Patents by Inventor James J. Croft, III

James J. Croft, III has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10812895
    Abstract: A dual wave-column, dual-driver loudspeaker enclosure is described. The two drivers are cross-coupled through their respective front and back sides by two single exit wave-columns. At the ¼ wavelength frequency of the waveguide length, both drivers resonate with the waveguides, and cone motion is minimized while output is maximized. At the ½ wavelength frequency, the front wave of the first driver is in-phase with, the rear wave of the second driver such that the output is increased, reinforced, and smoothed at that frequency. At the ? wavelength frequency, the two wave-column mouth outputs exhibit acoustic mutual coupling, which boosts acoustic output and reduces cone motion at the critical maximum displacement frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Croft, III, Michael J. Smithers, Garth Norman Showalter
  • Publication number: 20200029150
    Abstract: A dual wave-column, dual-driver loudspeaker enclosure is described. The two drivers are cross-coupled through their respective front and back sides by two single exit wave-columns. At the ¼ wavelength frequency of the waveguide length, both drivers resonate with the waveguides, and cone motion is minimized while output is maximized. At the ½ wavelength frequency, the front wave of the first driver is in-phase with, the rear wave of the second driver such that the output is increased, reinforced, and smoothed at that frequency. At the ? wavelength frequency, the two wave-column mouth outputs exhibit acoustic mutual coupling, which boosts acoustic output and reduces cone motion at the critical maximum displacement frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: James J. CROFT, III, Michael J. SMITHERS, Garth Norman SHOWALTER
  • Patent number: 10090819
    Abstract: A signal processing system for controlling a lower frequency acoustic range of an acoustic output of a loudspeaker system. The system includes an input to receive at least a first channel audio signal, corresponding to the acoustic output of at least one loudspeaker with at least one electro-acoustic transducer with a vibratile diaphragm. The signal processing system includes at least one transpositional gain controller processor for transposition of at least a portion of the amplitude of at least one band of frequencies in a lower frequency audio signal range of the audio signal, to an increased gain in at least one transpositional target frequency in the lower frequency audio signal range. The transpositional gain controller processor includes at least one of at least one, static or dynamic, transpositional gain controller. The system may include at least one additional signal processor, supporting preservation of a perceived fidelity of the acoustic output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Publication number: 20160112023
    Abstract: A signal processing system for controlling a lower frequency acoustic range of an acoustic output of a loudspeaker system. The system includes an input to receive at least a first channel audio signal, corresponding to the acoustic output of at least one loudspeaker with at least one electro-acoustic transducer with a vibratile diaphragm. The signal processing system includes at least one transpositional gain controller processor for transposition of at least a portion of the amplitude of at least one band of frequencies in a lower frequency audio signal range of the audio signal, to an increased gain in at least one transpositional target frequency in the lower frequency audio signal range. The transpositional gain controller processor includes at least one of at least one, static or dynamic, transpositional gain controller. The system may include at least one additional signal processor, supporting preservation of a perceived fidelity of the acoustic output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 9247342
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system with a transducer and an enclosure with at least one resonant chamber, including a resonant-chamber resonance frequency, at which a displacement characteristic of a vibratile diaphragm of the transducer has a minimum. The loudspeaker system further includes a multi-mode signal processor with a set of signal processes wherein in one example, a variable gain, frequency selective dynamic filter reduces the gain in a high displacement frequency range upon an output in the frequency range exceeding an overload amplitude threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 9197965
    Abstract: The invention provides a planar-magnetic transducer with a frame and a primary magnet row structure of elongated magnets adjacent and air gapped from a first surface side of a mobile portion of a thin film or thin structure diaphragm with conductive traces incorporated with the diaphragm. An additional pair of magnetic sources attached to the frame outside of the vibratable region of the diaphragm and mounted above the plane of the opposite, second surface side of the diaphragm to enhance magnetic energy near the second surface side of the film diaphragm, without any magnet rows attached directly in front of the second surface side of the vibratable region of the diaphragm between the additional pair of magnetic sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Publication number: 20140341394
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system with a transducer and an enclosure with at least one resonant chamber, including a resonant-chamber resonance frequency, at which a displacement characteristic of a vibratile diaphragm of the transducer has a minimum. The loudspeaker system further includes a multi-mode signal processor with a set of signal processes wherein in one example, a variable gain, frequency selective dynamic filter reduces the gain in a high displacement frequency range upon an output in the frequency range exceeding an overload amplitude threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Publication number: 20140270326
