Electrical Hardware Feature Patents (Class 381/384)
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Patent number: 8422711Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Go-Rock Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chen-Che Lin
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Patent number: 8416961Abstract: A system detects the repositioning of an earphone that is worn by a user, and changes an operation mode of a host coupled to the earphone. Within the earphone is a pressure transducer that detects a pressure change caused by the repositioning of the earphone. A signaling mechanism sends a repositioning detection signal to the host in response to a signal from the pressure transducer indicating the detection of the pressure change.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jae Han Lee, Wendell B. Sander
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Patent number: 8401218Abstract: An earphone comprises an inner shell, a stem and a pivot connection. The inner shell has a generally circular periphery shaped to at least partially fit in a user's concha. The stem is mounted to the inner shell at a position spaced from a rotational center of the inner shell and supports a wire leading to the inner shell. The inner shell and the stem are rotatable relative to each other by the pivot connection to configure the earphone to fit the user's ear with the shell member positioned at least partially in the user's concha and the stem positioned exteriorly along an intertragic notch of the ear.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Sung Ho Son, Gregory G. Jones
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Patent number: 8401219Abstract: Headset assemblies and headset connectors are provided. Headset connectors can include a magnetic mating face and a plurality of electrical contacts disposed within the mating face. Engaging assemblies and engaging connectors are also provided. The engaging connectors can include a housing having a mating side, a magnetic array structure, and a plurality of spring biased contact members. The magnetic array structure can be fixed within the housing and house a plurality of spring biased contact members. The spring biased contact members can include tips that extend out of the mating side. The tips can electrically couple with electrical contacts in a headset connector.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: M. Evans Hankey, Emery Sanford, Christopher D Prest, Way Chet Lim
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Patent number: 8391535Abstract: A headset with a digital signal processor is provided. The headset is coupleable to at least one audio source using either a wired connection or a wireless connection. The digital signal processor divides each channel of the incoming audio signal into a plurality of frequency bands. Monitors (e.g., in-ear monitors or headphones), each comprising a plurality of drivers, are coupled to the output of the digital signal processor.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Logitech International, S.A.Inventors: Jerry J. Harvey, Medford Alan Dyer
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Patent number: 8385573Abstract: The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device connection system for a user having an ear canal comprising a housing, electronics disposed in the housing, a cable electrically connected to the receiver and at least one conductive silicone component to electrically connect the electronics to the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Starkey Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Sidney A. Higgins
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Patent number: 8379900Abstract: A connecting device includes an audio signal plug to which an audio signal transmission cable including at least three lines can be connected, the audio signal plug including at least three plug terminals. The three plug terminals of the audio signal plug include first, second, and third plug terminals. The first plug terminal functions as a signal line in which a high-frequency signal is superimposed on an audio signal. The second plug terminal different from the first plug terminal functions as a ground for low-frequency and high-frequency. The third plug terminal different from the first and second plug terminals functions as a ground by capacitive coupling for the high-frequency, and has a function for transmitting a signal different from a signal of the first plug terminal for the low-frequency.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Yoshitaka Yoshino
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Publication number: 20130039525Abstract: A restraint device for a pair of headphones having a pair of earphones, an audio plug, and a pair of wires coupling the pair of earphones to the audio plug, wherein the restraint device includes a body of a material, wherein the material includes an interior channel, wherein the interior channel is configured to have the pair of wires be slidably disposed therein, wherein the interior channel is configured to have the audio plug be removably disposed therein, wherein the interior channel is configured to restrain relative movement of the pair of wires with respect to the audio plug when the pair of wires and the audio plug are disposed adjacently within the interior channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: David Pang, Jeffrey Pang, Caroline Pang, Stephen Y.F. Pang
