Plural Diaphragms, Compartments, Or Housings Patents (Class 381/335)
  • Patent number: 8818006
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system includes an enclosure surrounding a plurality of loudspeakers. The plurality of loudspeakers are disposed in series along a straight line in the enclosure. The enclosure includes a front panel, a back panel and side panels. The front panel, the side panels, and the back panel are disposed parallel to the straight line on which the loudspeakers are arranged. The side panels are provided with a front slit and a back slit. The back slit is disposed at an opposite side of the front slit in the enclosure. Sounds emitted to the upper and lower sides of diaphragms of the loudspeakers are separated from each other such that the sounds are prevented from mixing with each other. This provides a loudspeaker system capable of achieving desired sound pressure-frequency characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Yamauchi, Masatoshi Okuyama, Shoji Nakajima, Satoshi Takayama, Satoshi Koura, Yachiyo Shimokawatoko, Kazuhiro Oshika, Hideaki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20140205126
    Abstract: Opposing strings of pivotally coupled rigid members attach to opposing sides of tapered speaker cabinets in an array of speaker cabinets. Attachment is made near the front cabinet edges and a rear adjustable coupling string of brackets and adjustable couplings connect to the rear of the tapered speaker cabinets. Actuation of the adjustable couplings enables continuous adjustment of the angular relationships of the speaker cabinets while under load. A three-point fly frame coupling is provided. A three-point dolly coupling is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony R. Faranda, Richard P. Chase
  • Patent number: 8744109
    Abstract: A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a first housing segment and a second housing segment that are slideably coupled to each other so that the mobile computing device can be in an extended position or a contracted position. The second housing segment includes a section that is overlaid by the first housing segment regardless of whether the mobile computing device is in the extended position or the contracted position. The mobile computing device also includes two microphones. A first microphone is provided with the second housing segment and is exposed to an opening of the second housing segment. A second microphone is provided at the overlaid section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Crooijmans
  • Patent number: 8724837
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a media device docking station having one or more acoustic channels to transfer sound to or from the media device while the media device is docked with the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wim Crooijmans, Richard Paul Howarth
  • 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: 8634586
    Abstract: A ceiling-mounted loudspeaker includes a horn-shaped enclosure, an acoustic driver, and a front module. The tubular or horn-shaped enclosure carries a slanted woofer or loudspeaker driver which radiates into an angled or slanted first opening. The tubular enclosure terminates at bottom in a second, circular opening substantially parallel to a second plane, wherein the woofer's slanted plane is inclined with respect to the second plane. The slanted woofer can be oval and radiates sound through the enclosure's interior lumen and outwardly through ports defined in a substantially circular baffle carrying the front module and connected to the second opening. The baffle carries a midrange and tweeter near the ceiling where they can provide enhanced sound dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Polk Audio, Inc.
    Inventors: Lowell J. Smith, Stuart W. Lumsden, Scott Orth
  • Patent number: 8605931
    Abstract: A combined headphone set including a speaker assembly. The headphone set includes a headband having a speaker headphone on opposing ends of the headband. Each of the speaker headphones includes an exterior speaker for public listening and an interior speaker for personal listening by the user. One of the speaker headphones includes switching means for listening to the interior speaker or to the exterior speaker or to the interior and exterior speakers simultaneously from each of the speaker headphones. Each of the speaker headphones includes an audio signal wire connected from an output jack of an audio device to the speaker headphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Allan Amsel
  • Patent number: 8587631
    Abstract: An exemplary method of facilitating communication includes determining a position of a portable communication device that generates a video output. A sound output control is provided to an audio device that is distinct from the portable communication device for directing a sound output from the audio device based on the determined position of the portable communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Walter Etter
  • Patent number: 8577068
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pop-up tweeter. In particular, the pop-up tweeter includes a casing, a driving unit inserted into the inside of the casing. The driving unit is configured to be movable upward and downward within the casing along with a speaker. The pop-up tweeter is installed within a vehicle and is configured to have an opening and closing structure which advantageously improves user convenience and provides an external design of a speaker with increased merchantability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Se Min Oh
  • Publication number: 20130259284
    Abstract: Disclosed is a speaker-box. The speaker-box includes a case, a speaker unit received in the case and a heat radiating portion attached on the base and directly connecting to a part of the speaker unit for dissipating the heat generated by the speaker unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Lei Shi, Wentao Jiang, Linzhen Li
  • Patent number: 8526662
    Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly includes a first member including a first driver and a second member including second driver. The first member and the second member are pivotally connected for selectively changing the profile of the speaker assembly. A central housing member is pivotally connected to each of the first member and the second member, wherein the central housing member supports a third driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 8520883
    Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly includes a first member pivotally connected to a second member for selectively changing the profile of the speaker assembly. A central driver is positioned between the first member and the second member. The first member includes a first enclosure with a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving a first driver, the first driver being secured within the first enclosure. The second member includes a second enclosure with a cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving a second driver, the second driver being secured within the second enclosure. Each of the first member and the second member includes a central driver aperture and the central driver is mounted within the central driver apertures of the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 8511422
    Abstract: A flexible multiple speaker support apparatus is provided for supporting a plurality of speakers therein and includes a flexible, hollow speaker support unit which includes a plurality of open, sound emission channels. The speakers are housed within the flexible, hollow speaker support unit, and the speakers are placed in registration with the open, sound emission channels. With one embodiment of the invention, the flexible, hollow speaker support unit includes a flexible, tubular speaker support member, and the flexible, tubular speaker support member includes a plurality of the open, sound emission channels. The speakers are placed in registration with the open, sound emission channels. With another embodiment of the invention, a suspension bracket assembly is connected to the flexible, hollow speaker support unit for supporting the flexible, hollow speaker support unit in a desired orientation from a ceiling, wall or other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Steven L. Adams
  • Patent number: 8509468
    Abstract: A receiver or loudspeaker having a plurality of sound generators each having a housing and a sound output. An oblong channel is formed by a channel-forming element and parts of the housings. The sound outputs are positioned on one side of a middle of the channel and a outlet of the channel is positioned on the other side of the middle of the channel so that the channel has a length adapted to acoustically alter the sound. The use of the housings for forming the channels provides a more compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Sonion Nederland BV
    Inventors: Aart Zeger van Halteren, Sietse Jacob van Reeuwijk
  • Patent number: 8503690
    Abstract: There is provided a loudspeaker unit, in particular a ceiling loudspeaker unit, which has a housing (50) having a front housing portion (60). Arranged in the front housing portion (60) are a woofer unit (10), a baffle panel (70) and a tweeter unit (30) in a 2-way coaxial system. The tweeter unit (30) has a tweeter horn having a plurality of legs (33) and a plurality of openings (31) at the edge of the tweeter horn (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jorg Knieschewski
  • Patent number: 8494192
    Abstract: An audio reproducing system includes a pair of speaker units, a mounting unit for mounting the pair of speaker units, without being attached to a baffle board, to the vicinity of a listener's ears in a manner such that sounds emitted from the front and back of a diaphragm of each speaker unit are mixed, and an audio signal output unit for virtual sound imaging an input audio signal and outputting the virtual sound imaged signal to the pair of speaker units in a manner such that the listener listens to a sound reproduced by the pair of speaker units feeling as if the sound is emitted from a different speaker device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Teppei Yokota, Nobuyuki Kihara
  • Patent number: 8488816
    Abstract: One mode of the present invention provides an electroacoustic transducer composed of a multifaced diaphragm assembly and a multifaced speaker housing assembly that is housed inside the multifaced diaphragm assembly. The multifaced speaker housing is configured by combining the outer peripheral surface of a plurality of individual speaker drive units into a nearly spherical shell. The multifaced diaphragm assembly, which has thereinside the multifaced speaker housing assembly, is configured to have a plurality of regular pentagonal diaphragm segments that are combined together into a nearly spherical shape shell, and a plurality of speaker drive units opposing the diaphragm segments from inside in one-to-one relation. Each speaker drive unit has a bobbin, the one end portion of which is adhered to the center portion of the inner surface of each diaphragm segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: JVC Kenwood Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Inagaki, Manabu Omoda, Jiro Nakaso
  • Patent number: 8477954
    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: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Nils Ohlmeier
  • Patent number: 8472657
    Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, a functional device hardware element of a mobile telecommunication device is provided externally by forming a dual geometric structure in an exterior surface of at least two device side edges of a device housing. The device housing has first and second grooves being substantially disposed from the front surface to the back surface across the side circumferential surface of first and second device edges of at least four device side edges, respectively, such that a combination of the first and second grooves is configured to jointly define at least one of a shape and a size of a predefined geometric structure that is selected to externally form a functional device hardware element of the mobile telecommunication device from the device housing of the device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Sanjeev Kumar Singh
  • Patent number: 8467557
