Abstract: Speaker includes a diaphragm, and a linear vibrating device attached to a peripheral portion of the diaphragm. The linear vibrating device includes a conductor line meandering in a wave-like shape along the surface of the diaphragm, and magnets disposed in opposed relation to the conductor line. The magnets are disposed in regions surrounded by adjoining mountain portions and adjoining valley portions of the conductor line. The magnets are arranged in such a manner that every adjoining magnets have their magnetic poles of opposite polarities located close to the conductor line.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric acoustic transducer as formed by ultrasonically welding first and second resin casing components together while causing a piezoelectric vibration plate 5 to be laid between a first resin casing component 3 with sound release holes 3c and a second resin casing component 4, the piezoelectric vibration plate 5 is employed as a specific vibration plate of an approximately rectangular planar shape. As a result, Obtained is a small-size piezoelectric acoustic transducer capable of reducing damages of a piezoelectric vibration plate even where its resin casing is assembled by ultrasonic welding techniques.

Abstract: A fixed electrode is divided into a plurality of electrode pieces and driving signals of different voltages are applied to the electrode pieces such that a distribution of driving forces applied to a vibrator is proportional to the surface displacement distribution in a vibration mode across the vibrator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loudspeaker (480), comprising: a support (483); a sound-generating element (481) mounted to the support for vibration to generate sound; and an electro-active device (485) coupled between the support and the sound-generating element for vibrating the sound-generating element (481) in response to an electrical signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microphone that includes a housing and a diaphragm and backplate located with the housing. The housing has a sound port for receiving the sound. The diaphragm undergoes movement relative to the backplate, which it opposes, in response to the incoming sound. The backplate has a charged layer with a first surface that is exposed to the diaphragm and a second surface opposite the first surface. The backplate further includes a conductor for transmitting a signal from the backplate to electronics in the housing. The conductor faces the second surface of the charged layer. To minimize the charge degradation created by contact with or infiltration of foreign materials, the first surface, the second surface, or both surfaces of the charged layer includes a protective layer thereon.

Abstract: A solid state transducer is disclosed. The transducer comprises a micromachined electrostatic actuator formed of silicon, a support brace disposed about the actuator, and a membrane coupled to the support brace. The actuator is operatively coupled to the membrane. The transducer may be either a receiver or a microphone.

Abstract: A pressure tranducing assembly for converting received pressure into a digital pressure signal. A pressure transmitter adapted to receive a first mechanical pressure from an environment and to transmit that pressure to a pressure processor. The pressure processor is adapted to generate the second or internal mechanical pressure therein in accordance with the first pressure. The pressure processor comprises a pressure signal generator to generate a first analogue pressure signal representative of the second pressure. A pressure compensator within the pressure processor is adapted to receive an analogue pressure compensation signal and to generate an additional pressure to compensate the second pressure at least in part. A pressure signal processor processes the first analogue pressure signal and has negative-feedback capabilities to generate the analogue pressure compensation signal and to generate a digital pressure signal that is representative of at least the second internal pressure as an output signal.

Abstract: A microphone in which a diaphragm which is vibrated by a sound wave received, and a conversion portion such as a magnetic circuit for electrically acting on the diaphragm to convert the vibration into an electric signal are incorporated into a unit case, wherein a first elastic body and a second elastic body are arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively, of an peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm, the diaphragm is mounted on the unit case through the first elastic body on the upper surface of the peripheral edge portion thereof, and one end side of the conversion portion is placed in contact with the second elastic body arranged on the lower surface of the peripheral edge portion of diaphragm to encase the conversion portion into the unit case.

Abstract: A first conductor and a second conductor are provided at a diaphragm. The first and second conductors intersect magnetic force lines between north poles and south poles of permanent magnets M which are adjacent to one another. When electricity passes through the conductors, a direction in which a force from the magnetic field acts on the current is substantially orthogonal to a surface of the diaphragm. Therefore, the diaphragm can be oscillated in the direction orthogonal to the diaphragm surface. The conductors have widths of from 1000 &mgr;m to 2000 &mgr;m. Therefore, relative errors in the widths caused by etching can be greatly reduced compared to the prior art, and etching is easier. Moreover, the conductors are arranged in a zigzag pattern. Because the conductors do not have a coil form, a large number of through-holes is not required as in conventional products.

