Sound Reproducer Patents (Class 340/692)
  • Patent number: 7532117
    Abstract: A hazard alarm includes: a detector for detecting a hazard parameter, trigger logic; and reset logic. The trigger logic triggers an alarm state when the measured parameter reaches a predetermined trigger threshold. The alarm state is maintained until a reset is successfully performed. The reset logic, upon a reset command, resets the alarm state if the measured parameter is below a predetermined reset threshold, and inhibits resetting of the alarm state if the measured parameter is above the predetermined reset threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventors: Mark P. Barrieau, Robert W. Farley
  • Patent number: 7525440
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Ricardo F. Carreras, Glenn Gomes-Casseres, Marc Hertzberg, Daniel D. Najemy, Ray Wakeland
  • Patent number: 7515060
    Abstract: Methods of programming a pump and insulin pumps. One method include displaying a first screen on a display of the pump. The method also includes, upon displaying the first screen, emitting a first sound. The method further includes displaying a second screen on the display of the pump, the second screen different from the first screen. The method also includes, upon displaying the second screen, emitting a second sound different from the first sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Smiths Medical MD, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 7511629
    Abstract: Communication systems and apparatus to allow a user to perceive the relative spatial location or present position of other elements of interest in a control space, such as the location of a speaker participating in a telephone conference or that of an aircraft carrier to a remotely piloted vehicle on final approach. The system inserts synthetic sound cues into the communication to the user that represent the relative position(s). In one embodiment, the user will perceive the communication as though it were communicated through free space to the user from the relative position of the represented source, so that, for example, the squad leader will perceive his wingman to be at his immediate left. Methods of conveying relative position sound cues are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian J Tillotson
  • Publication number: 20090079581
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a novelty container with a cover mounted to the container operable between closed and open positions which activate and deactivate a sound generating assembly. An electrically operated sound generating assembly is mounted to the container, having a sound generator circuit board, a battery electrically connected to the sound generator circuit board and a speaker electrically connected to the circuit board. A switch is mounted to the container to activate the sound generating assembly and has a resilient electrically conductive first member attached to the container and electrically connected to sound generating assembly, biased towards and engaging an electrically conductive second member attached to the container and electrically connected to the sound generating assembly. A flexible electrically insulating element attached to the cover and adjacent to the resilient electrically conductive first member which is reciprocatingly moveable in concert with the operation of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Chin Yoon Wong, Christopher Goh
  • Publication number: 20090045969
    Abstract: Communication systems and apparatus to allow a user to perceive the relative spatial location or present position of other elements of interest in a control space, such as the location of a speaker participating in a telephone conference or that of an aircraft carrier to a remotely piloted vehicle on final approach. The system inserts synthetic sound cues into the communication to the user that represent the relative position(s). In one embodiment, the user will perceive the communication as though it were communicated through free space to the user from the relative position of the represented source, so that, for example, the squad leader will perceive his wingman to be at his immediate left. Methods of conveying relative position sound cues are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Brian J. Tillotson
  • Patent number: 7492274
    Abstract: A motion producing motion-based notification/alert device to be used in and for attachment to mobile electronic equipment or devices, where the motion producing motion-based notification/alert device, upon receipt of an electronic signal from the mobile electronic equipment or device, reacts to set the mobile electronic equipment or device into various elevations and motions. The motion producing motion-based notification/alert device is designed to receive electronic signals from the mobile electronic equipment or device, whereby producing various motions resulting in the owner or user of the mobile electronic equipment or device being notified/alerted that the mobile electronic equipment or device has received an incoming signal or a desired event of the mobile electronic equipment or device has taken place. The motion producing motion-based notification/alert device includes a housing containing a power spring/electric motor which can be used in or attached to the mobile electronic equipment or device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Morgan Kennedy Osborne
  • Publication number: 20090033504
    Abstract: An illumination system including an image capture unit, a light emitting diode (LED) light source, an alarm unit, and a control platform is provided. The control platform is electrically connected to the image capture unit, the LED light source and the alarm unit. The above-mentioned illumination system integrates the LED light source and other units via the control platform, so as to provide multiple functions, such as illumination, image capture, alarm and precaution to natural disaster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: TOPCO TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Wen-Kuei Tsai, Chun-Chien Wang
  • Publication number: 20090032550
    Abstract: Device for emitting sound from a perfume spray package. This package is shaped so as to contain various microcomponents of a sound-emitting device, such as a microloudpeaker, electronic micorcomponents and microbatteries, operated by pressing on the push button of the spray bottle, the diffusion of the sound and the diffusion of a perfume having the same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Patrice Touron
  • 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: 7486197
    Abstract: A blanket with audio device, which comprises a removable audio device located in the thickness of the blanket under a flap, is disclosed. The flap is both pliable and transparent. The audio device is waterproof and replaceable. The audio device is offered in more than one embodiment, with the preferred embodiment featuring recording, playback, erasure, on/off, voice activated control, and elevated Braille letters for the visually impaired. The audio device is, therefore, visually, manually, audibly, and palpably accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventors: Leon Frazier, Lillie Bettis
  • Publication number: 20090021388
    Abstract: A communications system is disclosed that may incorporate a first platform and a second platform. The second platform may have a relative position with respect to the first platform, with at least one of the platforms being mobile. A communications subsystem is included that is adapted to modify a signal sent from the second platform to a user on the first platform that provides a spatial indication to the user as to a position of the second platform relative to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian J. Tillotson
  • Patent number: 7477134
    Abstract: A peripheral load driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system to drive a doorbell system peripheral load at a higher current without risk of inadvertently energizing the primary load of the conventional doorbell system. The peripheral load driver comprising a power converting means for converting power extracted from the conventional doorbell system from a higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current to a lower-voltage-at-a-higher current wherein the higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current is insufficient to energize the primary load of the conventional doorbell system and the lower-voltage-at-a-higher-current is compatible with the doorbell system peripheral load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Langer, Douglas Carl Cinzori
  • Patent number: 7453357
    Abstract: An article locating system comprises a first unit having a housing and a circuit for generating a coded search signal that is unique to the first unit. The first unit operatively communicates with a second unit attached to the article to be located. The second unit includes a housing and a circuit for receiving the search signal and for generating a found signal. The second unit transmits the found signal to the first unit which then responds by selectively activating an indicator connected to the circuit of the first unit. The indicator preferably includes an array of indicator lights that are programmed to illuminate in a sequence to indicate the proximate position of the second unit relative to the first unit for locating the article. In an alternative embodiment, the second unit includes a record/playback device for recording and playing an audible communication in response to receiving the first signal from the first unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Pereva, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Anthony Bernal-Silva, Janice Ann Lopez, Miroslaw Bogdanowicz
  • Publication number: 20080268911
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for embedding event notification into multimedia content being reproduced on an electronic device. The method comprises reproducing multimedia content on said electronic device, detecting an event requiring notification of a user of said electronic device and responsive thereto applying a modification to said reproduction of said multimedia content, according to said event, wherein said modification achieves a user-perceivable variation in said reproduced multimedia content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Antti Eronen, Pauli Laine
  • Patent number: 7443285
    Abstract: A vehicle security system comprises a security module adapted to detect an event, a memory for storing a composition, and a processor coupled to the security module, wherein upon detecting the event the processor selects the composition from the memory and triggers a modulated signal representing the composition, wherein the modulated signal is received by a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Stouffer
  • Patent number: 7439873
    Abstract: Communication systems and apparatus to allow a user to perceive the relative spatial location or present position of other elements of interest in a control space, such as the location of a speaker participating in a telephone conference or that of an aircraft carrier to a remotely piloted vehicle on final approach. The system inserts synthetic sound cues into the communication to the user that represent the relative position(s). In one embodiment, the user will perceive the communication as though it were communicated through free space to the user from the relative position of the represented source, so that, for example, the squad leader will perceive his wingman to be at his immediate left. Methods of conveying relative position sound cues are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian J Tillotson
  • Patent number: 7429924
    Abstract: An automatic doorbell driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system. The automatic doorbell driver comprising coupling means for coupling the automatic doorbell driver to the conventional doorbell system; power supply means for supplying power to the automatic doorbell driver; sensing means for sensing an object in a proximity zone; and switching means responsive to the sensing means for coupling power to, and thereby controlling the energization and de-energization of, the primary load of the conventional doorbell system; whereby the automatic doorbell driver can easily convert the conventional doorbell system into an automatic doorbell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Langer, Douglas Carl Cinzori
  • Patent number: 7427922
    Abstract: A visitor monitoring system includes a reading device that reads personal data of a visitor from an identification medium, a terminal device that converts the personal data into digital data, and a remote database formed in a database server, which is connected to the terminal device via a communications line, and including precise digital personal data. The read and converted personal data is corrected and equalized with corresponding precise digital personal data before forming a new database in the remote database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimimasa Ikehira, Masanori Ohtsuka
  • Publication number: 20080224882
    Abstract: The technical disclosure of my invention is the pre-recorded sayings inside a sound module housed in a collectable plush bear, and also the fact that both pre-recorded and recordable sound modules will be used with specific wording that will be used in the pre-recorded left hand of the plush bear. The pre-recorded sayings are as follows: We can do all things through Christ who strenghtens us. America is free because of you. You are my Hero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Nancy C. Hale
  • Publication number: 20080204951
    Abstract: A safety device can provide electrical shock protection for an electrical appliance. Voltage sensors can monitor voltage levels among a power conductor, a neutral conductor, and a ground conductor. When sensed voltages indicate that these conductors are properly wired to an electrical power utility, inline switches can close to allow power to pass through the safety device to the appliance. When one or more of the sensed voltages indicates that the power level is too low to operate the appliance, one or more switches of the safety device can open to block power from passing through to the appliance. When one or more of the sensed voltages indicates that an electrical problem posing a shock hazard exists in the electrical appliance, one or more switches of the safety device can open to interrupt power from transmitting to the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Vernon M. Hull
  • Patent number: 7417530
    Abstract: A blanket with integral vibrating mechanisms for awakening a sleeper during an emergency. A control box receives information and based on an array of user settings, the control box will either actuate the vibrating mechanisms or produce a sound capable of being heard with the human ear. The control box receives information through its antenna from various authority agencies. The control box may be limited in who it may communicate with, what language it may produce sounds in, or at what distance it is allowed to communicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: E. Charles Craig
  • Patent number: 7394366
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic identification and integration of audio/visual devices in a room for multi-media conferencing operation. Each device includes a circuit that periodically emits a signal that is recognized by another device. Upon receiving the signal, the other devices respond with information relating to how they can inter-communicate with each other over one or more networks they are connected to. An ad-hoc conferencing network is established between the integrated devices, such that the quality of multi-media conferencing is improved through the use of all the available devices within a room. The signal is preferably one that is confined to a room, and a specific protocol can be implemented to manage the exchange of information between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Moquin, Stephane Dedieu
  • Patent number: 7391300
    Abstract: Applications (11b 11d) and data files (11a 11c 11e) for a communication device (10) enabling the device to use a segment of a media or multimedia file (11a) (an audio file or one or more components of an audio-video file) stored in the communication device (10) to alert a user of the communication device (10) to the occurrence of an event, and to do so in a way that conserves memory. The invention provides an offset selector application (11b) by which a user is able to indicate that a particular segment of the media file (11a) is to be used to signal the occurrence of an event. Instead of storing the segment in the communication device (10), the offset selector application (11b) typically stores only offsets (21a 21b) in respect to the media file (11a), and the offsets are used in combination with the media file (11a) to provide the alert notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Mikko Inkinen
  • Patent number: 7391315
    Abstract: A security system includes at least one audio sensor located at a premises that receives audio signals and converts the audio signals to digitized audio signals. A server is located remote from the plurality of premises and receives the digitized audio signals from each of the premises. A plurality of clients are in communication with the server, which is operative for selecting the client for receiving digitized audio signals for a selected premises. The client is operative for converting the digitized audio signals from the selected premises into audio for an operator that is monitoring the premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Sonitrol Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Friar
  • Patent number: 7375628