    Abstract: A coaxial speaker system that minimizes detrimental sound wave reflections from its high frequency speaker. The coaxial speaker system includes a high frequency speaker coaxially mounted within a low frequency speaker. The high frequency speaker includes a sound reproducing membrane, a voice coil assembly and magnet assembly for actuating the sound reproducing membrane in response to an electrical audio signal, and optionally a wave guide horn for directing sound waves produced by the sound reproducing membrane. The wave guide horn has a throat disposed adjacent the sound reproducing membrane and a mouth disposed opposite the throat. The low frequency speaker also includes a sound reproducing membrane assembly and a voice coil assembly and magnet assembly for actuating the sound reproducing membrane assembly in response to an electrical audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: MS Electronics LLC
    Inventors: Brian Howard Miller, Charles Emory Hughes, II, Jonathan Neil Hart
  • Patent number: 8467551
    Abstract: A microphone mounting assembly (800A/800b) include one or more transducers (801) mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) (805) where a spacer (803) is used having a channel (807) positioned on the PCB (805) for allowing acoustical energy to pass through the channel (807) to a port (809) in the PCB (805). A first cover (811) is positioned over the channel (807) for disrupting the direct encounter with airflow into the channel (807) while a top section (813) having a second cover (815) is further positioned adjacent to the first fabric cover (811) for preventing debris from obstructing the first fabric cover (811).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson
  • Patent number: 8462976
    Abstract: A voice conference system has a first voice-conference device having a speaker directed toward a first conferee and a second speaker directed toward a second conferee in one talk session room, and a second voice-conference device having a speaker directed to a third conferee and a fourth speaker directed toward a fourth conferee in another talk session room. When the first conferee talks, voice collecting beam signals picked up by microphones of the one voice conference device in excess of a predetermined threshold value are selected. The one voice conference device acquires voice collecting direction information, and then transmits voice communication data containing the voice collecting beam signal and the acquired voice collecting direction information to the another voice conference device, which acquires the voice collecting direction information from the received voice communication data, and emits the voice of the first conferee from the first speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Tamaru
  • Patent number: 8442254
    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, an audio element can be mounted on or coupled to an intermediate structure (e.g., a flexible electrical substrate) having an opening therein to allow audio sound to pass there through. In another embodiment, an audio chamber can be formed to assist in directing audio sound between an opening an outer housing and a flexible electronic substrate to which the audio element is mounted or coupled thereto. In still another embodiment, a barrier, such as a mesh barrier, can be provided in an opening of an outer housing so that undesired foreign substances can be blocked from further entry into the opening in the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle Yu, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Shaohai Chen
  • Patent number: 8422721
    Abstract: Loudspeaker system including a housing and at least four transducers arranged therein. Each transducer includes a substantially circular diaphragm and the diaphragms are constructed with specific sizes such that the ratio of a diameter of each diaphragm to the diameter of an immediately larger diaphragm is between 1:1 and 1: Phi2(Phi=(1+?5)/2), preferably 1:Phi, and the ratio of the diameter of each diaphragm to an immediately smaller diaphragm, is between 1:1 and 1:(1/Phi), preferably 1:1/Phi. Moreover, the diaphragms are arranged such that centers thereof lie on a spiral, clockwise or counterclockwise, in ascending size order with the center of the smallest diaphragm being closest to the pole of the spiral. A microphone and single-diaphragm loudspeaker in which the diaphragm has a spiral shape are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Frank Rizzello
  • Patent number: 8416976
    Abstract: A voice conference system has a first voice-conference device having a speaker directed toward a first conferee and a second speaker directed toward a second conferee in one talk session room, and a second voice-conference device having a speaker directed to a third conferee and a fourth speaker directed toward a fourth conferee in another talk session room. When the first conferee talks, voice collecting beam signals picked up by microphones of the one voice conference device in excess of a predetermined threshold value are selected. The one voice conference device acquires voice collecting direction information, and then transmits voice communication data containing the voice collecting beam signal and the acquired voice collecting direction information to the another voice conference device, which acquires the voice collecting direction information from the received voice communication data, and emits the voice of the first conferee from the first speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Tamaru
  • Patent number: 8411892
    Abstract: A linear speaker assembly including a plurality of speakers in side by side relation within a piece of furniture in such a manner that a horn element, a phase plug and other ancillary speaker structure forms a sound path that communicates from the speakers to the environment and the speaker assembly is partially concealed or camouflaged from the casual viewing of an observer. The phase plug and horn element are elongated and are provided along the entire length of the plurality of speakers which comprise a portion of the linear speaker assembly. The phase plug and horn element visually complement the outer portion of the piece of furniture that the plurality of speakers are disposed within. This permits the piece of furniture or other structure to provide amplified sound from a plurality of speakers in side by side relation in such a manner whereby the speaker assembly is substantially camouflaged or not visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Norberto Grundland, Evenecer Garcia
  • Patent number: 8411883
