Abstract: A loudspeaker drive unit (1) comprises a diaphragm (2), a chassis member (3) and a surround (4) connecting the outer portion of the diaphragm to the chassis member in which (i) substantially all parts of the surround (4) located between the diaphragm (2) and the chassis member (3) and capable of radiating sound are arranged parallel or at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the loudspeaker drive unit (1), or (ii) the surround is made of a body of foam material (30) arranged to be compressed against the chassis member (32) when the diaphragm (10) moves towards the chassis member, or (iii) the bending wave impedance of the surround (30) is matched to the bending wave impedance of the diaphragm (10).

Abstract: A portable compact-disc player (41), characterized by an opposed pair of loudspeakers (81) attached to the player, and in that each loudspeaker comprises a distributed mode acoustic radiator having a transducer (9) wholly and exclusively mounted thereon to vibrate the radiator to cause it to resonate.

Abstract: A passive radiator assembly for a speaker that substantially reduces diaphragm resonance in the operating frequency range of the device. The new passive radiator assembly includes a quasi-elliptical shaped laminated honeycomb diaphragm, which is damped by an integral outer compliance (suspension) made of an elastomeric material that covers the entire upper surface of the diaphragm. The integrated outer compliance is of a progressive type, having a stiffness that increases in a controlled fashion during large excursions. To prevent non-linear rocking movements and compensate for displacement non-linearities, at least one, and preferably two, opposed spiders supported by a spider assembly frame are used to provide a restoring force applied to the diaphragm.

Abstract: In a speaker, a first corrugated damping device and a second corrugated damping device are arranged on a stepped portion inside a cone rack and vertically spaced by a spacer ring, and a third corrugated damping device is suspended above the first and second corrugated damping device and secured to a back member at the back side of the cone rack to stabilize a paper cone in the cone rack.

Abstract: A loudspeaker component is made of a resin composition containing, as a main constituent, a syndiotactic polyolefin or syndiotactic polystyrene having an Mw/Mn value of no more than 4 or less. The loudspeaker component may be a diaphragm, voice coil bobbin, center cap, frame and/or a cabinet of a loudspeaker.

Abstract: A speaker apparatus has a damper for supporting vibrating elements including a vibrating diaphragm. The damper is formed by injecting a predetermined amount of a resin material into a metal mold of an injection molding equipment.

Abstract: A speaker has a structure such that vibrations of a ring-shaped vibrator are reliably damped by ensuring contact between the rim of the vibrator and a bottom of a groove provided in a supporting member, even in a hot and moist environment. A ring-shaped rim of a vibrator is secured in the bottom of the groove formed in the supporting member, via a doughnut-shaped double-sided tape. The groove is filled with urethane resin which is hardened. Even when the urethane resin is expanded in a hot and moist environment, the vibrator does not rise up from the bottom of the groove. Consequently, the vibrations of the vibrator are reliably damped, the desired excellent impedance characteristics are obtained, and as a result, evenness of sound waves is ensured.

Abstract: A concentric tube suspension system and loudspeaker system of the moving coil type, including a diaphragm supported by a frame, a voice coil including a former and voice coil winding supported by the former, and a suspension system for stabilizing and centering the voice coil in a magnetic gap while it is linearly displaced by an electromagnetic motor. The suspension system generally comprises a tubular stabilizer attached to the bottom surface of the diaphragm so as to concentrically straddle the voice coil and electromagnetic motor, and a lower corrugated suspension attached at one end to the frame and at the other end to the lower end of the stabilizer, wherein the stabilizer and lower suspension provide a centering force below the traditional neck joint location on the voice coil.

Abstract: In an electroacoustic transducer (1) having a diaphragm (19) and having a supporting means (25) for the diaphragm (19) the diaphragm (19) and the supporting structure (25) form a single part, and an annular outer zone (24) of the diaphragm (19) and a first annular zone (26) of the supporting structure (25) adjoin one another smoothly.

Abstract: A Micromechanical Microphone is formed with a housing and a transducer therein. The housing has a sound inlet on one side of the transducer and a pressure compensation hole on the opposite side. A sealing diaphragm is placed on each side of the transducer to seal it against humidity, dust and dirt. The transducer may be a capacitive transducer with an external bias or an electret based transducer. The microphone is useful in small devices such as hearing aides.

Abstract: A passive radiator and method is disclosed which improves frequency response linearity and greatly reduces the possibility that wobble of a passive radiator which will occur without the displacement limitations of a spider containing speaker structure. Two substantially flat surfaced speaker diaphragms are tied together and supported by two sets of surrounds oriented in opposite directions to reduce the non-linearity in the surround spring rate and improve low frequency sound generation.

Abstract: A loudspeaker has a chassis, a cone, an actuator and a sub-frame. The actuator is coupled between the chassis and the diaphragm. The sub-frame is flexibly coupled to the chassis and the diaphragm. The diaphragm is flexibly suspended from the chassis. The actuator directly drives both the diaphragm and the sub-frame through coils attached to the cone and to the sub-frame.

Abstract: A sound feeling device (1) having a case main body (4) which is constituted of, at least, a case (3) having a bottom (3x) in contact with the body when the device (1) is used and a partition plate (5) which is mounted with a loudspeaker (6), and, together with the case (3), defines a sound producing space. The bottom (3x) vibrates upon receiving sounds from the loudspeaker (6), and is curved at least, at the part which is in contact with the body when used, along the shape of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a loudspeaker within an enclosure is disclosed. The apparatus includes a loudspeaker mounting plate formed within the enclosure, and a mounting boss formed within the enclosure which is separated from the loudspeaker mounting plate by a fixed distance. The loudspeaker includes a first surface for engaging the loudspeaker mounting plate and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface. A pressure plate is disposed between the second surface of the loudspeaker and the mounting boss. An axial force member is associated with the pressure plate, and the axial force member is operable for applying a force between the pressure plate and the mounting boss for securing the loudspeaker between the loudspeaker mounting plate and the mounting boss.

Abstract: A loudspeaker clamping structure embodying an improved compression driver is provided. The clamping structure is configured to utilize a totality of the air contained within a cover coupled to a magnet structure of a loudspeaker. The clamping structure includes a compression driver that extends about the periphery of a membrane for clamping the membrane to the magnet structure. The cover includes an annular ring configured to engage the compression driver. At least one of the ring and compression driver is configured with a plurality of interstices along its length to provide interstitial gaps when the ring and compression driver are engaged.

Abstract: An improved surround design for a loudspeaker assembly is disclosed wherein the outside edge of the surround is attached to the outer edge of the loudspeaker's frame via a permanent or removable means. When removably attached, access to the mounting holes of the loudspeaker frame is accomplished by moving the roll to one side, prior to the attachment of the securing means. The method of attachment can vary, and in several embodiments includes the use of a annular o-ring, while in another attaching embodiment the use of a locking finger is provided.

Abstract: In quality loudspeakers there are certain distortion problems owing to a lack of damping of the movements of the outer, free edge of the loudspeaker diaphragm (2). In connection with the invention it has been recognized that these problems are widely due to some special interference phenomena originating from the total movement of the diaphragm, and according to the invention it has been found advantageous to provide, in the area of the outer edge (6) of the diaphragm (2), a differentiation with respect to the effective spring characteristic of the edge suspension (8) of the diaphragm. This is achievable in a variety of manners, e.g. already by a cutting off of pieces of the exterior diaphragm zone as secured to the edge suspension.

Abstract: A speaker unit has a cylindrical yoke, an annular frame secured to the yoke, and a diaphragm having a central spherical vibrating portion and an annular support portion formed around the vibrating portion and mounted on the annular frame. An annular vertical holding wall is formed on the annular frame, and an annular vertical abutment portion is formed on the annular support portion and abutted against the annular vertical holding wall.

Abstract: A passive radiator comprising a chassis, a mass element suspended within the chassis, and a suspension means for flexibly suspending the mass element from the chassis. In order to obtain a large amplitude of the mass element, a sub-chassis extends between the chassis and the mass element, first flexible connecting elements connecting the mass element to the sub-chassis, and second flexible connecting elements connecting the sub-chassis to the chassis.

Abstract: A cylindrical frame is mounted in a cabinet and a magnetic circuit is provided at an end of the frame. A diaphragm having a peripheral free edge is connected to a coil bobbin and a cylindrical ring is secured to the free end edge and disposed in a cylindrical supporting portion of the frame. An annular sealing member is secured to the cylindrical ring so that an outside peripheral wall thereof is slidably contacted with an inside wall of the cylindrical supporting portion of the frame.

Abstract: An electrodynamic loudspeaker comprising a chassis, a diaphragm, and an actuator. The diaphragm is disposed within the chassis and has a front part and a back part. The actuator comprises a first actuator part connected to the diaphragm and a second actuator part connected to the chassis to cooperate with the first actuator part via an air gap. In order to obtain a large amplitude of the diaphragm a sub-chassis extends between the chassis and the diaphragm, a first flexible connecting element connecting the diaphragm to the sub-chassis, and a second flexible connecting element connecting the sub-chassis to the chassis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loudspeaker apparatus having at least one support surface provided therein adjacent to a complaint surround for providing lateral support thereto, the surround mounting the diaphragm of the speaker to a speaker frame for permitting longitudinal movement of the diaphragm with respect to the frame. The support surface may be used with a variety of surrounds. A second support surface may also be provided. The support surfaces may be contoured to achieve a desired response from their engagement with the surround. A negative air spring is formed from a pair of opposed support surfaces contoured to form a necked region therebetween for deformingly engaging a surround formed as a resilient member. The negative air spring negatively balances, or counterbalances the diphragm against the box pressures with the enclosure. The resilient member is formed as a tube for containing a fluid such as air therein. The pressure within the resilient member is controlled in response to a variety of parameters.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer has a diaphragm body including a planar diaphragm having an outer periphery in an elongated generally elliptical shape with semicircular ends and major and minor axes, and an elastometic edge having an outer periphery of an elongated generally elliptical shape with semicircular ends and major and minor axes aligned with the major and minor axis of the diaphragm, the edge being wider along the major axis than along the minor axis and coupled at an inner periphery to the outer periphery of the diaphragm. The edge has a concave cross-section perpendicular to the diaphragm. A cylindrical voice coil bobbin is secured at one end to a central area of the diaphragm, and a voice coil is wound on the voice coil bobbin. A molded resin frame having a generally rectangular shape includes an opening conforming in shape to and receiving the diaphragm body, and is connected to and supports an outer periphery of the edge.

Abstract: A concentric tube suspension system and loudspeaker system of the moving coil type, including a diaphragm supported by a frame, a voice coil including a former and voice coil winding supported by the former, and a suspension system for stabilizing and centering the voice coil in a magnetic gap while it is linearly displaced by an electromagnetic motor. The suspension system generally comprises a tubular stabilizer attached to the bottom surface of the diaphragm so as to concentrically straddle the voice coil and electromagnetic motor, and a lower corrugated suspension attached at one end to the frame and at the other end to the lower end of the stabilizer, wherein the stabilizer and lower suspension provide a centering force below the traditional neck joint location on the voice coil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a loudspeaker including a case having an inner wall, a front opening, and an edge surrounding the front opening. A diaphragm including a substantially planar front surface, a rear surface, and a periphery is attached to the case with flexible attachment element(s). The attaching means attaches the periphery of the diaphragm to the case in the vicinity of the edge of the front opening. A controller is attached to the case in the vicinity of a central inside portion of the case. An actuator is attached to the diaphragm in the vicinity of a central portion of the diaphragm. The controller and the actuator transform an electric signal provided to the controller into a corresponding vibratory movement of the diaphragm between a high frequency and a low frequency. The diaphragm includes a first area in the vicinity of where the actuator is attached to the diaphragm. The diaphragm also includes a second area between the first area and the periphery of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An improved surround design for a loudspeaker assembly is disclosed wherein the outside edge of the surround is attached to the outer edge of the loudspeaker's frame via a permanent or removable means. When removably attached, access to the mounting holes of the loudspeaker frame is accomplished by moving the roll to one side, prior to the attachment of the securing means. The method of attachment can vary, and in several embodiments includes the use of a annular o-ring, while in another attaching embodiment the use of a locking finger is provided. In one embodiment, a removable spider is also provided, thus allowing the front end of the loudspeaker to be replaced for repair or reconfiguration purposes.

