Abstract: A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.

Abstract: A concentrated control system for a vehicle includes: a menu portion that, when rotated, provides menu modes associated with devices in the vehicle; and a first menu providing portion that scrolls menu buttons, included in an enabled menu and used to control functions of an in-vehicle device, in a first direction so that the scrolled menu buttons are displayed within the menu portion.

Abstract: An electronic control unit has a gateway function for connecting a plurality of communication networks formed in a vehicle with each other and performs functions allotted beforehand by transmitting and receiving signals via the communication networks. The electronic control unit includes a plug-in connecting portion (39) to be plug-in connected with a relay unit (4) for converting protocols applied to the respective communication networks, thereby connecting the relay unit (4) with a communication bus (10), in the case of performing the gateway function, and a communication circuit portion (36) for transmitting and receiving signals between the communication bus (10) and the relay unit (4) when the relay unit (4) is plug-in connected with the plug-in connecting portion (39).

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus, in which a disc insertion slot of car audio equipment can be opened and closed by a shutter member to prevent foreign substances, dust and the like from entering the disc insertion slot and in which a liquid crystal display portion is covered with the shutter member to turn off the illumination when driving at night. The reproducing apparatus includes a disc insertion slot in a front panel and a liquid crystal display portion below the disc insertion slot, in which a shutter board for opening and closing the disc insertion slot is provided on the front surface of the front panel and when the disc insertion slot is open, the liquid crystal display portion is covered with the shutter board to turn off the illumination of the liquid crystal display portion.

Abstract: An electronic equipment having an electronic equipment body, and first and second operation units. The first operation unit includes a display device and a control CPU. The second operation unit includes a display device and a control CPU. The electronic equipment body includes system CPU, a power source for display device for the first operation unit, a power source for control CPU for supplying a power source to the control CPU, a power source for display device for the second operation unit, and a power source for control CPU for supplying a power source to the control CPU, and further includes a position detection part for detecting positions of the operation units. The power source for display device is cut off and then the power source for control CPU is cut off based on the positions of the first and second operation units.

Abstract: A disk player is configured so that a steel plate-made clamper plate 3 is bridged between wall parts 2a of both sides of a cabinet and is fixed and a disk D on a tray 1 is clamped by a turntable 7 and a clamper 5 and the disk D is rotated by the turntable 7 and information recorded on the disk D is read by an optical pickup, spiral reinforcement portions 3c are formed by closely folding both side edges of the clamper plate 3 in a manner of winding at least two times.

Abstract: An orientation inspector for LCD cell is utilized to inspect the LCD cell. The LCD cell includes two transparent substrates wherein the first transparent substrate is slightly bigger than the second transparent substrate and a step is formed on the first transparent substrate along the two side edges thereof. The orientation inspector for LCD cell comprises a main body connected to a hoister which can lower the main body to a predetermined position to stop the step at side edge of the LCD cell; a sensor disposed in the main body for detecting the step at side edge of the LCD cell below the main body, wherein when the body stops the step at side edge of the LCD cell and the sensor detects the step on the first transparent substrate, the sensor will confirm that the LCD cell is at correct orientation, and when the main body stops the side edge of the LCD cell and the sensor can not detect the step on the first transparent substrate, the sensor will confirm that the LCD cell is not at correct orientation.

Abstract: A near-field laser and detector apparatus and method wherein both writing and reading of optical media can be carried out using the same laser operating in a single mode for both read and write operations. The single operational mode can be utilized with both edge emitting and surface emitting laser configurations, and allows readout via rear facet output power variation or by voltage variation across the laser. A small aperture laser is operated during read and write operations at a bias current which is higher than the threshold currents associated with feedback from high and low reflectivity regions of an optical medium. The bias current and laser structure provide a relatively high, continuous output power from the front emission facet of the laser to facilitate writing, while providing substantial fluctuation or change in output power from the rear emission facet to facilitate readout.

