Abstract: Acoustic transducers may, in certain aspects, include a curved diaphragm and an actuator coupled to the curved diaphragm to cause movement of the curved diaphragm. In certain embodiments, the curved diaphragm has at least one free edge. The left and right edges of the curved diaphragm may be associated with auxiliary supports. The acoustic transducer can be a multi-pole loudspeaker wherein a curved diaphragm radiates the sound energy in a modified dipole pattern. The curvature of the radiating surface of the transducer reduces sound cancellation from sound energy reflected by nearby surfaces.

Abstract: Acoustic transducers may, in certain aspects, include a diaphragm and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm. In certain aspects, the transducer also includes a member that limits bending of the actuator. In various embodiments, bend-limiting members may interact with the actuator or a connector that couples the actuator to the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and an actuator coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm. The transducer includes a member that limits bending of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm. In certain aspects, the transducer also includes a member that limits bending of the actuator.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and an actuator coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm. The transducer includes a member that limits bending of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and an actuator releasably coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and an actuator coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm. The transducer includes a member that limits bending of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a curved diaphragm and an actuator coupled to the curved diaphragm to cause movement of the curved diaphragm. In certain embodiments, the curved diaphragm has at least one free edge. In other embodiments, the left and right edges of the curved diaphragm are associated with auxiliary supports. In another embodiment, the acoustic transducer is a multi-pole loudspeaker wherein a curved diaphragm radiates the sound energy in a modified dipole pattern. The curvature of the radiating surface of the transducer reduces sound cancellation from sound energy reflected by nearby surfaces.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm. In certain aspects, the transducer also includes a member that limits bending of the actuator.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and an actuator. In further aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a connector having a planar proximal end that tapers to a distal end. The proximal end may be coupled to the diaphragm and the distal end coupled to the actuator, such that the actuator causes movement of the diaphragm. In additional aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a connector having a proximal end that couples to the diaphragm and a distal end that couples to the actuator. The proximal end of the connector can include a damping element. In other aspects, the diaphragm includes a connector, in which the connector tapers to a distal end that is configured to mate with the actuator such that the actuator causes movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a speaker in the base of the transducer for emitting acoustic energy at a first range of frequencies. The transducer may also include a diaphragm coupled to the base that is configured to emit acoustic energy at a second range of frequencies. Transducers of the invention may also include at least one actuator coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm and thus, the acoustic energy at the second range of frequencies.