US5701347A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Audio system for a personal computer
Assignee: HTC Corp
•
Filing: 1996-09-30
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Granted: 1997-12-23
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Expires: 2016-09-30
Abstract
Abstract An audio system for multimedia computer systems and method for use are provided including an audio module having speakers, a microphone and associated circuitry. The audio module is adapted to be interposed between a monitor and a monitor pedestal such that the audio module swivels and tilts in concert with the monitor. The circuitry is adapted to drive the audio module speakers and to drive only one speaker and the microphone in a speaker phone mode.
Inventors
- 👤 George R. Daniels
- 👤 Thor R. Halseth
- 👤 Daniel R. Vehse
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 18:00
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/60; H04M1/6033; G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1601; G06F1/1605; G06F3/00; G06F3/16; H04R; H04R5/00; H04R5/02; H04R2499/00; H04R2499/10; H04R2499/15; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S248/00; Y10S248/917
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
An audio module for use with a monitor that is supported by a pedestal at a mechanical interface and is removable from the pedestal at the interface, the interface including an element on the monitor that mates removably with an element on the pedestal, the audio module comprising: a base that includes two mating devices, one configured to mate with the interface element on the monitor, the other configured to mate with the interface element of the pedestal so that the module may be interposed between the monitor and the pedestal; and a speaker mounted on the base.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
An audio module for use with a monitor that is supported by a pedestal at a mechanical interface and is removable from the pedestal at the interface, the interface including an element on the monitor that mates removably with an element on the pedestal, the audio module comprising: a base that includes two mating devices, one configured to mate with the interface element on the monitor, the other configured to mate with the interface element of the pedestal so that the module may be interposed between the monitor and the pedestal; and a speaker mounted on the base.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The module of claim 1, wherein each said mating device comprises a mating surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The module of claim 1, wherein said module is adapted to be held in a fixed position relative to the monitor regardless of reorientation of the monitor relative to the pedestal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The module of claim 1 further comprising a second speaker.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The module of claim 4 wherein the base is generally planar in shape and the speakers are essentially in the same plane as the base.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The module of claim 4 wherein the base is generally planar in shape and the speakers are not in the same plane as the base.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The module of claim 1 further comprising a headphone jack mounted on the base.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The module of claim 1 further comprising a speaker mute switch mounted on the base.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The module of claim 1 further comprising a microphone mounted on the base.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The module of claim 9 wherein the microphone is mounted at one end of the base and the speaker is mounted at another end of the base.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The module of claim 1 wherein the speaker is reorientable relative to the base.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of upgrading a computer monitor attached to a supporting pedestal and that is capable of being swiveled and tilted, comprising the steps of: detaching the monitor from the pedestal; attaching an audio module to the monitor at the place where the monitor was detached from the pedestal so that the audio module moves with the monitor when the monitor is swiveled and tilted; and attaching the module to the pedestal at the place where the pedestal was detached from the monitor.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of upgrading a computer monitor attached to a supporting pedestal and that is capable of being swiveled and tilted, comprising the steps of: detaching the monitor from the pedestal; attaching an audio module to the monitor at the place where the monitor was detached from the pedestal so that the audio module moves with the monitor when the monitor is swiveled and tilted; and attaching the module to the pedestal at the place where the pedestal was detached from the monitor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
89 words
An audio module, comprising: a base portion; a speaker portion adjacent said base portion, said speaker portion housing a speaker; a first surface of said base portion adapted to removably engage a pedestal mating surface on a monitor; a second surface of said base portion adapted to removably engage a monitor pedestal such that said audio module can be removably interposed between said pedestal and said monitor; and said audio module coupled to said monitor such that said module and said monitor move in concert relative to said pedestal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
89 words
An audio module, comprising: a base portion; a speaker portion adjacent said base portion, said speaker portion housing a speaker; a first surface of said base portion adapted to removably engage a pedestal mating surface on a monitor; a second surface of said base portion adapted to removably engage a monitor pedestal such that said audio module can be removably interposed between said pedestal and said monitor; and said audio module coupled to said monitor such that said module and said monitor move in concert relative to said pedestal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
The audio module of claim 13 wherein said speaker portion is disposed adjacent a first end of said base portion and further comprising a second speaker portion disposed adjacent a second end of said base portion.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The audio module of claim 14, wherein said speaker portions are substantially coplanar with said base portions.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The audio module of claim 14, wherein said speaker portions are substantially non-coplanar with said base portions.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The audio module of claim 13, wherein said speaker is a self-contained speaker unit and is removable from said speaker portion.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-12-22 | 2001-06-23 | 2001-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-12-22 | 2005-06-23 | 2005-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-12-22 | 2009-06-23 | 2009-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |