CA1280821C - Piezoelectric polymeric film balloon speaker - Google Patents
Piezoelectric polymeric film balloon speakerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1280821C CA1280821C CA000517067A CA517067A CA1280821C CA 1280821 C CA1280821 C CA 1280821C CA 000517067 A CA000517067 A CA 000517067A CA 517067 A CA517067 A CA 517067A CA 1280821 C CA1280821 C CA 1280821C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- film
- coatings
- balloon
- inflatable
- audio signals
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000009501 film coating Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229920006254 polymer film Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000007888 film coating Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000002033 PVDF binder Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 229920002981 polyvinylidene fluoride Polymers 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 32
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011104 metalized film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000012216 screening Methods 0.000 description 2
- MIZLGWKEZAPEFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1,2-trifluoroethene Chemical group FC=C(F)F MIZLGWKEZAPEFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-Difluoroethene Chemical compound FC(F)=C BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005041 Mylar™ Substances 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 1
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004834 spray adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetrafluoroethene Chemical group FC(F)=C(F)F BFKJFAAPBSQJPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R17/00—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers
- H04R17/005—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers using a piezoelectric polymer
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S310/00—Electrical generator or motor structure
- Y10S310/80—Piezoelectric polymers, e.g. PVDF
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Piezo-Electric Transducers For Audible Bands (AREA)
Abstract
Piezoelectric Polymeric Film Balloon Speaker Abstract of the Disclosure Piezoelectric polymer film, when conformably adhered to inner or outer curved surfaces of an inflated balloon, for example, acts as a speaker when the metallized coatings of the film are suitably connected to the output of an audio device. The film may be in the form of an helical strip, or individual strips electrically serially connected, or may itself form the inflatable material. Amplifying and impedance matching means may be interposed between the audio output and film coatings.
Description
~ 0 ~2~
PIEZOELECTRIC POLYMERIC FILM BALLOON SPEAKER
~ . .
.
;
~:
?
!: :
.;: ' Statement of the Invention This invention relates to piezoelectric polymeric films and more particularly concerns such films which function as mobile and maneuverable speakers when strips or portions thereof are conformably secured to the curved surfaces of an inflated balloon, or the film i~self is made to function as ~ the inflated balloon. The metallized coating electrodes of : 10 the film are suitably connected to che output of an audio device~
, .
-.. ,:
"' o~z~
PIEZOELECTRIC POLYMERIC FILM BALLOON SPEAKER
~ . .
.
;
~:
?
!: :
.;: ' Statement of the Invention This invention relates to piezoelectric polymeric films and more particularly concerns such films which function as mobile and maneuverable speakers when strips or portions thereof are conformably secured to the curved surfaces of an inflated balloon, or the film i~self is made to function as ~ the inflated balloon. The metallized coating electrodes of : 10 the film are suitably connected to che output of an audio device~
, .
-.. ,:
"' o~z~
Background and Summary of the Invention Underwater acoustic transducers employing polymeric piezoelectric film materials are known, In British patent 2,120,902, a shell of PVDF material is provided with the usual conductive coatings on each face thereof. When an alternating current of lO0 cycles per second is applied to the coatings, the shell vibrates to act as an underwater sound generator.
In U.S. Pat. No, 2,939,970, a spherical microphone ~ ~10 assembly includes spherical outer and inner electrodes with a spherical ceramic transducer element therebetween, The assembly may also be used as a loudspeaker, Thé sphericai configuration of the microphone assembly lS similar to the balloon shaped speaker of the present invention.
~; 15 In U.S. Pat. No, 4,284,921, various configurations, ncluding hemispherical, of thermoformed piezoelectric polymeric film materials are disclosed as transducer elements for purposes of receiving and transmitting, : :
The existing patented devices abovementioned do not .
suggest the present speaker which is light in weight, maneuverable, deflatable for easy storage and transpor~, and sufficiently inexpensive to permit its use at entertainment centers and celebrations where tables of guests, for example, could each have an individual balloon speaker with a preferred sound volume, and where the height of the inflatable balloon, filled wi~h helium, for example, could be ~-. .
,,' ' '' ' '':
.
~ . ,: ': ' ' , easlly controlled. The electrodes or metallized film coatings of the piezoelectric polymeric film are connected to the output of an audio tape player, radio receiver, phonograph amplifi.er, and the like, each capable of delivering an adequate signal to energize the piezo film.
