Having Protective Or Sheilding Feature Patents (Class 381/189)
  • Patent number: 8520877
    Abstract: A resonant structure for loudspeaker includes a basket defining a front opening and having an annular magnet mounted therein; a voice coil suspended inside the magnet; a diaphragm connected at a suspended flange to the front opening of the basket; at least one flexible suspension member spaced behind the diaphragm for connecting to a rear opening of the basket; and an inner frame having a front end glued to a rear wall surface of the diaphragm, a central area to the voice coil and a rear wing member to the flexible suspension member. When the voice coil moves forward and backward on the inner frame, best possible harmonic resonance between the diaphragm and the flexible suspension members can be obtained. The loudspeaker is effectively reduced in height, and bass response is enhanced to ensure upgraded sound quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Meiloon Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jack Peng, Yeh-Feng Chou
  • Patent number: 8509471
    Abstract: A speaker device, wherein vibration of a magnetic circuit section is suppressed with a magnetic influence on the magnetic circuit section suppressed. A speaker device having a vibration section and generating an audio sound by vibration of the vibration section is provided with a magnetic circuit section for forming a magnetic field for vibrating the vibration section and also with a weight section fixed to the magnetic circuit section and suppressing vibration of the magnetic circuit section subjected to reaction force caused by vibration of the vibration section. The weight section is fixed to the magnetic circuit section through a joint section for joining the magnetic circuit section and the weight section to each other, and this forms between the magnetic circuit section and the weight section a predetermined space for magnetically separating the magnetic circuit section and the weight section from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Kiyosei Shibata
  • Patent number: 8503688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to enhance an ear bud including a headband coupled to one or more ear pads. The ear pad being formed of a material for providing dampening of ambient sound and physiologic compression. For example, the pad can be formed of a visco-elastic foam having a thickness to provide noise reduction and sufficient comfort by avoiding excessive compression on any one part of the ear. The headband and the ear pad provide a force for compressing the tragus and antitragus to partially isolate the ear bud in the external auditory canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory DiRusso
  • Patent number: 8498588
    Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and circuit board in the housing and having radio frequency (RF) circuitry and a power amplifier and microphone mounted thereon. An antenna is carried within the housing and operative with the RF circuitry. An RF shield surrounds and isolates the microphone from the RF circuitry, power amplifier and antenna and shields the microphone from radiated energy generated from the RF circuitry, antenna or power amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Corrigan, George Soliman Mankaruse, Lizhong Zhu
  • Patent number: 8488817
    Abstract: A portable electronic device may have acoustic ports such as microphone and speaker ports. Acoustic devices such as microphones and speakers may be associated with the acoustic ports. An acoustic port may have an opening between an interior and exterior of the portable electronic device. The opening may be covered by a metal mesh. An acoustic fabric may be interposed between the metal mesh and the opening. The opening may be formed from a hole in a glass member having outer and inner chamfers. A microphone boot may be provided that forms front and rear radial seals with a housing of the device and a microphone unit respectively. The microphone boot may also form multiple face seals with the microphone unit. A speaker for the speaker port may be enclosed in a sealed speaker enclosure. The speaker enclosure may have a pressure-equalizing vent slit covered with an acoustic mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Mittleman, Richard P. Howarth, Chad Seguin
  • Patent number: 8488827
    Abstract: A condenser microphone includes a cylindrical microphone case having a condenser microphone unit therein; a microphone connector having an insulating base, one ground pin and two signal pins are embedded in the microphone connector; and a cylindrical connector sleeve fitted in the microphone case and accommodating the microphone connector therein, in which the connector sleeve has a concave-convex part on the outer peripheral surface thereof, the concave-convex part is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the microphone case at a plurality of points after the connector sleeve is fixed into the end of the microphone case by fixing means, and thereby the connector sleeve is electrically conducted with the microphone case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 8488830
    Abstract: A condenser microphone includes a support pipe made of a metallic material; a microphone body supported on a front end side of the support pipe, and including a microphone unit and an output module part having a sound signal output circuit and a shield housing; a proximal housing having an output connector therein and attached to a rear end side of the support pipe; a connecting member arranged between the support pipe and the shield housing; and a metal cover arranged in the connecting member and having a peripheral portion contacting with the shield housing. One end of a shield cover of a microphone cable and a ground part of the sound signal output circuit are connected electrically to the metal cover so that a complete shield in which a contact portion between the metal cover and the shield housing is a base point of grounding is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Satoshi Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20130177181
