And Loudspeaker Patents (Class 381/332)
  • Patent number: 9800976
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer includes a driver, a diaphragm 13 driven to vibrate by the driver and emitting sound, a baffle 21 holding the diaphragm 13, first apertures 25 extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the baffle 21, and a first acoustic resistor 22 disposed on the front surface of the baffle so as to cover the first apertures. The electroacoustic transducer includes a plurality of sound paths for guiding the sound generated by the diaphragm 13 to the rear surface of the baffle 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventors: Yoji Honda, Kenzo Tsuihiji, Koichiro Tanoue, Kenji Arai
  • Patent number: 9706310
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention discloses an acoustic device having a housing including a receiving space and a sound hole communicating with the receiving space; a vibration unit received in the receiving space; a magnetic circuit unit driving the vibration unit to vibrate; wherein, the vibration unit includes a first part away from the sound hole and a second part close to the sound hole; and the first part is driven by a higher magnetic force generated by the magnetic circuit unit than the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: AAC TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Yunxia Xu, Bin Cai
  • Patent number: 9648403
    Abstract: There is provided an acoustic element for placement in a sound path of a loudspeaker device, the acoustic element comprising a container and an acoustic volume increasing material located in the container. In an embodiment, the container comprises wall portions with different physical characteristics. In other embodiments, the walls of the container are made of the same material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Knowles IPC (M) SDN. BHD.
    Inventors: Maria Papakyriacou, Markus Steinhauser, Thomas Jagsich
  • Patent number: 9398355
    Abstract: A loudspeaker module includes a housing having a plurality of side walls and a cover plate positioned over a top surface of the plurality of side walls, a bottom of the housing remaining open. A driver mounting plate is secured to the plurality of side walls and divides the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. At least one of the plurality of side walls includes an aperture linking the lower compartment to the external environment surrounding the housing. A driver is mounted to the driver mounting plate, the driver being positioned to fire into the lower compartment of the housing. A mounting bracket is secured to the at least one of the plurality of side walls including an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 9307308
    Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for waterproofing an electronic device having an audio output. More particularly a method for dynamically forming an acoustic volume of air for a speaker component is disclosed. The dynamically formed acoustic volume creates a sealed volume of air that prevents moisture from entering a portion of the device that includes moisture sensitive components. By dynamically forming the acoustic volume during a blow forming operation, the acoustic volume can utilize unused space within the electronic device in a highly efficient manner by occupying small areas of unused space that would otherwise go unused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jason J. Huey, Alvin J. Hilario, Kevin M. Keeler, Ping Zhao
  • Patent number: 9191734
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a two-dimensional array of non-housed individual speakers having flat shapes. The non-housed individual speakers are accommodated within a flat housing, the depth of the housing being smaller than 5 cm, for example. Non-housed individual speakers used are advantageously headphone capsules and/or miniature loudspeakers having diaphragm diameters of less than 5 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Sporer, Daniel Beer, Stephan Mauer
  • Patent number: 9099073
    Abstract: There is provided an acoustic element (102) for placement in a sound path (120) of a loudspeaker device (100), the acoustic element (102) comprising a container (104) and an acoustic volume increasing material (106) located in the container (104). In an embodiment, the container (104) comprises wall portions with different physical characteristics. In other embodiments, the walls of the container (104) are made of the same material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics Asia PTE. Ltd.