    Abstract: An information component of an apparatus in one example selects one or more languages for transmission of one or more messages to one or more personal information components based on one or more inputs from one or more of the one or more personal information components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Alan Nye
  • Publication number: 20080111706
    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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Gary J. Morris
  • Publication number: 20080106431
    Abstract: Methods of programming a pump and insulin pumps are disclosed. One method includes displaying a first screen on a display of the pump. The method also includes, upon displaying the first screen, emitting a first sound. The method further includes displaying a second screen on the display of the pump, the second screen different from the first screen. The method also includes, upon displaying the second screen, emitting a second sound different from the first sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Michael L. Blomquist
  • Publication number: 20080079599
    Abstract: A detector with voice output is described. In various embodiments, the detector comprises a detection circuit that detects a substance, a recording circuit that records a sound in a memory, and a playback circuit that retrieves the recorded sound from memory and emits the recorded sound via a speaker when the detection circuit detects the substance. The recorded sound can be a human voice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Rajiv Partha Sarathy
  • Patent number: 7342502
    Abstract: A wireless communications system defining an wireless personal area network enables reliable communications between members of workers in a group wearing compatible systems. Each member of a group is fitted with a communications system having a microphone, a transceiver and a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Consort, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Harkins, Chad Minter, Benton Ulm
  • Publication number: 20080048839
    Abstract: A voice alarm system, coupled to a fire monitoring system responds to received wireless signals. The signals can be emitted by a portable wireless control unit that can be carried or worn by first responders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Charles T. Pearson, Jonathan W. Leach
  • Publication number: 20080048875
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for preventing a loss of a portable terminal, the apparatus including: a luminous intensity sensor unit detecting a current luminous intensity; a main controller unit controlling to request for an input of a password and controlling to output a warning sound when a current luminous intensity is higher than a reference luminous intensity; a display unit outputting a screen for requesting for the password and other screens related to a process of loss prevention; a key input unit via which keys related to the process of loss prevention are inputted; a memory unit in which the current luminous intensity detected by the luminous intensity sensor unit and the reference luminous intensity are saved; and a warning device generating and outputting the warning sound in accordance with the controlling of the main controller unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Soo CHAE, Ghun Hahm, Hyun Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 7330122
    Abstract: A remote tracking and communication device comprising a housing which encloses a processor, a memory, a position locator, a first transmitter, and a second transmitter. Each of the latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. Both the first and second transmitters are adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixed to the housing and electronically coupled to each component within the housing, a speaker and a microphone electronically coupled to the first transmitter, and a button electronically coupled to the processor. When pressed, the button is adapted to activate voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: RemoteMDx, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce G. Derrick, David S. McNab, Stephen N. D. Larson, Gerard E. Robidoux, B. Kent Davidson, Patrick Y. D. Boutet, Jean-Sebastien Langlois, David J. Kalhok, Scott S. Walker
  • Patent number: 7327235
    Abstract: In a vehicle alarm sound outputting device, in a filter coefficient generator, interpolation of filter coefficients is carried out in accordance with the relative position between a vehicle and an object by using head related transfer functions serving as base data in a filter coefficient interpolator. Particularly when the object moves, the relative position of the object is sequentially grasped while following the movement of the object, and the interpolation of the filter coefficients is carried out. In a filter coefficient synthesizer, the interpolated head related transfer functions and the cross-talk removing filter coefficients are combined with one another to generate virtual sound source filter coefficients. The virtual sound source filter coefficients generated in the filter coefficient generator are convoluted with the audio data of an alarm sound, and audio signals of the virtual sound source are generated in connection with the right and left speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Nagata
  • Patent number: 7323983
    Abstract: The present invention is for an umbrella with a device, called the umpod, built into the handle of the umbrella. When detached from the handle, the umpod serves as a receiver of a pulsating RF signal, or other electronic communication, sent from the handle of the umbrella. There is an transmitter located in the handle of the umbrella and a receiver located in the umpod. When the umpod is separated from the umbrella handle, the umpod is activated and when separated by more than a preset distance, the receiver senses the diminished strength of the communication signal and the umpod automatically goes into “alert” mode. In “alert” mode, the umpod vibrates and/or beeps until the umpod is brought back within the range of the preset distance from the umbrella handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew Bergman