    Abstract: The invention provides a planar-magnetic transducer with a frame and a primary magnet row structure of elongated magnets adjacent and air gapped from a first surface side of a mobile portion of a thin film or thin structure diaphragm with conductive traces incorporated with the diaphragm. An additional pair of magnetic sources attached to the frame outside of the vibratable region of the diaphragm and mounted above the plane of the opposite, second surface side of the diaphragm to enhance magnetic energy near the second surface side of the film diaphragm, without any magnet rows attached directly in front of the second surface side of the vibratable region of the diaphragm between the additional pair of magnetic sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 8588428
    Abstract: A signal processing system for use in a multi-channel audio system having a plurality of power amplifier channels connected to a plurality of loudspeakers and power amplifiers, configured to receive and reproduce audio signals through the loudspeakers, and at least a first channel of the plurality of power amplifier channels amplifying a first audio signal, comprises a processor responsive to a signal level threshold applicable to at least said first channel, such that at and above the signal level threshold, the first audio signal in the first channel is amplitude limited and a portion of at least the first audio signal is mixed into at least a second channel. The amplitude limiting and signal mixing is configured so as to reduce introduction of at least one of: a) audible tonal distortion; and b) perceivable spatial distortion; of a sonic presentation due to said limiting and signal mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: LRAD Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 8275137
    Abstract: A system and methods for distortion reduction in a non-linear audio system are disclosed. A method includes the operation of defining a non-linear system transfer function which relates a system electronic input signal with a system acoustic output over a range in which the system acoustic output is in a transition between non-saturated and saturated conditions in a medium in which the system acoustic output of the non-linear audio system is broadcast. A preprocessing transfer function is created that is the inverse of the non-linear system transfer function. The preprocessing transfer function is applied to the system electronic input signal to reduce the level of harmonic distortion at the system acoustic output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Parametric Sound Corporation
    Inventors: Wensen Liu, Norbert P. Daberko, James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 8199931
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing a parametric output of a parametric loudspeaker system. The method can include the operation of providing multiple ultrasonic frequency emission zones that output signals in a frequency band. The phase relationships of the ultrasonic frequency emission zones can be correlated and controlled to increase phase coherence between each ultrasonic frequency emission zone to maximize parametric output. Correlating and controlling the phase relationships can include offsetting a frequency of a carrier signal applied to each emission zone from a resonant frequency of each emission zone in view of a rate of change of phase of each emission zone in a vicinity of each resonant frequency. Ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic frequency emission zones can be generated, using the correlated phase relationship to increase the parametric output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: American Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Elwood G. Norris, Joseph O. Norris, James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 8194502
    Abstract: A system and method for varying the directionality of an acoustic output of a loud hailing and warning device is disclosed. The method includes the operation of placing a sliding high-pass filter in a signal path of a transducer array having a frequency-dependant dispersion characteristic. A control is provided that varies a lower cutoff frequency of the sliding high-pass filter. The lower cutoff frequency of an electronic audio signal is variably controlled and sent to the transducer array to variably control the directionality of the acoustic output of the loud hailing and warning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: LRAD Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 7729498
    Abstract: A parametric loudspeaker system using improved modulators to compensate for the non-linearity of the parametric process in air when driving the air at saturation levels and below saturation levels. The parametric loudspeaker uses a pre-processed single sideband modulator that offers ideal linearity as characterized by square root pre-processed double sideband modulators but with a lower carrier frequency and without the wide bandwidth requirements. By eliminating some or all of the lower sideband the carrier frequency can be reduced without producing sideband frequencies in the audible range. Lower operational frequencies result in greater translation efficiency and greater output capability before reaching the saturation limit of air. A pre-processor minimizes the effects of saturation limits for double sideband, truncated double sideband or single sideband processing to achieve superior output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: American Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Spencer, James J. Croft, III, Joseph O. Norris
  • Publication number: 20090268917
