Mechanical Detail Patents (Class 381/395)
  • Publication number: 20140072166
    Abstract: An external loudspeaker includes a holding member and a speaker. The holding member includes two clamping portions and a mounting portion located between the two clamping portions, the mounting portion defining a through hole and includes a latching ring. The speaker includes a sealing portion. The sealing portion is deformedly received in the through hole. The sealing portion defines a latching groove, and the latching ring is latched in the latching groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YE WANG, YONG-GANG ZHANG, KUAN-HUNG CHEN
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8646569
    Abstract: A mounting ring with which an engaging hook of a fall-preventing member is to be engaged and a flexible handle member are fixed within an area of a cabinet section that is located upward of a first plane passing through the position of a center of gravity of the cabinet section generally in parallel to the bottom surface of the cabinet section and located to one side of a second plane passing through the position of the center of gravity in intersecting relation to the first plane. The speaker unit hung by the handle member being held with a hand of a human operator is inclined, so that the mounting ring is oriented upward near the hand. Thus, the human operator can perform with ease an operation for engaging the engaging hook with the mounting ring with one hand while holding the handle member with the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Yoshida, Katsuya Tanaka, Tadashi Morikawa
  • Publication number: 20140029783
    Abstract: Provided is a speaker module for a portable terminal which e includes a speaker housing having an opened front surface thus defining a resonance space, a radiation pattern disposed on a back surface of the speaker housing, and connection terminals which extend from the radiation pattern to be disposed in the resonance space, such that the radiation pattern is disposed on the speaker housing and the connection terminal for providing electric connection of the radiation pattern is disposed in an inner side of the speaker housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Hyun-Mo YANG
  • Publication number: 20140029784
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a suspension for a sound transducer which has a central portion serving as a center diaphragm and which has a cover layer and a copper pattern partially removed to prevent a decrease in sound pressure from being caused by an increase in weight of a vibration system. According to the present invention, there is provided a suspension for a sound transducer which includes a central portion, a peripheral portion, and a support portion for connecting the central portion to the peripheral portion, the suspension comprising: a base film, a conductive film attached on the base film by means of an adhesive, and a cover layer attached on the conductive film by an adhesive, wherein at least part of the cover layer disposed on the central portion is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: EM-TECH. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joong Hak Kwon, Ho Il Jeong, Kyu Dong Choi, In Ho Jeong
  • Patent number: 8630439
    Abstract: An acoustic conversion device includes: a driving unit including magnets, a yoke, a coil, a vibrating portion, and an armature fixed to the yoke; a diaphragm unit including a holding frame fixed to the driving unit, with one face as a first-joint face jointed to the driving unit, and the other face as a second-joint face, a resin film adhered to the holding frame, a diaphragm held on the holding frame, and a beam portion propagating vibration from the vibrating portion to the diaphragm; and a storage unit including a case body for storing the driving unit and diaphragm unit; with the driving unit and diaphragm unit being stored in the case body, the case body being pressed against and deforming a sealing agent loaded in the second-joint face, from a side facing the second-joint face, thereby sealing each gap between the case body, cover body, and holding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Nagumo, Koji Matsuda, Koji Nageno, Takeshi Hara, Takahiro Suzuki, Takayuki Ishii, Kenji Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 8605932
    Abstract: A single chamber headphone apparatus and earcup design is provided which enhances wearer comfort, reduces headphone weight, facilitates ease of use, maintenance and operation by providing an improved internal chamber and battery cap configuration. Sound quality is improved by eliminating acoustic problems associated with two-chamber headset designs. A volume balance control is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Able Planet Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin R. Semcken
  • Patent number: 8600095