    Abstract: A loudspeaker apparatus includes a speaker array that has a plurality of speaker units which are arranged on a sound emitting surface of the speaker array, and emits sound beams on a plurality of channels, an angle sensing section that senses an angle change displaced from a previously set reference angle of the sound emitting surface, and an adjusting section that adjusts output angles of the sound beams in response to the angle change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Keishi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8406444
    Abstract: An audio radiation type reflective sound box structure comprises a hollow cone tube having a first end received in a box, a second end extended out of an opening of the box to form an inclined side wall, and at least one vent disposed adjacent to the first end. When a diaphragm of a speaker mounted on an inner side edge of the second end generates vibrations, compressed air in the hollow cone tube is pushed out of the opening through the vent, and then collides with the outer edge of the inclined side wall and is diffused toward a peripheral direction adjacent to a front side of the speaker along an extension direction of the inclined side wall. Thus, the sounds reflected by the box can be evenly transmitted to a peripheral environment adjacent to the front side of the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Chao-Lang Wang
  • Patent number: 8397860
    Abstract: A loudspeaker enclosure accommodates at least one speaker. Sound waves emanating from the rear of the speaker exit through a port in the enclosure. The interior of the enclosure contains at least one partition to lengthen the acoustic path from the rear of the speaker to the port and to cause alternating expansion and contraction of the sound waves emanating from the rear of the speaker. The partitions are arranged in relation to the speaker(s) so as to reduce sound wave reflections that would create non-linearities in the frequency response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rogersound Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Howard Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8396240
    Abstract: A first electro-acoustic transducer and a second electro-acoustic transducer are supported by a housing attached to a baffle to form an asymmetric acoustical system. An equalizer receives an input signal and generates an equalized signal which is transmitted to the second electro-acoustic transducer. The equalizer is configured to generate the equalized signal such that a net mechanical force acting on the baffle, generated by the first electro-acoustic transducer in response to the input signal and by the second electro-acoustic transducer in response to the equalized signal, is less than the net mechanical force that would be generated if the equalized signal were unchanged in magnitude and equal or opposite in phase to the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Rosen
  • 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: 20130039522
    Abstract: A flat speaker device includes a first housing assembly and a speaker assembly. The method of fabricating the flat speaker device has steps of combining a first upper layer with a first frame; combining a first flat speaker with the first upper layer; combining a first lower layer with the first frame and the first flat speaker; placing a lower cover layer under the first lower layer; placing a upper cover layer over the first upper layer; combining the upper cover layer, the first upper layer, the first frame, the first flat speaker, the first lower layer and the lower cover layer; forming a pocket on the upper cover layer; and mounting a printed circuit board in the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: VerSonix Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Chih CHIEN
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8355520
    Abstract: A music player is worn on a limb of a body when in use and includes: a case; a plurality of buttons through which an instruction relating to music reproduction is given; and a band fitting portion to which a band is fittable, the band being used when the case is worn on the limb. In the music player, the case has a chamfer constituted of a plane whose line of intersection with the band is diagonal to a longitudinal direction of the band, the plural buttons are provided on an upper face of the case, an arrangement direction of the plural buttons being parallel to the plane constituting the chamfer, and the chamfer has an audio output terminal. Preferably, the chamfer has a connection terminal to which an exercise state detection sensor for detecting a state of exercise practiced by a wearer of the music player is connectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Masafumi Ito
  • Patent number: 8345883
    Abstract: A multi-channel audio system is constituted using at least one line array speaker unit, in which plural speakers are arrayed in line, wherein the same audio signal is supplied with a prescribed delay time to each of the speakers, thus forming plural sound beams. The plural sound beams are reflected on a wall surface and a ceiling of a room so as to form plural virtual sound sources surrounding a listening position, and emission directions and intensities of the sound beams are controlled so as to localize a phantom at a prescribed position based on the plural virtual sound sources. By appropriately arranging plural line array speaker units horizontally, vertically, and slantingly in such a way that each line array speaker unit forms sound beams distributed and spread in a sectorial form, it is possible to realize a surround audio system having a high degree of freedom with regard to setup positions for forming virtual sound sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Takumai, Akira Usui
  • Publication number: 20120308065
    Abstract: A sound bar includes a housing, a rotary member, first and second speaker boxes, and a gear mechanism. The rotary member is rotatable with respect to the housing. The first and second speaker boxes are slidable with respect to the housing, respectively. The first and second speaker boxes are disposed at opposite end portions of the housing in a lengthwise direction of the housing, respectively. The gear mechanism is disposed between the rotary member and the first and second speaker boxes. The gear mechanism is configured to slide both the first and second speaker boxes with respect to the housing in opposite directions of the housing along the lengthwise direction of the housing in response to a rotational movement of the rotary member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD., FUNAI CORPORATION INC.