    Inventors: Maria Papakyriacou, Markus Steinhauser, Thomas Jagsich
  • Patent number: 9049505
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an upper cover, a bottom cover, and at least one loudspeaker. The upper cover includes a top wall and a first sidewall perpendicular to the top wall, and the first sidewall defines a number of first sound holes. The bottom cover includes at least one chamber opening toward the top wall. The chamber includes a second sidewall and a third sidewall opposite to the second sidewall. The second sidewall defines a number of second sound holes aligned with the respectively first sound holes. The loudspeaker is received in the chamber and includes a front portion facing the second sidewall and an opposite rear portion. The front portion and the second sidewall cooperatively form a front chamber in communication with the first and the second sound holes, and the rear portion and the third sidewall cooperatively form a back chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Zhongshan Innocloud Intellectual Property Services Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Man-Zhong Wang
  • Publication number: 20150139462
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes a housing having an upper housing unit, a lower housing unit, and a cylindrical passageway connecting the upper housing unit and the lowering housing unit such that the upper housing unit and the lower housing unit are in fluid communication. A driver mounting plate is secured within the lower housing unit and divides the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. At least one of the side walls of the lower housing unit includes a side wall aperture linking the lower compartment to an external environment surrounding the housing. A driver is mounted to the driver mounting plate, the driver being positioned to fire into the lower compartment of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 9030817
    Abstract: A handheld computing device is disclosed. The handheld computing device includes a seamless housing formed from an extruded metal tube. The extruded tube includes open ends and internal rails which serve as a guide for slidably assembling an operational assembly through the open ends of the extruded tube, a reference surface for positioning the operational assembly relative to an access opening in the seamless housing, and a support structure for supporting the operational assembly during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Teodor Dabov, Phillip M. Hobson, Anthony Montevirgen
  • Publication number: 20150125018
    Abstract: A deployable speaker includes a driver and an acoustic enclosure made up of a multiplicity of panels. The driver is secured to one of the panels. The acoustic enclosure is deployable from a closed state to a deployed state. When one of the panels is moved by a user from the closed to the deployed state, all but one of the remaining panels are simultaneously moved from the closed to the deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: BOSE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew W. Clark
  • Patent number: 9020178
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel drive unit mounting arrangement, in which a drive unit having a chassis is mounted to a cabinet from at least two sides. The arrangement comprises a member for securing the drive unit to the cabinet from mounting points of the chassis. The arrangement further comprises a suspension member between the mounting points of the chassis and the cabinet such as to suspend the drive unit chassis elastically to the cabinet for allowing suspension in both forward and rearward directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Genelec Oy
    Inventors: Ilpo Martikainen, Markku Kulomäki, Aki Mäkivirta, Jussi Väisänen, Noa Eskelinen, Jari Mäkinen, Pekka Nissinen
  • Publication number: 20150098003
    Abstract: A lens module and a speaker module are provided. The lens module includes a lens stand, a base and a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy connects the lens stand and the base. The speaker module includes a speaker unit, a box and a shape memory alloy. The box has a rear wall and an opening. The shape memory alloy connects the speaker unit and the rear wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Jyun-Shuo Liang, Tsung-Hsien Tsai, Hung-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 9002050
    Abstract: A speaker bar for a tablet computer is presented. The speaker bar is sized to fit inside a cover of the tablet computer by folding or rolling the speaker bar inside the cover. The speaker bar has retractable speaker members that extend outward beyond the edges of the speaker bar housing along a longitudinal axis of the speaker bar. Power is provided to the speaker bar when the retractable members are extended, and the power is turned off when the retractable members are retracted. The speaker bar connects to a tablet computer via Bluetooth wireless connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: BBY Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Widner, Amy Prescott
  • Publication number: 20150071471
    Abstract: An electronic system and an electronic device thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a speaker module, a second housing, and a bearing. The first housing has a first hole. The speaker module is disposed in the first housing, and a sound generated by the speaker module is transmitted out of the electronic device through the first hole. The second housing has a bearing surface facing to the first housing. The bearing is disposed between the first housing and the second housing. The second housing and the first housing move relative to each other by using the bearing, so the first housing covers or exposes a portion of the bearing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Yen-Chun Shao, Chih-Chiang Lin, Wen-Yu Shih
