Diaphragm (e.g., Horn Or Buzzer) Patents (Class 340/388.1)
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Publication number: 20080084282Abstract: An electromechanical horn is configured with a body, a sound-generating unit mounted in the body, and a plurality of power source receiving regions for storing at least one removably mounted power source in a storage manner while containing a second power source in an operative manner thereby limiting discontinuity of the operation of the sound-generating unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventor: STANLEY SOLOW
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Publication number: 20070274370Abstract: The electronic thermometer of this invention includes a supporting portion which supports the vicinity of the periphery on one face of a vibration plate, and a buzzer cover having plasticity of pressing the vibration plate against the supporting portion by pressing the vicinity of the periphery of the other face of the vibration plate and further includes a mechanism which presses the vicinity of the center of the buzzer cover on an opposite side to a side provided with the vibration plate in the buzzer cover so as to flex the buzzer cover, thereby pressing the vicinity of the periphery on the other face of the vibration plate with elastic reaction force of the buzzer cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Shigeto Niiyama, Masaki Tomioka, Akitoshi Miki, Takao Terada
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Patent number: 7271706Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of subterranean termites, involving use of a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure before installation of an acoustic sensor in order to quickly locate potential areas of subterranean termite infestation, and an acoustic sensor in the form of an accelerometer or the disclosed innovative acoustic sensors having a bandwidth of at least 100 Hz to 15 kHz to detect noises made by the subterranean termites. Information collected by the acoustic sensor may be transmitted to a portable mini-computer (pocket PC) for confirmation and to a central operations center for inclusion in a comprehensive database of termite data and information.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: The University of MississippiInventor: Peng Lee
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Patent number: 7201996Abstract: A sound generating device is mounted in a recess formed in a case, and a battery is mounted on the case. A pair of terminals are provided on the underside of the case. A pair of leads connect a pair of electrodes of the battery with the terminals.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keita Watanabe
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Patent number: 7110564Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-function actuator comprising: a case having an internal space; a vibrating coil installed in the case for generating vibration; a diaphragm for generating sound with an outer end being fixed to the upper end of the case; a voice coil fixedly installed in the bottom of the diaphragm for generating sound according to a sound source and having an notch filter; a vertically magnetized magnet; an upper plated attached to the magnet for constituting a magnetic circuit; a yoke for constituting the magnetic circuit together with the magnet; a weight for constituting a vibrator body together with the magnet, the upper plate and the yoke; and a suspension spring for supporting the vibrator body. In generating sound, sound quality is improved without influencing sound while vibration is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yeon Ho Son
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Patent number: 7088223Abstract: A sound generator, in particular for parking assistance systems for vehicles, has a housing (2) comprising a base part (4) and a top part (6), wherein the base part (4) defines a receiving space (8, 10), which can be covered by the top part (6), for receiving a diaphragm (38). The base part (4) is formed as one part together with the top part (6) via a connecting section (28), wherein the base part (4) and the top part (6) can be moved relative to each other and can be joined by a joining device (26).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventor: Hubert Neft
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Patent number: 7038576Abstract: An electropneumatic acoustic horn is disclosed, comprising an electric compressor unit for generating compressed air and a sound wave generator comprising at least an acoustic chamber associated to at least a volute wound acoustic duct adapted to propagate the produced sound to the outside. Air channelling means put the compressor unit in communication with each acoustic chamber. The compressor unit and the sound wave generator are mechanically connected in a removable way by fitting slidingly a collar.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Stebel SPAInventors: Corrado Di Giovanni, Luigi Filippo Beltrame
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Patent number: 6995659Abstract: A sound transducer comprises at least one sound unit based on at least one radially sound emitting diaphragm arranged in a substantially cylindrical or tubular form, the diaphragm including electromechanically converting material capable of creating sound by changing its physical state upon electrical excitation. In a single sound unit the diaphragm is arranged to be supported between an inner sound guiding sleeve and an outer sound guiding sleeve in order to form at least one axial acoustic channel between the diaphragm and at least one of the sleeves. At least at the exit side of the acoustic channel the axial ends of the diaphragm and the corresponding sound guiding sleeve are arranged to have mutual non-alignment in the plane perpendicular to the axis of the sound unit in order to reduce the acoustic mass that the acoustic channel represents. The invention further relates to a device with such a transducer.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Alberto Soto-Nicolas
