Audio demonstration kit

• US 9,984,583 B2
• Filed: 03/28/2014
• Issued: 05/29/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bose Corporation
• Original Assignee: Bose Corporation
• Inventors: Zamir, Lee
• Primary Examiner(s): Kurr, Jason R
• Application Number:
  US14/229,628
• Publication Number:
  US 20150086044A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,523 Days
• Field of Search: 381120, 381119, 381123, 434308-321
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 20/00 Machine learning
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 1/325 the elements comprising interacting electronic components
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/14 for acoustics
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/02 with visual presentation of the material to be studied, e.g. using film strip
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/04 with audible presentation of the material to be studied sound recording or reproducing G11B
• CPC Class Codes: H03F 2200/03 the amplifier being designed for audio applications
• CPC Class Codes: H03F 3/181 Low-frequency amplifiers, e.g. audio preamplifiers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/021 incorporating only one transducer
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/028 associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2201/029 Manufacturing aspects of enclosures transducers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 5/02 Spatial or constructional arrangements of loudspeakers

Abstract

An audio demonstration kit encourages understanding of audio concepts by enabling children to construct and study speaker performance. In a particular embodiment, the audio demonstration kit includes a paper speaker and instructions. The paper speaker includes a backplate, a suspension, and a diaphragm cut from a single sheet of paper. The demonstration kit may feature an amplifier that is configurable to accommodate various hardware additions as a child is ready for more progressively challenging construction. For example, the amplifier of an embodiment allows single and dual mode operation, as well as drives a rotary motor and is coordinated with a strobe light. The amplifier of an embodiment is synchronized with the strobe light and a moveable platform to create the impression of that jiggling figures attached to the table are dancing. Interfaces with smart phone, recording, and other technologies further enhances and encourages the learning experience.

Claims

1. An audio amplifier comprising:

a first output and a second output;

a power amplifier configured to output at least one audio signal; and

a controller configured to operate the audio amplifier in a first mode and in a second mode, wherein when operating in the first mode, the at least one audio signal is delivered from the audio amplifier to a speaker via the first output, wherein the at least one audio signal comprises alternating current, and wherein when operating in the second mode, the audio signal is commutated to direct current and delivered to the first output or the second output to drive at least one of a rotary motor or an oscillating element coupled to a motion element.

2. The audio amplifier of claim 1, wherein the at least one audio signal delivered to the oscillating element includes a low frequency output from the audio amplifier.

3. The audio amplifier of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to control a frequency of flashing of a strobe light.

4. The audio amplifier of claim 3, further comprising the strobe light.

5. The audio amplifier of claim 1, wherein a first coil is connected to the first output and is located on a first plane.

6. The audio amplifier of claim 5, wherein a second coil is connected to the first output and is located on a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.

7. The audio amplifier of claim 6, wherein a magnet of the rotary motor is positioned such that the ends of the magnet rotate in close proximity to and in a common plane of the first and second coils.

8. The audio amplifier of claim 7, wherein in the second mode, the at least one audio signal is received by the first and second coils and causes the magnet to rotate.

9. The audio amplifier of claim 1, further comprising a switch configured to trigger switch operation in a monaural mode in which the at least one audio signal is delivered to one but not both of the first and second outputs.

10. The audio amplifier of claim 9, wherein the switch is further configured to trigger a stereo mode in which the at least one audio signal is output to both the first and second outputs.

11. The audio amplifier of claim 10, further comprising a control configured to switch between the monaural mode and the stereo mode.

12. The audio amplifier of claim 1, further comprising a control configured to switch between the first mode and the second mode.

13. A method comprising:

receiving a mode input at an audio amplifier;

when the mode input indicates a first mode, delivering an audio signal to a speaker via a first output of the audio amplifier, wherein the audio signal comprises alternating current;

when the mode input indicates a second mode, commutating the audio signal to direct current and selectively delivering the audio signal via the first output or a second output of the amplifier to at least one of a rotary motor or an oscillating element coupled to a motion element.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, when the mode input indicates the first mode, receiving an audio mode input at the audio amplifier.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising, when the audio mode input indicates a monaural mode, delivering the amplified audio signal to one but not both of first and second outputs of the amplifier.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising, when the audio mode input indicates a stereo mode, delivering the amplified audio signals to both the first and second outputs.

17. An audio demonstration kit comprising:

an audio amplifier comprising;

a first output and a second output;

a power amplifier configured to output an audio signal; and

a controller configured to operate the audio amplifier in a first mode and in a second mode,

wherein in the first mode, the audio signal is delivered to a speaker via the first output and comprises alternating current, and

wherein in the second mode, the audio signal is commutated to direct current and selectively delivered to the first output or the second output to drive at least one of a rotary motor or an oscillating element coupled to a motion element; and

a speaker kit comprising at least one speaker configured to be connected to the audio amplifier.

18. The audio demonstration kit of claim 17, wherein the controller is further configured to control a frequency of flashing of a strobe light.

19. The audio demonstration kit of claim 18, further comprising the strobe light.

20. The audio demonstration kit of claim 18, further comprising a switch configured to trigger switch operation in a monaural mode in which the amplified audio signal is delivered to one but not both of the first output and the second output.