EP0789915A1 - An audio recording device - Google Patents
An audio recording deviceInfo
- Publication number
- EP0789915A1 EP0789915A1 EP95935517A EP95935517A EP0789915A1 EP 0789915 A1 EP0789915 A1 EP 0789915A1 EP 95935517 A EP95935517 A EP 95935517A EP 95935517 A EP95935517 A EP 95935517A EP 0789915 A1 EP0789915 A1 EP 0789915A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- audio recording
- recording device
- memory card
- printed circuit
- card
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/18—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
- H05K1/182—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components associated with components mounted in the printed circuit board, e.g. insert mounted components [IMC]
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11C—STATIC STORES
- G11C5/00—Details of stores covered by group G11C11/00
- G11C5/14—Power supply arrangements, e.g. power down, chip selection or deselection, layout of wirings or power grids, or multiple supply levels
- G11C5/141—Battery and back-up supplies
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11C—STATIC STORES
- G11C7/00—Arrangements for writing information into, or reading information out from, a digital store
- G11C7/16—Storage of analogue signals in digital stores using an arrangement comprising analogue/digital [A/D] converters, digital memories and digital/analogue [D/A] converters
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
- H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
- H01M50/213—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11C—STATIC STORES
- G11C2207/00—Indexing scheme relating to arrangements for writing information into, or reading information out from, a digital store
- G11C2207/16—Solid state audio
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
- H05K2201/10—Details of components or other objects attached to or integrated in a printed circuit board
- H05K2201/10431—Details of mounted components
- H05K2201/10439—Position of a single component
- H05K2201/10446—Mounted on an edge
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- the recording medium used in devices which record over a long period of time has usually been magnetic tape.
- the size of such audio recording devices is determined by the size of the tape used, the size of the motor required to drive the tape, the circuitry required to control the operation of the device, the size of the batteries required and the relative locations of these components in the assembled device.
- Such audio recording devices presently available are relatively large and can be difficult to conceal, thereby posing difficulties in covert operations.
- a further disadvantage is that in most such devices changing the tape and/or the battery is time consuming and cumbersome, again posing problems in covert operations. Also, since such devices need a motor and other moving parts to record audio signals the device reliability is sometimes not sufficient for use in surveillance operations.
- An object of this invention is to provide an audio recording device which can be used to record over a long period of time, which is portable, small and light and can be easily concealed, whilst being robust and reliable.
- a further object of the invention is to provide an audio recording device which can be prepared for use quickly and discreetly.
- an audio recording device as claimed in claim 1.
- Preferred features of the device are claimed in claims 2 to 5.
- Figure 1 is a plan view of an audio recording device with part of its cover broken away to reveal some of the interior of the device;
- Figure 2 is a section on the line II - II in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a section similar to Figure 2 but with the cover open and illustrating replacement of replaceable elements;
- Figure 4 is a view in the direction of arrow IV in Figure 2 with the cover in the open position shown in Figure 3.
- FIGS 1 to 4 show an audio recording device which comprises a tray 51, a printed circuit board 53, a dividing section 55 and a cover 57.
- the tray 51 comprises a generally rectangular base with a lip formed around its periphery.
- the printed circuit board 53 is fitted into the tray 51. It is substantially rectangular in shape with an oblong window 77 formed at one end. It is shaped so that its edges abut the lip of the tray 51 on both of the long sides and the short side which is nearer the window 77.
- the printed circuit board 53 is supported on upstanding projections formed in the tray 51, thereby providing clearance for electrical components (including integrated circuits) on the underside of the board 53.
- the printed circuit board 53 is provided at the end nearer to the window 77 with a connector 81 for a microphone 82. There is a connector 83 for a memory card on the opposite side of the window 77 and connectors 85 for two batteries 87 at the sides of the window 77. Printed circuit paths for interconnecting the connectors 81, 83, 85 and 87 are formed in the narrow parts of the board 53 along the shorter sides of the window 77, as well as on the remainder of the board 53.
- the window 77 is sized to accommodate the batteries 87.
- the type of battery 87 currently being used is an AAA-type.
- the dividing section 55 has a rectangular window 94 nearer to one of its ends.
- the window 94 is substantially superimposed over the window 77 in the printed circuit board 53.
- Figures 2 and 3 show that two walls 100 and 101 depend one from each of the long edges of the window 94. These walls 100 and 101 pass through the window 77 in the printed circuit board 53.
- the dividing section 55 is formed with side walls 97 along each of its longitudinal sides.
- a substantially U shaped shelf 93 is formed between the window 94 and the other end of the dividing section 55 that is further from the window 94.
- An angled bar 95 extends between the side walls 97 at that other end with a portion 104 of it depending. The angled bar 95 is in the region of and below the mouth of the U shaped shelf 93.
- Parts 97A of the side walls 97 depend further than the remainder. These parts 97A depend from the side portions of U shaped shelf and extend along the edge of the dividing section 55 from the angled bar 95 and towards the window 94. These side wall portions 97A terminate spaced from the depending wall 101.
- the depending walls 100 and 101, the depending portion 104 of the angled bar 95 and the depending side wall parts 97A rest on the base of the tray 51.
- the depth of the depending portion 104 is about half that of the walls 100 and 101 so that the other portion of the angled bar 95 is nearer to the base of the tray 51 than is the U shaped shelf and there is a clearance therebetween.
- Threaded holes that are provided in the dividing section 55 correspond to holes formed in the tray 51 whereby the two parts are screwed together.
- a hinge pin fixing arrangement 98 is provided at the end of the dividing section 55 nearer the window 94.
- the first and second depending walls 100 and 101 slot into the window 77 in the printed circuit board 53 so that the area of the printed circuit board 53 surrounding that window 77, including the connector 83 for the semiconductor memory card 89, is effectively covered and thereby protected.