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Patent number: 8371417Abstract: In a headphone set, a speaker is enclosed in a housing. A cord is connected to the speaker at one end and running to the outside of the housing at another end through a pulling-out portion of the housing. The cord is inserted into a bushing at the pulling-out portion. An outer-shape expansion portion is fixed to the cord and located between the speaker and the bushing. The outer-shape expansion portion expands the outer shape of the cord. A concavity is provided to the bushing at one end of the bushing closer to the speaker. At least a portion of the outer-shape expansion portion is put in the concavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: JVC Kenwood CorporationInventor: Takayuki Miyazawa
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Patent number: 8363873Abstract: An earphone cable includes a first signal wire group, a second signal wire group, and a sheath layer. The first signal group includes at least one first conducting wire. The second signal wire group includes at least one second conducting wire, and the second signal wire group is insulated from the first signal wire group. At least one of the first signal wire group and the second signal wire group comprises at least one carbon nanotube wire. The sheath layer located about the first signal wire group and the second signal wire group.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Liang Liu, Jerry Wu
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Patent number: 8363823Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for communicating between a user device, such as a mobile terminal, and a three wire headset assembly having two microphones coupled thereto. The methods provide two microphone uplink communication and stereo audio playback on a three wire headset assembly without requiring a fourth wire or the addition of a separate voice processor. The headset assembly includes a primary microphone and secondary microphone spaced some distance apart for applying techniques of noise reduction and suppression. The headset assembly includes two speakers. Controlled switches are also included in both the user device and headset assembly to achieve dual use for a single wire of the three wires. The three wire headset may advantageously support both stereo playback and two microphone voice processing. In some embodiments, two microphone noise suppression for a wired headset mode of the user device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Audience, Inc.Inventor: Peter Santos
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Patent number: 8358800Abstract: An earphone comprises two earbuds, a plug assembly, and a wire connected to the earbuds and the plug assembly. The plug assembly comprises a first insulation shell, a second insulation shell, an adjusting wheel located between the first insulation shell and the second insulation shell, a plug fixed in the inside of the first insulation shell, two stopping blocks fixed to one side of the first insulation shell away from the wire, and a resetting element received in the second insulation shell. The plug comprises a plug core and a sleeve set on the outside of the plug core.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wei Wu, Xin Yang
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Publication number: 20130016869Abstract: The present invention relates to headphones for multimedia devices, and more specifically the present invention is adapted to allow more than one user to use the same headphone jack. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a headphone which enables more than one person to use the same multimedia device at the same time without having to use a separate splitter device. This allows the next person to connect to another persons headphone/earphone plug to jointly enjoy the multimedia content.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: NORDIC ENTERPRISESInventor: Isak Winther
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Patent number: 8345913Abstract: A headphone having reduced-tangling potential includes an audio plug for receive electrical signals from an audio device, coupled via wires to ear buds, wherein the ear buds are for receiving electrical signals and outputting audio, wires coupled to the audio plug and to the pair of ear buds, wherein the coupling wire is configured to provide the electrical signals from the audio plug to at least the pair of ear buds, and a restraint device having a pliable material body having an interior channel, wherein the channel restrains movement of the separate ear buds a first resistance, when the audio plug is inserted into the channel, and wherein the channel restrains movement the separate ear buds by a second resistance, when the audio portion is separated from the channel, wherein the first resistance amount exceeds the second resistance amount.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventors: Jeffrey Pang, Caroline Pang, David Pang, Stephen Y. F. Pang
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Publication number: 20120328145Abstract: An exemplary earphone includes a shell, a speaker received in the shell, and a wire electrically connecting with the speaker. The shell defines a sound cavity and a wire passage therein. The sound cavity and the wire passage communicate with each other. The speaker is received in the sound cavity. The wire is inserted into the sound cavity through the wire passage. An adhesive tape is wound around part of the wire. The adhesive tape abuts against an inner wall of the wire passage thereby fixing the wire in the wire passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: HWANG-MIAW CHEN
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Publication number: 20120328144Abstract: This invention provides novel earphones. In one embodiment, the earphones are configured for listening to music from a bust-mounted media player. In another embodiment, the earphones are configured for listening to music from an arm mounted media player.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Frank E. Dugger, Yumi Fujiwara Benedicto-Dugger
