With Sound Transducer Details Patents (Class 340/384.73)
  • Patent number: 10979808
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sound producing device comprising: an air pulse generating element and a control unit. The air pulse generating element comprises an air chamber and an actuator. The control unit, configured to generate a driving voltage applied to the actuator of the air pulse generating element, such that the air pulse generating element generates a plurality of air pulses in response to the driving voltage. The plurality of air pulses are at a pulse rate, and the pulse rate of the plurality of air pulses is higher than a maximum audible frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: xMEMS Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jemm Yue Liang, Chiung C. Lo
  • Patent number: 10627498
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor arrangement (8) for a motor vehicle (14), with a panel part (9) of the motor vehicle (14) and an ultrasonic sensor (2) which has a front side (3) and is designed for transmitting and/or receiving ultrasonic signals via the front side (3), wherein the ultrasonic sensor (2) is arranged within a continuous recess (10) in the panel part (9) and the recess (10) is covered by a covering (11) which does not impair the transmission and/or reception of the ultrasonic signals, wherein the panel part (9) has a material (M) and/or a material thickness (d2), by means of which the transmission and/or the reception of the ultrasonic signals is blocked at least in a region of the panel part (9) surrounding the recess (10). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (14) and to a method for installing an ultrasonic sensor (2) in a panel part (9) of a motor vehicle (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hallek, Uwe Kupfernagel
  • Patent number: 10425732
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sound producing device comprising: an air pulse generating element and a control unit. The air pulse generating element comprises an air chamber and an actuator. The control unit, configured to generate a driving voltage applied to the actuator of the air pulse generating element, such that the air pulse generating element generates a plurality of air pulses in response to the driving voltage. The plurality of air pulses are at a pulse rate, and the pulse rate of the plurality of air pulses is higher than a maximum audible frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: xMEMS Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jemm Yue Liang, Chiung C. Lo
  • Patent number: 10256626
    Abstract: An electrical network configured to suppress voltage transients includes a capacitor and an electrical impedance in parallel with a diode. The capacitor is in series with the parallel connected diode and electrical impedance. The electrical network is configured to suppress voltage transients occurring across the series combination of the capacitor and the parallel connected diode and electrical impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: DRS Power & Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Harper, Jeffery Fischer, Ian Wallace
  • Patent number: 10166816
    Abstract: A sound source device of a horn according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a diaphragm; a movable iron core connected to the diaphragm through a support point; and a coil (bobbin and winding) into which a driving signal is inputted. The driving signal includes a first signal component that resonates with the diaphragm and a second signal component of a second frequency that resonates with the movable iron core of a first frequency and has a chord relationship with the first frequency. The support point is provided at a position eccentric from the center of the diaphragm, and the movable iron core is structured such that a gravity center is displaced further in an eccentric direction than the support point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hisanobu Ino, Ikuyo Ohsugi, Noriyuki Nabeshima
  • Patent number: 10037487
    Abstract: The application discloses a single-chip financial audio IC card, including a security chip, a contact module, a non-contact module and an audio module switch. The security chip is used for controlling, analyzing and processing data, which is shared by a controlling, analyzing and processing data module; the contact module has function of contact communication, including a 7816 interface; the non-contact module has function of non-contact communication, including a RF coil; the audio module has function of acoustic communication, including a switch, a battery and a buzzer; the contact module, non-contact module and audio module are connected in parallel to the security chip. The application of single-chip financial audio IC card has the advantages of low cost, small processing difficulty, good compatibility, high security, good stability and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU RONGSHENG INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaoming Li
  • Patent number: 9594428
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention utilize one or more vibration elements to enhance the audio output of a computing device. These vibration element(s) may comprise any conventional vibrating element including a mass element (i.e., counterweight) electrically driven via an actuator to produce the vibrations. The size of the mass element/counterweight may be selected based on the desired strength and frequency for the vibration components (i.e., lower frequencies may utilized larger/heavier mechanisms). Computing devices may process audio data and separately output some of the data for speakers (higher frequency data), and some of the data for vibration elements (lower frequency data). The surface where the device is placed creates a sounding board structure and the vibration elements generate the sensation of physical motion at low, sub-bass and sub-audio frequencies. This physical motion may be perceived by the user as low-frequency audio data, thereby enhancing the audio output of the speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jiancheng Tao, Hong W. Wong
  • Patent number: 9516406
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising: at least one transducer configured to generate at least one lower frequency acoustic signal for output by a surface when in contact with the apparatus and at least one higher frequency acoustic signal for output by air conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Andreas Fromel, Josef Stohr
  • Patent number: 9104930
    Abstract: An optical code symbol reading system includes a housing having a light transmission aperture, and at least one sound port formed in the housing. The system includes an optical code symbol reading subsystem for optically reading a code symbol in the field external to the light transmission aperture, and generating symbol character data representative of the read code symbol. An electro-acoustic transducer is disposed in the housing for producing sonic energy. Also, an acoustic-waveguide structure is disposed in the housing, for coupling the sonic energy produced from the electro-acoustic transducer, to the at least sound wave port formed the housing, to audibly signal the reading of a code symbol to the operator of the optical code symbol reading system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Xiaoxun Zhu, Mikhail Veksland, Ka Man Au, Patrick Giordano, Weizhen Yan, Jie Ren, Taylor Smith, Michael Miraglia, C. Harry Knowles, Sudhin Mandal, Shawn De Foney, Christopher Allen, David M. Wilz, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9024739
    Abstract: The present application provides a system, method and non-transitory computer readable medium that provides a means of using a vehicle horn as an inexpensive user input interface to serve the function of a simple push button switch for an in-vehicle device or system. The use of the vehicle horn as a user input interface to an in-vehicle device or system is novel. The description of example embodiments illustrates application details that take advantage of the properties of the vehicle horn sound to allow efficient processing that can be implemented on a low cost processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Guardity Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Carl McKown, Joseph Thomas Mader, Thomas Edward Mader
  • Patent number: 9013284
    Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus may include a dynamic speaker for radiating a notification sound from a vehicle in an audible frequency, and a sound pressure supplement unit is provided to control a sound pressure of the notification sound. The apparatus may further include a parametric speaker for generating a supersonic sound of the notification sound from a supersonic sound generation unit. The supersonic sound is emitted from a sound emission opening. The parametric speaker may further include a reflected sound pressure detecting unit for detecting a sound pressure generated by a reflection of the supersonic sound from the sound emission opening. The sound pressure supplement unit increases the sound pressure of the notification sound radiated by the dynamic speaker based on the sound pressure detected by the reflected sound pressure detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Nakayama, Junichi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20150070143
    Abstract: A novelty door knocker having an electronic sound effect or effects, the door knocker with mechanical arm, plate, switch or proximity sensor enabled to trigger a sound effect, and a battery-powered circuit for controlling and coordinating the acoustics with the trigger. The door knocker may be decorated with or shaped as a cartoon figure for use on a child's bedroom door, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Beverly Means
  • Publication number: 20140240107
    Abstract: An alarm sounder and at least one sound amplification component having at least one horn shaped channel form an alarm detector. The at least one horn shaped channel has a throat end and an outlet end, the throat end being disposed corresponding to a sound-making end of the alarm sounder. The sound intensity of the alarm detector can meet the regulations of the industry standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Chang Lin SUN
  • Patent number: 8760272
    Abstract: An electric whistle has a power circuit, an inductor, an electric switch, a buzzer, a tone-set resistor and a sound IC. The sound IC generates an audio control signal to activate the electric switch. When the electric switch is activated, the inductor produces an induction voltage to activate the buzzer. The oscillation frequency of the audio control signal is determined by the single tone-set resistor without a capacitor. Therefore, few passive devices are used. The electric whistle of the present invention is compact and portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Yen-Hsiang Lien, Ting Yang
  • Patent number: 8730009
