Jan P Plummer

US Patent:

6704425, Mar 9, 2004

Filed:

Nov 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/443343

Inventors:

Jan P. Plummer - Marietta GA

Assignee:

Virtual Bass Technologies, LLC - Marietta GA

International Classification:

H04R 2500

US Classification:

381339, 381350, 381354

Abstract:

A bass reflex loudspeaker system capable of optimized sub-bass (100 Hz) response. The loudspeaker system incorporates a closed cabinet, an electromechanical driver, a virtual acoustic radial transmission line (VARTL), a reactive alternate density transmission medium (ADTM) load and a radial right angle wave guide (RRAWG). The VARTL is disposed around and in front of the cone of the driver so as to allow the driver to maintain loading to very low frequencies, while simultaneously isolating the driver from reflected signals, acoustic summation or stimulus. The ADTM slows the speed of the wave, thereby causing delay and intentional attenuation of the initial waveform while, by way of radial expansion, allows the proper exit velocity. The RRAWG acts as a guide and is disposed within the VARTL to introduce the signal into the throat of the VARTL, thereby allowing the cone to drive the port air mass and the VARTL air mass with essentially equal pressure on each cycle throughout the frequency range of the VARTL. In addition, the loudspeaker system effectively reduces mechanical vibrations that are normally transferred to the speaker cabinet by effecting a lack of unbalanced pressures.

US Patent:

7207413, Apr 24, 2007

Filed:

May 12, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/709538

Inventors:

Jan Princeton Plummer - Marietta GA, US

Assignee:

TBI Audio Systems LLC - Marietta GA

International Classification:

H05K 5/00
H04R 1/02
H04R 1/28
H04R 1/38

US Classification:

181199, 181148, 181151, 181155, 181145, 381337, 381345, 381351, 381352

Abstract:

An acoustic impedance matching enclosure is provided having a driver loaded into a chamber buffering the throat/mouth of a closed loop transmission line. Transmission line consists of a termination member, outer and inner enclosure walls, high-density lining and throat/mouth area. Transmission line eliminates internal random standing waves while providing variable-frequency standing waves that through superposition of the waves compensates for mass-acceleration loss of the high-end of the driver output while damping the resonance of the driver. Alternative application of the acoustic impedance matching enclosure is that of compression loading the driver directly into the closed loop transmission line and using an acoustic low pass filter to translate the output into low frequencies only through a port. Both applications of the acoustic impedance matching enclosure are to insure that the drivers' diaphragm is clear of disruptive internal standing waves, properly loaded at all frequencies and not easily affected by room reflections.

US Patent:

7614479, Nov 10, 2009

Filed:

Jun 10, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/760788

Inventors:

Jan Plummer - Marietta GA, US

International Classification:

G10K 15/04

US Classification:

181199, 181148, 181151, 181156, 381345, 381354

Abstract:

A sound enhancement module includes a set of walls that define an enclosed chamber, an aperture in one of the walls to provide a path for audio waves to travel between the enclosed chamber and an external space and an alternative density transmission medium positioned in the enclosed chamber.

US Patent:

20030174851, Sep 18, 2003

Filed:

Jun 2, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/250078

Inventors:

Jan Plummer - Marietta GA, US

International Classification:

H04R001/02
H04R001/20

US Classification:

381/339000, 381/345000, 381/350000

Abstract:

A hybrid bass reflex loudspeaker system capable of optimized sub-bass (

US Patent:

20040162025, Aug 19, 2004

Filed:

Nov 3, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/605881

Inventors:

Jan Plummer - Marietta GA, US

International Classification:

H04B007/00

US Classification:

455/041200, 455/039000

Abstract:

The subwoofer category of audio component is the newest category for speaker systems. The idea of adding the deeper bass tones using a separate loudspeaker has been around for some time but the category only came to fruition with the promotion of the home theater. The home theater application has made no particular reference to placement of the subwoofer in the living environment but practical implementation says place it wherever it sounds best. The ambiguous acoustic conditions that exist in various locations preclude prediction or conclusions in a timely manner of the best location for placing the subwoofer in a room. If wiring was included as part of a custom installation to place a subwoofer in an environment it may be decided later that it is not the best location. It may be a requirement that an additional unit be located in a place not originally calculated or prepared for. It is only an illusion to be capable of predicting the proper location and numbers of subwoofers to be optimum for a given installation. The locations will however be within the same space occupied by the main speakers making reliable relocation a simple process with a reliable wireless system. It is for this reason that predictable reliable wireless communication of the signal directly from the source via of RF transmission would be ideal as a staple communication for the subwoofer. This application focuses on the development of transmission and reception schemes that allow low power RF transmission already approved by most governments to be reliably embedded into consumer electronic entertainment systems. Focused technology for this application would permit large-scale acceptance of this technique to be included within the host component and subwoofer. Presently there exist thousands of allocated public RF transmission channels that can't be used reliably for any of their proposed usages. Distance from the transmitter both weakens the intended signal level and allows unwanted signals to capture control of the system receiver. Our application of electronic processing to optimize an RF transmission for very low audio frequencies while minimizing maximum transmission distance to within the same general enclosure insures extremely high reliability. The reliable wireless communication of the signal directly from the source via of RF transmission would be ideal as a staple communication for the subwoofer. Specific RF enhancement circuits are not mentioned in this application and are not the subject of any claims.

US Patent:

20040218774, Nov 4, 2004

Filed:

Jan 22, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/762399

Inventors:

Jan Plummer - Marietta GA, US

Assignee:

Virtual Bass Technologies, Inc.

International Classification:

H04R001/02
H04R011/02
H04R001/20
H04R001/00

US Classification:

381/339000, 381/431000, 381/349000

Abstract:

A loudspeaker system comprising a closed cabinet containing a tuned port, an electromechanical driver, an acoustic radial transmission line (VARTL), a reactive alternate density transmission medium (ADTM) load and a radial right angle wave guide (RRAWG). The VARTL is disposed around and in front of the cone of the driver so as to isolate the driver from reflected signals it produces, while simultaneously allowing the driver to remain inert to the reflected signals, acoustic summation or stimulus. The ADTM slows the speed of the wave, thereby causing delay and intentional attenuation of the initial waveform while, by way of radial expansion, allows the proper exit velocity. This system allows the cone to drive the port air mass and the VARTL air mass with essentially equal pressure on each cycle throughout the frequency range of the VARTL and substantially reduces mechanical vibrations in the cabinet by effecting balanced pressures.

US Patent:

20060013430, Jan 19, 2006

Filed:

Sep 23, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/234558

Inventors:

Jan Plummer - Marietta GA, US

International Classification:

H04R 25/00

US Classification:

381388000

Abstract:

A loudspeaker system comprising a closed cabinet containing a tuned port, an electromechanical driver, an acoustic radial transmission line (VARTL), a reactive alternate density transmission medium (ADTM) load and a radial right angle wave guide (RRAWG). The VARTL is disposed around and in front of the cone of the driver so as to isolate the driver from reflected signals it produces, while simultaneously allowing the driver to remain inert to the reflected signals, acoustic summation or stimulus. The ADTM slows the speed of the wave, thereby causing delay and intentional attenuation of the initial waveform while, by way of radial expansion, allows the proper exit velocity. This system allows the cone to drive the port air mass and the VARTL air mass with essentially equal pressure on each cycle throughout the frequency range of the VARTL and substantially reduces mechanical vibrations in the cabinet by effecting balanced pressures.

US Patent:

20070256888, Nov 8, 2007

Filed:

Mar 8, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/683845

Inventors:

Jan Plummer - Marietta GA, US

Assignee:

TBI AUDIO SYSTEMS LLC - Marietta GA

International Classification:

H05K 5/00

US Classification:

181199000

Abstract:

A speaker enclosure includes a first set of walls defining a first box, a second set of walls defining a second box disposed within the first box to define an enclosed compartment between the first set of walls and the second set of walls, an aperture located at least one of the second set of walls defining an opening between the internal volume of the second box and the enclosed compartment, and an alternative density transmission medium affixed to one or more surfaces of the first set of walls and/or the second set of walls in the enclosed compartment.