Patents by Inventor Steven W. Hutt
Steven W. Hutt 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: 9668072Abstract: Loudspeaker drivers used in audio systems are subject to performance variance caused by production deviation of components and assembly processes and consequently audio system performance is influenced by the mechanical attributes of individual loudspeaker drivers of which the audio systems are comprised. This invention provides a solution to minimize the variance of duplicate audio system performance by rectifying the signal processing to minimize loudspeaker variance in duplicated or mass production audio systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Inventor: Steven W. Hutt
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Patent number: 8121336Abstract: A directional loudspeaker provides an enhanced listening environment by producing an indirect sound field of greater amplitude than that of the direct sound field. The directional loudspeaker includes loudspeaker elements positioned to provide a listener located below the loudspeaker elements with an impression of sound spaciousness in a vehicle environment. The loudspeaker elements may include baffles or acoustic lenses to deflect the indirect field away from the path to the listener position. The loudspeaker may also be operated with windows open by channeling the indirect sound field through an acoustic waveguide and deflector to the listener. A sound processor is also provided to accept a sound input, create an indirect and direct sound field, output the sound fields to loudspeaker elements, and also may provide electronic enhancement effects such as multi-channel sound or sound parameter adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Hutt, Ryan Mihelich, William Neal House, Mark Justin Armitage
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Patent number: 8073156Abstract: An audio processing system for a vehicle includes a plurality of loudspeakers positioned to form a single line array. The loudspeaker line array is positionable in a vehicle on a dashboard of the vehicle substantially at the convergence of the dashboard and a window of the vehicle. When the loudspeaker line array is driven by an audio signal, a vertically and horizontally focused and narrowed sound pattern is perceived by a listener in the vehicle. The sound pattern is the result of the constructive combination of the direct sound impulses and the reflected sound impulses produced by each loudspeaker in the array. Using delay, attenuation and phase adjustment of the audio signal, the sound pattern may be controlled, limited, and directed to one or more locations in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Hutt, D. Broadus Keele, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110211705Abstract: Loudspeaker drivers used in audio systems are subject to performance variance caused by production deviation of components and assembly processes and consequently audio system performance is influenced by the mechanical attributes of individual loudspeaker drivers of which the audio systems are comprised. This invention provides a solution to minimize the variance of duplicate audio system performance by rectifying the signal processing to minimize loudspeaker variance in duplicated or mass production audio systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Steven W. Hutt
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Patent number: 7945069Abstract: A loudspeaker cone body made of plastic includes a base carrier material and a filler material. The base carrier material is selected to optimize overall flow, weight and stiffness. The filler material may be a nanomaterial that provides for adjustment of process and acoustic related characteristics in the loudspeaker cone body that become relevant when the loudspeaker cone body is operated in a loudspeaker. Acoustic related characteristics that may be adjusted include a stiffness to weight ratio and an acoustic damping of the loudspeaker cone body. A predetermined weight percent of the filler material may be combined with the base carrier material to obtain repeatable desired acoustic related characteristics. The acoustic related characteristics may be adjusted by changing the predetermined weight percent of the filler material.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Louis A. Mango, III, John F. Steere, Steven W. Hutt