Conventional amplification and impedance matching devices may be interposed between the audio device and piezoelectric fil~.~
Additionally, the piezoelectric polymeric films of the present invention may function as a highly mobile and maneuverable microphone as well as sender/receiver of ; ultrasonic signals for communication, surveillance, and range , finding purposes, when suitably attached and connected to an inflated balloon.
BrLef Description of the ~rawings FIG. 1 is a perspec~ive view, partially diagrammatic, of an embodimen~ of the present invention, illustrating an inflated balloon with a helical strip of the piezoelectric film secured therearound.
FIG. 2 is a~ sectional view of FIG. 1 ~aken along line 2-2 thereof.
F~G. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1, wherein the piezoelectric film comprises individual strips thereof.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views of FIG. 3 ~aken along lines 4-4 and 5-5 respectively.
'' ~ , :, ' ' .
808Z~
., FIG. 6 is a sectional view, partially diagrammatic, of another embodimen~t of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
General Description of ~he Piezoelectric Polymeric Film :
Generally, polymeric ma~erials are non-piezoelectric. .
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is approximately 50%
crystalline and 50h amorphous;. The principal crystalline forms of PVDF are the highly polar ~ form and the non-polar form. High piezo response is associated with t~e polar ~
form. By carefully controlling process steps to polarize the film, including mechanical orientation and treatment in an intense electric field, a highly piezoelectric and pyroelectric film results. Such a film is commercially ;15~ ~availabIe under the trademark K~NAR~, a product of Pennwalt ~Corpora~ion, Philadelphia, PA., assignee of the present invention.
The procedure for~poling is well known in the art and, in the case of~dielectric polymer films~ generally involves ~ the application of a direct current voltage, e.g., 300 to 2000 kilovolt-s per centimeter of thickness of polymer ilm while first heating lt to a temperature ranging between just above room temperature to just below the melting point of the film ~or a period of time and then, while maintaining the potential, cooling the film. Preferred systems ~or the continuous poling of piezoelectric (or pyroelectric) , . . -, . , ~ - .
': - .. ~
~,~,ao8~
- s ~ l sensitive polymer film using a corona discharge to induce the piezoelectric charge are described in U.S. Pat. No, 4,392,178 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,2~3.
The invention is not limited to films made of PVDF only, S and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride, and copolymerizable comonomers such as tetrafluoroethylene and trifluoroethylene, for example, may be employed.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now to FIG. 1, inflated balloon 10 is provided with an helical strip of piezoelectric polymeric film material, typically PVDF, secured therearound. Balloon 10 is sultably rubber or polyester and may have a diameter approaching 1 inch, but preferably will be abou~ 1 to 3 feet - in diameter slnce the curvature of such sized balloons prov1de quality reproduction of the audio signals. The balloon need no~t be spherical but should provide curved surfaces.
If balloon 10 has a diameter of about 2 feet, then helical strip 12 will typically be about 1 to 3 inches wide with similar spacings between turns. It is not intended that strip 12 and spacings between turns be li.nited to the widths abovementioned since cost and quality considerations will norrnally dicta~.e the total area of the piezoelectric PVDF
ilm to be secured to any balloon, i~ being understood that the cost of the balloon speaker will rise as the amount of PVDF film used thereon increases. It should also be . . .
' :
'~ - 6 -understood that the amplitude of the sound transmitted by the balloon film might not be sufficiently audible if the area of the film is excessively reduced.
PVDF film may be suitably secured to balloon 12 by double-sided tape, for example, a pressure-sensitive spray adhesive, and r.he like.
Stopper 14, typically rubber, permits balloon lO to -remain inflated.
Referring additionally to FIG. 2, the output of audio device 16, typically a tape player, radio receiver, phonograph amplifier, and the like, is capable of delivering - .
an adequate signal to PVDF film 12 by means of ~etallized surface coatlngs 18 and 20 via conductors 22 and 24 respectively. Initially> the output of audio device 16 may 15 ~ be amplified, and by suitable transformer means (not shown), the lmpedances of the amplified output and the speaker ~ilm matched. The electromagnetic energy outputted from audio , device 16 produces mechanical stresses on PVDF film 12 which, in turn, retransmits the original audio signals.
In FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the PVDF film may be identical to PVDF film 12 of FIG. 1, but in the form of individual strips 26A through 26E, for example. Each s~rip 26A-26E will have its outer surface coating 28 and inner surface coating 30 electrically serially connected to its adjacent strip by means of connectors 32 and 34 respectively. Connectors 32 and 34 may comprise copper tape, Mylar with conduccive ink ~2~30~3 deposited thereon to provide an electrical connection, conductive adhesives, and the like. Audio signals from the output of audio device 16 are supplied to PVDF film 26A
through conductors 22 and 24. Since strips 26A-26E are S serially connected, each of the strips contributes to the output of audio energy from balloon 10.
In FIG. 6, PVDF fllm 38 comprises the balloon, along with its metallized surface coatings 40 and 42. Stopper 14 maintains the balloon in an inflated state. Output of audio device 16 is connected to the coatings, as described above.
' It is to be understood that in each of the present embodiments~, it may be desirable~if a suitable amplifier (not shown) receives the audio output signals for amplification thereof prior to the amp~ified signals being connected to the film coatings. Of course, matching of impedances, as a~orediscussedJ may be effected after amplification but prior to the connections to the film coatings. Amplification and impedance matching means are not shown or further described herein. A skill~ed audio artisan could readily employ such means, if desired.
~ In FIG. 7, PVDF film 44 with coatings 46 and 48 is :~ ~ adheringly disposed interiorly balloon 10. The usual electrical connections from the audio device are made to the coatings.
Fabrication o the speaker balloons of FIGS. 6 and 7 is within the skill of the balloon manufacturing art.
. ,-, - ~ :
. . ~ .
. ' '','~' ~ .
~3,08 The thickness of the piezoelectric polymeric film used in the presen~ invention may range between about 6~ to 110~, and preferably 20 to 50~ whereas the metallized film ~: electrode coatings will typically be about 6-8~ in thickness.
The coatings may be conven1ently deposited on the .
piezoelectric poLymeric ~ilm by a conventional silk screening process, Çor exa~plej the silk-screening conductive ink ~comprising a finely divided electrically conductive metal, suitably silver, nickel or copper embedded within a polymer , matrix.
The strips of FIGS. 1 and 3 may be adhered to the curved surfaces of the~balloon.'s interior.
Balloon speakers, in accordance with the present ~ ~ .
; ~ invention~, having a diameter of only about 6 inches, for exam*Le, produced faithful retransmissi;on of the audio signals at decibel levels higher~than typical normal home~
listenlng volumes.
; The hellcal strip of Çilm~need not have equal spacings between turns; nor is it required that the individual strips`
:
~` 20 have~equal spaclngs therebetween. The~ strips of~film may be disposed asymetrically around or within the balloon.
.
.
~ `` - , :
- . . - .
In U.S. Pat. No, 2,939,970, a spherical microphone ~ ~10 assembly includes spherical outer and inner electrodes with a spherical ceramic transducer element therebetween, The assembly may also be used as a loudspeaker, Thé sphericai configuration of the microphone assembly lS similar to the balloon shaped speaker of the present invention.
~; 15 In U.S. Pat. No, 4,284,921, various configurations, ncluding hemispherical, of thermoformed piezoelectric polymeric film materials are disclosed as transducer elements for purposes of receiving and transmitting, : :
The existing patented devices abovementioned do not .
suggest the present speaker which is light in weight, maneuverable, deflatable for easy storage and transpor~, and sufficiently inexpensive to permit its use at entertainment centers and celebrations where tables of guests, for example, could each have an individual balloon speaker with a preferred sound volume, and where the height of the inflatable balloon, filled wi~h helium, for example, could be ~-. .
,,' ' '' ' '':
.
~ . ,: ': ' ' , easlly controlled. The electrodes or metallized film coatings of the piezoelectric polymeric film are connected to the output of an audio tape player, radio receiver, phonograph amplifi.er, and the like, each capable of delivering an adequate signal to energize the piezo film.
Conventional amplification and impedance matching devices may be interposed between the audio device and piezoelectric fil~.~
Additionally, the piezoelectric polymeric films of the present invention may function as a highly mobile and maneuverable microphone as well as sender/receiver of ; ultrasonic signals for communication, surveillance, and range , finding purposes, when suitably attached and connected to an inflated balloon.
BrLef Description of the ~rawings FIG. 1 is a perspec~ive view, partially diagrammatic, of an embodimen~ of the present invention, illustrating an inflated balloon with a helical strip of the piezoelectric film secured therearound.
