Armature Diaphragm Patents (Class 381/417)
  • Patent number: 7319766
    Abstract: An improved in-wall speaker assembly providing better performance and less intrusion than prior art speakers. The speaker assembly is oriented such that the driver fires vertically, parallel to the wall studs, rather than horizontally and perpendicular to the wall studs. The cone and surround of the speaker assembly are generally rectangular and/or conform to the area available between studs. Additionally, the cone is not attached to the voice coil, but is connected to the voice coil by a shaft which transmits the energy from the voice coil to the cone. In another aspect of the invention, the cabinet or housing includes two housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Velodyne Acoustics, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Hall, Chris Kallai, Richard Yoder, Felix E. Stephens
  • Patent number: 7302748
    Abstract: A linkage assembly (140) is used for mechanically coupling an armature (124) and a diaphragm (118) of a balanced receiver (100), the linkage assembly (140) formed from a first linkage member (822) displaced from a strip of stock material (800) relative to the plane of the stock material (800) and a second linkage member (826) displaced from the strip (800) relative to the plane. The first and second linkage members (822, 826) are then joined while secured to the strip (800). At least one severable connecting member (870a-c) securing the linkage member to the strip (800) is severed to release the linkage member from the strip for assembly of the linkage member into the receiver. A method of forming a three-dimensional structure from flat stock is used to form the linkage assembly (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Mekell Jiles, David Earl Schafer
  • Patent number: 7236609
    Abstract: A transducer comprising a pair of spaced magnets at least partially forming a tunnel having a central axis. A coil having a first and a second side wall and an upper and a lower wall at least partially forms the tunnel. A reed having a central portion extends through the tunnel. The reed has a stationary end, a deflection end, and a tip portion which lies at least partially between the magnets, wherein the reed is mounted for deflection towards or away from the respective magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC.
    Inventors: Paris Tsangaris, Thomas E. Longwell, Thomas E. Miller, Dennis Ray Kirchhoefer, Daniel M. Warren
  • Patent number: 7224814
    Abstract: A two-way communication device includes a magnetoelastic rod located between an inertial back mass and a front panel of low mass. A coil is located in the vicinity of the rod, and the rod and coil together define an audio-electric transducer. An electronic processing circuit ensures that an audio-electric signal input to the device is applied to the coil to produce a sound wave from the low mass front panel and that when a sound wave impinges on the low mass front panel an audio-electric signal is produced and output from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Bryan Paul Cross, John Anthony Moran
  • Patent number: 7203334
    Abstract: A paddle (142) of a diaphragm (118) of a receiver (100) is manufactured using one or more layers of a material selected for their inertial mass and rigidity. The paddle may have a layered structure with stiff outer layers such as aluminum and a less dense inner layer, such as thermoplastic adhesive. The inner and outer layers are selected to give an inertial mass matching that of an armature (124) of the receiver (100) and to give a lowest frequency bending resonance above a desired range, for example, 14 KHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC.
    Inventors: David Earl Schafer, Mekell Jiles
  • Patent number: 7164776
    Abstract: A balanced receiver providing significantly reduced vibration is disclosed. The balanced receiver comprises a closed loop operably attached between an armature and a diaphragm. The effective moving mass of the diaphragm is designed to match the effective moving mass of the armature. The closed loop facilitates the balancing of the motion of the diaphragm and the motion of the armature, thus reducing the vibration of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas Miller, August Mostardo, Elmer Carlson, David E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 7062062
    Abstract: An electromagnetic sound producing device has a yoke, a coil, a permanent magnet, and a diaphragm provided in a case. The permanent magnet is made of SmFeN-base isotropy plastic magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 7054460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an miniature actuator especially suitable for hearing aid applications. The actuator according to the present invention operates according to the change in reluctance principle. In particular, the actuator according to the present invention operates in a balanced configuration comprising two planar coils, two magnets, a membrane and a spacer chip providing the necessary back chamber volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: SonionMEMS A/S
    Inventors: Pirmin Rombach, Jörg Rehder
  • Patent number: 7038335
    Abstract: A vertical vibrator is disclosed. The vibrator comprises a casing, a magnetic field part including a yoke and a magnet fixed to an inner surface of the yoke, a spring member fixed at one end to the casing and at the other end to the magnetic field part, a vibration part having a weight integrally mounted to the magnetic field part and vibrating together with the magnetic field part through the spring member, a vibration coil located below the magnetic field part for generating an electric field, and a magnetic fluid applied to an upper surface of the spring member corresponding to the magnet and fixed in position by a magnetic flux. The vibrator absorbs contact noise and impact caused by contact between the vibration part and the other members while ensuring convenient and appropriate positioning of the magnetic fluid, thereby having an extended life span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon Choi, Il Oung Park
  • Patent number: 6853735
    Abstract: An electromagnetic receiver of a balanced armature type is employed as a receiver to be mounted in a portable telephone. The balance armature receiver has lower power consumption and higher electric acoustic conversion efficiency. The balanced armature receiver provides a required output even though small in size. The receiver occupies a considerably reduced space in the portable telephone, compared with a conventional portable telephone having a conventional dynamic receiver. The longitudinal wall of the receiver is parallel to the upper edge of a liquid crystal display panel, so that the liquid crystal display panel is extended upward and considerably enlarged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Imahori, Kiyoshi Urushibata, Isao Fushimi
  • Patent number: 6815846
    Abstract: Disclosed is a linear voice coil actuator having a latching feature, the actuator having a coil assembly, a field assembly, a magnetic structure positioned in the coil assembly, and a stop which limits the position of the magnetic structure with respect to the field assembly when the coil is not energized. The coil assembly has a coil base and a coil located in a cavity in the coil base. The field assembly preferably has an axially magnetized cylindrical magnet, a soft pole piece, and a soft magnetic housing. Preferably the magnetic structure is a magnetic plate positioned coaxially with the axis of magnetization of the magnet and having a diameter or a thickness which is selected to set a latching force between the plate and the magnet when the coil is not energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: BEI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikhail Godkin
  • Patent number: 6807283
    Abstract: A core having a coil wound thereon is fixed to a base at the bottom. The base is fixed to a case made of synthetic resin by insert molding. A diaphragm is fixed to the case in circumference, and also a magnetic flux guide member is fixed to the case in circumference. Since the diaphragm and the magnetic flux guide member is commonly fixed to the case, no variation in the distance between the diaphragm and the magnetic flux guide member would occur for every product. Further, a gap L is formed between the magnet and the magnetic flux guide member, and an air hole is formed in the magnetic flux guide member. This improves the passage of air and reduces air dumper effect without modifying the magnet in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Masuda, Yoshiharu Oishi, Kazushi Suzuki, Harunobu Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 6804369
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer 1 includes a base 24 made of a magnetic material; a magnetic core 22 made of a magnetic material and upstanding on the base 24; a diaphragm 20 made of a magnetic material and spaced from a leading end of the magnetic core; a magnetic field generating member 25 cooperating with the base 24, the magnetic core 22 and the diaphragm 20 to constitute a magnetic circuit, for supplying a static magnetic field; a coil 23 placed around the magnetic core, for supplying an oscillating magnetic field to the magnetic circuit. The magnetic field generating member 25 constitutes a multiplex ring structure in which a magnet 25a and a support ring 26 are integrated together, whose faces opposing the diaphragm 20 have respectively magnetic poles of the same polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Masuda, Takahiro Sone
  • Publication number: 20040184636
    Abstract: An armature for a receiver comprising a first and a second leg portion each having a thickness and a width and connected to each other, and a connection portion in communication with the first and second leg portions. The connection portion has a width greater than the width of the first and second leg portions individually. The connection portion reduces the stiffness of the armature and minimizes magnetic reluctance of the connection between the first and second leg portions. According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second leg portions are integrally formed with the connection portion and the connection portion includes at least a portion having a thickness less than the thickness of the first and second leg portions individually to reduce the stiffness of the armature. According to another aspect of the invention, the first and second leg portions are separately formed and attached to the connection portion in a way that reduces the stiffness of the armature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: KNOWLES ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Warren, Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 6778677
    Abstract: An electronic linear motor particularly for use with loudspeakers includes first and second annular counterfacing air gaps centered on a motor axis. An armature and spider carry first and second voice coils in the first and second annular air gaps, respectively. A rigid link connects the armature and an output device, such as a loudspeaker cone. A releasable coupling attaches either or both ends of the rigid link to an adjacent armature or output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: C. Ronald Coffin
  • Publication number: 20040151340
    Abstract: An armature for a receiver includes a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a connection portion in communication with the first and second leg portions. The connection portion reduces the stiffness of the armature and minimizes magnetic reluctance of the connection between the first and second leg portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: KNOWLES ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Miller
  • Patent number: 6763571