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Patent number: 6982630Abstract: A vibrating push button station to be associated with a standard traffic signal of the kind used to control vehicular traffic at an intersection so that visually impaired pedestrians will be alerted when the pedestrian WALK signal is illuminated after first pressing a push button. The push button station includes an electromagnetic assembly that is adapted to generate a changing magnetic field following the depression of the push button. A magnet coupled to the push button by way of a flexible diaphragm is either pulled towards and repelled or simply released by the electromagnetic assembly as the magnetic field changes. The opposite movements of the magnet relative to the electromagnetic assembly is transmitted to the push button as a vibration so that the hand of a user will receive a tactile indication at the push button when vehicular traffic has been halted.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Polara Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Leslie A. Beckwith, Wayne L. Russell
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Patent number: 6972697Abstract: A system and method for a horn controller is provided that automatically operates a vessel's horn as a foghorn. The horn controller automatically causes the vessel's horn to sound according to the proper foghorn sounding schedule. The horn controller is designed to be installed in a new vessel, and/or to be retrofitted to an existing vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: TSX Products Corp.Inventors: David A. Vogel, Richard Andrews, Richard McCulley, Jr.
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Patent number: 6873234Abstract: An improved electromagnetic actuator having a coil (10) on which a current is impressed, a magnet (20) that forms a magnetic circuit across a magnetic gap (G) with a magnet yoke (21), and having a diaphragm (11) that vibrates when a high-frequency current is impressed, and a vibration plate (22) that vibrates when a low-frequency current is impressed, with these parts enclosed within a basket (3) and the coil (10) placed within the magnetic gap (G). As one invention, a radial array of magnets, a vibration plate with a double-suspension structure, and a bottom plate of magnetic shielding material are placed in the basket to suppress the leakage of magnetic flux.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Inventors: Tsuneo Kyouno, Teruo Yoshinari, Minoru Ueda
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Patent number: 6867690Abstract: An improved force-measurement system utilizes active magnetostrictive sensors for generating a signal representative of a force, such as the weight of a person or thing on a seat within a motor vehicle, or the force applied to the horn sensor switch on a vehicle steering wheel. The active magnetostrictive sensor includes an excitation coil and a detection coil.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Tony Gioutsos, Robert Janiszewski, Steve Labadie
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Vibration actuator having an elastic member between a suspension plate and a magnetic circuit device
Patent number: 6850138Abstract: A vibration actuator in which a magnetic circuit device (1,2,3) is elastically suspended to a vibration transmitter (12) by a suspension plate (5)in a predetermined direction, a primary elastic member (6a) is interposed between the suspension plate and the magnetic circuit device in the predetermined direction. A coil (10) is fixed to a vibrating member (9) and disposed in a magnetic gap of the magnetic circuit. It is preferable that the suspension plate has a leaf spring portion extending along a spiral curve between central and peripheral portions thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: NEC Tokin CorporationInventor: Nobuyasu Sakai -
Publication number: 20040246110Abstract: An electropneumatic acoustic horn is disclosed, comprising an electric compressor unit for generating compressed air and a sound wave generator comprising at least an acoustic chamber associated to at least a volute wound acoustic duct adapted to propagate the produced sound to the outside. Air channelling means put the compressor unit in communication with each acoustic chamber. The compressor unit and the sound wave generator are mechanically connected in a removable way by fitting slidingly a collar.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Corrado Di Giovanni, Luigi Filippo
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Patent number: 6819227Abstract: An acoustic signal generator, and a method for generating an acoustic signal are described. The acoustic signal generator has a membrane that can oscillate, a deflection sensor for detecting any deflection of the membrane, an exciter configuration that is coupled to the membrane, and a power semiconductor switch with a load path that is connected to the exciter configuration. The switch has a drive connection. A drive circuit has a first connection connected to the drive connection of the power semiconductor switch and at which a drive signal is available. The drive circuit further has a second connection, to which the deflection sensor is connected.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Christian Arndt
