Electrical Hardware Patents (Class 381/394)
  • Patent number: 8666107
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a housing, a conducting sound element, a rotating element, and a modulating element slidably mounted to the rotating element. The housing defines an insertion chamber and a notch. The conducting sound element is mounted in a front of the insertion chamber. The rotating element is rotatablely mounted in a rear of the insertion chamber. A rear end of the rotating element defines a holding groove. A portion of the rear surface of the rotating element is recessed forward to form a sliding groove. A front surface of the modulating element is equipped with an audio plug and defines a sliding element slidably located in the sliding groove. The audio plug is capable of being inserted into the holding groove or projecting out of the holding groove and the notch under a rotation of the modulating element together with the rotating element with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guan-Hua Tzeng
  • Publication number: 20140016813
    Abstract: Low frequency alarm tones emitted by life safety devices are more like to notify sleeping children and the elderly. Disclosed herein is a life safety device equipped with a novel, compact, quarter-wave, folded resonant cavity which significantly increases the low frequency (400-700 Hz square wave) acoustic efficiency of an audio output transducer when the folded resonant cavity is acoustically coupled to the transducer forming an audio output apparatus. The folded resonant cavity is comprised of undulating, annular, acoustic passages to significantly reduce the length of the resonant cavity, thereby permitting the audio output apparatus to fit within the housing of conventional size life safety devices such as, but not limited to, residential and commercial smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Battery powered embodiments of the audio output apparatus comprising a folded resonant cavity passed audibility tests for low frequency alarm tones in smoke alarms specified by UL217.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Jay Morris
  • Patent number: 8611564
    Abstract: The invention relates to a 3.5 mm audio plug with built-in light source, particularly to a light-emitting element arranged in a hollow tube and two conductive portions and several insulating portions arranged on a predetermined position of a surface of the audio plug for acquiring power and supplying the power to the light-emitting element in order to form a laser pen. At the same time, the electronic products are able to maintain normal output sound from a speaker when the audio plug is inserted into the audio jack of the predetermined electronic product, avoiding missed calls. Moreover, the audio plug is arranged in the audio jack except the light-emitting hole; that is, the present invention is nearly integrated with the smartphone 70, which is not only beautiful but easy to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Conary Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsien-Cheng Yen, Wen-Wei Lin
  • Publication number: 20130294638
    Abstract: A speaker system with an enclosure that has a rear wall, first and second side walls, first and second front walls, a top end and a bottom end. Each of the walls has upper and lower edges. The side walls are attached at right angles to the rear wall. The front walls have leading edges and trailing edges. The leading edges are joined at an acute angle and the trailing edges are attached to the side walls. The top end is attached to the upper edges and the bottom end is attached to the lower edges. At least three speakers are mounted to each of the rear wall and the first and second side walls. Wiring connects the speakers to connectors that provide connection to a signal source. The acute angle between the front walls is at least approximately 45 degrees and/or less than or equal to approximately 75 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jorn Huseby, Bradley Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20130272562
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a housing, a conducting sound element, a rotating element, and a modulating element slidably mounted to the rotating element. The housing defines an insertion chamber and a notch. The conducting sound element is mounted in a front of the insertion chamber. The rotating element is rotatablely mounted in a rear of the insertion chamber. A rear end of the rotating element defines a holding groove. A portion of the rear surface of the rotating element is recessed forward to form a sliding groove. A front surface of the modulating element is equipped with an audio plug and defines a sliding element slidably located in the sliding groove. The audio plug is capable of being inserted into the holding groove or projecting out of the holding groove and the notch under a rotation of the modulating element together with the rotating element with respect to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Guan-Hua Tzeng
  • Patent number: 8548188
    Abstract: A diaphragm includes a carbon nanotube film structure and an amorphous carbon structure composited with the carbon nanotube structure to form a stratiform composite structure. The carbon nanotube film structure defines a plurality of micropores therein. The amorphous carbon structure comprises a plurality of amorphous carbon particles received in the micropores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Ping Wang, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8538060