    Abstract: In a folded armature assembly the vibratory end portion of the armature is prelocatable both translationally and rotationally relative to the facing pole surfaces of the permanent magnetic flux means before attachment of the supported portion of the armature to said means. The armature has wings extending laterally from the supported portion to form therewith a connecting bridge portion, and the wings are formed to provide pads extending normal to the bridge. A magnet strap with attached magnets fits slidably between the pads, with a clearance from the bridge of the armature, to permit said locations before the parts are permanently attached. After attachment and with the magnets magnetized, the armature may be adjusted substantially in translation to magnetic center between the pole faces by appropriate plastic deformation of the bridge. In a preferred embodiment, an improved structure is provided for viscoelastic damping of the undesirable second natural resonant mode of the folded armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Tibbetts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Tibbetts, Joseph A. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 6757403
    Abstract: A bobbin unit includes a base portion and a coil winding portion on which a conductor is wound. A hole is formed in a central part of the base portion to allow an armature to pass through. Coil side terminals to which ends of the conductor are fixed and signal input terminals to which an external signal is entered are provided at opposite ends of the base portion with the hole located in between. The coil side terminals are electrically connected to their corresponding signal input terminals inside the base portion. A coil is formed on the coil winding portion by winding the conductor. The ends of the conductor are fixed to the respective coil side terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Urushibata, Tomonari Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6678388
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer (1) includes a base (24) and magnetic core (22) a diaphragm (20) supported with a gap between the diaphragm and a forward end of the magnetic core, a magnet (25) constituting a magnetic circuit together with the base (24), the magnetic core (22) and the diaphragm (20) a coil (23) disposed around the magnetic core a coil bobbin (30) for holding the coil (23), a housing (10) for receiving the above-mentioned members, a filler (19) applied to an external surface side of the base (24), and lead terminals (41 and 42) for supplying an electric current. The lead terminals (41 and 42) have protrusion portions (41a and 42a, protruding into an internal surface side of the base (24) in the axial direction of the coil. A coil wire (23a) is wound around the protrusion portions (41a and 42a) so as to be connected to the lead terminals (41 and 42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Gotoh, Yoshio Imahori, Yoshiharu Oishi, Kazuyasu Ono
  • Patent number: 6658133
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sawako Usuki, Shuji Saiki
  • Patent number: 6658134
    Abstract: A transducer comprising a coil having a first air gap, a magnetic member having a second air gap and an armature. The armature includes an armature leg that extends through the first and second air gaps. The armature leg is capable of movement-within the air gaps. The magnetic member includes at least one nub extending into the second air gap. The nub limits the movement of the armature leg within the second air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: SonionMicrotronic Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Paul Christiaan van Hal, Benno Hartog
  • Patent number: 6654477
    Abstract: A receiver for converting electrical energy to acoustical energy, and a method of manufacturing the receiver, are disclosed. The receiver comprises an armature having a peripheral edge, a magnet stack and a weld joint for attaching the armature to the magnet stack at the peripheral edge of said armature. The method comprises providing an armature having a peripheral edge, providing a magnet stack adjacent said armature, and welding said armature to the magnet stack at the peripheral edge of said armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Miller, Elmer V. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6628800
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer 1 is constituted by a base 24 formed of magnetic material; a magnetic core 22 formed of magnetic material and provided erectly on the base 24; a diaphragm 20 formed of magnetic material and supported with an air gap between the diaphragm and a forward end of the magnetic core; a magnet 25 constituting a magnetic circuit together with the base 24, the magnetic core 22 and the diaphragm 20 so as to provide a magnetostatic field; a coil 23 disposed around the magnetic core 22 for applying an oscillating magnetic field to the magnetic circuit; a housing 30 molded integrally with the base 24 and the magnet 25, and so on. The housing 30 has notch holes 38 extending from a bottom surface thereof to the magnet 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazushige Tajima
  • Patent number: 6577743
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer to be mounted on a board of a device, includes an anode conductive part which is in press contact with the board of the device, and a cathode conductive part which is in press contact with the board of the device, wherein the anode conductive part and the cathode conductive part are respectively placed at an axial center position or at predetermined positions in a radial direction to eliminate directionality in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Masuda, Yasunori Tsukuda, Yoshio Imahori
  • Patent number: 6563933
    Abstract: An electromagnetic transducer for generating sound in an electronic hearing aid has a housing containing an electromagnetic drive that has a coil, a drive magnet and an armature arrangement. Further, a membrane arrangement is provided in the housing that is mechanically coupled to the armature arrangement. For reducing vibrations due to the driving and driven parts of the transducer, as well as for improving the efficiency, the membrane arrangement is formed by two separate membranes that are arranged at opposite sides of the drive, are identically fashioned and can be oppositely driven such that the overall mechanical pulse occurring due to the movement of the driven or driving parts is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Niederdraenk