Abstract: A loudspeaker member comprising a viscoelastic foam obtained by vulcanization-foaming a viscous rubber mixture comprising the following components (A), (B), (C), and (D), wherein the viscoelastic foam has a tensile strength of from 0.1 to 100 kg/cm.sup.2 and a specific gravity of from 0.07 to 1.2;(A) a rubber,(B) a softening agent,(C) a organic foaming agent,(D) a vulcanizing agent.

Abstract: A unitarily molded seal membrane (310) includes an integral microphone support (304) which includes a diaphragm (306). A cavity wall (406) is located about said diaphragm (306) on one side of the seal membrane (310). The cavity wall (406) defines a cavity area (410) for receiving a microphone (504). The cavity wall aligns the diaphragm (306) in front of the microphone (504), thereby allowing for environmental sealing of the microphone (504).

Abstract: A loudspeaker diaphragm has a surround comprising vibratile material extending between an inner circle and an outer circle. The material has a thin compliant roll near the outer circle and an outer circular bead inside of and near the thin compliant roll. An inner ridge having both radial and tangential components extends between the inner circle and the outer circular bead. The width of the outer circular bead and the inner ridge is significantly less than the diameter of the outer circle. The attachment area between the cone body and the surround covers a substantial area of the cone body.

Abstract: A transducer component support has a fabric with at least two thermoplastic polymer fibers with different melt temperatures.

Abstract: A speaker has an edge member which includes a plurality of peripheral pieces and a plurality of connecting portions for connecting neighboring ones of the pieces. The neighboring ones of the pieces have cross-sectional shapes symmetric with respect to each other in an axial direction of the edge member. Each of the connecting portions has a cross-sectional shape that changes gradually and continuously. A diaphragm which is secured to an inner periphery or an outer periphery of the edge member, and a frame is secured to an outer periphery or an inner periphery of the edge member.

Abstract: The speed of in-plant vehicles such as forklift trucks and the like is monitored to provide for the lighting of a warning light where a first speed threshold is reached, the sounding of a horn when a second speed is reached, and for the disabling of the vehicle on the sustaining of the higher speed for a predetermined interval of time. This speed monitoring approach generates a signal having an intermittent monitor output corresponding with the speed of the vehicle and which exhibits a period of lessening duration in corresponding with increasing speeds. Timing of the occurrence of these signals is employed with an accumulator based logic to establish vehicle speed. To avoid apparatus reaction to noise based signals, a select number of occurrences of apparent speed excursions are required before the horn or lamp are activated. Remote supervisory resetting of the monitoring system following the occurrence of a latched warning output is provided through an IR based code transmitting and receiving arrangement.

Abstract: A conical loudspeaker (10) has a dust protection cap (23) of hot-pressed polymer foam. Dust protection caps (23) made from this material are largely insensitive to finger pressure and can be attached to the conical speaker membrane using simple adhesives. Preferably the outer rim of the conical speaker membrane is secured by a lock beading (14) made from the same foam as the dust protection cap (23). This has the advantage that if the pressing die is suitably configured, the dust protection cap (23) can be made from the portion of the foam mat that otherwise, if only a lock beading (14) was being produced, would be left over in the center of the foam mat.

Abstract: A wind noise and vibration noise reducing microphone arrangement is formed in a bullet-shaped housing (12) having a rounded front portion (13) and a flat rear portion (15). The rear portion is substantially perpendicular to the side portions (14) and contains a transducer (10) facing in the opposite direction from the forward portion. The transducer is mounted to the housing with an elastomeric member (25) that also serves as a seal between the transducer and the housing. The elastomeric member also reduces vibrations transmitted to the microphone. A mounting means (30) is attached to the housing. The mounting means has a vibration isolation member (32) to reduce vibrations transmitted to the housing. The mounting means can be an aerodynamic pedestal attached to the housing, with an elastomeric member attached to the pedestal to reduce vibrations.

