US5196755A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Piezoelectric panel speaker
Assignee: HIGH TECH SERVICES PLLC
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Filing: 1992-04-27
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Granted: 1993-03-23
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Expires: 2012-04-27
Abstract
Abstract An acoustic transducer system includes a plurality of individual transflexural piezoelectric elements potted in a plastic or rubber compound. The panel is able to radiate broad-band, high intensity sound waves in a controllable radiation pattern.
Inventors
- 👤 F. Douglas Shields
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 18:51
CPC Classifications
B; B06; B06B; B06B1/00; B06B1/02; B06B1/06; B06B1/0644; B06B1/0648; H; H04; H04R; H04R1/00; H04R1/20; H04R1/32; H04R1/40; H04R1/403; H04R17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
An acoustic transducer device, comprising: an array of piezoelectric driver elements, each of said piezoelectric driver elements including a support member, a pair of conductive plates loosely bonded to said support member to form a space between the plates, and a pair of piezoelectric layers on at least one surface of each of said pair of plates; means for electrically connecting said piezoelectric driver elements to a varying electrical signal source for causing said piezoelectric layers to expand and contract, causing said plates to vibrate with a transflexural motion at a frequency of expansion and contraction of said layers; and means including a panel made of a flexible material in which said piezoelectric driver elements and connecting means are potted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
An acoustic transducer device, comprising: an array of piezoelectric driver elements, each of said piezoelectric driver elements including a support member, a pair of conductive plates loosely bonded to said support member to form a space between the plates, and a pair of piezoelectric layers on at least one surface of each of said pair of plates; means for electrically connecting said piezoelectric driver elements to a varying electrical signal source for causing said piezoelectric layers to expand and contract, causing said plates to vibrate with a transflexural motion at a frequency of expansion and contraction of said layers; and means including a panel made of a flexible material in which said piezoelectric driver elements and connecting means are potted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support members are conductive metal rings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support members are each connected to ground.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conductive metal plates are discs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said panel is made of a non-porous material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said panel is made of polyurethane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said panel is made of a polyvinyl material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said panel is made of rubber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a space inside said support members and between said plates is evacuated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plates are loosely bonded to said support members by epoxy.
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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) | 1996-03-22 | 1996-09-21 | 1997-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-03-22 | 2000-09-21 | 2001-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-03-22 | 2004-09-21 | 2005-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |