Body-attached Or Connected Patents (Class 343/718)
  • Publication number: 20120219036
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a technique for multiple antennas on a body-mounted node to improve ranging availability. The present disclosure also supports utilizing transmit antenna diversity for reliable ranging, wherein the antenna diversity can be achieved by employing two separate transmitter chains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward Harrison Teague, David Jonathan Julian, Rinat Burdo
  • Patent number: 8248316
    Abstract: Method and System for wireless communications is provided. The system includes an RF module, and a coupler. The coupler is coupled with the RF module. The coupler includes a member for conductive coupling with the user's body such that RF energy is coupled into and/or out of the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Craig L. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8248314
    Abstract: A passively re-radiating cell phone sleeve assembly capable of conforming to and nesting with a cell phone provides a partial enclosure capable of fitting over at least a portion of the cell phone. A multi-layer radio frequency (RF) coupling probe is fully embedded within the enclosure in a position that is in close proximity to an internal antenna of the cell phone when the enclosure is nested with the cell phone. A coupling probe is inductively coupled to the internal antenna for sharing RF signals and is desensitized from de-tuning the internal antenna of the cell phone. An external antenna is mounted on the enclosure; and a transmission line embedded within the enclosure joins the coupling probe and the external antenna for RF signal transfer. RF transmission signals of the cell phone are radiated from both the internal and the external antennae simultaneously and without mutual interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel R. Ash, Jr., Daniel R. Ash, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8243958
    Abstract: The present invention provides a receiver for making an earphone cord of an earphone function as an earphone antenna. The receiver includes a receiver circuit for receiving a broadcast wave signal received at the earphone code of the earphone and outputting an audio signal, an earphone jack into which a earphone plug is inserted, a first detector circuit for detecting whether the earphone is one of stereo and monaural functionalities, and a second detector circuit for the earphone is connected to the receiver. The earphone jack has an antenna terminal, left channel audio terminal and right channel audio terminal, a first detection terminal and a second detection terminal, and a ground terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kimura, Yoshitaka Yoshino, Koichi Mukai, Chisato Komori
  • Patent number: 8237623
    Abstract: A headset antenna and a connector for the same are provided. The headset antenna includes an audio signal line, an antenna and a high impedance element in specified application frequency ranges. The audio signal line is adapted for transmitting an audio signal and the antenna is adapted for receiving an RF signal. The high impedance element is disposed on a transmission path of the audio signal and generates a high impedance at a specified frequency band of the RF signal, so that the audio signal line is equivalent to an open circuit and the antenna obtains a better receiving capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Chung-Ting Hung
  • Patent number: 8233950
    Abstract: A handheld device may include one or more antennas and a connector both disposed at a base of the handheld device. The connector may have a shell comprising a conductive material. The connector shell may include at least one opening in a portion of the conductive material to reduce electromagnetic interference between the connector shell and the one or more antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Juan Zavala, Tang Yew Tan, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert Sean Murphy, Erik L. Wang
  • Publication number: 20120182192
    Abstract: A planar antenna array and articles of manufacture using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, close-packed antenna elements, disposed on a substrate, number N where N=3x and x is a positive integer. Each of the close-packed antenna elements includes a substantially continuous photonic transducer arranged as an outwardly expanding generally logarithmic spiral having six turns. Each of the outwardly expanding generally logarithmic spirals may be a golden spiral. As an article of manufacture, the planar antenna array may be incorporated into a chip, such as a cell phone, or an article of clothing, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Kathryn Reavis, Ralph Suddah, Don Vance
  • Patent number: 8203497
    Abstract: A dual polarized dipole wearable antenna may be embedded within a shirt or/and outfit, placed at a range of up to few millimeters from the body of a user in which there is a transmitting swallowable imaging device. The antenna is constructed of three conducting layers: radiating layer, feed network layer and ground layer, separated by two dielectric substrate layers. The feed network layer may receive and transmit horizontally polarized signals. When placed one on top of the other, parallel strips of the radiating layer are disposed against a longitudinal strip of the feed network layer, and stubs of the feed network layer are disposed across a slot of the radiating layer. The slot of the radiating layer may be excited by radiation from, and be in interaction with the stubs of the feed network layer to receive and transmit vertically polarized signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventor: Albert Sabban