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Patent number: 6816065Abstract: An electromechanical horn warning system comprising a hollow body (2) having a cylindrical wall (8) closed by a bottom wall (9) and a flanged edge (12). At least one bobbin (3) abuts on the bottom wall (9) of the hollow body. An elastic membrane (6) is provided with at least one mobile core (7) that is fixed to the flanged edge (12) of the hollow body. At least one contact breaker (4) having a support (22) and a spring (23) are provided with electric contacts (27, 28). An insulating plate (5) is sandwiched between the support (22) and the spring (23), and is provided with at least one layer (31, 32) of resistive silk-screen ink.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Fabbrica Italiana Accumulatori MotocarriInventor: Bruno Viero
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Patent number: 6810128Abstract: This invention concerns an electromagnetic induction actuator to be mounted in small equipment such as portable telephones and pagers; also concerns such portable telecommunications equipment. The electromagnetic induction actuator, as well as the portable telecommunications equipment in which it is mounted, can be assembled in a thin and small package even though there are tabs as shock resistance stoppers, and has good acoustical characteristics. In the electromagnetic induction actuator there is a yoke that has tabs as stoppers to provide shock resistance, and there are springs that have inner rings, outer rings, bridge arms that connect the inner and outer rings and recesses that correspond to the tabs of the yoke.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Namiki Seimitsu Houseki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shoichi Kaneda, Tsuneo Kyono, Minoru Ueda, Fumio Fujimori
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Patent number: 6809634Abstract: A pulse signal, having a buzzer-driving frequency, for driving a buzzer (3) is generated by a free running timer of a timer management section of a microcomputer (1). The timer management section operates independently of software processing of the microcomputer (1). A transistor (2) is turned on and off by the pulse signal having the buzzer-driving frequency. Accordingly, electricity flows through the buzzer (3). The buzzer (3) in turn, generates a sound.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, LtdInventors: Hideaki Uemura, Kenji Wakana
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Patent number: 6809635Abstract: The present invention is a mobile terminal (102). The mobile terminal includes a vibration motor (108) which provides a silent vibration alert to a user of the mobile terminal during reception of incoming communications which include audio communications; and an amplifier (106, 312) the amplifier amplifying the audio communications and producing an amplified audio output coupled to at least the vibration motor which outputs the audio communications as audible sound.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Topi Kaaresoja
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Patent number: 6795563Abstract: A speaker has a frame provided with a yoke, a magnet, a vibrating plate and a voice coil, and a pair of leads. An end of each of the leads is connected to an end of the coil and the other end portion of the lead is exposed in a hole formed in the frame and secured to the frame so as to be connected to an outside terminal. A terminal connecting device is provided for connecting the other end of the lead to the outside terminal. The terminal connecting device comprises a cylindrical case secured in the hole of the frame, a connecting rod slidably mounted in the cylindrical case, and a coil spring provided in the cylindrical case to outwardly urge the connecting rod so as to be contacted with the outside terminal at an end of the rod. A top end of the cylindrical case is contacted with the end portion of the lead.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshizumi Ohta
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Patent number: 6792126Abstract: An information processing device and a speaker unit applicable to the device. In one aspect of the present invention, the device includes a housing, a pole piece, a voice coil, a magnet, and a frame. The housing has an elastically vibratory vibration region. The pole piece has a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed to the vibration region of the housing. The voice coil is fixed to the second end of the pole piece. The magnet forms a magnetic field interlinking the voice coil. The frame fixes the magnet to the housing at a region other than the vibration region, for example. With this configuration, vibration of the voice coil due to a current flowing through the voice coil is transmitted through the pole piece to the vibration region of the housing, thus eliminating the need for a vibration board of a speaker and further eliminating the need for formation of holes for sound transmission through the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Hideyuki Okuno, Wataru Tanaka
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Patent number: 6777895Abstract: A vibrating linear actuator includes a mover having a permanent magnet, a stator having coils, a base on which the stator is mounted, a cover, and lands electrically coupled to the coils. The lands are provided on the surface of one of the base or the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiro Shimoda, Shinichiro Kawano, Noriyoshi Nishiyama, Toshiyuki Iwahori
