582results about "Transducers for subaqueous use" patented technology

A submersible, hydrostatic pressure tolerant enclosure for a portable audio device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a removable lid allowing for the inserting and removing of the device from the enclosure. The disclosure further provides a connector system and an audio communication link connecting the housing to a device capable of generating sound, and to a device capable of producing sound while being submerged in an aquatic environment. Also disclosed are headsets containing at least one speaker within a waterproof enclosure. The speakers may be positioned in or near the ear canal, and attached to the ear or to the user's equipment. The headsets may further comprise devices for controlling power and fidelity. The disclosed invention provides an affordable, easy to use and flexible appliance for utilizing an audio device while being submerged into an aquatic environment.

A submersible, waterproof enclosure for a portable audio device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a removable lid allowing for the inserting and removing of the device from the enclosure. The disclosure further provides a connector system and an audio communication link connecting the housing to a device capable of generating sound, and to a device capable of producing sound while being submerged in an aquatic environment. Also disclosed are headsets containing at least one speaker within a waterproof enclosure. The speakers may be positioned in or near the ear canal, and attached to the ear or to the user's equipment. The headsets may further comprise devices for controlling power and fidelity. The disclosed invention provides an affordable, easy to use and flexible appliance for utilizing an audio device while being submerged into an aquatic environment.

A system for monitoring and directing athletic or other physical activities is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a headset worn by an athlete includes one or more sensors, a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory and a communication link. The athlete's headset receives and transmits signals to a coach while the athlete is performing an activity. In this embodiment, the present invention provides coordinated audio streams to the athlete during his / her activity and training. In one implementation, the system coordinates audio for entertainment (such as music), audio expression of real-time performance information (such as count of laps, heart rate, etc.), optional pre-planned activity instructions and interrupt audio such as a coach's advice / instruction, or cell phone messages. In this implementation, the system records the output of the performance sensors for later analysis and allows for real-time display of the data for the coach. In one implementation, the system includes a underwater communication link for communication with a swimmer while in the water.

A system comprises a plurality of acoustic transmitters, mounted inside the streamers, adapted to transmit broadband signals having low cross-correlation between the signals of different transmitters; a plurality of acoustic receivers, mounted inside the streamers, adapted to receive the signals from the transmitters; at least one processor adapted to cross-correlate the signals received at the receivers with copies of transmitter signals to determine identities of the transmitters of the received signals and to determine travel times of the received signals; and a main processor adapted to convert the travel times to distances between the identified transmitters and the receivers and to determine relative positions of the streamers from the distances.

Disclosed herein are systems for housing an electronic audio device in harsh environments including aquatic and rugged environments. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed for allowing a user to control an audio device having a capacitive touch sensitive control feature from outside of a waterproof housing.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing wireless waterproof audio to a user in an aquatic environment. The systems may include earphones adapted to be waterproof and coupled to a receiver for receiving a wireless signal. The systems may also include a waterproof housing containing a transmitter and adapted to receive an electronic audio device such that the signal generated by the device may be transmitted by the transmitter.

A system for and method of communicating content data through bone conduction is disclosed. The content data can include radio content data, such as FM and AM radio content data, radio packet content data, recorded or stored content data and / or timing signals. The system includes bone conduction speakers configured to deliver the content data to a user through bone conduction using flexible contact diaphragms.

A fiber transition segment for transitioning an optical fiber from a hydrophone module to the central axis of the module. The segment comprises a conical, elongated element and a cylindrical portion of reduced diameter that protrudes longitudinally from the wide end of the conical element. The cylindrical portion is reciprocally mounted within an interconnect spring at the end of the hydrophone assembly. The fiber transition segment has a helical internal groove for receiving the optical fiber from the interconnect spring. The groove is aligned with and approximately matches the pitch of the groove in the interconnect spring to provide a smooth transition to the fiber transition segment and then to the central axis of the module.

A termination assembly for use in an optical hydrophone module, comprising a module oil seal and an optical fiber seal. The termination assembly is used at the ends of modules and provides a means for filling individual modules with fill fluid. A module oil seal comprises a cylindrical wall defining a cavity, with one end substantially closed and the other end open. An annular face plate on the open end makes a seal dividing a coupling and a clevis. A check valve is mounted to an orifice that passes through the substantially closed end of the module oil seal. Optical fibers pass through the substantially closed end and the optical fiber seal is provided around the optical fiber that passes therethrough. The fiber seal fits snugly in a module oil seal opening. Both components serve to provide a seal that can withstand high pressures and maintain optical fiber integrity.

A woven fiber protection cable assembly for use in an optical fiber hydrophone module. The assembly comprises an elastic woven fiber strap with at least one tube attached to one or more sides of the strap in a sinusoidal pattern. The strap at a first end and longitudinal middle portion is substantially aligned with the central axis of the hydrophone module. Two layers of the strap are fastened together in the longitudinal middle portion, and the first end of the strap comprises a loop. The two layers at the second end of the strap are spatially separated and on opposite sides overlap a fiber transition segment, around which one end of the tube is coiled. The elongation of the strap causes the period of the sinusoidal pattern to increase without imparting damaging stress to the optical fiber.