  • Patent number: 6526153
    Abstract: In a folded armature assembly the vibratory end portion of the armature is prelocatable both translationally and rotationally relative to the facing pole surfaces of the permanent magnetic flux means before attachment of the supported portion of the armature to said means. The armature has wings extending laterally from the supported portion to form therewith a connecting bridge portion, and the wings are formed to provide pads extending normal to the bridge. A magnet strap with attached magnets fits slidably between the pads, with a clearance from the bridge of the armature, to permit said locations before the parts are permanently attached. After attachment and with the magnets magnetized, the armature may be adjusted substantially in translation to magnetic center between the pole faces by appropriate plastic deformation of the bridge. In a preferred embodiment, an improved structure is provided for viscoelastic damping of the undesirable second natural resonant mode of the folded armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Tibbetts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Tibbetts, Joseph A. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 6415037
    Abstract: A speaker and the manufacturing method thereof is disclosed wherein a diaphragm is enclosed by the peripheral frame, a resonant space is in the center enclosed by frame and diaphragm, and a winding is around a center seat. Winding is excited to generate varying magnetic lines for generating a continuous attraction-repulsion effect in the magnetic member when an electric current is flowed through, thereby vertically sliding the magnetic member to cause the diaphragm to generate sound. This can significantly reduce the thickness, simplify assembly, reduce manufacturing cost, increase the travel of diaphragm, significantly enhance the low-frequency characteristics, and increase power of speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Elecinic Corp.
    Inventor: Chao-Lang Wang
  • Patent number: 6389145
    Abstract: A moving-armature transducer assembly suitable for use as an alerter in a portable telephone. The assembly includes a transducer housed in an enclosure including first and second acoustical chambers. A first sound emitted from a front hole on a front side of the transducer is propagated through the first acoustical chamber and emitted from a first port of the assembly. A second sound emitted from a rear hole on a rear side of the transducer is phase-shifted by the second acoustical chamber acting in combination with a second port or ports on the assembly to have a phase coinciding with the phase of the first sound. The second sound then combines with the first sound, reinforcing the first sound and producing a combined sound having an increased level and bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Agere Systems Guardian Corp.
    Inventors: John Charles Baumhauer, Jr., Larry Allen Marcus
  • Patent number: 6389148
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric-acoustic transducer comprising at least one fixed coil adapted to generate alternating magnetic field upon externally receiving an electrical drive signal, a frame having a recessed structure for centrally receiving and supporting the fixed coil, at least one moving permanent magnet disposed over the fixed coil while being spaced from the fixed coil by a desired vertical distance in such a fashion that it is vertically movable, the moving permanent magnet serving to generate non-alternating magnetic field, and a vibrating diaphragm supported by an upper end of the frame at a peripheral portion thereof, the vibrating diaphragm supporting the permanent magnet by a central portion thereof, whereby the vibrating diaphragm vibrates vertically in accordance with an interaction between the alternating magnetic field generated from the fixed coil and the non-alternating magnetic field generated from the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Microtech Corporation
    Inventors: Dong Ok Yoo, Ok Jung Yoo
  • Patent number: 6373959
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer 1 is provided with a diaphragm 20 which is made of a magnetic material, and to which a magnetic piece 21 is fixed; a magnetic core 22 which is placed in proximity to the diaphragm 20; a coil 23 which supplies an oscillating magnetic field to the magnetic core 22; a housing 10 which accommodates the diaphragm 20, the magnetic core 22, and the coil 23, and which has a sound release opening 11 in a top plate opposed to the diaphragm 20, the sound release opening being larger than the magnetic piece 21. A beam portion 12 is formed integrally with the housing 10 which extends from a peripheral portion of the sound release opening 11 to another peripheral portion passing above the magnetic piece 21. A gap Ga between the diaphragm 20 and the magnetic core 22, and a gap Gb between the magnetic piece 21 and the beam portion 12 satisfy relationships of Ga≦Gb≦5Ga.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Masuda, Takahiro Sone
  • Publication number: 20020025058
    Abstract: There is provided an electroacoustic transducer 1 including a base 24 made of magnetic material, a magnetic core 22 made of magnetic material and provided erectly on the base 24 a diaphragm 20 made of magnetic material and supported with a gap between the diaphragm and a forward end of the magnetic core, a magnet 25 constituting a magnetic circuit together with the base 24, the magnetic core 22 and the diaphragm 20 so as to provide a magnetostatic field, a coil 23 disposed around the magnetic core for applying an oscillating magnetic field to the magnetic circuit, a coil bobbin 30 for holding the coil 23, and a housing 10 for receiving these above-mentioned members. The coil bobbin 30 is integrally molded with the magnetic core 22 and the base member 24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Youichi Gotoh, Yoshiharu Oishi, Takao Katsuki, Susumu Tanikawa, Morimasa Fushimi
  • Patent number: 6347149
