Abstract: A device for manipulating an incident acoustic wave to generate an acoustic output is described wherein the device comprises a plurality of unit cells arranged into an array, at least some of said unit cells being configured to introduce time delays to an incident acoustic wave at the respective positions of the unit cells within the array of unit cells, such that said plurality of unit cells define an array of time delays to thereby define a spatial delay distribution for manipulating an incident acoustic wave to generate an acoustic output. The array of time delays may be re-configured to vary the spatial delay distribution of the device in order to generate different acoustic outputs. Also described are methods for designing or configuring such devices.

Abstract: A planar lens (100) and a manufacturing method for a planar lens (100) relate to the technical field of lenses, the planar lens (100) being a focusing lens and comprising an acoustic soft material tangible structure (110) and a cover layer (120), the acoustic soft material tangible structure (110) comprises a plurality of combination lenses (130) located in the same plane, each combination lens (130) comprises a circular part (131) and a plurality of concentric annular parts (132) which are continuously arranged around the circular part (131), the thicknesses of each two adjacent annular parts (132) in each combination lens (130) are different, and the thickness of each annular part (132) is related to the focal length of the respective combination lens (130); and the cover layer (120) covers the outer surface of the acoustic soft material tangible structure (110) to form the planar lens (100).

Abstract: In order to obtain a predetermined ultrasonic wave field in a homogeneous internal part of a medium masked by an aberrating barrier, an ultrasonic lens is interposed between the emitting ultrasonic probe and the aberrating barrier. The ultrasonic lens is calculated by using a model of the medium comprising a mapping of ultrasonic wave propagation properties obtained from actual imaging of the medium such that when the ultrasound probe sends a predetermined ultrasonic wave, said predetermined wave generates the predetermined objective ultrasonic wave field in the medium.

Abstract: An ultrasound cardiovascular measuring device may include an ultrasonic sensor system having an ultrasound transmitter layer configured to generate ultrasonic plane waves and a focusing layer that includes one or more lenses. One or more of the lenses may be configured to generate output signals corresponding to detected ultrasonic reflections. The measuring device may include a control system capable of processing the output signals to calculate values corresponding to one or more cardiovascular properties.

Abstract: A device (20) for manipulating an incident acoustic wave to generate an acoustic output is described wherein the device comprises a plurality of unit cells arranged into an array, at least some of said unit cells being configured to introduce time delays to an incident acoustic wave at the respective positions of the unit cells within the array of unit cells, such that said plurality of unit cells define an array of time delays to thereby define a spatial delay distribution for manipulating an incident acoustic wave to generate an acoustic output (30). The array of time delays may be re-configured to vary the spatial delay distribution of the device in order to generate different acoustic outputs. Also described are methods for designing or configuring such devices.

Abstract: Acoustic lens includes a plurality of fins arranged at a predetermined interval. At least one fin among the plurality of fins includes: first notch portion provided on a front side of a path of a sound; and second notch portion provided on a rear side of the path of the sound. Second notch portion has a shape corresponding to a shape of a diaphragm of a speaker disposed in proximity to the fin.

Abstract: A metal acoustic lens comprises a plurality of stacked plates, wherein each plate comprises an acoustically transparent two-dimensional material structure comprising a plurality of adjacent regular hexagonal cells, wherein each hexagonal cell includes a plurality of lobes extending inwardly from the vertices of the hexagonal cell, and wherein the lengths of the lobes vary across each plate in the longitudinal direction such that the speed of sound waves passing therethrough is varied and the resulting sound is focused.

Abstract: Acoustic wave resonators having Fresnel features are disclosed. An example integrated circuit package includes an acoustic wave resonator, the acoustic wave resonator including a Fresnel surface. In some examples, the Fresnel surface includes a plurality of recessed features and/or protruding features at different locations on the Fresnel surface, each of the plurality of features to confine main mode acoustic energy from a respective portion of the Fresnel surface in a central portion of the acoustic wave resonator.

Abstract: This application provides a combination phase plug, and a compression driver and a speaker using same. The combination phase plug of this application includes a first phase plug and a second phase plug. The second phase plug is located under the first phase plug. The first phase plug includes a cone, a plurality of first fins, and a plurality of second fins. The first fins and the second fins are located on an outer surface of the cone in a staggered manner. A first gap exists between any first fin and a second fin adjacent to the first fin. The second phase plug includes a round-disc base, a combining portion, and a plurality of second gaps. The combining portion is located in the center of the round-disc base and the combining portion and the cone can be combined with each other. The second gaps are located between an outer edge of the round-disc base and the combining portion. The first gaps are respectively aligned with the second gaps to form a plurality of channels to improve the acoustic performance.

Abstract: An acoustic lens may improve the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. The acoustic lens (or phase plug) may be acoustically opaque and partially fill the cavity formed by the loudspeaker cone. The acoustic lens may provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide an improved listening location, for example, in a vehicle, a room or a concert hall.

Abstract: A small dual-speaker ceiling speaker system including a loudspeaker and a tweeter with an acoustic diffuser that is adjustable over a range of lengths for different thicknesses of ceiling tile and is independently adjustable over a range of acoustic port sizes. The loudspeaker sends acoustic waves into a acoustic channel that includes a truncated conical shell, or acoustic channel cone, with a cylindrical acoustic channel shell extending therefrom. A tweeter is mounted in the acoustic channel shell. A diffuser couples to the acoustic channel shell using threads that may be engaged or disengaged. The diffuser has a diffuser element that can be raised or lowered with a screw to adjust the size of the acoustic port. The diffuser element has demarcations for visually indicating acoustic port size. A housing with a base having extendable braces supports the speaker system on the ceiling grid, rather than on the tile.

Abstract: A fluid detector for determining a presence of a fluid within a container, the detector including a sensor assembly with a lens and a sensor element that outputs a first ultrasonic signal in response to an input electrical signal. A generally cylindrical wall extends outwardly from an outer surface of the container and defines a housing with a cylindrical central bore having a base surface. The sensor assembly is coupled to the lens so that the lens focuses the first ultrasonic signal toward the wall. The sensor assembly is positioned such that it receives a second ultrasonic signal from the wall that results from the first ultrasonic signal. The sensor assembly then generates an output electrical signal corresponding to the second ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Device (MAD) for directing sound from a low-frequency transducer. The MAD includes a front face, a rim, a bulb, and a plurality of walls. The front face has a plurality of apertures. The rim has a circumference which matches a circumference of a perimeter of the low-frequency transducer. The bulb covers a center of a diaphragm of the low-frequency transducer. The plurality of walls define cavities between the diaphragm of the low-frequency transducer and the plurality of apertures. The plurality of walls and the plurality of apertures define a spatial response in both horizontal and vertical planes for desired radiation patterns of sound produced by the low-frequency transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an electronic device having at least one speaker and a passive sound proliferation device comprising an audio cavity. The audio cavity is configured to proliferate acoustic waves therefrom and is defined by at least a substantially planar back wall, a substantially planar side wall, an arcuate surface between the substantially planar side wall and the substantially planar back wall, and a substantially planar inner bottom surface. The passive sound proliferation device may further include a substantially planar outer side surface and a substantially planar outer bottom surface substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar outer side surface. The electronic device may be disposed within the audio cavity. Related methods of directing audio from a passive sound proliferation device are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a probe including: an acoustic module including a piezoelectric layer configured to generate ultrasonic waves, a matching layer configured to reduce a difference in acoustic impedance between the piezoelectric layer and an object, and a backing layer configured to absorb ultrasonic waves generated by the piezoelectric layer and transmitted backward from the piezoelectric layer; a plurality of attenuation layers provided at both edges of the upper surface of the acoustic module, and configured to attenuate ultrasonic waves generated by the acoustic module; and a lens layer disposed to cover the upper surfaces of the attenuation layers, and configured to focus ultrasonic waves transmitted forward from the piezoelectric layer at a predetermined point.

Abstract: Resin compositions, layers, and interlayers comprising two or more poly(vinyl acetal) resins and at least one blending agent or haze reducing agent are provided. Such compositions, layers, and interlayers exhibit enhanced optical properties while retaining other properties, such as impact resistance and acoustic performance.