A submersible, waterproof enclosure for a portable audio device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a removable lid allowing for the inserting and removing of the device from the enclosure. The disclosure further provides a connector system and an audio communication link connecting the housing to a device capable of generating sound, and to a device capable of producing sound while being submerged in an aquatic environment. Also disclosed are headsets containing at least one speaker within a waterproof enclosure. The speakers may be positioned in or near the ear canal, and attached to the ear or to the user's equipment. The headsets may further comprise devices for controlling power and fidelity. The disclosed invention provides an affordable, easy to use and flexible appliance for utilizing an audio device while being submerged into an aquatic environment.

In an ultrasonic transceiver, an inner housing has a bottom portion, a first tubular side wall extending from one end surface of the bottom portion and a first flange portion formed on an outer peripheral portion of the first tubular side wall. The bottom portion and first tubular side wall provide a tubular cavity formed therebetween, and the piezoelectric member is mounted on the one end surface of the bottom portion in the tubular cavity. An outer housing has a second tubular side wall coaxially arranged around the outer peripheral portion of the first tubular side wall with a predetermined gap therebetween. The second tubular side wall is provided with one end portion which is opposite to one end surface of the first flange portion and contacted thereto. A first absorption member is inserted in the gap between the first tubular side wall and the second tubular side wall.

An ultrasonic probe, including an ultrasonic element for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a sound window enclosing the ultrasonic element; and a sound propagation liquid charged in the sound window. A barrier layer capable of inhibiting the permeation of liquids and gases is provided on a wall surface of the sound window. As the barrier layer, at least one selected from a polyparaxylylene layer and a metal layer can be used.

An impact-reinforced piezocomposite transducer array comprises a load supporting structure having a plurality of cells, each of said cells comprises a piezocomposite transducer element. The load supporting structure comprises a honeycomb structure having a plurality of multi-sided cells or the structure comprises a plurality of cylindrical cells. The piezocomposite element includes a plurality of piezoceramic rods encapsulated in a polymeric matrix to form a 1-3 composite body. The transducer array may be used as a hydrophone or a transmitter in a rugged environment such as on the hull of an icebreaker ship.

A wide frequency band micromachined microphone including a plurality of micromachined cells of the type including electrodes carried by a membrane supported above a common electrode with conductive lines interconnecting the electrodes is described. A method of operating a microphone array is also described.

A vibration electrode plate 112 is formed on the upper face of a silicon substrate 32 with an insulating coat film 35 interposed in between. An opposing electrode plate 113 is placed on the vibration electrode plate 112 with an insulating coat film interposed in between, and acoustic holes 40 are opened through the opposing electrode plate 113. Etching holes 36 and 104, each having a semi-elliptical shape, are opened through the vibration electrode plate 112 and the opposing electrode plate 113 so as to face each other longitudinally. A concave section 37 having a truncated pyramid shape is formed in the upper face of the silicon substrate 32, by carrying out an etching process through the etching holes 36 and 104. The vibration electrode plate 112 is held in the silicon substrate 32 by a holding portion 112 placed between the etching holes 36.

A negative pressure earphone includes a main body, a cover portion, a silica gel earplug, a filtering net and a moving coil sound unit. The silica gel earplug is fitted to the protruding end of the main body. The filtering net is provided on the opening of the protruding end and the moving coil sound unit is disposed inside the main body. The cover portion is fitted to the other end of the main body. A sealing framework portion is disposed inside the main body and the moving coil sound unit is fitted to the sealing framework portion. A negative pressure portion is disposed on the sealing framework portion. The negative pressure earphone of the present invention is structurally simple and water resistant and does not have to have an opening in its cover portion.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing wireless waterproof audio to a user in an aquatic environment. The systems may include earphones adapted to be waterproof and coupled to a receiver for receiving a wireless signal. The systems may also include a waterproof housing containing a transmitter and adapted to receive an electronic audio device such that the signal generated by the device may be transmitted by the transmitter.

The invention provides an underwater acoustic transducer, comprising a piezoelectric ceramic wafer pack and metal cover plates on upper and lower ends thereof. The piezoelectric ceramic wafer pack is in a cylindrical shape and stacked by several circular piezoelectric ceramic wafers. Polarization direction of the piezoelectric ceramic wafers is along the thickness direction. 2 to 8 piezoelectric ceramic wafers form a group, and the wafer pack contains one or several groups of wafers, each is separated by a rubber chip. Metal sheets are clamped between adjacent wafers and between a wafer and a rubber chip. Contact conductors are welded on the metal sheets. The piezoelectric ceramic wafer pack and the upper and lower metal cover plates are further separated by the rubber chips. The cylindrical stacked wafer transducer of the invention is not only capable of maintaining characteristics of large transmitting sound energy density of traditional stacked wafer transducer and high sensitivity by reasonably designing diameter of piezoelectric stacked wafers, but capable of adjusting axial directivity open angle of the transducer by changing thickness of the piezoelectric wafer stack or adjusting the group number.

