Acoustic Enclosure Patents (Class 381/345)
  • Publication number: 20040125969
    Abstract: A loud speaker system can include a single woofer and two separate high frequency tweeters coaxially arranged, with the tweeters in back-to-back relation. One tweeter generates a high frequency pressure wave in the space proximate to the woofer diaphragm. The other tweeter directs a high frequency pressure wave directly away from the woofer diaphragm. The woofer diaphragm acts as a reflector for the first high frequency wave, so that the first high frequency wave radiates along the woofer diaphragm surface for merger with the other high frequency wave. The merged waves produce a high frequency wave front having a desired density and wide dispersion window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: William J. Kieltyka, Isaac I. Ferstenberg
  • Publication number: 20040105565
    Abstract: A loudspeaker system has an extended bass or low frequency response. The loudspeaker system integrates a passive radiator with a transducer. The loudspeaker system also mechanically isolates the passive radiator and the transducer. A support mechanism mechanically grounds vibrations or other forces from the transducer and passive radiator that may interfere or affect the operation of the loudspeaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron L. Butters, Sargam Patel
  • Publication number: 20040105564
    Abstract: Disposed within a space formed between a base cover (2) and a top cover (1) attached to the base cover (2) is an electromagnetic sound generating part which has a diaphragm (9) attached to the base cover (29) and a drive part causing the diaphragm (9) to vibrate. The drive part includes a yoke (5) fitted in the base cover (2), a magnet (7) mounted on the yoke (5), a top plate (8) mounted on the magnet (7) and an exciting coil (6) disposed to oppose to side surfaces of the magnet (7) and top plate (8). Coil contact springs (10) are contained into housings (2a) provided on portions of the base cover inside than an outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm. The coil contact springs (10) act to connect the exciting coil (6) with an outside power source. The base cover (2) is provided with a pair of connecting pieces (11) or lead frames which are used to connect the exciting coil (6) and coil contact springs (10). The connecting pieces (11) are embedded in the base cover (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: CITIZEN ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kuwabara, Akira Yoneyama, Yoshizumi Ohta, Terumi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6744902
    Abstract: An enclosure for one or more loudspeakers includes a housing having a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and opposed end panels collectively defining a hollow interior which is open at an aperture formed in one of the panels. A baffle is mounted within the housing interior which supports one or more loudspeakers and forms a port to direct sound radiating from the back of the speakers to the aperture. All of the panels, and at least the portion of the baffle which is visible through the aperture, are covered with carpeting to provide a finished appearance for mounting of the enclosure within the interior of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: JL Audio, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucio Proni
  • Publication number: 20040101152
    Abstract: A speaker system and related method for making the same include a rigid, cylindrically shaped body member with opposite ends and a hollow interior which defines a sound chamber. A base is connected with one end of the body member to support the speaker system within a building room. A high-range speaker is mounted in the sound chamber, with a diaphragm portion located within a first radial opening in the body member to direct high-range sound radially toward the listener. A bass port is mounted in a second radial opening in the body member opposite the high-range speaker, and directs low-range sound in the sound chamber radially toward the listener. A head is mounted on the end of the body member opposite the base member, and includes a mid-bass speaker with a diaphragm oriented axially outwardly, so that sound emitted therefrom is directed axially onto the surfaces of the room to naturally equalize the output of the speaker system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Fingleton
  • Patent number: 6741717
    Abstract: A novel cap for a telephone unit is provided to de-couple the loudspeaker diaphragm from the acoustic resonance in the enclosure and dampen the first resonant frequency of the diaphragm. The cap has a flange located at an outer edge thereof and a cavity provided in the cap. The cap cavity is sized to house an acoustical speaker that is directed outwardly through an aperture in an outer casing of the telephone unit. The flange of the cap is coupled to the outer casing so that the cap covers the aperture. A gap is provided between the cap and the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Mitel Knowledge Corporation
    Inventors: Stephane Dedieu, Philippe Moquin
  • Patent number: 6735320
    Abstract: A loudspeaker comprises an enclosure including a bottom wall, a front wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and opposite the front wall and having an angled wall portion facing generally upwardly and rearwardly. At least one speaker is mounted on the front wall in a given plane to direct sound waves outwardly therefrom and at least one passive device is mounted on the angled wall portion to direct sound waves generally upwardly and rearwardly of the given plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen J. Gertner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040081330
