Patent US4280019A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4280019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combination acoustic conditioner and light fixture
Assignee: MillerKnoll Inc
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Filing: 1979-11-23
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Granted: 1981-07-21
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Expires: 1999-11-23
Abstract
Abstract A combination light fixture and acoustic conditioner assembly particularly useful in modular room enclosures wherein the ceiling is spaced above the enclosure walls. The invention provides for indirect lighting means and means for masking external sounds in the vicinity of the light fixture assembly. The assembly includes a reflector positioned so that light and sound waves contacting the reflector are dispersed in a plurality of directions due to the concavity of the reflector and undulations therein and eventually contact the ceiling where they are further reflected and spread. Dispersion of sound waves in this manner provides a pleasant, unintelligible sound which masks external sounds that might otherwise distract occupants of the modular room enclosures.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L. Propst
- 👤 Travis M. Randolph
- 👤 Theodore M. Reyda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 11:55
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04R; H04R27/00; H04R1/00; H04R1/02; H04R1/028; H04R1/20; H04R1/32; H04R1/323; H04R2201/00; H04R2201/02; H04R2201/021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
Sound generating apparatus adaptable for use in a room enclosure having a ceiling comprising a support, a bowl shape reflecting element mounted on said support, circuit means providing an electrical signal and converting said signal into an audible sound signal, modulation means for cyclically varying frequencies of said sound signal and a speaker mounted on said support and positioned adjacent said reflecting element so that sound waves emanating from said speaker are directed toward said element, said reflecting element having incurvate surfaces provided with non-uniform undulations so that sound waves contacting said undulations are dispersed in a plurality of directions and reflect from said ceiling, thus producing an indistinct, unintelligible sound for masking external sounds in the vicinity of said sound generating apparatus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
Sound generating apparatus adaptable for use in a room enclosure having a ceiling comprising a support, a bowl shape reflecting element mounted on said support, circuit means providing an electrical signal and converting said signal into an audible sound signal, modulation means for cyclically varying frequencies of said sound signal and a speaker mounted on said support and positioned adjacent said reflecting element so that sound waves emanating from said speaker are directed toward said element, said reflecting element having incurvate surfaces provided with non-uniform undulations so that sound waves contacting said undulations are dispersed in a plurality of directions and reflect from said ceiling, thus producing an indistinct, unintelligible sound for masking external sounds in the vicinity of said sound generating apparatus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
Sound generating apparatus according to claim 1 further including light source means mounted on said support in a position to direct light against said undulations.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
Sound generating apparatus according to claim 2 further including a generally cylindrical housing extending about said reflecting element and defining with said element an enclosure located to one side of said incurvate surfaces, said speaker being disposed in said enclosure and being secured to said reflector so that said reflector forms an extension of said speaker.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
Sound generating apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said speaker is secured to said reflecting element at a position above said undulations, said element having openings therein aligned with said speaker and bounded by baffles arranged to direct sound waves from said speaker traveling through said openings toward said undulations.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-07-20 | 1985-01-19 | 1985-07-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-07-20 | 1989-01-19 | 1989-07-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-07-20 | 1993-01-19 | 1993-07-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |