And Loudspeaker Patents (Class 381/332)
  • Publication number: 20130163800
    Abstract: A speaker device includes a speaker unit configured to reproduce a bass sound and arranged so as to face down; a bottom plate formed in a rectangular shape as viewed in plane and arranged apart from the speaker unit such that an upper surface of the bottom plate opposes the speaker unit; and four legs attached to a lower surface of the bottom plate. The four legs are provided respectively on lines each connecting between an intersection point of diagonal lines of the lower surface of the bottom plate and a corner of the lower surface of the bottom plate in a region where a ratio of a distance between the intersection point and an attachment position of the leg to a distance between the intersection point and the corner is 0.5-0.7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shuhei YAMASAKI
  • Publication number: 20130156243
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to several embodiments of a concealed speaker system, The concealed speaker system further has a speaker assembly mounted to the base frame and an active member which may be formed of PVC, expanded PVC, hardened fibrous materials, foam core, or equivalents that has an outer surface which in some embodiments is substantially coplanar with the surrounding wall section, and in other embodiments extends slightly outward therefrom. The base frame, speaker assembly, and the active member cooperate to form an acoustic chamber that is positioned behind the inner surface of the active member. Acoustic energy is transferred from the speaker assembly to the active member where the sound is produced therefrom to the room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Paul N. Hagman
  • Publication number: 20130156242
    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: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Apple Inc.
  • Patent number: 8467541
    Abstract: A universal auxiliary component connection system that operably connects an auxiliary component to a variety of different personal audio-sets using the connection cables supplied with each personal audio-set. In one embodiment, a clip operably connects the personal audio-set engaging fitting of the connection cable, and the clip is detachably secured to the auxiliary component. Accordingly, this connection system allows a variety of different personal audio-sets to be operably connected to the same auxiliary component without requiring the auxiliary component to offer a variety of different fixed connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Ryan P. Stuczynski
  • Publication number: 20130148833
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a case configured to house an electronic component that generates heat therein; an air circulation unit provided in the case and that circulates air between outside of the electronic apparatus and the electronic component; a speaker provided around the air circulation unit and that outputs sound; a circulation control unit provided in a part of the air circulation unit and that controls circulation of air between the outside and the electronic component; and a connector that connects with a cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Natsumi Endo, Isao Ohba, Naoto Ito
  • Publication number: 20130142372
    Abstract: A speaker assembly is provided with a speaker, a housing mounted to the speaker, and a reflector spaced apart from and facing the speaker. The reflector has a generally convex central region and a plurality of circumferentially spaced lobes, each extending radially outward from the central region for reflecting acoustic vibrations from the speaker radially outboard from the reflector while providing gaps between the lobes for permitting acoustic vibrations to pass therethrough. A series of supports connect the housing and the reflector. The supports are spaced circumferentially about the housing for providing openings between the supports for an outlet of the reflected acoustic vibrations. Each of the supports is aligned with and externally visually conceals one of the lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Paul Harwood
  • Publication number: 20130136287
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes a speaker enclosure having an opening in a front wall, and a speaker manifold mounted within the speaker enclosure and communicating with the opening. The speaker manifold includes a pair of substantially parallel side walls, a back wall, and top and bottom walls, defining a manifold chamber. The wall opposite the back wall is substantially open to define a manifold opening and to permit the communicating. The manifold opening is substantially in alignment with the front wall opening. A woofer is mounted on a first wall of the speaker manifold. An acoustic vent is mounted on a second wall of the manifold, such that the woofer and the acoustic vent face each other at one of about a 180 degree angle or about a 90 degree angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: AUDIOVOX CORPORATION
    Inventor: AUDIOVOX CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8452037
    Abstract: Certain embodiments may take the form of an electronic device having a main housing encapsulating operative circuitry for the device. The electronic device includes an attachment member moveably coupled to the metal housing. The attachment member has an acoustical device located therein that is communicatively coupled to the operative circuitry in the main housing. The attachment member includes a recessed portion for positioning the acoustical device within the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Benjamin Filson, Eugene Whang, Matthew Rohrbach
  • Patent number: 8446126
    Abstract: A power bank apparatus with speaker combines the function of power bank and the function of speaker. The power bank apparatus not only charges the portable electronic apparatuses but also supplies power to the internal speaker. The voice or music of the portable electronic apparatus is amplified by the speaker of the power bank apparatus to improve the quality of the voice or music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Hung Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130114840
    Abstract: An electronic device having an audio output unit with case design that provides a wide resonance space for enhanced sound quality and improved shock resistance is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a first space longitudinally penetrating a side region of the housing, and a second space connected to the first space and configured to accommodate an audio output unit therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130094684
    Abstract: A micromechanical functional apparatus, particularly a loudspeaker apparatus, includes a substrate, at least one circuit chip mounted on the substrate, and an enveloping package in which the circuit chip is packaged. The functional apparatus further includes a micromechanical functional arrangement, particularly a loudspeaker arrangement having a plurality of micromechanical loudspeakers, which is mounted on the enveloping package. A covering device is mounted above the micromechanical functional arrangement, particularly the loudspeaker arrangement, opposite the enveloping package. A method is implemented to manufacture the micromechanical functional apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130094685
    Abstract: Disclosed is a micro speaker module capable of reducing the thickness of an enclosure that supports a micro speaker. The enclosure of the disclosed micro speaker module includes a first frame having a supporting portion configured to support the micro speaker, and a second frame configured to cover an open side of the first frame. A first cover and a second cover are respectively insert injection molded with or attached to portions of the first frame and the second frame corresponding to the micro speaker that is supported by the supporting portion, which results in a reduction in the thickness of each frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: BUJEON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bujeon Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8422711
    Abstract: A speaker box assembly includes two speaker boxes, two line-winding means, a switch, and a power supply unit. Each of the two speaker boxes is provided on its surface with an outlet hole. One of the two speaker boxes is provided on its surface with a connector jack. The two line-winding means are provided in the two speaker boxes respectively. Each of the line-winding means has a line-winding box and an electrical line. The line-winding box is located inside the speaker box. The inner end of the electrical line is connected to the line-winding box, and the outer end of the electrical line is connected to a connector member. The connector member and the electrical line pass through the outlet hole selectively. The connector member in one of the speaker boxes is inserted into the connector jack on the other of the speaker boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Go-Rock Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Che Lin
  • Publication number: 20130077809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine in which the quality of a signal sound containing information on the washing machine is improved, wherein said signal sound is outputted by a signal sound output unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a washing machine, comprising: the signal sound output unit which outputs, in a signal sound, information on the washing machine; and a signal sound guide unit which is arranged along the periphery of the signal sound output unit to form a sound path between the signal sound output unit and the signal sound guide unit, wherein one end of the signal sound guide unit is for reflecting the signal sound outputted by the signal sound output unit, and the other end thereof is open so as to output the signal sound transmitted through the sound path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Young Bae Park
  • Patent number: 8406448
    Abstract: Provided is an earphone, including an earphone body and an earphone cap. The earphone body includes an earphone shell forming a sound cavity and disposing a sound-guiding pipe. The sound-guiding pipe disposes at least one through hole. The earphone cap is rotatably mounted on the earphone body and includes a main body and a barrel. The barrel is located on the inside of the main body and arranged to encompass the sound-guiding pipe. The barrel disposes at least one opening, which is arranged to be aligned or misaligned with the part or whole of the through hole. The earphone of the present invention can make the opening be aligned or misaligned with and the part or whole of the through hole by rotating the earphone cap, thereby varying the pressure of the sound cavity to attain the object of adjusting sound effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: You-ruei Lin, Chun-hung Chen, Mu-tsun Tseng
  • Publication number: 20130070947
    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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Ling Chien, Chien-Hsin Huang, Tsung-Yuan Ou, Chen-Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 8396229