FIG. 2 is a~ sectional view of FIG. 1 ~aken along line 2-2 thereof.
F~G. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1, wherein the piezoelectric film comprises individual strips thereof.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views of FIG. 3 ~aken along lines 4-4 and 5-5 respectively.
'' ~ , :, ' ' .
808Z~
., FIG. 6 is a sectional view, partially diagrammatic, of another embodimen~t of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
General Description of ~he Piezoelectric Polymeric Film :
Generally, polymeric ma~erials are non-piezoelectric. .
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is approximately 50%
crystalline and 50h amorphous;. The principal crystalline forms of PVDF are the highly polar ~ form and the non-polar form. High piezo response is associated with t~e polar ~
form. By carefully controlling process steps to polarize the film, including mechanical orientation and treatment in an intense electric field, a highly piezoelectric and pyroelectric film results. Such a film is commercially ;15~ ~availabIe under the trademark K~NAR~, a product of Pennwalt ~Corpora~ion, Philadelphia, PA., assignee of the present invention.
The procedure for~poling is well known in the art and, in the case of~dielectric polymer films~ generally involves ~ the application of a direct current voltage, e.g., 300 to 2000 kilovolt-s per centimeter of thickness of polymer ilm while first heating lt to a temperature ranging between just above room temperature to just below the melting point of the film ~or a period of time and then, while maintaining the potential, cooling the film. Preferred systems ~or the continuous poling of piezoelectric (or pyroelectric) , . . -, . , ~ - .
': - .. ~
~,~,ao8~
- s ~ l sensitive polymer film using a corona discharge to induce the piezoelectric charge are described in U.S. Pat. No, 4,392,178 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,2~3.
The invention is not limited to films made of PVDF only, S and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride, and copolymerizable comonomers such as tetrafluoroethylene and trifluoroethylene, for example, may be employed.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now to FIG. 1, inflated balloon 10 is provided with an helical strip of piezoelectric polymeric film material, typically PVDF, secured therearound. Balloon 10 is sultably rubber or polyester and may have a diameter approaching 1 inch, but preferably will be abou~ 1 to 3 feet - in diameter slnce the curvature of such sized balloons prov1de quality reproduction of the audio signals. The balloon need no~t be spherical but should provide curved surfaces.
If balloon 10 has a diameter of about 2 feet, then helical strip 12 will typically be about 1 to 3 inches wide with similar spacings between turns. It is not intended that strip 12 and spacings between turns be li.nited to the widths abovementioned since cost and quality considerations will norrnally dicta~.e the total area of the piezoelectric PVDF
ilm to be secured to any balloon, i~ being understood that the cost of the balloon speaker will rise as the amount of PVDF film used thereon increases. It should also be . . .
' :
'~ - 6 -understood that the amplitude of the sound transmitted by the balloon film might not be sufficiently audible if the area of the film is excessively reduced.
PVDF film may be suitably secured to balloon 12 by double-sided tape, for example, a pressure-sensitive spray adhesive, and r.he like.
Stopper 14, typically rubber, permits balloon lO to -remain inflated.
Referring additionally to FIG. 2, the output of audio device 16, typically a tape player, radio receiver, phonograph amplifier, and the like, is capable of delivering - .
an adequate signal to PVDF film 12 by means of ~etallized surface coatlngs 18 and 20 via conductors 22 and 24 respectively. Initially> the output of audio device 16 may 15 ~ be amplified, and by suitable transformer means (not shown), the lmpedances of the amplified output and the speaker ~ilm matched. The electromagnetic energy outputted from audio , device 16 produces mechanical stresses on PVDF film 12 which, in turn, retransmits the original audio signals.
In FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the PVDF film may be identical to PVDF film 12 of FIG. 1, but in the form of individual strips 26A through 26E, for example. Each s~rip 26A-26E will have its outer surface coating 28 and inner surface coating 30 electrically serially connected to its adjacent strip by means of connectors 32 and 34 respectively. Connectors 32 and 34 may comprise copper tape, Mylar with conduccive ink ~2~30~3 deposited thereon to provide an electrical connection, conductive adhesives, and the like. Audio signals from the output of audio device 16 are supplied to PVDF film 26A
through conductors 22 and 24. Since strips 26A-26E are S serially connected, each of the strips contributes to the output of audio energy from balloon 10.