  • Patent number: 7321309
    Abstract: The system includes a thermal grill that has several relatively warm portions which are interlaced with several relatively cold portions. When an individual contacts the thermal grill, the temperature difference between the warm and cold portions of the thermal grill causes the individual to feel pain without physiologically damaging the individual. The system may provide some indication that the thermal grill should not be contacted. The system may also provide some indication that the thermal grill has been contacted. The system may also be able to send signals that the thermal grill has been contacted to a location that is different from where the thermal grill is located. The system may also allow the temperature difference between the warm and cold portions of the thermal grill to be adjusted from a remote location such that the level of pain which is generated by thermal grill is readily modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Cohen
  • Publication number: 20070279242
    Abstract: A plurality of directional sounders located in a region being monitored can be synchronously and sequentially activated in various patterns to establish an audibly defined exit route from the region. Emitted audio, from a respective sounder, can be different than the audio emitted by other activated sounders to provide a path and direction for evacuation to individuals in the vicinity of the exit route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas A. Plocher, Janet JZX Jin, Foong Yeen Chan, Qing Li
  • Patent number: 7301130
    Abstract: In an in-store oven system audible customer messages are automatically generated based upon a food product cooked in an oven within the store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Premark FEG LLC
    Inventor: Nigel G. Mills
  • Patent number: 7295121
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for aurally presenting predefined notification messages within an auditory canal of a user are disclosed. Aural notification is provided by positioning a device at least partially within the auditory canal, processing a digitized notification signal at the device, and aurally presenting a predefined notification message from the device responsive to the processed digitized notification signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventor: John Gregory Aceti
  • Patent number: 7289036
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a method for alerting a quiescent person, may include recording a personal alert message, receiving an alarm over a wireless communications link, and, in response to the alarm, playing the personal alert message. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, a device for alerting a quiescent person may include an audio input to record a personal alert message, a memory to store the personal alert message, an audio output to play the personal alert message, a wireless receiver to receive an alarm, a power supply and a processor, coupled to the audio input, the audio output, the memory, the wireless receiver and the power supply. The processor may be adaptively configured to receive an alert signal from the wireless receiver, and in response to the alert signal, send a play signal to play the personal alert message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Alexander Salzhauer, Leora Sarah Salzhauer
  • Patent number: 7286059
    Abstract: A talking tool holder provides an audio message in response to a user selection that indicates the size of the tool the user has selected. The talking tool holder includes a housing with multiple uniquely-sized tool-receiving locations, with a corresponding sensor for each tool-receiving location. The unique size of each tool-receiving location aids a user in putting the corresponding tools back in their proper locations. When a user needs a tool, the user actuates with a finger a sensor in proximity to a tool-receiving location. In response, an audio mechanism plays an audio message corresponding to the tool-receiving location selected by the user, such as an indication of size or type of tool for the selected tool-receiving location. In this manner, a user may receive audio messages for selected tools in the tool holder that indicate size or type of the tool corresponding to the tool-receiving location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Earl Clifton Drake
  • Patent number: 7286806
    Abstract: A radio module that detachably connects with a host device. A radio module is provided that includes an antenna as an integral part of the radio module. The antenna satisfies regulatory requirements by being an integral part of the radio module. The radio module includes an interface circuit that provides the processing required for communication over a wireless network. The functionality of the interface can be divided between the radio module and the host device. The physical interface between a host device and the radio module may depend on which functions are implemented by the radio module and which functions are implemented by the host device. In one example, the physical interface is a standard connection that permits the radio module to be detachably connected with multiple devices. The radio module also includes a flexible cable such that the radio module can be optimally positioned within the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kuehnel, Anand Valavi, Donald M. Gray, III
  • Publication number: 20070241924
    Abstract: Another example of an audible product information device for placing proximate and associated consumer product includes a housing and electrical components in the housing configured to operate in a playback mode, a record more, and a standby mode. The electrical components include a controller, a record playback device for storing and playing an audible product information message, a speaker for audibly outputting the audible product information message, battery contact terminals in electrical communication with the record/playback device, an activation switch for starting a playback of the product information message, and a recording switch for starting a recording of the product information message A method for providing an audible product information message to a consumer is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: CUSTOM TALK LLC