Abstract: A back plate having a recess in an underside thereof and a stationary back electrode at a central portion thereof is secured to a substrate, a spacer having an opening is mounted on the back plate so as to form a vacancy between an inside wall of the opening and a periphery of the stationary back electrode. A diaphragm electrode is provided on the spacer. The back plate has vents in the vacancy so as to communicate a space between the back electrode and the diaphragm electrode to a space in the recess of the back plate.

Abstract: A touch pad assembly for use in an electronic article. The assembly comprises a touch pad, a coupler for mechanically coupling the touch pad to casing of the electronic article and a transducer which is mounted by coupling means on the coupler or the touch pad to drive the casing as an acoustic radiator. An electronic article can incorporate the same. An electronic article comprises a body in or on which a bending wave loudspeaker is mounted. The loudspeaker comprises a bending wave acoustic radiator and an electromechanical force transducer mounted to the radiator to vibrate the radiator to produce an acoustic output. The transducer has an intended operative frequency range and comprises a resonant element having a frequency distribution of modes in the operative frequency range and coupling means for mounting the transducer to the radiator.

Abstract: A bending wave loudspeaker includes a transparent acoustic radiator capable of supporting bending wave vibration and an electromechanical force transducer mounted to the acoustic radiator to excite bending waves in the acoustic radiator to produce an acoustic output. The transducer has an intended operative frequency range and includes a resonant element having a frequency distribution of modes in the operative frequency range and a coupler for mounting the transducer to the acoustic radiator. The loudspeaker may be incorporated in a telephone handset or a visual display unit.

Abstract: A piezo-electric speaker ensures a uniform sound in a broad band and can easily reproduce a signal of large amplitude or sound. A piezo-electric speaker has a piezo-electric member to generate a vibration according to an electric signal applied thereto. A piezo-electric vibration plate converts the vibration to a sound. The piezo-electric vibration plate is positioned closely to the piezo-electric member. The piezo-electric vibration plate is divided into parts of any configuration and is connected to the piezo-electric member.

Abstract: A device comprising a vibration system having a vibration component capable of vibrating and an electromechanical force transducer mounted to the component to excite vibration in the component. The transducer has an intended operative frequency range and comprises a resonant element having a frequency distribution of modes in the operative frequency range and coupler for mounting the transducer to the component.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer which has at least one stator member with an operating surface and a suspended emitter diaphragm spaced from the operating surface of the stator member to enable the diaphragm to oscillate in response to an applied signal voltage. The diaphragm has increased stiffness in a direction along the diaphragm and within the emitter section to enable the emitter diaphragm to oscillate without applying tension in the direction of stiffness. A clamp member secures the diaphragm to maintain the diaphragm in a fixed position relative to the stator to minimize distortion. The clamp member is positioned to define at least two isolated emitter sections for enhancing the frequency response of the transducer. A method is also provided for generating audio output from an electroacoustic transducer.

Abstract: A micromachined piezoelectric microspeaker and its fabricating method are disclosed. The micromachined piezoelectric microspeaker comprises a diaphragm and a plurality of contact pads. The diaphragm comprises an active area which is flat, and a non-active area which is wrinkled and surrounds the active area. The plurality of contact pads for electrodes are located outside of the diaphragm and over a wafer.

