Portable Or For Use In Diverse Environment Patents (Class 381/334)
  • Publication number: 20140369542
    Abstract: The present invention provides a floating and waterproof sound box including a bottom house, the bottom house has a two-layer structure and includes an inner rear house located in an inner layer and an outer rear house located in an outer layer, the inner rear house is entirely enclosed, the outer rear house has a two-layer structure, at least one water inlet is defined in an outer layer of the outer rear house, and a water storage space is defined between the outer layer and in an inner layer of the outer rear house. The floating and waterproof sound box of the present invention can float over flowing water without being overturned or sinking and the inner rear house is entirely enclosed so that water penetration is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: ATAKE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuo-Tsai Lee
  • Publication number: 20140369540
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a built-in speaker, an interface configured to connect to an external audio device to output sound, a switch, and a main microchip. The main microchip detects whether the external audio device is connected to the portable electronic device. When the external audio device is connected to the portable electronic device, the main microchip selects the audio device to output sound. When the audio device is not connected to the portable electronic device, the main microchip selects the built-in speaker to output the audio signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: CHIUN MAI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: WEI-RUNG CHEN, KAI-LUN YU
  • Patent number: 8913771
    Abstract: Electronic devices such as compact portable media players are provided. A housing for an electronic device may be relatively compact. The housing may include a door assembly with an attached spring-loaded clip. The electronic device may include a hold switch. Depending on the state of the hold switch, the electronic device may be in an off mode, a continuous playback mode, or a shuffle playback mode. The electronic device may not have integrated media playback controls such as play, pause, rewind, fast forward, etc. As one example, the electronic device may connect to an accessory that has media playback controls. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessory and user input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using a wired path including audio connectors. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board assembly that is nested together with a battery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Benjamin Filson, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Emery Sanford
  • Patent number: 8913776
    Abstract: A cradle apparatus includes a casing, a mounting unit provided to the casing so that an electronic device is mounted thereto, and a speaker provided only to a bottom portion of the casing and having a downward vibration plate which emits a sound supplied from the electronic device mounted to the mounting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Maezawa, Ryota Matsumoto, Kazuya Ishii
  • Publication number: 20140363039
    Abstract: A digital product protective cover with speakerphone, including a protective cover main body where the main body includes a bottom board and surrounding curved walls, at least one card slot located between the bottom board and curved walls, where each card slot is inter-connected, each card slot includes at least one amplification mechanism, the amplification mechanism includes a sound inlet, a sound outlet, and a sound tube, which connects the sound inlet and sound outlet. The sound inlet is located at the bottom of the card slot, which is in proximity to an external speaker of the digital product, the sound inlet and sound outlet are staggered in the longitudinal direction of the card slot, and the sound inlet and sound outlet are staggered in such a position to extend the length of the sound tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Li Zanxiang
  • Patent number: 8908880
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided that has a rear-side and a front-side, a first microphone that generates a first signal, and a second microphone that generates a second signal. An automated balance controller generates a balancing signal based on a proximity sensor signal. A processor processes the first and second signals to generate at least one beamformed audio signal, where an audio level difference between a front-side gain and a rear-side gain of the beamformed audio signal is controlled during processing based on the balancing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Robert A Zurek, Kevin J Bastyr, Joel A Clark, Plamen A Ivanov
  • Publication number: 20140355807
    Abstract: A head covering having integral, internal microphones is provided. The present invention is adapted to removably hold a portable audio device within its interior and is further adapted to play music therefrom. The portable audio device is removably held within a sleeve that has an internal audio connector, which is positioned so that the audio connector automatically engages with the portable audio device's audio port when the portable audio device is placed therein. The user can then play audio, which is then played over the present invention's internal microphones and can be enjoyed by the user. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the head covering is a hard hat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Sean McDowell
  • Publication number: 20140355806
    Abstract: A portable loudspeaker including a first electro-acoustic driver which creates sound waves when operated; a housing having a first side to which the driver is secured, and a second side opposite the first side; a first passive radiator secured to the first side of the housing and a second passive radiator secured the second side of the housing; and a unitary battery module removably secured to the housing in a region substantially between the first and second passive radiators, the battery providing electrical power to the driver, the sound waves from the driver being capable of acoustically energizing the first and second passive radiators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Allen T. Graff