- the dimensions are chosen so that, when the batteries 87 are put in place they are a snug fit in the window formed by the depending walls 100 and 101.
- the angled bar 95 covers and protects a button and spring latching arrangement 71 which is fitted to the tray 51.
- the assembly of the device is completed by fitting the cover 57 to the dividing section 55 using a hinge with a hinge pin that is fitted to the hinge pin fixing arrangement 98.
- the dimensions of the cover 57 are such that when it is in its closed position it extends between the upstanding sidewall portions 91, and rests on the U- shaped shelf so that a cavity 113, is formed between the printed circuit board 53, the dividing section 55 and the cover 57 to one side of the window 77.
- the cavity 113 accommodates the semiconductor 89 card when the device is being used, the card 89 lying parallel to and adjacent to the printed circuit board 53 (see Figure 3).
- the cover 57 is held closed using the button and spring arrangement.
- the printed circuit board 53 is fastened to the tray 51 and the button and spring arrangement 71 is fitted so that the actuating buttons are on the outside of the tray 51.
- the dividing section 55 is then fitted to the tray 51, by screwing the two parts together, and the cover 57 is fitted.
- the device is then ready for use, and requires only that batteries and a semiconductor memory card 89 be fitted into place.
- the assembled device is very compact.
- the cover 57 is opened (as shown in Figures 3 and 4), the card 89 is slid in from the end of the device remote from the cover hinge pin arrangement 98, above the angled bar 95 and below the shelf 93 to plug it into the connector 83 (see Figure 3).
- the batteries 87 are inserted into the window 94 between the depending walls 100 and 101 to make contact with the terminals 85 on the printed circuit board 53.
- the cover 57 is closed.
- the mouth of the slideway for the card is closed by the securing lip 109 of the cover 57 and the remainder of the cover 57 encloses the interior of the device including the battery well.
- the thickness of the device is governed by the diameter of the batteries 87, since the thickness of the memory card 89 and the printed circuit board 53 together is less than the diameter of the batteries 87 with which they are aligned generally radially.
- the audio recording device described herein is, relative to present day audio recorders, very light and small and can be easily concealed.
- the provision of a cover which can be easily opened to access the batteries and the semiconductor card areas simultaneously means that the device can be prepared for use quickly and discreetly.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9422029 | 1994-10-31 | ||
GB9422029A GB9422029D0 (en) | 1994-10-31 | 1994-10-31 | An audio recording device |
PCT/GB1995/002551 WO1996013837A1 (en) | 1994-10-31 | 1995-10-31 | An audio recording device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0789915A1 true EP0789915A1 (en) | 1997-08-20 |
Family
ID=10763725
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP95935517A Withdrawn EP0789915A1 (en) | 1994-10-31 | 1995-10-31 | An audio recording device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0789915A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2204029A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9422029D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1996013837A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS55113189A (en) * | 1979-02-26 | 1980-09-01 | Toshiba Corp | Carrying jig for data storage unit |
JPS617971A (en) * | 1984-06-22 | 1986-01-14 | Sony Corp | Housing of desk calculator |
JPS62222561A (en) * | 1986-03-25 | 1987-09-30 | Toshiba Corp | Battery replacement device for portable electronic unit |
JP2630769B2 (en) * | 1987-01-19 | 1997-07-16 | 株式会社トリオ電子 | Card and mail with recording and playback device |
JPS63305682A (en) * | 1987-06-08 | 1988-12-13 | Toshiba Corp | Electronic camera |
DE8800801U1 (en) * | 1988-01-23 | 1988-09-08 | Muth, Wolfgang, 6200 Wiesbaden | Electronic notebook |
JPH01229920A (en) * | 1988-12-16 | 1989-09-13 | Kyushu Hitachi Maxell Ltd | Electronic clinical thermometer |
EP0394573A1 (en) * | 1989-04-27 | 1990-10-31 | Nitsuko Corporation | Voice message write device |
US4977042A (en) * | 1989-12-06 | 1990-12-11 | Kyushu Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. | Rechargeable type small electric appliance |
DE69212865T2 (en) * | 1991-03-14 | 1997-02-20 | Sgs Thomson Microelectronics | Integrated circuit pack with a directly attached battery |
JP2917658B2 (en) * | 1992-04-06 | 1999-07-12 | 日本電気株式会社 | IC card mounting method and mounting mechanism for portable wireless device |
JPH0645957A (en) * | 1992-04-15 | 1994-02-18 | Nec Corp | Structure of rear cover for wrist watch type individual calling receiver |
FR2692710B1 (en) * | 1992-06-22 | 1996-06-07 | Texas Instruments France | MINIATURE SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING DEVICE. |
AT399616B (en) * | 1993-04-01 | 1995-06-26 | Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv | DEVICE WITH AT LEAST ONE BATTERY ATTACHED TO A FIXED BOARD |
JPH0714563A (en) * | 1993-06-22 | 1995-01-17 | Sharp Corp | Battery cover device for electronic apparatus |
-
1994
- 1994-10-31 GB GB9422029A patent/GB9422029D0/en active Pending
-
1995
- 1995-10-31 EP EP95935517A patent/EP0789915A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1995-10-31 WO PCT/GB1995/002551 patent/WO1996013837A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1995-10-31 CA CA002204029A patent/CA2204029A1/en not_active Abandoned
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO9613837A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB9422029D0 (en) | 1994-12-21 |
WO1996013837A1 (en) | 1996-05-09 |
CA2204029A1 (en) | 1996-05-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19970530 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT NL |
|
GRAG | Despatch of communication of intention to grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19971201 |
|
GRAG | Despatch of communication of intention to grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA |
|
GRAH | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19980926 |