Abstract: A thin loudspeaker is provided that produces a superior frequency response and a diffuse acoustical pattern using magnetic drivers, acoustical plates, or a combination of magnetic drivers and acoustical plates. The invention contains a specially designed crossover network and a novel enclosure design. The novel enclosure includes a septum and cross bracing which enables the invention to realize superior performance in a thin loudspeaker design. The invention encompasses methods for improving the performance of an acoustical plate which include (1) placing acoustical plate motor elements on the plate in a manner that avoids rotational, mirror, and translational symmetry, (2) using acoustical plate motor elements of different shapes and sizes to stimulate the plate, and (3) using an acoustical plate that has an asymmetric shape. All of the embodiments of the invention may be covered with a decorative cover and hung on a wall like a picture or used to form a panel in a home entertainment center.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer comprises first and second panels (18A,18B) each of which can be vibrated to generate sound, a frame (10) for mounting the panels, and first and second seals (20A,B) arranged between the frame and the edges of the panels for holding the panels in the frame, substantially isolating the frame acoustically from the edges of the panel, and substantially sealing the frame to the edges of the panel. One or more actuators (22), such as piezoelectric elements, are provided for receiving a driving signal and vibrating in response thereto, and the actuators are mechanically and acoustically coupled to the first panel at one or more locations remote from the edges of the first panel so that the first panel vibrates in response to vibration of the actuators.