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Publication number: 20040113758Abstract: The invention concerns a sound generator, in particular for parking assistance systems for vehicles, with a housing (2) comprising a base part (4) and a top part (6), wherein the base part (4) comprises a receiving space (8, 10), which can be covered by the top part (6), for receiving a diaphragm (38). The base part (4) is formed as one part together with the top part (6) via a connecting section (28), wherein the base part (4) and the top part (6) can be moved relative to each other and can be joined by joining means (26).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2004Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Hubert Neft
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Publication number: 20040075587Abstract: A system and method for a horn controller is provided that automatically operates a vessel's horn as a foghorn. The horn controller automatically causes the vessel's horn to sound according to the proper foghorn sounding schedule. The horn controller is designed to be installed in a new vessel, and/or to be retrofitted to an existing vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: TSX Products, Corp.Inventors: David A. Vogel, Richard Andrews, Richard McCulley
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Patent number: 6724908Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric-mechanical-acoustic converter used mainly in a mobile telephone and the like, and its objective is to provide a high-quality product in which damage and degradation of performance caused by shock due to a drop are prevented. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention includes at least one suspension (14) supporting a movable portion (19) formed of the magnetic circuit portion (17) and a weight portion (13), and a frame (9) supporting a diaphragm (8) and the suspension (14), a space in an elastic deformation range of the suspension (14) being provided between the outer periphery of the movable portion (19) and the frame (9). Even in the case where a portable terminal apparatus is dropped, and the electric-mechanical-acoustic converter built therein is subjected to shock, the outer periphery of the movable portion (19) is received by the frame (9), whereby the suspension (14) can be prevented from being permanently deformed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takanori Fukuyama
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Publication number: 20040036580Abstract: This variable decibel level horn seeks to solve the particular problem caused by and associated with the use of the current vehicle horn. The unintentional outcome is that the person being honked at becomes irate and aggressive toward the person honking at them. This device solves this problem by producing a lower decibel sound that is less irritating to the driver being honked at. Sometimes in traffic it becomes necessary to honk at a motorist or pedestrian who has become pre-occupied. At this time to get this or her attention it becomes necessary to sound the vehicle's horn. This irritates the driver sometimes to the point of the so-called “road-rage” condition. With this device, the sounding of a lower decibel horn or even a completely different tone or sound has a more calming effect on the individual. This invention is designed to get the other person's attention without the overkill of such a loud horn.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Gary Michelson
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Patent number: 6658133Abstract: An electromagnetic transducer according to the present invention includes: a first diaphragm disposed so as to be capable of vibration; a second diaphragm disposed in a central portion of the first diaphragm, the second diaphragm being made of a magnetic material; a yoke disposed so as to oppose the first diaphragm; a center pole disposed between the yoke and the first diaphragm; a coil disposed so as to surround the center pole; a first magnet disposed so as to surround the coil; and a second magnet disposed on an opposite side of the first diaphragm from the center pole.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sawako Usuki, Shuji Saiki
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Patent number: 6653934Abstract: An electromagnetic audio transducer for SMD applications. The transducer comprises a lead frame with external terminals, which are formed into a predetermined shape. The transducer has a case with inside and outside surfaces, where the case is integrated with the lead frame to expose the external terminals at its outside surface. The transducer has solder bases formed by exposing the lead frame at the inside surface of the case. The drive section of the transducer has a coil arranged inside the case, with the coil having coil terminals, and the coil terminals are led to the solder bases for electrical connection at the inside surface of the case.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: American Audio Components, IncInventors: Zhonglai Pan, Guoxin Jin, Zhengmin Pan
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Publication number: 20030184434Abstract: A multi-function electronic warning horn system comprises a couple of horns (1, 2) and a microprocessor (6), integrated in an electronic module (16) comprising a voltage adjuster (13), an oscillator (17), power stages (3, 4) and a control circuit (7). Horns (1, 2) are controlled by either the push-button (5) of the steering wheel for the traditional function of acoustic signaling or by a coded signal transmitted to microprocessor (6) by the “intelligent” electronic unit or onboard computer of the vehicle for the function of buzzer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Alain Sague