    Abstract: The invention concerns the embodiment of drivers for panel loudspeakers. Panel loudspeakers working according to the principle of bending waves are already known in prior art. Said loudspeakers generally consist of an acoustic panel (11) and at least one driver (12). As a general rule, the driver (12) is arranged on an auxiliary frame at a distance from the acoustic panel (11). Said embodiment makes it possible to use conventional drivers (12) that can also be utilized in cone loudspeakers. A series of problem arise when the drivers (12) are to be integrated on or into the acoustic panel (11) itself. Said embodiment requires inter alia that the different components of the driver (12) be directly mounted on the acoustic panel (12). Hence, the invention aims at providing a driver for panel loudspeakers that can be connected with little complications to the acoustic panel (11) as a pre-fabricated component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Harman Audio Electronic Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bachmann, Gerhard Krump, Hans-Jürgen Regl
  • Publication number: 20010012371
    Abstract: A moving-armature transducer assembly suitable for use as an alerter in a portable telephone. The assembly includes a transducer housed in an enclosure including first and second acoustical chambers. A first sound emitted from a front hole on a front side of the transducer is propagated through the first acoustical chamber and emitted from a first port of the assembly. A second sound emitted from a rear hole on a rear side of the transducer is phase-shifted by the second acoustical chamber acting in combination with a second port or ports on the assembly to have a phase coinciding with the phase of the first sound. The second sound then combines with the first sound, reinforcing the first sound and producing a combined sound having an increased level and bandwidth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: JOHN CHARLES BAUMHAUER, LARRY ALLEN MARCUS
  • Patent number: 6265965
    Abstract: Disclosed is a communication buzzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Soo Hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 6229903
    Abstract: An electromagnetic sound generator is mounted on a substrate. The electromagnetic sound generator has a case housing an electromagnet, which is formed by attaching a magnet and a coil to a yoke, and a vibrating plate disposed so as to face the electromagnet, and electrodes, to which terminals of the coil are connected, projecting outwardly of the case. The substrate has an accommodating portion conforming to the case, and substrate electrodes provided on the substrate surface at the circumference of the accommodating portion. The electromagnetic sound generator is mounted on the substrate by accommodating the case in the accommodating portion of the substrate and joining the electrodes of the electromagnetic sound generator to the substrate electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6192136
    Abstract: An inertial vibration transducer (9) characterised by a motor coil assembly comprising a tubular member (18) and a coil (13) rigidly fixed to the tubular member, and by a magnet assembly (15) disposed concentrically within the motor coil, and resilient means (19) supporting the magnet assembly for axial movement relative to the motor coil, the motor coil and tubular member being adapted to be rigidly mounted to a distributed mode radiator (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: New Transducers Limited
    Inventors: Henry Azima, Martin Colloms, Neil John Harris
  • Patent number: 6141430
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer, which has a diaphragm, a support member for supporting the diaphragm, a pole piece placed inside the support member and comprising a core and a base, a coil wound around the core, and a magnet placed between the support member and the coil, in which the diaphragm is made of resin to which a magnetization is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Imahori, Isao Fushimi
  • Patent number: 6111971
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer, which has a diaphragm, a support member for supporting the diaphragm, a pole piece placed inside the support member and comprising a core and a base, a coil wound around the core, and a magnet placed between the support member and the coil, in which the pole piece or at least the core thereof is made of resin to which a magnetization is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Imahori, Isao Fushimi
  • Patent number: 6108432
    Abstract: A casing is provided to be mounted on a printed circuit. The casing has a lower casing and an upper casing. An actuator is provided in the casing, and an armature is supported in the casing so as to be vibrated by the actuator. A sound emanating hole is formed in a peripheral side wall of the upper casing, and a pressure releasing hole is formed in a peripheral side wall of the lower casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigehisa Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6097828
    Abstract: In an electroacoustic transducer having an outer case integral with lead terminals and a drive section including a coil disposed in the outer case with both coil terminals of the coil being led out on and connected to lands of the lead terminals, the lands are formed in approximately circular shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushi Suzuki, Yoshio Imahori, Kazushige Tajima
  • Patent number: 6078677
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer having a housing with at least two parts, e.g., a cover and a bottom portion, and a diaphragm situated therein. Specifically and illustratively, an edge portion of the diaphragm is attached to one of two opposing edges of side walls of the cover and the bottom portion and, once the housing is assembled, is located between these edges. The edge to which the diaphragm is attached extends in a first plane defined by a central portion of the diaphragm or in a second plane parallel thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Microtronic Nederlands B.V.