  • Patent number: 8169318
    Abstract: An RFID tag includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface. An RFID integrated circuit is disposed on the top surface of the substrate. A first electrically conductive region is associated with the top surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the RFID integrated circuit. A second electrically conductive region is associated with the bottom surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the first conductive region, the first and second conductive regions forming an RFID antenna. The RFID integrated circuit, first conductive region and second conductive region together provide an RFID function. An attachment layer is associated with the bottom surface of the substrate for attaching the tag to a surface. An adhesion modifying layer modifies the adhesion of the second conductive region such that the second conductive region is disrupted if the tag is tampered or removed from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Mikoh Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Samuel Atherton
  • Patent number: 8154465
    Abstract: A portal antenna (10) particularly suited for enabling low frequency RFID devices carried by animals to be read when animals are proceeding through a stock race or the like. The portal antenna includes a portal structure (11) through which an animal can pass and about which is wound at least one coil (18/19) of antenna conductor. At least one elongate radiator element (21) preferably projects to at least one side of the portal structure (11). Preferably the radiator(s) (21) is/are of ferrous/magnetically conductive metal. The radiator(s) can form a separate structure or be part of the wall structure of a stock race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Allflex Australia Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Bernard Gunston, Kevin Paul Ford, Christopher John McLoughin, Paul Anthony Turnbull, David Low Scott
  • Patent number: 8150319
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes an antenna configured to generate a magnetic field corresponding to a signal of a first communication method; and a communication unit configured to perform communication via a communication medium by transmitting/receiving a signal of a second communication method by using a potential difference between the communication unit and a predetermined reference point, the communication unit including a transparent conductive film. The antenna and the communication unit are integrated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yuko Yoshida, Yoshihito Ishibashi, Fumio Kubono, Shoji Nagai, Naoki Ide
  • Publication number: 20120075151
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an antenna device. A device may include an antenna element including a first electrically conductive element oriented in a first direction and a second electrically conductive element oriented in a second, different direction, the first and second conductive elements being electrically connected at one respective end. The device may further include a matching circuit operably coupled to the antenna element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jatupum Jenwatanavet, Allen Minh-Triet Tran, Joe C. Le
  • Publication number: 20120056792
    Abstract: A wearable device includes a housing, a circuit board, a strap, and two antennas. The housing defines a receiving space. The receiving space includes two sidewalls each defining a through hole. The circuit board is received in the receiving space. The strap defines two slots respectively adjacent to the sidewalls. The antennas extend from the circuit board and are electrically connected to the circuit board. Each of the antennas is received in a corresponding slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PING HAN
  • Patent number: 8130157
    Abstract: There is provided a less fragile feeding apparatus for an antenna that can be fitted to clothing. The feeding apparatus uses a coaxial cable for feeding. A center conductor of the coaxial cable is connected to a first radiating element in terms of alternating current at least through capacitive coupling, and an outer conductor of the coaxial cable is connected to a second radiating element in terms of alternating current at least through capacitive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 8120540
    Abstract: An RF antenna system for RFID tag communication includes a terminal and wire antennas extending therefrom. Each wire antenna has a first end electrically coupled to the terminal and a second end that is unencumbered. At least a portion of each wire antenna to include the second end thereof is flexible in at least one direction so that an RFID tag of an RFID-tagged object contacts at least one of the wire antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Lincoln Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8121539
    Abstract: A multi-part, distributed antenna arrangement including: an antenna element as a first part; and a semiconductor chip as a second part, separated from the first part, wherein the semiconductor chip comprises integrated radio frequency circuitry and a coupling element for wirelessly coupling the integrated radio frequency circuitry with the antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Aimo Arkko, Juha Hallivuori
  • Publication number: 20120001812
