US3022385A - Sound producer - Google Patents

Description

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Feb. 20, 1962 T. N. PANAY SOUND PRODUCER Filed Aug. 25. 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 alba-wy PWM-@ 1 JWM/16W- 1o.! Mja.

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Feb. 2o, 1962 T. N. PANAY 3,022,385

SOUND PRODUCER Filed Aug. 25, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 .i l'yzgg 2. gzgj. 2:29.15.

ATTORNEY Patented Feb.. 2o, rasa 3,022,385 SOUND PRODUCER Takis N. Panay, 1120 Vermont Ave. NW., Washington, D.C. Filed Aug. 25, 1958, Ser. No. 757,056 13 Claims. (Cl. 179-113) The present invention relates to ionization devices which admit to various applications such as production of or reproduction of elastic vibrations in a molecular medium such as air or any ionizable fluid including liquids, and has particular reference to an improved loud-speaker in which a continuous ionic or a Continous corona discharge is provided, the discharge being modulated by a Sound modulated current such as is obtained from a radio receiver, a phonograph amplifier, a telephone or a microphone.

Disadvantages of conventional loud-speakers using electromagnetic arrangements are due to their mechanical impedance in terms of the mass, compliance and resistance of the arrangements.. Disadvantages of conventional ionization type of loud-speakers are due-to ineffective means to control the hissing sound usually present in such type of loud-speakers.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an ionization type loud-speaker including means that overcome the disadvantages mentioned above for prior art devices.

Basically, the present invention provides a novel and improved ionization type loud-speaker in which the ionization is not produced by causing ionization by an electrode which is one of the two electrodes between which a suitable voltage is applied to drive ions generated from one of the electrodes along lines substantially between the two electrodes to which electrodes the control voitage is also applied; but ionization thereof is produced by means such as an incandescent wire or wires, a flame, an arc, radiation impinging upon a cathode, a series of point discharges, or other similar ionization means so disposed that ions are produced to be driven initially in a direction perpendicular to that direction between two or ymore electrodes effecting a control voltage upon the ions. It is noted that the control voltage system may also contribute to increasing or decreasing the amount of ions generated in addition to the sound producing effect of driving the ions in directions toward and away from each of the two electrodes. In the present invention, this ionizing effect can be diminished as desired.

The basic device of the invention, in distinction over the prior art devices, comprises a separate and unique ionization system providing for the introduction of a bulk or cloud of ionized particles or ions into a space between at least two ion producing electrodes, and a separate and unique control system of electrodes having impressed .thereacross a signal or control voltage for moving the cloud of ionized particles or ions in accordance with the signal or control voltage for thereby producing the effect Vupon the surrounding air of loud-speaker.

y In the loud-speakers of the prior art it is evident that a cloud of ions are produced substantially by a D C. voltage impressed upon a pair of electrodes and projected into a direction toward or away from either of the said electrodes upon which also the signal or control voltage is impressed, which characteristic is responsible usually for some unwanted noise or distortion. It is an object of this .invention to eliminate this deterrent effect b-y producing and projecting the ions into the space between the electrodes at not too great a velocity and having, occasionally, their coordinate motion of projection intensified by ,a means such as a fan so that no noise or distortion is generated thereby, and so that the vions are allowed to form a cloud or layer or space charge, so that upon activation thereupon by the control voltage or signal impressed upon other electrodes, the moving cloud of ions reacts upon the surrounding air much in the same manner as a diaphragm, but having substantially no mechanical impedance. Furthermore, in this invention the ions can, when desirable, be caused to originate, partly or wholly, outside the space between the control electrodes.

It is a further object of the invention to provide additional electrodes either between the control electrodes, or interposed about the ion source electrode to provide for improved regulation ofthe control voltage upon the ion cloud or the production of the ions themselves in the ionization system of the invention.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon full consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. l is a broken away view, partially in schematic Vand elevationrand partially inperspective, showing the basic concept of the invention;

FIG. 1A is a plan View of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a broken away perspective view of a modification of the basic concept including a plate and regulating grid element;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit employing the new device according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A;

FG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit employing the device according to the present invention shown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the surface of the inner or outer electrode providing for sharp points along the surface, or for smooth heini-spherical protuberances or bulges along the surface;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show modifications in the construction of the ionizing means used vin accordance with the terms of the invention;` f