    Inventors: Henk Dolleman, Onno Geschiere, Paul Christiaan Van Hal, Engbert Wilmink
  • Patent number: 6075870
    Abstract: A transducer which is particularly suitable for hearing aids is set forth which has improved resistance to mechanical shock. The transducer includes a coil having a tunnel, a magnetic member with a pair of magnets defining an air gap and an armature extending through the tunnel and into the air gap. The coil is rotated with respect to the magnetic member in a manner such that the coil forms a stop for the armature, thus preventing excessive deflection of the armature leg in the occurrence of a shock. The armature may also be provided with expanded edge portions which assist in limiting its deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Microtronic B.V.
    Inventors: Onno Geschiere, Hendrik Dolleman, Huib Groot Obbink, Aart Zeger van Halteren
  • Patent number: 6023519
    Abstract: The invention provides an electroacoustic transducer capable of preventing degradation in its acoustic performance as a result of the reflow soldering process applied. With the electroacoustic transducer, variation in the minimum resonance frequency Fo of a diaphragm is restrained, stabilizing the acoustic performance by causing a decrease in the minimum resonance frequency Fo of the diaphragm due to irreversible demagnetization of the magnet caused by the reflow soldering temperatures to cancel out an increase in the minimum resonance frequency Fo of the diaphragm due to thermal contraction of a holder member caused by the reflow soldering temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Tajima, Yoshio Imahori, Takahiro Sone, Isao Fushimi
  • Patent number: 5974157
    Abstract: The present invention provides a small electroacoustic transducer which is improved in sound characteristic by enlarging and adjusting a volume of a resonance space. A second resonant chamber as an auxiliary space is formed relative to a first resonant chamber formed in front of a resonance plate, wherein the first and second resonant chambers are connected with each other to enlarge the volume of the resonant volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Tajima, Yoshio Imahori, Isao Fushimi
  • Patent number: 5960096
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer, which has a case, a base located in the case, a core attached to the center of the base, a coil wound around the core, a magnet placed around the coil with a clearance formed in between with one end of the magnet is supported by the base, a support member located around the magnet for supporting an elastic plate, and a magnet support portion provided in the support member for supporting the other end of the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Imahori, Yoshiharu Oishi
  • Patent number: 5953437
    Abstract: The invention provides a miniaturized and low-profile electroacoustic transducer. In the electroacoustic transducer, a space is formed underneath a magnet by diminishing a vertical thickness of the magnet in comparison with the height of a magnetic core, and also by disposing the magnet at a position trensversely aligned to an upper portion of the magnetic core, so that the space is utilized as a part of a back space at the back of a diaphragm, and for connection of terminals of a coil with external terminals, thereby realizing miniaturization and flattening in the shape of the electroacoustic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Imahori, Isao Fushimi, Naoyuki Kigawa, Kazushige Tajima, Kazushi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5953436
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a audible tone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a ferromagnetic container 105, a ferromagnetic pole 110, a coil 115, a first stationary lead wire 175, a second stationary lead wire 180, and a flexible ferromagnetic diaphragm 120. The ferromagnetic pole 110 is disposed within the ferromagnetic container 105. The coil 115 is encircling a portion of the ferromagnetic pole 110. The coil 115 has an input end 165 connected to a first stationary lead wire 175, configured to receive an electrical signal, and an output end 170 connected to a second stationary lead wire 180. The flexible ferromagnetic diaphragm 120 is disposed along the top edge 135 of the ferromagnetic container 105. The flexible ferromagnetic diaphragm 120 is configured to flex when magnetically attracted toward the ferromagnetic pole 110. As the flexible ferromagnetic diaphragm 120 flexes the first stationary lead wire 175 and the second stationary lead wire 180 will remain stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Zimmermann