Abstract: A radio speaker is mounted in an aperture of a vehicle panel having an outerside and underside. A flange is provided the panel underside underlying the aperture. The aperture is larger than the speaker and the speaker is installed from the panel outerside through the aperture to rest on the flange. The flange surrounds only a portion of the aperture to define an opening laterally of the speaker through which the speaker may be removed from the panel underside by movement laterally of the aperture. A fastener is installed from the panel outerside to retain the speaker on the flange and is removable from the panel underside to dismount the speaker from the panel. Alternatively, the aperture may be smaller than the speaker and a series of flanged tabs struck from the panel surrounding only a portion of the aperture so that the speaker may be installed from the underside of the panel by sliding the speaker laterally of the panel to engage the speaker with the flanged tabs.

Abstract: A sonic transducer (10) includes an elongated diaphragm (12) secured to a base (14) by a clamping member (16). The shapes of the surfaces (26, 30) by which the base (14) and clamping element (16) engage the diaphragm (12) are different at the end regions (28) from what they are in the side regions (32). The result is a more-rigid clamping at the ends than at the sides, which causes the lengthwise and widthwise stiffnesses of the diaphragm to be more nearly equal and thus the sound production from various regions of the diaphragm to be more nearly in phase than they would be if the clamping were uniform.

Abstract: A ribbon transducer has the ends of its ribbon held by end fixings which incorporate damping member. The end fixing may include a resilient support member fixed to the ribbon, with the ribbon overlying a pad of damping material and having its outer end held clamped, or alternatively left free.

Abstract: A secure joint between heavy magnet systems (11) and plastic loudspeaker frames (12) in conical loudspeakers (10) is conventionally implemented as an adhesive joint or as a shaved rivet joint. These types of joint are disadvantageous, since solvents are necessary when the components are adhesively bonded, and expensive plastics must be used for the shaved rivet joint. Residue-free separation of components joined in this manner is also difficult. Joints that create a secure joint on the basis of mechanically acting components alone are therefore indicated. According to one embodiment of the invention, the magnet system (11) is set into a plastic shroud (31) that has a convex base (32) and a crenelated rim region (36). The higher rim segments (37.2) are guided through openings (38) in the frame base (18) and expanded like rivet heads above the frame base (18), while the other rim segments (37.1) rest on the frame base (18).

Abstract: A ribbon transducer has its ribbon which is held at each end made capable of lateral movement for adjustment puroses by providing a plurality of traverse cross-suspension elements to which the ribbon is secured, with each of these cross-suspension elements being capable of transverse displacement, for example by rotation of mounting pillars.

Abstract: A transducer comprises a diaphragm including a perimeter, a motor for causing the diaphragm to vibrate in response to an electrical signal corresponding to program material to convert the electrical signal to motion of the diaphragm and thus to an audio reproduction of the electrical program material signal, and a surround and a frame for supporting the diaphragm from its perimeter to permit such motion. Additional diaphragm supports are provided on the frame and project from the frame toward the diaphragm. Additional compliances are provided on the diaphragm and are coupled to the additional diaphragm supports. The additional compliances are located adjacent the additional diaphragm supports.

Abstract: A speaker and manufacturing method therefor includes a diaphragm having an integral edge, first and second frame pieces and a driver unit. The first and second frame pieces are formed by molding so that the first frame piece is integrally combined with the diaphragm edge, and the second frame piece is integrally combined with the driver unit.

Abstract: An improved flat sound transducer including a planar diaphragm having at least one region suited for reproduction of low frequencies and one region suited for reproduction of high frequencies wherein the frame of the flat sound transducer is used to sandwich a foam strip between the frame and the diaphragm in order to dampen low frequency vibrations and substantially isolate the high frequency region from the large amplitude low frequency vibrations while still allowing high frequency vibrations to emanate from the entire sound transducer diaphragm. The dampening strip may used with either a metallic frame or with a unitary plastic frame. A high frequency enhancement coating may be used to increase the frequency response in the high frequency region of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A frameless pierced metal speaker grille is directly attached to a panel in which a speaker opening is formed by a series of tabs integrally formed in the speaker grille at spaced locations about the perimeter of the grille. Each tab includes a rear facing planar section extending inwardly from a turned edge perimeter of the cover grille and abutted against the panel structure, a v shaped engagement section extending rearwardly from the planar section and having legs adapted to squeeze fit the panel edge adjacent the speaker opening, and an entry section extending rearwardly from the v section and inclined inwardly to cam the tab inwardly at assembly of the grille. The tab shape enables secure spring fitting to the panel structure while being formed of the relatively mild material of the grille material which is pierced as by being perforated to form the open area cover grille.