    Abstract: This invention relates to an earphone with a movable push rod structure, which comprising a housing, a sound-emitting unit assembled inside of the housing, and a sound duct connected to the sound-emitting unit for sound transmission, and an earplug connected to the sound duct, with an air duct assembled on the housing for the flow of air inside and outside the earphone, as well as a movable push rod assembled inside the housing and connected with the housing for adjusting air flow condition of the air duct. A completely sealed earphone can be achieved when the push rod is pushed to block the air duct, or an open earphone can be achieved when the push rod is separated from the air duct. This invention has advantages of convenient and flexible regulation of sound modes of the earphones, which can be applied to users who have different requirements for sounds, and also a broader range of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Innovation Sound Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunming Yuen
  • Publication number: 20130301865
    Abstract: An air motion transformer loudspeaker driver including a plurality of diaphragm layers having electric conductors. Each of the diaphragm layers defines a surface having at least one curved portion. The curved portions have an axis of curvature being perpendicular to the surface of the diaphragm layer at the location of the curved diaphragm portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Eugene J. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8582799
    Abstract: A speaker device has a magnet, outer yokes, and inner yokes which are assembled so that a magnetic gap is formed between the outer yoke and inner yokes over which a magnetic flux which is generated from the magnet cuts across. A voice coil unit which is linked to a diaphragm is disposed within the magnetic gap, and positioning members determine the positions of the inner yokes and the outer yokes which attach magnetically to the magnet such that a magnetic gap is formed. The speaker device has a magnetic circuit of which the construction facilitates assembly, and recycling of various individual parts is relatively easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kei Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8582798
    Abstract: A speaker mounting system comprising a speaker housing configured to house a speaker, a wall mount configured to be mechanically fastened to a wall, and one or more adjustment pieces actuatably connecting the speaker housing to the wall mount. The adjustment pieces may comprise a first adjustment piece fixed to the wall mount and a second adjustment piece slidably and rotatably attached to the first adjustment piece and pivotally attached to the speaker housing. The second adjustment piece may be configured to laterally slide toward and away from the wall mount and to rotate about a first axis and the speaker housing may be configured to rotate or pivot relative to the second adjustment piece about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The speaker mounting system may also comprise a biasing member and locking mechanism for selectively allowing and preventing rotation about the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: MS Electronics
    Inventors: David Staley, Jonathan Neil Hart, Devon Ross Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8577073
    Abstract: A loudspeaker module includes a housing having a plurality of side walls and a cover plate positioned over a top surface of the plurality of side walls, a bottom of the housing remaining open. A driver mounting plate is secured to the plurality of side walls and divides the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. At least one of the plurality of side walls includes an aperture linking the lower compartment to the external environment surrounding the housing. A driver is mounted to the driver mounting plate, the driver being positioned to fire into the lower compartment of the housing. A mounting bracket is secured to the at least one of the plurality of side walls including an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20130287243
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a speaker, a securing board, and at least one guiding board. The securing board defines an opening to allow the speaker to be exposed outside the securing board. The securing board includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. During assembly the securing board to the housing, the guiding board enables the first side to be supported by the guiding board, and the second side rotates towards the speaker around the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XUE-FENG WAN, PING LI
  • Publication number: 20130279734
    Abstract: An acoustic transducer assembly with a basket for receiving and electrically contacting an acoustic transducer, the basket being configured to be mounted on, and electrically connected to, a platform, such as a printed circuit board, or a support or a housing. The basket may include electrical contact areas for electrically connecting the basket to the platform, and at least one mounting structure for cooperating with a platform-sided mounting structure to form a fixed mechanical connection with the platform. An electrical contact area of the basket may be integrally formed with the mounting structure of the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Knowles Electronics Asia PTE. Ltd.