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Publication number: 20120328143Abstract: A case for storing a battery which supplies drive power for a headphone includes a case body to which the battery is stored and which is capable of being inserted to an insertion hole formed at a headphone chassis and a lock pawl which is capable of being locked with a lock hole formed at the headphone chassis, while a positive terminal which is connected to a positive electrode of the battery stored in the case body and a negative terminal which is connected to a negative electrode of the battery stored in the case body are arranged, and then, a leading terminal which is connected to either the positive electrode or the negative electrode is arranged at the case body and the leading terminal is connected to either the positive terminal or the negative terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Yoshiko OHTANI, Hiroyasu Suzuki
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Patent number: 8340311Abstract: A system that allows the teammates of an individual (such as a quarterback on a football team) to hear signals being called by that individual during the course of a sports competition, despite noise generated by an audience. The system includes a microphone positioned within the helmet of the signal caller connected to an audio amplification device, either positioned in the helmet or in some other part of the clothing or equipment worn by the signal caller. The amplified signal is then directed to one or more loudspeakers, again positioned either on the helmet of the signal caller or on the clothing or equipment worn by the signal caller. The loudspeakers are directed to the signal caller's teammates, positioned typically along a line of scrimmage. The system may be time-limited in operation in that the signal caller must specifically activate the system which thereafter remains activated only for a pre-set period of time before automatically shutting off.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: Hector C. Villarreal, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120314897Abstract: An ear plug apparatus using a 5-pole connection terminal is provided. The apparatus includes an ear plug and at least one connection terminal. The at least one connection terminal is attached to the ear plug. At least one connection terminal is positioned at an end of a body of the ear plug and isolates a space between one connection terminal and another connection terminal and includes at least one insulation pad attached to the ear plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Hyung-Keun SONG
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Patent number: 8331602Abstract: A signal cable includes a first signal wire group, a second signal wire group, and a sheath layer. The first signal group includes at least one first conducting wire and at least one first carbon nanotube wire. The second signal wire group includes at least one second conducting wire. The second signal wire group is insulated from the first signal wire group. The sheath layer is about the first signal wire group and the second signal wire group.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Liang Liu, Jerry Wu
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Patent number: 8325962Abstract: There is provided headphones that include a pair of left and right earcups, an audio signal processing unit contained in the earcups, a headband connecting the left and right earcups respectively through a hanger, and a cord to supply a signal to the audio signal processing unit. In the headphones, a connection portion between the hanger and the headband is configured as an extension and contraction unit having a multistage structure including a small-diameter hollow member able to be taken in and out of a large-diameter hollow member, a part of the cord contained in the extension and contraction unit is spirally wound so as to be extended and contracted, nodes are placed respectively between the headband and the extension and contraction unit and between the hanger and the extension and contraction unit, and the respective nodes have a through-hole allowing penetration of the cord.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Ishida, Naotaka Tsunoda
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Patent number: 8325935Abstract: A wireless system including a first speaker and a second speaker, where the first and second speakers communicate with each other over a wireless link. In some configurations, the first speaker includes both a primary wireless interface for receiving audio from an audio source and a secondary wireless interface transmitting a portion of the audio to the second speaker. The speaker can incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to provide the wireless link between each other. The wireless system can be configured to synchronize audio output at the speakers, and can also include a second-speaker detection mechanism that permits the first speaker to be used in either a stand-alone mode, with audio output at only the first speaker, or full-headset mode, with audio output at both speakers when the second speaker is detected within wireless range of the first speaker.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventor: Phillip Rutschman