Abstract: An acoustical transducer including a case and a support member, diaphragm, and backplate located within the case. The diaphragm is connected to the support member and is capable of vibrating. The backplate is mounted to the support member and is spaced a distance from the diaphragm to provide a gap between the backplate and the diaphragm. An electret material on the backplate cooperates with the diaphragm to develop a signal which is transmitted to an amplifier. By having an assembly wherein the backplate does not contact the diaphragm, the capacitance of the assembly is reduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for reducing non-linear electrical distortion in an electroacoustic device. Specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for reducing spatially dependent electrical distortion, for example, distortion caused by differences in electrical displacement between a conductive membrane and a counter electrode at different parts of the conductive membrane. The system and method for reducing non-linear electrical distortion has particular application in condenser microphones comprising, for example, a conductive diaphragm receptive to sound, and a backplate electrically coupled thereto to generate an electrical output. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an electroacoustic system comprising a conductive membrane and a counter electrode electrically coupled to the conductive membrane. A face of the counter electrode facing the conductive membrane is curved.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an electret condenser microphone which comprises a casing member having a center axis and including a circular acoustic inlet portion and a cylindrical side portion integrally formed with the acoustic inlet portion, the side portion of the casing member having a first section close to the acoustic inlet portion of the casing member and a second section remote from the acoustic inlet portion of the casing member, the second section of the side portion of the casing member radially inwardly bent toward the center axis of the casing member, a printed circuit board disposed in the casing member and held in contact with the second section of the side portion of the casing member, an electrically insulating member provided on the printed circuit board, an electrode plate provided on the electrically insulating member, and an electrically connecting member intervening between the printed circuit board and the electrode plate to have the printed circuit board and the electrode plate electrically c

Abstract: A raised microstructure for use in a silicon based device, such as a microphone, is disclosed. The raised microstructure comprises a generally planar film having a ribbed sidewall supporting the film.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer based on the capacitor principle includes an essentially rigid electrode and a flexible electrode constructed as a diaphragm. In the central areas of the electrodes the distance between the diaphragm and the rigid electrode is smaller than in the edge areas thereof. The transducer may include a resonator attachment. The diaphragm is deformed into a cone shape or truncated cone shape. The rigid electrode has in the central area thereof an at least essentially circular-cylindrical projection, wherein the diaphragm rests against this projection, for example by a nipple attached to the resonator attachment.

Abstract: A speaker includes a disk-shaped base. A substantially hemispherical surface vibrator is fitted into a substantially circular groove provided in the base and bonded therein. Terminals are attached to electrodes provided on both surfaces of the vibrator. The terminals, passing through the terminal grooves provided in the base, are led out in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base. Further, a horn as a separate member may be attached to the outer surface side of the vibrator.

Abstract: A back plate having a stationary back electrode is secured to a substrate. A diaphragm electrode is mounted on the back plate interposing a spacer. A frame having a sound collecting hole is mounted on the diaphragm electrode.

Abstract: An electret microphone comprises a back plate having a stationary back electrode and secured to a substrate. An electret layer is formed on the stationary back electrode and a spacer is mounted on the back plate. A diaphragm electrode is mounted on the spacer.

Abstract: An electrostatic microphone has a capsule housing and a diaphragm, a rigid electrode, and an electrical circuit on a printed circuit board arranged in the capsule housing. The diaphragm is connected to a ring shoulder provided on the front side of the capsule housing. Preferably, the capsule housing is divided into a housing bottom and a capsule lid, and the ring shoulder is provided on the capsule lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic element and method for sound processing. The acoustic element (1) is made of a porous stator plate (2) which is either electrically conductive or plated on at least one of its surfaces to be conductive. A moving diaphragm (3, 3a, 3b) has been attached to the stator plate (2). To measure as well as produce sound pressure and particle velocity, the equipment comprises two pairs of aforementioned acoustic elements (1). Elements serving as sensors control elements serving as actuators to attenuate and absorb sound.

Abstract: Permanent magnets m18, m28 and m38 each of which is formed in a flat and rectangular shape are disposed on a yoke 20 with the magnetic pole surfaces facing upwardly so that the magnetic pole surfaces whose polarities are different are disposed alternately. A vibrating diaphragm 26 is disposed on the top surface of the yoke 20 so as to be in parallel with the magnetic pole surfaces of the permanent magnets. Pairs of coils L18, L28 and L38 which are wound in a swirled shape and are disposed at the top and rear surfaces of the vibrating diaphragm are disposed on the vibrating diaphragm 26 so as to correspond to the permanent magnets m28 and m38, respectively. Each of the pairs of coils L18, L28 and L38 is wound in a swirled shape so as to be substantially analogous with the external edge of the magnetic pole surface of each of the permanent magnets m18, m28 and m38.

Abstract: A process for locally linking optical and acoustic signals in an audiovisual apparatus and an arrangement comprising a plurality of electro-acoustic transducers are described. There are known audiovisual apparatuses capable of multichannel sound reproduction, wherein, however, no satisfactory local linkage takes place between optical and acoustic signals. Thus a plurality of electro-acoustic transducers are provided. They are electrically controlled independently of each other, and are arranged in the immediate proximity of an image reproduction device. The different image areas then can be associated with the sound signals, emitted by the respective transducers, and originating from the corresponding locations.

Abstract: A microphone includes a separate end cover with a sound port. A diaphragm is directly attached to the end cover. The backplate is positioned within the housing against a ridge near an end of the housing. A spacer is positioned against the backplate. The diaphragm engages the spacer when the end cover, with its attached diaphragm, is installed in the housing. The backplate of the microphone has an integral connecting wire that is made of the same material as the backplate. The integral connecting wire may have an inherent spring force to provide a pressure contact with the accompanying electrical components. The integral connecting wire electrically couples the backplate to the electronic components within the housing and transmits the raw audio signal corresponding to movement of the diaphragm. The housing may have first and second ridges on which the printed circuit board and the electret assembly are mounted, respectively.

Abstract: A hearing aid and method for stimulating the tympanic membrane of a patient via an input of acoustic signals into the middle ear cavity. The hearing aid includes an acoustic signal receiver, a signal processor, and an implantable transducer. In one aspect of the invention, the impedance of the implantable transducer is matched to a characteristic frequency range of the human tympanic membrane to acoustically couple the transducer with the tympanic membrane. In another aspect of the invention, the impedance of the implantable transducer is matched to a measured impedance of a patient's tympanic membrane to achieve the acoustic coupling. In either case, the acoustic signal receiver receives acoustic sounds and generates frequency response signals for the signal processor. The signal processor, in turn, processes the frequency response signals to generate transducer drive signals for the implanted transducer. The acoustically coupled transducer receives the drive signals to generate acoustic signals, e.g.

Abstract: An non-hybrid electrostatic speaker system is provided. Each electrostatic speaker contains a diaphragm positioned between pair of electrically charged stators. A central unit is provided having a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of printed circuit boards. Each speaker employed within the system has a printed circuit board assigned thereto and is mounted within the central unit slots. A single DC power source within the central unit supplies a constant DC voltage to each electrostatic speaker. All electronics needed to operate the speakers are “de-coupled” from the speaker and located within the central unit. The central unit couples to an audio amplification device which is coupled to an audio sound producer.

Abstract: An acoustic diaphragm arranged to face a driving device of a loudspeaker is disclosed. The acoustic diaphragm comprises at least one laminated structure, one of which includes a first carbon fiber layer, a glue layer formed on the first carbon fiber layer, and a second carbon fiber layer formed on the glue layer. The acoustic diaphragm of the present invention has small distortion of sound, less deformation by external force, better stereo, and sound quality, as compared with a conventional diaphragm.

Abstract: A sonic actuator including a multi-layer membrane having a non-metallic elastomeric dielectric polymer layer with a first surface and a second surface, a first compliant electrode layer contacting the first surface of the polymer layer, and a second compliant electrode layer contacting the second surface of the polymer layer. The actuator further includes a support structure in contact with the sonic actuator film. Preferably, the non-metallic dielectric polymer is selected from the group consisting essentially of silicone, fluorosilicone, fluoroelastomer, natural rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, isoprene, and ethylene propylene diene. Also preferably, the compliant electrode layer is made from the group consisting essentially of graphite, carbon, and conductive polymers. The support structure can take the form of grid having a number of circular apertures.

Abstract: A fixed electrode is divided into a plurality of electrode pieces, and driving signals of different voltages are applied to the divided electrode pieces, so that distribution of driving forces applied to a vibrator is proportional to the surface displacement distribution in the unique vibration mode across the vibrator.