  • Publication number: 20150063618
    Abstract: A housing assembly includes a housing and a speaker module. The housing defines a slot. The speaker module is assembled to the housing. The speaker module includes a speaker and a base. The speaker is received in the base. The base includes a protrusion protruding from a side surface of the base and surrounding the base. The base is received in the slot. The protrusion is fixed to an inner surface of the housing around the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Chiun Mai Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: CHUN-JEN CHEN, KUANG-HSIEN WANG
  • Publication number: 20150055810
    Abstract: The present invention provides a soundproof housing for an earset, comprising: a housing main body, coupled to the inside of a front surface case having a protrusion portion inserted into the ear, and provided with a speaker accommodation groove and a microphone accommodation groove; a speaker output hole, penetratingly formed in the speaker accommodation groove so as to communicate with the front surface case, and adjacent to the output end of the speaker; and a microphone input hole, formed in a recessed manner inside the microphone accommodation groove so as to communicate with the front surface case, and adjacent to the input end of the microphone, wherein the housing main body is protrudingly formed as a long protrusion toward the inside of the protrusion portion of the front surface case, so as to be tightly coupled with the inside of the protrusion portion of the front surface case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Doo Sik Shin
  • Patent number: 8965022
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a kit for making a personalized display includes a blank foldable to form a cavity according to score lines to form a display with a cavity, a print medium to receive a user selected-image and to adhere to the blank, and a bending wave generation unit attachable to a display element to receive a signal from a signal generator and produce bending waves within the display element that cause the display element to vibrate and generate audible acoustic waves in accordance with the signal. In another embodiment, a personalized display includes a blank with extensions folded to form a cavity, a print medium adhered to the blank and with a user-selected image printed via a digital printer, and a bending wave generation unit attached to a display element and positioned within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Xiaoqi Zhou, David P Rossing, Stephen Martin Ladak
  • Patent number: 8965007
    Abstract: An exemplary personal listening device includes thermo-sensitive elements in its transducers. Each thermo-sensitive element senses temperature change of a corresponding transducer and changes a current flowing through the transducer according to temperature change of the transducer, to reflect the amount of time for which the personal listening device has been working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Wei Zhang, Jun Zhang, Tsung-Jen Chuang, Shih-Fang Wong
  • Patent number: 8948436
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a loudspeaker system that includes a loudspeaker and a detachable mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount include electrical connectors that are engaged when the loudspeaker is attached to the mount. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker and mount comprise mating mounting structures that support the loudspeaker on the mount when the mounting structure of the loudspeaker is engaged with the mounting structure of the mount. In one or more embodiments, mating electrical connectors are incorporated in the mounting structures such that engaging the mounting structures simultaneously engages the electrical connectors. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker comprises a locking mechanism that positively retains the loudspeaker on the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, Jr., Jeff Hatley, Michael Hudson, Larry Frerichs
  • Patent number: 8948438
    Abstract: A speaker cabinet pole mount includes a socket body and an attachment element. The socket body defines a pole socket comprising a first socket part and a second socket part extending generally from one end of the first socket part. The first socket part has a first diameter and the second socket part having a second, smaller diameter. The second socket part has an internal wall which is provided with at least one coupling element adapted to engage with a threaded pole. The attachment element is coupled to the socket body generally at the other end of the first socket part, the attachment element being adapted for connection to a wall of a speaker cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Penn Elcom Limited
    Inventors: James Hatton, Roger Willems
  • Patent number: 8942401
    Abstract: It is an object to provide an electro-acoustic converter which can be subjected to air leakage test allowing a gas to pass through a waterproof film in such a condition that the waterproof film is attached to the electro-acoustic converter. An electro-acoustic converter is produced, which includes: a casing having a sound hole; and a diaphragm provided in the casing, wherein the sound hole is covered with the waterproof film to form a closed space, and the closed space is in communication with the outside of the casing through a vent for air leakage test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeharu Murayama