  • Publication number: 20140348367
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and directing athletic or other physical activities is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a headset worn by an athlete includes one or more sensors, a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory and a communication link. The athlete's headset receives and transmits signals to a coach while the athlete is performing an activity. In this embodiment, the present invention provides coordinated audio streams to the athlete during his/her activity and training. In one implementation, the system coordinates audio for entertainment (such as music), audio expression of real-time performance information (such as count of laps, heart rate, etc.), optional pre-planned activity instructions and interrupt audio such as a coach's advice/instruction, or cell phone messages. In this implementation, the system records the output of the performance sensors for later analysis and allows for real-time display of the data for the coach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jon L. Vavrus, Stig M. Pedersen, Lawrence Weill
  • Publication number: 20140348366
    Abstract: Devices and methods involving distributed mode loudspeakers are provided. A representative device includes: a housing defining an interior; a display supported by the housing; a distributed mode loudspeaker supported by the housing, the distributed mode loudspeaker having a driver and a panel, the driver being mounted within the interior and being operative to vibrate the panel, the panel being movable between a stowed position, in which a first portion of the panel is positioned within the interior, and an extended position, in which the first portion of the panel is positioned outside the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: William Chris Eaton, Wen-Ping Ying
  • Publication number: 20140348368
    Abstract: A housing assembly of an electronic device includes an outer housing, an inner housing mounted to the outer housing, a first waterproof film positioned between the outer housing and the inner housing, and a second waterproof film spaced from the first waterproof film. The first waterproof film, the outer housing, and the inner housing cooperatively define a first cavity of the housing assembly. The second waterproof film, the inner housing, and the first waterproof film cooperatively form a second cavity of the housing assembly. The first and second waterproof films provide the housing assembly an excellent waterproof property. The electronic device using the housing assembly is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: CHIUN MAI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: CHIEN-FENG YEH, WEI-JEN CHANG, MENG-JER HUANG, CHIH-WEI SU, CHUN-YEN LIU, CHIH-CHENG CHANG
  • Patent number: 8897476
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a speaker apparatus, including: a housing having a speaker disposition section in which a speaker unit is disposed, and an apparatus receiving section which receives a portable terminal apparatus mounted thereon. The speaker apparatus further includes a connector provided on the apparatus receiving section such that a connector section of the portable terminal apparatus is to be connected to the connector; a holder provided on the apparatus receiving section and supported for pivotal motion on the housing in such a manner as to be pivoted, in a state in which the portable terminal apparatus is connected to the connector, in a first direction to press down the portable terminal apparatus from the opposite side to the connector to hold the portable terminal apparatus; and a biasing spring provided on the apparatus receiving section and configured to bias the holder in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Fujisawa, Arinobu Ueda
  • Publication number: 20140341413
    Abstract: A portable and waterproof audio reproduction device is provided, comprising a case having a base and a lid defining an internal volume, and further including a seal between the base and the lid sufficient to prevent water from entering the internal volume when the lid is closed onto the base. The case includes control electronics within the internal volume, wherein the control electronics are adapted to receive an audio signal from an audio device located either inside the case or outside the case. The case also includes a battery, electrically connected to the control electronics. Surface transducers are electrically connected to the control electronics and operatively attached to an internal surface of the case, wherein the surface transducers are capable of receiving the audio signal from the audio device and causing vibration of the internal surface in response to the audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: C-Level Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Aeron McKeough
  • Publication number: 20140341412
    Abstract: A miniaturized and portable electronic device with enhanced audio output includes a main body, an internal sound guiding pipe and a surface-mounted but internal loudspeaker. The main body defines a plurality of first sound holes and a plurality of second sound holes at respective ends of the main body. The interconnecting sound guiding pipe receives the portion of the sound waves generated by the loudspeaker which the loudspeaker does not direct to the outside of the main body, and such portion not directly output is collected by the sound guiding pipe to resonate and be transmitted to the second sound holes for outward emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: CHIUN MAI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: CHIEN-FENG YEH
  • Publication number: 20140341411
