Abstract: Disclosed is a hub station of an alarm system, having: a hub station housing; a hub station controller disposed within the hub station housing, wherein the hub station is configured for: communicating, bi-directionally over a short range network during an active alarm condition, with a plurality of client stations that are distributed in a plurality of zones, the plurality of client stations each including a housing and located therein a power transformer, a speaker, a microphone, and one of a plurality of controllers; obtaining, from the communicating during the active alarm condition, intrusion sound data indicative of sounds received by one or more of the plurality of client stations; and determining, from the intrusion sound data, intrusion location data indicative of a location and movement of an intrusion among the architectural zones; and forwarding, over a long range telecommunications network, the intrusion location data to a central station.

Abstract: Delivery of an implantable wireless receiver-stimulator (R-S) into the heart using delivery catheter is described. R-S comprises a cathode and an anode and wirelessly receives and converts energy, such as acoustic ultrasound energy, to electrical energy to stimulate the heart. Conductive wires routed through the delivery system temporarily connect R-S electrodes to external monitor and pacing controller. R-S comprises a first temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the cathode, and a second temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the anode. Temporary electrical connections allow external monitoring of heart's electrical activity as sensed by R-S electrodes to determine tissue viability for excitation as well as to assess energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A biological information monitor includes: a measuring section which is configured to measure biological information having a periodically changing value; a sound outputting section which is configured to output a sound including a first sound and a second sound, in synchronization with a period of the biological information; and a sound controlling section which is configured to cause the second sound to be output in succession to the first sound, and which is configured to change the second sound in accordance with a value of the biological information.

Abstract: A method and system of fault detection for an alert generation system. In the audio alert generation system, a stored digital alert audio file is selected to be processed to generate an analog audio signal to drive a speaker. An alert fault detection system obtaining a signal from the audio alert generation system, converts the obtained signal to a digitally-formatted obtained audio signal, detects a fault in the audio alert generation system by comparing the digitally-formatted obtained audio signal with the stored digital alert audio file, and triggers a fault indicator.

Abstract: An elastic wave device including a substrate, an interdigital transducer (IDT) electrode provided on an upper surface of the substrate, a first wiring electrode provided on the upper surface of the substrate and connected to the IDT electrode, a dielectric film that does not cover a first region of the first wiring electrode but covers a second region of the first wiring electrode above the substrate, the first wiring electrode including a cutout in the second region, and a second wiring electrode that covers an upper surface of the first wiring electrode in the first region and an upper surface of the dielectric film in the second region above the substrate.

Abstract: Delivery of an implantable wireless receiver-stimulator (R-S) into the heart using delivery catheter is described. R-S comprises a cathode and an anode and wirelessly receives and converts energy, such as acoustic ultrasound energy, to electrical energy to stimulate the heart. Conductive wires routed through the delivery system temporarily connect R-S electrodes to external monitor and pacing controller. R-S comprises a first temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the cathode, and a second temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the anode. Temporary electrical connections allow external monitoring of heart's electrical activity as sensed by R-S electrodes to determine tissue viability for excitation as well as to assess energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the location of a material located behind an obstruction. A plurality of acoustic resonators (6) having a known resonant frequency are dispersed in the material (3), the material to be located on a first side of the obstruction (2). An instrument (5) is provided at an opposite side of the obstruction to the material. The instrument emits an acoustic signal and measures a response. If the resonant frequency is detected, it is determined that the material is located substantially adjacent to the instrument. The apparatus may be used for determining the height of cement slurry located between a well casing wall and a borehole.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes, on a substrate, functional electrode units each including at least one IDT electrode, wiring electrodes connected to the functional electrode units, insulation films provided between the wiring electrode and the substrate, and a support member that surrounds the functional electrode units and at least a portion of the wiring electrodes. A thickness of the support member is larger than a thickness of the insulation films, and the insulation films and the support member are made of the same material.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes an acoustic sensor is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the acoustic sensor provides acoustic data based on measurements of sound in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Based on the acoustic data, a control mechanism determines if an alarm device, which is separate from the environmental monitoring device, is activated. For example, the environmental monitoring device may determine if a smoke detector is activated based on measurements of sound, such as a temporal 3 acoustic pattern. In addition, a sensor mechanism in the environmental monitoring device may provide sensor data based on measurements of an environmental condition in the external environment. The control mechanism may use the sensor data to assess a degree of threat in the external environment, and the environmental monitoring device may output different audible sounds as the degree of threat changes.