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Publication number: 20030146825Abstract: This invention deals with a portable terminal that reduces extraneous tones in a portable terminal in which is mounted an electromagnetic induction actuator that produces voice signals, a buzzer signal or a low frequency vibration. By short-circuiting the terminal fittings of the electromagnetic induction actuator or by connecting them electrically to amplifiers or to a signal generator that produces a constant voltage signal or a constant-frequency signal, the extraneous tone produced by vibration of the mechanical vibration system of the actuator is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Shoichi Kaneda, Kenji Ueno, Minoru Ueda
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Publication number: 20030146824Abstract: An electromechanical warning horn system comprising a hollow body (2) having a cylindrical wall (8) closed by a bottom wall (9) and a flanged edge (12), at least a bobbin (3) abutting on said bottom wall (9); an elastic membrane (6), provided with at least a mobile core (7) fixed to said flanged edge (12), at least a contact breaker (4) constituted by a support (22) and a spring (23) provided with electric contacts (27, 28), and an insulating plate (5) sandwiched between said support (22) and said spring (23), and provided with at least a layer (31, 32) of resistive silk-screen ink.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventor: Bruno Viero
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Patent number: 6600938Abstract: A vibration actuator comprising a drive section having a coil placed in a cavity of a magnetic circuit, a vibrator driven by the drive section, a spacer made such that its end portion supports a peripheral edge portion of the vibrator, and an external plate member for covering the other end portion of the spacer. A closed space defined by the vibrator, the spacer and the external plate member is constructed as an acoustic space based on the Helmholtz's resonance principle. A mobile communication terminal contains the vibration actuator in its housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: NEC Tokin CorporationInventor: Fumihiro Suzuki
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Publication number: 20030137406Abstract: This invention concerns an electromagnetic induction actuator to be mounted in small equipment such as portable telephones and pagers; also concerns such portable telecommunications equipment. The electromagnetic induction actuator, as well as the portable telecommunications equipment in which it is mounted, can be assembled in a thin and small package even though there are tabs as shock resistance stoppers, and has good acoustical characteristics. In the electromagnetic induction actuator there is a yoke that has tabs as stoppers to provide shock resistance, and there are springs that have inner rings, outer rings, bridge arms that connect the inner and outer rings and recesses that correspond to the tabs of the yoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Shoichi Kaneda, Tsuneo Kyono, Minoru Ueda, Fumio Fujimori
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Publication number: 20030136328Abstract: The invention relates to a signal-horn (1) of electromagnetic type comprising a generator (2) of sound waves having an oscillating membrane (4) actuated by an electromechanical propulsor unit (5) coupled to an acoustic amplifier (3) consisting of a duct (6) wound as a volute in which there is a first length (7) with generally constant section (8) provided with an inlet (9) for the sound signal to be amplified and a second length (10) with variable section (11) according to a conical exponential rule ending with an outlet (12) for the amplified sound signal. The ratio of the figure representing the volume (13) defined by the oscillating membrane (4) between the two points of maximum elongation (14, 15) and the figure representing the area of a cross section (8) of the first length is a number comprised between 16 and 20.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Attilio Granziera
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Patent number: 6593847Abstract: This invention provides a planar acoustic converting apparatus including a support having a flat plate portion, a diaphragm which has an insulating base film having a liquid crystalline polymer film and being opposed to the flat plate portion of the support and at least one spiral coil provided on one major surface or both major surfaces of the insulating base film, at least one permanent magnet supported by the support and opposing a magnetic pole to the diaphragm, and a holding portion provided to the support and holding the diaphragm such that the diaphragm can vibrate and is positioned apart from the at least one permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignees: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., FPS, Inc.Inventors: Toshiiku Miyazaki, Masashi Hori, Takeshi Nishimura, Kenji Iizuka, Masayuki Ishiwa
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Patent number: 6570993Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric-mechanical-acoustic converter used mainly in a mobile telephone and the like, and its objective is to provide a high-quality product in which damage and degradation of performance caused by shock due to a drop are prevented. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention includes at least one suspension (14) supporting a movable portion (19) formed of the magnetic circuit portion (17) and a weight portion (13), and a frame (9) supporting a diaphragm (8) and the suspension (14), a space in an elastic deformation range of the suspension (14) being provided between the outer periphery of the movable portion (19) and the frame (9). Even in the case where a portable terminal apparatus is dropped, and the electric-mechanical-acoustic converter built therein is subjected to shock, the outer periphery of the movable portion (19) is received by the frame (9), whereby the suspension (14) can be prevented from being permanently deformed.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takanori Fukuyama
