 2005Inventors: Jerry Brown, Richard Hodge, Margaret McCabe, Karen McGrady, Amanda Schilling
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Patent number: 6747581Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for performing a variable sample rate conversion. A difference between a first sample rate associated with a first signal and a second sample rate associated with a second signal is tracked. A sample rate conversion ratio is adjusted in response to the difference. One of the first and second sample rates is converted using the conversion ratio.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Octiv, Inc.Inventor: Richard Hodges