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a three-dimensional antenna that may be used for an implantable medical device (IMD). The antenna includes a first antenna portion that includes a plurality of segments arranged substantially parallel to one another in a first plane. The antenna further includes a second antenna portion that includes a plurality of segments arranged substantially parallel to one another in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. The antenna further includes a third antenna portion that includes a plurality of segments arranged substantially parallel to one another in a third plane. The plurality of segments of the third portion are coupled between segments of the first and second portions. The third plane is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanzhu Zhao, Quentin S. Denzene
  • Publication number: 20110316693
    Abstract: A body coupled antenna system usable in a personal locator unit includes an antenna element for connection to an RF circuit; a coupling plate for conductively coupling to an adjacent body for broadening the tuning frequency and reducing the loading sensitivity; a first capacitance interconnected between the coupling plate and the antenna element; and a second capacitance interconnected between the coupling plate and the RF circuit; the first and second capacitances being set to restore a predetermined matching impedance level while maintaining the broadened tuning frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew E. Loen
  • Patent number: 8077110
    Abstract: This invention refers to an antenna structure for a wireless device comprising a ground plane and an antenna element, wherein the ground plane has the shape of an open loop. The invention further refers to an antenna structure for a wireless device, such as alight switch or a wristsensor or wristwatch, comprising an open loop ground plane having a first end portion and a second end portion, the open loop ground plane defining an opening between the first end portion and the second end portion; and an antenna component positioned within the opening defined between the first end portion and the second end portion and overlapping at least one of the first end portion or the second end portion. Further the invention refers to a corresponding wireless device and to a method for integrating such an antenna structure in a wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Fractus, S.A.
    Inventors: Jordi Soler Castany, Carles Puente Baliarda
  • Patent number: 8059045
    Abstract: An antenna having an impedance matching section for attaching to a sheet or a garment. The antenna has a first, a second, and a third leaky substantially coaxial conductor. The first and the third coaxial conductors have an electrically conductive layer placed on the dielectric in a double helix. The second coaxial conductor has an electrically conductive layer placed on the dielectric in a single helix. The first coaxial conductor is coupled to the second coaxial conductor, the second coaxial conductor is coupled to the third coaxial conductor; and the third coaxial conductor is coupled in use to a first termination impedance. Methods to make the foregoing structures are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: James H. Schaffner, Tsung-Yuan Hsu, Daniel F. Sievenpiper
  • Patent number: 8059053
    Abstract: An antenna that can ensure a sufficient radio receiving level and a radio-wave receiving device on which the antenna is equipped are provided. The antenna includes a columnar magnetic core formed by a ferromagnetic body, a coil portion wound around the magnetic core, a flat-plate state extension portion extended from an end portion of the magnetic core, and a standing portion provided at least on a one-direction face of the extension portion. Such antenna is suitable for installation on a wrist-watch type radio controlled timepiece, particularly requiring a reduction in size and weight. By this arrangement, while the time display dial is more easily viewable, the radio controlled timepiece ensures that a sufficient standard-wave receiving level is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Miyazaki, Nobuhiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20110273345
    Abstract: A first plate-like radiating element including a first side and a second side, the first side being a straight line portion and the second side being curved; and a second plate-like radiating element including a third side and a fourth side, the third side being a straight line portion and the fourth side being curved, are included. The first side of the first radiating element and the third side of the second radiating element are disposed to face each other in parallel and to be shifted in a parallel direction. The second side and the fourth side each preferably include a curve portion. The second side or the fourth side or the second and fourth sides is(are) preferably formed by a combination of one or a plurality of curve portions and one or a plurality of straight line portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Akio Kuramoto, Yoshihide Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20110257491
    Abstract: Deployable antennas for in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, are provided. Aspects of the in-body deployable antennas of the invention include antennas configured to go from a first configuration to a second configuration following placement in a living body, e.g., via ingestion or implantation. Embodiments of the in-body devices are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy Robertson, Mark Zdeblick
  • Patent number: 8040287