    Inventors: Erich Klein, Thomas Pauser, Michael Schöffmann
  • Patent number: 8559666
    Abstract: A speaker device having a speaker section firmly fixed to a stand section so the orientation of the speaker section relative to the stand section can be easily adjusted. The speaker device includes a speaker section, a stand section, and a fastening section for fastening the speaker section and the stand section to each other. The speaker section includes an engaging groove section, and a curved, contact receiving section which allows the angle of the speaker section relative to the stand section to be adjusted. The fastening section includes an engaging section engaging with the engaging groove section, and a screw thread section connected to the engaging section and engaging with a screw thread hole formed in the stand section. The fixation of the speaker section to the stand section can be adjusted by rotating the screw thread section to engage the screw thread section with the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Kiyosei Shibata
  • Patent number: 8548189
    Abstract: An exemplary positioning structure for a portable electronic device includes a support element, a metal element, and a ring seal. The support element defines an opening. The metal element is attached to the support element. The metal element includes a projection and a depression. The opening and the depression receives the speaker. The ring seal is placed around the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Zhi-Qiang Xiao
  • Patent number: 8542864
    Abstract: A speaker device includes a voice coil unit and a diaphragm linked to the voice coil unit. A first supporting unit and a second supporting unit elastically support the end portions of the voice coil unit so that the voice coil portion of the voice coil unit can vibrate within the magnetic gap in the direction of the face thereof. Each of the first supporting unit and the second supporting unit has a configuration that is in a shape bent so as to extend up and bend down from an end that is fixed to a fixing position. Thus, a speaker device in which the voice coil unit can vibrate with a greater amplitude is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kei Tanabe
  • Patent number: 8532326
    Abstract: A fastener structure is for retaining a speaker unit on a sound tank housing. The fastener structure includes a spring piece and an elastic protrusion rib. The spring piece includes a board, a first bending portion and a second bending portion. The board located within a through hole of the sound tank housing. The first bending portion located at one end of the board is for retaining the speaker unit on a second side of the sound tank housing. The second bending portion located at the other end of the board is exposed over a first side of the sound tank housing and used as an elastic contact. The elastic protrusion rib is disposed within the through hole, and is protruded from one side of the board to lean against between the board and the through hole, so that the board is wedged within the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Chien-Chung Liao
  • Patent number: 8526660
    Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a loudspeaker that has electrodynamically-driven piston mounted in one external wall and that has movable panels in one or more other external walls. Those panels are air-coupled to the piston, e.g., via air within the enclosure, such that vibrational motion of the piston causes the vibration of the panels, thereby, improving the overall air coupling of the piston to the external environment, e.g., the listening room. Further aspects of the invention provide an improved driver for use, e.g., in the aforementioned loudspeaker. The driver comprises a three-part piston having first and second diaphragms coupled back-to-back with one another and having a voice coil face-mounted (or front-mounted) within the second diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. G Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Godehard A. Guenther
  • 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: 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: 8520882
    Abstract: A speaker terminal mount structure has a frame having a slit, and a terminal supported by the frame when inserted into the slit. The slit has a shape including two first side support sections, and at least one second side support section abutting on a second surface and positioned on an inner side of a region sandwiched between the two first side support sections when viewed from a direction in which the terminal is inserted. Assuming that a first virtual straight line is formed by connecting the two first side support sections, and a second virtual straight line extends in parallel to the first straight line at a distance smaller than a thickness of the terminal from the first straight line in a first direction, the second side support section is positioned in a second direction with respect to the second straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Hiwatashi
  • 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: 8515102
    Abstract: A line array speaker provides highly uniform frequency response throughout a wide listening field, while also reducing distortion and improving fidelity, clarity, and output level. In a symmetrical embodiment, central apertures are straddled by a sequential pairs of sets of apertures. The straddling pairs emit frequencies in the next lower frequency band relative to the frequency band of the immediately preceding frequency band apertures. In an asymmetrical embodiment, sequential frequency bands are emitted by adjacent sets of apertures rather than straddling pairs of sets of apertures. Each of the apertures may be a loudspeaker cone, one or more straight slots, one or more arbitrarily curved slots, one or more arbitrarily angled slots, one or more holes or the mouth of a horn. The speaker may have a front baffle which is a flat panel or multiple facets arranged in one or multiple recesses across a front of the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Jon J. Waller
  • Publication number: 20130195311
