Having Protective Or Sheilding Feature Patents (Class 381/189)
  • Patent number: 8804993
    Abstract: A portable electronic device that provides compact configurations for audio elements are disclosed. The audio elements can be drivers (e.g., speakers) or receivers (e.g., microphones). In one embodiment, a molded acoustic chamber can be formed to assist in directing audio sound between an opening an outer housing and an internal flexible electronic substrate. The audio element can be mounted on or coupled to the flexible electrical substrate over an opening therein that allows allow audio sound to pass there through. The molded acoustic chamber can also be formed such that it includes a barrier, such as a mesh barrier, so that undesired foreign substances can be blocked from entry or further entry into the audio chamber. The molded acoustic chamber can also be formed such that it includes one or more acoustic seals that can be used to provide an acoustic seal between the molded acoustic chamber and the opening in the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Nicholas G. L. Merz, Tang Yew Tan, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Erik Wang
  • Patent number: 8798299
    Abstract: A communication device comprising a coated surface having a fine grained coating, the coating including a high nickel content to provide magnetic shielding. The present coating process can be applied to a variety of components and surfaces to provide magnetic shielding in a communications device. Such devices, include, but are not limited to cell phones, hearing aids, and other hearing assistance devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidney A. Higgins, James R. Newton
  • Patent number: 8792658
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an acoustic sensor system includes a housing structure, and a miniaturized acoustic transducer mounted in the housing structure. A flame arrestor structure is mounted on or within the housing structure between the acoustic transducer and the external environment, so that ambient acoustic energy passes through the flame arrestor structure before reaching the acoustic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: General Monitors, Inc.
    Inventors: Shankar B. Baliga, Scott W. Reed, John G Romero
  • Publication number: 20140198932
    Abstract: A device for protecting a microphone sensing surface, such as a diaphragm, from the detrimental effects of the ambient environment. The device incorporates a perforated surface to protect the microphone and in conjunction with a chamber volume creates an acoustic resonance in the 1 kHz to 20 kHz spectrum, which improves the microphone signal-to-noise ratio performance. The microphone is acoustically coupled to the chamber volume for sensing pressure of the ambient environment. There is no line of sight to the microphone sensing surface from the ambient environment, so that rain, wind and sand have no direct path to the microphone sensing surface. The perforations of the outer surface are small to prevent objects from contacting the microphone sensing surface via a direct path. Water drains from the chamber volume and does not become trapped if an embodiment of the invention is temporarily submerged so that the microphone returns to normal operation quickly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: RED TAIL HAWK CORPORATION
    Inventor: John W. Parkins
  • Patent number: 8761426
    Abstract: A housing structure for a sound generator includes a base portion having a separation wall; a case portion that defines a first space with the base portion; a covering portion that defines a second space with the base portion; a frame portion that projects toward the second space from the separation wall; a screen wall disposed on an outer side of the frame portion to define a groove between the screen wall and the frame portion; and a screen board arranged on an inner side of the screen wall. The screen board is distanced from the frame portion and the screen wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Anden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Miyata, Makoto Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 8724840
    Abstract: A microphone with an offset acoustic channel. The microphone includes an external case, an acoustic chamber enclosure within the external case, a microphone transducer positioned within the acoustic chamber enclosure, and a gasket positioned between the external case and the acoustic chamber enclosure. A first opening in the external case is positioned an offset lateral distance from a second opening in the acoustic chamber enclosure. An acoustic channel is formed in the gasket extending from the first opening to the second opening along the offset lateral distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andrew J. Doller, Michael J. Daley
  • Patent number: 8693722
    Abstract: A magnetic sound box device comprising a sound box and an antimagnetic plate is disclosed, wherein the sound box has at least one speaker and the sound box is for receiving sound source signals from an electronic device and transmitting the sound source signals to the speaker to play the sound source signals, and the lateral side of the sound box is disposed with a coupling portion; a plurality of magnets is disposed on the coupling portion so that the sound box can be magnetically attracted to any objects capable of being attracted by the magnets; the antimagnetic plate is disposed on the sound box for covering the coupling portion for blocking the magnetism of the magnets on the coupling portion, thereby preventing other storage devices with magnetic materials from being affected and damaged by the magnetism of the magnets when the magnetic sound box device is carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ozaki International Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Keng-Yuan Liu
  • Patent number: 8687828
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Otani, Yoshiomi Kusunoki
  • Patent number: 8682015
    Abstract: A receiver includes a housing and a sleeve. The housing forms a chamber, and the coil is disposed in the chamber and radiates a flux. The sleeve at least partially surrounds the coil such that a majority of flux radiated from the coil is blocked by the sleeve. The sleeve is constructed of a highly conductive material and is insulated from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Miller
  • Patent number: 8670588
    Abstract: This is directed to several handheld device components to be placed in a handheld device, as well as methods or systems for mounting or retaining components within the device. In particular, this is directed to a rigid shield used in an SMT process and securing connected flex connectors by adhering the flexes together. This is also directed to using foam in combination with a hard material to create an acoustic seal, or several layers of foam to create an acoustic and mechanical seal. This is also directed to selectively folding a sheet of material placed around a battery cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Fletcher Rothkopf, Brian Lynch, Wey-Jiun Lin, Kyle Yeates
  • Patent number: 8670586
    Abstract: A plate attached to the back shell of an earphone includes an exit cavity corresponding in dimension to and aligned with a first opening through the back shell. A channel in the bottom surface of the plate begins at a point aligned with a second opening through the back shell and ends at an aperture through a side wall of the exit cavity. The channel and the outer surface of the back shell together form a reactive acoustic port from a back cavity enclosed by the back shell to the exit cavity, the first opening through the shell forms a resistive acoustic port from the back cavity to the exit cavity, and the exit cavity couples the reactive acoustic port and the resistive acoustic port to free space without introducing additional acoustic impedance. In some examples, a water-resistant screen covers the upper aperture of the exit cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Boyle, Kenneth D. Gagnon, Jonathan A. Knudsen, William Tice, Kevin J. Winter
  • Publication number: 20140056448
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: at least one magnetic shielding plate located between a transducer and an exterior of the apparatus with at least one conduit configured to permit sound to pass through the cover, wherein the at least one magnetic shielding plate is configured to form a trap for particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jani Samuli Kuivalainen, Thomas Benedict Slotte
  • Patent number: 8644530
    Abstract: An apparatus including a housing having a sound hole; a sound transducer in the housing; and a dust barrier in the housing between the sound hole and the sound transducer. The dust barrier has a deck located in a path between the sound hole and the sound transducer. The deck comprises a dust collection pocket configured to accumulate dust therein and prevent dust from passing through the deck at the dust collection pocket. A sound aperture is provided between the sound hole and the sound transducer such that sound passes by the dust collection pocket between the sound hole and the sound transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Toni O. Soininen, Petri A. Soronen, Heikki J. Huttunen, Marko H. Kelloniemi
  • Patent number: 8638973
    Abstract: A speaker apparatus comprises a slit structure, wherein the slit structure including a plurality of plate-shaped parts each of which extends so that a plurality of slits are formed, a plurality of fold-back parts each of which is folded back from an end of the plate-shaped part on the side of the speaker toward a side of the front surface of the housing, so that the plurality of slits are formed, and a drain part that is arranged on a side of one of the two side surfaces of the housing, and wherein each of a plurality of grooves formed by the plurality of plate-shaped parts and the plurality of fold-back parts communicates with the drain part and is inclined so that, in a posture of the slit structure when the operation panel is operated, liquid led from the plate-shaped parts flows to the drain part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichiro Hayashi, Toshinori Hanji
  • Patent number: 8615100
    Abstract: Sound generated by a sound emitting unit passes through a first sound passage defined between a first shielding board and a shielding cylinder and a second sound passage defined between a second shielding board and the shielding cylinder, and is emitted outside from a sound emitting hole defined in at least one of a case and a cover. The second shielding board and the shielding cylinder shield a space between the sound emitting hole and the first sound passage when the first sound passage is seen from the sound emitting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Anden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Tsuruta, Susumu Miyata, Masaru Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8588436
    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: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Youngtack Shim
  • Patent number: 8588437
    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: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Youngtack Shim
  • Patent number: 8553913
    Abstract: A head of a condenser microphone includes: a condenser microphone unit; a housing supporting the condenser microphone unit; a first circuit board arranged adjacent to the condenser microphone unit in the housing; a second circuit board arranged remote from the condenser microphone unit and separated from the first circuit board in the housing; and a magnetic sheet arranged between and separated from the first circuit board and the second circuit board in the housing, the first circuit board including a circuit for processing an audio signal from the condenser microphone unit; the second circuit board including a DC-DC converter circuit unit for generating a polarization voltage to be applied to the condenser microphone unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Publication number: 20130259273
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing for the protection of the sound emitted by an audio device from physical interference during use of the audio device. Such an audio device in which said audio device may further function as at least one of the following: mobile phone, telephone, smart phone, or multimedia player. Such a method and apparatus comprising a housing with an extended portion about the speakers of the audio device whereby said extended portion protects the speakers from being covered or obstructed by unwanted material or objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: David Hyung Chin
  • Patent number: 8532323
    Abstract: An acoustic system includes a receiver or microphone, a tube, a barrier, and an equalization device. The receiver is capable of outputting an audio signal. The tube is in connection with the receiver and the audio signal travels along a length of the tube. The barrier is fitted along the tube and the barrier prevents moisture from passing along the tube toward the receiver. The barrier causes an amount of damping to the audio signal. The equalization device is in connection with the receiver and the equalization device counteracts the damping by the barrier. The barrier is configured to have a submersion rating greater than or equal to 7 IP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy K. Wickstrom, William J. Ballad, Mei-Yu Lin, Ying-Tzu Chan, Jen Nan Feng
  • Publication number: 20130223656
    Abstract: A waterproof structure includes a housing, an electroacoustic transducer, a packing and an annular member. The electroacoustic transducer has a case formed with tone holes. The packing is interposed between the housing and the electroacoustic transducer and has a thin film part on a part opposed to the tone holes. The annular member is interposed between the thin film part and the case and surrounds the tone holes. A space surrounded by the thin film part, the annular member and the case is formed. The annular member is configured to bias the thin film part of the packing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: JVC KENWOOD CORPORATION
    Inventor: JVC KENWOOD CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130223655
    Abstract: A speaker module for a mobile device is provided. The speaker module changes a shape of an opening surface of a duct to which a protection member for preventing a foreign substance from entering is attached. The speaker module includes a speaker for outputting a sound signal, a body in which the speaker is mounted, a duct connected to the body for forming a radiation path of a sound signal output from the speaker, and a protection member attached to an opening surface of the duct for preventing a foreign substance from entering the speaker module, wherein the opening surface has an area larger than that of a cross-sectional opening surface formed vertically with respect to a length direction of the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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