Headgear Patents (Class 455/575.2)
  • Patent number: 8750929
    Abstract: A wireless communications device and method for providing an output signal. The device includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the wireless communications device; a selection element connected to the control unit and configured to allow selection of several modes of output coupling for generating the output signal of the device; and, a processor connected to the control unit for processing a received signal with parameters selected according to a selected mode of output coupling. The several modes of output coupling correspond to several modes of input operation for a hearing aid to improve coupling between the device and the hearing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Larry Edward Hawker, Scott MacIntosh
  • Patent number: 8744113
    Abstract: A communication eyewear assembly is configured to identify a zone of safety about a wearer and to notify the wearer and/or others of same. A frame assembly is worn to maintain at least one transparent eye panel in front of the wearer's eyes. A processor coupled to the frame assembly receives incoming data from at least one data source. Utilizing the received data, the processor generates zone of safety information in least one spatial dimension relative to a hazardous area. The assembly can also determine existence of extraordinary circumstances based on changes or lack of changes in the data, and notify the wearer and/or others of same, particularly with regard to the status of the wearer. In accordance with the monitoring of the wearer and/or the communication eyewear itself, a unique ID is assigned to the communication eyewear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Energy Telecom, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Rickards
  • Patent number: 8738097
    Abstract: A structure and a method for waterproofing a mobile phone are disclosed, to prevent entry of water through a recharging connector of the mobile phone such that an internal circuit in a main body is not damaged by water. The waterproofing method includes a housing molding process wherein a housing is insert-molded to have a contact terminal and a ground terminal, a groove for connection with a sealing member, and a mounting hole for mounting to a PCB, a sealing member assembling process wherein the housing, a shell, and the sealing member are assembled into an assembly, a connector assembling process wherein the assembly is mounted to the PCB so that the terminals of the housing contact a connection terminal of a PCB connector, and a casing assembling process wherein upper and lower casings are connected to the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Amp Korea Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Mo Hong
  • Patent number: 8731531
    Abstract: A communications system may include at least one mobile wireless communications device, and a wireless communications network for sending text messages thereto. More particularly, the at least one mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver and a controller for cooperating therewith for receiving text messages from the wireless communications network. It may further include a headset output connected to the controller. The controller may be for switching between a normal message mode and an audio message mode based upon a connection between the headset output and a headset. Moreover, when in the audio message mode, the controller may output at least one audio message including speech generated from at least one of the received text messages via the headset output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Darrell Reginald May, Alain R. Gagne
  • Patent number: 8731225
    Abstract: A wireless communication headset having both wired and wireless modes is provided. The wireless headset can include a headset connector assembly that can be coupled to a cable connector of a cable, which can in turn be connected to a telephone. When the wireless headset is coupled to the telephone, it can advantageously be operable to exchange audio information with the telephone through the cable, receive electrical power from the telephone through the cable, or both. In addition, the cable connector can advantageously be coupled to the wireless headset without obstructing airflow to a microphone that is located in the headset connector assembly, through use of apparatus of the invention located on the cable connector, such as an acoustic tunnel, a microphone-speaker pair, or a microphone that is coupled to control circuitry operable to disable the microphone of the headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Tang, Brett Alten
  • Patent number: 8718722
    Abstract: In order to mount a plurality of kinds of earphone microphones, a mobile phone includes an earphone microphone terminal to accept either a plug of a PTT earphone microphone or a plug of an earphone microphone, and an earphone microphone switching portion to detect whether the PTT earphone microphone or the earphone microphone is accepted and switch a contact point between a plurality of contact points of the earphone microphone terminal depending on the kind of the detected earphone microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 8711576
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus which includes a hinge module includes a first housing in which a window unit is formed in a holding unit which holds the hinge module, a second housing which is joined to the first housing, and a substrate holding member which is arranged between the first housing and the second housing, and wherein the substrate holding member passes through the window unit of the first housing and includes a locking unit which locks the hinge module by being pressed by the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tsukasa Goro, Koji Nakakubo, Satoshi Seino, Masaru Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 8706162