In FIG. 6, PVDF fllm 38 comprises the balloon, along with its metallized surface coatings 40 and 42. Stopper 14 maintains the balloon in an inflated state. Output of audio device 16 is connected to the coatings, as described above.
' It is to be understood that in each of the present embodiments~, it may be desirable~if a suitable amplifier (not shown) receives the audio output signals for amplification thereof prior to the amp~ified signals being connected to the film coatings. Of course, matching of impedances, as a~orediscussedJ may be effected after amplification but prior to the connections to the film coatings. Amplification and impedance matching means are not shown or further described herein. A skill~ed audio artisan could readily employ such means, if desired.
~ In FIG. 7, PVDF film 44 with coatings 46 and 48 is :~ ~ adheringly disposed interiorly balloon 10. The usual electrical connections from the audio device are made to the coatings.
Fabrication o the speaker balloons of FIGS. 6 and 7 is within the skill of the balloon manufacturing art.
. ,-, - ~ :
. . ~ .
. ' '','~' ~ .
~3,08 The thickness of the piezoelectric polymeric film used in the presen~ invention may range between about 6~ to 110~, and preferably 20 to 50~ whereas the metallized film ~: electrode coatings will typically be about 6-8~ in thickness.
The coatings may be conven1ently deposited on the .
piezoelectric poLymeric ~ilm by a conventional silk screening process, Çor exa~plej the silk-screening conductive ink ~comprising a finely divided electrically conductive metal, suitably silver, nickel or copper embedded within a polymer , matrix.
The strips of FIGS. 1 and 3 may be adhered to the curved surfaces of the~balloon.'s interior.
Balloon speakers, in accordance with the present ~ ~ .
; ~ invention~, having a diameter of only about 6 inches, for exam*Le, produced faithful retransmissi;on of the audio signals at decibel levels higher~than typical normal home~
listenlng volumes.
; The hellcal strip of Çilm~need not have equal spacings between turns; nor is it required that the individual strips`
:
~` 20 have~equal spaclngs therebetween. The~ strips of~film may be disposed asymetrically around or within the balloon.
.
.
~ `` - , :
- . . - .
Claims (13)
1. Apparatus for retransmitting audio signals from an audio device remotely located from, and supplying said signals to, said apparatus which comprises inflatable means having curved outer surfaces, piezoelectric polymer film means conformably adhering to said outer surfaces of said inflatable means while inflated, said piezoelectric film having an electrode film coating disposed over each face thereof, conductor means operably connected between output of said audio device and said electrode coatings for transmitting said audio signals to said film, said film converting electromagnetic energy of said transmitted signals to retransmitted audio signals corresponding to said transmitted audio signals.
2. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein amplifying means and impedance matching means are interposed between said output of said audio device and said film means.
3. Apparatus of claim l wherein said piezoelectric polymer film is polyvinylidene fluoride.
4. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inflatable means is a balloon.
5. Apparatus of claim 4 wherein said balloon is filled with air.
6. Apparatus of claim 4 wherein said balloon is filled with a gas lighter in weight than air.
7. Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said film comprises an helical strip.
8. Apparatus o claim 1 wherein said film comprises individual strips thereof in spaced distribution around said inflatable means, said coatings on said film comprising an outer coating and an inner coating, each of said individual strips having electrical connecting means connected between adjacent outer coatings and between adjacent lnner coatings, each of said connecting means being disposed in spaced relationship to each other.
9. Apparatus o claim 7 wherein said helical strip is conformably secured to interior curved surfaces of said inflatable means.
10. Apparatus of claim 8 wherein said individual str1ps are secured to interior of said inflatable means.
11. Apparatus for retransm1tting audio signals from an audio device remotely located from, and supplying said signals to, said apparatus which comprises inflatable means having curved outer surfaces, said inflatable means comprising a piezoelectric polymer film having a metallized electrode film coating disposed over an outer surface of said film to form an outer electrode coating and an inner surface of said film to form an inner electrode coating, conductor means operably connected between output of said audio device and said outer and inner electrode coatings of said film for transmitting audio signals in the form of electromagnetic energy to said film, said film converting said electromagnetic energy to retransmitted audio signals corresponding to said transmitted audio signals.
12. Apparatus of claim 11 wherein said film is conformably adhered to curved surfaces comprising interior of an inflatable and deflatable balloon.