Abstract: The invention is an electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. Preferably, a foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground in a rapid progression, acoustic energy is created and delivered into the ground for geophones to sense and record.

Abstract: An ultrasonic reactor system with an appropriately designed reactor chamber used in conjunction with a compatible ultrasonic Barbell Horn or its derivative that provides a significant efficiency increase and an intensification of sonochemical and sonomechanical processes is disclosed. These enhancements arise from the ability of the reactor chamber to direct all treated liquid media through the highly active ultrasonic cavitation region located near the surface of the horn, as well as from several improvements in the Barbell Horn design that significantly increase its longevity and in its output surface area, thereby increasing the total size of the active cavitation region.

Abstract: An acoustical receiver for detecting an acoustical signal characterized by a wavelength and a pen transcription system utilizing the same are disclosed. The receiver includes a detector that generates an electrical signal in response to acoustical signals in a predetermined frequency range including that wavelength, a housing surrounding the detector, and a receiving horn. The housing has a housing aperture having a maximum dimension less than the acoustical signal wavelength. The receiving horn has a first opening that is adjacent to the housing aperture and a second aperture having a dimension that is greater than the acoustical signal wavelength.

Abstract: Device for generating acoustic waves comprising an assembly of substantially parallel deformable walls, made of a conductive elastomer material, the series of walls delimiting contiguous spaces therebetween alternately leading over two opposite surfaces of said assembly into two cavities, that are sealed relative to one another; and a rigid revolving chamber containing the assembly and having two sealed cavities opposite two surfaces. Two circular screened slots formed in the chamber define two vents that ensure communication between the cavities and the external acoustic medium. Means are also provided for applying, in a controlled and variable manner, a set of electric potentials to the walls in order to induce an electric field between the walls, consecutively active, and inactive for a control polarity, and inactive and active for the opposite polarity, so as to decrease the space covered by the field, i.e. and in series, and to thus equally increase the contiguous space.

Abstract: An acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first wiring disposed on an upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, an organic insulator covering at least a portion of the first wiring, a second wiring disposed on a first portion of the upper surface of the organic insulator, and an inorganic insulator covering at least a second portion of an upper surface of the organic insulator. The second portion of the upper surface of the organic insulator faces an oscillation space across the inorganic insulator. The acoustic wave device has preferable high-frequency characteristics and high long-term reliability.

Abstract: Device for generating acoustic waves comprising an assembly of substantially parallel deformable walls, made of a conductive elastomer material, the series of walls delimiting contiguous spaces therebetween alternately leading over two opposite surfaces of said assembly into two cavities, that are sealed relative to one another; and a rigid revolving chamber containing the assembly and having two sealed cavities opposite two surfaces. Two circular screened slots formed in the chamber define two vents that ensure communication between the cavities and the external acoustic medium. Means are also provided for applying, in a controlled and variable manner, a set of electric potentials to the walls in order to induce an electric field between the walls, consecutively active, and inactive for a control polarity, and inactive and active for the opposite polarity, so as to decrease the space covered by the field, i.e. and in series, and to thus equally increase the contiguous space.