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a voice coil lead wire and a loudspeaker using the same. The voice coil lead wire includes a lead wire structure and a core wire structure. The lead wire structure includes at least one lead wire. The core wire structure includes at least one carbon nanotube wire structure. The carbon nanotube wire structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The at least one lead wire winds around the at least one carbon nanotube wire structure in a helix manner or a twisted manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Jia-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 8520884
    Abstract: An audio/video device including a plurality of walls together forming a case, wherein one wall of the plurality of walls includes an inner peripheral edge. A surface extends from the inner peripheral edge inwardly of the case and defines an open-sided outwardly facing cavity. At least one item of connection is located within the cavity. A tongue is provided having a base and an outer peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge of the one wall is divided into a first portion and a second portion. At the base, the tongue joins with the first portion of the inner peripheral edge of the one wall. The tongue extends substantially parallel with the one wall from the base to the outer peripheral edge so as to partially close the cavity and define a gap around the tongue, the gap extending between the outer peripheral edge of the tongue and the second portion of the inner peripheral edge of the one wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Aleix Ingles Elias, Hiroaki Yokota
  • Patent number: 8515117
    Abstract: A bobbin includes a carbon nanotube film structure and an amorphous carbon structure. The carbon nanotube film structure defines a number of micropores therein. The amorphous carbon structure is composited with the carbon nanotube structure. The amorphous carbon structure comprises a number of amorphous carbon particles received in the micropores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Jia-Ping Wang
  • Publication number: 20130188821
    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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Imation Corp.
    Inventor: Imation Corp.
  • Publication number: 20130177198
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an audio player and speaker system, and particularly, to a wireless audio player and speaker system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a semi-permanent, wireless boombox-style audio player, for playing audio from an external audio source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Imation Corp.
    Inventor: Imation Corp.
  • Publication number: 20130177197
    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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Sony Corporation
  • Patent number: 8467564
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a magnetic system defining a magnetic gap, a vibrating system, and a supporting system. The vibrating system includes a diaphragm, a voice coil bobbin disposed in the magnetic gap, a coil lead wire having a first end and a second end, and a voice coil wound around the voice coil bobbin and electrically connected to the first end. The supporting system includes a frame fixed to the magnetic system and receiving the vibrating system. The frame has a terminal electrically connected to the second end of the coil lead wire. The diaphragm is received in the frame. The voice lead wire includes at least one carbon nanotube wire structure. The carbon nanotube wire structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Jia-Ping Wang
  • Publication number: 20130070952
    Abstract: A speaker module for installing on an electronic device is disclosed. The speaker module includes a containing casing, a speaker device, an antenna, at least one audio signal transmitting member, and at least one antenna signal transmitting member. The containing casing has at least one hole formed thereon. The speaker device is disposed in the containing casing and outputs sound via the hole. The antenna is formed integrally with the containing casing along the contour of the containing casing. The audio signal transmitting member is electrically connected to the speaker device for electrically connecting to the electronic device, so as to establish audio signal transmission between the speaker device and the electronic device. The antenna signal transmitting member is electrically connected to the antenna for electrically connecting to the electronic device, so as to establish antenna signal transmission between the antenna and the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Ching-Chia Mai, Kuan-Hsueh Tseng, Cheng-Han Lee, Chih-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 8391537
    Abstract: A damper includes a paper matrix and a plurality of carbon nanotubes dispersed in the paper matrix. A loudspeaker includes a magnetic circuit, a bobbin, a voice coil, a damper, and a diaphragm. The magnetic circuit defines a magnetic gap. The bobbin is located in the magnetic gap. The voice coil is wounded on the bobbin. The damper is fixed to the bobbin and includes a paper matrix and a plurality of carbon nanotubes dispersed in the paper matrix. The diaphragm includes an inner rim fixed to the bobbin and mechanically held by the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Jia-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 8391538