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Patent number: 7873178Abstract: A planar loudspeaker includes a shell pot, a magnet, a diaphragm, and a face plate. The magnet may be positioned in a cavity in the shell pot. The diaphragm may be coupled with the shell pot to cover an entrance to the cavity. The shell pot may include a conductive path having an inner contact proximate the central axis of the diaphragm, and an outer contact proximate to a perimeter of the diaphragm. The face plate may be coupled with the shell pot so that the diaphragm is positioned between the magnet and the faceplate. The face plate may include an inner terminal and an outer terminal that are aligned to be in direct contact with the respective inner contact and the outer contact of the diaphragm and form an electrical connection there between when the face plate is coupled with the shell pot. The inner and outer terminals may be coupled with a source of electrical signals, such as an audio amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporationInventors: John F. Steere, Hans-Juergen Regl, Steven W. Hutt
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Patent number: 7716808Abstract: Electro-dynamic loudspeakers typically include a diaphragm having a conductor applied to one of its surfaces where the diaphragm is secured to a frame. The conductor is connected to a power supply for providing electrical current through linear traces of the conductor that interact with magnetic fields generated by magnets that are mounted to the frame. The diaphragm is driven by a motive force created when current passes through the conductor within the magnetic field. The electrical current is varied to create an acoustical output from the electro-dynamic loudspeaker. Different methods of attaching the diaphragm are provided for simplifying the manufacturing process and for obtaining a robust electro-dynamic loudspeaker.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Hutt, John F. Steere, David B. Garner, Louis A. Mango
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Publication number: 20080247575Abstract: A directional loudspeaker provides an enhanced listening environment by producing an indirect sound field of greater amplitude than that of the direct sound field. The directional loudspeaker includes loudspeaker elements positioned to provide a listener located below the loudspeaker elements with an impression of sound spaciousness in a vehicle environment. The loudspeaker elements may include baffles or acoustic lenses to deflect the indirect field away from the path to the listener position. The loudspeaker may also be operated with windows open by channeling the indirect sound field through an acoustic waveguide and deflector to the listener. A sound processor is also provided to accept a sound input, create an indirect and direct sound field, output the sound fields to loudspeaker elements, and also may provide electronic enhancement effects such as multi-channel sound or sound parameter adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Hutt, Ryan Mihelich, William Neal House, Mark Justin Armitage
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Publication number: 20080172859Abstract: Electro-dynamic loudspeakers typically include a diaphragm having a conductor applied to one of its surfaces where the diaphragm is secured to a frame. The conductor is connected to a power supply for providing electrical current through linear traces of the conductor that interact with magnetic fields generated by magnets that are mounted to the frame. The diaphragm is driven by a motive force created when current passes through the conductor within the magnetic field. The electrical current is varied to create an acoustical output from the electro-dynamic loudspeaker. Different methods of attaching the diaphragm are provided for simplifying the manufacturing process and for obtaining a robust electro-dynamic loudspeaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Steven W. Hutt, John F. Steere, David B. Garner, Louis A. Mango
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Patent number: 7400740Abstract: A core cap or top plate for use with loudspeakers that includes offset adhesive control grooves on the opposite faces of the disk-like core cap is disclosed. The grooves are offset from one another by a distance that makes the smallest dimension between any feature of the grooves about the same as the nominal thickness of the core cap. The core cap increases the magnetic flux capacity over prior art core cap designs, while maintaining features advantageous to error-proof the orientation of the core cap in the loudspeaker.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Harman International Industries, Inc.Inventors: John F. Steere, Steven W. Hutt, Ronald E. Fenwick
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Patent number: 7316290Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a frame, a magnet coupled to the frame and a diaphragm secured to the frame. An acoustic lens may be positioned in front of the diaphragm. An aperture extends through the acoustic lens. The acoustical directivity pattern of the loudspeaker may be modified by the acoustic lens to improve the uniformity of the off axis vs. on axis sound pressure level.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W Hutt, John F Steere, D. B Keele, Jr.