Abstract: Methods and systems for Airy waves and Airy wavepackets or Airy beam generation from an input beam or pulse. Airy wavefronts and Airy wavepackets can be generated using Airy beam generation through Fourier synthesis using phase masks or filters in the spatial domain; Airy beam generation using amplitude and phase filters in the spatial domain; and Airy pulse generation through Fourier synthesis using phase and/or amplitude filters in the temporal frequency domain. The Airy waves are highly asymmetric and as a result their energy is more tightly confined in one quadrant thus increasing the energy density in the main lobes. These wavepackets can be one, two, and three-dimensional waves. In addition they tend to self-heal themselves which is important in adverse environments.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of acquiring vibroseismic data concerning a zone of the subsoil. This method comprises the following steps: —operating a vibroseismic source so that it transmits a first vibroseismic signal having a first amplitude (101, 201), —operating the source so that it transmits a second vibroseismic signal having a second amplitude different from the first amplitude (103, 203), —recording first data corresponding to the first signal after propagation in the medium to be explored (102, 202), —recording second data corresponding to the second signal after propagation in the medium to be explored (104, 204). The method supplies information for filtering the surface waves (ground roll).

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating sound bullets are described. Such sound bullets are created by controlling and/or redirecting highly nonlinear acoustic waves or pulses propagating through an array of actuators. The controlling and/or redirecting of the acoustic waves or pulses is achieved though methods such as applying pre-compressive forces to the array of actuators or by selection of size, shape and/or material of the actuators.

Abstract: One example of a seismic vibrator system includes a baseplate having a bottom surface and a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism being operable to a deployed position; a hold-down mass connected to the baseplate; a lifting mechanism in operational connection with the hold-down mass and the baseplate to apply a selected hold-down weight to the baseplate; and a driving mechanism functionally connected to the baseplate to transmit seismic energy through the baseplate into a ground surface to which the baseplate is coupled, wherein the coupling mechanism is urged outward from the bottom surface and into physical contact with the ground surface when operated to the deployed position.

Abstract: The optical axis orientation measuring device according to the present invention is a reflective optical axis orientation measuring device for a spherical member made from a single crystal of an optically uniaxial crystal having birefringence, comprising: illuminating means for illuminating the spherical member through a polarizer; and isogyre observing means for observing the isogyre that is structured by the light that is reflected from the bottom surface of the spherical member and emitted from the spherical member through an analyzer that has a cross-nicol relationship with the polarizer.

Abstract: A supersonic boom simulator constructed from a directed coherent sound pulse source, a waveguide and a bass trap at the opposite end of the waveguide from the directed coherent sound pulse source.

Abstract: A person monitoring system, such as a baby monitor a monitored unit including a microphone for transducing radiated sound waves and sound waves emanating from the person to a received audio signal and circuitry for removing from the received audio signal a portion of the received audio signal corresponding to the radiated sound waves to provide an audio signal corresponding to the sound waves emanating from the person.

Abstract: A self-healing composite material comprising a fibre-reinforced polymeric matrix, wherein the polymeric matrix comprises a thermosetting polymer and a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A marine acoustic sensor assembly includes an acoustic panel having a forward surface and an after surface, a laser scanner oriented so as to project a laser beam onto the acoustic panel after surface, and a sensor oriented so as to receive reflections of the laser beam off the acoustic panel and to transmit data from which a position of a sound generating source can be determined, wherein the acoustic panel is provided with an absorber layer extending over the after surface thereof, and the absorber layer is provided with holes extending therethrough, the holes being of a size sufficient to permit passage of the laser beams to the acoustic panel after surface and the reflections to pass to the sensor, whereby to minimize reflections and noise originating from aft of the after surface, while permitting sound incoming from forward of the acoustic panel to be measured.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for use in determining one or more parameters of a subject. A region of interest of the subject is irradiated with acoustic tagging radiation, which comprises at least one acoustic tagging beam. At least a portion of the region of interest is irradiated with at least one electromagnetic beam of a predetermined frequency range. Electromagnetic radiation response of the at least portion of the region of interest is detected and measured data indicative thereof is generated. The detected response comprises electromagnetic radiation tagged by the acoustic radiation. This enables processing of the measured data indicative of the detected electromagnetic radiation response to determine at least one parameter of the subject in a region corresponding to the locations in the medium at which the electromagnetic radiation has been tagged by the acoustic radiation, and outputting data indicative of the at least one determined parameter.

Abstract: Tubewaves are used to transmit an indication of the depth at which a condition is detected in a well. In particular, the depth is calculated based on the difference in arrival time at the surface of a first tubewave which propagates directly upward in the borehole and a second tubewave which initially travels downward and is then reflected upward. The tubewaves may be generated by a canister designed to implode at a certain pressure. After being introduced into the flowline at an above ground inlet, the canister is carried downhole by gravity and the fluid being pumped. When the canister reaches a depth at which its pressure tolerance is exceeded, it implodes and generates the tubewaves. An analyzer at the surface detects the tubewaves with a hydrophone array and generates a pressure versus depth profile of the well, i.e., one data point for each implosion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor (EMPAS). The sensor comprises a piezoelectric sensor plate spaced apart from an induced dynamic electromagnetic field, such as from an electromagnetic coil through which AC current flows. The electromagnetic field induces vibration in the sensor plate by fluctuating the aligned dipole moments of the piezoelectric material. Changes on the surface of the sensor plate can be detected by variation in resonance frequency of the sensor plate. The invention represents an improvement over conventional sensor methodologies in that no metallization of the sensor surface is required, and no permanent magnet is needed. The sensor may be used to detect absorption of molecules or biomolecular interactions between probe and target molecules.

Abstract: A plurality of heavy mass irregularities attached to an inner wall of the drill collar attenuate waves traveling through the collar. The plurality of heavy mass irregularities are spaced and sized for the maximum attenuation of acoustic pulses in a predetermined frequency range. The mass irregularities may be rings firmly coupled to the outer surface of the collar. Alternatively, the mass irregularities may be rings firmly coupled to the outer collar surface by neck pieces, extending inwardly from the inner circumference of the ring. The mass irregularities may be made of steel or tungsten. In another preferred embodiment, the mass irregularities are asymmetrically coupled to an outer collar wall for providing preferential directional attenuation.

Abstract: Method for operating and testing a sensor assembly (210). The sensor assembly (210) preferably includes accelerometers with axes of sensitivity orthogonal to each other. The method preferably includes determining sensor tilt angle, determining the position of the sensor, and synchronizing the operation of the sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer which has the ability to detect flaws in assorted metallic objects, such as pipes, rods, bars and the like, including those objects which are already installed and cannot be removed without a major undertaking. The Transducer also has an embodiment which includes hinged arms for surrounding the circular objects that have already been installed such as piping. The system employs Lamb waves to move along the surface of metallic objects to affect a bounced return to thereby allow detection of flaws on the surface or in the interior of said objects.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring wave energy into or out of a periodic structure having a characteristic wave impedance profile at a prime frequency, the characteristic wave impedance profile comprising a real portion and an imaginary portion, comprising: locating one or more energy transfer elements each having a wave impedance at the prime frequency approximately equal to the real portion of the characteristic wave impedance at one or more points on the periodic structure with the imaginary portion approximately equaling zero; and employing the one or more energy transfer elements to transfer wave energy into or out of the periodic structure. The energy transfer may be repeaters. Quarter-wave transformers can be provided at one or more points on the periodic structure with the imaginary portion approximately equaling zero to transmit waves across one or more discontinuities. A terminator can be employed for cancellation of waves.

Abstract: Acoustic energy is used to control the shape of a particle or particle cluster for the purpose of inducing a phase and hence density change as a result of exposure to radiation. This process, known as optical acoustic molding, employs an acoustic transducer and reflector positioned around a particle or particle cluster to generate standing waves. These standing waves apply forces to points on the particle's surface. The locus of such points represents a three-dimensional pressure function, which will ultimately cause the particle or particle cluster to acquire a predefined shape. Once the particle or particle cluster has attained the desired shape or density, a radiation source induces rapid melting or solidification (i.e. rapid change in density) of the particles.