    Abstract: The acoustic radiator of a coaxial structure of an active region surrounded by a passive region wherein the operating area of the active region is also included as a part of the passive region. The active region includes for example a fully assembled audio speaker that is flexibly suspended in an enclosure with the flexible suspension connected between the audio speaker and the opening of the enclosure with the audio speaker never coming into direct contact with any portion of the enclosure when energized or unenergized. In such configuration, the area of the audio speaker functions as active region the audio speaker of the acoustic radiator. The passive radiator function includes both the area of the complete audio speaker and the area of the enclosure that surrounds the audio speaker. In this configuration the audio speaker is a central portion of the passive radiator and thus it can be seen that the audio speaker and the passive radiator are effectively coaxially mounted one with the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Y. Sahyoun
  • Publication number: 20130182884
    Abstract: Provided is a speaker fall prevention structure, which includes a speaker device formed by housing a speaker unit in a housing independent of a main appliance, a speaker attaching part provided to the main appliance to allow the speaker device to be attached, an attached part facing the speaker attaching part in the speaker device, a fall prevention wire set between the speaker device and the main appliance, and a fastening member for attaching the attached part to the speaker attaching part. Using the fastening member, a first end of the fall prevention wire is fastened and fixed to the main appliance along with the attached part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Renichi Mitsuhashi
  • Patent number: 8485487
    Abstract: An easy-mount in-ceiling speaker mount has multiple fastening units mounted on an in-ceiling speaker. Each fastening unit has a base frame, a torsion spring securely mounted on the base frame, a pivoting member pivotally mounted on the base frame, a slider plate longitudinally movable on the base frame, and a spring holder receiving the torsion spring, pivotally mounted on the base frame and blocked by the pivoting member. When the speaker mount is moved upwardly through a ceiling, a bottom of the ceiling holds a ceiling support formed on the slider plate and the pivoting member is pushed and pivoted. After being unblocked from the pivoting member, the spring holder is pivoted to hold a top of the ceiling in completion of the mounting of the speaker mount. Accordingly, the mounting procedures of the speaker mount can be easily achieved by simply pushing it upwardly through a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Liang-Chih Cheng
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8457339
    Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly includes a first shell, a second shell, and a loudspeaker embedded in the first shell. Together the first shell and the second shell enclose a sound chamber. At least one of the first shell and the second shell can be folded to adjust the size of the sound chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Jian-Hui Li
  • Patent number: 8437495
    Abstract: A compensation assembly for a mounted loudspeaker system includes a mounting frame having a spherical front socket; a retaining ring; a compensating back socket having a spherical back socket; and a woofer frame having a spherical ball structure that fits between the front and back sockets. The compensating back socket has an array of matching slots that align with and partially surround bosses of the mounting frame such that the compensating back socket is free to float in a vertical axis but is restrained from rotating around a central axis. The ball structure is held by a force applied to the compensating back socket by compressing deformable elements around the outer perimeter of the compensating back socket. The deformable elements may be integrally formed as molded-in-place polymer tensioning springs or separately formed as metallic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Niles Audio Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Stuart Wright, Albert Burdett, Lowell J Smith, Michael L Strange
  • Patent number: 8437493
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a speaker module to a portable terminal is provided. The speaker module is mounted to a casing frame of the terminal using a coupling part formed outside a housing of the speaker module, so as not to leave a space between the speaker module and the casing frame in a sound output direction of the speaker module. Therefore, better speaker performance can be achieved by raising the height of the speaker module of the slim portable terminal or increasing the space for the back volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-Min Nho, Young-Hoon Kim, Won-Kyung Kim, Hyoung-Il Song, Chi-Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 8428290
    Abstract: An input-panel-equipped portable speaker device includes a cabinet shell body configured to enclose an accommodation chamber in a longitudinal direction, and having left and right mounting walls opposite to each other in a transverse direction. The left mounting wall has an inner peripheral region defining a fitting opening. The right mounting wall has a positioning groove. An input panel is connected with an amplifier circuit board, and is disposed to cover the fitting opening. When a right board edge of the circuit board is brought to be fitted in the positioning groove, an outer peripheral region of the panel is brought to abut against the inner peripheral region so as to enable an air-tight engagement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Mipro Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sue Cheng
  • Patent number: 8428295
    Abstract: An improved mid to high-frequency loudspeaker of the type having a central dome diaphragm having an outer periphery, and in one embodiment an outer ring-radiator diaphragm portion defining an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the ring-radiator diaphragm being attached at its inner periphery to an armature voice coil assembly and at its outer periphery to a diaphragm chassis in a first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Aperion Audio, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Humphreys