A sound system is provided which may be removably attachable to a variety of head gears despite the size, manufacturer or type of head gear. In particular, the sound system may be attached to an ear pad. The ear pad may have a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment mechanism. The ear pad may have an elastic portion disposed between the first and second attachment mechanisms such that a distance between the first and second attachment mechanisms may be enlarged or increased to match mating attachment mechanisms formed on the head gear. A swim cap having a sound system is provided such that a swimmer may listen to audio sounds while swimming. The sound system may be retained adjacent to the wearer's ears via attachment to the swim cap, a compressive force created by the swim cap, and / or a physical member hooked around the wearer's ears.

A sound passing member (18) comprising a waterproof sound passing membrane (1) adapted to allow the passage of sound but block the passage of liquid and a main body part (8) having an opening (8p) for the passage of sound, the opening (8p) covered by the waterproof sound passing membrane (1). The waterproof sound passing membrane (1) in a slack state is fixed to the main body part (8). A polytetrafluoroethylene porous membrane or ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene porous membrane can appropriately be used as the waterproof sound passing membrane (1).

The transducer includes piezoelectric ceramic tube (PCT) with up supporting rack and low supporting rack being installed on two ends of the tube. The transducer is installed inside a tubular oil bag. Being fixed on the opening end of the oil bag, the base seals the oil bag. An output socket for two electrodes is set up on the base. Through connecting wires, pins of electrodes are respectively connected to inner wall and outer wall of PCT electrically. An oil hole in use for injecting oil to the oil bag is set up on the base. An oil nozzle is installed inside the oil hole. Silicone oil is filled up the oil bag. The method includes following steps: (1) enclosing integral PCT into the oil bag; (2) packaging the output socket on the base; (3) ring tightening the oil bag on the base; (4) debubbling the silicone oil, and injecting it to cavity of the transducer. Features are: wide working frequency band, high sensitivity, semi spatial directivity, and high anti hydrostatic pressure.

A small and high-performance waterproof speaker which can be manufactured inexpensively by decreasing the number of components. Front face of a case (1) is sealed hermetically by a water resistant diaphragm (2) from which a voice coil (3) is projecting inward and a magnetic circuit part (5) having a part (6a) being fitted to the voice coil (3) and a permanent magnet (8) is secured to a first resilient plate (4) provided in the case (1). The first resilient plate (4) is provided with a plurality of through holes (18) and the fitting part (6a) is coupled with the diaphragm (2) through a first coupling member (13) of resilient material. On the other hand, an inertial member (12) is secured to a second resilient plate (11) disposed, oppositely to the first resilient plate (4), in the case (1) and the second resilient plate (11) is coupled with the first resilient plate (4) through a second coupling member (14) of resilient material.

A microphone structure has a diaphragm; a frame of which an inside is processed in a shape of a semispherical surface, a parabolic surface, or a conical surface; an acoustic transducer that converts sound pressure into an electric signal; and a wire that transmits the electric signal from the acoustic transducer to outside. A sound pressure input surface of the acoustic transducer is disposed on a bottom surface portion of the semispherical surface, the parabolic surface, or the conical surface inside the frame. The diaphragm and the frame, and the frame and the wire include waterproof mechanisms preventing ingress of water.

A pressure compensated hydrophone for measuring dynamic pressures is disclosed. The hydrophone includes a compliant hollow mandrel with a single optical fiber coiled around at least a portion of the mandrel. The mandrel further includes at least one pressure relief valve for compensating for changes in hydrostatic pressure. The pressure relief valve includes a micro-hole, which allows hydrostatic pressures or low frequency pressure events to couple into the interior of the mandrel to provide compensation against such pressure. Higher frequencies pressure events of interest do not couple through the micro-hole and therefore only act only on the exterior of the mandrel, allowing for their detection. Because (quasi) hydrostatic events are compensated for, the mandrel may be made particularly compliant, rendering the singular fiber optic coil particularly sensitive to the detection of the higher frequency signals of interest.

A waterproof electronic device that is waterproof and has pressure-equilibrium functions is provided. The waterproof electronic device includes a housing, a microphone, an elastic element, and a waterproof element. The housing has a chamber and an acoustic hole communicating with the chamber. The microphone is disposed in the chamber. The elastic element is disposed on the microphone. The elastic element includes a through hole facing the microphone, and a ventilation groove communicating with the through hole. The waterproof element is connected to the elastic element and the housing, and is configured to block liquid. The waterproof element includes pores communicating with the acoustic hole and the through hole.

An acoustic module, such as a microphone or speaker module, includes an acoustic membrane that vibrates to produce acoustic waves and an acoustic cavity through which acoustic waves produced by the membrane travel. A liquid removal mechanism removes liquid from the acoustic cavity. Such a liquid removal mechanism may include the acoustic membrane, heating elements, hydrophobic and / or hydrophilic surfaces, and so on. In some cases, the liquid removal mechanism may remove liquid from the acoustic cavity upon connection of the acoustic module and / or an associated electronic device to an external power source.