Abstract: A submarine bow dome acoustic sensor assembly comprises an outer hull bow portion, an inner pressure hull wall extending athwartships and in conjunction with the outer hull bow portion defining a free-flood compartment, and an acoustic bow panel disposed in the compartment and connected to the pressure hull wall by acoustically isolating supports. A laser scanner is disposed in the compartment and is oriented so as to project a laser beam onto a surface of the acoustic bow panel, and a sensor is disposed in the compartment and oriented so as to receive reflections of the laser beam off the acoustic panel and to transmit data from which a position of a sound generating source can be determined.

Abstract: A compact, modular sonar assembly for use on the bow of a ship having separate transmitting and receive arrays confined within a single acoustic housing. The narrow and compact design fits much better into the hydrodynamically desirable bulbous bow deign than the typical bow dome sonar design and achieves good performance at a low cost with reduced size and weight.

Abstract: A seismic vibrator system for imparting compressional and shear wave vibrations into the earth has an earth contacting base with a vertical post. A tubular hub is slidably received on the post in a piston/cylinder relationship. Spaced apart horizontal top and bottom plates are secured to the hub. A mass is slidably supported between the plates. Pistons interconnect the hub and the mass. Hydraulic energy is used to reciprocate the mass vertically on the post and horizontally between the plates.

Abstract: A wireless boundary monitor system used to monitor the integrity of a boundary surrounding an area uses at least two housings having at least one transmitting means for emitting ultrasonic pressure waves to a medium. Each of the housings has a plurality of receiving means for sensing the pressure waves in the medium. The transmitting means and the receiving means of each housing are aimable and communicably linked. At least one of the housings is equipped with a local alarm means for emitting a first alarm indication whereby, when the pressure waves propagating from a transmitting means to a receiving means are sufficiently blocked by an object a local alarm means or a remote alarm means or a combination thereof emit respective alarm indications. The system may be reset either manually or automatically. This wireless boundary monitor system has useful applications in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Abstract: A sheet for measuring ultrasonic waves with which it is possible to easily measure a 2-dimensional ultrasonic wave distribution comprises a fluid in which multiple bubbles, each consisting of a minute quantity of gas covered by an extremely thin covering, are dispersed and sealed in a transparent baglike sheet.

Abstract: To determine the speed of propagation of a signal in a medium, wave amplitude is measured over time at one or more detectors disposed within the medium so as to detect and identify signals transmitted at one or more sources disposed within said region. Frequency domain matched field processing power is calculated by matching measured with perturbation normal mode model fields, and beta coefficients which determine sound speed profiles are calculated by beta backpropagation so as to maximize the matched field processing power.

Abstract: A baffle for enlarging the field of view of and enhancing collection of radiation for a sensor apparatus having a transducer for receiving radiation within its field of view. The baffle includes a base securable proximate the transducer, and at least one blade element extending from the base outwardly from the transducer. The base element includes a proximal edge transecting the transducer to establish at least two apertures for the transducer for enlarging its field of view. The blade element is reflective for the radiation to enhance collection of the radiation from a periphery of the enlarged field of view.

Abstract: An ultrasonic rangefinder capable of detecting a distance between a vehicle and an object with high accuracy is shown. The measure of microphones for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves is chosen so that detour waves are restricted.

Abstract: An ultrasonic rangefinder capable of detecting a distance between a vehicle and an object with high accuracy is shown. The measurements for microphones for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves are chosen so that detour waves are restricted.