    Abstract: An earphone includes a basket defining a through hole. A leading wire board fixed underneath the basket has a pair of solder foils on a bottom surface thereof. A magnet unit is located in the basket with the through hole adjacent to a side edge of the magnet unit. A diaphragm is arranged on the basket and over the magnet unit. A voice coil is fixed to a bottom of the diaphragm and surrounding the magnet unit. The voice coil has two leading wires. Each leading wire passes through the through hole of the basket and further bends to solder with the corresponding solder foils of the leading wire board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Ching Chiu, Mu-Tsun Tseng
  • Patent number: 8385579
    Abstract: A diaphragm includes a membrane and at least one reinforcing structure stacked on the membrane. The at least one reinforcing structure includes at least one free-standing carbon nanotube structure. The at least one free-standing carbon nanotube structure includes a net structure of a plurality of carbon nanotubes combined to each other due to the van der Waals attractive force. A loudspeaker using the diaphragm is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Ping Wang, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8369560
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a damper. The damper has alternating ridges and furrows thereon and has a through hole defined at a center of the damper. The ridges and furrows are concentric. The damper includes a matrix and at least one carbon nanotube structure disposed in the matrix. The present disclosure also provides a loudspeaker using the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Jia-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 8351641
    Abstract: A portable sound box includes a main body and a clip. The main body includes a battery for supplying power to the portable sound box. Thus, the portable sound box can supply power on its own. The clip is fixed to the main body and configured for clipping to an external object. Thus, the portable sound box can attached to the external object instead of standing on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ju-Lan Hao, Man-Zhong Wang, Te-Hua Lee
  • Patent number: 8345914
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a frame, a magnetic circuit, a voice coil bobbin, and a voice coil. The frame is mounted on a side of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit defines a magnetic gap. The voice coil bobbin is disposed in the magnetic gap. The voice coil is wound around the voice coil bobbin. The voice coil bobbin includes a carbon nanotube layer structure. The carbon nanotube layer structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Jia-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 8331605
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a frame, a magnetic circuit, a voice coil bobbin and a voice coil. The magnetic circuit defines a magnetic gap. The frame is mounted on a side of the magnetic circuit. The voice coil bobbin is received in the magnetic gap. The voice coil is wound around the voice coil bobbin. The voice coil includes a lead wire. The lead wire includes a linear carbon nanotube structure and an insulated layer. The insulated layer is coated on the linear carbon nanotube structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Jia-Ping Wang
  • Patent number: 8325947
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes a thermoacoustic module and a frame. The thermoacoustic module includes a sound wave generator, at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The sound wave generator includes at least one carbon nanotube structure. The at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode are electrically connected to the sound wave generator. The frame secures the thermoacoustic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Bejing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang, Chen Feng, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8325965
    Abstract: An audio speaker contains a tweeter capable of continuous rotation, where the audio speaker contains the tweeter and an axis mount assembly. The tweeter is removably connected to the axis mount assembly. The audio speaker also contains a first connection member capable of maintaining electrical communication with the axis mount assembly throughout continuous rotation of the axis mount assembly. The axis mount assembly contains a terminal plate connected to a bottom portion of the tweeter, where the terminal plate maintains electrical communication with the tweeter. The axis mount assembly also contains an axis mount faceplate capable of receiving the terminal plate and tweeter within an indented portion of a top portion of the axis mount faceplate. The axis mount assembly further contains an axis mount spacer and a second connection member that maintains electrical communication with the first connection member throughout continuous rotation of the axis mount assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Acoustics, Inc.