    Inventors: Ernie PADALINO, Koshiro HASHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8325968
    Abstract: A speaker includes a magnetic circuit defining a magnetic gap, a diaphragm defining a central part and peripheral part surrounded the central part of the diaphragm, a coil defining an end suspended in the magnetic gap, an elastic plate defining a central flat coupled to the central part of the diaphragm and a side coupled to another end of the coil. And the side of the elastic plate comprises a first part extending perpendicularly from the central flat toward the peripheral part of the diaphragm and a second part extending parallel to the central flat for coupling another end of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: AAC Acoustic Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., American Audio Components Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng-Min Pan, Bing-Ke Zhu
  • Patent number: 8325937
    Abstract: A battery and speaker mounting apparatus includes a base member including a battery socket positioned adjacent a support surface on the base member, and a speaker chamber defined by the base member and separated from the battery socket by the support surface. A speaker module may be mounted in the speaker chamber, and a battery may be coupled to the battery socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Eldho Kuriakose
  • Patent number: 8320596
    Abstract: A plurality of speakers are linked in the present invention. The linked position of each speaker can be detected. Audio signal is input to any one of the master speakers. The master speaker synchronizes the other linked speakers, and supplies audio signals to other speakers. It also controls the delay quantity of the speaker unit of each speaker. For a single speaker, the apparent width of this array speaker system becomes twice the width, and the speaker unit spacing becomes one third the spacing. Consequently, the frequency band at which direction is controllable becomes enhanced. Additionally, a plurality of microphone devices are linked at the top, bottom, left and right sides in the present invention. The linked position of each microphone device can be detected. Audio data is output from each microphone device to the master microphone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ishibashi, Takuya Tamaru
  • Patent number: 8315417
    Abstract: A speaker box, or enclosure, and kit with five panels connected by flexible couplings is shipped in a stack of four of the five panels, plus two side panels. The flexible couplings may be provided by a single sheet of fabric coupled to the five panels. When the kit is assembled into a speaker box, the five coupled panels circumferentially engage the two side panels, which are shaped as isosceles trapezoids. One side of the assembled speaker box includes two coupled panels, of the five coupled panels, joined with a flat rabbet joint. The assembled speaker box is held together with bundle ties, adhesive, or preferably, both. Openings for a speaker and a connector cup are provided. The kit includes adhesive, instructions, bundle ties with bundle tie locks, a connector cup, and hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: William Basore
  • Patent number: 8311254
    Abstract: An audio speaker comprises three modules stacked on one another to form a tower. The bottom module generates a magneto-strictive output that is coupled to the structure on which the bottom module stands to cause audio signal radiation from that structure. The top module has an upwardly facing cone speaker that radiates audio signals primarily in the upper audio frequency range. These two audio signal radiations combine to provide a more comprehensive frequency range signal than is normally obtained at the small size of the tower. An intermediate module plays media such as an audio card. The modules are releasably held together by embedded magnets in the adjacent facing surfaces of the modules. Signal information is transmitted between modules by terminals on adjacent facing surfaces. The upwardly facing surface has a set of recessed spring loaded upwardly extending terminals. The mating terminals on the downwardly facing surface are flush with the surface contact terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Franklin Electronic Publishers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Barry J. Lipsky, Eric A. Langberg
  • Patent number: 8280095
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus includes a main body; a wall forming part of an enclosure forming a sound space in the main body, the wall having an opening therein; a speaker disposed in the sound space; a signal line connected to the speaker and passing through the opening in the wall; and an opening sealing member that seals the opening in the wall through which the signal line passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-il Lee, Boo-sang Kim, Cheul-hae Park
  • 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: 8275160
