Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – Electro-acoustic audio transducer – Having acoustic wave modifying structure
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-26
2001-06-05
Woo, Stella (Department: 2643)
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
Electro-acoustic audio transducer
Having acoustic wave modifying structure
C381S345000, C381S354000, C181S145000, C181S146000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243477
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an audio system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In an audio system having a tweeter and a subwoofer, the sound quality is enhanced when the input to the tweeter is restricted to low frequencies and the input to the subwoofer is restricted to high frequencies. This can be achieved by a 2-way crossover.
A design known as the bandpass subwoofer employs an enclosure which makes a crossover unnecessary. A partition inside the enclosure divides the interior of the enclosure into two compartments. One of the compartments is completely sealed while the other contains a vent or port which opens to the atmosphere. One or more woofers are mounted on the partition. The bandpass subwoofer is used in conjunction with satellite speakers to form a total audio system.
A modified audio system contains a bass module in which two partitions divide the interior of an enclosure into a central compartment flanked by two end compartments. A pair of woofers is mounted in the central compartment on one of the partitions, and the outputs of the woofers face the end compartment bounded by this partition. The other end compartment is provided with a vent or port which opens to the atmosphere.
Although the known audio systems generally have good sound quality, a further improvement is nevertheless desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to enhance the sound quality of an audio system.
The preceding object, as well as others which will become apparent as the description proceeds, are achieved by the invention.
One aspect of the invention resides in an audio system. The system comprises a housing defining a chamber, and partitioning means in the chamber cooperating with the housing to divide the chamber into compartments including an input compartment and an output compartment. The system further comprises at least one sound generator having an output to the input compartment, and means establishing at least one unobstructed path between the input compartment and the output compartment.
It has been found that, when sound is allowed to travel between two compartments along an unobstructed path, the quality of the sound can be improved. For instance, high-frequency components of the sound from a woofer or subwoofer can be largely eliminated by directing the sound from one compartment to another along an unobstructed path.
Another aspect of the invention resides in a method of enhancing audio. The method comprises the steps of providing sound to a first compartment, and conducting at least a portion of the sound to a second compartment along an unobstructed path.
The conducting step may involve passing the sound through a constriction.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4837837 (1989-06-01), Taddeo
patent: 4875546 (1989-10-01), Krnan
patent: 5147986 (1992-09-01), Cockrum et al.
patent: 5471019 (1995-11-01), Maire
patent: 5714721 (1998-02-01), Gawronski et al.
patent: 5895896 (1999-04-01), Alton, Jr.
patent: 6014448 (2000-01-01), Alton, Jr.
Dabney P.
Durando Antonio R.
Woo Stella
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