Module having a remote turn-on function for use with a powered subwoofer/speaker

• US 20080069381A1
• Filed: 10/17/2005
• Published: 03/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Richard Hofrichter
• Original Assignee: Richard Hofrichter
• Inventors: Hofrichter, Richard
• Granted Patent: US 8,238,580 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/111
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/04 Circuit arrangements, e.g. for selective connection of amplifier inputs/outputs to loudspeakers, for loudspeaker detection, or for adaptation of settings to personal preferences or hearing impairments combinations of amplifiers H03F3/68; stereophonic systems H04S

Abstract

The present invention provides a module for a powered speaker, such as a subwoofer that may be actuated to turn the speaker on and off remotely by energizing the auxiliary AC power supply provided with an audio device or other source unit. The main power of the module is provided via a wall outlet or suitable power supply that may adequately supply the necessary power.

Claims

1. A relay module for actuating a powered speaker, the module comprising:

a module body;

an electrical relay located within the module body and having an electromagnet in electrical communication with an actuation circuit;

an actuation input in electrical communication with the actuation circuit, wherein the actuation input is connectable to a switched output that is associated with an audio source unit;

a manual switch that selectively opens and closes the actuation circuit;

a continuous power input in electrical communication with an amplifier circuit, wherein the relay selectively opens and closes the amplifier circuit; and

a relay outlet in electrical communication with the amplifier circuit;

wherein the relay outlet is connectable to a power cord of a separate powered speaker.

2. The relay module of claim 1, wherein the switched output is a standard power outlet that selectively supplies an alternating current voltage of about 110 volts to the actuation input.

3. The relay module of claim 2, further comprising a transformer for converting the alternating current voltage to a direct current voltage of about 12 volts.

4. The relay module of claim 3, further comprising an alternate actuation input that is connectable to a turn-on lead associated with a source unit;

wherein the turn-on lead supplies a direct current voltage of about 12 volts; and

wherein the alternate actuation input is in electrical communication with the actuation circuit.

5. The relay module of claim 1, wherein the switched output is a turn-on lead that supplies a direct current voltage of about 12 volts to the actuation input.

6. The relay module of claim 1, wherein the separate speaker comprises an amplifier in electrical communication with the amplifier circuit via the power cord and the relay outlet;

wherein the amplifier is also in electrical communication with an audio transducer and an audio source signal.

7. The relay module of claim 1, wherein the continuous power input is in is in electrical communication with an actuation bypass circuit;

wherein the electromagnet of the relay is in electrical communication with the actuation bypass circuit; and

wherein the manual switch further selectively opens and closes the actuation bypass circuit.

8. The relay module of claim 7, wherein the continuous power input is in communication with a household wall outlet that supplies an alternating current voltage of about 110 volts.

9. The relay module of claim 8, further comprising a transformer that converts the alternating current voltage supplied to the actuation bypass circuit to a direct current voltage of about 12 volts.

10. A relay module for actuating a powered speaker, the module comprising:

a relay for turning a relay outlet on and off;

said relay module having a first input and a second input;

said first input provides a device power needed to energize a separate powered speaker via the relay outlet;

said second input provides the actuation power to actuate the relay; and

said actuation power is provided via an auxiliary power output from a source unit.

11. The relay module of claim 10 wherein a powered speaker is connected to the relay outlet.

12. The relay module of claim 10 wherein said device power is received from an AC wall outlet.

13. The relay module of claim 10 wherein said source unit comprises an audio source unit.

14. The relay module of claim 10 wherein said first input further comprises an electrical plug.

15. The relay module of claim 10 wherein said second input further comprises an electrical plug.