Abstract: A digital audio player has a removable and interchangeable multi-function module that has at least one operating member. The multi-function interchangeable module interoperates with the body of the digital audio player to provide a plurality of features, which include, but are not limited to, additional memory storage, radio tuner, display, Infrared transceiver and wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A retail audio-video recording booth includes walls which define an enclosed area for a customer to make an audio video recording. A door assures privacy. A seat or bench allows the customer to sit or stand while he makes the recording. When the customer inserts a selected amount of money into a money receptacle, a video electronic circuit is activated. When the customer inserts a tape in a tape receptacle, the customer may make an audio/visual recording, play or hear a recording already recorded on the tape. If a recording is to be made, the recording which is being made may simultaneously be observed by the customer on a monitor. A camera is provided to make the recording, and a VCR is provided to show the recording. A two-way mirror is provided to transmit the picture being made to the VCR and the monitor at the same time.

Abstract: A projection (41) protrudes downward from the lower side edge portion of a third electronic control unit (40). The projection forms a recess which houses a first electronic control unit (20) under the third electronic control unit (40) and has a lower opening. The third electronic control unit (40) and a control panel (10) are electrically connected to each other via connectors (13, 43). A second electronic control unit (30) is placed on the upper surface of the third electronic control unit (40), and the first and third electronic control units (20, 40) and the second and third electronic control units (30, 40) are respectively detachably connected to each other via connectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an entertainment system having a playback device for retrieving data from a recording medium and for generating a signal corresponding to the data, wherein the playback device includes a transparent door which covers the recording medium. The system further includes a speaker for converting the signal into acoustical energy and a display device for displaying operational information regarding the system, such as the track number of the selection being played back, time remaining, track title, volume level, the sound and/or CD play mode which has been selected and others, on the door.

Abstract: An automotive data device, such as an audio player, for playing recording media of a different size includes a housing member housing a first player unit and a second player unit in a stacked arrangement. Each of the player units have insertion slots. A movable operating panel for controlling the respective first player unit and the second player unit extends across the respective insertion slots. A control unit can drive the movable operating panel in a first mode of operation to expose only the first insertion slot, while maintaining the operability of user controls on the operating panel. The control unit provides a second mode of operation to expose both of the insertion slots, while retracting at least a portion of the operating panel into the housing member below the lower insertion slot.

Abstract: An adapter enables the playback of various audio devices such as compact disc players and the like through a cassette player of either the front or side loading type. The adapter is provided with a user removable partial cover which permits repositioning of its external electrical conductor which is connected to the audio device. In this manner, the electrical conductor may be positioned so as not to interfere with the internal mechanisms within the cassette player during use.

Abstract: A method for fast playback of a disc in a cue or review mode to reproduce therefrom audio data compressed and recorded burstly by a predetermined amount as a unit. The method comprises predetermining a unitary block of data which consists of n times (where n is a positive integer) the decodable minimum unitary amount of the compressed data; sequentially extracting, out of the informationally continuous data of plural programs on the disc, the data of the unitary block at an interval of m unitary blocks (where m is a positive integer) in the forward or reverse direction of the continuity of the data; and reproducing the sound from the extracted data. By repeating such playback operation, the audio data of the plural programs can be reproduced in the cue or review mode at a speed higher than the normal playback speed.

Abstract: In a storage apparatus such as a small-sized hard disk apparatus to be built in the body of an information processing apparatus, the body of the storage apparatus comprises a metallic casing and a top cover member. The top cover member is provided with a seal member for sealing a gap between the casing and the top cover member. The body of the storage apparatus is covered with a shield cover member. A metallic shield member is attached to the inside surface of the shield cover member. The shield cover member ensures electrical insulation of the body of the storage apparatus from the structural parts of the information processing apparatus excluding the storage apparatus. The metallic shield member ensures electromagnetic shield effects of, in particular, the seal member in the body of the storage apparatus.

Abstract: A cassette tape recorder including input key means having one or more keys, each key capable of representing a plurality of functions selectable by the user to be performed. The control means provides a control signal in response to at least one of the functions selected by the user and the recorder performs the selected function in response to the control signal. Since each key can represent several functions, it will make the recorder more simple in construction, inexpensive and easy to operate.

Abstract: A portable audio device having the functions of a cassette tape recorder, a compact disc player and an AM/FM tuner includes a slimmed body provided with the cassette tape recorder, the compact disc player and the AM/FM tuner, and at least one cover, provided on the slimmed body, for covering the cassette tape recorder and the compact disc player. The slimmed body and the at least one cover are formed to resemble a notebook.