    Abstract: A radio wave receiving device includes at least one magnetic drive unit and an antenna structure having a narrow core formed of magnetic material and a coil wound around the central part of the core. The device further includes two external magnetic members, each having a connecting part connected magnetically to one end part of the core. One magnetic member has a magnetism collecting part expanded in one side of the antenna structure from the connecting part to exclude the antenna structure, and the other magnetic member has a magnetism collecting part expanded in the other side of the antenna structure from the connecting part to exclude the antenna structure. These external magnetic members cover the drive unit in the both sides and shut off magnetic flux of external magnetic field from the both sides and collect magnetic flux of radio wave on the one end part of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soh Kimura
  • Patent number: 8022879
    Abstract: An antenna structure for a wireless communication device including a substrate having a first surface that supports an electronic component and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The antenna structure includes a first surface pattern formed on the first surface of the substrate. A second surface pattern is formed on the second surface of the substrate. The second surface pattern is at least partially separated from the first surface pattern in a direction perpendicular to a thicknesswise direction of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masahiro Ikeyama
  • Publication number: 20110213208
    Abstract: A system and method for generating power via harvesting of ambient electromagnetic signals. The system may include one or more sensing components which, acting alone or in combination, are capable of generating data related to one or more physiological parameters. The system may also include wireless communication circuitry capable of wirelessly transmitting the data related to the one or more physiological parameters. Furthermore, at least one of the one or more sensing components or the wireless communication circuitry may be at least partially powered, directly or indirectly, by energy generated via harvested electromagnetic signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Edward M. McKenna, Daniel Lisogurski
  • Patent number: 7969369
    Abstract: A fastening device (200) for releasably securing an antenna assembly (100) on at least one garment (15) of a user (10) is provided. The antenna assembly (100) is part of a portable communication system (50) which includes a portable communication device (125) that is also worn on the garment (15) of the user (10). The fastening device (200) is comprised of a body portion (205) and an elongated receiver portion (210). The elongated receiver portion (210) defines an elongated channel (211) and a pair of resilient undulations (215, 216) which define an elongated opening (212). The pair of resilient undulations (215, 216) serve to guide a segment (110a) of the antenna assembly (100) through the elongated opening (212) and into the elongated channel (211). Once the segment (110a) is urged into the elongated channel (211), the undulations (215, 216) return to the normal position thereby securing the segment (110a) in the elongated channel (211).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Wertman, Pablo Diez, Malcolm Packer, James Haschmann
  • Publication number: 20110128198
    Abstract: A dual polarized dipole wearable antenna may be embedded within a shirt or/and outfit, placed at a range of up to few millimeters from the body of a user in which there is a transmitting swallowable imaging device. The antenna is constructed of three conducting layers: radiating layer, feed network layer and ground layer. The conducting layers may be separated by two dielectric substrate layers. Feed network layer may receive and transmit horizontally polarized signals. The feed network layer consists of a main stripe comprising a plurality of substantially straight sections parallel to each other with a plurality of stubs protruding from them. The longitudinal stripes may be connected to each other via substantially right angled bands, thus creating a continuous stripe. The radiating layer may substantially take the form of two continuous and parallel strips banded at right angles having a slot or a gap there between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Albert SABBAN
  • Publication number: 20110122034
    Abstract: Disclosed is an internal antenna for a headset. The disclosed antenna comprises: a substrate, which is included inside a headset body; a feeding pattern formed on the substrate; a connecting part, which is made of a metallic material and electrically connected to the feeding pattern, and a portion of which protrudes into the housing of the headset body; a hooking part, which is joined with the connecting part; and a radiator, which is inserted into the hooking part. According to an embodiment of the present invention, audio signals may be sent and received with higher efficiency, without using a chip antenna, and the antenna may be less affected by such external factors as the hand effect and head effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Byong-Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 7944401
    Abstract: A radiating element made from a conductive-nonwoven web is incorporated into a signal emitting apparatus. The signal emitting apparatus, for instance, may comprise an RFID tag. The conductive-nonwoven web contains, in one embodiment, conductive fibers combined with pulp fibers. The conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. The nonwoven web may be made using a conventional paper-making process. The resulting conductive web is not only well suited for use as an antenna, but is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily incorporated into numerous products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhanshu Gakhar, Duane Josephe Shukoski, Thomas Michael Ales, Shawn Jeffery Sullivan, Andrew Mark Long, Davis-Dang H. Nhan, Sridhar Ranganathan
  • Patent number: 7920041