FIG. 9 shows a conical form of disposing the electrodes in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 1() shows an enclosure within which the new device according to the present invention may be used, which enclosure may contain air or other gas or uid under a pressure;

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention having a pair of cathodes as an ionizing source on alternate halfcycles of an A C. source and having a pair of grids for regulating the ionization generated by the cathanodes;

FIGS. 12 to FIG. 19 shows the basic feature of the new invention provided with varying arrangements of electrodes together with biasing or voltage sources connected thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a soundproducer device 8 according to the invention having mounted and arranged coaxially to a center line 10 thereof, an inner electrode 12 and an outer electrode 14 to each of which is respectively coupled a signal voltage desired to be translated by the loud-speaker device from electromagnetic waves to sound waves in accordance therewith. An ionization discharge means such as an incandescent wire or filament 18 for causing or effecting or producing an ionization discharge or cloud of ions to be introduced between the inner electrode and outer electrode is mounted at one end of the coaxial arrangement. Other Well known ionization discharge means may appropriately be used, such as a flame or flames, an arc or arcs, ionization type of radiations, a series of point discharges, a cathanode electrode or pair thereof, and the like, each disposed in a suitable manner, preferably at one end of the coaxial arrangement, and between the inner electrode and the outer electrode, for fairly uniformly affecting the charged space or cloud between the inner electrode and outer electrode into ionization. Appropriate interconnections between the ionization discharge means and the coaxial arrangement having the signal voltage impressed thereon may be through a ground connection or other means. The incandescent filament may consist of any portion of platinum together with any portion of any of the various elements, compounds or alloys commonly used for forming an incandescent lament, including substances that are coated for the purpose of increasing the emission of the incandescent filament. The electrode may also be heated by electronic bombardment or any other suitable way.

Although the ionization discharge from the incandescent filament moves into the space between the inner electrode and the outer electrode at a relation substantially coaxial to the center line 10, in the preferred form the ionization discharge progresses from the filament into the space between the said electrodes in a relation perpendicular to the radii of the said electrodes. This feature v is accomplished in the present invention by positioning a fan 20 below the incandescent filament 18, or by positioning a biased electrode 22 above the coaxial arrangement to provide for drawing the ionization discharge through the space between the said electrodes.

It is observed, therefore, that there is no, or substantially no ionization produced by impressing the control or signal voltage or a constant potential drop or bias upon the electrodes of the coaxial arrangement, but that all, or substantially all of the ionization is derived from an ionization discharge means. r1`he signal voltage produces a substantial oscillatory motion of the ion cloud rather than causing the ionization to vary in accordance with the signal voltage. The signal voltage impressed between the electrodes 12 and 14 may contribute to increasing the amount of ionization discharge present therebetween, but the primary feature is an ionization discharge means for producing an ionization discharge perpendicularly disposed to the field of signal voltage applied to the electrodes 12, 14.

`Within the scopeof the invention is a feature of providing a tri-electrode arrangement as particularly illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein a regulating electrode or grid 24 is interpositioned concentrically between electrodes 12, 14. The grid 24 may be constructed of perforated metal, screen wire, wire in a matrix of zigzags, wire in the form of gauge, or the like.

The purpose of the grid 24 is for more accurately providing a control of the ionization discharge in sound producer device S for transforming electromagnetic waves into sound waves, wherein the sound waves are usually elastic vibrations of frequencies within the audible range, although not necessarily limited thereto.

Because of the principles of similarity or duality, circuit connections well known with vacuum or gaseous multielement tubes may be employed in using the device of FIG. l or 2, such as is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Well known variants are understood to be, of course, the use of batteries or rectiers coupled between the electrodes for providing respective biases between the electrodes, as well as resistances, capacitors, etc. Also additional electrodes may he used in the tri-electrode arrangement so that it is of what is commonly known as a tetrode or pentode type arrangement.

In FIG. 5, the surface of the inner electrode 12, or the other electrode 14 or both, may be constructed of a relatively smooth surface, or it may present sharp points thereon, in order to increase or'improve the controlling action of the ionization discharge; if necessary to avoid undesirable noise, as hissing, smoother spherical, or hemi-spherical-like protuberances or bulges of high curvature may be preferred as shown in FIG'. 6. The amount of curvature is of a value not to exceed a value which would be safe from the unwanted production of noise.