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Patent number: 7203332Abstract: An electro-dynamic loudspeaker includes a frame, a plurality of magnets and a diaphragm. The frame includes a molded plastic body. The magnets may be molded into the frame in a determined configuration. The frame is mechanically coupled to the diaphragm such that the magnets are a determined distance from the diaphragm. The diaphragm may include a conductor applied to a surface of the diaphragm. The diaphragm may be driven by a motive force created when current passes through the conductor within a magnetic field formed by the magnets. The electrical current may be varied to create an acoustical output from the electro-dynamic loudspeaker.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Hutt, John F. Steere, David B. Garner, Louis A. Mango
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Patent number: 7152299Abstract: Electro-dynamic loudspeakers typically include a diaphragm having a conductor applied to one of its surfaces. The diaphragm is secured to a frame. The conductor is connected to a power supply for providing electrical current through linear traces of the conductor that interact with magnetic fields generated by magnets that are mounted to the frame. The diaphragm is driven by a motive force created when current passes through the conductor within the magnetic field. The electrical current is varied to create an acoustical output from the electro-dynamic loudspeaker. Different frame structures are provided for simplifying the manufacturing process and defining a reduced cost electro-dynamic loudspeaker.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Louis A. Mango, John F. Steere, David B. Garner, Steven W. Hutt, Ronald E. Fenwick
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Patent number: 7155026Abstract: A mounting bracket may be used to attach a device or component at a mounting location. The mounting bracket may comprise a an attachment portion having at least one tab portion that further comprises generally parallel first and second surfaces extending along a curved path. The tab portion may be designed so that the slot may be received at the mounting location so that, when installed, the first and second surfaces contact the interior and exterior surfaces, respectively. The tab portion, in cooperation with the slot, may accurately position and securely retain the mounting bracket at the mounting location.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Kevin C. Augustin, Sr., Steven W. Hutt
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Patent number: 7149321Abstract: A mounting apparatus for attaching a device like an electro-dynamic loudspeaker to a mounting location in an automobile or other vehicle. The mounting apparatus employs bracket hardware that is either affixed to or integral with the loudspeaker that is to be mounted. The mounting apparatus can position the loudspeaker in a fixed angular orientation, or enable the angular orientation of the loudspeaker to be variable, as desired, to achieve the optimum performance of the loudspeaker.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Hutt, William Neal House
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Patent number: 7136501Abstract: An electro-dynamic loudspeaker is provided with dampening arrangements that contribute to improved acoustical properties for the electro-dynamic planar loudspeaker. The dampening arrangements include providing a frame having a curved sidewall surface for reducing standing waves. Another design provides for a ferrofluid being disposed between the diaphragm and magnets of the electro-dynamic loudspeaker in order to dampen the resonance frequency of the device. In addition, a diaphragm of an electro-dynamic loudspeaker is provided with a short turn of conductor disposed along a fringe zone at an edge of the diaphragm in order to electro-dynamically dampen the edge resonance of the film.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: John F Steere, David B. Garner, Steven W Hutt
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Patent number: 7092536Abstract: A system for transducer compensation based on ambient conditions includes a transducer, a signal processor and an ambient condition sensor. The signal processor may process audio signals for the transducer. In addition, the signal processor may receive signals from the ambient condition sensor. The signals may represent ambient conditions being experienced by the transducer. The signal processor may dynamically adjust the equalization of the audio signals based on the ambient conditions to optimize operation of the transducer.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Hutt, John S. Stewart, Ryan J. Mihelich
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Patent number: 7035425Abstract: In an electro-dynamic loudspeaker, vent holes are optimized to provide improved the magnetic flux characteristics while maintaining sufficient ventilation. In addition, ported and unported enclosures may be utilized with the electro-dynamic loudspeakers to enhance low frequency performance.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Steven W. Hutt, David B. Garner, John F. Steere
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Publication number: 20040237111Abstract: A multimedia and entertainment system for an automobile is disclosed to include a plurality of loudspeakers located and distributed throughout the interior passenger compartment of the automobile. Loudspeakers of the conventional cone-type as well as electro-dynamic planar loudspeakers may be incorporated into the present invention. At least one loudspeaker is operably integrated within the passenger compartment of an automobile and is located in the proximity of a video display of the system. The electronic audio signal that serves the loudspeaker is processed in the audio system of the multimedia and entertainment system to optimize its full features and capabilities, including multi-audio-channel effects, so as to enable the passengers to completely experience the multimedia and entertainment system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Spiro Iraclianos, William Neal House, Steven W Hutt
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Publication number: 20040182642Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a frame, a magnet coupled to the frame and a diaphragm secured to the frame. An acoustic lens may be positioned in front of the diaphragm. An aperture extends through the acoustic lens. The acoustical directivity pattern of the loudspeaker may be modified by the acoustic lens to improve the uniformity of the off axis vs. on axis sound pressure level.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Steven W. Hutt, John F. Steere, D. Broadus Keele