    Abstract: In a coil device for an antenna, a wide surface of a connector connecting section and a mounting surface of a fixing section are substantially vertically arranged. A connecter terminal can take a first arrangement or a second arrangement to a resin member. In the first arrangement the connector terminal can take, the connector connecting section is positioned on one end side in the width direction of the resin member, and in the second arrangement, the connector connecting section is positioned on the other end side in the width direction of the resin member by turning the connector connecting section in the first arrangement 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Sumida Corporation
    Inventors: Takanobu Rokuka, Shigeru Mahara
  • Publication number: 20110074644
    Abstract: A fastening device (200) for releasably securing an antenna assembly (100) on at least one garment (15) of a user (10) is provided. The antenna assembly (100) is part of a portable communication system (50) which includes a portable communication device (125) that is also worn on the garment (15) of the user (10). The fastening device (200) is comprised of a body portion (205) and an elongated receiver portion (210). The elongated receiver portion (210) defines an elongated channel (211) and a pair of resilient undulations (215, 216) which define an elongated opening (212), The pair of resilient undulations (215, $16) serve to guide a segment (110a) of the antenna assembly (100) through the elongated opening (212) and into the elongated channel (211). Once the segment (110a) is urged into the elongated channel (211), the undulations (215, 216) return to the normal position thereby securing the segment (110a) in the elongated channel (211).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas A. Wertman, Pablo Diez, Malcolm Packer, James Haschmann
  • Patent number: 7911401
    Abstract: An earphone antenna is provided that can eliminate high-frequency adverse effects on a wireless device transmitted from a human body via an earphone. The earphone antenna can ensure receiver sensitivity required for a signal in a wide frequency range without any sensitivity control operation and can transmit audio signals from a television receiver to an earphone unit. Two pairs of audio/high-frequency signal lines (8La), (8Lb), (8Ra), and (8Rb) corresponding to the left and right earphone units (12L) and (12R) are connected to a balun (4). Terminals of the two pairs of audio/high-frequency signal lines remote from the balun are connected to the left and right earphone units (12L) and (12R) via loading coils (LLa), (LLb), (LRa), and (LRb). The Terminals of the two pairs of audio/high-frequency signal lines remote from the balun are further connected to each other by a pair of conductive lines (20a) and (20b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Yoshino, Minoru Oozeki, Toshiyuki Imagawa
  • Publication number: 20110063176
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct. The apparatus includes an elongated member having first end and second ends. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a ring around the organ or duct. A tension element is slidably disposed within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. An antenna/controller pod is releasably coupled to the elongated member for control of the drive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Randal T. Byrum, Sean P. Conlon, Alec J. Ginggen, Bret W. Smith, Dean L. Garner, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR.
  • Patent number: 7907095
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an antenna device for receiving a broadcast wave in each of a first required frequency band and a second required frequency band, the antenna device including: an earphone cable including an audio signal line and a ground line; and an antenna element cable including a coaxial line formed by covering a core line with an insulator and further covering the insulator with an outer covering conductor, and an audio signal line, a leading end of the antenna element cable being connected to the earphone cable via a relay circuit, and a base end of the antenna element cable being connected to a device including a tuner via an antenna switching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kimura, Yoshitaka Yoshino, Koichi Mukai, Chisato Komori
  • Patent number: 7902095
    Abstract: The invention provides a functional laminate composite fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such fabric. The functional laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. The functional laminate may include vias through which the functional element may be exposed. Generally, the functional laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Textronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Qaizar N. Hassonjee, Stacey B. Burr
  • Publication number: 20110050521
    Abstract: A portable antenna system includes an antenna that is substantially defined by one or more portions that include electrically conductive self-similar extensions. The system also includes an article of clothing in which the antenna is attached to a surface of the article of clothing such that electrically conductive self-similar extensions extend across the surface of the article of clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: FRACTAL ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Cohen, David Moschella
  • Publication number: 20110050520