    Abstract: A protecting case assembly with foldable slim speaker for portable apparatus includes a protecting case attached with two hinge members and two slim speakers, like electret speakers, each attached with a hinge. Two hinges are correspondingly connected to the two hinge members so as to make the two slim speakers be rotatable between a close position and an open position. Furthermore, a resonance chamber of the protecting case receives a woofer. Next, the protecting case assembly can receive external multimedia signals from a portable apparatus through a Bluetooth module and output the signals through the electret speakers and the woofer to perform high quality sound effects. Therefore, according to the protecting case assembly, the user can use it to protect the portable apparatus whilst conveniently carrying better sound equipment in order to enjoy a high quality audio and video performance anytime and anywhere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: IN2UIT INC. LTD
    Inventor: IN2UIT INC. LTD
  • Patent number: 8467551
    Abstract: A microphone mounting assembly (800A/800b) include one or more transducers (801) mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) (805) where a spacer (803) is used having a channel (807) positioned on the PCB (805) for allowing acoustical energy to pass through the channel (807) to a port (809) in the PCB (805). A first cover (811) is positioned over the channel (807) for disrupting the direct encounter with airflow into the channel (807) while a top section (813) having a second cover (815) is further positioned adjacent to the first fabric cover (811) for preventing debris from obstructing the first fabric cover (811).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson
  • Publication number: 20130129120
    Abstract: A speaker has a body, a first packing ring and a fastening collar. The body includes a frame and sound components. The frame has a cover portion and an extension portion. A diameter of the cover portion is larger than a diameter of the extension portion. The sound components are mounted in the frame. The first packing ring is mounted around the extension portion of the body. The fastening collar is fastened around the extension portion of the body and watertightly abuts the first packing ring. Therefore, the speaker can be easily and quickly installed by mounting the first packing ring and the fastening collar around the body in sequence. Besides, the speaker can have a smooth appearance because no fixed structure on the cover frame is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Ting-Pang Chen
  • Publication number: 20130070943
    Abstract: A loudspeaker protection assembly includes a foam layer defining a first through-hole, a magnetic layer defining a second through-hole, and a gauze layer fixed to the magnetic layer. The magnetic layer is fixed to the foam with the second through hole aligned with the first through-hole and attracts magnetic particles which might otherwise penetrate to the prejudice of the loudspeaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: FIH (Hong Kong) LIMITED
    Inventor: CHIH-WEI CHANG
  • Patent number: 8391518
    Abstract: There is provided a condenser microphone in which even if strong electromagnetic waves are applied from a cellular phone or the like, the balance between a filter circuit for a No. 2 pin on the hot side and a filter circuit for a No. 3 pin on the cold side is maintained. The condenser microphone includes a printed wiring board 200 housed in a microphone casing and a three-pin type output connector, and is configured so that a No. 1 pin of the output connector is connected directly to the microphone casing and is connected to a ground electrode of the printed wiring board 200 via a high-frequency choke coil IL; on the printed wiring board, a first filter circuit 401 connected to the No. 2 pin on the hot side and a second filter circuit 501 connected to the No.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 8385569
    Abstract: An acoustic transducer unit includes a first member having a recess, and a plate-like second member having main surfaces. The second member is bonded to the first member so as to cover the recess and form a housing. A microphone element, which is an acoustic transducer, is accommodated in an internal space of the housing, and an acoustic path is provided between the internal space and an external space of the housing. A conductive electromagnetic-shielding member and terminal members for electrically connecting the microphone element and an external circuit are embedded in a resin body of the first member by insert molding. An electromagnetic shield layer of the second member is electrically connected to the electromagnetic-shielding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Hachinohe, Takahiro Oguchi
  • Patent number: 8369105
    Abstract: Various electromagnetically-countered systems are provided and include at least one wave source irradiating harmful electromagnetic waves and at least one counter unit emitting counter electromagnetic waves for countering the harmful waves. Various generic counter units of such systems and various mechanisms are provided to counter the harmful waves by the counter units by matching configurations of the counter units with those of the wave sources, matching shapes of such counter waves with shapes of the harmful waves, etc. Various methods are provided for countering the harmful waves with the counter waves by such source or wave matching. Various methods are also provided for the counter units as well as counter waves. Various processes are provided for providing such systems and counter units. Various electric and/or magnetic shields may be used alone or in conjunction with such counter units to minimize irradiation of the harmful waves from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Youngtack Shim
  • Patent number: 8363861
    Abstract: An entertainment system for use with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device that includes video glasses and headphones. A Faraday shield encloses the entertainment system to reduce adequately RF signals from entering or leaving the entertainment system. The entertainment system may have non-ferromagnetic RF low-pass filters between parts of the system, such as the control unit and the video glasses, to reduce higher RF signals from entering or leaving those parts. To replace the battery and or entertainment media, a person opens the entertainment system's Faraday shield when not MRI imaging or outside the MRI magnet room. The door has an Faraday shield overlapping the system Faraday shield and making low resistance RF contact. The entertainment system has a minimal amount of ferromagnetic material so that it may operate within the high magnetic field of the MRI magnet bore with minimal performance degradation. The entertainment system uses non-ferromagnetic speakers in the headphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Brian Hughes, Ryan A. Hughes
  • Patent number: 8345896
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes a thermoacoustic module, a first protection component, a second protection component, and an infrared-reflective film. The thermoacoustic module includes a sound wave generator, at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode are electrically connected to the sound wave generator. The sound wave generator includes a carbon nanotube structure, and the first and second protection components are located on opposite sides of the sound wave generator. The infrared-reflective film is located on the first protection component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang, Chen Feng
  • Patent number: 8331589
    Abstract: A MEMS microphone includes a cover, a housing engaging with the cover for forming a cavity. The housing includes a base and a sidewall extending perpendicularly from the base. A conductive case is provided to cover the cover and the sidewall of the housing. The base defines a periphery portion outside of the cavity for forming a step, and the conductive case locates a bottom end thereof on the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: AAC Acoustic Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd, American Audio Components Inc.
    Inventors: Zhi-Jiang Wu, Xing-Fu Chen, Yong-Ze Su
  • Patent number: 8315414
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode, a sound wave generator and two protection components. The sound wave generator is electrically connected to the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. The sound wave generator includes a carbon nanotube structure. The two protection components are located on opposite sides of the sound wave generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang, Chen Feng, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8306254
    Abstract: A spa speaker system having a housing with a speaker mounted therein, wherein the housing is mounted within a hole in the wall of a spa. The speaker system is arranged at an angle within the housing, and is rotatable with respect to the hole. The system can also comprise a watertight membrane arranged to prevent water and contaminants from interfering with speaker components. A system for providing audio to a spa is also disclosed. The system comprises a spa having walls and at least one speaker unit mounted in a spa wall. Each of the speaker units is capable of receiving an audio signal, and generating sound towards the occupants of the spa. Each of the speaker units comprises a speaker that is individually rotatable and arranged at an angle to direct the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Schmidt, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8300858
    Abstract: An electrostatic speaker is constituted of a vibrator, conductive cloths, and elastic members, which are laminated together and woven together using strings. Since all the constituent elements are restrained in positioning by strings, the overall structure thereof is not substantially changed even when the electrostatic speaker is deformed in shape by bending or curving, wherein it is possible to secure the prescribed positional relationship between the constituent elements, which are not deviated in positioning. It is possible to introduce a sheet composed of a thermoplastic resin, which holds the vibrator and elastic members therein. The conductive cloths can be replaced with film electrodes, each of which is formed such that a conductive polymer layer is formed on a base film composed of a thermoplastic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Nakaya, Yasuaki Takano
  • Patent number: 8284966
    Abstract: An elastic shield comprising an acoustic channel having a sound inlet and a sound outlet, and a hollow portion being adapted to at least partly surround a miniature microphone, or alternatively, arranged to follow an outer contour of a miniature microphone. The present invention further relates to a miniature microphone assembly comprising a miniature microphone having a sound inlet, and an elastic shield comprising an acoustic channel having a sound inlet and a sound outlet, the elastic shield further comprising a hollow portion housing at least part of the miniature microphone in a manner so that the sound outlet of the acoustic channel is aligned with the sound inlet of the miniature microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sonion Mems A/S