    Abstract: A mobile device receives notification of an incoming call and identifies that an external speaker is connected to the mobile device. The mobile device detects that a user has positioned the mobile device in a position, relative to the user, to use an integrated ear speaker of the mobile device. When the mobile device detects that the user has positioned the mobile device in position to use the integrated ear speaker, the mobile device answers the incoming call and routes audio for the incoming call away from the external speaker and to the integrated ear speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Magnus Abrahamsson, Martin Nyström
  • Patent number: 8706043
    Abstract: A communications system is configured to attach to a helmet that includes vent openings formed in an outer shell of the helmet. Components of the system are configured to extend through the openings of the helmet for detachably coupling the components to the helmet. The system can include a main communications module that includes electronic components and a control panel and the system can further include other audio components that include speakers and a microphone. The system also provides the ability to communicate with and/or operate as a digital media player, a radio tuner, a telephone, or a global positioning system (GPS) or another device using Bluetooth technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Cardo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Glezerman, Avraham Kushnirov, Yossef Twina
  • Patent number: 8700101
    Abstract: A system and methods for controlling a mobile electronic device is disclosed. A notification in response to a prescribed event is outputted. A change in a position of the mobile electronic device is detected. A strength of the notification is reduced, when a change in the position of the mobile electronic device is detected while the notification sound is being outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Reiko Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8688174
    Abstract: An integrated, detachable ear bud system that is attached to an associated wireless phone. The integrated, detachable ear bud system may be one ear bud, or pair of ear buds, or ear bud or ear buds including a microphone. In certain embodiments an integrated, detachable, attached auditory device is physically connected to its associated wireless phone via an extendable and retractable electrical cord, and integrated into the case of the associated wireless phone, to forcibly keep with the wireless phone even when not in use, preventing misplacement, loss, or even inadvertent separation from the wireless device. The ear buds may connect to a recharge port on the wireless phone, and be charged when the wireless phone is charging. When in its attached home position, the ear-mountable speaker may tuck into a mating cavity. A latch or magnet may assist in attaching the integrated, detachable ear bud to the wireless phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Telecommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Weldon H. Latham, Timothy J. Lorello, Drew Morin, Bruce White
  • Patent number: 8688040
    Abstract: A Bluetooth headset for a helmet having an inter-communication is provided. The Bluetooth headset includes a headset body configured to be mounted on a helmet, a microphone and a speaker that are configured to be installed on the headset body, a jog dial configured to be installed to perform a rotation operation and be subject to a push operation, a Bluetooth module configured to be accommodated in the headset body and to perform wireless communication while paired with an external Bluetooth device, and a control unit configured to be accommodated in the headset body to process a signal input from the microphone, a signal input according to the rotation operation and the push operation of the jog dial and a signal received from the Bluetooth module and output the processed signal to the speaker and the Bluetooth module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sena Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Ohjin Jung
  • Patent number: 8670573
    Abstract: A wireless communication system for use in aircraft includes a wireless headset having at least one ear cup with a housing. A first ultra wideband transceiver is disposed in the ear cup housing. A base station includes a second ultra wideband transceiver. The second ultra wideband transceiver wirelessly communicates with the first ultra wideband transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Lalin S. Theverapperuma, Darcy Zehnder, Talal Aly-Youssef
  • Patent number: 8666462
    Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device includes a portable housing having a metallic front housing forming a peripheral sidewall as a metallic ring. A circuit board is carried by the portable housing and forms a chassis ground plane. A wireless communications circuit is carried by a circuit board. An antenna circuit is carried by a circuit board and connected to the wireless communications circuit. A frequency selective grounding circuit is positioned at a selected grounding location at the chassis ground plane and metallic front housing and forms a harmonic trap that responds to a specific range of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Joshua Kwan Ho Wong, Adrian Matthew Cooke