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Publication number: 20030085804Abstract: A Hall-effect buzzer includes a housing, a magnet firmly attached to a top side of the housing, and a cover plate covering a bottom open side of the housing. A column is located in the interior of the housing and a coil is mounted around the column. A free end of the column is firmly engaged with a vibrating piece. Two feet of the coil extend outward and are connected to a circuit board attached to the cover plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventor: Chun-Chieh Wang
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Publication number: 20030062992Abstract: The warning tone transmitter (10) according to the invention has a piezoelectric horn element (12) with two input connectors (29, 30) for the application of the supply voltage at a determined frequency and has a circuit arrangement (14) fed from the current supply, which generates the supply voltage. In order to be able to receive confirmation that the horn signal is actually generated by the warning tone transmitter (10) and in order to be able more easily to calibrate the warning tone transmitter (10) such that it is driven at its resonant frequency the piezoelectric horn element (12) has an additional output connector (34), which, when the horn element (12) is fed with the supply voltage, generates an answering signal taken to the circuit arrangement (14) if the piezoelement is actually oscillating. The magnitude of the answering signal is a value for the sound volume of the warning tone transmitter (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventors: Jens Titschert, Jorg Wagner, Emmanuel Charruau, Helmut Hermann
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Patent number: 6539097Abstract: A multi-functional vibration actuator comprises a vibration transmitting portion (8) forming a peripheral portion thereof, a magnetic circuit formed by a yoke (1), a permanent magnet (2), and a plate (3), a vibrator member (5) arranged at a distance from one surface of the magnetic circuit and having an outer periphery fixed to the vibration transmitting portion, a coil (6) arranged in a gap within the magnetic circuit at a distance from the magnetic circuit and fixedly attached to the vibrator member, and a suspension (4) fixed to the vibration transmitting portion and flexibly supporting the magnetic circuit. The distance (b) between the vibrator member and each of the one surface of the magnetic circuit and the suspension is greater than the distance (a) between the other surface of the magnetic circuit and a bottom cover (9) covering the magnetic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Tokin CorporationInventor: Nobuyasu Sakai
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Publication number: 20030006897Abstract: An alert apparatus for use with a vehicle is provided having a horn capable of producing a sound and a first sensor adapted to determine a speed of the vehicle. A controller is coupled to the first sensor and the horn and adapted to activate the horn such that characteristics of the sound are determined based on the speed. A horn switch may also be coupled to the controller to activate the horn upon application of a force by an operator. A method of operating a vehicle horn is also provided. According to the method, an output is obtained from a sensor representative of a speed of a vehicle. The output is processed by the use of a controller to determine a desired horn characteristic, and the vehicle horn is activated to produce the desired horn characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Stephen T. Chapin, Arthur R. Leary
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Publication number: 20020190848Abstract: A horn actuation mechanism senses a deliberate movement of a driver's hand on a side of a steering plane distant from the driver, the steering wheel plane lying crossswise a rotational axis of the steering wheel and approximating a plane bisecting a peripheral gripping region of the steering wheel. The vehicle horn is energized in response to the sensing of such movement. A hand-operational portion of the horn actuation mechanism is advantageously disposed in a position in which a hand grasping a peripheral gripping portion of the wheel can simultaneously actuate the mechanism without removal of the hand from controlled contact with the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler
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Patent number: 6492899Abstract: An electromagnetic converter in which a mobile magnetic pole body supported by a thin spring is driven by an exciting coil. A restricting member limits movement of the spring so the spring is not deformed beyond a stress limit when the spring receives an impact. The electromagnetic converter produces a large vibration using a simple structure which can withstand an impact without increasing the strength of the spring so the weight of a mobile magnetic pole member can be increased. The restricting member is a soft elastic member and arranged either on the spring or at a location opposite the spring.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Tokyo Parts Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadao Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20020180593Abstract: A pulse signal, having a buzzer-driving frequency, for driving a buzzer (3) is generated by a free running timer of a timer management section of a microcomputer (1). The timer management section operates independently of software processing of the microcomputer (1). A transistor (2) is turned on and off by the pulse signal having the buzzer-driving frequency. Accordingly, electricity flows through the buzzer (3). The buzzer (3) in turn, generates a sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Hideaki Uemura, Kenji Wakana