Abstract: Most motor vehicles contain an audio such as a radio, cassette player or compact disc player. A housing generally having a box-like shape and an open end surround the actual hardware. A cover fits over the open end of the housing. The present invention provides a positive means for attaching and holding the front cover to the housing. A lip section of the cover is tightly held between upper and lower tabs integral with the housing. The interference fit created by the tabs tends to reduce the possibility of annoying rattling or buzzing sounds during vehicle operation due to a loose fit of the cover onto the housing.

Abstract: An operating unit (12) with an insertion opening (11) through which a CD (29) is insertable. A device body (10) with a conveying roller 19 which conveys the CD (29); a lock and release mechanism (22) which locks/releases the operating unit (12) to/from the device body (10); a CD detector (20) which detects the CD (29) present in the insertion opening (11) before the lock and release mechanism (22) releases the operating unit (12); and a microcomputer (21) which causes the conveying roller 19 to load the CD (29) when the CD detector (20) detects the CD (29) present in the insertion opening (11).

Abstract: An air filtrating disk drive slot dust protector comprises an air filtrating element attached to the front portion of a disk shaped supporting body, so that insertion of the protector into the disk drive causes the disk drive slot to be blocked by the air filtrating element, thereby keeping the dust from entering the disk drive slot but still allowing the cooling air to pass.

Abstract: DAT system includes a transportable unit provided with a recording/reproducing magnetic head operatable with respect to a DAT cassette tape loaded thereto. The unit is fittable to a sleeve secured to an opening of a dashboard of an automobile, in which case the system is operatable only to reproduce the digital signal beforehand recorded on the DAT cassette tape. There is also provided a cabinet particularly adapted to be installed in home, having a mechanism cooperated with the transportable unit to perform recording operation as well as reproducing operation, when the unit is fitted to the cabinet.

Abstract: Adjustable mounting structure for a compact disc player includes a platform to support the player; an arm supporting the platform; ball and socket swivel elements, one of the elements supporting the arm; and a bracket supporting the other of the ball and socket elements, the bracket attachable to included vehicle passanger compartment structure; the socket element adjustably clamping the ball element to frictionally resist relative swiveling thereof. Switching circuitry is to be connected with the platform and has terminals connectible withi) speaker circuitry,ii) audio circuitry, andiii) a player output connection.

Abstract: A computer disk drive dust protector is made in the form of an elongated wedge-shaped slot entry member which is inwardly tapered at the edges, so that insertion of the member into the disk drive slot causes the member to tightly wedge within the slot from end to end and from top to bottom, thereby preventing the entry of dust into the slot. A handle is attached to the rear edge of the slot entry member to facilitate the insertion of the member into the computer disk drive slot and to facilitate removal of the member from the slot when the computer is to be used. At least the portion of the device which enters into the disk drive slot is made of resilient plastic to resiliently hold the member in place in the disk drive slot.

Abstract: A portable wireless sound reproduction system includes a first portable housing having a sound signal receiving circuit and controls for processing the sound signal into two signals for transmission by two separate sound signal transmitters located in the same housing. A pair of speakers is detachably connected to the first housing and include receivers for receiving the wireless transmission of signals from the transmitters. The two speakers are adapted to be disposed in side-by-side relation with the first housing completely overlying and detachably connected to each of the speakers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a desk with a removable program playing device. As contemplated, the present invention includes desk structure including a plurality of drawers which may be utilized to store various items. At the rearwardmost portion of the desk, a pair of speaker grilles are provided which also include structure to releasably retain a program playing device in assembled relation with respect thereto with the speakers of the program playing device being contained within these speaker grilles.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for an electronic device, especially a video cassette recorder, includes upper and lower carrying case halves of high impact material with the video cassette recorder positioned therebetween. Tamper resistant element are provided for securing the upper and lower carrying case halves to each other. First and second element are provided for affording access to the video cassette recorder cassette door and electrical connections respectively, the electrical connections passing through an integral barrier between the upper and lower carrying case halves for protectively isolating the video cassette recorder from a user thereof. A control panel allows a user access to at least a portion of the video cassette recorder's manual controls.

Abstract: A portable wireless sound reproduction system includes a first portable housing having a sound signal receiving circuit and controls for processing the sound signal into two signals for transmission by two separate sound signal transmitters located in the same housing. A pair of speakers is detachably connected to the first housing and include receivers for receiving the wireless transmission of signals from the transmitters. The two speakers are adapted to be disposed in side-by-relation with the first housing completely overlying and detachably connected to each of the speakers.

Abstract: A vehicle audio system having speaker circuitry and audio circuitry wherein there are a carrier and structure thereon to attach the carrier to a vehicle instrument panel to be supported by the panel; a tray supported by the carrier for movement between extended and retracted positions relative to the carrier and instrument panel; a compact disc player is positioned for removal and retracted portions in which the disc is normally substantially concealed, the player having an output connection; a switching circuit associated with the carrier and having terminals electrically connectible with the speaker circuitry, the audio circuitry and the player output connection. The switching circuitry being manually or automatically operable.

Abstract: A fault tolerant computing facility is disclosed. The facility includes a housing array for containing a plurality of hardware element modules such as disk drives, a plurality of modularized power supplies and plural power distribution modules, each being connected to a separate source of primary facility power. Each module is self aligning and blind-mateable with the housing and may be installed and removed without tools, without disturbing the electrical cabling within the cabinet, and automatically by a maintenance robot. The logical identity of each module is established by programming at a control panel and by corresponding physical location of installation of each module within the housing array.

Abstract: A video tape recorder, according to the present invention, comprises a mechanical chassis supporting a mechanism for recording and reproducing video signals on a magnetic video tape housed in a cassette. The mechanical chassis moves essentially on a horizontal plane at a load position and an ejecting position. At the load position, the mechanical chassis projects frontward from an outer cover housing of the video tape recorder for loading and/or ejecting a magnetic video tape cassette. Preferably, the recorder has at least two load positions and can perform recording and/or reproduction at either load position. At a first load position, the mechanical chassis is housed within the internal space of the recorder housing. At second load position, the mechanical chassis projects at least partway from the recorder housing. A push-button operated controller for operating the recorder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A video recording system enables self-service production of vended videocassette recordings to a user or customer, with user control of several features. Preferably the system includes forming a composite video picture with the user's image in combination with a user-selected background sequence. Compositing may be by chromakeying, with a key color as a backdrop behind the user in a recording booth. As the composite video recording is made the user preferably is able to watch the composite image on a monitor, which may also include prompting messages for the user. A preferred control for the system involves control data encoded on a videodisc, which also holds a plurality of selectable background sequences.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for an electronic device, especially a video cassette recorder, having upper and lower carrying case halves of high impact material with the video cassette recorder positioned therebetween. The upper and lower carrying case halves are integrally coupled to each other. First and second cover members rotatably connected to the upper and lower case halves are provided for affording access to the video cassette recorder cassette door and electrical connections respectively, the electrical connections passing through an integral barrier between the upper and lower carrying case halves for protectively isolating the video cassette recorder from a user thereof. A control panel allows a user access to at least a portion of the video cassette recorder's manual controls.

Abstract: A combination portable magnetic tape cassette player and multiband radio receiver in which the sensitive elements of the radio receiver are arranged within a hinged, plastic cover of the combined apparatus and the circuitry of the radio receiver is formed on a printed circuit board having an AM band antenna mounted thereto, whereby the AM receiver antenna is electro-magnetically unshielded by the plastic cover and the combined tape player and radio receiver is of a size substantially equal to that of the tape player alone.

Abstract: A cassette tape player is combined with a radio receiver and has a plurality of player control buttons used for selecting the operation mode of the tape playing mechanism and, a radio control button used for operating the radio signal receiving device, and a stop button used for stopping either the tape playing mechanism or the radio signal receiving device, wherein one of the player control buttons or radio control button can be switched and the operating condition either one of the tape playing mechanism or the radio signal receiving device can to be released by manipulating the stop button.

Abstract: In a cassette tape deck having a cover panel for covering an opening into which a tape cassette may be inserted, a keyboard section with dials for operating the tape deck and a display section with display elements for displaying operating conditions of the tape deck are provided on both front and rear surfaces of the cover panel of the tape deck.

