Abstract:
A loudspeaker system module is disclosed, the module comprising a piezoelectric element subject to displacement by applied electric potential and having a top side and an under side, a panel diaphragm that is driven by the piezoelectric element and to which the under side of the piezoelectric element is joined, and means for reducing structural resonances in the panel diaphragm.
Abstract:
An active force cancellation system adapted to contain vibrations in flexible structures which utilizes co-located vibration sensors and counter-vibration devices to offset linear disturbances without setting off sub-structure vibrations.
Abstract:
The invention consists of a piezoelectric material (11), a substrate or spacer (12) and an electrical connector means (13) for a wire harness or other electrical connection. The substrate (12) is used to enhance the motion of the piezoelectric element (11) by spacing the piezoelectric element (11) from the diaphragm. The substrate (12) is larger in area than the piezoelectric element (11). The transducer system (10) acts to impart motion to the diaphragm. The transducer (10) comprises a piezoelectric element (11) subject to displacement by applied electric potential (13) that has a top side, an underside and an outer perimeter. The substrate (12) is joined to the underside of the piezoelectric element (11). A means (15) applies electric potential to the piezoelectric element (11).
Abstract:
This invention outlines several applications of piezoelectric vibrators (4) to produce quality flat panel speakers in passenger cabin applications. A system consisting of an audio amplifier (2) and transformer (3) is used to drive the piezo speaker (4). The electronics are packaged (8) so that they fit in small modules that can be attached to a cabin structure to produce a speaker. The invention includes a variety of flat panel speaker designs, including one in which the existing structure is converted into a speaker, and thin membrane and/or panels that are fitted with piezoelectric elements (Figures 5 and 6). A system consisting of cabin quieting and flat panel speakers is also discussed where the mid and high frequency audio is produced by panel speakers (74-79) and the low frequency audio is produced from dynamic loudspeakers (80-84). The cabin systems discussed in this patent are applicable to automobiles, aircraft, trucks and buses.
Abstract:
A noise suppression system for use on internal combustion engines and small enough for use in automotive applications is disclosed. A cancellation noise generator and actuator speakers (50, 52) produce a noise to combine with and cancel the engine noise carried in exhaust gases in a mixing chamber pipe (34). The resultant noise leaving the mixing chamber pipe (34) is measured by a circular tubular microphone array (72) to control noise generator.
Abstract:
The modifications to the computer consist of placing piezoelectric patches behind the LCD and directly to the back wall of the laptop lid. Damping materials and stiffeners are also added to the back wall to reduce structural resonance. A system consisting of an audio amplifier (5) and transformer (6) is used to drive the piezo speaker (7).
Abstract:
A method and system for altering the frequency or harmonic spectra of a disturbance characterized by an output generator (26) and a response generator (24) that cooperate to produce shaped control signals in response to first input signals (23).
Abstract:
An active noise cancellation system includes a series of features for more effective cancellation, greater reliability, and improved stability. A particular feature adapted for headset systems includes locating a residual microphone radially offset from the centre of a sound generator to detect a signal more similar to that incident upon the eardrum of the user. In addition, an open back headset design includes perforations on the side of the headset instead of the back, so that the perforations are less susceptible to inadvertent blockage. The system also includes a mechanism for detecting changes in the acoustic characteristics of the environment that may be caused, for example, by pressure exerted upon the earpieces, and that may destabilize the cancellation system. The system automatically responds to such changes, for example, by reducing the gain or the frequency response of the system to preserve stability. The system further includes other methods for detecting imminent instability and compensating, such as detecting the onset of signals within enhancement frequencies characteristic of the onset of instability, and adjusting the gain of frequency response of the system or suppressing the enhanced signals. The system further includes a mechanism for conserving battery life by turning the system off when sound levels are low, or adjusting the power supply to the system to correspond to the current power requirements of the system.
Abstract:
A control system is described for improving continuous dynamical control on the pressure in the outlet or inlet system (3) or both of a machine (1) in order to control the performance of the machine. The system comprises an actuator (4) for varying the pressure in the selected system, a sensor (8) for monitoring the operation of the machine and producing a signal indicative thereof, and control means (5) responsive to the sensor signals for driving the actuator, wherein the control means operates to adjust the machine performance according to predetermined data, to optimise the machine performance. The data may be in a memory (look-up table) or the control means may operate in accordance with an algorithm. A second sensor may be provided to generate a signal indicative of sound produced by one or other or both of the outlet and inlet systems to produce signals to enable the control means simultaneously to reduce noise generated by the machine as well as to improve the performance of the machine by active feedback.