    Abstract: Presented herein is a system for transmitting sounds to an in-utero infant, that is worn by a pregnant woman, said system comprising a flexible carrier with two arms and adapted to accommodate the continuously changing shape of the abdomen of a pregnant woman; an array of speakers disposed on the arms of the carrier and substantially surrounding the in-utero infant with the sounds emitted from said speakers; an amplifier operatively associated with the array of speakers that enables tailoring the frequencies and tonal qualities of the sounds emitted from the array of speakers to levels suitable for an in-utero infant; and an audio device, operatively connected to the array of speakers and the amplifier, that provides a source from which sounds are played back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nuvo Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Oren Oz
  • Publication number: 20130058513
    Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a television includes a housing further including a pair of corner portions and an enclosed space on an inner side thereof, a pair of speaker boxes housed in the enclosed space in vicinities of the corner portions, a pair of speakers housed in the speaker boxes respectively in a direction which crosses a thickness direction of the housing, and each of the speaker boxes further includes a first duct to guide sounds from a first side of the respective speaker to the respective first opening portion and a second duct to guide sounds from a second side of the respective speaker towards the enclosed space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tomofumi Miyamoto, Hideki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130052956
    Abstract: A mobile device dock is provided. The dock is a hand-held mobile device that receives a mobile phone, tablet, or other mobile device. The dock improves a user's grip of a mobile device, allows for hands-free use of the mobile device, and/or may improve sound quality of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: James W. McKell
  • Publication number: 20130051595
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure, a speaker fixed in the enclosure, and a rubber element. The enclosure defines an exposed slot, and a speaker receiving chamber communicating with the slot. The speaker includes a first surface and a opposite second surface. The speaker is configured for radiating sound at the first surface. The rubber element includes a main body a recess and a through hole penetrating through a bottom of the recess. The speaker is inserted in the recess with the first surface facing the bottom of the recess. The combined the speaker and the rubber element are engagingly received in the speaker receiving chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HE-HUI YANG, YONG-HUI HU, KAI-KUEI WU, KUN-CHIH HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8369561
    Abstract: Sideways-extending speaker apparatus and methods that include a speaker box that is adjustable to fit within given information handling system or electronic device chassis form factor constraints, while also being selectably extendable and expandable to provide increased speaker box volume to achieve improved sound quality performance both in terms of increased speaker spatial separation and wider dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Gurmeet Bhutani, Cheng-Hsien Wang, Jyh-Yinn Lin
  • Patent number: 8369558
    Abstract: A portable speaker for a music play such as an iPod® player. The housing of the speaker is shaped and sized as a cup and can be placed inside a commonly seen cup holder, such as a cup holder in a car or other vehicles, a baby stroller, a foldable camping chair, etc. The speaker housing has a slot for receiving a music player, as well as electrical connectors for electrically connecting to the audio output of the music player. The sound producing devices are disposed within the speaker housing and face upwards and/or downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Baby Trend Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Conrad, Denny Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130010994
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Chen-Yi Liang
  • Publication number: 20120321116
    Abstract: An exemplary speaker assembly includes an enclosure, a loudspeaker, a sound-guiding channel, and a housing. The enclosure has a receiving chamber and an acoustic chamber. The loudspeaker is accommodated in the receiving chamber. The sound-guiding channel is formed in the acoustic chamber. The sound-guiding channel has a first end with a first opening and a second end with a second opening. The second opening communicates the sound-guiding channel with the surrounding environment. The housing is received in the sound-guiding channel. The housing includes a passage communicating the first opening with the sound-guiding channel. The passage is narrow at a first position of the housing and wide at a second position of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HWANG-MIAW CHEN
  • Patent number: 8331571
    Abstract: The broadcasting of audio contents by two loudspeakers is controlled by delivering a first audio content to the two loudspeakers and a further processing in which an auxiliary audio content is received. A second audio content is formed by temporally delaying the auxiliary audio content with a delay dependent on the spacing between the loudspeakers and on a distance between a first loudspeaker and a spot located in front of this first loudspeaker. The second audio content is delivered to the first loudspeaker. A third audio content is formed by inverting the auxiliary audio content. The third audio content is then delivered to the second loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS
    Inventors: Vianney Taufour, Gael Lassure
  • Patent number: 8331598