Abstract: A loudspeaker having a cylindrical sound-producing membrane includes an acoustic lens which radially surrounds the membrane. The membrane is composed of wire mesh formed into a cylinder. The cylindrical membrane is positioned on the magnet structure by an inner supporting cylindrical core column. Sound from the membrane is fractionally redirected by the lens which is centered along the axis of the membrane. The lens includes a plurality of radially disposed petals that reflect a portion of the sound. The base of the lens supports and mounts the loudspeaker magnet and driver assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selecting a viscoelastic plastic interlayer including two outer layers and a central layer that can be incorporated between two glass sheets of a glazing unit, the method includes providing first and second components that constitute respectively the central layer and the outer layers, measuring the shear modulus G? of the first and second components, selecting the material of the second component only if G??3×107 Pa at 20° C. and between 100 Hz and 240 Hz, and setting the thickness h of the first component so that h is between 0.31 mm and 1.20 mm and so that g=G?/h is between 5.58×108 Pa/m and 2.37×109 Pa/m at 20° C. and between 100 Hz and 240 Hz.

Abstract: An interlayer comprised of a blend of thermoplastic resins and at least one high refractive index having improved acoustic and optical quality is disclosed. The use of a blend thermoplastic resins and a high refractive index plasticizer improves transparency and acoustic properties without sacrificing other characteristics of the interlayer.

Abstract: Resin compositions, layers, and interlayers comprising two or more thermoplastic polymers and at least one RI balancing agent for adjusting the refractive index of at least one of the resins or layers is provided. Such compositions, layers, and interlayers exhibit enhanced optical properties while retaining other properties, such as impact resistance and acoustic performance.

Abstract: A polymer interlayer having improved sound insulation is disclosed. The polymer interlayer comprises at least one soft layer wherein the soft layer comprises a blend of a first poly(vinyl butyral) resin, a second poly(vinyl butyral) resin and a plasticizer; at least one stiffer layer comprising a third poly(vinyl butyral resin) and a plasticizer, wherein the polymer interlayer has a damping loss factor (?) (as measured by Mechanical Impedance Measurement according to ISO 16940) of at least about 0.16 measured at two or more different temperatures selected from 10° C., 20° C. and 30° C.

Abstract: Resin compositions, layers, and interlayers comprising two or more thermoplastic polymers and at least one RI balancing agent for adjusting the refractive index of at least one of the resins or layers is provided. Such compositions, layers, and interlayers exhibit enhanced optical properties while retaining other properties, such as impact resistance and acoustic performance.

Abstract: A high frequency waveguide and methods relating to the design and use of the waveguide are described. The waveguide can include an acoustic input to receive an audio input signal from a high frequency driver, an acoustic output to broadcast sound, and a plurality of acoustic paths extending from the input to the output. A first path of acoustic paths is divided into two paths when a width of the first path is greater than ½ wavelength of a highest frequency at the input. In an example, each of the plurality of acoustic paths carries across all frequencies from the high frequency driver. In an example, the paths each have a first port receiving audio and a second port outputting audio, and the paths enlarge from the first port to the second port.

Abstract: Resin compositions, layers, and interlayers comprising two or more thermoplastic polymers and at least one RI balancing agent for adjusting the refractive index of at least one of the resins or layers is provided. Such compositions, layers, and interlayers exhibit enhanced optical properties while retaining other properties, such as impact resistance and acoustic performance.

Abstract: A cell for manipulating an acoustic wave includes a plurality of spokes radiating from a hub and a plurality of concentrically arranged leaves. Each leaf is supported by at least one spoke and is formed by a plurality of circumferentially distributed fingers. Each finger is connected to at least one spoke.

Abstract: A method for controlling a loudspeaker arrangement in a vehicle. The loudspeaker arrangement can be adjusted to at least an inoperative position, a projecting position, and an operating position. An operating state of the vehicle is detected and the loudspeaker arrangement is automatically adjusted between the inoperative position and the projecting position depending on the operating state of the vehicle. An operating state of an audio apparatus of the vehicle is detected and the loudspeaker arrangement is automatically adjusted between the projecting position and the operating position depending on the operating state of the audio apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle sound absorption structure has: a recessed cell that has an opening on one end of the cell; a divider that is provided within the cell and that divides an acoustic wave entering the cell from the opening into two acoustic waves; reflectors that reflect one of the two acoustic waves divided at the divider and reflect the other acoustic wave respectively toward the opening, and that generate a phase difference between the one acoustic wave and the other acoustic wave; and an interfering portion that is provided within the cell and that causes the one acoustic wave and the other acoustic wave, which have been respectively reflected at the reflectors, to interfere with each other.

Abstract: A behind the detector sounder has a base plate and walls which define mechanical horns having throats which open into a space at the centre of the base plate. The mouths of the mechanical horns are at the outer periphery of the base plate and the walls bound sound paths which are longer than the straight line distance from the throat of each mechanical horn to the mouth of that mechanical horn.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus includes an elongated body having proximal and distal ends, and an acoustic transducer disposed proximate the distal end of the elongated body. A variably-refracting acoustic lens is provided to dynamically adjust a direction associated with an acoustic wave coupled to the acoustic transducer in response to one or more control signals provided thereto.

Abstract: A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle.

Abstract: A broadband acoustic lens and method of designing same is provided for focusing an incident acoustic wave. The broadband lens includes a plurality of concentric rings, where each concentric ring of the plurality of concentric rings has a ring width, and a plurality of gaps, where each gap of the plurality of gaps has a spacing. The concentric rings are separated by a spacing corresponding to a gap of the plurality of gaps. The widths of the plurality of concentric rings and the spacings of the plurality of gaps are arranged such that the incident acoustic wave is focused to a spot within a sub-wavelength of the incident acoustic wave in air. The arrangement of the widths of the plurality of concentric rings and spacings of the plurality of gaps is aperiodic.

Abstract: A phonemic crystal is made of a first solid medium having a first density and a substantially periodic array of structures disposed in the first medium, the structures being made of a second solid medium having a second density different from the first density. The first medium has a speed of propagation of longitudinal sound waves and a speed of propagation of transverse sound waves, the speed of propagation of longitudinal sound waves being approximately that of a fluid, and the speed of the propagation of transverse sound waves being smaller than the speed of propagation of longitudinal sound waves.

Abstract: A vehicle sound absorption structure has: a recessed cell that has an opening on one end of the cell; a divider that is provided within the cell and that divides an acoustic wave entering the cell from the opening into two acoustic waves; reflectors that reflect one of the two acoustic waves divided at the divider and reflect the other acoustic wave respectively toward the opening, and that generate a phase difference between the one acoustic wave and the other acoustic wave; and an interfering portion that is provided within the cell and that causes the one acoustic wave and the other acoustic wave, which have been respectively reflected at the reflectors, to interfere with each other.

Abstract: A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle.

Abstract: A speaker assembly is provided with a speaker and a reflector spaced apart from the speaker. The reflector faces the speaker. The reflector has a central region and a plurality of circumferentially spaced lobes. Each lobe extends radially outward from the central region for reflecting acoustic vibrations from the speaker radially outboard from the reflector. Gaps are provided between the lobes for permitting acoustic vibrations to pass through the gaps.

Abstract: A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle.

Abstract: A sound enhancement device for a detector includes a cylindrical portion having a tubular body and an interior cavity longitudinally coextensive therewith. The device includes a first elongated portion and at least a second elongated portion with both portions coupled to the cylindrical portion. The first elongated portion includes a first body portion having a first cavity that is coextensive with the first body portion while the at least second elongated portion includes a second body portion having a second cavity that is coextensive with the second body portion. The cylindrical portion and each of the first and at least the second elongated portions comprise a length of a quarter wavelength of a predefined frequency. The sound enhancement device includes radii of curvatures for causing a wavefront emanating from the sound enhancement device to maximize the radiation efficiency of the sound enhancement device.

Abstract: A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle.

Abstract: An acoustically-focused optical lens is provided that uses acoustic transducers arranged in diametrically-opposed pairs around an exterior surface of a cylindrical tube in order to concentrate (heavier-than-water metallic) particles suspended in water within the interior of the tube to be along a central axis of the tube. The transducers are activated in accordance with higher order (and odd order) Bessel functions to create an asymmetric mode in order to create the central axis node. Distortions in the optical lens can be further reduced by arranging two or more of the tubes in series with their central axes aligned.

Abstract: A loudspeaker having an omnidirectional radiation pattern at high frequencies. The loudspeaker includes an acoustic device that includes an acoustic enclosure; an acoustic driver, mounted in the acoustic enclosure; and a sheet of compliant material with a aperture therethrough, mounted in the enclosure, between the acoustic driver and the environment.

Abstract: A protective sleeve having an external sound-amplifying member is configured to cover a portable electronic product having an audio port, and it includes a covering element covering the portable electronic product and a sound-amplifying member. A surface of the covering element is provided with a connecting hole in communication with the audio port. The sound-amplifying member is hollow and connected to the outside of the covering element. One end of the sound-amplifying member is formed into an insertion section inserted into the connecting hole, and the other end thereof is formed into a sound-amplifying section. The sound of the portable electronic product is emitted from the audio port and amplified through the sound-amplifying member and the sound-amplifying section. By this structure, an external loud speaker is unnecessary, and the protective sleeve itself can generate a sufficient sound-amplifying effect, thereby increasing the functionality and practicability of the protective sleeve.

Abstract: A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle.

Abstract: A phonemic crystal is made of a first solid medium having a first density and a substantially periodic array of structures disposed in the first medium, the structures being made of a second solid medium having a second density different from the first density. The first medium has a speed of propagation of longitudinal sound waves and a speed of propagation of transverse sound waves, the speed of propagation of longitudinal sound waves being approximately that of a fluid, and the speed of the propagation of transverse sound waves being smaller than the speed of propagation of longitudinal sound waves.

Abstract: A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle.

Abstract: A long and narrow loudspeaker on an entire wall gives off a cylindrical wave, which covers the entire room. Extra loudspeakers fixed at an angle against the wall will be heard in another direction, producing angle stereo independent of where one is in the room. Electro-dynamic loudspeakers are made of long plates of iron with air gapes between them where magnetic fields are produced. In the air gaps are strips, which conduct the sound currents. The strips influence directly one or more membranes. The magnetic field can be produced by permanent magnets, electromagnets or through concentration of geomagnetic fields. Long loudspeakers, which use other forces such as electrostatic forces, only need to be made for small sound pressure at the membrane.

Abstract: An improved acoustic lens and an improved ultrasonic transducer system comprising an improved acoustic lens and related methods are provided. The improved acoustic lens may have a uniform loss along an elevation axis or may have a loss along the elevation axis that provides for an apodization of an acoustic signal. The improved acoustic lens may be a multi-component lens. In a two-component lens embodiment, the inner lens component, for interfacing with a transducer, may have a concave outer surface and the outer lens component may have a flat or convex outer surface. In a three-component lens embodiment, the inner lens component, for interfacing with a transducer, may have a concave outer surface, the middle lens component may have a concave outer surface and the outer lens component may have a flat or convex outer surface.

Abstract: The sound generating and transmitting apparatus is based on a radiator including at least a first, and possibly two or more, shaped reflecting surface(s) having a forward radiant axis. Each of the shaped reflecting surfaces defines sets of equivalent acoustic input locations, with each set being a ring of non-zero circumference centered on the forward radiant axis. The sound source is a distributed, functionally continuous sound source adapted to exploit this feature. In its preferred form the sound source is a sort of closed line array of loudspeakers providing a torodial shaped acoustic source to direct at the hyperbolic cone, the transducers being disposed in a circle with all of the loudspeakers oriented inwardly toward or outwardly from the forward radiant axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic lens configuration permitting the production of an acoustic field from low frequency ultrasound waves with predictable regions of energy concentration. The lens comprises at least three adjacent convex surface contours. Each surface contour corresponds to an arc of an ellipse. The first surface contour is within the center of the lens and is flanked by two adjacent contours. The flanking contours correspond to arcs from two symmetrical ellipses having semi-latus rectums at least equal to the semi-latus rectum of the ellipse to which the first, central, contour corresponds. The contours of the lens are arranged such that the flanking contours extend past the first contour by positioning the contours so that if the ellipses to which they correspond were drawn the ellipses of the flanking contours directly adjacent to the first contour would have their centers aligned on a plane parallel to and not below the major or minor axis of the ellipse of the first contour.

Abstract: The sound generating and transmitting apparatus is based on a radiator including at least a first, and possibly two or more, shaped reflecting surface(s) having a forward radiant axis. Each of the shaped reflecting surfaces defines sets of equivalent acoustic input locations, with each set being a ring of non-zero circumference centered on the forward radiant axis. The sound source is a distributed, functionally continuous sound source adapted to exploit this feature. In its preferred form the sound source is a sort of closed line array of loudspeakers providing a toroidal shaped acoustic source to direct at the hyperbolic cone, the transducers being disposed in a circle with all of the loudspeakers oriented inwardly toward or outwardly from the forward radiant axis.

Abstract: A loudspeaker assembly is described which assembly may be moved from a non-exposed to an exposed position by suitable means of which a few are discussed. The inventive assembly may comprise an acoustic lens and a particularly advantageous application is for use in an automotive hi-fi system. A number of other applications are also described.