    Abstract: A signal processing system for use in a multi-channel audio system having a plurality of power amplifier channels connected to a plurality of loudspeakers and power amplifiers, configured to receive and reproduce audio signals through the loudspeakers, and at least a first channel of the plurality of power amplifier channels amplifying a first audio signal, comprises a processor responsive to a signal level threshold applicable to at least said first channel, such that at and above the signal level threshold, the first audio signal in the first channel is amplitude limited and a portion of at least the first audio signal is mixed into at least a second channel. The amplitude limiting and signal mixing is configured so as to reduce introduction of at least one of: a) audible tonal distortion; and b) perceivable spatial distortion; of a sonic presentation due to said limiting and signal mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 7596229
    Abstract: A parametric loudspeaker system and method for reducing distortion in a decoupled audio wave by creating a double sideband parametric ultrasonic signal that substantially approximates a non-square-rooted modulation envelope and emitting a parametric ultrasonic wave that corresponds to the double sideband parametric ultrasonic signal from a parametric loudspeaker at a sufficient amplitude to drive the surrounding air into saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: American Technology Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 7564981
    Abstract: A method and system of producing a parametric ultrasonic wave to be decoupled in air to create a decoupled audio wave that closely corresponds to an audio input signal. The method is comprised of ascertaining 402 a linear response over a predefined frequency range of an acoustic output of an electro-acoustical emitter to be used for parametric ultrasonic output. A parametric ultrasonic processed signal is then created by adjusting 404 linear parameters of at least one sideband frequency range of a parametric ultrasonic signal to compensate for the linear response of the acoustic output of the electro-acoustical emitter such that when the parametric ultrasonic processed signal is emitted from the electro-acoustical emitter, the parametric ultrasonic wave is propagated, having sidebands that are closely matched at least at a predefined point in space over the at least one sideband frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: American Technology Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Patent number: 7551062
    Abstract: A directional acoustic device configured for producing a directional output along an acoustic axis, including at least one transducer configured to create at least two wave trains which are directed along differing pathways by at least one wave guide, and so disposed that in directions more than ninety degrees off the acoustic axis the SPL of the output is greatly diminished by cancellation effects between the wave trains; improvement over previous gradient and quarter-wave pipe directional systems being enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: American Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Croft, III, Wensen Liu, Clifton Wynn Thompson
  • Publication number: 20090116660
    Abstract: Parametric sound reproduction in high-intensity audio signaling, for example in hailing and warning at relatively large distances, is disclosed in one example by producing a primary audio signal in the audio frequency range, and producing a secondary audio signal in the audio frequency range by modulation of the primary audio signal, wherein the primary signal is chosen to enable an improved effect, for example one of directional reproduction, exploiting greater sensitivity of human hearing, exploiting an efficient or maximum intensity frequency range of a transducer used to reproduce the audio signals, and another parameter effecting distance, intelligibility, or intensity of an audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Croft, III, Wensen Liu, Elwood G. Norris
  • Publication number: 20090097693
    Abstract: A planar magnetic transducer having enhanced magnetic structures which increases performance over a signal-ended device but mitigates some of the drawback of double ended devices, including a supporting structure, a diaphragm incorporating a coil conductor at least primary magnetic structure, and a secondary magnetic structure can be added, including mitigation of high frequency resonance and attenuation by providing a more open architecture, including spacing the magnets wider apart, configuring the inter-magnet spaces to provide better acoustic performance, using high-energy magnets, which magnets can be shaped to form at least a part of the shaped inter-magnet space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: James J. Croft, III, David Graebener
  • Patent number: 7376236
    Abstract: A speaker device for emitting subsonic, sonic or ultrasonic compression waves comprising a generally hollow drum, a rigid emitter plate attached to the drum, and a plurality of apertures formed within the plate which are covered by a thin piezoelectric film disposed across the emitter plate. A pressure source is coupled to the drum for developing a biasing pressure with respect to the thin film at the apertures to distend the film into an arcuate emitter configuration capable of constricting and extending in response to variations in the applied electrical input at the piezoelectric film to thereby create a compression wave in a surrounding environment. Parametric ultrasonic frequency input is supplied to the piezoelectric film to propagate multiple ultrasonic frequencies having a difference component corresponding to the desired subsonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: American Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph O. Norris, James J. Croft, III, Alan Robert Selfridge, Pierre Khuri-Yakub