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Patent number: 6476710Abstract: An electromagnetic sound generator has a case provided with a yoke, a magnet, a vibrating plate and a coil, and a pair of leads. An end of the coil and the other end of the leads is secured to the case so as to be connected to an outside terminal. A terminal connecting device is provided for connecting the end of the lead to the outside terminal. The terminal connecting device comprises a cylindrical case secured to the case, a connecting rod slidably mounted in the cylindrical case, and a coil spring provided in the cylindrical case to outwardly urge the connecting rod so as to be contacted with the outside terminal at an end of the rod. A top end of the cylindrical case is contacted with the end of the lead.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Togawa, Masato Asahina, Yoshizumi Ohta
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Publication number: 20020149474Abstract: This Invention concerns a device used by an official at a sports event, to produce a whistle like sound, that is hand activated, fitting into the palm of the hand. When activated by that hand, the sound is emitted in all directions, into the surrounding area.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Max M. Stern
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Patent number: 6433674Abstract: An electromagnetic sound generator has a vibrating plate mounted in a case. An armature is secured on the vibrating plate at a central portion thereof. The armature has a concave spherical shape.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Kuwabara, Masato Asahina
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Publication number: 20020101333Abstract: A siren has a housing, a motor, an acoustic actuator and a horn. Multiple vents are defined in the housing. The acoustic actuator is rotatably mounted in the housing and is rotated by the motor. The horn is mounted on the housing to provide a resonant effect. Accordingly, the air can be drawn into the housing through the vents by the acoustic actuator. The sound will generated by the impact between air and each block in the acoustic actuator and the interruption of the airflow by the blocks. Consequently, the process for assembling the siren is simplified. The sound quality of the siren will be consistent and improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventor: John Lu
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Patent number: 6380847Abstract: The present invention relates to a control circuit of a vibrating membrane excited by a solenoid in series with a d.c. supply and a controlled switch. A capacitor is disposed across a series circuit including the solenoid and the switch associated with opening means in the vicinity of a zero crossing of the current in the inductance.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics S.A.Inventors: André Bremond, Philippe Merceron
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Patent number: 6373958Abstract: An electro-mechanical-audio converter and an electro-mechanical-audio converting device using the same employed in mobile terminals such as mobile phones for generating paging vibration which realizes stable vibration function. The electro-mechanical-audio converter includes a housing (1a), movable part (2), forming a magnetic circuit, mounted on an opening of the housing (1a) through a suspension (3); and a detection coil (11) disposed near the movable part (2) for generating excitation voltage by vibration of the movable part (2). Strong vibration of the movable part (2) during resonance is detected by the detection coil (11) as an excitation voltage, and fed back. Accordingly, the electro-mechanical-audio converter and electro-mechanical-audio converting device using the same having an extremely stable vibration function, even when resonance frequency changes due to environmental changes such as ambient temperature, is made feasible.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsutaka Enomoto, Masakuni Hirata, Takanori Fukuyama, Mitsukazu Kuze
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Patent number: 6317033Abstract: The present invention is structured so as to prevent a fixing part from becoming an obstacle when fixing a coil bobbin for a horn for a vehicle to a case. The structure of the present invention is achieved by forming a tubular through hole extending toward the case opening side at a second bottom surface of the case; piercing a mounting hole through the case mounting piece of the coil bobbin; externally fitting the mounting hole over the tubular through hole; and folding the penetrating tip end of the tubular through hole tube as a folded tip portion toward the side of the hole peripheral edge of the mounting hole and engaging the penetrating tip end, as the folded tip portion, into a large hole part formed in the hole end of the mounting hole, whereby a mounting hole is fixed so as to be pinched by the second bottom surface and the folded tip portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Kazuo Igarashi, Kiyofumi Nakayama