Abstract: A microphone baffle apparatus having a baffle member having first and second sides with the first side shaped to form a sound baffling surface to absorb sound energy. The baffle member has an opening therethrough in the center portion thereof and has an elastic material attached around the opening so that a microphone can be slipped through the opening and the baffle member held to the microphone by the elastic material around the opening. The baffle member may be made of a plurality of sectors connected with ductile hinges to allow the baffle member to be bent into a plurality of shapes. In addition, each baffle sector may be made of a plurality of laminated layers of ductile material and bent to a variety of desired shapes. One layer may be a thin layer of lead and one side of the baffle may have a waffle shaped surface thereon.

Abstract: A headset is provided which includes an inverted cup-shaped housing. The housing contains a rigid membrane which separates the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. An inertial transducer is positioned in the upper chamber secured to the membrane. Electrical leads extend into the transducer through water tight connections. A headband is provided to secure the headset to a listener's ear and a cushion is provided about the open bottom end of the headset housing. Only the transducer itself is water tight. Both the upper and lower chambers of the housing freely permit the passage of water.

Abstract: Transducer apparatus includes a two-part housing having a rear boss for securing the transducer to a wall. Within the housing are two magnetic elements for providing an output in response to electrical input signals, and the output is transmitted to the wall through the housing and rear boss. The magnetic elements are secured within the housing by the internal configuration of the housing.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a speaker system within a closed wooden cabinet in which the speaker is suspended in closed cell foam within a cabinet speaker circular-port, devoid of rigid attachment of the foam and of the speaker to the cabinet, the closed-cell foam being mounted in an open-ended slot between flanges mounted on the speaker cabinet, and the speaker magnet being supported by a resilient gasket mounted on the cabinet by a gasket-support structure, and a rear port being closed by an inner non-porous membrane and an outer porous fabric membrane having foam therebetween, mounted within a membrane-support frame that is suspended within open cell foam suspended within the rear port devoid of rigid attachment to the cabinet, supported between inner and outer flanges mounted on the cabinet, the cabinet being devoid of open ports.

Abstract: A speaker is installed on a door panel of an automobile by utilizing a supporting unit including a base and a substantially disc-shaped spacer. The base is attached to the door panel and has a bottom surface inclined with respect to the door panel. The speaker is secured to the inclined bottom surface of the base by an attachment screw, between which the spacer is interposed. The spacer has an inclined surface adapted to be in contact with the inclined bottom surface of the base. The spacer is provided with a half-round groove through which a screw extends to secure the spacer to the base at a desired position relative to the latter within an range of 180.degree. rotation. The inclination of the base is amplified or counterbalanced by the inclination of the spacer in dependence with relative position therebetween to vary the orientation of the speaker supported on the opposite surface of the spacer.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer is formed of a loudspeaker enclosure having a form of revolution about an axis each end of which is closed by a loudspeaker. The two loudspeakers are mounted back to back in the axis of the enclosure, one of the loudspeakers being fed from an electric power source and being in this sense "active", whereas the other loudspeaker is "passive" in that it receives no electric supply, its movements resulting from the rear wave of the active loudspeaker. The enclosure is maintained vertically along its axis of revolution, and, on the other hand, the side wall of the enclosure is formed of a flexible material, unlikely to resonate with the front and rear waves of the loudspeakers.

Abstract: An improved audio transducer includes a diaphragm having a pair of cylindrically-shaped webs that provide greater bandwidth, reduced distortion and greater horizontal dispersion of sound. The audio output of the transducer is further improved by forming the diaphragm of a polyvinyl fluoride film. Other improvements include the use of damping pads to damp internal sound waves and damping strips on the diaphragm to minimize distortion at the resonant frequency of the transducer.