  • Patent number: 8655420
    Abstract: An earphone set that comprises a paired set of earphones to be worn simultaneously by a user is disclosed. Each earphone in the paired set comprises at least one acoustic transducer for producing sound to be heard by the user. At least one of the earphones in the pair set comprises a transceiver circuit and at least one button. The transceiver circuit is for wirelessly receiving and transmitting signals via a wireless network. The at least one button is accessible to the user at an exterior of the at least one earphone. Upon activation of the at least one button by the user, an indication for a song played by the pair of earphones is caused to be transmitted wirelessly, by the transceiver circuit via the wireless network, to a remote server connected to the Internet. The song played by the pair of earphones may be streamed from a digital audio content server connected to the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koss Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Pelland, Michael J. Koss
  • Patent number: 8655417
    Abstract: A video/audio playing apparatus with wireless audio signal transmission function comprising: a headset place slot, an audio processing module, a wireless audio signal transmission module, and a system audio interface. The headset place slot can accept and electrically connect a wireless headset, and transmits an electric potential signal. The audio processing module is used for outputting an audio signal. The wireless audio signal transmission module further comprises: an audio signal switching unit and a control unit. The audio signal switching unit is used for receiving the audio signal, and switches the output path of audio signal according to the electric potential signal. The control unit connects to the audio signal switching unit and connects to the wireless headset using wireless. Thus, the audio signal switching unit can switch the wireless headset or the system audio interface to output the audio signal according to the electric potential signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Pi-Fen Lin
  • Patent number: 8644888
    Abstract: A wireless headset system including a switching unit having a detection circuit coupled to a wireless adapter. The detection circuit provides a first output signal to the wireless adapter upon detection of a triggering event, such as activation of a manual switch or detection of voltage of an audio output signal from a mobile communications device. The first output signal causes the wireless adapter to enter into an active audio channel mode. The detection circuit also provides a second output signal to the wireless adapter when no triggering event is detected, and the second output signal causes the wireless adapter to enter into a standby mode. Placing at least the wireless adapter in a standby mode saves battery life of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Stealthwear, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Crestol
  • Patent number: 8644032
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and an installation assembly. The housing defines an opening. The installation assembly includes a fixing member and a holding member. The fixing member includes a base and a fixing portion protruding from the base. The base defines an entrance corresponding to the opening. The holding member comprising a holding portion and an engaging portion formed on an end of the holding portion. The fixing portion runs through the opening, and the base abuts against an outer surface of the housing with the entrance corresponding to the first opening. The engaging portion is engaged with the fixing portion to fix the holding member to the fixing member in the housing, and the engaging portion abuts against an inner surface of the housing, such that the installation assembly is fixed the housing surrounding the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yan Liang, Bin Dai, Jing-Hua Yuan, Fa-Guang Shi, Zi-Ming Tang
  • Publication number: 20140031094
    Abstract: The invention is directed at a headset for a mobile communication device having a multi-button control and is implemented with a standard headset jack. The multi-button control is decoded by a microprocessor after which an encoded signal is then transmitted from the processor to the handset. In this manner, by using the standard jack, no additional hardware is required on the handset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Robert J. Lowles, Edward Hui, David Mak-Fan
  • Patent number: 8634882
    Abstract: A pop-up apparatus for a portable communication device for insertion or ejection of parts of the portable communication device is provided. The pop-up apparatus preferably includes a body housing, a pop-up housing embedded in the body housing and inserted into or ejected from the body housing. The insertion or ejection can be performed by applying pressure to button on a surface thereof in a direction that it is pressed, and at least one or more pop-up hinge portions are provided between the body housing and the pop-up housing to insert the pop-up housing into or eject the pop-up housing from the body housing by pressing of the pop-up housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Ho Ahn, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jong-Woo Kim, Soung-Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 8626237
