Abstract: The present invention relates to an auto loudness circuit for performing loudness compensation automatically depending on the signal level. When the signal level decreases, loudness compensation is slowly introduced and as the signal level increases, loudness compensation is quickly removed. To do so, the auto loudness circuit utilizes a filter circuit with the characteristic of a first order bass boost. The filter circuit maintains a corner frequency which is proportional to the inverse of audio level in order to mimic the Fletcher-Munson curves. Because the circuit employs a capacitance-multiplier with a first order resistance capacitance filter, the bass boost is inversely proportional to the signal level. Thus, bass boost is achieved automatically as the program content changes so that the listener is unaware of significant changes in program material as signal levels change either through increase or decrease in volume, crescendo or new material.

Abstract: This invention provides a baffle formed from a thermoset composite material such as Bulk Molding Compound (BMC), Thick Molding Compound (TMC), or Sheet Molding Compound (SMC). Due to the physical properties of BMCs, TMCs, and SMCs, the baffle may be molded to minimize the propagation of vibrational energy and resonant mode behavior while providing high strength and rigidity. The baffle may also be formed so transducer mounts, ports and wave-guides may be molded into the baffle shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic drive motor assembly (EDMA) that has an inner flux return assembly formed from an upper pole piece and a lower pole piece oppositely disposed relative to each other along the center of the EDMA. An annularly positioned conductive ring (or flux stabilization ring) encircles the inner flux return assembly, concentrically in contact with the outside of the inner flux return assembly. Along the exterior side of the flux return pieces, is a magnet that is between a top plate and a bottom plate. Each plate contacts with the magnet to form a magnetically conductive system. A magnetic gap is formed in between the inner flux return assembly and the top and bottom plates. Disposed within the magnetic gap is a dual coil wound around a cylinder. The dual coil includes a first coil portion and a second coil portion. To minimize the modulation, the top and bottom plates may be saturated and plate tips may be provided near the magnetic gap.

Abstract: This invention provides a system capable of transitioning from surround sound effect to stereo sound effect, and then to a monophonic sound effect using front speakers. A user may control the amount of surround sound effect that is combined with stereo sound effect, and the amount of stereo sound effect that is combined with monophonic sound effect. The user may also control the system to hear pure surround sound effect, stereo sound effect, or monophonic sound effect. The system may allow a user to control the contribution of a particular sound effect by controlling the relative proportions of the filtered dipole signals and the attenuated unfiltered dipole signals. The signal processing may be also done through an analog device. The system may also process some audio channels in an inverted form and compensate for these inversions by reversing the polarity of that output to the speaker, as well as accept two-channel and four-channel audio inputs.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous layer of polymer that is shaped to act as the suspension, the former, and an attachment to the diaphragm. The coil may be located within the pocket providing insulation to the coil thus preventing electrical short circuiting of the voice coil as the voice coil expands or contracts based on its operating temperature. The invention also provides an inner flange area of a suspension that may act as a spring generating additional acoustic energy from the compression driver. The inner flange area may also be tuned to vibrate at a predetermined high frequency. Thus, in certain applications, where more acoustic energy is desired at high frequency, the inner flange area may be tuned to provide that extra acoustic energy. To further increase the high frequency energy generated by the compression driver, the diaphragm may be coupled to the bottom side of the inner flange area.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic drive motor assembly (EDMA) that has an inner flux return assembly formed from an upper pole piece and a lower pole piece oppositely disposed relative to each other along the center of the EDMA. An annularly positioned conductive ring (or flux stabilization ring) encircles the inner flux return assembly, concentrically in contact with the outside of the inner flux return assembly. Along the exterior side of the flux return pieces, is a magnet that is between a top plate and a bottom plate. Each plate contacts with the magnet to form a magnetically conductive system. A magnetic gap is formed in between the inner flux return assembly and the top and bottom plates. Disposed within the magnetic gap is a dual coil wound around a cylinder. The dual coil includes a first coil portion and a second coil portion. To minimize the modulation, the top and bottom plates may be saturated and plate tips may be provided near the magnetic gap.

Abstract: An audio speaker with a distinctive light assembly is disclosed. The light assembly uses a light disk and a cover to create the effect that an observer is being followed by a ray of light produced by the light assembly. This effect can also be experienced by multiple observers located at different positions about the light assembly.

Abstract: This invention provides a speaker enclosure that minimizes or defuses standing waves and minimizes resonance within the operating frequency range of its transducers. To minimize standing waves, the speaker enclosure has no two surfaces that are parallel to each other thus preventing the propagation of standing waves. The interior surface of the speaker enclosure may have ribs spaced apart on any surface that is prone to resonate so that the surface is strengthened such that it resonates at a predetermined frequency that is typically outside of the operating frequency range of the transducers.

Abstract: This invention provides a speaker enclosure that is configured to minimize diffractions from occurring. The speaker enclosure includes baffle that is tapered inward both in a vertical axis and a horizontal axis to provide a smooth transition for the wave fronts to propagate from the outer edge of the speaker housing to the atmosphere. Providing a smooth transition for the wave fronts minimizes the occurrence of eddy currents so that diffractions do not interfere with the quality of sound from the driver. To stabilize or control the wave fronts in the vertical axis, the baffle may be elongated in the vertical axis to sustain the wave front in that axis.