Patents by Inventor Roger Stephen Grinnip, III

Roger Stephen Grinnip, III 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).

  • Publication number: 20240323596
    Abstract: Embodiments include a microphone array comprising a first plurality of directional microphone elements arranged in a first cluster formed by directing a front face of the microphone elements towards a center of the first cluster, and a second plurality of directional microphone elements arranged in a second cluster formed by directing a front face of the elements away from a center of the second cluster, wherein the first cluster is disposed vertically above the second cluster. Also provided is a microphone comprising a first microphone array comprising a plurality of directional microphone elements arranged in close proximity to each other and configured to capture near-field sounds within a first range of frequencies, and a second microphone array disposed concentrically around the first microphone array, the second array comprising a plurality of omnidirectional microphone elements configured to capture near-field sounds within a second range of frequencies higher than the first range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Brent Robert Shumard, Mark Gilbert, Emily Ann Wigley, Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Patent number: 12028678
    Abstract: Embodiments include a microphone array comprising a first plurality of directional microphone elements arranged in a first cluster formed by directing a front face of said microphone elements towards a center of the first cluster, and a second plurality of directional microphone elements arranged in a second cluster formed by directing a front face of said elements away from a center of the second cluster, wherein the first cluster is disposed vertically above the second cluster. Also provided is a microphone comprising a first microphone array comprising a plurality of directional microphone elements arranged in close proximity to each other and configured to capture near-field sounds within a first range of frequencies, and a second microphone array disposed concentrically around the first microphone array, the second array comprising a plurality of omnidirectional microphone elements configured to capture near-field sounds within a second range of frequencies higher than the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Robert Shumard, Mark Gilbert, Emily Ann Wigley, Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Publication number: 20240031736
    Abstract: Transducer steering and configuration systems and methods using a local positioning system are provided. The position and/or orientation of transducers, devices, and/or objects within a physical environment may be utilized to enable steering of lobes and nulls of the transducers, to create self-assembling arrays of the transducers, and to enable monitoring and configuration of the transducers, devices, and objects through an augmented reality interface. The transducers and devices may be more optimally configured which can result in better capture of sound, better reproduction of sound, improved system performance, and increased user satisfaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III, Jordan Schultz
  • Patent number: 11765519
    Abstract: An electrostatic headphone is provided, comprising a first ear cup assembly, a second ear cup assembly, and a headband assembly coupled to each of the first ear cup assembly and the second ear cup assembly. Each ear cup assembly comprises an electrostatic transducer, a high voltage amplifier electrically coupled to the transducer, and a high voltage power supply electrically coupled to the high voltage amplifier. At least one of the ear cup assemblies further comprises a power source for providing electric power to the high voltage power supply included in the at least one ear cup assembly. In some cases, one or more of the ear cup assemblies further comprises a wireless communication module for receiving audio signals from an audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III, Arjun Krishnakumar
  • Patent number: 11706562
    Abstract: Transducer steering and configuration systems and methods using a local positioning system are provided. The position and/or orientation of transducers, devices, and/or objects within a physical environment may be utilized to enable steering of lobes and nulls of the transducers, to create self-assembling arrays of the transducers, and to enable monitoring and configuration of the transducers, devices, and objects through an augmented reality interface. The transducers and devices may be more optimally configured which can result in better capture of sound, better reproduction of sound, improved system performance, and increased user satisfaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III, Jordan Schultz
  • Publication number: 20230128704
    Abstract: An electrostatic headphone is provided, comprising a first ear cup assembly, a second ear cup assembly, and a headband assembly coupled to each of the first ear cup assembly and the second ear cup assembly. Each ear cup assembly comprises an electrostatic transducer, a high voltage amplifier electrically coupled to the transducer, and a high voltage power supply electrically coupled to the high voltage amplifier. At least one of the ear cup assemblies further comprises a power source for providing electric power to the high voltage power supply included in the at least one ear cup assembly. In some cases, one or more of the ear cup assemblies further comprises a wireless communication module for receiving audio signals from an audio source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III, Arjun Krishnakumar
  • Patent number: 11582559
    Abstract: A segmented stator plate for an electrostatic transducer is provided. The segmented stator plate may have multiple electrically separate sections that can be independently operated and are usable to generate sound and/or detect sound waves in the electrostatic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Patent number: 11553281
    Abstract: An electrostatic headphone is provided, comprising a first ear cup assembly, a second ear cup assembly, and a headband assembly coupled to each of the first ear cup assembly and the second ear cup assembly. Each ear cup assembly comprises an electrostatic transducer, a high voltage amplifier electrically coupled to the transducer, and a high voltage power supply electrically coupled to the high voltage amplifier. At least one of the ear cup assemblies further comprises a power source for providing electric power to the high voltage power supply included in the at least one ear cup assembly. In some cases, one or more of the ear cup assemblies further comprises a wireless communication module for receiving audio signals from an audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III, Arjun Krishnakumar
  • Publication number: 20220394364
    Abstract: A microphone transducer is provided, the microphone transducer comprising a housing and a transducer assembly supported within the housing and defining an internal acoustic space. The transducer assembly includes a magnet assembly, a diaphragm disposed adjacent the magnet assembly and having a front surface and a rear surface, and a coil attached to the rear surface of the diaphragm and capable of moving relative to the magnet assembly in response to acoustic waves impinging on the front surface. The transducer assembly further includes a primary port establishing acoustic communication between the internal acoustic space and an external cavity at least partially within the housing, and a secondary port located at the front surface of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Patent number: 11451891
    Abstract: A microphone transducer is provided, the microphone transducer comprising a housing and a transducer assembly supported within the housing and defining an internal acoustic space. The transducer assembly includes a magnet assembly, a diaphragm disposed adjacent the magnet assembly and having a front surface and a rear surface, and a coil attached to the rear surface of the diaphragm and capable of moving relative to the magnet assembly in response to acoustic waves impinging on the front surface. The transducer assembly further includes a primary port establishing acoustic communication between the internal acoustic space and an external cavity at least partially within the housing, and a secondary port located at the front surface of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Publication number: 20210377672
    Abstract: An electrostatic headphone is provided, comprising a first ear cup assembly, a second ear cup assembly, and a headband assembly coupled to each of the first ear cup assembly and the second ear cup assembly. Each ear cup assembly comprises an electrostatic transducer, a high voltage amplifier electrically coupled to the transducer, and a high voltage power supply electrically coupled to the high voltage amplifier. At least one of the ear cup assemblies further comprises a power source for providing electric power to the high voltage power supply included in the at least one ear cup assembly. In some cases, one or more of the ear cup assemblies further comprises a wireless communication module for receiving audio signals from an audio source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III, Arjun Krishnakumar
  • Publication number: 20210377653
    Abstract: Transducer steering and configuration systems and methods using a local positioning system are provided. The position and/or orientation of transducers, devices, and/or objects within a physical environment may be utilized to enable steering of lobes and nulls of the transducers, to create self-assembling arrays of the transducers, and to enable monitoring and configuration of the transducers, devices, and objects through an augmented reality interface. The transducers and devices may be more optimally configured which can result in better capture of sound, better reproduction of sound, improved system performance, and increased user satisfaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III, Jordan Schultz
  • Publication number: 20210377671
    Abstract: A segmented stator plate for an electrostatic transducer is provided. The segmented stator plate may have multiple electrically separate sections that can be independently operated and are usable to generate sound and/or detect sound waves in the electrostatic transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Publication number: 20210136487