    Abstract: An audio system for an outdoor umbrella includes an audio housing, a detachable locker, and an audio device. The audio housing includes a first housing body and a second housing body defining a mounting slot for a shaft of the outdoor umbrella fitting therewithin. The detachable locker includes a first locker provided at the first housing body and a second locker which is provided at the second housing body and is releasably locked with the first locker so as to detachably lock up the second housing body with the first housing body. The audio device includes a speaker supported in the first housing body and an audio input operatively coupling with the speaker such that when the audio input sends an audio signal to the speaker, the speaker is adapted for producing audio sound as an additional function for the outdoor umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Oliver Joen-An Ma
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Publication number: 20120308063
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GENELEC OY
    Inventors: Ilpo Martikainen, Markku Kulomäki, Aki Mäkivirta, Jussi Väisänen, Noa Eskelinen, Jari Mäkinen, Pekka Nissinen
  • Publication number: 20120300966
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: WILLIAM CAMERON STEWART, JR., Jeff Hatley, Michael Hudson, Larry Frerichs
  • Publication number: 20120293722
    Abstract: A relay device includes: a housing including: a first surface; and a second surface which is different from the first surface; a light signal receiving element operable to receive a light signal from outside, the light signal receiving element provided at the first surface of the housing; a light emission element operable to emit light responsive to the light signal received by the light signal receiving element; and a longitudinally elongated light guide member provided at the second surface of the housing, the light guide member to which the light emitted from the light emission element is incident, the light guide member including an emission part which causes the incident light to be emitted to outside from a lateral surface of the light guide member, the lateral surface which extends along a longitudinal direction of the light guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki KAWAIDA, Koji SUZUKI, Takamori SHIMAZU, Masaki YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8315401
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system capable of simultaneously providing listeners with a listening environment not giving them a feeling of strangeness. The loudspeaker system (100) comprises drive motors (111 to 113, 121 to 123) for so driving at least first R-channel loudspeaker (101) that the current first listening position is substantially included in the perpendicularly bisecting plane of a line joining the intersecting point of the first R-channel speaker (101) and its directivity axis and the intersecting point of the second R-channel loudspeaker (120) and its directivity axis and so driving at least fourth L-channel loudspeaker (104) that the current second listening point is substantially included in the perpendicularly bisecting plane of the line joining the intersecting point of a third L-channel loudspeaker (103) and its directivity axis and the intersecting point of a fourth L-channel loudspeaker (104) and its directivity axis. The loudspeaker system (100) further comprises their motor driver section (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Hayakawa, Noboru Katta, Junichi Matsuda, Kenichi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 8315416
    Abstract: A necklace type sound reproduction apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is detachable from a media player to be worn on a neck of a user. An acoustic sound reproduced by a digital amplifier and a speaker of the apparatus is delivered to an ear of the user without using an earphone or a headphone via an audio signal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Neofidelity, Inc.
    Inventor: Duck Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 8311262
    Abstract: A ceiling mount bracket for a loudspeaker. The ceiling mount bracket includes a mounting plate; an assembly to orient the loudspeaker; an assembly to receive audio signals and to provide the audio signals to the speaker; and a wiring block to connect to signal transmission wires. The wiring block includes a first terminal designated for 70/100 volt operation; a second terminal designated for 8 ohm operation; an electrically conductive path from the first terminal to a first pin of the receptacle; and an electrically conductive path from the second terminal to a second pin for the receptacle. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a mounting position for a ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The mounting position includes a threaded hole to accommodate a corresponding threaded extension of the ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a cover enclosing more than 200 cubic centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Randy J. Kulchy, John W. Mazejka, Robert A. Warden
  • Patent number: 8295524
    Abstract: A speaker unit for a projector includes a first speaker, a fixing portion and a second speaker. Either the first speaker or the second speaker has a central hole to hold the vertical post of a projector. Two holes that are diagonally opposing each other are provided in the inner wall of the central hole. The two holes of the fixing portion may align with the two holes of the first speaker and fasteners may be used to fixedly connect the first speaker with the vertical post. A connective portion is provided on either of the two vertical walls of the first speaker and a connective portion is provided on either of the two vertical walls of the second speaker. Therefore, the second speaker may be connected with the first speaker by these connective portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Jazz Hipster Corporation, Everest Display Inc.
    Inventors: Yueh-Hua Hsu Huang, Chun-Ti Chen, Miyashita Yoshiaki
  • Patent number: 8295525
    Abstract: This invention provides a personal and wearable audio system comprising a first and second component; wherein each of the first and second component comprises an audio-signal generator interactively connected to a modulator and optionally a, signal interrupter; at least one speaker for amplifying the audio signal from the audio-signal generators, modulators and optional interrupters; and a means for attaching the first and second components to a wearer's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Hesed Consortia, LLC
    Inventors: Joe J. Fanelli, Jay M. Fanelli
  • Patent number: 8290192
    Abstract: A vibrating headset capable of generating a vibration of variable operational characteristics in the earpiece of the vibrating headset is disclosed. The vibrating headset may include one or more earpieces, each of which includes a speaker and a vibrator mechanism, wherein the vibrator mechanism receives a vibration input signal which is distinct from the audio input signal received by the speaker and defines the variable operational characteristics of the vibration to be generated by the vibrator mechanism. A gaming apparatus including a gaming device and a vibrating headset communicably coupled to the gaming device for generating vibrations of variable operational characteristics in response to receiving a vibration input signal from the gaming device is also provided. Finally, a method of creating vibrations defined by at least one variable operational characteristic in an earpiece of a vibrating headset is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: John Patrick Wong, Jeff Crampton
  • Publication number: 20120250912
    Abstract: A layout of line speakers reduces feedback and provides more uniform sound amplification throughout a listening area. The length of one or more line speakers is selected so that the line speakers behave as line acoustic sources throughout a listening area. The line speakers are further positioned so that a stage area is located in a null zone of each line speaker to minimize the likelihood of feedback events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Wan Jin Chung
  • Patent number: 8279591
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a first pivot, an audio module, a second pivot, a cam, a follower, a latch, and an elastic element. The first pivot pivotally connects the first body with the second body. The second pivot pivotally connects the audio module with the second body. The cam is coupled with the first pivot. The follower contacts the cam. The latch is fastened to the audio module and connected with the follower. The elastic element includes two ends, one is against the second body, and the other one is against the audio module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Hsien-Cheng Chiu
  • Patent number: 8275159
    Abstract: A media playback media playback apparatus having user-selectable shapes is disclosed. In accordance with the media playback apparatus having user-selectable shapes in accordance with the present invention, speakers are attached to a media playback unit via rotatable connecting means such that a user may select a shape of the media playback apparatus according to his or her preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Neofidelity, Inc.
    Inventor: Duck Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 8265317
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a speaker cabinet and a link mechanism. The second body rotates relative to the first body by a hinge. The speaker cabinet, disposed in the first body, is selectively lengthened or shortened. The link mechanism connects the hinge with the speaker cabinet. When the second body is closed relative to the first body, the speaker cabinet is concealed in the first body, and when the second body is opened relative to the first body, the hinge drives the link mechanism to press the speaker cabinet, enabling the speaker to be lengthened or to be shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chen Tseng, Yi-An Lai, Chun-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 8259978
    Abstract: A sound box (10) accommodating a loud speaker (20) mounted in a housing (30) of electronic device (100) is described. The sound box (10) comprises a metal element (12) and a rubber element (14). The metal element (12) defines a receiving space (123) for accommodating the louder speaker (20), and the metal element (12) has a planar wall (122) surrounding the receiving space (123). The rubber element (14) can be formed with the planar wall (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peng-Yu Chiu
  • Publication number: 20120219170
    Abstract: A speaker assembly includes a speaker housing having a substantially closed speaker chamber, the speaker housing including a first wall with a dimple assembly defining a heat sink formed therein. A first driver is mounted and enclosed in the speaker chamber, the first driver including a cone coupled to a driver magnet for generating sound. The driver magnet is in direct contact with the dimple assembly effectively exposing the driver magnet to an exterior of the speaker housing via the heat sink defined by the dimple assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20120219169
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method for providing a sound system of the electronic apparatus are provided herein. The electronic apparatus has a housing, a speaker and a bracket. The housing has a space and a channel, which is coupled to the space. The speaker is placed in the space. The bracket has a first end coupled to the channel and is movable relative to the housing. A sound mode of the electronic apparatus may be switched from a first mode to a second mode by positioning a second end of the bracket from a first position in the channel to a second position away from the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: HTC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hann-Shi Tong, Lei Chen, Wei-Syuan Lin, Yu-Sheng Lee, Yu-Chieh Lai
  • Publication number: 20120213398
    Abstract: A speaker includes a magnetic circuit, frame, diaphragm, voice coil, and terminals. The frame has an opening and is coupled to the magnetic circuit, and includes a resin portion. The diaphragm is coupled to a rim of the opening of the frame. The voice coil includes lead wires and is coupled to the diaphragm, and a part of the voice coil is disposed at a magnetic gap of the magnetic circuit. The terminals are coupled to the frame by insert-molding. An outer shape formed of the frame and the terminals is one of a rectangle or a square. The resin portion of the frame has cut-away sections at corners of its outer shape. The terminals include protruding sections protruding from the cut-away sections, and the lead wires of the voice coil are connected to the protruding sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Itoh, Takehiko Tanabu, Mitsukazu Kuze, Masashi Kawabe, Tatsuya Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 8238588