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Publication number: 20120294454Abstract: A mobile phone apparatus 10 is provided with a five conductor earphone jack 26, etc. which is used to be shared between four and five conductor earphone plugs. Also, the two plugs have a left audio terminal at the same position, but a right audio terminal and a GND terminal at opposite positions. When the earphone plug is inserted, a tone signal is output from a third jack terminal. At this time, if the four conductor earphone plug is inserted, a tone signal is output as a leakage signal from a first jack terminal through a four conductor earphone. Then, the leakage signal is amplified, and input to a controlling circuit (70). On the other hand, if the five conductor earphone plug is inserted, a leakage signal is not output.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuyuki SAKAMOTO, Yoshiomi KUSUNOKI
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Publication number: 20120288133Abstract: There is provided a portable audio output device that can be stably hooked over a user's external ear. A cord 2 is curved so as to be hooked over a user's external ear A. A speaker unit 10 has a holding unit 13 that holds the cord 2. The holding unit 13 holds the cord 2 in a position on the cord 2 away from an end 2a such that the cord 2 is curved between the end 2a and a portion thereof held by the holding unit 13. The holding unit 13 is configured such that the cord 2 can move relative to the holding unit 13.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Taichi Nokuo
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Patent number: 8311262Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Randy J. Kulchy, John W. Mazejka, Robert A. Warden
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Patent number: 8295532Abstract: Methods and systems for wireless headset instant on capability during battery charging are disclosed and may include powering a wireless headset so that it may be operable to transmit/receive wireless signals during charging. The headset may be powered via an external charger and may be coupled to the headset via a USB link. The headset may be powered via one or more internal batteries, and may be independent of a power level of the batteries within the headset. RF and baseband circuitry may be powered for transmitting/receiving wireless signals during charging. The headset may utilize USB power management, and may manage discharge of power from a plurality of internal batteries. The batteries may be decoupled from circuits that enable transmitting/receiving wireless signals during charging. The headset may be powered via the charging device so that the headset may be operable to generate output audio signals during charging.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: David Hsu, John Walley
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Patent number: 8284980Abstract: A low-profile, retractable ear-bud system is adapted for attachment to a portable electronic device such as an MP3 music player. The system comprises a housing within which there is disposed wiring having a proximal end in electrical communication with the portable electronic device and a distal end terminating in a pair of ear-buds. The wiring is wound on a spring-biased spool disposed within the housing, the spool having at least a retracted position for storage and an extended position for use of the ear-buds. In the preferred embodiment, the wiring is wound on the spring-biased spool in a single pancake-style layer. The proximal end of the wiring is in electrical communication with the portable electronic device preferably through a multi-conductor slip ring.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventors: Matthew D. Parker, William S. Parker
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Patent number: 8284981Abstract: A cartridge for managing ear bud cables includes a housing, a hub, a spool with a moveable audio contact and an ear bud cable. The housing has an input jack that is electronically connectable to an audio-source. The hub defines a stationary contact surface electrically connected with the input jack. The ear bud cable wraps at least partially around the spool, the ear bud cable has a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically connected with the moveable audio contact of the spool and the second end being electrically connected with at least one ear bud. Rotation of the spool selectively retracts and dispenses the ear bud cables while enabling continuous audio communication between the at least one ear bud and the audio source.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Head Logic, LLCInventors: John Cataldo, Daniel C. Sullivan, Mardis Bagley
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Publication number: 20120250914Abstract: Broadly speaking, the embodiments described herein relate to a media apparatus that can be used in conjunction with a host device to provide an end user a pleasurable listening experience especially during periods of physical activity. In the described embodiments, the host device can take the form of a portable media player. In particular, the media apparatus can include a listening device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventor: Jorge S. Fino
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Patent number: 8275143Abstract: An audio system comprises at least one pair of wireless headphones having an active operating mode and an inactive operating mode, the at least one pair of headphones comprising a solid-state audio player, a rechargeable battery, means for connecting to a computer, means for charging the battery, and a motion sensor, wherein the motion sensor detects movement of the headphones and causes headphones to be put into inactive mode when no motion is detected for a certain period of time and causes headphones to be put back into active mode when motion is detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Ameeca LimitedInventor: Eleanor Johnson