    Abstract: Embodiments include a microphone array comprising a first plurality of directional microphone elements arranged in a first cluster formed by directing a front face of said microphone elements towards a center of the first cluster, and a second plurality of directional microphone elements arranged in a second cluster formed by directing a front face of said elements away from a center of the second cluster, wherein the first cluster is disposed vertically above the second cluster. Also provided is a microphone comprising a first microphone array comprising a plurality of directional microphone elements arranged in close proximity to each other and configured to capture near-field sounds within a first range of frequencies, and a second microphone array disposed concentrically around the first microphone array, the second array comprising a plurality of omnidirectional microphone elements configured to capture near-field sounds within a second range of frequencies higher than the first range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Brent Robert Shumard, Mark Gilbert, Emily Ann Wigley, Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Publication number: 20200260165
    Abstract: A microphone transducer is provided, the microphone transducer comprising a housing and a transducer assembly supported within the housing and defining an internal acoustic space. The transducer assembly includes a magnet assembly, a diaphragm disposed adjacent the magnet assembly and having a front surface and a rear surface, and a coil attached to the rear surface of the diaphragm and capable of moving relative to the magnet assembly in response to acoustic waves impinging on the front surface. The transducer assembly further includes a primary port establishing acoustic communication between the internal acoustic space and an external cavity at least partially within the housing, and a secondary port located at the front surface of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Patent number: 10542337
    Abstract: A microphone transducer is provided, the microphone transducer comprising a housing and a transducer assembly supported within the housing and defining an internal acoustic space. The transducer assembly includes a magnet assembly, a diaphragm disposed adjacent the magnet assembly and having a front surface and a rear surface, and a coil attached to the rear surface of the diaphragm and capable of moving relative to the magnet assembly in response to acoustic waves impinging on the front surface. The transducer assembly further includes a primary port establishing acoustic communication between the internal acoustic space and an external cavity at least partially within the housing, and a secondary port located at the front surface of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Patent number: 10299044
    Abstract: A stabilizer for use in stabilizing a diaphragm of an audio device, such as a microphone transducer or a speaker driver. The stabilizer is configured to be attached to the diaphragm to provide stability to the diaphragm, which may be in the form of one or more of counteraction to asymmetric movement about the center of mass of the voice coil; counteraction to rotation in a direction perpendicular to the desired axial motion of the diaphragm; and additional nonlinear stiffness for mechanical limiting of the diaphragm in the axial direction, which may assist in preventing large excursions of the diaphragm from atypical sources, such as drop, shock, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Publication number: 20190028786
    Abstract: A microphone transducer is provided, the microphone transducer comprising a housing and a transducer assembly supported within the housing and defining an internal acoustic space. The transducer assembly includes a magnet assembly, a diaphragm disposed adjacent the magnet assembly and having a front surface and a rear surface, and a coil attached to the rear surface of the diaphragm and capable of moving relative to the magnet assembly in response to acoustic waves impinging on the front surface. The transducer assembly further includes a primary port establishing acoustic communication between the internal acoustic space and an external cavity at least partially within the housing, and a secondary port located at the front surface of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Patent number: 9210497
    Abstract: An electrostatic earphone with a closed-back housing, a sleeve for acoustically sealing to an ear canal, and an electrostatic transducer is provided. The closed-back housing may include a nozzle for acoustic transmission of sound to the ear canal, and the sleeve may be removably attached to the nozzle. The electrostatic transducer may include a diaphragm with a conductive layer, stator plates, and diaphragm rings in electrical contact with the conductive layer of the diaphragm. The stator plates may include an outer annular conductive portion and a central conductive portion. The outer annular portion may be in electrical contact with a bias voltage and the diaphragm rings. The central portion may have a dielectric layer and be in electrical contact with an audio signal. The stator plates and the diaphragm may be spaced apart by the diaphragm rings. An amplifier may provide the bias voltage and audio signal to the earphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III
  • Publication number: 20140355814
    Abstract: A stabilizer for use in stabilizing a diaphragm of an audio device, such as a microphone transducer or a speaker driver. The stabilizer is configured to be attached to the diaphragm to provide stability to the diaphragm, which may be in the form of one or more of counteraction to asymmetric movement about the center of mass of the voice coil; counteraction to rotation in a direction perpendicular to the desired axial motion of the diaphragm; and additional nonlinear stiffness for mechanical limiting of the diaphragm in the axial direction, which may assist in preventing large excursions of the diaphragm from atypical sources, such as drop, shock, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Stephen Grinnip, III