  • Patent number: 8942402
    Abstract: An acoustic speaker device (10) according to the present invention comprises at least two types of gas adsorption materials in a cabinet (12) thereof. A porous carbon material package member (14A), which is one of the gas adsorption materials, can adsorb or eliminate air in the cabinet (12) by a porous carbon material (41) during the operation of a speaker unit (13) so as to buffer compression or expansion of air in the cabinet (12). A sheet-like moisture adsorbing material (14B), which is the other of the gas adsorbing materials, is formed by dispersing copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite (43) in a thermoplastic resin composition (44), and is stuck on at least a section of an inner wall of the cabinet (12). This configuration allows moisture in the cabinet (12) to be rapidly adsorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Akiko Yuasa
  • Patent number: 8938083
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a sound box on a casing is disclosed in the present invention. The fixing mechanism includes a first bridging structure disposed on the sound box and surrounding a speaker of the sound box, a second bridging structure disposed on the casing and surrounding a sound hole on the casing, a rib structure disposed on the casing, and a damping structure installed between the first bridging structure and the second bridging structure. The damping structure includes a base for contacting against the rib structure, an exterior portion disposed on an outer edge of the base for installing inside the second bridging structure, and an interior portion disposed on an inner edge of the base. An accommodating space is formed between the exterior portion and the interior portion for accommodating the first bridging structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Yi Liang
  • Publication number: 20150010186
    Abstract: A car speakerphone (10; 32; 47; 48; 49) to be attached to a sun visor (4) in the cabin of a car (5), which sun visor (4) is of the type, that can be rotated about a first axis (38) into different adjustment positions (P). The speakerphone (10; 32; 47; 48; 49) comprises a speaker housing (11), at least a first microphone device (2, 9, 45, 53, 55) with a directivity (41) and including at least a first microphone (2, 14-21). The speakerphone comprises adjustment means (22, 23, 24, 25; 27; 31) for adjusting the directivity (41) of said microphone device (2, 9, 45, 53, 55) in relation to the sun visor (4). The adjustment means (22, 23, 24, 25; 27; 31) are adapted to automatically adjust the directivity (41) of the microphone device (2, 9, 45, 53, 55) as a function of the adjustment position (P) of the sun visor (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Leo LARSEN
  • Patent number: 8929578
    Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, electronic devices with improved radiators (or “passive drivers”) comprising an elastomerically mounted mass in order to improve sound reproduction fidelity. The mass comprises a component of the device not normally used for such purpose—e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. G Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Godehard A. Guenther
  • Patent number: 8929579
    Abstract: A transportable audio system is described. The transportable audio system may include a speaker module and speaker mating module. The speaker module may include a backside mating edge and a backside interior inset from the backside mating edge. The backside mating edge may include a first attachment mechanism. The speaker mating module may include a frontside mating edge and a frontside face. The frontside mating edge may include a second attachment mechanism. The speaker mating module may be removably mountable to the speaker module via the first and second attachment mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Val Kalyuzhny, Tim Nugent
  • Patent number: 8929563
    Abstract: The transmitter of a wireless power transmission audio system includes: a transmission signal generating section for generating a transmission signal comprised of an RF signal; a first resonant circuit which receives and sends out the transmission signal; a detecting section for sensing a variation in the transmission signal; and a transmission signal adjusting section. The loudspeaker of the system includes: a second resonant circuit for receiving the transmission signal by producing a magnetic field resonant coupling phenomenon; and an audio output section for reproducing the audio signal. At least one of the transmitter and the loudspeaker includes an impedance adjusting section which changes an impedance value on the transmission line of the transmission signal. When the impedance adjusting section changes the impedance value, the transmission signal adjusting section changes the signal waveform of the transmission signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Kinoshita, Junichi Kawamura, Shutai Okamura
  • Patent number: 8917875