Abstract: An electroacoustic capsule or electroacoustic transducer for an electroacoustic device has electrostrictive or magnetostrictive elements connected to a controllable power supply. Dimensional changes of the electrostrictive or magnetostrictive elements cause changes of the inner geometry of the electroacoustic capsule or electroacoustic transducer. This allows the adjustment of the capsule or transducer to the electroacoustic device in which it is mounted so that individual and dynamic adjustments are possible.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer in which a plurality of cymbal-type electro-acoustic actuators are disposed in mechanical and electrical parallel between a pair of stiff plates. The resultant transducer resonates at a lower frequency than the cymbals, with a greater generated force.

Abstract: A vibration wave detector having a first diaphragm for receiving vibration waves, such as sound waves and so on, to be propagated in a medium, a resonant unit having a plurality of cantilever resonators each having such a length as to resonate at an individual predetermined frequency, a retaining rod for retaining the resonant unit, a second diaphragm positioned on the opposite side of the first diaphragm with respect to the retaining rod, and a vibration intensity detector for detecting the vibration intensity, for each predetermined frequency, of each of the resonators, by the vibration waves received by the first diaphragm and propagated to the resonant unit through the retaining rod.

Abstract: A compound electrolytic loudspeaker (10) comprising two major elements: a capacitive transducer (12) and a transducer driver unit (116). The capacitive transducer (12) consist of a compound diaphragm (14) that is suspended within a frame assembly (84) and which consists of a front stator (16) having a front stator electrode (32), a rear stator (34) having a rear stator electrode (50), and a center diaphragm (54) having a diaphragm electrode (68). The electrodes interface with the transducer driver unit (116) which receives and amplifies an audio signal applied from a receiver-amplifier (126). The amplified audio signal drives the capacitive transducer (12) in synchrony with the reveived audio.

Abstract: An electrostatic loudspeaker includes a high resistivity stator with electrode conductivity per square that is constant and/or decreases with distance from the connection point. A contact area of predetermined size is related to the highest frequency of interest. The constant or decreasing surface resistivity of the stators, interacting with the capacitive load of the stator to stator gap, operates as a distributed network such that the active acoustic output is attenuated in a predetermined manner with increased frequency at all points equidistant on the stator from the connection area. The apparent acoustic source size is reduced as the frequency increases to maintain enhanced dispersion across the operating range of the loudspeaker system.

Abstract: A speaker includes a silicone wafer 1, a thermal barrier layer 2 formed by anodizing a part of the silicone wafer 1, and an exothermic electrode 3 made of aluminum formed on the thermal barrier layer 2.

Abstract: A speaker device comprising an electrostatic emitter film which is responsive to an applied variable voltage to emit sonic output based on a desired sonic signal, used in combination with at least a first foam member having a forward face, an intermediate core section and a rear face. The forward face is composed of a composition having sufficient stiffness to support the electrostatic film and includes conductive properties which enable application of a variable voltage to supply the desired sonic signal. The surface of the forward face includes small cavities having surrounding wall structure defining each cavity which terminates at contacting edges approximately coincident with the forward face of the foam member. The film is applied to the forward face of the foam member and biased in direct contact with the contacting edges of the forward face.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a piezo-electric speaker which can generate a sound from the low frequency range to the high frequency range as well as transmit the acoustic vibration to a sound-board with a high efficiency. This is achieved by providing a piezo-electric speaker comprising a piezo-electric member generating a strain according to an electric signal applied thereto; a piezo-electric vibration plate converting the strain to the acoustic vibration; and a sound-board resonating to the acoustic vibration; the piezo-electric plate being supported on the sound-board; the acoustic vibration caused by the piezo-electric vibration plate being propagated from the sound-board to the ambient air to generate a sound.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer which includes at least one stator member with an operating surface positioned adjacent to an emitter diaphragm. The stator member is comprised of at least one stiff sheet of paper having perforations for acoustic transparency. The stator also includes a means to develop electrical conductivity and to receive an applied voltage. An emitter diaphragm is suspended adjacent to and spaced a sufficient distance from the operating surface of the stator member to enable diaphragm oscillation in response to an applied signal voltage. This arrangement permits diaphragm movement within at least one emitter section without creating restrictive contact on the operating surface of the stator member. The diaphragm may be composed of paper with electrical conductivity sufficient to receive an acoustic signal voltage from a voltage source and to vibrate as an acoustic emitter with respect to forces applied at the stator member.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an electret condenser microphone which comprises a casing member having a center axis and including a circular acoustic inlet portion and a cylindrical side portion integrally formed with the acoustic inlet portion, the side portion of the casing member having a first section close to the acoustic inlet portion of the casing member and a second section remote from the acoustic inlet portion of the casing member, the second section of the side portion of the casing member radially inwardly bent toward the center axis of the casing member, a printed circuit board disposed in the casing member and held in contact with the second section of the side portion of the casing member, an electrically insulating member provided on the printed circuit board, an electrode plate provided on the electrically insulating member, and an electrically connecting member intervening between the printed circuit board and the electrode plate to have the printed circuit board and the electrode plate electrically c