    Inventors: Leif Blackmon, Brian Cox, Tim Higgins
  • Patent number: 8325966
    Abstract: A detachable loudspeaker structure including a loudspeaker, a circuit board, a housing and a signal connector, wherein the circuit board is electrically connected to the loudspeaker and the signal connector, the housing forms a receiving space therein for receiving the loudspeaker and circuit board and has a top surface provided with a receiving groove, and the signal connector has one end pivotally connected inside the receiving groove so as for the other end of the signal connector to be rotated out of the receiving groove and connect with an audio output port of a display. Hence, the loudspeaker structure is not only able to be easily installed together with the display for reproducing audio signals received from the display, but also able to firmly support the display on a flat surface, wherever desired without spatial limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Hung Huang
  • Patent number: 8311262
    Abstract: A ceiling mount bracket for a loudspeaker. The ceiling mount bracket includes a mounting plate; an assembly to orient the loudspeaker; an assembly to receive audio signals and to provide the audio signals to the speaker; and a wiring block to connect to signal transmission wires. The wiring block includes a first terminal designated for 70/100 volt operation; a second terminal designated for 8 ohm operation; an electrically conductive path from the first terminal to a first pin of the receptacle; and an electrically conductive path from the second terminal to a second pin for the receptacle. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a mounting position for a ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The mounting position includes a threaded hole to accommodate a corresponding threaded extension of the ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a cover enclosing more than 200 cubic centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Randy J. Kulchy, John W. Mazejka, Robert A. Warden
  • Patent number: 8311244
    Abstract: A speaker includes a base and a thermoacoustic device. The base includes a first connector, a second connector for receiving external signals, a first engaging member, and an amplifier circuit device electrically connecting to the first connector and the second connector. The thermoacoustic device includes a second engaging member and a fourth connector. The thermoacoustic device is detachably installed on the base by a detachable engagement between the first engaging member and the second engaging member and a fourth connector corresponds to the first connector of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang, Chen Feng, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8290197
    Abstract: An electrostatic speaker system including at least one electrostatic speaker element having a pair of stators and a diaphragm therebetween, each of the stators and the diaphragm having an least one electrically conductive portion. The conductive portion of the diaphragm is patterned as a mesh, which may include gaps, and a conforming layer overlying the conducting portion of the diaphragm and disposed so as to cover gaps in the mesh. A speaker drive circuit provides soft clipping of the audio input signal so that the audio signal applied between the diaphragm and the stators does not exceed the maximum acceptable level that can be applied between the diaphragm and the stators of at least one speaker element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Transparent Sound Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Buining, Gaston Bastiaens, Hidde de Haan, Ton Hoogstraaten, Uwe Kempe, Karl-Heinz Fink, James Tuomy
  • Patent number: 8284965
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes a base, a plurality of first fasteners, at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode and a sound wave generator. Each of the first fasteners includes a body engaging with the base and a flexible element extending from the body. The at least one first electrode has a first end and a second end. The first end engages with the flexible element of the plurality of first fasteners, and the second end is secured on the base. The at least one second electrode has a third end and a fourth end. The third end engages with the flexible element of the plurality of first fasteners, and the fourth end is secured on the base. The sound wave generator is electrically connected to the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Liu, Chen Feng, Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang
  • Patent number: 8265319
    Abstract: Speaker assemblies for portable media players are disclosed herein. Speaker assemblies can include means for contracting and expanding the speakers to facilitate viewing and listening to a PMP in multiple orientations. Preferred means for contracting and expanding the speaker casings are operably coupled with means for rotating the PMP, such that when the PMP is in a wide viewable configuration, the speakers are expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Zipbuds, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Groset, Robin Michael Defay
  • Patent number: 8249280