    Inventors: Christopher Wilk, Bjarke Pihl Bovbjerg, Tapio Juhani Liusvaara
  • Patent number: 8280460
    Abstract: A microphone (130) is fitted with a mounting portion (130a) of a front case (12) in a state being set to a microphone folder (134). A metallic mesh-wise sheet (132) is attached to a front face of the microphone. When an EL sheet (110) on a rear face of the front case emits light by supplying power to it, electrical noise is radiated from the EL sheet. The mesh-wise sheet of the front face of the microphone blocks the electrical noise from the EL sheet, which may enter through a sound hole (131) to the inside of the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Shiono, Kenji Fukazawa
  • Patent number: 8265329
    Abstract: Improved approaches for providing a speaker within a housing of a portable electronic device are disclosed. The housing of the portable electronic device can be compact, such as a low profile housing. In one embodiment, an acoustic chamber for a speaker can be formed internal to a housing for a portable electronic device using non-dedicated space. In another embodiment, irregular surfaces can be sealed so that an acoustic chamber for a speaker can be formed internal to a housing for a portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gloria Lin, Derek B. Barrentine, Michael Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 8229141
    Abstract: A transducer array assembly includes a support structure having a plurality of predetermined openings therein for accommodating transducer components. Flexible circuits are embedded in the support structure. Each flexible circuit has first ends being positioned in the support structure predetermined openings. Terminal blocks are joined to the second ends. Transducer elements are positioned in the support structure predetermined openings and placed in electrical communication with the flexible circuit first ends. A polymer material is provided surrounding the transducer elements, said support structure, and said flexible circuit first ends. There is also provided a method for manufacturing the transducer array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kim C. Benjamin
  • Patent number: 8223997
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waterproof case for protecting electronic devices. The waterproof case includes a flexible waterproof bag attached to a rigid lid that can be opened to allow electronic devices to pass into the bag. When closed, the lid forms a watertight seal that protects the inside of the bag from ingress of water. The lid can include a pass-through jack which allows a user to connect an electronic device, such as an audio device, to an output through the lid. The case may also be incorporated into a flexible attachment system, such as an armband or swimbelt. Methods of connecting an electronic device to an electronic output, such as an audio output, through a waterproof case are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: H2O Audio, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Wilson, II, Carl Pettersen, Kristian Rauhala, Pete Dirksing, Cory McCluskey, Jim Pena
  • Patent number: 8223998
    Abstract: An electrostatic speaker is constituted of a vibrator, conductive cloths, and elastic members, which are laminated together and woven together using strings. Since all the constituent elements are restrained in positioning by strings, the overall structure thereof is not substantially changed even when the electrostatic speaker is deformed in shape by bending or curving, wherein it is possible to secure the prescribed positional relationship between the constituent elements, which are not deviated in positioning. It is possible to introduce a sheet composed of a thermoplastic resin, which holds the vibrator and elastic members therein. The conductive cloths can be replaced with film electrodes, each of which is formed such that a conductive polymer layer is formed on a base film composed of a thermoplastic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Nakaya, Yasuaki Takano
  • Publication number: 20120148082
    Abstract: An audio emitter comprises a support member operable to support a sound emittive material and a sound emittive material carried by the support member. A protective screen has a plurality of apertures formed therein, the protective screen being spaced a predetermined distance from the sound emittive material, said predetermined distance being a function of a resonant frequency of the audio emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Elwood G. Norris
  • Patent number: 8199961
    Abstract: A speaker device (100) includes a speaker unit (2) including a diaphragm (6); a windshield cover (3) covering the speaker unit and including a sound emitting unit (130) emitting a sound produced by the speaker unit; and a cabinet (5) connected to a bottom of the windshield cover, and supporting the speaker unit so as to form an angle equal to or greater than 0 degree and equal to or smaller than 90 degree between a vibration direction X of the diaphragm and the sound emitting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: JVC Kenwood Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Omoda, Masahiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8191678
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a combination of a microphone and a composite acoustic panel. The composite acoustic panel comprises materials having different spectra of acoustic absorption. The materials may be integrated in a single layer or in a plurality of different layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: SE Electronics International, Inc.