    Abstract: A circuit for operating loudspeakers includes a first, second, third and fourth loudspeaker circuit, having one input each for injecting a signal and one output each for connecting a loudspeaker input. The loudspeaker circuits are designed to amplify the injected signal and to provide the amplified signal at the outputs thereof. The loudspeaker circuits can, for example, be used for a 2.1 sound system. The three channels for a 2.1 sound system can be implemented by an amplifier circuit with four loudspeaker circuits, one loudspeaker circuit each being required for the two stereo channels left and right. A subwoofer channel can be driven differentially by two loudspeaker circuits. The stereo channels are, by contrast, only still connected to one loudspeaker circuit each, and so the stereo channels require at least one further common ground cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christoph Braun, Thomas Duda, Torsten Hinz
  • Publication number: 20140334653
    Abstract: Techniques associated with a combination speaker and light source (“speaker-light device”) responsive to states of an organism based on sensor data are described, including generating chemical sensor data in response to one or more chemicals sensed by one or more chemical sensors in the same or different speaker-light devices. A scent generator may be activated to counter an odor caused by a chemical detected by the chemical sensor(s). The speaker-light device may activate an air mover operative to circulate ambient air over the chemical sensor. The speaker-light device may take an appropriate action in response to detected chemicals that affect states of the organism. Some or all of the actions taken may be taken by other devices in communication with the speaker-light device(s). An action may include generating and presenting a path or route to be taken by a user to an area of safety or reduced chemical concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: AliphCom
    Inventors: Michael Edward Smith Luna, Derek Boyd Barrentine, Scott Fullam, Sankalita Saha, Patrick Alan Narron, Jeremiah Robison
  • Publication number: 20140321686
    Abstract: The present invention is a sound system made from a repurposed vessel. The repurposed vessel is separated into two or more pieces for installation of a speaker assembly and then the pieces are put back in their original form. A hole is created in the vessel wall through which sound waves may pass. The speaker assembly has a connector allowing connection to an audio source. The space between the top and bottom pieces and the speaker assembly may be adjusted to tune for a desired frequency response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Adam Stephen Wegener
  • Patent number: 8867776
    Abstract: A speaker frame for a display device, such as a tablet, provides enhanced audio output when a device is docked within the frame of speakers. The speaker frame includes a battery to power the speaker frame operation and provide additional power to a docked device. The speaker frame can also dock to a second base unit, which can include additional speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventor: Eran Schul
  • Patent number: 8867770
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a speaker-connector module and a handheld electronic device. The handheld electronic device includes a body and a speaker-connector module. The body has an opening. The speaker-connector module is assembled in the body and correspondingly disposed to the opening. The speaker-connector module includes a housing, a speaker and an electrical connector. The housing has a major sound passage, wherein the major sound passage has a major input end and a major output end. The speaker is assembled in the housing and has a sound outlet surface, wherein the major input end is communicated with the sound outlet surface. The electrical connector is disposed in the major sound passage and adjacent to the speaker, and the major input end is connected to the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Ling Chien, Chien-Hsin Huang, Tsung-Yuan Ou, Chen-Yu Wang
  • Publication number: 20140301586
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for installing a tile-mounted ceiling speaker that combines the ease of installation of a lay-in speaker system with the visual appearance of a tile-mounted speaker system. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame, back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile, a ceiling ring configured to be mounted in an opening in a ceiling tile, and a loudspeaker cartridge configured to be mounted to the support frame through the ceiling tile opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: RGB SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William C. Stewart, JR., Michael Hudson, Larry Frerichs, Clinton Strong, Weldon Gammon
  • Publication number: 20140301587
    Abstract: A slim enclosure speaker is provided with a side acoustic emission structure, which can make the enclosure speaker slimmer by maximizing a sound-emitting hole in the same size, while improving SPL characteristics. The slim enclosure speaker with the side acoustic emission structure includes: a microspeaker; a lower case enclosing the lower side of the microspeaker and defining a resonance space; an upper case having a fixing surface to which top edges of the microspeaker are fixed, defining the resonance space together with the lower case, and having a hole inside the fixing surface; a cover coupled onto the upper case and covering the hole; and an acoustic passage defined by one side of the upper case and the cover, wherein the fixing surface is insert injection-molded using a steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Yong Ju Ji, Sung Chul Jung
  • Publication number: 20140294195