  • Patent number: 8422713
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system for the reproduction of acoustic waves of music, sound and speech in a substantially circular horizontal plane. The loudspeaker system includes multiple spherical enclosures, each enclosure housing a pair of transducers, each pair of transducers producing acoustic waves of a predetermined frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: J. Craig Oxford, D. Michael Shields
  • Patent number: 8401216
    Abstract: The present invention is an acoustic traveling wave tube system for propagating a directional acoustic wave comprising an acoustic traveling wave tube having a cylindrical shape with a load on one end of the tube, a plurality of excitation rings positioned around a circumference of the tube and spaced at predetermined intervals along a length of the tube and a microprocessor having a database containing a plurality of waveforms representative of acoustic signals. The microprocessor energizes one of the plurality of excitation rings to form an acoustic wave, sequentially energizes one or more of the remaining excitation rings along the length of the tube to amplify the acoustic wave as the acoustic wave travels along the length of the tube, and propagates the acoustic wave from an end of the tube opposite the load as a shaped directional acoustic wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Saab Sensis Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Rougas, Pasquale Dinovo
  • Patent number: 8391533
    Abstract: There is provided an insert ear bud earphone with variable noise isolation. The earphone includes a housing with a serpentine channel which is able to contain at least one transducer in a main body of the housing; and a cushion which contacts a user's ear canal wall, the cushion being mounted on the serpentine channel. There is preferably at least one opening in either the housing or the cushion which causes leakage and allows ambient noise to enter the user's ear canal. There is also provided a cushion for an insert ear bud earphone. Finally, there is provided a method to enable variable noise isolation in an insert ear bud earphone comprising an inclusion of at least one opening in either a housing of the earphone or a cushion mounted on the earphone which causes leakage and allows ambient noise to enter a user's ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Wong Hoo Sim, Fong Lin Leong, Thean Kuie Christopher Chang, Boon Cheong Raymond Ng, Shin Huei Eric Seow
  • Patent number: 8391516
    Abstract: A method of using an audio device (2) for improving a user's (1) listening experience. The audio device has a transducer (12) for producing output sound and the method comprises the steps of driving the transducer to produce an output sound and placing the audio device against the body of the user so that the user experiences a physical response to the sound while simultaneously listening to the audio device. The audio device may be arranged to produce a resonance in a part of the user's body. Preferably the audio device is positioned on the user's chest to produce a resonance in the chest cavity of the user's body. The audio device may comprise a sum and difference speaker system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Airsound LLP
    Inventor: Edward Stuart Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20130044909
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatically sealing an acoustic radiator to an acoustic enclosure. A band of conformable material engages a beveled surface so than an edge of the band deflects outwardly and a surface of the band conforms to the beveled surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Nathan A. Jeffery
  • Patent number: 8374378
    Abstract: Portable computer structures are provided. The portable computer structures may include speaker grill structures. A speaker grill structure may be formed by creating an array of small holes (perforations) in a portable computer housing structure such as a planar housing wall. A speaker may be mounted adjacent to the array of holes. The planar housing wall may be formed in a block of milled aluminum and may have a thickness of less than 1 mm. The speaker holes may have with small diameters without overly attenuating sound from a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hopkinson, John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Chris Ligtenberg, Ruchi Goel
  • Patent number: 8369561
    Abstract: Sideways-extending speaker apparatus and methods that include a speaker box that is adjustable to fit within given information handling system or electronic device chassis form factor constraints, while also being selectably extendable and expandable to provide increased speaker box volume to achieve improved sound quality performance both in terms of increased speaker spatial separation and wider dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Gurmeet Bhutani, Cheng-Hsien Wang, Jyh-Yinn Lin
  • Publication number: 20130004013
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a tile-mounted ceiling speaker that combines the ease of installation of a lay-in speaker system with the visual appearance of a tile-mounted speaker system. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame and back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile and a loudspeaker cartridge configured to be mounted to the support frame through an appropriately-sized hole in the ceiling tile. In one or more embodiments, the invention comprises a peripheral flange and a plurality of flip dogs for mounting the cartridge to the support frame that are configured to be disposed in the interior of the back box when engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: RGB SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William Cameron Stewart, JR., MICHAEL HUDSON, LARRY FRERICHS, CLINTON STRONG, WELDON GAMMON
  • 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: 8306254