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes a sound wave generator, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a first network and a second network. The sound wave generator includes a first surface and a second surface. The plurality of first electrodes are disposed on the first surface. The plurality of second electrodes are disposed on the second surface. The first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged. Each of the first network and the second network includes a plurality of conducting wires. The plurality of first electrodes are connected together by the plurality of conducting wires in the first network. The plurality of second electrodes are connected together by the plurality of conducting wires in the second network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8238580
    Abstract: The present invention provides a module for a powered speaker, such as a subwoofer that may be actuated to turn the speaker on and off remotely by energizing the auxiliary AC power supply provided with an audio device or other source unit. The main power of the module is provided via a wall outlet or suitable power supply that may adequately supply the necessary power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Hofrichter
  • Patent number: 8238586
    Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes a sound wave generator, a number of first electrodes and a number of second electrodes. The sound wave generator includes a carbon nanotube structure. The second electrodes and the first electrodes are separately connected to the sound wave generator. The second electrodes and the first electrodes are parallel to each other and are alternately arranged at uniform intervals. A working voltage applied to the first and second electrodes is less than or equal to about 50 volts. The sound wave generator and the first and second electrodes satisfy a formula of 1 ? ? ? R 1 ( n - 1 ) 2 ? 125 ? ? . Wherein R1 represents a resistance of the sound wave generator in the direction from the first electrodes to the second electrodes, and n represents a sum of the total number of the first electrodes and the second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Beijing FUNATE Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang, Chen Feng, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8238581
    Abstract: The present invention provides a powered speaker, such as a subwoofer that may be turned on and off remotely by energizing the auxiliary AC power supply provided with an audio device or other source unit. The main power of the powered subwoofer is provided via a wall outlet or suitable power supply that may adequately supply the necessary power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Hofrichter
  • Patent number: 8160290
    Abstract: The assembly includes a miniature electroacoustic transducer and a flexible electrical wire. The flexible electrical wire is terminated by a connecting element with an electrically conductive shoulder portion. The miniature electroacoustic transducer comprises an electrically conducting, externally accessible terminal having a slot structure formed therein. The slot structure is configured to mechanically and electrically engage the electrically conductive shoulder portion of the connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sonion A/S
    Inventors: Martin Bondo Jørgensen, Karsten Videbæk
  • Patent number: 8150046
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a processor provided in a housing, a jack being sized for receiving a plug of an audio accessory and having electrical connectors for enabling communication between the audio accessory and the processor, the electrical connectors for contacting corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and a switching circuit in communication with the processor and the electrical connectors, the switching circuit for determining a pin-out of the plug and routing audio signals between ungrounded ones of the corresponding electrical connectors of the plug and the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventors: Magnus Hansson, Mohamad El-Hage
  • Publication number: 20120070019
    Abstract: Electronic equipment such as hosts, hubs, and devices may be connected to form a network. The electronic equipment may include audio connectors such as four-contact plugs and jacks. Cables may be used to interconnect the audio connectors and thereby form communications paths between pieces of equipment in the network. The equipment may include uplink and downlink data interfaces having associated uplink interface addresses and downlink interface addresses. Devices and hybrid equipment may contain endpoints that are associated with components such as speakers and microphones. Equipment may also include input-output devices such as buttons that are used in gathering user input such as button press data. When a network is formed, a host can broadcast downstream data including its downlink interface address. Downstream equipment can assign uplink interface addresses, downlink interface addresses, and endpoint addresses using received downlink interface address information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Barry Corlett, Wendell B. Sander
  • Patent number: 8111867
    Abstract: An electronic device (100) having a speaker (30) located in a sealed and separate speaker enclosure is described. The electronic device includes a housing (20), a circuit board (70), a cover (60), and two connecting bodies (50). The housing includes a cavity (22) defined therein for receiving the speaker. The circuit board is electrically connected to the speaker. The cover has through holes (622) defined thereon and is disposed between the housing and the circuit board. In addition, one end of the connecting bodies connects to the speaker, and the other end of the connecting bodies is configured to resist the circuit board via the through holes to electrically connect the speaker and the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Hung Wu
