STEP Technologies’ Published IP

Patent/Pub. No.

Title

Comments

6,917,690

Electromagnetic Transducer Having Multiple Magnetic Air Gaps Whose Magnetic Flux is in a Same Direction

MMAG White Paper

The “Dual Gap” patent. A transducer motor with a yoke, magnet, plate, magnet, plate assembly. Both magnets are polarized in the same axial direction, and the magnetic flux flows in the same radial direction over the two magnetic air gaps. Huge Xmax is achieved by handing off a voice coil or voice coil pair from one gap to the other, to produce extremely high SPL with absolutely minimized distortion.

6,940,992

Push-Push Multiple Magnetic Air Gap Transducer

The “Dual Gap Return Path” patent. A transducer motor with two drive magnetic air gaps over which the magnetic flux flows in a first radial direction, and a low reluctance return path gap over which the flux flows in the opposite radial direction. A bucking magnet between the dual gap structure and the return path plate increases the flux density in the two drive gaps, and the return path gap lowers the reluctance of the magnetic circuit.

6,996,247

Push-Push Multiple Magnetic Air Gap Transducer

Another “Dual Gap” patent. A transducer motor with a yoke, magnet, plate, steel spacer, plate assembly. Magnetic flux flows in the same radial direction over both magnetic air gaps. A voice coil or a voice coil pair is handed off from one gap to the other, to produce very high SPL and minimal distortion.

7,006,654

Push-Pull Electromagnetic Transducer with Increased Xmax

A transducer motor of the “push-pull” variety in which magnetic flux flows in opposite directions over two air gaps, and the voice coils are wound in opposite directions or one is driven 180° out of phase. The motor uses the “hand-off” technique of the Dual Gap motor, to achieve large Xmax with extremely low motor‑induced distortion.

7,065,225

Electromagnetic Transducer Having a Low Reluctance Return Path

LRRP White Paper

A cup / internal magnet transducer motor with one or more drive air gaps and a low reluctance return path gap. Magnetic flux flows in a first radial direction over the drive air gaps, and in the opposite radial direction over the return path gap. Increased flux density with lower reluctance, resulting in higher efficiency.

7,477,757

Dual-Gap Transducer with Radially-Charged Magnet

A Dual Gap motor in which the magnetic flux flows in a same radial direction over the magnetic air gaps and is provided by radially-charged magnets.

20040131223

Electromagnetic Transducer Having a Hybrid Internal/External Magnet Motor Geometry

A transducer motor with both an internal magnet (inside the voice coil) and an external magnet (outside the voice coil). Some configurations permit post-assembly charging of both magnets in the same direction. Some configurations use the Dual Gap technology. Some configurations use the Return Path technology.

20040212254

Tube Geometry Motor for Electromagnetic Transducer

A transducer motor with an elongated steel tube for a yoke. The elongated shape enables the motor to fit into spaces where a conventional, round motor would not fit. Very high magnetic flux density can be achieved. The yoke can be made from inexpensive, off-the-shelf tubular steel stock.

7,457,429

Laminated Motor Structure for Electromagnetic Transducer

A transducer motor in which some or all of the steel components are formed as laminated layers of steel separated by thin layers of electrical insulation. Eddy currents, inductive heating, thermal compression, and induced opposing flux are minimized.

7,227,970

Shorting Ring Fixture for Electromagnetic Transducer

A transducer motor in which an aluminum shorting ring serves double duty to sink eddy currents and to hold other motor components in correct coaxial alignment.