    Abstract: A spa speaker system having a housing with a speaker mounted therein, wherein the housing is mounted within a hole in the wall of a spa. The speaker system is arranged at an angle within the housing, and is rotatable with respect to the hole. The system can also comprise a watertight membrane arranged to prevent water and contaminants from interfering with speaker components. A system for providing audio to a spa is also disclosed. The system comprises a spa having walls and at least one speaker unit mounted in a spa wall. Each of the speaker units is capable of receiving an audio signal, and generating sound towards the occupants of the spa. Each of the speaker units comprises a speaker that is individually rotatable and arranged at an angle to direct the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Schmidt, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120275637
    Abstract: A fastener structure is for retaining a speaker unit on a sound tank housing. The fastener structure includes a spring piece and an elastic protrusion rib. The spring piece includes a board, a first bending portion and a second bending portion. The board located within a through hole of the sound tank housing. The first bending portion located at one end of the board is for retaining the speaker unit on a second side of the sound tank housing. The second bending portion located at the other end of the board is exposed over a first side of the sound tank housing and used as an elastic contact. The elastic protrusion rib is disposed within the through hole, and is protruded from one side of the board to lean against between the board and the through hole, so that the board is wedged within the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chien-Chung LIAO
  • Patent number: 8295534
    Abstract: A flat panel display device includes a cabinet with front and rear cabinet parts, a flat panel display component, a holder, a speaker, and a pair of retaining members. The front cabinet part includes a speaker mount and a pair of support tubes. The holder includes an annular main body, a pair of arm, and a pair of engagement portions. The annular main body is disposed on the speaker mount. The engagement portions are disposed at distal end portions of the arms, respectively. The engagement portions engage with lower faces of the support tubes, respectively. The speaker is disposed on the annular main body of the holder. The retaining members are disposed at distal end portions of the support tubes, respectively. The retaining members have a diameter that is larger than that of support tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Hamada
  • Patent number: 8295524
    Abstract: A speaker unit for a projector includes a first speaker, a fixing portion and a second speaker. Either the first speaker or the second speaker has a central hole to hold the vertical post of a projector. Two holes that are diagonally opposing each other are provided in the inner wall of the central hole. The two holes of the fixing portion may align with the two holes of the first speaker and fasteners may be used to fixedly connect the first speaker with the vertical post. A connective portion is provided on either of the two vertical walls of the first speaker and a connective portion is provided on either of the two vertical walls of the second speaker. Therefore, the second speaker may be connected with the first speaker by these connective portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Jazz Hipster Corporation, Everest Display Inc.
    Inventors: Yueh-Hua Hsu Huang, Chun-Ti Chen, Miyashita Yoshiaki
  • Patent number: 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: 8280080
    Abstract: A device includes a first wafer, a second wafer, a gasket bonding the first wafer to the second wafer to define a cavity between the first wafer and the second wafer, and an acoustic transducer disposed on the first wafer and disposed within the cavity between the first wafer and the second wafer. One or more apertures are provided for communicating an acoustic signal between the acoustic transducer and an exterior of the device. An aperture may be formed in the cavity itself, or the cavity may be hermetically sealed. An aperture may be formed completely through the first wafer and located directly beneath at least a portion of the acoustic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Wireless IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel Philliber, John Choy, David Martin
  • Patent number: 8275164
    Abstract: A transmission line speaker enclosure featuring a main enclosure, a speaker driver and an exit port in the main enclosure, exit port walls extend from the exit port into the main enclosure; and an inner sub enclosure in the main enclosure having a curved vertex facing the speaker driver and walls extending from ends of the vertex, the vertex has an angle between about 40 to 80 degrees, the vertex is either attached or separated from the magnet of the speaker driver by a gap, the vertex functions to divert sounds exiting the speaker driver between walls of the inner sub enclosure wall the main enclosure, then between the walls of the inner sub enclosure and the exit port and further out of the exit port, wherein back waves generated by the speaker driver can have total travelling distance of about ¼ wavelength of a tuned frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Thach T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8270660
    Abstract: A simple structure will achieve dissipation of heat from the area inside a voice-coil bobbin and a diaphragm without a reduction in sound quality, in which a process for assembling a speaker device with high accuracy is performed in a simple operation. A speaker device comprises a recess-shaped frame 5 which supports, through an edge 9, a vibration system member 68 provided with a diaphragm 8 coupled to a voice-coil bobbin 6, and a magnetic circuit 4 which comprises an approximately ring-shaped magnet 2 and an approximately ring-shaped plate 3 which are mounted on a yoke 1 disposed in the frame 5, and a magnet gap 4g in which a voice coil 7 wound on a voice-coil bobbin 6 is disposed. In the magnetic circuit 4 a through hole 45 extending in the vibration direction of the diaphragm is fitted over a center boss 51 of a shape protruding from the bottom of the frame 5 in the direction of the sound emission, so that the magnetic circuit 4 is positioned and fixed with respect to the frame 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Pioneer Corporation, Tohoku Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Endo