  • Publication number: 20120027244
    Abstract: A speaker includes a case including a center cavity and a body surrounding the center cavity, an electroacoustic transducer received in the center cavity of the case, and a pair of terminals assembled in the case. The body defines a main upper surface and a main lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a plurality of sides coupled with the upper surface and the lower surface. Wherein, two opposite sides of the body respectively define a plat approximately upright to the sides, a projecting mass approximately uprightly extending from the sides and facing the plat, and a gap formed between the plat and the projecting mass. At least a portion of the terminals is sandwiched in the gaps, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Wen-Tao Jiang
  • Patent number: 8098834
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing, a speaker, and an amplifier. The speaker may be mounted within the housing. A concave portion may be implemented in the housing and may be configured to hold a transformer. An amplifier may be implemented within the housing and may be configured to receive power through a connection to the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sound Merchandising, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. O'Shea, Dennis M. O'Shea
  • Patent number: 8094861
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a speaker, comprises a housing having a top housing cap and a bottom housing cabinet. The top housing cap with a plurality of through slots are provided on the top housing cap and the bottom housing cabinet which provides with an accommodating space; a speaker unit having a bowl-shaped seat; an amplifying circuit; an USB cable for gaining the required power; an audio cable for obtaining audio signals; a cup-shaped cabinet that can be provided on the bottom housing cabinet, so a space where a resonating effect can be generated is defined between the bowl-shaped seat of the speaker unit and the cup-shaped cabinet, therefore vibrations generated by the speaker unit is transferred to an output of good-quality sound effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Nien-Tzu Liu
  • Publication number: 20110317866
    Abstract: A diaphragm includes a diaphragm and a voice coil bobbin. The diaphragm includes a membrane and a first reinforcing structure reinforcing the membrane. The voice coil bobbin includes a base and a second reinforcing structure reinforcing the base. The first reinforcing structure and the second reinforcing structure are a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure is disposed on the membrane and the base, or in the membrane and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Jia-Ping Wang, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8081790
    Abstract: A loudspeaker structure for an electronic device, comprising: a housing defining a frame portion, the frame portion comprises a front sound chamber and aback sound chamber; a loudspeaker secured within the frame portion; a speaker cover made of rubber materials and secured within the frame portion to seal the front sound chamber; a speaker seat made of rubber materials and secured within the frame portion to seal the back sound chamber; and a circuit board secured above the frame portion. The front sound chamber and the back sound chamber have comfortable tightness and ensure the sounds transmitting. Thereby, high quality sound is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yi-Peng Lin
  • Publication number: 20110299689
    Abstract: A flameless candle having speaker and lighting capability is provided. Multiple of such flameless candles can be used in a system to generate stereo or surround sound, as well as various lighting modes. The flameless candle or flameless candle system can have AM/FM radio functions, clock functions, alarm functions, etc., and can be used as an audio monitor. In addition, the flameless candle or candle system may be equipped with video capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Moshe Avtzon, Michael Friend
  • Patent number: 8073184
    Abstract: In a speaker device, cutting wiring electrically connected to a conductive wire of an electronic component and a voice coil, and the conductive wire and the wiring are electrically connected without a speaker terminal lug. The speaker device includes wiring electrically connected to the voice coil, an electronic component having a component wire, and a frame. The frame has a conductive wire fixing part for fixing the conductive wire, and the conductive wire is fixed to the conductive wire fixing part to be directly connected to the wiring. Thereby, even if a vibration is transmitted to the frame at the time of driving the speaker device, the conductive wire never vibrates, and the conductive wire does not pull the wiring. Therefore, the conductive wire and wiring are not cut. Also, since the conductive wire is the speaker terminal lug, cost of the speaker device can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Horigome, Michiro Matsuda, Hiroshi Sato
  • Patent number: 8059855
