150 results about "Microphonism" patented technology

An active noise cancellation system includes a series of features for more effective cancellation, greater reliability, and improved stability. A particular feature adapted for headset systems includes locating a residual microphone radially offset from the center of a sound generator to detect a signal more similar to that incident upon the eardrum of the user. In addition, an open back headset design includes perforations on the side of the headset instead of the back, so that the perforations are less susceptible to inadvertent blockage. The system also includes a mechanism for detecting changes in the acoustic characteristics of the environment that may be caused, for example, by pressure exerted upon the earpieces, and that may destabilize the cancellation system. The system automatically responds to such changes, for example, by reducing the gain or the frequency response of the system to preserve stability. The system further includes other methods for detecting imminent instability and compensating, such as detecting the onset of signals within enhancement frequencies characteristic of the onset of instability, and adjusting the gain or frequency response of the system or suppressing the enhanced signals. The system further includes a mechanism for conserving battery life by turning the system off when sound levels are low, or adjusting the power supply to the system to correspond to the current power requirements of the system.

A personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, includes an adaptive noise canceling (ANC) circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal from a reference microphone signal and injects the anti-noise signal into the speaker or other transducer output to cause cancellation of ambient audio sounds. An error microphone is also provided proximate the speaker to measure the ambient sounds and transducer output near the transducer, thus providing an indication of the effectiveness of the noise canceling. A processing circuit uses the reference and / or error microphone, optionally along with a microphone provided for capturing near-end speech, to determine whether the ANC circuit is incorrectly adapting or may incorrectly adapt to the instant acoustic environment and / or whether the anti-noise signal may be incorrect and / or disruptive and then take action in the processing circuit to prevent or remedy such conditions.

An acoustic warning or alerting system for directing an audible warning signal to at least one intended recipient, while reducing the chance that the warning signal will be heard by others within the proximity of the system. The system includes a modulator for modulating an ultrasonic carrier signal with a processed audio signal, a driver amplifier for amplifying the modulated carrier signal, and a parametric array of acoustic transducers for projecting the modulated and amplified carrier signal through a propagation medium for subsequent regeneration of the audio signal along a pre-selected projection path. The parametric array of audio transducers operates by employing the nonlinear interaction between high frequency sound components and the propagation medium to generate at least one highly directional beam of lower frequency sounds within the propagation medium. The directional acoustic alerting system may be employed as a replacement for conventional alerting systems such as horns, whistles, and bells to assure that primarily only those people and / or animals intended to hear the warning signal actually hear the sound.

A flood control device and system which controls conductive fluid(s) in a conductive fluid supply line and or path, using the conductivity of said fluid(s). The conductive fluid system comprises; a conductive fluid supply line, in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, in-line conductive fluid detector, conductive fluid sensor(s) (attached in or to conductive fluid dependent appliances), a D.C. powered central processing unit, and control panel. The conductive fluid flows through said conductive fluid line, said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, intern reaching said in-line conductive fluid detector which detects the flow of conductive fluid, thereby sending data to said central processing unit. When said central processing unit receives said data, said central processing unit delays for a predetermined amount of time (example 3 seconds) waiting to receive data from one or more of said conductive fluid sensor(s). If said central processing unit doesn't receive said data from said conductive fluid sensor(s) within said predetermined, said central processing unit will automatically send data to said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve, to close, therefore terminating the forward flow of conductive fluid(s). System also includes audible signal(s) to signal an alarm condition, timing mode(s) for water conservation and monitoring in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve movements, a phone notifier for notifying user of said termination of conduct fluid due to a conductive fluid leak detection, and for (user-set) excessive water usage, means for communicating with said central processing unit by way of telephonic communication (to close or re-open said in-line conductive fluid shut-off valve), a battery back up system, and means of operating by way of manual means.

When an underground pipe carrying a fluid, such as a buried water-pipe, develops a leak the leak must first be located before it can be repaired. One common location method makes use of the fact that the leaking fluid often creates a noise, typically a hissing sound, which is transmitted through the ground, and although rapidly attenuated can be heard with suitable highly sensitive ground microphones and is therefore useful to field crews as a means of locating leaks. Unfortunately, the sound levels can be grossly distorted by underground heterogenities, and can easily be confused or even swamped by other sound sources above ground, and in general ground microphones used like this do not seem to be effective. The invention deals with the problems entailed in this technique by a method-and apparatus -which involves using semi-automated equipment to listen (either simultaneously or sequentially) to the leak sound source (1) from a multiplicity of different positions (as 3) spaced all around the sound source, and by then suitably combining and processing the received signals to provide the desired indication of the source's location.