    Abstract: A method is disclosed that enables access to the paired combination of a personal computer and cellular telephone, the access being provided through voice commands from a Bluetooth headset or other type of wireless headset. Through the headset, a user is able to invoke a speech-recognition engine during a call in progress that involves the cell phone with which the personal computer has been paired. The set of phrases that can be recognized by the engine, which is resident at the personal computer, are based on the current call-processing state of the call that is being handled by the paired cell phone. Some of the phrases correspond to commands to retrieve one or more entries from a database, such as one stored at the cell phone. One or more of the commands can be for controlling the cell phone or a softphone application that executes at the personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Omer Boyaci, Parameshwaran Krishnan, Anjur Sundaresan Krishnakumar, Shalini Yajnik
  • Patent number: 8620396
    Abstract: Slide mechanism includes: a slide pin; a base in which formed are a first guide portion guiding the pin upwardly and downwardly and a first hook portion formed integrally with and bent to the right from the upper end of the portion; a slider slidable upwardly and downwardly relative to the base, in which formed are a second guide portion guiding the pin upwardly and downwardly, a second hook portion formed integrally with upper end of the second guide portion and bent to the left, and a runout formed integrally with lower end of the second guide portion; and an urging mechanism that has one end attached to the pin and the other end attached rotatably to base such that the vertical position of the other end is between both ends of the first guide portion, and that urges the pin away from the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Kajita, Toshiaki Maebara
  • Publication number: 20130344924
    Abstract: A headset system (10) comprising a headset unit (1) and a detachable wearing device (4). The headset unit (1) comprises a microphone arm (3), which is movable between a compact position and an extended position. A proximity sensor (29; 33) in the headset unit (1) detects whether the microphone arm (3) is in the compact position or the extended position. The headset unit (1) and the wearing device (4) are adapted to be movably attached to each other, so that the headset unit (1) can be moved between a use position and a rest position. The proximity sensor (29; 33) detects, when the headset unit (1) is moved into the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8606334
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for programming base units of communication headset systems with new or updated configuration parameters by a portable or handheld programming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Tomasz Jerzy Goldman
  • Patent number: 8606333
    Abstract: A mechanism for switching a wireless device between normal operation and a lower-power mode is provided. A wireless device has a selection mechanism for reducing the power output of the wireless device. The wireless device then returns to a normal operation mode upon user release of the selection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Melvin Duane Frerking, George O'Quinn Hirvela
  • Patent number: 8600461
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable earpiece cable assembly for mobile communication or sound devices comprising a plate adapted to be fastened directly to the mobile device. The plate supports a reel housing that includes a reel mechanism around which the earpiece cables are removably wound. The earpiece cables are extendable from and retractable into the reel housing. Each of the earpiece cables have one end attached to an earpiece and each of the earpiece cables have a second end attached to a jack plug to electrically connect the earpieces to the mobile device. The plate also supports an attachment clip that allows a user to attach the mobile communication or sound device and integral earpiece assembly to an article of clothing or other accessory item supported by a user. In other embodiments, a rear back plate is fixed to the mobile device, and a front plate is removably attached to the rear plate. The cable reel assembly housing and the attachment clip are attached to the front plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Kroupa
  • Patent number: 8593570
    Abstract: A wireless video recording camera headset providing hands-free video recording and a two-way audio relay to a wireless handset. A recorded video stream is saved to a non-volatile buffer in the headset and may be viewed, edited and manipulated via the wireless handset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Looxcie, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Boland, Romulus Pereira, Narayan Mohanran
  • Patent number: 8588717
    Abstract: A radio communications device includes a headphone assembly, which includes at least one aural speaker or transducer and a headphone cable functioning as an antenna and providing electrical signals carrying audio information to the at least one aural speaker or transducer. A signal separator coupled to the headphone cable separates the electrical signals carrying audio information transmitted to the headphone cable and radio frequency (RF) signals received from the headphone cable. A radio receiver receives the RF signals from the signal separator and converts the RF signals to electrical signals carrying audio information. A tuner is provided for tuning the headphone cable to a selected operating frequency of the radio receiver. An audio amplifier amplifies electrical signals carrying audio information from the radio receiver to be transmitted through the headphone cable to the at least one aural speaker or transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Skycross, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank M. Caimi
