251results about "Docking-station type assemblies" patented technology

An entertainment system comprising a base unit with a transceiver for interacting, at times, with a control unit via a communications link, and a control unit for controlling the base unit, the control unit being dockable with the base unit to establish direct electrical connection between them, and including a transceiver for interacting with the control unit via said link when undocked. The control unit is a separate aspect of the invention or system. The base unit may contain a tuner, preferably with bandless tuning capability, and may be designed to receive into a universal docking arrangement a digitally controllable auxiliary audio source such as a portable MP3 player or other device. The base unit may further provide alarm clock functionality with numerous features including a “fail-safe” volume control system and fail-safe alarm time setting capability.

A docking station for a portable media player. The docking station includes a docking connector to physically secure the portable media player and a communication interface to communicatively couple the portable media player to the docking station when the docking connector is physically securing the portable media player. A projection module operably linked to the communication interface and configured to receive video information from the portable media player via the communication interface projects a video image derived from the video information away from the docking station onto a viewing surface.

A portable system capable of receiving audio signals from one or more sources and reproducing the signals via speakers contained therein. The portable audio reproduction system can include a docking station or similar means for communicatively coupling an audio device to the portable audio reproduction system, thereby reducing desktop clutter and simplifying connecting the portable audio reproduction system with the audio device. The speakers of the portable audio reproduction system can preferably be received within a base portion of the system, thereby protecting the speakers during transport and reducing the overall size of the system for improved portability. External connections may also be provided, thereby enabling the portable audio reproduction system to receive audio signals from additional sources, and a mixer allows the system to reproduce signals from a portable audio device and an auxiliary source, such as a computer.

A portable media reproduction system preferably includes a housing with an attached docking component for receiving a portable media player, the docking component being recessed into the housing when in a closed position such that the first side forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. A latch is provided for holding the docking component in the closed position, and a connector connects to the portable media player. The connector is positioned on the docking component to receive the portable media player when the docking component is in an open position. A base component is recessed into the second side of the housing when in a closed position such that the second side of the housing forms a uniformly substantially flat surface. The base component is extendable into an open position such that the it supports the portable media reproduction system in a substantially upright position. Both the base component and the docking component are preferably spring loaded such that actuating the latch releases the docking component and the base component from their respective closed positions, allowing them to spring into their respective open positions.

A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input / output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music / data / commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and / or the handheld device. The handheld connector docks are operative to transfer music / data / commands between the audio system controller and a handheld device disposed within the connector dock.

An FM transmitter and power supply / charging assembly electrically coupleable with an MP3 player. The assembly includes a modular docking unit having a main body portion with a docking cavity therein, wherein the main body portion contains the FM transmitter and power / charging circuitry, with coupling means in the docking cavity for connecting the MP3 player with the FM transmitter and power / charging circuitry, to accommodate FM transmission by the FM transmitter of audio content when played by the MP3 player in the docking cavity of the modular docking unit, and adapted for transmitting electrical power through the modular docking unit and the power / charging circuitry therein, for charging of a battery of the MP3 player and / or powering of the MP3 player.

A portable speaker device that includes a frame configured to receive a portable audio device and at least two speakers that are slidably-connected to the frame. The speakers have a first position for providing a substantially extended configuration and a second position for providing a substantially retracted configuration. The portable speaker device also includes a flush hinged sub-assembly that includes a contoured element and arcuate arms extending from a support and rotatably coupled to the frame at the distal ends of the arcuate arms.

An accessory for a portable electronic device having a speaker uses an acoustic wave guide to passively amplify and direct the output of the device's speaker. The accessory has a housing with a docking cavity formed therein. The docking cavity has supportive sidewalls that are adapted to receive and support the portable electronic device in an upright position. A cable access channel is formed in the docking cavity that allows a connector and cable to be coupled to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is mounted in the docking cavity. An acoustic waveguide having a spiral shaped acoustic chamber is positioned in the housing such that an entrance to the acoustic waveguide corresponds to a hole in the docking cavity that is positioned to correspond to the location of the speaker of the device when the device is mounted in the docking chamber. The exit of the acoustic chamber corresponds to an exterior opening in a sidewall of the housing and the hole in the docking cavity. The housing can be provided with charging circuitry to charge the device when the device is mounted in the dock.

A combined headphone set including a speaker assembly. The headphone set includes a headband having a speaker headphone on opposing ends of the headband. Each of the speaker headphones includes an exterior speaker for public listening and an interior speaker for personal listening by the user. One of the speaker headphones includes switching means for listening to the interior speaker or to the exterior speaker or to the interior and exterior speakers simultaneously from each of the speaker headphones. Each of the speaker headphones includes an audio signal wire connected from an output jack of an audio device to the speaker headphones.

A speaker includes a thermoacoustic module, an amplifier circuit board, and a frame. The thermoacoustic module includes a sound wave generator, at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode are electrically connected to the sound wave generator. The sound wave generator includes a carbon nanotube structure. The amplifier circuit board is electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure by the at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The frame secures the thermoacoustic module and the amplifier circuit board.