    Abstract: A speaker with cabinet structure includes a frame in a close ring can be in any shape with inner fasten brim on circumference, a diaphragm located on front of frame, a dust proof cap is on the center of the diaphragm; a voice coil is beneath the diaphragm, an insulation ring is under the voice coil, an iron core and a magnet is also under insulation ring, a pressing ring fastens the diaphragm onto the inner fasten brim, the frame is placed on the open of a box with corresponding shape to form a sealed space inside box to bounce the diaphragm back. When the diaphragm vibrates, the sealed air inside the speaker box can perform the best frequency response, functions like a acoustic cabinet and avoid the damper, he sealed space can achieve the waterproof and moisture proof effect, the structure is simpler for lower manufacturing cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Hsi-Chung Lin
  • Publication number: 20040081325
    Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic structure which complies with protection standard IP 67 and which can be used to provide hands-free capability e.g. in cellular terminals or small radio receivers. The acoustic structure comprises, in a device body (100), two interconnected, separate cavities for speaker means (151, 152, 153) and isolating means (120, 125, 130, 140). An isolating diaphragm (125) belonging to the speaker arrangement according to the invention is utilized simultaneously as an isolating means against dust and water and as a sound-reproduction element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Janne Rautio, Juha Petteri Jylanki
  • Patent number: 6728386
    Abstract: An electro-acoustic communications unit (10) such as a mobile telephone and a telephone handset or headset. The unit has a receiver transducer (12) generating sound signals from a first side (15) of the transducer, and the sound signals are output from the unit through one or more openings (17) in the housing (11). The transducer (12) is secured to a structure of the unit with its first side facing away from that structure. The transducer can thereby be placed at any desired location in the unit including in particular other structures than the housing wall, and a volume in the housing is included in the sound path from the transducer to the user's ear. The telephone can thus be very compact and still be leak-tolerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kirk Acoustics A/S
    Inventor: Morten Kjeldsen Andersen
  • Publication number: 20040076304
    Abstract: The frequency at which standing waves occur in a loudspeaker enclosure may be reduced by the addition of an internal barrier to the enclosure in order to lengthen the effective length of an internal dimension of the enclosure. Additionally, the internal barrier may be configured such that it forms a resistive coupling between two sides of the barrier. By configuring the internal barrier to form a resistive coupling, aberrations in the frequency response of the loudspeaker caused by certain standing waves may be dampened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Eric J. Freeman, T. Holl
  • Publication number: 20040071309
    Abstract: A case is provided for mounting an information equipment and a frame of the compound sound generator is set in the case. A speaker and receiver are provided in the frame. A first back chamber is formed in the speaker and a second back chamber is formed in the receiver. A baffle is formed integrally with the frame so as to separate the first and second back chambers from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Furuya, Hironori Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 6711274
    Abstract: A compound speaker has first and second sound production devices provided in a case. First and second sound discharge holes are formed in the case for discharging sounds produced by the first and second sound production devices, respectively. The first sound discharge hole is formed in a peripheral side wall of the case so as to discharge sounds in a lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Asahina, Masahito Furuya
  • Publication number: 20040052393
    Abstract: A loud speaker enclosure being made in two parts with each of the side panels cut into angle form to assist in angle adjustment, alone with pivot hinges and friction lid supports used to hold it's angled position. The enclosure can be modified to accommodate any design or style of driver boards. In addition to any design of loudspeaker any orientation of enclosing may be incorporated with this invention also. This enclosure can be used with out driver board 5B were by Box B would then operate as a angle adjusting base for Box T.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew P. Bronson
  • Publication number: 20040052387
    Abstract: A method of preparing a parametric speaker transducer for (i) generating sonic or subsonic audio output by propagating two frequencies having a difference in value equal to the desired sonic or subsonic audio output and (ii) decoupling the two frequencies to generate the desired audio output, the method comprising the steps of:
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: American Technology Corporation.
    Inventors: Mark Norris, James J. Croft
  • Patent number: 6704426
    Abstract: A bandpass loudspeaker enclosure system including at least one electro-acoustic transducer with a vibratable diaphragm having a first acoustical coupling surface and a second acoustical coupling surface, and at least one differential area passive radiator with three separate acoustical coupling surface areas. The first acoustical coupling surface of the vibratable diaphragm is substantially air coupled through a first enclosure volume to a first of the three separate acoustical coupling surface areas of the at least one differential area passive radiator. A second of the three separate acoustical coupling surface areas of the at least one differential area passive radiator is substantially air coupled through a second chamber to the external environment through a restricted acoustic opening or passive acoustic radiator of predetermined characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: American Technology Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Croft, III
  • Publication number: 20040028246
    Abstract: A speaker device includes an acoustic capacity unit; an acoustic pipe connected to the acoustic capacity unit; and a driving speaker attached to the acoustic capacity unit. The acoustic capacity unit and the acoustic pipe constitute the Helmholtz resonator, and resonate at a predetermined Helmholtz resonant frequency. On the other hand, the acoustic pipe itself has a resonant frequency. By setting the resonant frequency of the acoustic pipe to be 0.5 to 2.5 octaves higher than the Helmholtz resonant frequency, the speaker device can be obtained which outputs signals of continuous frequency band from the Helmholtz resonant frequency to the resonant frequency of the acoustic pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Koji Maekawa, Hiroyuki Dohi
  • Publication number: 20040022405
    Abstract: An electroacoustical transducer has an enclosure having a thickness substantially smaller than the width and the depth. The transducer includes a first rigid sheet, a second rigid sheet, and a spacing structure for spacing the first rigid sheet from the second rigid sheet to define an acoustic enclosure, having a top, a bottom and a side edge. The top includes the first rigid sheet and the bottom includes the second rigid sheet. The transducer includes an acoustic transducer for exchanging sound waves with the acoustic enclosure. The enclosure has a plurality of outlet points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald F. Caron, Jeffrey Hoefler, Christopher B. Ickler, Roberto M. Dizon
  • Patent number: 6675932
    Abstract: This invention provides a speaker enclosure that minimizes or defuses standing waves and minimizes resonance within the operating frequency range of its transducers. To minimize standing waves, the speaker enclosure has no two surfaces that are parallel to each other thus preventing the propagation of standing waves. The interior surface of the speaker enclosure may have ribs spaced apart on any surface that is prone to resonate so that the surface is strengthened such that it resonates at a predetermined frequency that is typically outside of the operating frequency range of the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Pedro Manrique, David Wathen
  • Patent number: 6668063
    Abstract: The electrical apparatus (10) in particular a telephone comprises a box (12) and an electro-acoustic transducer (16) disposed in said box (12). Said box (12) comprises a bearing zone (25) supporting an ear of a user, said bearing zone (25) comprising an exit aperture (26) of said electro-acoustic transducer (16). Said box (12) furthermore comprises a decompression aperture (32) made through said bearing zone (25). The electrical apparatus (10) comprises an essentially sealed resonant enclosure (18), inside which is disposed said electro-acoustic transducer (16). Said enclosure (18) comprises an interference aperture (28) made through a wall (20) of said enclosure, and a leakage aperture (30) linking said rear volume (24) to the outside. Said interference aperture (28) emerges through said bearing zone (25). Said leakage aperture (30) emerges through a zone separate from said bearing zone (25). Said decompression aperture (32) emerges outside said enclosure (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Telecom Europe
    Inventors: Lionel Cimaz, Laurent Steenackers, Christian Bernard Gautier, Philippe Organo
  • Patent number: 6665412
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a speaker device or the like capable of stably providing desired directivity provided by a combination of omnidirectionality and bidirectionality down to ultra low frequencies. A speaker (22) is attached to one end face of a speaker box (21) and a sound wave radiation port (23) in a circular shape covered with acoustic resistance material (24) is installed at other end face thereof. The sound wave radiation port (23) is for radiating air vibration produced by a rear face of a speaker diaphragm to outside as sound wave and an axis penetrating the center extends in a direction of a principal axis (reference axis) of the speaker (22). A low pass filter is constituted by acoustic resistance and acoustic mass of the sound wave radiation port (23) and acoustic mass provided by air in the speaker box and a directivity is provided by utilizing group delay time in a pass band of sound wave radiated from the sound wave radiation port (23) via the low pass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Mizoguchi
  • Patent number: 6665413
    Abstract: An infrasonic Helmholtz resonator capable of producing clean sinusoidal frequencies in the range of 6-14 Hz is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John K. Domen
  • Patent number: 6636610
    Abstract: By providing an enclosure having an acoustically optimum size and an effective or virtual air volume for optimum performance, a loudspeaker system is realized which is able to faithfully reproduce desired input signals, particularly, lower frequencies or bass sounds, in a seemingly small or undersized enclosure. In addition, the loudspeaker system of the present invention eliminates the distortion components found in prior art systems. Preferably, the loudspeaker enclosure of the present invention is cylindrical in cross-section, comprises the loudspeaker or driver mounted at one end of the cylinder, and an inwardly extending hemispherical baffle sealingly mounted to the opposed end of the cylindrical enclosure. In addition, a plurality of holes or vents are formed in the rear baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Sonic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Betts
  • Patent number: 6628797
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved loudspeaker comprising a pre-stressed cabinet and a loudspeaker unit fixed to the inside of the cabinet. The cabinet comprises a hollow conical assembly including two conical bodies of high-rigidity metal, one press-fitted into the other by applying an increased compressive force. The hollow conical assembly has front and rear plates closing its front and rear openings. These front and rear plates are pulled toward each other by tightening screw rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: N.P.L. Ltd.