  • Patent number: 8588866
    Abstract: Signal strength and battery level are presented on a display associated with a mobile communications device. A scene is presented on the display, where the scene includes constituent items that collectively convey the battery level and the signal strength. Different states of the constituent items correspond to different states of the battery level and the signal strength. The constituent items together form a representation of a real-world situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Chris Michael Edwards
  • Patent number: 8582755
    Abstract: An earbud headset, a handset including the same, and methods of operating the headset and handset are provided. In one embodiment, an earbud headset includes a speaker portion that is retractable into and extendable from a base portion, thereby allowing for a thin profile form factor. Advantageously, the earbud headset allows for more convenient storage and/or integration with a handset such that a user may carry the handset and headset much like a single item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Bradford, Jay Wilson, Claude Zellweger
  • Patent number: 8577427
    Abstract: The adjustable headset is an all in one device that include an adjustable support band, an adjustable screen, a first and second ear cover, a computer system, a communications system, and a power source. The adjustable support band connects to each ear cover, allowing the virtual goggles to rest atop a user's head, with the ear covers being adjacent to a user's ears. The screen is attached to the ear covers by adjustable screen bars, which allow a user to change the distance, angle, and general orientation of the screen. The computer system is capable of storing and running software programs, such as an operating system, as well as interfacing with connected devices by means of a set of connection ports, located on the ear covers, or the communications system. Thus the virtual goggles serve to adjust to meet individual comfort needs and interface with a wide variety of technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Lee Serota
  • Patent number: 8577425
    Abstract: A wireless headset has a body, an ear clip, and at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power. The body includes an RF integrated circuit in electrical communication with an antenna and a baseband circuit, the baseband circuit being in electrical communication with a microphone and a speaker. The at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power are in electrical communication with the RF integrated circuit and the baseband circuit. The ear clip is engaged to the body. The at least two sources of energy are selected from the group consisting of solar energy, thermoelectric energy, piezoelectric energy, and vibration energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Braden Kroll, Mark W. Kroll
  • Patent number: 8571612
    Abstract: A method and system for remotely managing mobile devices over a communication network including transceiving user input data generated at a mobile management terminal to a management computer over a communication network. The transceived user input data is analyzed to determine whether the user input data corresponds to a stored command function and the stored command function is executed at the management computer in response to determining that the user input data corresponds to a stored command function. Data is transceived from the management computer to one or more mobile host devices over the communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Vocollect, Inc.
    Inventor: Duff H. Gold
  • Patent number: 8571611
    Abstract: System and method for wirelessly providing multimedia. A system includes a headset and a wireless communications device. The wireless communications device controls the operation of the headset with transmissions over a first wireless network. The headset includes a first ear piece, a second ear piece, and a connecting piece. The first ear piece has a first speaker, a first network interface to send and receive transmissions over the first wireless network, a second network interface to receive transmissions over a second wireless network, and a connecting piece. The connecting piece is coupled between the first ear piece and the second ear piece. The connecting piece includes a wire to electrically couple the second ear piece, the first ear piece, and the second network interface and to receive transmissions over the second wireless network. The wire may be made to any length since it may be embedded inside the connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Yoram Solomon
  • Patent number: 8560023
    Abstract: Telecommunications Policy Program Systems, Processes and Devices for the reduction of radiation hazard and/or other risks involved in the use of wireless telecommunication devices, are disclosed in the present application. According to the invention an Authorized User, using a Policy Program, can enable and/or disable at least one of the sound input and/or output channels of a telecommunication device in order to force a Subordinate User to use radiation-safer, and/or otherwise safer, sound input and/or output channels of said telecommunication device. According to two of the several preferred embodiments described in the application, the Policy program can be transferred to the telecommunication device from an external source or be built-in into said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Newval-Tech Knowledge Services and Investments Ltd.