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Patent number: 8275166Abstract: A headphone of convenient assembly and package includes a first earpiece and a second earpiece. The first earpiece has a tubular first casing and the first casing includes a first ear plug. The second earpiece has a tubular second casing and the second casing includes a second ear plug. The first casing has a clasping portion at an end opposite to the first ear plug. The second casing has a clasping recess at an end opposite to the second ear plug for receiving the clasping portion. Therefore, the first earpiece and the second earpiece can be assembled together into a tubular single piece, benefiting the first earpiece and the second earpiece for being packaged and carried, thus improving the convenience of the headphone.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Multi-Direction Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsien Yu Wu
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Patent number: 8270658Abstract: An active headworn device that includes a position sensing device used to determine whether the headworn device is in an extended state upon a user's head or in a contracted state off of the user's head. The position sensing device may be coupled with a microcontroller adapted to power up or power down the active headworn device based on a signal from the position sensing device. The position sensing device may various devices such as a Hall-effect device used in combination with a magnet or a LED in combination with a detector. The movement of the headworn device between positions changes the distance between components of the position sensing device such that the device signals the microcontroller to power up or down the active headworn device. The microcontroller may mute a portion of circuitry prior to the powering up or down the active headworn device to prevent undesirable feedback.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Hearing Enhancement GroupInventors: Jack Goldberg, Randy L. Houk, Michael J. Stern, Luk Ching Chug
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Publication number: 20120230533Abstract: An earphone wire cover with three separate arms resembling drinking straws joined together in a Y-configuration into which the ear phone speakers and plug are inserted and passed through. These covers enclose most of the wire from the electronic device to the earphones. The three sections are joined together with a flexible tape or string so that, when the earphones are to be stored, the three arms can be brought together as three parallel tubes holding the bulk of the wire by simply flipping the bottom section into alignment with the upper two sections. The invention can be easily re-deployed by simply folding the bottom section out again and separating the top ends to make a Y. An alternate embodiment of the invention can have a microphone hole in one of the arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventor: William Dallas
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Patent number: 8265321Abstract: A method for detecting a position of a pair of headphones at a user and a detection apparatus for detecting a position of a pair of ear phones at a user are described.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventor: Martin Nystrom
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Patent number: 8265325Abstract: An earphone device for a portable terminal, including a body connected to the terminal; an earphone having a pair of ear speakers, a connection plug, and a cable joining the ear speakers to the connection plug; a fixed member fixedly positioned on the cable; and a coupling member adapted to slide on the cable while surrounding overlapping portions of the cable, which is bent at the fixed member. The cable between the coupling member and the fixed member is used as a strap of the terminal when the ear speakers are mounted on the body. This makes it possible to carry the terminal conveniently and prevents the cable from being tangled.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chan-Yeol Park
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Publication number: 20120224739Abstract: A cartridge usable with a portable electronic device for managing an ear bud cable comprises a housing having a hub, a spool and stationary audio contacts fixed with respect to a hub axis. The stationary audio contacts are annular in shape and insulated from each other and from the housing. The stationary audio contacts are spaced equally from each other, and are each placed at fixed distance from the hub axis. The annular stationary audio contacts connect electrically with an auxiliary audio jack and a contact pad for simultaneously connecting the device to more than one audio device. Conductive contacts are placed on a bottom side of the spool, and are spring loaded to maintain continuous electrical contact with the stationary audio contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: HEADLOGIC LLCInventors: John Cataldo, Daniel C. Sullivan, Mardis Bagley
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Publication number: 20120224737Abstract: A cartridge for managing ear bud cables includes a housing, a hub, a spool and an ear bud cable. The housing has an input jack that is electronically connectable to an audio-source. The hub is fixed in the housing defines a stationary contact surface electrically connected with the input jack. The rotatably mounts with respect to the hub and has moveable audio contacts for continuously contacting the stationary contact surface during rotation of the spool and while the spool is stationary. The ear bud cable wraps at least partially around the spool, the ear bud cable has a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically connected with the moveable audio contact of the spool and the second end being electrically connected with at least one ear bud. Rotation of the spool selectively retracts and dispenses the ear bud cables while enabling continuous audio communication between the at least one ear bud and the audio source.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Inventors: John Cataldo, Daniel C. Sullivan, Mardis Bagley
