Abstract: A method and apparatus for notifying a user of an incoming cellular telephone call are provided. The apparatus includes a cellular telephone body having at least a back surface, a first transducer positioned within said cellular telephone body perpendicular to the back surface and adapted to generate a first acoustic field, and a second transducer positioned coaxially to the first transducer and adapted to generate a second acoustic field. A first frequency generator is coupled with the first transducer to drive the first transducer to generate the first acoustic field and a second frequency generator is coupled with the second transducer to drive the second transducer to generate the second acoustic field in response to an indication that an incoming cellular telephone call has been received. The first and second acoustic fields overlap. The overlapping fields generate a vibrational sensation from a difference of frequency from unequal frequencies generated by the first and second transducers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating an audio signal, comprising a first cylindrical electrode adapted to generate a first acoustic field and a first frequency generator coupled therewith. A second cylindrical electrode is positioned coaxially to the first cylindrical electrode and is adapted to generate a second acoustic field. An audio mixer drives the second cylindrical electrode with a modulated difference signal between a signal received from the first frequency generator and an input audio signal. The first and second acoustic fields exhibit an overlapping portion which generates an audible audio signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for notifying a user of an incoming cellular telephone call are provided. The apparatus includes a cellular telephone body having at least a back surface, a first transducer positioned within said cellular telephone body perpendicular to the back surface and adapted to generate a first acoustic field, and a second transducer positioned coaxially to the first transducer and adapted to generate a second acoustic field. A first frequency generator is coupled with the first transducer to drive the first transducer to generate the first acoustic field and a second frequency generator is coupled with the second transducer to drive the second transducer to generate the second acoustic field in response to an indication that an incoming cellular telephone call has been received. The first and second acoustic fields overlap. The overlapping fields generate a vibrational sensation from a difference of frequency from unequal frequencies generated by the first and second transducers.

Abstract: A vibrating device for alerting a phone user of an incoming call includes a receiver of an electric signal representing the incoming call, and a converter which renders the electric signal into a mechanical movement that is felt by the skin of the user as a sensational touching. The converter contains a magnetostrictive generator controlled by an electric signal representing incoming signals. A telephone set incorporates the vibrating device into its ringer.

Abstract: A apparatus for sensing the presence of a mobile telephone within a holder for the telephone. A winding is located within either the telephone, the telephone's battery pack or a plug connected to the telephone. A magnetic element is disposed within a portion of the holder that is proximate to the winding when the telephone is present within the holder. Detection circuitry is coupled to the winding and detects, based on current flow through the winding, if the winding is in proximity to the magnetic element, which indicates that the telephone is present within the holder. The system may automatically enter a hands-free mode whenever the presence of the telephone within the holder is sensed. The magnetic element may be a transformer secondary to enable power to be delivered to other electronics within the holder, such as a light emitting element, whenever the telephone is present therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a signal indicative of a character in response to the path of a user's input is disclosed. The path of the user's input is detected. In response to this detection a signal indicative of a character is generated. The signal may be received by an electronic device.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive generator includes a magnetostrictive transducer having a vanadium permandur core and series connected primary and secondary windings, the secondary winding having more turns that the primary winding. A commutating capacitor is connected in parallel with the primary and secondary windings of the transducer and a switch is connected in series with the primary winding. A storage capacitor, which is connected in parallel with the switch and the primary winding of the inductive transducer, is charged by a remotely located low voltage power supply when the switch is open. When the switch is closed, the storage capacitor discharges through the primary winding of the transducer to charge the commutating capacitor until the transducer reaches saturation, the commutating capacitor discharging thereupon to drive the transducer into hard saturation to produce magnetostrictive action in the core and physically deform the transducer and produce an acoustic signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring fluid characteristics, particularly useful in performing measurements in remote and severe environments is disclosed. The probe employs an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, preferably a unitary ultrasonic transducer to both transmit and receive the ultrasonic signal. Further, the probe includes an internal reference reflecting surface hermetically sealed from contact with the fluid and one or more solid/fluid reflecting surfaces as are required. Preferably, two solid/fluid reflecting surfaces are located on opposite sides of a fluid receiving gap. The apparatus and method are useful in measuring fluid characteristics both at remote surface and in downhole drilling locations.