    Inventor: Siwei Zou
  • Publication number: 20120134518
    Abstract: A cover unit that is provided to an electronic device as a waterproof cover, the cover unit covering one or more openings formed in a housing of the electronic device with respect to a plurality of speakers, and comprising a frame member having a plurality of windows disposed therein, the windows facing the speakers in one-to-one correspondence, and a waterproof film covering the windows. Having such a structure, the cover unit covers the one or more openings formed in the housing, and has an advantageous effect of suppressing at least one of (i) an increase in parts composing an electronic device and (ii) an increase in distortion of sound. Additionally, since a vibration unit faces a corresponding one of the speakers, the unnecessary vibration of the vibration unit is inhibited, which leads to a reduction in the distortion of sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki OTANI, Yoshiomi KUSUNOKI
  • Patent number: 8180077
    Abstract: A medical grade stereo system is disclosed. The stereo system may include a housing with faceplates where a user interface and connectors mounted to the faceplates form fully sealed interfaces sealing the housing interior from the environment. A shielding enclosure and shielded components provide a system that may limit radio frequency emissions. A power supply supplying power to the system may limit current leakage to less than 300 microamperes. A hospital grade A/C power cord and electrical plug connect the system to a room's electrical line. Additionally, the system may include an internally formed interface for a satellite tuner adaptor cable connection connecting a satellite tuner to a stereo receiver hub entirely within the housing and enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen M. Slaughter
  • Patent number: 8180087
    Abstract: A microphone comprises a three-pin socket, a first USB socket and a USB adapter. The first USB socket is fixed within the three-pin socket. The three-pin socket comprises an inserted block and three pins. The three pins are fixed on the inserted block. The first USB socket is embedded in the inserted block. The USB adapter comprises a USB plug which matches the first USB socket and a second USB socket which has a different dimension from the first USB socket. The USB plug and the second USB socket are connected electrically. The microphone can be normally used at all occasions. The dimension of the finished product is reduced so as to save a very large space. The microphone can be electrically connected with a USB data line with a USB plug having a different dimension from the first USB socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Ying Jui Wu
  • Patent number: 8180083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel protective cover for over-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aid devices, wherein the protective cover is resistant to infiltration of moisture, corrosive elements, and/or dirt or debris. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the protective cover comprises a flexible material that offers a formed fit over the hearing aid device, and includes at least one slit within the flexible material such that the protective cover may be readily flipped up to allow access to portions of the over-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aid device upon which it is placed without significant effort by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Magnatone Hearing Aid Corp.
    Inventors: Don E. K. Campbell, William Chiu
  • Publication number: 20120114149
    Abstract: A speaker diaphragm is configured by a compound mixed with resin and bamboo fiber. The diaphragm satisfying the advantage of the bamboo fiber of high sound quality and a large degree of freedom in the setting of the characteristic value of the diaphragm and the advantage of the diaphragm made of a resin with improved humidity resistance reliability and strength, excellent external appearance, and enhanced productivity and dimension stability is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimichi KAJIHARA, Shinya Mizone, Kazuyoshi Mimura, Takashi Sabato, Kazuaki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8170257
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing background and wind noise to a microphone contained in a microphone casing comprises a clamshell enclosure. The clamshell enclosure has a top piece and a bottom piece held together by a hinge or a plastic membrane, wherein the clamshell enclosure is designed to encapsulate the microphone casing containing the microphone. The clamshell enclosure contains foam materials inside the clamshell enclosure, or the clamshell enclosure itself is made out of foam materials such as polyurethane, wherein the foam materials contribute to reduction of background and wind noises to the microphone. The clamshell enclosure may optionally incorporate one or more channels as electrical cord pathways between the microphone casing encapsulated in the clamshell enclosure and another object (e.g. electronic device, earphones, and etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne G P Chan
  • Patent number: 8157048
    Abstract: An acoustically resistive protective cover assembly for an opening in a casing is provided, the casing separates an enclosed space from the ambient space and has an exposed face oriented toward the ambient space and an internal face oriented toward the internal space. The cover assembly comprises an acoustically resistive porous material disposed upon the exposed face of the case and an acoustically resistive water repellant material disposed upon the internal face of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Banter, Andrew J. Holliday, Victor Lusvardi
