Abstract: A multiple voice-coil cone-driver for driving a loudspeaker includes a first voice-coil, and a second voice-coil coupled in parallel to the first voice-coil. Together, the first and second voice-coils in parallel are characterized by a baseline frequency response with an upper threshold frequency. In addition, at least one additional voice-coil (e.g., a third voice-coil) is coupled in parallel to the first and second voice-coils. The additional voice-coil(s), in conjunction with the first and second voice-coils, provide an enhanced frequency response in comparison to the baseline frequency response. One aspect of the enhanced frequency response is that it has an extended upper threshold frequency compared to the baseline frequency response, providing for more accurate reproduction of music and speech from a single speaker.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic induction type speaker apparatus, individual constants are set in such a manner that the following formula is satisfied N×(R1×R2)1/2/(2?×L1×(1?k2)1/2>2000 where R1 is the DC resistance of a primary coil; L1 is the inductance of the primary coil; N is the number of turns of the primary coil; R2 is the DC resistance of the secondary coil; L2 is the inductance of the secondary coil; and k is the coupling coefficient of the primary coil and the secondary coil. In addition, the constants L1 and l2 are selected in such a manner that the ratio of the inductance L1 and the inductance L2 becomes equal to the ratio of the DC resistance R1 and the DC resistance R2.

Abstract: A structure of a rectangular panel-form loudspeaker is provided. The structure includes a radiating panel, a transducer, a frame and a suspending unit. The radiating panel includes a rectangular laminated composite plate with length b and width a, and the laminated composite plate includes an intermediate core layer sandwiched between two fiber-reinforced polymeric layers. The transducer is used for exciting the radiating panel to produce flexural vibration. The transducer includes a voice coil assembly and a magnet assembly, wherein the voice coil assembly is coupled to a first side of the laminated composite plate at a first specified location. The frame is used for positioning the laminated composite plate and the magnet assembly. The suspending unit is made of a soft material and disposed between peripheral edges of the laminated composite plate and the frame.

Abstract: A small and high-performance waterproof speaker which can be manufactured inexpensively by decreasing the number of components. Front face of a case (1) is sealed hermetically by a water resistant diaphragm (2) from which a voice coil (3) is projecting inward and a magnetic circuit part (5) having a part (6a) being fitted to the voice coil (3) and a permanent magnet (8) is secured to a first resilient plate (4) provided in the case (1). The first resilient plate (4) is provided with a plurality of through holes (18) and the fitting part (6a) is coupled with the diaphragm (2) through a first coupling member (13) of resilient material. On the other hand, an inertial member (12) is secured to a second resilient plate (11) disposed, oppositely to the first resilient plate (4), in the case (1) and the second resilient plate (11) is coupled with the first resilient plate (4) through a second coupling member (14) of resilient material.

Abstract: A disposable-type hearing aid uses a relatively large single diaphragm or a large single diaphragm subdivided into a plurality of smaller active diaphragm areas obtained using a grate-like back support plate with ridges which contact and divide the diaphragm into the several smaller active diaphragm areas. The diaphragm and a backplate are enclosed in a metal housing and are disposed proximal and parallel to a shell-like hearing aid enclosure having sound inlets. The metal housing is closed at an end opposite the sound inlets by a printed circuit board (PCB) forming an acoustical seal for a back volume of the microphone. The PCB also carries substantially all the electronic components for the hearing aid thereon. The PCB has a ground plane in contact with the housing whereby the PCB also acts as an EMI shield. An electrical connection is formed in various ways between the back support plate and the PCB during assembly of the metal housing and components with the PCB.

Abstract: A portable system that provides audio to video displays or monitors includes a bezel with integrated speakers and integrated channels that slide onto the bezel of the monitors. The bezel with integrated speakers does not increase the lateral footprint of the monitor.

Abstract: The loudspeaker and method provide a driver of a loudspeaker that is movable parallel to an axis of movement through a center of the driver to produce sound waves. The driver is aligned with the driver plane orthogonal to the axis of movement. The driver plane is at a non-zero acute angle to a support plane. A reflector is mounted facing a diaphragm of the driver for reflecting sound waves from the driver. The reflector is configured relative to the driver such that reflected sound energy is greatest in a selected direction from a front of the reflector and the driver, and diminishes a progressively larger angle from the selected direction. The selected direction diverges from the driver plane.

Abstract: Hearing aid consisting of two parts that can be separated. A chamber for accommodating a battery is delimited between the two parts. The loudspeaker is located some distance away from the sound-emitting opening and the connecting channel between the loudspeaker and the sound-emitting opening comprises the cavity in which the battery is accommodated.

Abstract: A clampless mounting assembly for use with a helmet for attaching an internal headset to one of a plurality of different types of external electronic audio communications devices. External audio communications devices communicate with an internal headset by way of electrical conductors inherent in a mounting post. The mounting post is inserted through a hole in the helmet. The mounting post comprises a base on one end and a retainer on the other end to secure the headset to the helmet, eliminating the need for clamps or adhesives. The electrical conductors may be used in a variety of configurations for connecting the headset to one of a plurality of different types of audio communications devices. An external cable, connected to an external audio communications device, is inserted into an external connector inherent in the mounting post.