The outer electrode of the coaxial arrangement sound roducing device is of a configuration having perforations 2S to provide for the facility of easier disturbance of the air between electrodes 12, 14, and, therefore to provide for the sound'to be communicated to the surrounding air external to the outer electrode.y Also, if preferred, the outer electrode 14 may be constructed of wire gauze or similar material well known in the art.

Similarly, the inner electrode of the device 8 may be of a perforated material, or a wire gauze or the like, especially in the instance when the inner electrode 12 is planarly disposed to the outer electrode and a bidirectional transmission of the produced sound is desired.

Substantially disposed parallel to the incandescent filament 18 of the device 8 and substantially generally perpendicular to the center line 1t! thereof, is a plate shaped electrode or reflector electrode 30 of either circular or rectangular contiguration, and electrically coupled to the incandescent filament in such a manner that the potential thereof is negative with respect to the filament 18 by having interposed in circuit therewith a suitable source of (not shown). This arrangement provides that the incandescent iilament 18 tends to direct the negatively charged particles of the ionization discharge into the space between the electrodes 12, 14 in a directed path substantially parallel to the elements of the cylindrical or coaxial arrangement, which in turn is parallel to the center line 10. The reflector electrode may be also constructed of wire gauge to admit therethrough the passage of air such as may be induced by the fan 20.

The general configuration of the filament may be circular and that of the reflector electrode may be substantially channel-shaped for more directly guiding the ionization discharge into the path of the transversely disposed electric eld of the signal voltage impressed upon the electrodes 12, 14.

In certain cases of loud-speakers, sound emitters, or other applications the device may work in natural air or other ionizable fluid which may include liquids, or it may be found advantageous that the device should be placed in an enclosure containing air or other gas or other appropriate ionizable fluid. At least one valve (not shown) may be used to regulate the pressure wi-thin the enclosure so that the pressure will be preserved at a certain desired value which may, for instance, be about that of the surrounding atmospheric pressure, or higher or lower pressures, when this presents an advantage.

Another valve (not shown) may be used to admit more gas when this is necessary for the regulation of the pressure or of the ionization. The gas may also be made to change continually in or circulate through the enclosure by any known systems producing such results. The enclosure will be made of any convenient material, such as glass, rubber, plastic or metal. When advantageous, a part of the enclosure will consist of a membrane such as a plastic sheet or a thin rubber or neoprene sheet as that used in rubber balloons; the membrane will be suitably set. For instance, when the inside pressure is not appreciably different from environing atmospheric pressure, the membrane will be moderately or very little stretched, thus in the case of a loud-speaker where the vibrations are desired to be transmitted from the gas inside the enclosure to the surrounding air without distortion. Analogous changing or circulation devices, for ionization regulation, with any fluid may be used in the enclosure for use as underwater transducers. A particular case of an enclosure is shown in FIG. l0,

ln FIG. 10 the ionic device surrounded by an envelope 31 may be constructed in the form of a plug-in device wherein the envelope comprises a material of either rubber, glass or metal. The envelope may enclose a gaseous medium within which the elastic vibrations are transmitted from the transversely modulated flow of ions, thus characterizing an inertia-less diaphragm. The physical characteristics of the envelope are such that elastic vibrations in the medium are transmi-tted through the envelope and into the molecular medium that may surround the envelope.

When the ionic device is used at substantially atmospheric pressures, the envelope may be perforated to include a plurality of openings of substantial sizes throughout the envelope in which case the envelope serves as a mechanical shield and protection against the high tension` and security of the ionic device. The base may present similar openings.

Instead of fans as shown above in the case of FIG. 1, other means may be used to produce a similar result, such as any known suc-tion means. When, however, the design is such that the lament 18 is set vertically below the electrodes 12, 14, as in FIG. 1, and lament 18 is placed below or at the lower end of the electrodes forming coaxial arrangement, Vand when the tempera-ture thereof is raised so that the surrounding atmosphere is heated, a Vertical rising draught will result bringing the ions between the electrodes 12 and 14 even without fans or other mechanical forcing means.

In the invention the electrode system 12, 14 for receiving the signal or control voltage is not combined with the filament system 18 for producing the ionization. The two systems have been presented; the lirst is cylindrical in form for specially modulating the ionized cloud and the second provides the ionization at the bases of a cylindrical system receiving the signal or control voltage. 'Ihe shape and disposition may be varied. For instance, the shape of the control electrodes may be planar and the shape of the ionization electrodes may also be planar. The ionizing system must be substantially perpendicular to the signal or control voltage.