    Abstract: A speaker device includes a speaker and a connecting component. The speaker has a pair of input terminals spaced apart with a first predetermined distance therebetween. The connecting component electrically couples the speaker to a printed circuit board. The connecting component has a relay-use printed circuit board and a pair of lead wires. The relay-use printed circuit includes a pair of sub-board portions and a separation portion. The sub-board portions have a pair of terminal holes. The input terminals of the speaker are disposed through the terminal holes, respectively. The separation portion is disposed between the sub-board portions to couple the sub-board portions with a second predetermined distance between the terminal holes of the sub-board portions, and selectively separate the sub-board portions when the first predetermined distance between the input terminals of the speaker is different from the second predetermined distance between the terminal holes of the sub-board portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Yamagami
  • Patent number: 8041048
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electromagnetically-countered speaker systems for generating acoustic sounds according to dynamic signals supplied thereto while minimizing irradiation of harmful electromagnetic waves therefrom. More particularly, the present invention relates to various speaker systems which do not include speaker magnets but include driver members for generating the sounds while emitting such harmful waves and counter members for generating magnetic forces for providing such sound while emitting counter electromagnetic waves capable of canceling at least a substantial portion of the harmful waves based on their configurational and phase characteristics. The present invention also relates to various speaker systems which do not include speaker magnets but include various electric and/or magnetic shields in addition to such drive and counter members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Youngtack Shim
  • Publication number: 20110228967
    Abstract: A ceiling mount bracket for a loudspeaker. The ceiling mount bracket includes a mounting plate; an assembly to orient the loudspeaker; an assembly to receive audio signals and to provide the audio signals to the speaker; and a wiring block to connect to signal transmission wires. The wiring block includes a first terminal designated for 70/100 volt operation; a second terminal designated for 8 ohm operation; an electrically conductive path from the first terminal to a first pin of the receptacle; and an electrically conductive path from the second terminal to a second pin for the receptacle. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a mounting position for a ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The mounting position includes a threaded hole to accommodate a corresponding threaded extension of the ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a cover enclosing more than 200 cubic centimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Randy J. Kulchy, John W. Mazejka, Robert A. Warden
  • Patent number: 8023685
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer has a magnetic circuit, a frame combined with the magnetic circuit, a diaphragm combined with a periphery of the frame, a voice coil, a terminal, and a holder covering the frame. The voice coil is combined with the diaphragm and a part of the voice coil is arranged in a magnetic gap of the magnetic circuit. The terminal, made of a metal plate having spring property and electric conductivity, electrically connects an outside circuit and the voice coil utilizing spring pressure generated when the metal plate is bent. The holder forms a stopper for restricting a bend of the metal plate forming the terminal to within a reversible limit of a metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Honda, Takanori Fukuyama, Koji Sano, Hiroshi Yano, Takeshi Shimokawatoko, Kazuya Yamasaki, Kazutaka Kubo, Masahide Sumiyama
  • Publication number: 20110216934
    Abstract: An audio/video device including a plurality of walls together forming a case, wherein one wall of the plurality of walls includes an inner peripheral edge. A surface extends from the inner peripheral edge inwardly of the case and defines an open-sided outwardly facing cavity. At least one item of connection is located within the cavity. A tongue is provided having a base and an outer peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge of the one wall is divided into a first portion and a second portion. At the base, the tongue joins with the first portion of the inner peripheral edge of the one wall. The tongue extends substantially parallel with the one wall from the base to the outer peripheral edge so as to partially close the cavity and define a gap around the tongue, the gap extending between the outer peripheral edge of the tongue and the second portion of the inner peripheral edge of the one wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Aleix Ingles ELIAS, Hiroaki Yokota
  • Patent number: 7995784
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an improved speaker device equipped with an attachment member having formed thereon a reinforcing portion capable of inhibiting a deterioration of a sound characteristic. Another object of the invention is to provide an improved speaker device capable of efficiently disposing in a limited space close to the speaker an electronic element for controlling a signal being supplied to the speaker. The speaker device comprises a speaker unit, an attachment member for attaching the speaker unit to an attachment base. The attachment member comprises an attachment portion for attaching the attachment member to the attachment base, an attachment hole for attaching the speaker unit, a convex reinforcing portion formed along an entire or partial circumference of the attachment hole of the attachment member. The reinforcing portion has an inclined surface formed on the inner side thereof facing the side wall of the speaker unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Iwata