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Publication number: 20120225701Abstract: A case for holding an audio device having a female audio jack. The case has a removable cover including a male audio jack for electronically connecting the cover to the female audio jack of the audio device. The cartridge includes a spool and houses an ear bud cable. The ear bud cable has a first end with at least one ear bud, and a second end attached to the spool. The cartridge has a rotatable spool for selectively retracting and dispensing the ear bud cable. The spool electronically connects with the male audio jack to enable audio communication between the audio device and the ear bud. In one embodiment, the spool electronically connects with the male audio jack via a jumper wire. In another embodiment, the spool electronically connects with the male audio jack via an electrical contact pad integrated into the case.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: HEADLOGIC LLCInventors: John Cataldo, Daniel C. Sullivan, Mardis Bagley
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Publication number: 20120224738Abstract: A cartridge for managing ear bud cables includes a housing, a hub, a spool with a moveable audio contact and an ear bud cable. The housing has an input jack that is electronically connectable to an audio-source. The hub defines a stationary contact surface electrically connected with the input jack. The ear bud cable wraps at least partially around the spool, the ear bud cable has a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically connected with the moveable audio contact of the spool and the second end being electrically connected with at least one ear bud. Rotation of the spool selectively retracts and dispenses the ear bud cables while enabling continuous audio communication between the at least one ear bud and the audio source.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: HEADLOGIC LLCInventors: John Cataldo, Daniel C. Sullivan, Mardis Bagley
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Patent number: 8259984Abstract: A headset including a body configured to be affixed to an ear of a user, and a speaker for reproducing an audio signal, the speaker representing part of the body such that when the body is affixed to the ear, the speaker is positioned proximate the ear canal of the user. The headset further includes at least one sensor for producing an output indicative of whether the body is affixed to the ear. In addition, the headset includes an analyzer, operatively coupled to the at least one sensor, for analyzing whether the body is affixed to the ear based on the output of the at least one sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventor: Casper van der Bilt
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Patent number: 8259956Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a jack, a noise-canceling section, a judgment section, and a first regulation section. The jack is connectable with a plug of a headphone including a microphone, outputs a first signal to the headphone, and inputs a second signal from the microphone. The noise-canceling section generates a third signal that cancels a noise component around the headphone based on the second signal input from the jack and enables an operation of superposing the third signal on the first signal. The judgment section judges whether at least one of the first signal and the second signal exceeds a predetermined level. The first regulation section regulates an operation of the noise-canceling section when the judgment section detects that the predetermined level is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Katsumi Yamaoka, Hideto Saraoka, Toshie Oinuma
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Patent number: 8254592Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets are provided. An accessory may include speakers and active noise cancellation circuitry. Microphones may be used to pick up ambient noise signals for implementing noise cancellation for the speakers. The accessory may also include a voice microphone and an ambient noise microphone that picks up ambient noise signals for implementing noise cancellation for the voice microphone. A user input interface may gather user input. Ultrasonic tone generators may transmit data between the device and accessory. The electronic device and accessory may be connected to each other by audio connectors. Hybrid circuits that each include a summer and a transconductance amplifier may be selectively switched into or out of use. When switched into use, paths between the device and accessory can support bidirectional communications such as communications involving the simultaneous flow of analog audio and microphone signals in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Wendell B. Sander, Jeffrey Terlizzi, Douglas M. Farrar, Brian Sander
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Patent number: 8254620Abstract: An earphone assembly includes a casing, at least one secondary cable, at least one earphone, and at least one reel mechanism. The casing includes an assembly chamber. The earphone electrically connects to the casing by the secondary wire. The reel mechanism is received in the assembly chamber, and controls a length of the secondary cable extending from the assembly chamber. A portable electronic device using the earphone assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) LimitedInventors: Jian-Hui Li, Zhi-Xiang Wang