    Inventor: Teppei Yamada
  • Patent number: 6628799
    Abstract: The outer peripheral site of a loudspeaker unit is provided with predetermined air passages formed along substantially the overall inner perimeter of an opening in a baffle plate for allowing a communication between the interior and the exterior of an enclosure, whereby there is provided a loudspeaker system capable of achieving, e.g., improvements in low-frequency characteristics and in transient characteristics while implementing reductions in size and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Sakuji Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6625292
    Abstract: An enclosure for one or more loudspeakers includes a housing having a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel and opposed end panels collectively defining a hollow interior which is open at an aperture formed in one of the panels. A baffle is mounted within the housing interior which supports one or more loudspeakers and forms a port to direct sound radiating from the back of the speakers to the aperture. All of the panels, and at least the portion of the baffle which is visible through the aperture, are covered with carpeting to provide a finished appearance for mounting of the enclosure within the interior of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: JL Audio, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucio Proni
  • Patent number: 6625289
    Abstract: A stereo loudspeaker system (1) consists of a unitary enclosure (2), the rear wall (3) of which is oriented towards a reflecting wall (13), said enclosure (2) including an even number of low-frequency loudspeakers (15) which are disposed symmetrically in the rear wall (3) at an angle to each other. In addition to the low-frequency loudspeakers, the system includes a number of the loudspeakers (16, 17) which are all housed in the same enclosure (2) and are disposed approximately in the same loudspeaker plane or, at least some of them, in pairs at equal distances therefrom. The reflecting wall (13) can consist of a wall of a listening room or of a reflector belonging to the stereo loudspeaker system and connected to said enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Triple W Trading B.V.
    Inventor: Robert J. Oliemuller
  • Patent number: 6625291
    Abstract: The present invention includes a loudspeaker system having at least one loudspeaker drive unit; at least one loudspeaker enclosure for housing the loudspeaker drive unit(s), the loudspeaker enclosure(s) having resonating chamber(s), wherein the loudspeaker drive unit(s) produces at least one standing wave in the resonating chamber(s); and at least one internal resonance control structure, the internal resonance control structure being positioned within the loudspeaker enclosure to form a tapering cross-sectional area within the resonating chamber(s) in relation to the loudspeaker drive unit(s) to substantially diffuse the standing wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: David S. Mohler
  • Publication number: 20030174851
    Abstract: A hybrid bass reflex loudspeaker system capable of optimized sub-bass (<250 Hz) response. The basic low frequency loudspeaker system incorporates a ported cabinet, an electromechanical driver, a virtual acoustic radial transmission line (VARTL) and a radial right angle wave-guide (RRAWG). The aperiodic VARTL is disposed around and in front of the cone of the driver so as to allow the driver to maintain loading to very low frequencies, while simultaneously isolating the driver from reflected signals acoustic summation or stimulus. The VARTL slows the speed of the wave, thereby causing delay and intentional loading of the driver cone while, by the way of radial expansion, allows adequate exit velocity VARTL enhanced loading increases the effective isolation of driver and port to enhance the depth of the cone null at resonance to approach infinity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Princeton Plummer
  • Publication number: 20030165249
    Abstract: When a sound signal is received, a sound wave generated on an upper surface of a vibration plate is transmitted to a sound collection portion through a first air passage, and a sound wave generated on a lower surface of the vibration plate is transmitted to the sound collection portion through a second air passage. The sound waves generated above and below the upper and lower surfaces of the vibration plate are about 180 degrees out of phase from each other and substantially cancel each other which minimize or prevent howling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20030161493
    Abstract: Transducer (100, 200, 300, 500, 600) for converting mechanical vibrations to an electrical signal and/or for converting an electrical signal to mechanical vibration. Damping liquid (122, 222, 522, 622) damps the relative vibration of transducer components (110, 250, 252, 254, 510, 610). The damping liquid can be selected to optimize the sound quality of acoustic vibrations at the point of transduction. Also, a transducer with components that rotate relative to each other (304, 310, 504, 510, 604, 610). For example, a permanent magnet component may simultaneous vibrate rotationally and linearly with respect to an electric signal carrying coil. The characteristics of the rotational vibration may be adjusted to optimize sound quality of acoustic vibrations at the point of transduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: David Lee Hosler