In FIG. 11 isk specifically shown an ionizing means such as a cathanode arrangement where the electrodes or cathanodes 34, 36 emit ions on each half cycle of the alternating current applied thereto from the A.C. source 38. Also provided in the circuit arrangement is 'a pair of grids or regula-ting electrodes 40, 42 for controlling .the flow of ions from the cathanodes proximate thereto which cathanodes are subjected to a bias 44, 46 with respect to the remotely positioned cathanode. The range of frequency for the A.C. source 38 is preferably in the supersonic range, i.e., any frequency above about 20,000 cycles per second, so that there is no introduction of noise into the sound producer device 8 as audio signals are applied to the electrodes 12, 14.

In FIGS. 11 to 19 are shown various interconnections of the elements of the sound producer device 8 so that desired results are produced by applying appropriate potentials or biases to the several electrodes. The electrodes may be interconnected from some common point as shown or through ground, so that the ionization producing filaments and the electrodes 12, 14 are properly related.

FIG. 19 shows that a flame 48 may be used to produce an ionization cloud between the electrodes 12, 14.

A regulation grid 50 is shown above the electrodes 12, 14 in FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 to provide for the control of the ion emission and iiow of the ions through the space between electrodes 12, 14 when appropriate biases are connected thereto as shown, which bias is generally positive with respect to the potential applied to the ionization prducing filament 18 and also to the collector electrode 22.

When the iiame is used as an ionizing means -a tube (not shown) from which the iiames issue may be electrically connected with respect to the electrodes mentioned in the same way as the incandescent wire. The connected part of the tube must, of course, be electrically insulated from the preceding tubing (not shown). Similar connections with the electrodes mentioned are provided when arcs Vare used to produce ionization, as well as when other means are used to produce ionization.

Electrode arrangements such as those of the tetrode,

'6 pentode or other multielectrode type may be added to either of the two systems in accordance with the invention.

The control electrodes may be made of smooth surface metal sheets as shown in FIG. 1. When perforations are used, the openings constituting them will usually be relatively larger and more numerous than it is illustratively shown in FIG. 1.

Inductance coupling is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The coupling may be achieved as well in any other known means, such as by means of capacity or resistance.

The polarity of the connections between the dierent electrodes of the ionization system is described to be in the same sence corresponding to thermionic vacuum tube systems. Since, however, in this case ionization in a fluid takes place, said sense of polarity may, depending on the degree to which the ionic discharge is exerted and on the nature of the ionized substance, be advantageously reversed, the potential drop in either case being given a suitable value including zero. Thejtwo cases may be made to coexist; i.e., the collector electrode biased with respect to the ionizing electrode may be made of two parts, one of these parts being biased positive with respect to the ionizing electrode, and the other part being biased negative with respect to the ionizing electrode. One way of accomplishing this is to make each of the two parts ofthe collector electrode in the form of a spiral and position them so that the turns of the two spirals alternate in going fro-m the center to the edge (not shown). Another way could be to space each of the two parts apart from the other and without sections of the one part interposed between sections of the other part (not shown). Similarly developments of arrangements may be accomplished with respect to any other el-ectrode biased with respect to the ionizing electrode. All this, of course, also applies to gas filled discharge tubes.

In the case of the cathanode type described, a D C. so-urce can be superimposed to the A.C. source in a manner as obvious toanyone skilled in the art. l

The device of FiG. 1l may obviously be understood without regulating electrodes 40 and 42 when a simpler form is desired with the same results being achieved. In the' same way FIG. 2 may be understood without electrodeV 52 performing a function analogous to that of electrodes 40 and 42 of FIG. 11. Similar other possible omissions are obvious in a manner obvious to anyone skilled in thevart, in order to derive simpler forms of the invention when this is desired and substantially the same or equivalent results are achieved.

The position of electrodes, such as 52, 40, 42 may be as shown in the figures or in any other suitable place realizing, of course, that here, as well as in all other such instances throughout the description of the invention, that the other suitable arrangements `rnust be developed or achieved in a manner obvious to anyone skilled in this art, and that the same or equivalent results, functions, structures, operation, etc. are achieved in accordance with the invention.