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Patent number: 8249288Abstract: An earphone comprises two headphones, a plug assembly and a wire electronically connected to the headphones and the plug assembly. The plug assembly comprises a main pole, a first plug set in one end of the main pole and electronically connected to the wire, a sleeve placed over the first plug, and an adjusting wheel screwed on the main pole. The adjusting wheel is configured for driving the main pole to move when receiving an exterior force, thereby driving the first tube body to extend out of the sleeve or receive into the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bao-Qin Xu
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Patent number: 8243945Abstract: An earphone jack (100) for a portable electronic device includes a detecting module (20) and a jack module (30). The detecting module is configured for detecting if a plug of an earphone has been connected to the earphone jack. The jack module is connected to the detecting module, and includes a connecting hole (32) configured for receiving the plug defined therein, two earphone connectors (333, 334) configured for connecting the plug, a contacting member (35) connected to the detecting module, and a movable member (331) separately connected to the contacting member. Therefore, the detecting module can detect the plug connected to the earphone jack without causing any instantaneous current in the jack module and the plug.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.Inventor: Chih-Hao Li
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Patent number: 8243977Abstract: An exemplary media player system includes a media player and an earphone. The earphone includes a first earpiece, a second earpiece, a primary volume control unit, and a secondary volume control unit. The first earpiece and the second earpiece are configured for receiving first channel audio signals and second channel audio signals respectively, and converting the audio signals to yield audible sounds. The primary volume control unit adjusts the volume levels of the first earpiece and the second earpiece simultaneously. The secondary volume control unit adjusts the volume of sounds outputted from one of the first earpiece and the second earpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lung Dai, Wang-Chang Duan, Bang-Sheng Zuo
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Patent number: 8237623Abstract: A headset antenna and a connector for the same are provided. The headset antenna includes an audio signal line, an antenna and a high impedance element in specified application frequency ranges. The audio signal line is adapted for transmitting an audio signal and the antenna is adapted for receiving an RF signal. The high impedance element is disposed on a transmission path of the audio signal and generates a high impedance at a specified frequency band of the RF signal, so that the audio signal line is equivalent to an open circuit and the antenna obtains a better receiving capability.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: HTC CorporationInventor: Chung-Ting Hung
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Publication number: 20120183169Abstract: A wire routing for an earpiece speaker 100 voice coil 110 has a terminal wire 130 having a takeoff angle 134 that is less than forty-five degrees with respect to a tangent 195 of the voice coil at a takeoff point 132. The terminal wire 130 also has a U-bend 136 and crosses a basket rim 160 of the earpiece speaker 100 at a crossing point 163. A length of the terminal wire 130 between the crossing point 163 and a terminal pad 183 is at an angle 156 less than forty-five degrees relative to a tangent 199 of the basket rim 160 at the crossing point 163. This configuration promotes a terminal wire length and geometry that is able to convert stresses to avoid wire breakage due to fatigue failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.Inventor: Walter Yang
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Publication number: 20120177243Abstract: An earphone connector of a mobile terminal prevents noise from occurring when inserting and removing an earphone. The earphone connector of a mobile terminal includes a main body having a passage for inserting an earphone. Aground terminal, aright sound terminal, and a left sound terminal are disposed at a preset position of the main body to contact with a corresponding ground terminal, right sound terminal, and left sound terminal of the earphone, respectively, when the earphone is inserted into the passage. A microphone terminal contacts with a corresponding microphone terminal of the earphone when the earphone is fully inserted. And an elastic member applies an external force such that the microphone terminal does not contact with at least one of the corresponding right sound terminal and the left sound terminal of the earphone before the earphone is fully inserted.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae Kwang Lee, Hong Gu Kim
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Patent number: 8218808Abstract: An earphone is configured to be coupled to a first audio output socket or a second audio output socket. The earphone includes a main body and a plug module. The main body includes a sleeve adapter, an earpiece, and a cable electrically connecting the sleeve adapter and the earpiece. The plug module includes a first end and a second end which are electrically connected to each other. The first end and the second end are of different diameters. In a first mode, the first end is plugged into the sleeve adapter, and the second end is capable of being coupled to the second audio output socket. In a second mode, the second end is plugged into the sleeve adapter, and the first end is capable of being coupled to the first audio output socket.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Bao-Qin Xu