    Abstract: An audio signal analysis method is provided for detecting the opening and closing of a medicine bottle cap in a robust manner using a micro speaker and a microphone along with associated mixed signal electronics. It is also used for robust tamper detection and for monitoring liquid medication consumption accurately. In a preferred embodiment an un-modulated OFDM signal is used that covers the entire operating audio spectrum. In another embodiment, Complimentary code based phase encoding of the subcarrier phases is used to reduce the peak to average power of the OFDM signal, thereby enabling higher transmit power of the audio signal to mitigate against interference. A suitable wireless device can be co-located with the mixed signal electronics for sending the bottle usage, medication reminder alarm, and tamper status to the medication compliance monitoring system or to the user's cell phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Rajkumari Mohindra, Rishi Mohindra
  • Publication number: 20140334655
    Abstract: An electromagnetic transducer is disclosed. The transducer includes a bracket, a magnetic circuit part receiving in the bracket and having a weight, a voice generating part actuated by the magnetic circuit part for generating sound, the magnetic circuit part sandwiched by two spring-plates for vibrating along a direction. The weight further includes a plurality of supporting protrusions for anchoring the two spring-plates, respectively. Each of the two spring-plates has a ring plane lamina and two helical wound springs extending inwardly from the ring plane lamina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: AAC Acoustic Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaiyan Gao
  • Publication number: 20140321658
    Abstract: A wireless audio system is provided which incorporates a main device and a holder, for use with a listening device and an audio output device. The main device is capable of connecting wirelessly to an audio output device and generally includes a chip for sound transmission, a series of controls to command audio output device and a port. The holder connects to and receives an audio transmission from the main device at port. The holder transmits the audio received to an external listening device via a second connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Ketan S. Rahangdale
  • Patent number: 8873788
    Abstract: A sub woofer for in-ground installation and a method of installation. The sub woofer has a cylindrical enclosure or housing having a driver, electronics and a band pass filter. The driver cone is coaxial with the axis of the cylindrical housing. A port tube assembly having a tuned port tube and a resilient elbow interface is attached to an end wall of the housing in an eccentric position with the port tube projecting vertically and terminating at a canopy. The installation requires placing the enclosure in an excavation and positioning the housing and port assembly so a predetermined above ground spacing exists between the upper end of the above ground port tube and grade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffery James Coombs
  • Patent number: 8867771
    Abstract: The invention discloses a kind of portable vibration speaker that is composed of an upper cover, a lower cover, and a vibrating tone generator and a control circuit (the both are fitted inside the lower cover). The inside of the upper cover is fitted with a speaker. The improvements include a blow-molded spring; one end of the blow-molded spring is connected to the upper cover, and the other end is connected to the lower cover in rotating mode; inner wall of the upper cover is provided with a buckle, and a buckle flute is arranged in a position on the lower cover corresponding to the buckle. A blow-molded spring connects the resonant sound unit and speakers into one piece so as to avoid the flaws such as poor sound effects and narrow volume range of pure resonant sound unit or conventional compact sound unit. Music of different sound quality may be given with superior sound quality effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Qingkai Mei
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140307907
    Abstract: A cart assembly is provided for transporting multiple loudspeakers that are stacked in a pre-assembled line array. The cart assembly includes a base and at least two wheels that are mounted to the base. A plurality of loudspeakers having a non-parallelogram cabinet are stacked on the base in a vertical line array with a splay angle between a pair of axis each extending through about a horizontal axis between adjacent loudspeakers. The cart assembly is coupled to at least one of the plurality of loudspeakers. The cart assembly and the plurality of loudspeakers arranged in the vertical line array are transported to a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki TAKEUCHI, Jacques SPILLMANN, Paul BAUMAN
  • Publication number: 20140307906
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a first module, a second module, a pivoting mechanism and an electronic module. The pivoting mechanism is connected to the first module and the second module so that the second module pivots relative to the first module. The pivoting mechanism includes a pair of first fixing components, a pair of pivoting components and a pair of second fixing components. Each fixing component is fixed on the first module. Each pivoting component includes a first component and a second component, and the first component is fixed on the corresponding first fixing component. Each second fixing component is fixed on the corresponding second component and the second module. The electronic module is connected to the two second components so that the pivoting mechanism drives the electronic module and the second module to pivot simultaneously as the second module pivots relative to the first module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Kuo-Wei So
  • Patent number: 8855349
    Abstract: A portable speaker having a base, a cover, a scissors mechanism, a positioning mechanism, a restoring element, a push-push type mechanism and a speaker module is provided. The scissors mechanism, the positioning mechanism, the restoring element, the push-push type mechanism are disposed between the base and the cover, respectively. The scissors mechanism translates the cover vertically. The positioning mechanism translates the cover to an original position, a first position or a second position. The restoring element repositions the cover from the first position to the original position or the second position. The push-push type mechanism fixes the cover to the original position or the second position. The speaker module is disposed in the base or the cover, wherein the sound from the speaker module is able to be output from the interval between the base and the cover when the cover is at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Shan Yeh, Ming-Yu Chen, Yien-Chun Kuo