13. Apparatus of claim 11 wherein amplifying means and impedance matching means are interposed between said output of said audio device and said coatings of said film.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US841,137 | 1986-03-19 | ||
| US06/841,137 US4638207A (en) | 1986-03-19 | 1986-03-19 | Piezoelectric polymeric film balloon speaker |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1280821C true CA1280821C (en) | 1991-02-26 |
Family
ID=25284115
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000517067A Expired - Lifetime CA1280821C (en) | 1986-03-19 | 1986-08-28 | Piezoelectric polymeric film balloon speaker |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4638207A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0262145A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS63501114A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU594971B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8607113A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1280821C (en) |
| MX (1) | MX160532A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1987005748A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA1284210C (en) * | 1985-12-05 | 1991-05-14 | Richard John Penneck | Acoustic transducer |
| US4843275A (en) * | 1988-01-19 | 1989-06-27 | Pennwalt Corporation | Air buoyant piezoelectric polymeric film microphone |
| US5263361A (en) * | 1988-08-22 | 1993-11-23 | Gates Donald C | Apparatus for leak testing a fluid containing chamber utilizing a laser beam |
| US5237855A (en) * | 1988-08-22 | 1993-08-24 | Expertek, Inc. | Apparatus for leak testing a fluid containing chamber |
| US5115472A (en) * | 1988-10-07 | 1992-05-19 | Park Kyung T | Electroacoustic novelties |
| US5054311A (en) * | 1989-12-11 | 1991-10-08 | Expertek, Inc. | Fully automated leak testing apparatus |
| EP0520017A4 (en) * | 1990-03-16 | 1993-07-07 | Robert A Rauch | Multipurpose headwear |
| US5265165A (en) * | 1990-03-16 | 1993-11-23 | Rauch Robert A | Multipurpose headwear |
| GB2256111B (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1995-02-01 | Univ Southampton | Distributed sensors for active vibration control |
| US5283835A (en) * | 1991-11-15 | 1994-02-01 | Athanas Lewis S | Ferroelectric composite film acoustic transducer |
| GB2269674B (en) * | 1992-08-13 | 1995-10-11 | Lawrence Alexander Campbell | Electrochemical membrane sensor |
| FI93506C (en) * | 1993-09-20 | 1995-04-10 | Reijo Kuusela | Method for reproducing sound |
| US5538451A (en) * | 1995-08-15 | 1996-07-23 | Sherer; Ronald B. | Balloon detonators |
| US5772489A (en) * | 1995-08-15 | 1998-06-30 | Sherer; Ronald B. | Balloon detonators |
| GB9525238D0 (en) | 1995-12-09 | 1996-02-07 | Greenberg Marc A | Sound reproduction device |
| US5795211A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1998-08-18 | Satellite Balloon Manufacturer Of Hong Kong Ltd. | Illuminated non-latex balloon |
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| JPS4926890B1 (en) * | 1970-12-04 | 1974-07-12 | ||
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| US4504761A (en) * | 1981-12-28 | 1985-03-12 | Triplett Charles G | Vehicular mounted piezoelectric generator |
| GB2120902A (en) * | 1982-05-27 | 1983-12-07 | Secr Defence | Underwater acoustic devices |
-
1986
- 1986-03-19 US US06/841,137 patent/US4638207A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1986-08-13 BR BR8607113A patent/BR8607113A/en unknown
- 1986-08-13 AU AU62226/86A patent/AU594971B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1986-08-13 EP EP19860905117 patent/EP0262145A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1986-08-13 JP JP61504471A patent/JPS63501114A/en active Granted
- 1986-08-13 WO PCT/US1986/001664 patent/WO1987005748A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1986-08-28 CA CA000517067A patent/CA1280821C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-11-27 MX MX4455A patent/MX160532A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH0462639B2 (en) | 1992-10-07 |
| JPS63501114A (en) | 1988-04-21 |
| EP0262145A1 (en) | 1988-04-06 |
| BR8607113A (en) | 1988-02-23 |
| EP0262145A4 (en) | 1991-04-17 |
| AU594971B2 (en) | 1990-03-22 |
| US4638207A (en) | 1987-01-20 |
| WO1987005748A1 (en) | 1987-09-24 |
| AU6222686A (en) | 1987-10-09 |
| MX160532A (en) | 1990-03-19 |
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