    Abstract: There provided an exemplary smart card. The exemplary smart card comprises a microphone for capturing an audio signal. The exemplary smart card also comprises at least one processor for processing the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Vodafone Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Aguibou Mountaga Barry
  • Patent number: 8712365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system that makes use of a mobile telephone (22) to which a user authorized to open a lock (28) has access. According to the invention, a remote management site (10) includes a database (12) of authorized users identified by the mobile telephone number thereof, as well as a data credential generator (14). The credentials are crypto acoustic credentials (CAC) in the form of single-use audio signals and are generated from digital data credentials (DDC) that are normally employed by the lock when the latter is used with a badge or a card. The system includes means (16, 18, 20) for securely transmitting the acoustic credentials to the user's telephone. The lock (22) picks up the acoustic credentials reproduced by the telephone pre-positioned near the lock and extracts the digital data credentials from the picked-up crypto acoustic credentials and, subsequently, the lock applies the thus-extracted digital data credentials to the analysis, authentication and control means of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Openways SAS
    Inventor: Pascal Métivier
  • Patent number: 8674817
    Abstract: In further development of U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,540 B1, an audible signal device including a microprocessor or microcontroller and a sounder element, or a microprocessor or microcontroller in conjunction with electronic circuitry such as discrete components, inductors, or IC's with a sounder element where the resulting sound pressure level is controlled by changing the drive signal's frequency, size, shape, and/or duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mallory Sonalert Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Baldwin, Joshua K. Brown, Mark T. Monnett
  • Publication number: 20140022063
    Abstract: An electric whistle has a power circuit, an inductor, an electric switch, a buzzer, a tone-set resistor and a sound IC. The sound IC generates an audio control signal to activate the electric switch. When the electric switch is activated, the inductor produces an induction voltage to activate the buzzer. The oscillation frequency of the audio control signal is determined by the single tone-set resistor without a capacitor. Therefore, few passive devices are used. The electric whistle of the present invention is compact and portable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Yen-Hsiang LIEN, Ting Yang
  • Patent number: 8610564
    Abstract: An electronic device and method for providing customizing notifications is disclosed. Event generation and handling components are associated with different device event types and for generating a notification event upon occurrence of an event handled by the respective event generation and handling component is provided. Profile management component manages user profiles defining user preferences of notifications associated with different incoming device event types and managing profile exceptions defining one or more notification exceptions to the user profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Douglas Bocking, Cassidy Paul Gentle, Ronald Scotte Zinn, Ian Milligan, Darin White, Anthony Burns
  • Patent number: 8598997
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Hayashi, Toshiaki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8525654
    Abstract: A vehicle-in-blind-spot detecting apparatus detects a vehicle positioned in a blind spot by mounting the apparatus on an operator's vehicle. The vehicle-in-blind-spot includes a presenting unit which presents information; at least one microphone which detects a sound; a vehicle sound extracting unit which extracts a vehicle sound from the sound detected by the microphone; and a sound source direction detecting unit which detects a sound source direction of the vehicle sound extracted by the vehicle sound extracting unit. A vehicle-in-blind-spot determining unit causes the presenting unit to present the information indicating that a vehicle is found in a blind spot in the case where the sound source direction of the vehicle sound detected by the sound source direction detecting unit is a first direction representing above the vehicle-in-blind-spot detecting apparatus with respect to a ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Yoshizawa, Yoshihisa Nakatoh
  • Patent number: 8519863
    Abstract: A process instrument includes a transducer, a two wire interface, a microprocessor, a digital to analog converter, a first control circuit, and a second control circuit. A current passing through the two wire interface indicates a condition of the transducer. The microprocessor is interfaced with the transducer. The digital to analog converter receives a signal from the microprocessor indicating a current value. The first control circuit is coupled to the digital to analog converter and adapted to control the current passing through the two wire interface to the current value. The second control circuit is coupled to the digital to analog converter and supplies current to a secondary load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Wayne Arntson
  • Patent number: 8378793