Abstract: A microphone is constructed to be more tolerant to a wide range of relative humidity conditions without adversely affecting the performance of the microphone. The microphone includes a housing with a sound port for receiving sound and an electret assembly for converting the sound into an output signal. The electret assembly includes a diaphragm and a backplate. The backplate is made of at least two layers, usually polymeric layers. The first layer of material has a first hygroscopic coefficient and a second layer of material has a second hygroscopic coefficient. The first and second layers cause the backplate to bend in response to higher humidity conditions, thereby minimizing the adverse effects on microphone performance caused by characteristic changes in the diaphragm at the higher humidity conditions.

Abstract: For reducing the power consumption of a hearing aid system, an internal or external hearing aid signal source with a signal line for the transmission of a signal to a hearing aid amplifier and a control device for the connection and disconnection of the hearing aid signal source is provided in the hearing aid. A monitoring logic monitors the signal line and supplies a switch signal to the control device, so that the hearing aid signal source can be connected and disconnected on the basis of the switch signal. Each signal source can thus be individually connected and disconnected without employing additional connections from the hearing aid system to the signal source.

Abstract: An electret microphone comprises a back plate having a stationary back electrode and secured to a substrate. An electret layer is formed on the stationary back electrode and a spacer is mounted on the back plate. A diaphragm electrode is mounted on the spacer.

Abstract: A helmet headset system for use with an audio system and a helmet. The helmet headset system comprises a mount for mounting to the helmet, and first and second audio signal conduits, e.g. each comprising a coil cord, and each having first and second ends. The first end of the first audio signal conduit is coupled to the mount. The first end of the second audio signal conduit is detachably coupled to the second end of the first audio signal conduit, and the second end of the second audio signal conduit is detachably coupled to the audio system. In a related aspect, the system may comprise a single, detachable audio signal conduit. Related methods also are provided.

Abstract: An audio speaker including a chassis and a diaphragm defining an axis. A suspension movably interconnects the diaphragm and the chassis for reciprocating movement of the diaphragm along the axis. A motor is operably connected to the diaphragm for powered movement thereof. The diaphragm includes a cylindrical flange extending from its peripheral edges axially in the direction of the motor. The termination of said cylindrical flange provides an attachment for an annular rear flexible suspension member that, in turn, attaches to the frame.

Abstract: A piezoelectric speaker includes a piezoelectric vibrator and a metal reflection plate. The piezoelectric vibrator includes a piezoelectric element which has a dome shape with a hollow portion and which is polarized in the thickness direction, a first electrode disposed on the inner surface of the piezoelectric element, a second electrode disposed on the outer surface of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric vibrator further includes a hole provided in the top thereof. The reflection plate is arranged to cover the hollow portion of the piezoelectric vibrator.

Abstract: A headset has one or two earpieces, an adjustable microphone boom, and a means for securing the headset to the user. The earpiece includes a speaker element for generating sound and a sound funneling device for funneling sound from the speaker element to an ear canal of the user. The sound funneling device rests within a concha and at the entrance of the ear canal for funneling sound and for stabilizing the earpiece against an ear of the user. In the preferred embodiment, the sound funneling device includes a first end which is open-ended and facing the speaker element, and a second end which includes one or more apertures and rests at the entrance of the ear canal. The first end has a circumference which is larger than a circumference of the second end which focuses the sound from the speaker element to the ear canal. A speaker cushion is configured to fit around the speaker element and the sound funneling device and preferably provides a means for coupling the speaker element to the sound funneling device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neckphone which is a simple neck-wearing type and allows a person to hear a sound outputted from a sound media as a 3D stereophonic sound provided by a rear sound in addition to a front sound. In order to achieve the above object, the neckphone according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes a U-shaped or C-shaped supporting brace. Alternatively, the neckphone is characterized in that it includes a -shaped supporting brace G4 and speaker portions Sp1 and Sp2, and that the -shaped supporting brace G4 includes a first curved portion Ga coupled with the speaker portions, second curved portions Gb extending from both sides of the first curved portion and taking the shape of the neck curve, and third curved portions extending from both sides of said second curved portions, taking the shape of the chest curve and having a radius of R3.

Abstract: A loudspeaker for vehicles having cabins, the loudspeaker including a diaphragm including a first, planar portion for radiating acoustic energy and a second, planar portion for transmitting vibrational energy from a voice coil driver to the first portion. The first portion is incorporated into an inner surface of the vehicle's cabin. The second portion extends from the first portion to a location outside of the cabin, where the voice coil driver is located.

Abstract: Improved approaches to reducing power consumption in hearing aids are disclosed. According to one aspect, hearing aids (namely, one or more components thereof) are able to be operated in different operational modes—at least one of which is a power saving mode. According to another aspect, intelligent switching between the operational modes is performed to reduce power consumption when appropriate.

Abstract: A beat detection system provides tactile stimulation in response to musical characteristics and in particular to repetitive musical beat information. The device processes multiple acoustic bands and separates out the beat information from each band. Each band provides beat information to respective tactile mechanisms that convey the beat information to the user. The device can be worn by a person with a hearing disability to enable them to appreciate the beat of music.