Abstract: The apparatus and method are utilized in controlling an implanted device, such as a cardiac pacer, by use of acoustic vibrations generated by a tuning fork. These vibrations are applied externally to the skin overlying the implanted device and are sensed by a transducer within the implanted device. The transducer generates an electrical signal of a frequency correlated to the tuning fork frequency. An amplifier and tuned filter are utilized to detect predetermined frequencies within the electrical signals produced by the transducer and to direct the processed signals to a programmable electronic device for control of the implanted device.

Abstract: An acoustic alarm repeater system detects a coded alarm signal such as might be produced by a smoke detector or burglar alarm. The alarm signal can vary over a wide dynamic range since the signal will usually be greatly attenuated by intervening walls or floors. The system includes an electroacoustic transducer for converting the coded audible alarm signal into an electrical signal; an amplifier; and an autocorrelator for recognizing the presence of the repetitive characteristic of the coded acoustic alarm signal. Upon detecting the presence of the coded alarm signal, the system generates a new loud warning signal. The processing system may be designed to detect a wide variety of differently coded alarm signals. A dual repeater system recognizes the presence of two differently coded alarm signals, such as one produced by a smoke detector and the other produced by an intrusion alarm, and responds differently to each.

Abstract: A housing for an acoustic transducer includes means for dispersing internal reflections within the housing to minimize the incidence of such internally reflected acoustic pulses on the transducer itself, thereby avoiding the generation of spurious electrical signals for transmission to the translating circuitry.

Abstract: Underwater protection for ships, for channels at harbor entrances and the like is obtained by the use of this invention in which one or more sending wires are put under tension under water and a mechanical vibration is applied to each sending wire longitudinally. Sound waves are propagated into the water from the entire underwater length of the cable. A suitable sound receiver is spaced under water separated from the sending wire to include the area to be protected. The sound put forth by this sending wire may be enhanced by attaching one or more disks to the submerged portion of the sending wire. A curtain wall of sound propagation is thereby created, which may be of great power and intensity and which would be in the low-frequency range.

Abstract: A hollow, projectile-shaped body containing an acoustical transducer is rased into the sea such that the body descends in free fall until it strikes and penetrates the sea floor, coming to a rest therein. Acoustic signals emanating from the acoustic transducer are processed to generate a direct current analog signal which is a function of the acoustical attenuation of the acoustic signals from a time immediately preceding the body striking the sea floor surface until the body comes to rest in the sea floor, thereby obtaining an indication of the physical characteristics of the sea floor.

Abstract: A solid state transmit-receive switching element having multiple resonant rcuits connected in a bridge arrangement by back-to-back zener diodes. While receiving, the zener diodes have a high impedance and the bridge arrangement acts as two series tuned circuits in parallel. While transmitting, the zener diodes breakdown and the bridge arrangement appears electrically as two parallel tuned circuits in series.

Abstract: A method of suppressing noise trains that develop from harmonics of a vibrator-type sweep signal. It includes the step of generating a plurality of such sweep signals in series and with the phase of each succeeding sweep signal being shifted relative to the previous one by a predetermined phase angle which is a fraction of 2.pi.. The generated signals are separately recorded and transformed by inverse phase shifting before being added or stacked in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An ultrasonic whistle is mounted together with a pin on a window or door so that movement of the window or door causes relative movement between the whistle and pin. Such movement releases compressed gas from a container which activates the whistle. A central monitor in the building detects the output of the whistle and provides an output to activate alerting devices.

Abstract: To determine the speed of propagation of a signal in a medium, signals with known harmonic components are transmitted from one or more sources within the region. One or more detectors within the region measure wave amplitude over time at so as to detect the signals transmitted at the sources and so as to identify the source from which each detected signal was transmitted. Beta bar coefficients are calculated so as to maximize the correlation of the calculated matched field processing power and the measured matched field processing power for each source-detector combination. Beta coefficients for all cells through which a path from a source to a detector passes are calculated by representing all positions in the region by cell number i and position coordinate z, the region being partitioned into M discrete, indexed cells C.sub.