    Abstract: Improvements to existing diving tanks and dive computers are achieved through the use of an electronic device which employs audible, verbal, simulated, humanlike words or phrases to inform a user while underwater of dive information, including, but not limited to, gas volumes present in the tank, ascent rates, water temperature, depth levels, remaining time in the water, etc. In one embodiment a microcontroller can be used to facilitate the different settings and information that the talking tank or dive computer supplies. The electronic assembly of the present invention can be in communication with the existing pressure gauges, sensors, and valves associated with the talking tank or dive computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Terry Keith Bryant
  • Patent number: 8344902
    Abstract: A cup assembly with circuit actuating capability comprises: a cup body having a bottom recess that is defined by a recess-defining wall and that has an open end, the recess-defining wall being provided with a threaded structure; a module support having a base part that covers the open end of the bottom recess, and a threaded confining part that is connected to the base part, that is received in the bottom recess, that defines an accommodating space, and that engages threadedly with the threaded structure; and a signal producing module mounted on the base part, received in the accommodating space, and including a signal producing member and a first switch that is coupled to the signal producing member and that is operable to enable and disable the signal producing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Jen-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 8330589
    Abstract: A security system includes a warning notification module adapted to recognize at least one of a wireless or audible signal. A door bell ringer or emergency transmission signal from a wireless transmitter can provide a recognition signal to a microprocessor in the security system via the warning notification module. The microprocessor retrieves dog barking sounds stored in memory and provides them to at least one of an amplifier or radio frequency transmitter after the microprocessor receives the recognition signal from the warning notification module. Dog barking sounds can be broadcasted using the wireless transmitter. Processing can be with a time delay after first receipt of the recognition signal. A random module can enable random retrieval of various dog barking sounds from memory for processing. A time out module can disable operation of the microprocessor at a set time after recognition signal receipt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Melisendro T. Ortiz, Luis M. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8302151
    Abstract: In a software environment wherein one or more subjects respectively seek to access one or more objects, and wherein a security policy having rules is associated with the environment, a method is provided for use in connection with an effort by a particular subject to access a particular object. The method comprises identifying a domain to which the particular subject belongs, and identifying a type that includes or characterizes the particular object. One or more rules of the security policy are then used to decide whether to permit the particular subject to access the particular object. The method further comprises providing one or more distinct audible sounds for a user associated with the particular subject, wherein each audible sound represents specified information pertaining to the decision of whether or not to permit access to the particular object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Horacio Jones, Thomas Girard Lendacky, Emily Jane Ratliff, George Conerly Wilson
  • Patent number: 8289158
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device has a notification mechanism for notifying a user of device events in accordance with an active notification profile defining notification options and one or more exception notification profiles defining notification options based on specified attributes of a device event. A mechanism is provided for identifying one or more attributes in an incoming device event and for overriding the active notification profile with one of the exception notification profiles that has attributes corresponding to the identified attributes. The user is thus notified in accordance with notification options specified in the exception profile of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Bocking, Tony Burns, Scotte Zinn, Cassidy Gentle, Darin White, Ian Milligan
  • Patent number: 8217767
    Abstract: A vehicular horn device of an existing electromagnetic type is used as a dynamic speaker so as to generate a false engine sound. The shortage of a low-pitched sound in a parametric speaker device is complemented with a false engine sound which the vehicular horn device generates. Thereby, without need of mounting a large-sized dynamic speaker such as a woofer in a vehicle, a false engine sound is generated so as to model for a real engine sound. In addition, as the vehicle approaches a pedestrian, a sound tone of the false engine sound which the pedestrian hears changes, enabling the pedestrian to easily notice the approach or presence of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8217766
    Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus uses several ultrasonic transducer devices to generate a notice sound by emitting an ultrasonic wave in mid air based on an ultrasonic signal modulated according to an audible sound. At least one of the speaker-use ultrasonic transducer devices is a two-way transducer device that is enabled to perform not only transmission but also reception of an ultrasonic wave. When a vehicle velocity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the two-way transducer device is caused to function as an ultrasonic sensor. Thus, even when the generation of any notice sound is unnecessary due to the vehicle velocity being fast, the vehicle presence notification apparatus can be used as an ultrasonic sensor to measure a distance with an obstacle outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8081784
    Abstract: An electrostatic electroacoustic device comprising a first electrode configured to receive an audio signal, a first conductive film configured to receive the audio signal, a first electret between the first electrode and the first conductive film, the first electret being capable of vibratory motion relative to the first electrode based on the audio signal, a second electrode configured to receive the audio signal, a second conductive film configured to receive the audio signal, the second conductive film being electrically isolated from the first conductive film, and a second electret between the second electrode and the second conductive film, the second electret being capable of vibratory motion relative to the second electrode based on the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chang-Ho Liou, Ming-Daw Chen, Dar-Ming Chiang
  • Patent number: 8058976
    Abstract: A security system includes a warning notification module adapted to recognize at least one of a wireless or audible signal. A door bell ringer or emergency transmission signal from a wireless transmitter can provide a recognition signal to a microprocessor in the security system via the warning notification module. The microprocessor retrieves dog barking sounds stored in memory and provides them to at least one of an amplifier or radio frequency transmitter after the microprocessor receives the recognition signal from the warning notification module. Dog barking sounds can be broadcasted using the wireless transmitter. Processing can be with a time delay after first receipt of the recognition signal. A random module can enable random retrieval of various dog barking sounds from memory for processing. A time out module can disable operation of the microprocessor at a set time after recognition signal receipt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Melisendro T. Ortiz, Luis M. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7956764
    Abstract: An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern comprising at least two distinctly different pitch tones in one embodiment of the invention. Another embodiment comprises a detector whereby a user can select a pitch tone to be output within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output to indicate the type of ambient condition sensed and/or the location of the detector sensing the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Jay Morris
  • Patent number: 7876198
    Abstract: An adaptive intelligent electronic horn (100) comprises a mechanical soniferous apparatus (112), an electromagnetic coil (106), a driver circuit (104) and an oscillating circuit (102). A sensor (110) is provided between the mechanical soniferous apparatus (112) and the oscillating circuit (102). An on-off ratio adjusting circuit (108) is provided at the input end of the oscillating circuit (102). The sensor (110) measures the oscillation frequency of the mechanical soniferous apparatus (112) and feedbacks the measured oscillation frequency signal to the oscillating circuit (102). The on-off ratio adjusting circuit (108) controls a pulse width of an oscillation signal from the oscillating circuit (102) based on a voltage of power supply and/or an ambient temperature. The oscillating circuit (102) outputs corresponding oscillation signal to the driver circuit (104) based on the oscillation frequency signal received from the sensor (110) and/or the control signal from the on-off ratio adjusting circuit (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Hongwei Zhao
  • Publication number: 20100289635
    Abstract: An animal warning device for emitting a sound that is loud and consistent enough to cause animals to avoid oncoming vehicles. The present invention accomplishes this objective by electrically connecting a speaker to a wind-powered generator. The wind-powered generator is driven by air current striking an impeller. The device is mounted onto a vehicle such that oncoming air current strikes the impeller causing the impeller to rotate. Rotation of the impeller causes the generator to produce a current which powers the speaker. As such, it is unnecessary to connect the animal warning device to an external power source, such as the vehicle's alternator or battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: William McGaughy, William Craig Lewis
  • Publication number: 20100164695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic disk-type horn having no contact point and a non-contact horn using a photointerrupter. The electronic disk-type horn generates a sound, and includes a switch circuit for selectively supplying current to the coil, a pulse generation timer circuit for periodically providing a pulse to the switch circuit, and a pulse ratio adjustment circuit for adjusting ON/OFF times of one period of the pulse. Further, the horn using a photointerrupter includes a light blocking panel for blocking a light emitting device and a light receiving device to prevent light emitted from the light emitting device from reaching the light receiving device, a switch circuit for selectively supplying current to the coil, and a photointerrupter including the light emitting device and the light receiving device, the photointerrupter controlling the switch circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Sang-Kyu Choi
  • Patent number: 7714700
    Abstract: The pitch of tones within tonal patterns emitted by ambient condition detector units and systems in the alarm or testing state is not always optimum to be heard by a wide range of users. An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern whereby a user can select at least one pitch tone emitted within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Jay Morris
  • Patent number: 7605687
    Abstract: An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern comprising at least two distinctly different pitch tones in one embodiment of the invention. Another embodiment comprises a detector whereby a user can select a pitch tone to be output within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output to indicate the type of ambient condition sensed and/or the location of the detector sensing the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Jay Morris
  • Patent number: 7605686
    Abstract: An alerting system (202) for a communication device (100) is provided. The alerting system is designed to operate in a plurality of operating modes. The alerting system includes a transducer (204) and an electromechanical switch (106). The transducer transforms electrical impulses into vibrations. The electromechanical switch couples the transducer to a first component (206) of the communication device in a first operating mode. Further, the electromechanical switch couples the transducers to a second component (208) of the communication device in a second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Salomon Serfaty, Izak Avayu, Eyal Brami, Alexander Shmoukler
  • Patent number: 7564342
    Abstract: An audio signal system for a vehicle remote locking mechanism provides an audio signal that is more intricate than a simple, sounding of the vehicle's horn or beep tone. Preferably, the audio signal may be varied among many possible sounds by the operator. More preferably, the system includes a digital audio source with a signal amplifier and loudspeaker. Most preferably, the digital audio source is programmable with recorded sounds that can be transferred from a remote bank of digital sounds, for example by being downloaded from an internet website.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ridetones, Inc.
    Inventor: David Erik Klein
  • Patent number: 7551061
    Abstract: A sound generator and method of projecting sound that includes a piezoelectric buzzer secured to a tensioned, flexible surface of an inflatable object, the surface being under tension in response to variations of pressure within the object. The sound generator includes a sound source and a piezoelectric buzzer electrically connected with each other so that the sound source generates signals, the piezoelectric buzzer converts the signals into sounds and the tensioned, flexible surface amplifies the sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Sing-A-Tune Balloons, LLC
    Inventor: John A. Blackman
  • Patent number: 7551062
    Abstract: A directional acoustic device configured for producing a directional output along an acoustic axis, including at least one transducer configured to create at least two wave trains which are directed along differing pathways by at least one wave guide, and so disposed that in directions more than ninety degrees off the acoustic axis the SPL of the output is greatly diminished by cancellation effects between the wave trains; improvement over previous gradient and quarter-wave pipe directional systems being enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: American Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Croft, III, Wensen Liu, Clifton Wynn Thompson
  • Patent number: 7486173
    Abstract: Parameters defining operational characteristics of audible, visual or audible/visual alarm indicating output devices, can be transmitted to the respective devices from common output control circuitry to avoid having to set up the devices electromechanically in the field upon installation, or upon replacement for maintenance purposes. The downloaded parameters can be stored locally at the respective device and can include prerecorded verbal messages, horn or chime output volumes, tonal patterns and repetition rates. Candela settings for strobes can also be downloaded from the control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Fisler
  • Patent number: 7360294
    Abstract: A method of assembling an inductive proximity sensor maintains inductive coil wound bobbins in fixed relation to an inductive core within a housing. The method includes configuring two inductive coil wound bobbins with an integral ledge cantilevered from an inside surface thereof for forming a pocket under the integral ledge at a bottom of each bobbin; disposing each inductive coil wound bobbin around a corresponding leg of the inductive core; containing a foot of each core leg into the pocket of the corresponding bobbin; inserting each of two legs of a thruster element into a corresponding bobbin so that each leg rests upon the ledge of the corresponding bobbin; disposing the inductive core, inductive coil wound bobbins, and thruster element into the housing; disposing a spring element on a top surface of the thruster element; and compressing the spring element against the top surface of the thruster element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. LaClair, David Henry Crowne, Christopher Spagnoletti, Eric Carter
  • Publication number: 20080055054
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for indicating hardware statuses of a display device. The method includes detecting a predetermined signal received by the display device for generating a detecting result, generating an audio signal according to the detecting result, and outputting the audio signal. An apparatus thereof includes a detecting unit, a control unit, and an output unit. The detecting unit is used for detecting a predetermined signal received by the display device to generate a detecting result. The control unit is coupled to the detecting unit for generating an audio signal according to the detecting result. The output unit is coupled to the control unit for outputting the audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Hsu-Jung Tung, Tzuo-bo Lin
  • Patent number: 7292136
    Abstract: An audible signal device which includes a DC to DC converter is provided. A group of work machines is further provided, including at least two work machines having electrical systems with different operating voltages. First and second audible signal devices are coupled with the first and second electrical systems respectively, wherein the second audible signal device is interchangeable with the first audible signal device and at least one of the devices includes a DC to DC converter. A method of assembling a plurality of dissimilar machines, each including an interchangeable audible signal device is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7148789
    Abstract: An electronic device (100) comprises a housing (112), an input (118, 122) coupled mechanically to the housing for receiving data, an output (114, 118) coupled mechanically to the housing for presenting information to a user of the electronic device in at least one of an audio and visual mode, an electronic circuit (210) coupled mechanically to the housing for providing intelligent operations that receives the data from the input and provides the information to the output, and at least two electromechanical transducers (226), each providing a tactile alert to the user in response to the data, the tactile alerts occurring simultaneously or in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Sadler, Michael E. Caine, Angela Chang, Xunhu Dai, Claudia Jensen, Daniel Zindel
  • Patent number: 7071816
    Abstract: An audible alert device includes a pulse width modulated signal generator. The audible alert device and method for manufacturing the audible alert device also provides resonant frequency and decibel peaking capabilities. Resonant frequency and decibel peaking routines may conducted at the time of manufacture, upon startup of the alarm or during operation of the alarm. The audible alert device may be programmed during a manufacturing step to exhibit a selected operation mode so that one circuit may be manufactured and programmed to operate in any of a number of operation modes or device configurations. A programming station allows an audible alert device to be programmed during a manufacturing step to exhibit a selected operation mode. Programming may occur by connection of the audible alert device to the programming device by one or more audible alert device power conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Electronic Controls Company
    Inventors: Tony J. Tewell, Tracy C. Lowder, James E. Barber
  • Patent number: 6809635
    Abstract: The present invention is a mobile terminal (102). The mobile terminal includes a vibration motor (108) which provides a silent vibration alert to a user of the mobile terminal during reception of incoming communications which include audio communications; and an amplifier (106, 312) the amplifier amplifying the audio communications and producing an amplified audio output coupled to at least the vibration motor which outputs the audio communications as audible sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Topi Kaaresoja
  • Patent number: 6809634
    Abstract: A pulse signal, having a buzzer-driving frequency, for driving a buzzer (3) is generated by a free running timer of a timer management section of a microcomputer (1). The timer management section operates independently of software processing of the microcomputer (1). A transistor (2) is turned on and off by the pulse signal having the buzzer-driving frequency. Accordingly, electricity flows through the buzzer (3). The buzzer (3) in turn, generates a sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd
    Inventors: Hideaki Uemura, Kenji Wakana
  • Patent number: 6710705
    Abstract: A pest deterrent device attracts the attention of a pest with ultrasonic noise and then produces a series of flashes to drive off the pest. In one embodiment, the device continuously produces ultrasound, changing the ultrasound when a pest is detected. In another embodiment, the device does not produce ultrasound until a pest is detected. In a further embodiment, the flash charging circuit is used to modulate the ultrasound while the flash is operated. In a particular embodiment, four ultrasonic speakers are arranged in a series-parallel configuration with a total capacitance of about 0.2 micro-Farads achieve 120 dB of sound output with a supply voltage of about 12-18 V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Tim Simon, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine M. Smith, Timothy M. Simon