  • Patent number: 8155365
    Abstract: In a gooseneck microphone in which a support pipe is capable of extending and contracting, and accordingly a microphone cord extension/contraction part is provided in an output module section, the microphone cord soldered part on a circuit board is prevented from being rubbed by the microphone cord extension/contraction part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio Technica
    Inventor: Noriko Matsui
  • Patent number: 8150082
    Abstract: There is provided a waterproof hearing aid capable of being worn without caring about the entry of sweat or water even at the time of sweating or bathing. The waterproof hearing aid has a first waterproof film stretchingly provided at the sound inlet of a microphone and a second waterproof film stretchingly provided at the sound outlet of an earphone, a tube (first vent) communicating a microphone chamber formed by the first waterproof film and the microphone with a hearing aid case chamber formed by a hearing aid case, a tube (second vent) communicating an earphone chamber formed by the second waterproof film and the earphone with the hearing aid case chamber, and a porous film (third vent) communicating the hearing aid case chamber with the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Saito, Takashi Iwakura, Keisuke Shinohara
  • Patent number: 8150088
    Abstract: In a gooseneck condenser microphone that supports a condenser microphone unit via a support pipe, when the microphone is used by inserting a microphone cable through the support pipe in the state in which a shield covered wire having no skin is exposed throughout the entire length thereof, the movement of the microphone cable in the support pipe is restricted, by which the generation of noise caused by looseness contact of the shield covered wire with the inner wall of the support pipe is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Tecnica
    Inventors: Hiroshi Akino, Noriko Matsui
  • Patent number: 8139796
    Abstract: To provide a wireless microphone device that enables a circuit board, which is to be provided with an oscillation circuit, to be decreased in size without deteriorating radiation characteristics. The wireless microphone device is configured to include: a circuit board 5 that is sectioned into circuit areas 11a and 11b and makes the respective circuit areas function as antenna elements of a dipole antenna; an oscillation circuit 21 that is arranged in the circuit area 11b and generates a high frequency signal on the basis of a voice signal from a microphone 2a; a feeding path for feeding the high frequency signal to an electrically conductive layer 11 in the circuit area 11b through a feeding point positioned on the circuit area 11a side distant from the oscillation circuit 21; and a high frequency shield covering at least a part of the feeding path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: TOA Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Nakashima, Koji Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 8135149
    Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a speaker grille, a built-in speaker provided behind the speaker grille, and an output amplifier connected to the built-in speaker. A voltage applied to the output amplifier is increased to a level higher than the level of voltage applied to the output amplifier while audio signals are being produced, and instead of the audio signals, low-frequency continuous signals are applied to the output amplifier. By increasing the voltage applied to the output amplifier to a level higher than the level of voltage applied to the output amplifier while audio signals are being produced, the amplitude of the voltage applied to the speaker is increased. Also, instead of the audio signals, low-frequency continuous signals are applied to the output amplifier so that the speaker produces a higher sound pressure than while audio signals are being produced to discharge water in the speaker grille under the sound pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Icom Incorporated
    Inventors: Akihide Yoshida, Yoshio Sekiyama
  • Patent number: 8127885
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, Jr., Andrew C Edwards, Michael Hudson, Andrew Evans
  • Patent number: 8126166
    Abstract: Disclosed is a silicone based condenser microphone comprising: a metal case which includes a sound hole, a board which is mounted with a MEMS microphone chip and an ASIC chip having an electric voltage pump and a buffer IC and is formed with a connecting pattern for joining with the metal case. A fixing material for fixing the metal case to the board, and an adhesive for applying to the whole part where the metal case fixed to the board by the fixing material is joined with the board to bond the metal case to the board. Therefore, the metal case is tack-welded to the board by a laser to fix the case to the board and then the case is bonded to the board with the adhesive, thereby decreasing an inferiority ratio and strengthening a joining force and thus enhancing a mechanical firmness and highly resisting noise from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: BSE Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung Dam Song
  • Patent number: 8103026