    Abstract: A delay time calculation apparatus that enables all of speaker units constituting a speaker array to contribute to the formation of a combined wavefront directed to an area specified by a user. The delay time calculation apparatus includes a delay time calculation unit that calculates delay times of delayed audio signals supplied to the speaker units such that a ratio at which an evaluation object area is occupied by an area to which an acoustic wave output from each speaker unit reaches earlier than acoustic waves output from the other speaker units falls within a predetermined range. The evaluation object area is a target area to which a combined wavefront of acoustic waves output from the speaker units is directed, or is a perspective projection image of the target area onto a predetermined evaluation plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kushida, Takashi Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8267221
    Abstract: An exemplary sound box includes a box body and two speakers mounted in the box body. The box body defines two expanded portions and a connecting portion interconnecting the two expanded portions. Inner spaces of the connecting portion and the two expanded portions communicate with each other and cooperatively constitute a sound chamber of the sound box. Each of the expanded portions defines an opening therein. The two speakers are attached to the box body at the openings of the s two expanded portions respectively. This disclosure further discloses an electronic device configured with the sound box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hwang-Miaw Chen
  • Patent number: 8265310
    Abstract: An audio system that may be implemented in a television, that includes a plurality of directional arrays. The arrays may include a common acoustic driver and may be spaces non-uniformly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: William Berardi, Hilmar Lehnert
  • Patent number: 8256566
    Abstract: A loudspeaker enclosure accommodates at least one speaker. Sound waves emanating from the rear of the speaker exit through a port in the enclosure. The interior of the enclosure contains at least one partition to lengthen the acoustic path from the rear of the speaker to the port and to cause alternating expansion and contraction of the sound waves emanating from the rear of the speaker. The partitions are arranged in relation to the speaker(s) so as to reduce sound wave reflections that would create non-linearities in the frequency response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Rogersound Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Howard Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8243966
    Abstract: An assembly structure of flat speaker including at least two speaker units and one connecting structure is provided. Each speaker unit includes a first electrode, a vibrating film, and a second electrode. The connecting structure includes two conductive layers, and a first insulating layer. A first conductive layer is connected the first electrode through a contact area, and each has a first length and a third length parallel to the contact area. A second conductive layer is connected the second electrode through a contact area, and each has a second length and a fourth, a fifth length parallel to the contact area. The third length is less than or equal to a sum of the first lengths of the speaker units. A sum of the third, the fourth, and the fifth length is less than or equal to a sum of the first and second lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yu-Min Lin, Chang-Ho Liou, Yu-Wei Huang, Ming-Daw Chen, Rong-Shen Lee
  • Patent number: 8238572
    Abstract: A speaker device employing a diaphragm structure for providing high quality sound characteristics. In particular, a separate speaker unit is additionally provided so as to improve a resonator characteristic produced at the rear side of an existing speaker. As such, the rear sound arriving at an end of the resonator is dampened by the sound outputted from the additional speaker unit, thereby improving characteristics, such as clearness, total harmonic distortion, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Dong-Ik Park, Soon-Youl Kwon
  • Patent number: RE44942
    Abstract: A mobile communication device is provided. The mobile communication device includes a terminal body, and a speaker module located in the terminal body. The speaker module includes an enclosure located in the terminal body, the enclosure defining a chamber therein, and a speaker having a front surface and a rear surface, the speaker being located in the enclosure such that the front surface of the speaker is exposed from the enclosure and the rear surface thereof is positioned within the chamber, to allow a sound generated from the rear surface to resonate within the chamber. A mutual interference between the sound generated from the front side of the sound emission part and the sound emitted from the rear side thereof can be reduced to thereby improve the performance of the middle and low sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung-Tae Lee, Jin-Ho Kim, Jeong-Hoon Kang