Two or more ionization means may be made to coexist and operate simultaneously within the same device constructed according to the invention. Thus, to an ionizing incandescent wire discharging points may be attached, as already previously set forth for electrodes 18 or the incandescent wire may be given a shape presenting relatively high ourvature points as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

When it is desired that the propagation of the sound reproduced or produced be directional, any known means, such as placing the device in a horn or duly setting an appropriate sound reflector, may be used to direct the propagation of the sound in the direction or directions desired. This, of course, is not part of this invention, but is described here to show obvious uses of the device of the invention.

When an envelope is used, any part of the envelope not useful for transmission of vibrations through it, may be rendered less elastic by choice of a less elastic substance (e.g. preferring lead to steel) or by acting on its shape (eg. on its thickness, or making it corrugated or ridged.)

lt is also within the purview of the invention to provide the coaxial arrangement `for producing a cloud of ions that may be specially modulated along the direction of the center line by an upper and lower plate by a signal voltage for producing a substantially highly directional sound wave. Sound vibrations or waves as used in the disclosure includes subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic waves.

The device described is of reversible use or function. That is, if sufliciently intense elastic vibrations such as sound waves are received in the medium' between the control electrodes, corresponding modulated currents result in the circuit of the control system, and thus the device functions as a microphone, transmitter, or sound receiver.

The basic deviceof the foregoing description involves a separate ionization electrode 18 system which provides the discharge perpendicularly disposed to a separate control electrode 12, 14 system which receives the signal or other control depending on the way in which the device is used.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described. Various changes and modifications however may be made within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An ionic device comprising a first circular electrode composed of an electrically conductive substance and including an ion emitting portion thereof for producing a ow of charged particles in a predetermined direction to form a hollow cylindrically configured mass iiow of particles, a pair of cylindricallycongured electrodes, one spaced within the other and each spaced from the first electrode for receiving ions therebetween from the rst electrode and being composed of an electrically conducytive substance for controlling the motion of particles in a radial direction and perpendicular to the predetermined flow, said ow interposed uniformly between said pair of electrodes and being substantially continuous and diaphragmatic, said controlling being effected when a signal vvoltage is applied to the pair of electrodes for producing sound in response thereto.

2. The ionic device of claim 1 wherein an additional control electrode is interposed between the pair of electrodes.

3. The ionic device of claim 2, further having the said pair of electrodes of a wire gauze-like material.

4. The ionic device of claim 3, further comprising a reector electrode means for surrounding at least three contiguous sides of the ion emitting portion of the first electrode for directing the ow of ions.

5. The ionic device of claim 4, further comp-rising a fan means for directing the ow of ions produced from the ion emitting portion of the rst electrode.

6. The ionic device of claim 4, further characterized by said reectc-r electrode means being constructed of wire gauze.

7. The ionic device of claim 4, further characterized by having a biased electrode positioned on the opposite side of the pair of electrodes from the ionization discharge means to draw the ion emitting portion of the first electrode through the space between the electrodes.

8` The ionic device of claim 7, further characterized by having a fan means for directing the iiow of ions produced from the ion emitting portion of the first electrode, and having the reiiector electrode means and the biased electrode means constructed of wire gauze.

9. The ionic device of claim 2 including an envelope for enclosing the device.

10. The ionic device of claim 9 wherein the envelope is of a plastic substance.

11. The ionic device of claim 9 wherein the envelope is of glass.

12. The ionic device of claim 9 wherein the envelope is of metal.

13. The ionic device of claim 9 wherein the envelope is perforated.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,806,745 De Forest May 26, 1931 2,007,542 Lubcke July 9, 1935 2,112,034 Livingston Mar. 22, 1938 2,157,719 Pulaski May 9, 1939 2,236,016 Steenbeek Mar. 25, 1941 2,290,531 Brett July 21, 1942 2,326,877 Mueller Aug. 17, 1943 2,390,250 Hansell Dec. 4, 1945 2,463,632 Labin et al Aug. 11, 1949 2,578,571 Meier Dec. l1, 1951 2,835,836 Hsiung May 20, 1958 2,850,641 Martin Sept. 2, 1958 2,876,351 Conn Mar. 3, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 254,032 `Great Britain July l, 1926 303,175 Great Britain Jan. 30, 1930 511,743 Germany Nov. 3, 1930 659,796 Great Britain Oct. 31, 1951

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