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system has a plurality of relatively small transducer elements configured in a closely spaced transducer array such that their acoustic outputs combine to produce a focused beam of sound in front of the array that is substantially uniform about the beams radiation axis. The transducer array lies in a plane and has a perimeter that approximates a circle, and will have fill-factor with respect to a circle circumscribing the array of at least approximately 70%. In one variation of the loudspeaker system, the transducer array is constructed in smaller transducer array modules that are operatively fitted together to produce a larger array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Meyer Sound Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventors: John D. Meyer, Perrin Meyer, Roger Schwenke, Alejandro Antonio Garcia Rubio, Paul Joseph Kohut, Richard D. Herr, Jon M. Arneson, Peter C. Soper
  • Publication number: 20120189150
    Abstract: A subwoofer (10) structure comprised of a transducer (30) located in a loudspeaker enclosure (11), an acoustic duct (21) expanding in a horn-like manner, a frontal chamber (40) and an aperture (22). A sound wave emanating from the transducer is conveyed via the acoustic duct portion expanding in a horn-like manner to the frontal chamber, and a sound wave emanating from the opposite side of the transducer is conveyed either to a closed space (20) or directly to the frontal chamber. The subwoofer can be adjusted without altering the external dimensions of the loudspeaker enclosure, utilising the entire volume of the loudspeaker enclosure, so that the frontal chamber is tuned by altering the size of the frontal chamber and/or the size of the aperture in the frontal chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jan Thomé, Mika Isotalo
  • Patent number: 8229152
    Abstract: There is provided a speaker connector including first and second speaker elements each having an inward face, an opposing outward face, and an engagement wall extending between the inward and outward faces. The speaker elements are connectable to the first and second speakers, respectively. A connector housing includes first and second end faces disposed on opposing sides of a housing medial portion. First and second inner walls extend inwardly from the first and second end faces, respectively, to define first and second housing recesses. The first and second inner walls are configured to engage with the engagement wall of the respective speaker elements with the first speaker element being received within the first housing recess and the second speaker element being received within the second housing recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventors: Yoichiro Sumitani, Chun-Yi Lin
  • Publication number: 20120183167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a speaker housing having a rhomboid geometric shape. The rhomboid shape is a polyhedron with six faces, each of which is a parallelogram. The opposite sides of each parallelogram are substantially equal in length and their adjacent angles are substantially supplementary. The rhomboid shape of the speaker housing allows the listener to position the speakers in order to optimize the trajectory of the driver in a variety of listening situations, providing an accurate and optimized response for the listener. The rhomboid shape of the speaker housing and the utilization of point source, coaxial, dual concentric, triaxial, tri-concentric or other multi-concentric driver configurations and/or single driver loudspeaker driver technologies in the speaker can create a unique performance and functionality to this design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Chris Pelonis
  • Patent number: 8224001
    Abstract: A line array speaker provides highly uniform frequency response throughout a wide listening field, while also reducing distortion and improving fidelity, clarity, and output level. In a symmetrical embodiment, central apertures are straddled by a sequential pairs of sets of apertures. The straddling pairs emit frequencies in the next lower frequency band relative to the frequency band of the immediately preceding frequency band apertures. In an asymmetrical embodiment, sequential frequency bands are emitted by adjacent sets of apertures rather than straddling pairs of sets of apertures. Each of the apertures may be a loudspeaker cone, one or more straight slots, one or more arbitrarily curved slots, one or more arbitrarily angled slots, one or more holes or the mouth of a horn. The speaker may have a front baffle which is a flat panel or multiple facets arranged in one or multiple recesses across a front of the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jon J. Waller
  • Patent number: 8223999
    Abstract: A system and method for speaker configuration in an audio and video housing, wherein the audio and video housing may be supported by stands located on top of a gas pump. The audio and video housing may have an audio and video source, at least one video display, and circuitry to drive the pair of speakers. The speakers may have a covering to provide protection from moisture and foreign particles. The speakers may be positioned to output sound downward directed towards the top of a gas pump. The sound may then be redirected to a first and second listening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.
    Inventor: William Dunn
  • Patent number: 8224016
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electroacoustic transducer having a multi-channel diaphragm, and a hearing aid using the electroacoustic transducer, in which a plurality of channels having different resonant frequencies is formed in the diaphragm using MEMS technology, thus more closely approximating the different audible frequency characteristics of respective persons. The present invention provides an electroacoustic transducer provided with a multi-channel diaphragm. The electroacoustic transducer includes a diaphragm (110) and signal conversion units (120). The diaphragm is provided with respective channels having different resonant frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Ci-Moo Song