    Abstract: A microphone module includes a cabinet, a sensor, an integrated circuit chip, a first substrate, and a second substrate. The first substrate carries the integrated circuit chip and includes a first top surface, a first bottom surface, and a first shielding part with a fixed electric potential extending from the first top surface to the first bottom surface. The second substrate includes a second top surface contacting the first bottom surface, a second bottom surface, and a second shielding part with the fixed electric potential on the second bottom surface, wherein the second shielding part is arranged in such a way that no electromagnetic waves can pass between the first shielding part and the second shielding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Te Wu, Yan-Li Lin
  • Patent number: 8103028
    Abstract: An electrostatic loudspeaker includes a backplate having a metal film acting as one electrode of a capacitor and defining a number of sound apertures therein; a diaphragm insulatively spaced a distance from the backplate to form the capacitor; the diaphragm comprising a metal film acting as the other electrode of the capacitor; a back chamber having a substrate and an insulative spacer for joining edge portions of the diaphragm and the substrate; a driving circuit element for converting electrical signals from exterior input pads into driving signals to drive the diaphragm to vibrate and sound; the driving circuit element being mounted on an inner surface of the substrate and being accommodated in the back chamber; and a first, second and third connection paths for respectively electrically connecting the driving circuit element with the two electrodes of the capacitor, and the exterior input pads. An electrostatic loudspeaker with two backplates is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Gang Li, Wei Hu, Jia Xin Mei
  • Patent number: 8091681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided which comprises forming a loudspeaker frame so as to define a driver housing portion, a horn portion, and a conformal portion. A driver aperture is defined for the driver housing portion, and a port aperture is defined for the horn portion. A driver is attached to the loudspeaker frame proximate to the driver aperture. A rear baffle is applied to a first conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame. The rear baffle defines a horn cavity wall of a horn cavity of the horn portion. The horn cavity has an increasing cross sectional area as the distance from the driver housing portion increases. A grille is applied to a second conformal portion surface of the conformal portion of the loudspeaker frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, Jr., Andrew C Edwards, Michael Hudson, Andrew Evans
  • Patent number: 8081455
    Abstract: A cooling device for an acoustic apparatus includes a cooling fan that is turned on and off, and adjusted in quantity of airflow in accordance with an apparatus temperature, wherein when the apparatus temperature is lower than a value requiring immediate cooling, and when an audio output is in a mute state, the cooling fan is not changed in operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Sano, Toshiyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8081788
    Abstract: A shielding device for a hearing aid is able to shield components against interference from the outside and vice versa. The shielding device has at least three sections, which are each connected to one another via a flexible connecting section. It being possible for at least a first section to be provided with a printed circuit board and to be populated with at least one component and/or an integrated circuit, it being possible for the two other sections to be folded around the first section by the flexible connecting sections, in order to shield the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Wee Haw Koo, Meng Kiang Lim
  • Patent number: 8077887
    Abstract: There is provided an electrical connector especially suitable for a condenser microphone, which connector is, though being small in size, provided with an electromagnetic wave shielding unit that is capable of easily being installed in the connector and is equivalent to an EMI core. The electrical connector includes a cylindrical connector housing 10; a connector element 20; and a connection cable 30, and is configured so that the connector element 20 is supported on one end side of the connector housing 10, and the connection cable is drawn into the connector housing 10 through a cable insertion part 10b on the other end side of the connector housing 10 and thereby connected electrically to the connector element 20. In this electrical connector, a magnetic fluid 62, and a permanent magnet 61 for magnetically attracting the magnetic fluid 62 are housed in an excess space between the connector element 20 and the cable insertion part 10b in the connector housing 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Patent number: 8073179
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone package includes a substrate, a micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip mounted on the substrate, and a cover attached to the substrate to cover the micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip. The cover is provided with a sound inlet through which the micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone receives external sound. The micro-electro-mechanical-system microphone chip includes a conductive base connected to a constant voltage, a shielding layer supported by the conductive base and connected to the constant voltage, a diaphragm disposed between the conductive base and the shielding layer, and a back plate also disposed between the conductive base and the shielding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Te Wu, Chia-Jen Hsu