Wireless remote speaker system

• US 4,847,903 A
• Filed: 12/02/1987
• Issued: 07/11/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Phonex Broadband
• Original Assignee: Recoton Corporation
• Inventors: Schotz, Larry
• Primary Examiner(s): Isen, Forester W.
• Application Number:
  US07/127,793
• Time in Patent Office: 587 Days
• Field of Search: 381/2, 381/3, 381/4, 381/14, 381/13, 381/106, 332/18, 455/223, 455/225, 390/310 A, 390/310 R, 390/310 CP
• US Class Current: 381/3
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5441 Wireless systems or telephone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/545 Audio/video application, e.g. interphone
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5454 Adapter and plugs
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines

Abstract

A device comprised of separate transmitter and receiver sections, which converts an audio signal into an FM signal, transmits the FM signal over AC power lines, and reconverts the FM signal into an audio signal, which can then be outputted to loudspeakers or other devices. By transmitting the signal over AC lines, no long wires are needed to connect remote loudspeakers or other devices to the source of the audio signal.

Claims

1. A device for receiving stereophonic FM signals, including at least two different carrier frequencies modulated with stereophonic audio information, from AC power lines and for converting the frequency modulated carrier frequency signals to stereophonic audio signals comprising

input means coupled to said AC power lines for receiving FM signals;

first and second stereophonic demodulating channels, each channel including;

band-pass notch filter means coupled to said input means for passing one of said carrier frequencies, rejecting the other carrier frequency and filtering out noise on said AC power lines;

amplifier means coupled to said band-pass/notch filter means for amplifying the passed frequency modulated carrier signal; and

demodulating means coupled to said amplifier means for demodulating the passed frequency modulated carrier signal to produce a respective one of said stereophonic audio signals therefrom; and

output means coupled to the demodulating means of both channels for outputting said stereophonic audio signals.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising muting means coupled to both demodulating channels for monitoring the presence of received FM signals in either channel and for inhibiting the stereophonic audio signals of both channels from being supplied to said output means when FM signals are not detected in at least one channel.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said output means comprises first and second outputs for outputting said stereophonic audio signals, respectively.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the received stereophonic FM signals exhibit compressed dynamic range, and further comprising audio signal expander means coupled to the demodulating means in each channel for expanding the dynamic range of said stereophonic audio signals before applying said stereophonic audio signals to said output means.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said demodulating means comprises phase locked loop means.

6. The device of claim 5 further comprising adjustable filter means in each channel for coupling said phase locked loop means to said output means.

7. The device of claim 2 wherein said muting means comprises first and second transistor means respectively coupled to each channel for shunting the stereophonic audio signals produced by the demodulating means in that channel;

and carrier detecting means coupled to both demodulating channels for operating said first and second transistor means if a carrier signal is not detected in one or the other demodulating channel.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said band-pass/notch filter means comprises a first band-pass filter having a resonant frequency tuned to said one carrier frequency and connected across said AC power lines;

and a second band-pass filter exhibiting maximum impedance at said other carrier frequency and connected in series with said amplifier means, whereby said first band-pass filter passes the one frequency modulated carrier signal to said amplifier means and said second band-pass filter substantially blocks the other frequency modulated carrier signal.

9. An FM communications system comprising a device for transmitting stereophonic audio signals over an AC power line comprising input means for providing stereophonic audio signals;

first and second signal processing channels, each comprising;

input buffer means coupled to said input means for amplifying a respective one of said stereophonic audio signals;

modulation means responsive to said input buffer means for frequency modulating a respective carrier with a respective one of said stereophonic audio signals to produce an FM carrier signal; and

filter means coupled to said modulation means and tuned to the frequency of said respective carrier frequency for removing unwanted frequency components in said FM carrier signal and for coupling said FM carrier signal to said AC power line;

an AC power line coupled to said filter means of both channels for carrying said FM carrier signals; and

a device coupled to said AC power line for receiving FM carrier signals from AC power lines and for converting FM carrier signals to stereophonic audio signals comprising input means coupled to said AC power lines for receiving FM carrier signals;

first and second band-pass/notch filter means coupled to said input means for passing respective ones of the FM carrier signals and for rejecting the other of the respective FM carrier signals and for filtering out undesired noise on the AC power line;

first and second amplifier means coupled to said first and second filter means, respectively, for amplifying the respectively passed FM carrier signals;

first and second demodulating means coupled to said first and second amplifier means, respectively, for demodulating the passed FM carrier signals to produce first and second stereophonic audio signals;

first and second impulse noise cancellation means coupled to the first and second demodulating means, respectively, to remove impulse noise that may be present in the demodulated stereophonic audio signals; and

output means coupled to said first and second impulse noise cancellation means for outputting said stereophonic audio signals.

10. The system of claim 9 further comprising audio signal compressor means coupled to said input buffer means for compressing the dynamic range of said stereophonic audio signals before applying said stereophonic audio signals to said modulation means;

and said output means includes audio signal expander means for expanding the dynamic range of said stereophonic audio signals.