  • Patent number: 6609589
    Abstract: A speaker enclosure (10) comprising a speaker box (12) having an opening (27) and adapted for mounting within a wall (20) upon a wall stud (22); a compressible gasket (14) affixed about the box opening (27); a faceplate (16); and a plurality of independently adjustable coupling mechanisms (18) for coupling the faceplate (16) with the box (12). The protruding, uncompressed gasket (14) is compressed by the faceplate (16) and the coupling mechanisms (18), which may be independently adjusted to provide an optimum and substantially uniform degree of separation between faceplate (16) and wall (20), thereby reducing distortion, vibration, and damage due to undesirable contact therebetween. A spring (160) is provided to prevent over-compression of the gasket (14) due to heavy or low frequency speakers, thereby facilitating maintaining the uniform degree of separation; and a spacer (162) is provided to maintain the spring (160) in its operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Multi Service Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher E. Combest
  • Publication number: 20030156728
    Abstract: The present invention is relative to a loudspeaker protective unit for protecting a loudspeaker device against an excessive input. The loudspeaker protective unit includes a lamp (15) connected in series with the loudspeaker unit for protecting the loudspeaker unit against an excessive input. The lamp (15) is housed in a casing (16) exhibiting light-sealing properties. The casing (16), housing the lamp (15), is formed of an electrically conductive material, and is sealed with a sealant exhibiting preset electrical conductivity. The spacing between lead lines (153A), (153B) of the lamp (55) housed in the casing (56) is of a preset value. A preset inert gas is sealed within a main lamp body unit (151) and a preset voltage is applied to the main lamp body unit (151). When a preset voltage is applied across the between lead lines (153A), (153B), an electrical discharge is produced to interrupt the current flowing through the filament (154) to prohibit temperature rise in the lamp (55).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Ikuo Chatani, Yukio Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20030076975
    Abstract: This invention provides a speaker port with a flare having an inner wall that minimizes or reduces boundary layer separation. Fluids, such as air and sound waves, flow through the port at a higher velocity when boundary layer separation is minimized or reduced. The inner wall of the port is contoured so that the pressure gradient or change in pressure along the longitudinal axis of the port from its inlet duct to outlet duct is substantially constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Brendon Stead, Clayton Williamson
  • Patent number: 6550570
    Abstract: A speaker enclosure (10) comprising a speaker box (12) having an opening (27) and adapted for mounting within a wall (20) upon a wall stud (22); a compressible gasket (14) affixed about the box opening (27); a faceplate (16); and a plurality of independently adjustable coupling mechanisms (18) for coupling the faceplate (16) with the box (12). The uncompressed gasket (14) protrudes beyond the wall surface (26) until the faceplate (16) is brought into contact with and compresses the gasket (14) by the coupling mechanisms (18) which may be independently adjusted to provide an optimum and substantially uniform degree of separation between faceplate (16) and wall (20), thereby reducing distortion, vibration, and damage due to undesirable contact therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Multi Service Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher E. Combest
  • Patent number: 6553124
    Abstract: An acoustic device, e.g. a loudspeaker, comprising a resonant multi-mode acoustic radiator panel having opposed faces, a vibration exciter arranged to apply bending wave vibration to the resonant panel to produce an acoustic output, a cavity enclosing at least a portion of one panel face and arranged to contain acoustic radiation from the portion of the panel face, wherein the cavity is such as to modify the modal behaviour of the panel. Also disclosed is a method of modifying the modal behaviour of a resonant panel acoustic device, comprising bringing the resonant panel into close proximity with a boundary surface to define a resonant cavity therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: New Transducers Limited
    Inventors: Henry Azima, Joerg Panzer
  • Publication number: 20030068058
    Abstract: A sound system employing wide band loudspeakers, which includes one or more loudspeakers constructed to be placed and housed one inside the other in a closed configuration for transporting and storing and to be detached one from the other and positioned in different combinations in a combined functional configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: OUTLINE S.n.c. di Noselli G. & C.