  • Publication number: 20140294216
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterproof speaker use on ship, which also includes a screw and a nut used to combine a vibration board, a first rubber pad, a base seat, a connection board, and a top cover combining with a housing into a unit. The present invention is characterized in that a second rubber pad is provided between the vibration board and the top cover, which can seal the gap between the housing and the top cover that prevents from water leaking into the speaker perfectly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: YI-CHUAN TENG
  • Publication number: 20140294217
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device includes: a housing; an acoustic-component contained in the housing; a sound hole formed in the housing, the sound hole being configured to allow communication between an inside and an outside of the housing; a non-breathable waterproof film disposed inside the housing, the waterproof film being configured to cover the sound hole; a compressible member compressed by being pressed against the housing during assembly of the acoustic-component to the housing, the compressible member being configured to form an acoustic-component chamber together with at least the waterproof film, the acoustic-component chamber being configured to hermetically seal the acoustic-component; and an opening configured to allow communication between an inside and an outside of the acoustic-component chamber within the housing, the opening being configured to allow air in the acoustic-component chamber to escape to the outside before the opening is closed in the process of compressing the compressible member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Atsushi YAMAGUCHI, Shingo YAMAGUCHI
  • 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: 20140286518
    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 and back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile and a loudspeaker cartridge configured to be mounted to the support frame through an appropriately-sized hole in the ceiling tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: RGB SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William C. Stewart, JR., Michael Hudson, Larry Frerichs, Clinton Strong, Weldon Gammon
  • Publication number: 20140270304
    Abstract: A speaker assembly includes a support member and a frame member. The support member is configured to be attached to a support surface and includes a body portion and a flange. The body portion is configured to pass through an opening in the support surface. The frame member supports at least one audio driver and is configured to be removably attachable to the support member such that the frame member and the at least one audio driver can be removed from a front side of the support member without removing the support member from the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: William R. Pieklik, Timothy P. Conroy
  • Publication number: 20140270306
    Abstract: Mobile device speaker control may include: monitoring one or more devices wirelessly coupled with a data network, receiving one or more data packets from each of the one or more devices, filtering received data packets by evaluating a received signal strength (e.g., RSSI) of the received packets, comparing the received signal strength of each of the received packets to a threshold to determine whether the one or more devices are to perform an action, and performing the action only if one or more indicia other than the received signal strength indicate a near field proximity within the threshold or a direct physical contact between a wireless device receiving the data packets and one of the one or more devices that is wirelessly transmitting the data packets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AliphCom
    Inventors: Michael Edward Smith Luna, Hawk Yin Pang
  • Publication number: 20140270305
    Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically providing audio output information to one or more portions of a portable electronic device to be outputted from said portable electronic device via one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals; and electronically outputting, said one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals to be demodulated into one or more acoustic audio signals containing one or more portions of said audio output information at one or more locations spaced from said portable electronic device based at least in part according to said one or more acoustic ultrasonic signals and based at least in part according to one or more portable electronic device ultrasonic emitter arrangements. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael H. Baym, William David Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K.Y. Jung, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8837764
    Abstract: A portable loudspeaker includes a base and a speaker cap opposing the base. The base and speaker cap are interposed by a movable resonance portion. The movable resonance portion is formed in a storing state and a releasing state. The base has a resonance reflection portion to receive reverse resonance sound waves generated by a speaker. The movable resonance portion includes a first transmission channel to transmit the reverse resonance sound waves to the resonance reflection portion and a second transmission channel to transmit base sound waves generated by the resonance reflection portion from the reverse resonance sound waves towards the speaker cap. The speaker cap has a second audio outlet to output the bass sound waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Topower Computer Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Ling Chou
  • Publication number: 20140254849
