Abstract: Acoustical-based methods that increase tissue oxygenation, and equipment for carrying out the methods, are provided. The methods involve exposing tissue to low frequency sound in order to increase blood flow in the tissue, and hence oxygenation of the tissue. The methods may be used to treat or prevent disorders related to ischemia and low blood flow, such as shock, stroke and congestive heart failure.

Abstract: A ring transducer comprising an outer metal ring and an inner ceramic ring provides a device for the conduction of ultrasonic signals directly in the ear canal, thereby providing an efficient means for the conduction of such signals. In an alternate embodiment, stacks of piezoelectric film, optionally shaped into a ring, may be used for placement in the ear or outside the ear, such as on the ends of eyeglasses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for rhythm pacing using a real time recording of stepping (or speech motor production) with a radiowave (speed of light) connection to a head-mounted device. The rhythm is initiated with the patient's initial performance and increased by increments to entrain motor skill. By automating the pulsing in a fashion that reflects real time stepping, trial and error can be avoided, yielding efficient learning and gait improvement.

Abstract: A strobe device is used to affect brain wave patterns, such as for personal defense by causing disorientation, or for therapeutic use by causing calming.

Abstract: A method for extracting verbal cues is presented which enhances a speech signal to increase the saliency and recognition of verbal cues including emotive verbal cues. In a further embodiment of the method, the method works in conjunction with a computer that displays a face which gestures and articulates non-verbal cues in accord with speech patterns that are also modified to enhance their verbal cues. The methods work to provide a means for allowing non-fluent speakers to better understand and learn foreign languages.

Abstract: A passive level dependent hearing protection device for insertion into an ear canal is made of a flexible bladder attached to a frame and where the bladder utilizes valves to evacuate air from the ear canal. The device thereby causes transmission loss of acoustic waves wherein low frequency steady state and impact noises are attenuated but soft noises such as speech are attenuated to a lesser degree. The device incorporates a safety feature for preventing creation of too low an air pressure in the ear canal. Finally, the device may incorporate a transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discretely alerting an operator or operators of a state of alarm or for conveying sensory or other signal data to operator or operators is described. Such method and device functions to transmit signals in the ultrasonic band to an operator and utilizes a transducer to covertly transfer the signal to said operator.

Abstract: Speech is modulated and processed to provide a signal that is intelligible in high noise environments. Also, a device (and method of using said device) for improving the perception of acoustic signals comprising non-vocal patterns such as music is presented which utilizes high-frequency carriers in conjunction with signal modulation. Finally, a signal containing acoustic information is presented to a listener using multiple modalities including ultrasonic perception via brain demodulation, air-conduction, and tactile stimulation to provide an enhanced perception of sound.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device for the detection of objects within structures or environments of interest is disclosed which utilizes ultrasonic signals and echoes for said detection.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer pair, preferentially coupled in a phase-shifted manner, is used to provide antimicrobial treatment of an infection without heating or cavitation.

Abstract: An acoustic signal is subjected to filtration whereby low frequency sounds such as respiration are removed. Intense acoustic sounds such as coughing are also removed, and ultrasonic carrier modulation and demodulation is also performed to increase the saliency of speech sounds. By removing non-speech sounds from an acoustic signal comprising speech, a method is disclosed for improving the functioning of devices such as speech recognition machinery. Devices for implementing such techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ring transducer comprising an outer metal ring and an inner ceramic ring provides a device for the conduction of ultrasonic signals directly in the ear canal, thereby providing an efficient means for the conduction of such signals. In an alternate embodiment, stacks of piezoelectric film, optionally shaped into a ring, may be used for placement in the ear or outside the ear, such as on the ends of eyeglasses.

Abstract: A system and method upper auditory frequency range hearing. A speech signal is filtered, and then modulated to an upper auditory frequency range. The modulated signal is then provided to a transducer, which causes a vibration in the ear canal, the head or the neck of a user, which is received in an inner ear of the user. That vibration is translated as a signal to the brain, which interprets that signal as intelligible speech.

Abstract: A non-invasive cerebral spinal fluid pressure method and apparatus applies at least one signal to a head of a subject, where that at least one signal is provided at a frequency range that includes the brain resonant frequency. The received signal strength is an indication of the amount of cerebral spinal fluid pressure in the head of the subject.

Abstract: A system and method for tinnitus masking. Ultrasound noise is provided to a head of a patient as a vibration by way of a transducer, to thereby stimulate the auditory cortex. Once stimulated, the auditory cortex will suppress tinnitus. The ultrasound noise may be provided as an ultrasound frequency tone or as a range of frequencies that have been multiplied with an audio frequency. Pulsed ultrasound is utilized for ultrasound noise in the MHz range.

Abstract: A system and method for tinnitus masking. Ultrasound noise is provided to a head of a patient as a vibration by way of a transducer, to thereby stimulate the auditory cortex. Once stimulated, the auditory cortex will suppress tinnitus. The ultrasound noise may be provided as an ultrasound frequency tone or as a range of frequencies that have been multiplied with an audio frequency. Pulsed ultrasound is utilized for ultrasound noise in the MHz range.

Abstract: A turtle alerting system and method utilizes an acoustic signal that may be provided in a first, low frequency range, a second, mid-frequency range, or a third, high frequency range. One or more of those acoustic signals may be accompanied and/or modulated by either an ultrasonic signal or a MHz signal, so as to provide a carrier for the acoustic signal. Further, a beam of light may be used as another type of alerting sensor. Lastly, a sonar may be used to steer the system in a direction in which turtles may be located.

Abstract: A system and method for an auditory inner ear prosthesis. A strut connects the medial surface of the stape footplate with the wall of the saccule. The strut spans the 1.5 mm vestibule between the saccule and the stapes. The strut is a synthetic elastic connector constructed of biocompatible material such as sylastic. The strut converts eardrum or ossicle vibration into saccular stimulation. The saccule is a large otic receptor organ capable of coding sound, and plays a role in reptilian hearing. For human ears, the saccule is so isolated from the eardrum and related elements that sound stimulation is ineffective. The strut allows for better stimulation by direct coupling. In cases of deafness, the saccule can serve as an alternative ear.

Abstract: A system and method for tinnitus masking or suppression. At least one upper audio frequency is provided to a head of a patient, to thereby stimulate the auditory cortex. The upper audio frequency is preferably applied by way of air conduction. At least one ultrasound frequencies can also be applied by way of bone conduction. Once stimulated, the auditory cortex will mask or suppress tinnitus.

Abstract: An external stimuli is provided that alerts animals to danger and/or repels the animals from certain areas. More specifically, the system and method of the present invention uses an external stimuli, such as, for example, pulsing microwaves, vibration or supersonic sound waves, in order to alert birds or other animals of danger and/or repel these same birds or animals from specific areas. These produced external stimuli may provide a reversible unpleasant sensation to the birds and other animals so that they will not only be repelled from a specific area, such as an airport, but also will avoid returning to such area. One such unpleasant sensation that is virtually harmless to the birds and other animals is the sensation of dizziness.