An earphone adapted to fit within a human ear that generates sound via the propagation of one or more diaphragms aligned to fit the structure and shape of the earphone. The earphone allows ambient sound to pass through the device in order to be heard by the user. The earphone includes a variety of sensors adapted to characterize the surrounding acoustic environment and actively negate undesired sounds by generating a cancelling signal specific to the undesired sound or sounds. The earphone allows users to select particular sounds to cancel or to negate all of the surrounding noise. The earphone itself can be used to characterize repetitive environmental sounds that are predictable by the system. Additionally, the earphone can be used in conjunction with a buffering device in communication with a source of non-repetitive, unpredictable sounds in order to characterize and negate those sounds.

A detection device and detection device system are provided, wherein the detection device includes a housing, a first detector device and a second detector device. The first detector device is configured to detect at least one smoke particle. A second detector device configured to detect at least one gas particle, wherein the first detector device and the second detector device are substantially enclosed in the housing. The detection device further includes an audible enunciator configured to emit an audible noise when at least one of the first and second detector devices detect at least one smoke and gas particle, and a test button, wherein the audible enunciator emits an audible sound when the detection device is operating improperly and the test button is activated.

An electronic card comprises a thin, flexible substrate having electrical circuitry embedded therein. An activation device is disposed in the substrate and is configured to complete a circuit in response to a stimulus, such as light or sound. An output device is disposed in the substrate and is configured to produce an output, such as music or vibration, wherein the output device is activated upon the completion of the circuit by the activation device. A cavity is formed in an outer surface of the substrate and has electrical contacts at an inner portion thereof in electrical communication with the electrical circuitry. The cavity further comprises retaining means for replaceably retaining a battery in the cavity to enable the battery to provide power to the electrical circuitry, the activation device, and the output device. The retaining means allows a battery to be removed from the cavity and replaced with another battery.

A personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, includes noise canceling circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal from a reference microphone signal and injects the anti-noise signal into the speaker or other transducer output to cause cancellation of ambient audio sounds. A processing circuit monitors a level of the anti-noise signal, determines that the anti-noise signal may cause damage to the transducer and adjusts the generation of the anti-noise signal such that damage to the transducer is prevented.

An active stethoscope or other sound detection device, including a diaphragm, at least one floating mass mounted to the diaphragm (at at least one coupling point of the diaphragm), and an acoustic transducer mounted to the floating mass. Preferably, each floating mass is configured and mounted so that as each floating mass and each coupling point of the diaphragm move in sympathy with acoustic waves (to be detected) that impinge on the diaphragm, the acoustic transducer rides with and is stabilized by the floating mass to which it is mounted and the diaphragm is stabilized by each floating mass. The acoustic transducer can be of any of many different types. For example, it can be a microphone, or an optical, capacitive, or inductive transducer. The diaphragm can have an isolating portion which absorbs acoustic surface wave energy incident thereon, or otherwise prevents or reduces transmission of acoustic surface waves through the isolating portion between regions of the diaphragm.

A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load comprises a non-visual, haptic sensory output structure for producing a variable human detectable output related to the amount of power being delivered to the load. Specifically, the load control device may comprise an audible sound generator for generating audible sounds having operational characteristics that are representative of the amount of power being delivered to the load. For example, the amplitude (or frequency) of the audible sounds may increase as the amount of power delivered to the load increases and may decrease as the amount of power delivered to the load decreases. The audible sound generator may generate a turn-on audible sound that increases in amplitude (or frequency) with respect to time when the load is turned on, and a turn-off audible sound that decreases in amplitude (or frequency) with respect to time when the load is turned off.

Acoustic volume indicators comprise a resonator, a frequency detector, and an indicator. The resonator can be an impactor or a vibration generator. The detector responds to vibration signals provided from the tank wall, which signals will show a significant increase in amplitude at the resonant frequency of the tank and its contents. The detector can be an accelerometer designed to record the received signal. The recorded signal is converted / analyzed by the frequency detector, and is compared to a known preprogrammed specific frequency vs. volume characteristic of the tank. Various audible and / or visual output or indicator devices can be used to indicate whether the liquid volume measurements within or outside of a predetermined volume range based on the known tank characteristics.

One embodiment of the Touch sensitive impact controlled signal transfer device invention whereas the invention is used as a musical glove device that sends electrical signals to a sound module when areas of the glove containing piezoelectric discs are tapped or otherwise impacted on a surface and where the force applied by impact to the piezoelectric disc or discs is interpreted by the sound module and said module produces a sound at a volume level directly related to the force of impact on the piezoelectric discs and where multiple piezoelectric disks are located in each glove allowing a plurality of sounds by tapping different areas of the glove, such as the palm, thumb and fingers.