    Abstract: A speaker system such as a sound bar assembly having a plurality of speaker units and improved sound quality is provided. Opposing mating portions of front and back panels of the assembly or system are fused or welded together to form outer boundary and interior joints where the front and back panels are welded together. The front and back panels are spaced apart at their first and second ends to define first and second speaker compartments, respectively, separated by a central compartment. A speaker unit is positioned in each of the speaker compartments. The speaker compartments are acoustically isolated from one another by the interior joints to improve the sound quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: JVIS-USA, LLC
    Inventors: Alexis A. Perez, Jason T. Murar, Michael G. Froude
  • Patent number: 8848934
    Abstract: Method, user terminal and computer program product for controlling audio signals at the user device during a communication session between the user device and a remote node, in which a primary audio signal is received at audio input means of the user device for transmission to the remote node in the communication session. It is determined whether the user device is operating in (i) a first mode in which secondary audio signals output from the user device are likely to disturb the primary audio signal received at the audio input means, or (ii) a second mode in which secondary audio signals output from the user device are not likely to disturb the primary audio signal received at the audio input means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Skype
    Inventor: Nils Ohlmeier
  • Publication number: 20140286517
    Abstract: Techniques for managing a network of speaker lights and wearable devices using intelligent connection managers are described. Disclosed are techniques for receiving data representing a distance between a wearable device and a speaker light, the speaker light associated with an identifier, and generating an audio control signal and a light control signal as a function of the distance. The audio control signal may include data representing an audio parameter and data representing the identifier, and the light control signal may include data representing a light parameter and data representing the identifier. Presentation of an audio signal using the audio parameter and a light using the light parameter may be caused at the speaker light. The audio signal and the light may be substantially directed towards the wearable device or a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: AliphCom
    Inventors: Michael Edward Smith Luna, Patrick Alan Narron, Derek Boyd Barrentine, Scott Fullam
  • Publication number: 20140233777
    Abstract: A speaker assembly is configured for assembly to a housing. The housing defines a through hole and a receiving groove communicating with each other. The speaker assembly includes a speaker and a speaker cover. The speaker is received in the through hole. The speaker cover has an extending edge beyond a peripheral wall of the speaker and is received in the receiving groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: CHIUN MAI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: CHI-SHENG TSENG, YI-HUNG KUO, CHING-MING HUNG, KUANG-HSIEN WANG
  • Publication number: 20140193014
    Abstract: A miniature speaker is describer including a microphone holder and a vibrator holder. A miniature speaker matching the oval shape of a sound chamber is placed face down over the sound chamber. A small slot is formed in one of the sides of the sound chamber to provide a sound portal through which the speaker generated sound is heard. The platform on which the sound chamber is formed also comprises a microphone holder and a vibrator holder. The microphone holder is positioned such that a sound receiving portal of the microphone is orthogonal to the sound portal formed in one of the side walls of the sound chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: SilverPlus, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140193015
    Abstract: A mounting bracket system for mounting a loudspeaker monitor onto a microphone stand pole without requiring disassembly of either the loudspeaker monitor or the microphone stand. First and second mounting brackets may be mounted to a loudspeaker monitor or other product to be mounted. An indent on each mounting bracket is configured to engage a microphone stand or another elongated, pole-like structure, supporting the weight of the loudspeaker monitor through frictional forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: The TC Group A/S
    Inventors: David Kenneth HILDERMAN, Calvin K. MA, Damon LANGLOIS
  • Patent number: 8767985
    Abstract: A headrest provided with several loudspeakers which normally reproduce an ambiophonic sound experience. The headrest generally includes a central section provided with at least one loudspeaker, one side section provided with at least one loudspeaker and a second side section provided with at least one loudspeaker. The side sections are arranged on either side of the center section, and extend substantially perpendicularly towards the top relative to the center section. The headrest is arranged in a way so it can be connected to an audio signal source capable of generating several different audio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Luc Riopel
  • Patent number: 8767984