Abstract: A capacitor microphone includes a case having an end wall defining an opening for a sound hole, a capacitor portion comprising a diaphragm, a back plate and a spacer, the diaphragm opposing to the back plate via the spacer, the capacitor portion being accommodated in the case in such an manner as the diaphragm is placed on the side of the end wall, and a substrate accommodated in the case farther from the end wall than the capacitor portion, the substrate having an impedance conversion element mounted on a surface thereof facing the capacitor portion. A communicating opening is provided around the back plate in a position opposing to the impedance conversion element for communicating spaces on the front and back sides of the back plate. The communicating opening has a larger area than that of the top of the impedance conversion element to allow the spaces on both sides of the back plate to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A high definition electro-acoustic transducer is made up of at least one solenoid coiled on a rod, with the solenoid linked and electronically mounted in series or in parallel from any part of the audio electrical circuit. The pre-oriented particles of the ambient air undergo de-polarizations caused by the solenoid, which creates sounds. The impedance is adapted by an expert in the field, for example two or ten ohms, and the device, a fixed motor with rotating field, is an acoustic complement for all fields of audio and AV, acting in the ambient space, without using collisions of particles via a membrane, and giving an excellent acoustic reproductive finesse.

Abstract: A sound pressure detecting system comprises a piezoelectric substrate, input and output interdigital transducers formed on an upper end surface of the piezoelectric substrate, a liquid cavity, an air cavity, a partition wall between the liquid cavity and the air cavity, a signal analyzing unit connected between the input- and output interdigital transducers, and a monitor. When an input electric signal is applied to the input interdigital transducer, a leaky elastic wave is excited in the piezoelectric substrate. The leaky elastic wave is radiated effectively in the form of a longitudinal wave into a liquid in the liquid cavity. The longitudinal wave is reflected at the partition wall, and then, is detected at the output interdigital transducer as a delayed electric signal. If the partition wall senses a sound pressure from the outside, the delay time of the delayed electric signal changes.

Abstract: An improved loudspeaker system for a passenger vehicle such as an automobile is disclosed. The system comprises a transducer capable of being excited by applied electric potential and electronic means that is electrically connected to the transducer to apply electric potential thereto. It is a feature of the present invention that the diaphragm driven by the excited transducer is comprised of the headliner of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrostatic transducer with a tubular housing in which a planar transducer membrane is arranged, whereby the transducer membrane is arranged at an angle other than 0° to the cross-section of the housing. Due to the angular arrangement of the transducer membrane to the cross-section of the housing, the transducer membrane is arranged to the ear drum in an anti-parallel fashion, which results in a minimization of the resonances inside the ear passage. Apart from that the angular arrangement of the membrane to the cross-section of the housing causes the surface of the membrane to be raised to the cross-section of the housing, which results in higher acoustic pressures and a lower dominant resonance of the system.

Abstract: A sonic actuator including a multi-layer membrane having an elastomeric dielectric polymer layer with a first surface and a second surface, a first compliant electrode layer contacting the first surface of the polymer layer, and a second compliant electrode layer contacting the second surface of the polymer layer. The actuator further includes a support structure in contact with the sonic actuator film. Preferably, the dielectric polymer is selected from the group consisting essentially of silicone, polyurethane fluorosilicone, fluoroelastomer, natural rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, isoprene, and ethylene propylene diene. Also preferably, the compliant electrode layer is made from the group consisting essentially of graphite, carbon, and conductive polymers. The support structure can take the form of grid having a number of circular apertures.