    Abstract: A waterproof sound transmitting member according to the present invention includes: a waterproof sound transmitting membrane having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a first adhesive sheet and a second adhesive sheet that are disposed on the first surface. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, the first adhesive sheet has a closed frame shape, and the second adhesive sheet is disposed within the frame formed by the first adhesive sheet and is spaced from the first adhesive sheet. This waterproof sound transmitting member has a structure suitable for preventing deterioration in sound quality due to sagging of the waterproof sound transmitting membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichi ABE, Yuki KARUBE
  • Publication number: 20140254848
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are inline waterproof controllers for electronic devices. The waterproof inline controllers can house and protect a remote controller from damage. The waterproof inline controllers can allow for a user to remotely operate an audio device while the user is exercising or engaged in watersports. The waterproof inline controllers may further include a microphone or speaker. A method of making the waterproof inline controllers provides a cost effective and efficient means of manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Carl Petterson, Peter Dirksing
  • Patent number: 8818013
    Abstract: This application relates to a wearable speaker system with a passive radiator and an active driver speaker that are connected by a flexible tube. Acoustic energy from the active driver speaker is projected through the flexible tube to the passive radiator, causing the passive radiator to vibrate and resonate in response to the acoustic energy to project the desired audible sounds to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Plastoform Industries Limited
    Inventors: Kin Man Tse, Chi Hung Matthew Chan
  • Patent number: 8804947
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system which supports a dual-purpose aperture for an electronic device. This system includes a first component configured to perform an acoustic function through the aperture and a second component configured to perform a non-acoustic function through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Rosenblatt, Michael M. Lee, Justin L. Gregg
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140219489
    Abstract: Described herein is an acoustic device including a speaker device adapted to wirelessly connect to, and relay audio signals from, an audio source. An external acoustic reflector is adapted to receive the speaker device inside or on the external acoustic reflector. The external acoustic reflector amplifies a sound generated by the speaker device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew WALDMAN
  • Patent number: 8792667
    Abstract: Even when an audio component is mounted on a non-flat portion such as a level difference portion or a bumpy portion, the audio component is stably fixed so as to improve sound quality without requiring a space for improving the sound quality, such as an exhaust chamber, and without increasing the cost. For this purpose, when a mounting rear face area of the audio component covers the non-flat portion on a substrate on which the audio component is mounted, the audio component is fixed on the substrate with a strength retaining member in the shape of a thin sheet provided therebetween for cancelling a level difference against a rear face of the audio component in the non-flat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kousuke Asami
  • Patent number: 8781135
    Abstract: The invention provides a touch pen with wireless voice capability which comprises a body, an audio receiving unit, a wireless communication module, and a micro-processing unit. The body has a touch portion and a first signal connector. The wireless communication module is disposed in the body, and the wireless communication module is for wirelessly transmitting audio data generated by the audio receiving unit and for wirelessly receiving audio data. The micro-processing unit is disposed in the body and is electrically coupled to the audio receiving unit and the wireless communication module. The micro-processing unit transmits the audio data received by the wireless communication module to the first signal connector. Accordingly, the touch pen with wireless voice capability provides the personal wireless voice communication for the user, or cooperates with a speaker device adapted to the conference call for multi-users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dexin Corporation
    Inventor: Ho-Lung Lu
  • Publication number: 20140193017
    Abstract: A portable audio device has a gate member that is spring activated to allow for attachment to other articles. The spring-activated gate member is integrated within the portable audio device. The portable audio device includes a receiver and transmitter for communication of wireless data. When the receiver receives audio signals, they may be outputted to a speaker that is part of the portable audio device. The portable audio device includes a waterproof portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: inMusic Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendy FORTIN
  • Publication number: 20140193018
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a case frame having an opening, a first unit, and at least one external environment sensor. The opening has a predetermined size and is formed in the case frame. The first unit is disposed inside the electronic device and is configured to perform a first function via the opening. The at least one external environment sensor is disposed inside the electronic device and detects an external environment condition via the opening. The electronic device uses an already formed opening for data input/output as an external connection path for the external environment sensor to avoid creating a separate opening for the external environment sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho-Yeong LIM, Joon HEO
  • Publication number: 20140185853