    Abstract: Apparatus for reproduction of stereo sound from a two channel signal, having one or more first transducers (3a, 3b) for reproducing a signal comprising one of or the sum of the two channels, and one or more second transducers (5) for reproducing a signal comprising the difference between the two channels. The apparatus is arranged such that the signal generated by the one or more first transducers (3a, 3b) is transmitted from an output plane in a direction substantially orthogonal to the output plane. The apparatus also has a duct (6) associated with the one or more second transducers (5) and is arranged to conduct the signal generated by the one or more second transducers (5) such that it is transmitted along a direction substantially parallel to the output plane from a point spaced from the plane in the direction in which the signal generated by the one or more first transducers (3a, 3b) is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Airsound LLP
    Inventor: Edward Stuart Fletcher
  • Patent number: 8755534
    Abstract: A laser device, finder of range(s), and an inclinometer are used to figure a sound producing device's position adjustment(s). Laser beam(s) of the laser device and the inclinometer characterize direction(s) of sound produced by the sound producing device. The laser beam(s) can be one or more colors or patterns each characterizing the general direction of sound produced by the sound producing device. A stadium can have many speaker housings each including a speaker, the laser, range finder and the inclinometer. Each speaker housing is mounted on, and remotely adjustable with respect to, an structural member as to the general direction of sound emitted from the speaker housing into the area for stadium seating. The inclinometer's output can be rendered by a monitor seen by an audio engineer who also uses the laser beam's direction to make adjustments to the position of the speaker housing relative to its structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Sound Services, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus E. Ross, Scott A. Sugden
  • Publication number: 20140161293
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a case, a speaker, a supporting stand, and a waterproof breathable membrane. The case includes a first inner space and a through hole connected to the first inner space. The speaker is disposed in the first inner space, and produces sound waves outwards from the through hole. The supporting stand connects the case to cover the through hole. The supporting stand includes a sound hole and a second inner space connected to the sound hole and the through hole. The waterproof breathable membrane covers one of the sound hole and the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Shing-Da WANG, Chih-Wen CHIANG, Chang-Yuan WU, Yi-Chang WU, Hsin-Chih HSIAO, Yen-Ling LIU, Chien-Chu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140153763
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for media devices including a housing, a frame disposed adjacent to the housing, and an acoustic source that is integrated with the frame for emitting sound from the media device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Derek B. Barrentine
  • Publication number: 20140140556
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a process for assembly of a covered housing comprising placing a first frame strip coupled with a fabric portion, under a shoulder on a first end of a housing, pulling the fabric portion toward a second end of a housing, placing a second frame strip coupled with the fabric portion, under a shoulder on the second end of the housing, placing a third frame strip coupled with the fabric portion, under a first main body shoulder of the housing, and placing a fourth frame strip coupled with the fabric portion, under a second main body shoulder of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: David Yim, Steve McGarry
  • Patent number: 8731222
    Abstract: To hold loudspeakers of different sizes in an instrument panel of a motor vehicle, a holding plate with a cutout for inserting a first variant of a circular loudspeaker is arranged in the wall part of a defroster duct, and the holding plate can, by means of predetermined breaking points arranged at the edge in the direction of the wall part, be detached in order to obtain a further, larger cutout for inserting a second variant of a rectangular loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Pandura, Martin Frank
  • Patent number: 8718309
    Abstract: In the invention a speaker apparatus acoustically combines the earpiece and hands free functions. Thus a speaker has acoustically separated functions for acting as the earpiece and as the hands free. The speaker apparatus has a back cavity having an outlet so that the damped sound of the outlet operates as the earpiece. The front of the speaker apparatus operates as the louder hands free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Anders Weskström, Benedict Slotte
  • Patent number: 8718308
    Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for automatically converting an output mode based on movements of a casing, and methods thereof. A reproducing apparatus having a first and a second casings includes an internal output unit outputting at least one of reproduced audio and video; an external output unit outputting at least one of the reproduced audio and video to an external device casing; a detector detecting movements of the second casing; and a control unit controlling such that at least one reproduced audio and video is outputted to at least one of the internal output unit and the external output unit. Accordingly, there is no need for a user to change the output mode, thereby reducing inconvenience for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soon Park, Jang-hwan Cho, Byong-woo Jeong, Kyung-suk Cho