Sound absorbing or attenuating laminate flooring materials are provided, which are directed to be used in the production of floor covering, floor panels, furniture panels, cabinets, counter-tops and wall panels. As well, the methods for producing such products are provided. In particular, abrasion resistant panels, with a laminated structure, created by forming an assembly which consists of laminating a heat-activated resin impregnated paper wear layer, a decorative layer with printed graphics or a wood veneer decorative layer, a medium density (MDF) or high-density (HDF) natural fiber-based core and a resin impregnated paper balancing layer. To achieve sound absorbing and / or attenuating properties, any or all paper layers may be pre coated with an additional flexible elastomeric coating, film or material prior to assembly of the panel, or the natural fiber core panel may be coated with a flexible elastomeric coating, film or material prior to assembly with the papers. The flexible elastomeric coating, film or material acts to absorb, reduce, and / or ameliorate the sound transmissions inherent in laminated panels.

The invention discloses an automobile active noise reduction method. The method comprises steps: a reference microphone is arranged in an engine compartment, and the reference microphone is used for acquiring engine compartment noise x(n); a loudspeaker is arranged in a driving compartment, and the loudspeaker is used for producing a sound signal y(n) for cancelling the engine compartment noise x(n); an error microphone is arranged in the driving compartment, and the error microphone is used for acquiring residual noise e(n); the engine compartment noise x(n) acquired by the reference microphone serves as an input signal, the residual noise e(n) acquired by the error microphone serves as an error signal, the signals are transmitted to an adaptive filter, a characteristic matrix W of the adaptive filter is updated according to an LMS algorithm, the sound signal y(n) produced by the loudspeaker is continuously adjusted, and the residual noise e(n) is made to be minimum. When the acoustic environment in the driving compartment changes, good noise reduction can still achieved, and thus, the method is not limited to specific automobile models, and the application range is large.

A drumhead tone control device employs an annular configuration of polyester film tightly adhered to the periphery of a drumhead membrane. The annular configuration of the tone control device includes radial and / or circumferential relief. The relieved tone control device disrupts transmission of vibrations reflected from the drumhead membrane / drum shell interface. Disruption of reflected vibrations improves the overall tonal quality of the drumhead while use of a tightly adhered polyester sheet close to the periphery of the drumhead playing surface minimizes undesirable alteration of the attack characteristics and fundamental tone of the drumhead.

An electromagnetic alarm device includes a current interrupter to interrupt an electricity supply to a coil on application of a self-excited voltage to oscillate a diaphragm with a moving core to generate a first alarm sound including a fundamental tone at a first predetermined frequency, when a switch is manipulated by an occupant. A proximity notification device includes an ultrasonic speaker to emit an ultrasonic wave, which is generated by implementing ultrasonic modulation on a proximity notification sound, to an outside of the vehicle for notifying a pedestrian of proximity of the vehicle, according to a traveling state of the vehicle and / or when a sensor detects a pedestrian. The ultrasonic speaker emits an ultrasonic wave, which is generated by implementing ultrasonic modulation on a second alarm sound including a fundamental tone at a second frequency, when the switch is manipulated.

A personal audio device, such as a wireless telephone, includes an adaptive noise canceling (ANC) circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal from a reference microphone signal and injects the anti-noise signal into the speaker or other transducer output to cause cancellation of ambient audio sounds. An error microphone is also provided proximate to the speaker to provide an error signal indicative of the effectiveness of the noise cancellation. A secondary path estimating adaptive filter is used to estimate the electro-acoustical path from the noise canceling circuit through the transducer so that source audio can be removed from the error signal. A level of the source audio with respect to the ambient audio is determined to determine whether the system may generate erroneous anti-noise and / or become unstable.

Anti-counterfeit and anti-theft buttons include at least a body embedded with a RFID system containing one or plural RFID chips. Each RFID chip may be of a single or double or multiple frequencies. If the single frequency is used, it may be a high frequency (HF) or an ultrahigh frequency (UHF). If the double frequencies are used, they may be any composition of HF and UHF. If the multiple frequencies are used, they may be a single HF and plural UHF, or plural HF and single UHF. The RFID chip is jointed with an antenna that may be of a single or multiple circuits and should have an extended antenna. All antennas can enhance effects of receiving signals. When two of these buttons fitted together are illegally separated, a system host may operate to give out warning signals or sound, achieving counterfeit and theft prevention.