    Inventor: Guido Noselli
  • Publication number: 20030063766
    Abstract: An enclosure assembly for use in an audio speaker includes a driver support, a plurality of cavity forming layers disposed rearward of the driver support, and an end piece disposed adjacent a rearward most cavity forming layer. The driver support includes a front and rear and is adapted to support a driver. Each cavity forming layer includes an outer peripheral edge and a void disposed inward of the outer peripheral edge. The void defines an inner circumferential edge. The cavity forming layers may be removably joined such that the voids and the end piece cooperate to form a cavity rearward of the driver support. The cavity forming layers cooperate to advantageously modify the sound performance of the speaker, while providing a high degree of adjustability to the speaker's application environment. Methods of providing the enclosure assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Barry Goldslager, Philip A. Goldslager, Philip W. Goldslager
  • Publication number: 20030063767
    Abstract: A novel cap for a telephone unit is provided to de-couple the loudspeaker diaphragm from the acoustic resonance in the enclosure and dampen the first resonant frequency of the diaphragm. The cap has a flange located at an outer edge thereof and a cavity provided in the cap. The cap cavity is sized to house an acoustical speaker that is directed outwardly through an aperture in an outer casing of the telephone unit. The flange of the cap is coupled to the outer casing so that the cap covers the aperture. A gap is provided between the cap and the outer casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Mitel Knowledge Corporation
    Inventors: Stephane Dedieu, Philippe Moquin
  • Patent number: 6526150
    Abstract: An apparatus for a microphone and speaker is provided which provides a sealed chamber behind the speaker to prevent sound waves behind the speaker from cancelling sound waves in front of the speaker. In addition, the apparatus is configured to mechanically isolate the speaker from the apparatus housing in order to improve performance of the system. A pliant material such as a damping material with a relatively linear compression characteristic, such as a thermal plastic elastomer, may be used to isolate the speaker from the apparatus housing as well as providing a relatively air tight chamber behind the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Information & Communication Mobile, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel B. Kelly, Jason B. Kihneman, Wayne E. McKinnon
  • Patent number: 6522759
    Abstract: A reduced-size speaker for generating sound waves in wide low frequency audio region includes a cylindrical main body which is open at the top and bottom surfaces, a top lid being provided on the top surface of the main body and a circular ring-shaped base, which has a hole in its center, being provided on the bottom surface of the main body. A circular sound pipe is provided approximately in the center of the top lid and extends from the upper surface of the main body through the inside of the main body. A disc-like film is provided over the opening of the hole of the base, which is located at the outer side with respect to the main body, the disc-like film being held between the base and a circular ring-shaped bottom lid. A disc-like sound generator is provided in the opening of the hole of the base, which is located at the inner side with respect to the main body, with a circular ring-shaped damper provided in between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takan Mori
  • Patent number: 6513622
    Abstract: A full-frequency-range cinema loudspeaker system intended or deployment in limited space behind a perforated cinema screen is configured as three modules: (1) a high-frequency module having a compression driver working into a horn-shaped waveguide that is specially shaped to compensate for beam-spreading effects of the perforated screen, (2) a midrange module providing a specially shaped waveguide with a multiple throat portion that mounts four cone-type drivers in a vertical array, the four individual throat regions merging into a common mouth portion of the waveguide that flares out to the front of the module, and (3) a vented-port low-frequency module with two cone-type low-frequency loudspeaker units. The three modules are stacked with the high-frequency module on top and the low-frequency module at bottom; The modules are all made to have a uniform width and a depth of under eighteen inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Gelow, Bernard M. Werner
  • Patent number: 6504939
    Abstract: The outer peripheral site of a loudspeaker unit is provided with predetermined air passages formed along substantially the overall inner perimeter of an opening in a baffle plate for allowing a communication between the interior and the exterior of an enclosure, whereby there is provided a loudspeaker system capable of achieving, e.g., improvements in low-frequency characteristics and in transient characteristics while implementing reductions in size and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Sakuji Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20030002702