    Abstract: This waterproof microphone device includes a plurality of microphones, a housing, and a plurality of air-impermeable cover members. The plurality of microphones pick up sound wave and output an audio signal. The housing individually houses the plurality of microphones. The housing includes a plurality of holes. The hole guides sound wave to the microphone. The plurality of air-impermeable cover members are mounted on the housing. The air-impermeable cover member seals off the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: MASAYUKI AIHARA
  • Publication number: 20140169606
    Abstract: A protective speaker cover includes a main body and a securing mechanism for releasably securing the protective cover to an audio speaker grille. The main body includes a faceplate having sidewalls extending from an outer perimeter edge of the faceplate and being sized to cover the speaker grille surrounding the audio speaker. In one embodiment, the securing mechanism is a plurality of aligned clips extending from the inner facing side of the faceplate and having protrusions at a distal end being sized for snap-lock engagement within the open grooves of the speaker grille. In another embodiment, the inner facing surface of the sidewalls includes at least one spring-loaded member for securing the main body against the outer facing wall of the speaker grille. In another embodiment of the securing mechanism, the inner facing surface of the sidewalls includes a rubberized gasket for frictionally engaged receipt of the speaker grille.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Todd Fleischman, Joe DiMauro
  • Publication number: 20140169605
    Abstract: An electronic amplifier device amplifies magnetic audio signals emanating from a portable electronic device placed thereon. The electronic amplifier device includes a housing having a designated area for placement of the portable electronic device thereon, an amplifier circuit, and at least one loudspeaker electrically coupled to the amplifier circuit. A wireless audio coupler circuit situated within the electronic amplifier device includes a magnetic signal pick-up coil which is situated in close proximity to the designated area on the housing. The magnetic signal pick-up coil senses magnetic signals emanating from the portable electronic device placed on the designated area of the housing, and the electronic amplifier device amplifies these signals and provides them to the loudspeaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: VOXX International Corporation
    Inventors: Prapan Paul Tinaphong, John Anthony Andrews, Songling Zhao, Nathan T. Frame, S. Ian Geise, David A. Benedetti, Kevin Kei Kwan Lee
  • Patent number: 8750553
    Abstract: A speaker device for a mobile terminal enlarges resonance space of a speaker while decreasing a size of the mobile terminal. The speaker device for a mobile terminal includes at least one speaker installed within a main body of the mobile terminal and a speaker bracket installed at one surface of an electronic circuit board mounted within the main body. In addition, the speaker bracket fixes the at least one speaker in place and has housing space to enclose the at least one speaker therein. At least one resonance groove is formed in a portion enclosed by the speaker bracket in one surface of the electronic circuit board. Because resonance space can be enlarged without increasing a size of the speaker bracket, an entire thickness of the mobile terminal can be reduced and thus a size and thickness of the mobile terminal can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gun Hee Park, Byung Hwa Park
  • Publication number: 20140126760
    Abstract: This application relates to a wearable speaker system with passive radiators and active driver speakers that are connected by tubes. Acoustic energy from each active driver speaker is projected through the tubes to each respective passive radiator, causing the passive radiators to vibrate and resonate in response to the acoustic energy to project the desired audible sounds to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Plastoform Industries Limited
    Inventors: Kin Man Tse, Chi Hung Matthew Chan
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8718294
    Abstract: Electronic devices are provided that communicate over cables and other communications paths that include optical and electrical paths. A cable may include wires for forming an electrical path and one or more optical fibers for forming an optical path. Connectors at one or both ends of the cable may include electrical contacts and an optical coupling structure associated with the optical path. Optical paths may be included in connectors such as tip-ring-sleeve connectors and connectors of other types. Interface circuitry may be included in a connector to convert between optical and electrical signaling schemes. Wavelength-division-multiplexing may be used to support bidirectional communications. Breakout boxes and other equipment may be connected using the cables. Digital signals such as digital noise cancellation signals may be conveyed over the optical paths. Power and other electrical signals may be conveyed over the electrical paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Victor Tiscareno, Jesse L. Dorogusker
  • Publication number: 20140119587
    Abstract: A waterproof piezoelectric ceramic speaker comprises a ceramic composite and a vibration membrane. The ceramic composite includes a ceramic plate and a driving electrode assembly arranged on the ceramic plate and supplying a driving voltage to the ceramic plate to generate vibration for the ceramic plate. The vibration membrane includes a first vibration layer and a second vibration layer respectively adhered to two opposite surfaces of the ceramic composite. The first vibration layer and the second vibration layer respectively have a resonance member adhered to the ceramic plate and resonating with the ceramic plate synchronously, a waterproof member connecting with the resonance member to seal the driving electrode assembly, and a bonding member extending from a perimeter of the resonance member to seal the resonance member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ZIPPY TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Chin-Wen CHOU