    Inventor: Marco Luzzatto
  • Patent number: 8554254
    Abstract: A communications system may include at least one mobile wireless communications device, and a wireless communications network for sending text messages thereto. More particularly, the at least one mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver and a controller for cooperating therewith for receiving text messages from the wireless communications network. It may further include a headset output connected to the controller. The controller may be for switching between a normal message mode and an audio message mode based upon a connection between the headset output and a headset. Moreover, when in the audio message mode, the controller may output at least one audio message including speech generated from at least one of the received text messages via the headset output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Darrell Reginald May, Alain R. Gagne
  • Patent number: 8548534
    Abstract: A wireless headset system including a switching unit having a detection circuit coupled to a wireless adapter. The detection circuit provides a first output signal to the wireless adapter upon detection of a triggering event, such as activation of a manual switch or detection of voltage of an audio output signal from a mobile communications device. The first output signal causes the wireless adapter to enter into an active audio channel mode. The detection circuit also provides a second output signal to the wireless adapter when no triggering event is detected, and the second output signal causes the wireless adapter to enter into a standby mode. Placing at least the wireless adapter in a standby mode saves battery life of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Stealthwear, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Crestol
  • Patent number: 8548533
    Abstract: A wireless headset has improved immunity to RF electromagnetic interference produced from wireless communications devices. A headset body is adapted to be worn by a user and includes a microphone and earpiece. An antenna receives wireless communication signals and passes them to RF and audio circuitry mounted within the headset body. The RF and audio circuitry include a Bluetooth module operatively connected to the antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals, an audio CODEC connected to the Bluetooth module, and audio connection lines connected between the CODEC and the earpiece and between the CODEC and the microphone. A filter is connected into each of the audio connection lines at the earpiece and microphone and operative for reducing the RF coupling from a mobile wireless communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Lizhong Zhu, George Soliman Mankaruse, Michael Stephen Corrigan
  • Patent number: 8548538
    Abstract: The invention is directed at a headset for a mobile communication device having a multi-button control and is implemented with a standard headset jack. The multi-button control is decoded by a microprocessor after which an encoded signal is then transmitted from the processor to the handset. In this manner, by using the standard jack, no additional hardware is required on the handset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Robert J. Lowles, Edward Hui, David Mak-Fan
  • Patent number: 8549426
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for configuring an on-screen image in a mobile telecommunications handset making it possible for a multimedia menu to be displayed when a connected earphone is recognized, thereby allowing a user to conveniently select a multimedia application without having to use a keypad for initiating an instruction to perform the multimedia application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Young-Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8542845
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless stereo headset. The wireless stereo headset includes a first headset including a speaker unit and a Bluetooth® enabled module, for converting sound signals received from a device, transmitting the sound signals into sounds and outputting the sounds, and a second headset including a speaker unit and a Bluetooth® enabled module, for selectively receiving a portion of the sound signals which are converted into sounds and outputting the sounds, thereby accomplishing mono sound by using the first headset according to a user's request or achieving stereo sound by using the first and second headsets. The wireless stereo headset can perform voice communication by using only the first headset, while accomplishing stereo sounds by using both the first and second headsets, thereby using the wireless stereo headset to enjoy an improved sound quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Min-Won Cho
  • Patent number: 8543061
    Abstract: The invention describes a Hearing Aid device composed of a cellphone and eyeglasses where some of the programs are carried out by components embedded onto the temples of eyeglasses and some programs by components which are inherently part of cellphones. The combined device improves the intelligibility of voice messages arriving both through the cellphone speaker, the connected earphones and directly through the free air. The user can call diverse programs suitable for different situations, by using inertial sensors embedded either in the eyeglasses or are inherently part of the cellphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Suhami Associates ltd
    Inventor: Avraham Suhami
  • Patent number: 8538396