    Abstract: This invention provides a baffle formed from a thermoset composite material such as Bulk Molding Compound (BMC), Thick Molding Compound (TMC), or Sheet Molding Compound (SMC). Due to the physical properties of BMCs, TMCs, and SMCs, the baffle may be molded to minimize the propagation of vibrational energy and resonant mode behavior while providing high strength and rigidity. The baffle may also be formed so transducer mounts, ports and wave-guides may be molded into the baffle shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Harman International Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: David H. Cox, Bernard M. Werner, Mary Vosse
  • Patent number: 6493456
    Abstract: A personal electronic device includes a main body and an ear flip member coupled to the main body. The ear flip member includes a speaker assembly. The speaker assembly includes a housing including front and rear opposed surfaces spaced apart along a depthwise axis. A transducer is disposed in the housing between the front and rear surfaces and along each of the depthwise axis, a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the depthwise axis, and a transverse axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the depthwise axis. The housing defines a tuned resonator volume therein and in fluid communication with the transducer. At least a portion of the tuned resonator volume is disposed laterally adjacent the transducer along at least one of the longitudinal and transverse axes. The ear flip member may be coupled to a main body of a personal electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L.M. Ericsson
    Inventor: Magnus F. Hansson
  • Patent number: 6493455
    Abstract: The invention relates to a loudspeaker assembly including a housing having a central driver mounting plate upon which a driver is mounted. The central driver mounting plate and the driver divide the housing into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, wherein the lower compartment includes at least one slot providing fluid communication between an interior of the lower compartment and an external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis A. Tracy
  • Patent number: 6490361
    Abstract: In an apparatus (1) having a housing (2) and having an electroacoustic transducer (14) accommodated in the inner housing space (9) and having at least one passage (28, 29) which traverses a housing wall (6, 7) and which, together with the inner housing space (9) and the rear volume (25) of the transducer (14), which rear volume (25) is open to the inner housing space (9), forms an absorption-circuit resonator which causes a dip (31) in the sound pressure versus frequency response(27), a compensator (32) for the compensation of the dip (31) in the sound pressure versus frequency response (27) is provided and includes the housing (2) being provided with a plurality of ducts (33, 34, 35, 36; 41) traversing the housing (2), each duct forming an acoustic friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Erich Klein
  • Patent number: 6487297
    Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a cylindrical sound case provided with a plurality of radial ribs thereby dividing interior of the cylindrical sound case into a plurality of chambers and a common circular space at a central portion and therefore forming a plurality of resonance chambers, a sound coil assembly including cylindrical member which is open at one side and formed with a curved surface at another, the curved surface having a center through hole, the cylindrical member being dimensioned so that the cylindrical member will be tightly engaged with the ribs when fitted into the sound case thus forming a plurality of resonance chambers, a collar having a tubular reel at one end and a curved diaphragm at another end being arranged inside the cylindrical member, and a magnet assembly including a circular iron member having a central recess in which is fitted a magnet and a magnetism permeable disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Yen Chin-Fa
  • Publication number: 20020154788
    Abstract: A speaker system is provided which includes a sound box and a speaker mounted in the sound box. The sound box is divided into a plurality of air chambers, each of which is formed with at least an air dissipating hole connecting the atmosphere of the box and at least an air passing hole connecting at least a neighboring air chamber, so as to generate behind the speaker pressurized air cushions corresponding to each frequency band of the frequency response of the speaker. Meanwhile, upon reaching the air dissipating hole of each air chamber the air cushions are generated depressurized and vanished at an appropriate timing so that formerly air cushions do not interfere with those generated in succession; therefore each frequency band of the frequency response of the speaker is provided with an appropriate and independent pressurized air cushion so that high fidelity sound frequencies can be reproduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Jen-Hui Tsai
  • Patent number: 6470088
    Abstract: A loudspeaker enclosure includes a rectangular cabinet having an acoustical port mounted in one of the vertical walls. A loudspeaker is installed in a bottom wall of the cabinet facing away from an interior volume of the cabinet. A highly resistive acoustic foam is positioned in front of the loudspeaker to restrict the direct radiation of the loudspeaker, so that the usable acoustic radiation emanates from the acoustical port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Schott