The invention discloses a circuit breaker fault diagnosis method for identifying a circuit breaker fault diagnosis based on sound and vibration signal fusion processing. There are four states: stuck fault, base loose fault, and refusal to move fault. (2) Step 2, use the db3 wavelet base to decompose the acoustic and vibration signals into three layers, and reconstruct the signals on the eight nodes in the third layer; perform the Hilbert transform on the reconstructed signals of the eight nodes , to obtain the modulus envelope. (3) The envelope signal is divided into 3 sections according to the principle of before opening, during opening and after opening. According to the principle of equal energy, it is divided into 3 sections before opening, 9 sections during opening, and after opening It is divided into 3 sections, and the energy entropy of the wavelet packet square difference of each state of the circuit breaker is extracted. (4) Input the feature vector matrix of each signal into the support vector machine and use the "one vs one" voting strategy to obtain the basic probability distribution. (5) Using improved evidence theory to fuse multi-sensor information to identify circuit breaker fault types.

An electronic card comprises a thin, flexible substrate having electrical circuitry embedded therein. An activation device is disposed in the substrate and is configured to complete a circuit in response to a stimulus, such as light or sound. An output device is disposed in the substrate and is configured to produce an output, such as music or vibration, wherein the output device is activated upon the completion of the circuit by the activation device. A cavity is formed in an outer surface of the substrate and has electrical contacts at an inner portion thereof in electrical communication with the electrical circuitry. The cavity further comprises retaining means for replaceably retaining a battery in the cavity to enable the battery to provide power to the electrical circuitry, the activation device, and the output device. The retaining means allows a battery to be removed from the cavity and replaced with another battery.

The invention is an modified audible signal, such as a piezoelectric noise-making and audible signaling device, which further includes a hydrophobic covering material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The hydrophobic covering material is known to be water resistant, but does not effect the sound of the audible signaling device, thereby delaying or preventing the failure of the audible signaling device from water corrosion.

A theft protection device for photovoltaic solar panels is provided. The device includes of at least one cable which is made to pass through the solar panels. The cable can be fibre optic or electrical, and a light beam or an electrical current, respectively, is made to circulate through the cable. At the ends of the cable, an electrical control circuit is connected, capable of detecting a cut in the cable caused by the interruption of the light beam in the fibre or a voltage drop at the ends of the electrical cable. Cutting of the cable for theft of the solar panels is detected by the control circuit which activates an alarm, acoustic and / or visual, which can belong to the device or be remote.

An electro-acoustic product stabilizing device includes: a sound device; an angle adjustment element, coupled pivotally to one side of the sound device; a hard fixation portion, configured on one side of the angle adjustment element; and a flexible support element, in connection with the angle adjustment element. Whereby, when the electro-acoustic product of the present invention is a headset or hearing aid, it is attached and fixed in a user's ear through the characteristic of the flexible support element being capable of adaptable shape change to be fixed to the use's inner ear bones; and then, the attachment of the flexible support element to the ear to be more comfortable through the angle adjustment element in combination with the sound device. In addition, the strengthening fixation of the hard fixation portion to the sound device increases the combination stability of the sound device with the ear.

In a conventional hard material insulator, reproduced sound can be tuned with use of characteristics of the material; however, various types of acoustic materials have specific high frequency characteristics, and thus their acoustic effects lack versatility, require compatible audio devices, and change with environment, musical genre, etc. To address this, a wind-bell member (resonant member) is arranged in parallel with a main propagation path of vibration transferred from an audio device to an insulator. Accordingly, a vibration system of a wind-bell having a tone determined by many factors such as a fundamental tone, harmonic tones, lingering sound, and fluctuation assists (enhances) high frequency vibration propagated from the audio device. As a result, due to the above assist action that is different in principle from a conventional type, acoustic characteristics such as a sense of localization, resolution, and a sense of transparency and scale a sound image can be dramatically improved.

The invention discloses a device and a method for detecting the airtightness of a bottle cap based on sound signal processing. The method comprises three parts, namely generation, extraction and analytical processing of a sound signal, wherein an electromagnetic excitation device excites the bottle cap to generate the sound signal and consists of an electromagnet and a control circuit; and the extraction of the sound signal is realized by a sound sensor, namely a microphone. A digital signal processing (DSP) circuit comprises a sound pickup module, a signal amplification module, an analog filtering module, a signal threshold value detection module, a voltage conversion module and the like. The device and the method have good detection effect; and the detection accuracy rate of a product in experiments reaches 99 percent.