    Inventors: Glenn Dorflinger, Robert Kral, Mark Stephany
  • Publication number: 20070229235
    Abstract: There are provided sound collector for collecting a sound emitted by a vehicle and converting the sound to a first electric signal, signal processor for applying acoustic signal processing to the first electric signal and outputting a second electric signal, and sound emitter for inputting and emitting the second electric signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu HIRAI
  • Publication number: 20070229296
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing pre-recorded audio data. The apparatus includes a loop of material wearable around a user's neck. The loop supports a housing and an attachment mechanism for suspending an object therefrom. The apparatus also includes a digital memory adapted to store digital audio data, at least one sound generating device and an electrical circuit operably coupling the digital memory and sound generating device whereby audio data stored on the digital memory is reproducible by the sound generating device. The digital memory and at least a portion of the electrical circuit are disposed in the housing. The housing is stably locatable at a position spaced from the attachment mechanism when the loop of material is positioned around the neck of a person with the attachment mechanism being suspended at a lowermost position of the loop of material. A method of using such apparatus to distribute information is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony J. Kohrman, Michael K. Betts
  • Patent number: 7274295
    Abstract: A plurality of monitors are linked with a communication network and other communications devices (e.g., cellular phones, satellite phones, Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and any communications device having a digital signal processor (DSP)). The communications network provides access to one or more databases that contain information related to an identification tag attached to an object, information about the object, and/or policies for tracking and communicating information about the object. When combined with a network tracking system, the policies can also set parameters for permissible areas in which the objects can be disposed and for tracking of the objects across the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Koch, Barrett Kreiner
  • Patent number: 7274301
    Abstract: An access control device including electronic identification device, the access control device characterized in that the access control device also includes an audio communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Cardax Int'l Limited
    Inventors: Anthony David Smith, Nicholas Bernard Body, Felix Anton Harold Collins
  • Patent number: 7259667
    Abstract: A compact portable emergency aid apparatus provides audible CPR instructions in any one of a number of languages and site location of the emergency. A compact housing has a plurality of inputs and has visual and audio outputs and has a battery power supply located in the housing. A solid state memory chip, such as an EE prom, is used for digitally storing emergency instructions therein in multiple languages in a compressed format. A digital signal processor or DSP is coupled to the solid state memory chip for selecting and processing stored emergency instructions. The DSP decompresses the stored instructions and converts the instructions into an analog signal for applying it to an audio circuit. The audio circuit is connected to the audio output for receiving the retrieved audio instructions and producing them audibly through a speaker or earphone. An GPS receiver is coupled to a visual output for determining the location of an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Lolita C. Sergio, Donald Rogers
  • Patent number: 7256685
    Abstract: An applause device including a sound generator capable of generating at least one applause sound. The sound generator preferably can generate at least one sound which can indicate approval or disapproval, such as clapping, hollering, whistling, booing, and hissing. A switch permits the user to select between each of the sounds. The device also preferably comprises illumination structure so as to illuminate at least a portion of the sound generation device. In a preferred embodiment, the applause device is shaped substantially, at least in part, in the shape of an open hand. A method for generating applause sounds and a system for remotely controlling the applause device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Bradley Gotfried
  • Patent number: 7245226
    Abstract: Alarms are often required on various vehicles and equipment such as fork lifts, dump trucks, bulldozers, etc. An alarm is disclosed controlled by a microprocessor, which is an integral part of the basic circuit. The alarm has a flat diaphragm, and a novel acoustic lens. The acoustic lens is constructed such that sound emanating from the center of the diaphragm has a direct path to the outside of the alarm. Sound produced around the periphery of the diaphragm must pass through a path containing switchbacks, that serve as an acoustic delay line, so this sound is delayed in exiting the alarm. The result is an alarm that with full sound in the important regions such as behind and to the side rear of the vehicle, but is very quiet for the operator or driver of the vehicle. The microprocessor is relied upon for adjusting alarm output based on source voltage and varying the signal based on ambient noise, as well as specific signals for particular applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Longwood Corporation
    Inventors: Albert S. Thanhauser, Russell W. Sherwood