    Abstract: A telecommunication conference device, system and method for enhancing participation within a conference call. The present application relates to telecommunications, and more particularly, to a conference phone capable of being connected with wireless devices such that they can be used as microphone extensions. In one embodiment, the conference phone can include a wireless interface and a microphone. The conference phone can connect with one or more wireless devices through the wireless interface. The conference phone can receive audio from the one or more wireless devices and at the same time, can receive audio from the microphone on the conference phone. The audio received by the conference phone, through the one or more wireless devices and the microphone, can be combined into a single audio stream using an audio mixer. The teleconference phone can remove echoing effects that are within the audio stream and then transmit the audio over a telephone network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporaton
    Inventors: Peter Francis Couse, Jim Davies
  • Patent number: 8538491
    Abstract: The subject disclosure describes monitoring when a headset is in communication with a mobile communication device, detecting the headset, comparing a name of a caller and a telephone number of the caller against a list of names and telephone numbers previously stored in a memory, determining that the name of the caller or the telephone number of the caller matches one of the names and telephone numbers in the list, determining that the one of the names and telephone numbers is associated with a pre-recorded message that the user previously recorded and stored in the memory, retrieving the pre-recorded message, and performing a text-to-speech conversion on the name and telephone number of the caller to generate a synthesized speech signal spoken text message and sending the synthesized speech signal and the pre-recorded message to the headset. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Shadi Khoshaba, Bruce Barnes, Tyrone Curtin
  • Patent number: 8531182
    Abstract: A control system for use in safety critical human/machine control interfaces is described, more particularly a joystick type control system and particularly a joystick type control system utilizing magnetic positional sensing. The control system provides a control input device having a movable magnet, a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet, at least three magnetic flux sensors being positioned in said pole-piece frame arrangement and a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of said at least three sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Penny & Giles Controls Limited
    Inventor: Dev Kumar Banerjee
  • Patent number: 8532721
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device comprises a housing having a keyboard support member on a front thereof and a base defining a cavity therebetween, wherein light generated within the cavity can be viewed from a front of the housing; a display assembly slidably mounted to the housing and comprising a display screen on a front face thereof, the display assembly being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position a lower portion of the display screen is received within the cavity underlying the keyboard support member and an upper portion of the display screen is viewable outside of the cavity, and in the extended position the lower portion and the upper portion of the display screen are viewable outside of the cavity, wherein the display screen is a light emitting diode display screen comprising a plurality of pixels that are selectively illuminatable to display an image; a processor configured to control operation of the display screen; and a position sensor for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventor: Jason Tyler Griffin
  • Patent number: 8532594
    Abstract: Proximity regulation systems for use with a portable cell phone and portable cell phones are disclosed. In one embodiment, the portable cell phone includes: (1) an operation mode input or circuit and (2) means for determining a transmit power level of the portable cell phone based on the operation mode input or circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Agere Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. McDowell, Philip D. Mooney
  • Patent number: 8527016
    Abstract: Low power wireless communication techniques may be employed in devices that communicate via a wireless body area network, a wireless personal area network, or some other type of wireless communication link. In some implementations the devices may communicate via one or more impulse-based ultra-wideband channels. Inter-pulse duty cycling may be employed to reduce the power consumption of a device. Power may be provided for the transmissions and receptions of pulses by charging and discharging a capacitive element according to the inter-pulse duty cycling. Sub-packet data may be transmitted and received via a common frequency band. A cell phone may multicast to two or more peripherals via wireless communication links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Chong U. Lee, Amal Ekbal, David Jonathan Julian
  • Patent number: 8520860
    Abstract: A system comprises an accessory, a mobile unit module, and a battery pack module. The accessory is worn one of on and near a portion of a body of a user. The mobile unit module removably couples to the accessory. The battery pack module removably couples to one of the mobile unit and the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wulff, Daniella Strat, Mark Wheeler, Nicole D. Tricoukes, Mark Duron, David Bellows
  • Publication number: 20130217449
    Abstract: Cellular device headsets commonly include a clip such that the cord (wire) from the? headset to the cellular device can be attached to an article of clothing as worn by the consumer, including for the purpose of establishing a stable position and set distance for the microphone of the headset. A ferrite (or other composition of similar effect) bead having a signal choking capacity may be integrated into such a clip, for a resulting hybrid device which by stopping the propagation of microwave signal along the wire also serves to attach the wire to the clothing of the end user in the same manner as such a clip would normally be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Harry V. Lehmann