    Abstract: A planar antenna array and articles of manufacture using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, close-packed antenna elements, disposed on a substrate, number N where N=3x and x is a positive integer. Each of the close-packed antenna elements includes a substantially continuous photonic transducer arranged as an outwardly expanding generally logarithmic spiral having six turns. Each of the outwardly expanding generally logarithmic spirals may be a golden spiral. As an article of manufacture, the planar antenna array may be incorporated into a chip, such as a cell phone, or an article of clothing, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Kathryn Reavis, Ralph Suddath, Don Vance
  • Patent number: 7880680
    Abstract: A tag device that performs high-quality radio communication without radio wave radiation or receiving characteristics being deteriorated near a person's body and without hindering communication by another IC tag. A main loop section sends and receives radio waves. The main loop section is a metal foil and has the shape of a long thin loop. The area of the main loop section is smaller than the area of a dielectric substrate. The main loop section covers part of surfaces of the dielectric substrate and part of sides of the dielectric substrate so as to put the dielectric substrate inside the loop. The main loop section is mounted in a horizontal direction of the dielectric substrate. Each of capacitive load sections is a metal foil and has a load corresponding to a capacitance component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Yamagajo, Toru Maniwa, Manabu Kai
  • Publication number: 20110021244
    Abstract: An antenna system includes a wired communications interface, an antenna, and antenna system control circuitry. The wired communications interface is operable to couple to a serviced host device and includes a control interface and an antenna interface. The antenna couples to the antenna interface and has configurable antenna characteristics. The antenna system control circuitry couples to the control interface and to the antenna and is operable to communicate the configurable antenna characteristics to the host device and to configure the antenna based upon communication with the host device. In other constructs the antenna may not be configurable and the antenna characteristics communicated are fixed. The antenna system may further include Radio Frequency (RF) transmit circuitry and/or RF transmit circuitry. Such RF transmit circuitry and RF receive circuitry may be configurable or fixed in its operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, John Walley, Vinko Erceg, Arya Reza Behzad, David Rosmann, Brima B. Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 7876315
    Abstract: A thin image display apparatus includes a thin image display apparatus body, a hollow support member having a first end at which the hollow support member supports the thin image display apparatus body through a rocking mechanism section and a second end at which a plug element configured to engage with an illumination apparatus wiring member attached to the ceiling or a wall is provided, and a power line extending through the hollow support member and configured to connect the plug element and the thin image display apparatus body to each other. The thin image display apparatus body receives, when the plug element engages with the illumination apparatus wiring member, power supplied through the power line together with a modulated image signal supplied through the power line such that an image based on the modulated image signal is displayed on the thin image display apparatus body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Suzuki, Yasuhisa Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7844232
    Abstract: A wireless communications device may include at least one virtual antenna, and a space-time filter circuit for filtering a communications signal received by the at least one virtual antenna by jointly estimating space-time filter weights and at least one channel impulse response (CIR). The wireless communications device may further include a matched filter circuit downstream from the space-time filter circuit and having a filter response that is provided by a channel impulse response estimation from the space-time filter circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Huan Wu, Sean Simmons, Zoltan Kemenczy
  • Publication number: 20100295738
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless communication device capable of being positioned in a wearable position adjacent a user's head and including a deployable planar antenna rotatably supported by the housing. The antenna is configured to assume a plurality of orientations with respect to the housing, the plurality of orientations including an orientation being substantially parallel to the housing and one or more orientations being at an angle with respect to the housing. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of orientations coincides with at least one of the plurality of states of the device. A disclosed method of the device includes deploying a low profile planar antenna rotatably supported by the housing, the antenna being configured assume a plurality of orientations with respect to the housing and operating the device in one of the plurality of states depending upon the orientation of the antenna with respect to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, Thomas E. Gitzinger, Eric L. Krenz
  • Patent number: 7830319
    Abstract: A portable antenna system includes an antenna that is substantially defined by one or more portions that include electrically conductive self-similar extensions. The system also includes an article of clothing in which the antenna is attached to a surface of the article of clothing such that electrically conductive self-similar extensions extend across the surface of the article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Nathan Cohen, David Moschella
  • Patent number: 7826903