Abstract: A car stereo set is disposed in a dead space inside a car which can be reached by a person sitting on the rear seat of the car, e.g. a central armrest, side armrest, rear side wall, or the back of a front seat. The car stereo set may be reduced to unit configuration so that it may start a sound reproduction operation immediately when it is inserted into a receptacle formed inside or outside the car. Further, the car stereo set may include a pair of car stereo units (both of which include a tape recorder) and a stereo switching mechanism. When a cassette tape is inserted into the tape recorder--of one unit--reproduction of the other car stereo unit is interrupted, a cassette tape inside the tape recorder--of the other unit--is ejected, and a reproduction operation based on the newly inserted cassette is started.

Abstract: An audio reproduction apparatus utilizing a speaker, electrical battery, amplifier, and source of electrical signals having a case for supporting the same. The electrical battery and source of electrical signals are held in relation to one another within the case.

Abstract: A standardized chassis for installation of a sound system in an automobile is adapted to receive a component selected from one or more of several groups of components to permit variations in complexity and quality of the composite automotive sound system commensurate with the desires of a user. A face plate, selected from a group of face plates and conforming with the requirements of the components selected, is attachable to the chassis and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The chassis and components include wiring harnesses interconnectable with one or another to eliminate all chassis external leads other than leads for the antenna, electrical power and speakers.

Abstract: A connection device comprises a main body (14) including a power source (12) and a first unit (10) having two terminals to which power is supplied from the power source (12); and a connection body (24) including a second unit (20) having two terminals to which power is supplied from the power source when the connection body is connected to the main body.

Abstract: A magnetic reproducing apparatus is disclosed which is capable of receiving radio broadcast programs. A tuner unit having approximately the same shape and size as a tape cassette is inserted in the magnetic reproducing apparatus. This tuner unit includes a tuner circuit. At least one first electrode is positioned on the tuner unit as an output terminal of the tuner unit. At least one second electrode is positioned on the apparatus body. The first electrode reliably contacts the second electrode when the tuner unit is inserted in the holding portion of the magnetic reproducing apparatus to enable reception and playing of radio programs.

Abstract: To provide ample space for display of output of electrical signals, typically frequency and operating conditions of a radio receiver, tape recorder, and other electronic components, a display panel (16) with liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) display elements (18) is integrated with the cover plate (14) behind which a cassette of a cassette recorder can be inserted, so that the space taken up by the panel for the cassette recorder is utilized as an indicator. Additional indicating functions, such as in an automobile, outputs of trip computers, digital clock indications, and the like, can be provided on a display panel.

Abstract: A home entertainment system and lighting cabinet simulates the sound and lighting effects of a discotheque. Light rays from a bank of differently colored lights are directed both to a mirrored rotating globe and to a rear reflecting panel behind the globe. A plurality of reflecting part-spherical domes and pyramidal-like projections are arranged on the rear panel and are configurated to reflect at least some of the impinging light rays back to the globe for subsequent reflection therefrom. The light rays reflected off the globe, domes and projections are projected about the room in which the system is located in a very dense pattern of reflected differently colored images. A stereo music system is mounted on the cabinet to combine a discotheque sound effect with the above-described lighting effect.

Abstract: A protective carrying case for an electronic device, especially a video cassette recorder, having upper and lower carrying case halves of high impact material with the video cassette recorder positioned therebetween. The upper and lower carrying case halves are integrally coupled to each other. First and second cover members rotatably connected to the upper and lower case halves are provided for affording access to the video cassette recorder cassette door and electrical connections respectively, the electrical connections passing through an integral barrier between the upper and lower carrying case halves for protectively isolating the video cassette recorder from a user thereof. A control panel allows a user access to at least a portion of the video cassette recorder's manual controls.

Abstract: A combination portable magnetic tape cassette player and multiband radio receiver in which the sensitive elements of the radio receiver are arranged within a hinged, plastic cover of the combined apparatus and the circuitry of the radio receiver is formed on a printed circuit board having an AM band antenna mounted thereto, whereby the AM receiver antenna is electromagnetically unshielded by the plastic cover and the combined tape player and radio receiver is of a size substantially equal to that of the tape player alone.