    Abstract: A radio frequency antenna is provided for use with a medical device for implantation into an animal. The antenna comprises a coil formed by a wire that includes a core formed of a shape-memory material with an electrically conductive first layer applied to an outer surface of the core. A second layer, of an electrically insulating and biologically compatible material, extends around the first layer. If necessary to reduce friction, a lubricant is placed between the first and second layers. If second layer is formed of a porous material or a non-biological compatible material, a biological compatible outer layer surrounds the second layer thereby providing a barrier that is impermeable to body fluids of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Kenergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Denker, Cherik Bulkes, Arthur J. Beutler
  • Patent number: 7817095
    Abstract: A tight-fitting garment comprising a dipole resonator which is adapted to vary its length and/or shape in conformity with the length and/or shape variations of a person wearing the garment. The length and/or shape of the resonator determines the resonance frequency which can be detected by a reflection analyzer. The dipole resonator comprises at least one elastic core around which a conductive wire is wound. The dipole resonator is further suitable to elastically deform along with the tight-fitting garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Antonius Hubertus Joannes Gerardus Lommen, Hubregt Jannis Visser, Gerardus Johannes Nicolaas Doodeman, Helena de Voogd-Claessen
  • Patent number: 7809331
    Abstract: To provide a data communication device capable of performing a stable human body communication by bringing the human body into contact with electrodes or proximities thereof without requiring user's attention when the data communication device held by the user is in the process of the human body communication. A transceiver electrode 103 and a reference electrode 104 are formed on concave portions 102 formed at positions where the user's fingers can be naturally brought into contact with the concave portions 102 when a data communication device 10 is held by one of the user's hands, such that the surfaces of the electrodes have a height slightly lower than those of the lateral portions of the housing 101. The transceiver electrode 103 and the reference electrode 104 are electrically connected, via a lead line 106, to a data communication unit 105 accommodated in the housing 101 and having a function of transmitting and receiving data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hidekazu Kano
  • Patent number: 7796955
    Abstract: An expandable wireless transceiver is provided. The expandable wireless transceiver includes an antenna, a receiver, a transmitter and a switch connector. The antenna detects an electromagnetic signal in surrounding space and receives a signal with a first central frequency according to the detection result. The receiver receives the signal based on the detection result of the antenna. The transmitter outputs a radio-frequency signal. A third connection terminal of the switch connector provides a connective path to an expansion antenna. According to the coupling condition of the third connection terminal, the switch connector delivers the radio-frequency signal to its second connection terminal or third connection terminal. Thus, the radio-frequency signal with a second central frequency is transmitted to surrounding space through the antenna or the expansion antenna, wherein the second central frequency and the first central frequency are both in a specific band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wistron Neweb Corp.
    Inventors: Jiahn-Rong Gau, Ching-Cheng Huang, Cheng-Hsiung Hsu, Tzu-Ping Lin, Chen-Chia Huang
  • Patent number: 7796089
    Abstract: An antenna system (100, 500) for a portable communication device (112) is provided. The antenna system is comprised of a retaining structure (204), an antenna flap (206), and a first pivot coupling (212). The retaining structure provides a means for securing the retaining structure to the portable communication device. The antenna flap includes an antenna structure (302). The antenna structure is comprised of an antenna radiating element (600) and/or an antenna impedance matching network (652). The first pivot coupling pivotally connects the antenna flap to the retaining structure. The first pivot coupling is configured to allow the antenna flap to pivot freely on the first pivot coupling responsive to a force of gravity acting on the antenna flap. The retaining structure is configured as a holster in which the portable communication device can be disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Zwick, Malcolm Packer
  • Patent number: 7791551
    Abstract: A receiver device for receiving audio signals from a remote source has a magnetic loop antenna for receiving radio frequency signals carrying audio signals, a signal processing unit for reproducing audio signals from the radio frequency signals received by the antenna, an output interface which is capable of being mechanically connected to an input interface of a hearing instrument to be worn at a user's ear in order to supply the audio signals from the signal processing unit as input to the hearing instrument, and a housing enclosing the antenna and the signal processing unit. The antenna is designed as a printed board circuit with a loop-shaped conductor on an at least partially flexible insulating substrate. A first portion defines a first plane and a second portion defines a second plane, the first plane and second planes being oriented at an angle of 60° to 120° relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventor: Rainer Platz