Transmitter Systems Patents (Class 367/137)
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Patent number: 8547220Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Michael Dempsey, Ronald S. Newbower
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Publication number: 20130242704Abstract: Indicating a movement of an ultrasonic tag is accomplished by a transducer operable to provide electrical signals caused by the movement. The movement can cause mechanical vibrations, sound vibrations, or pressure in the transducer, to generate the electrical signals. A controller can detect the electrical signal from the transducer generated by the movement, whereupon the controller obtains tag data and modulates the tag data to be supplied to a powered up emitter. The emitter transmits the modulated tag data in a transmission to an ultrasonic tag reader using an ultrasonic carrier sound wave.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Daniella N. Strat
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Publication number: 20130242703Abstract: A footwear seismic communication unit is provided herein. The unit includes footwear attachable to a foot or feet of a user, including at least one sole portion for placing on a ground and at least one seismic transducer device located within said at least one sole. The unit further includes a processing module, a transmitting interface module, and a receiving interface module.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventor: Zvi Zlotnick
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Patent number: 8514663Abstract: Provided is a system for characterizing complex acoustic waves having: means to read an existing configuration file containing saved parameters or create a new configuration file with no previous parameters; means for defining an actuation carrier, selecting the wave shape, and specifying the associated parameters; means for defining the propagation control signal; means for defining the propagation control signal repeat rate; means to produce a resultant actuation signal and, optionally, output resultant actuation signal as a file; and, for multiple carriers, means to define the multiple carrier stagger and referenced actuation signal. Optionally, further provided are means to input a frequency response as a function of frequency and distance; means to define a distance; and means to produce an effective actuation signal derived from the resultant actuation signal, the frequency response, and distance.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Charles Saron Knobloch
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Patent number: 8509031Abstract: Circuitry for high-power, high-frequency excitation of electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMAT) without the use of a matching transformer is described. This circuit contains at least 4 switching devices, arranged in an H-Bridge configuration to drive EMATs over a range of frequencies. The switching devices can be connected in parallel with respect to the H-Bridge and switched in sequence for greater power output and variety of wave forms including, Churp, Hemming window tone burst, rectangular tone burst and Barker Code wave forms. A circuit for driving sensor coils of an EMAT to correct the disadvantages of conventional pulsers. A plurality of switching devices are connected in parallel and augmented with support circuitry to provide increased power output, stability, reduced noise and complex output wave forms. This design provides for the application of modulated pulses such as multi-pulse, multi-frequency bursts with peak power outputs over 20,000 watts and frequencies over 10,000 Hertz.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Inventor: Stephen Smith
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Publication number: 20130194894Abstract: A transmission/reception circuit for an ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The transmission/reception circuit includes a first drive pulse generation unit configured to generate a first drive pulse for driving the ultrasonic transducer, a switch configured to turn on and off output of a second drive pulse for driving the ultrasonic transducer to the ultrasonic transducer, the second drive pulse supplied from an ultrasonic image display apparatus body connected to the ultrasonic probe, and a delay unit configured to add a delay time to an echo signal of an ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLCInventor: GE MEDICAL SYSTEM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLC
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Publication number: 20130188457Abstract: In at least some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transducer and a bi-directional transistor coupled to the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound system also includes an ultrasound receiver coupled to the bi-directional transistor. The bi-directional transistor operates to selectively connect the ultrasound transducer to ground and to selectively connect the ultrasound transducer to the ultrasound receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Max E. NIELSEN, Ricky D. JORDANGER, Ismail H. OGUZMAN
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Publication number: 20130178883Abstract: A method for measuring frequency response is provided that includes supplying ultrasonic energy to an ultrasonic device configured to impart energy to tissue, providing a drive signal and a noise signal, combining the drive signal and the noise signal to create a combined signal, amplifying the combined signal and providing the amplified signal to the ultrasonic device, receiving an output signal from the ultrasonic device and the noise signal, calculating a transfer function estimate based on the output signal and the noise signal, adjusting the drive signal generator based on the calculated transfer function estimate, and determining a phase difference by time aligning the noise signal in the output signal with the noise signal provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2013Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Covidien LP
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Publication number: 20130163383Abstract: An ultrasonic probe device includes capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers, a band control unit and a bias voltage change unit. Each of the transducers belongs to one of groups, each of the groups includes at least one of the transducers. The band control unit determines the bias voltage value which varies for each of the groups, and a timing to apply the direct-current bias voltage having the bias voltage value so that all frequencies included in an operating frequency are transmitted and/or received by the ultrasonic probe device during an operation period. The bias voltage change unit changes the direct-current bias voltage to be applied to the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers in accordance with the bias voltage value and the timing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
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Publication number: 20130148472Abstract: An electromagnetic barrier includes a first surface and a second surface. A first transducer is coupled to the first surface. A second transducer is coupled to the second surface such that a signal is transmittable between the first transducer and the second transducer without physically penetrating the electromagnetic barrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventors: Daniel James Kovach, Gary E. Georgeson, Andrew M. Robb
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Publication number: 20130135970Abstract: A data transmission device includes a coder configured to code the data into a multifrequency signal. A first array of ultrasonic transducers with a vibrating membrane is disposed on a first surface of a wafer. The first array configured to convert the signal into a multifrequency acoustic signal propagating in the wafer. A second array of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a second surface of the wafer. The second array includes at least two assemblies of vibrating membrane ultrasonic transducers having resonance frequencies equal to two different frequencies of the multifrequency signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicants: UNIVERSITE FRANCOIS RABELAIS, STMICROELECTRONICS (TOURS) SASInventors: STMicroelectronics (Tours) SAS, Universite Francois Rabelais
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Publication number: 20130100776Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor has: a diaphragm that includes at least two partial regions for emitting and/or receiving ultrasonic signals, the two partial regions possessing different resonance characteristics; and at least one electromechanical transducer coupled to the diaphragm, to which transducer a control signal having at least two different control signal frequencies is applied. In this context, a first control signal frequency is in the range of a resonant frequency of a first partial region of the diaphragm, and a second control signal frequency is in the range of a resonant frequency of a second partial region of the diaphragm. Alternatively, two electromechanical transducers are used, which are coupled to a diaphragm and have different resonance characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventor: Matthias Karl
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Publication number: 20130100775Abstract: A system and method for an ultrasonic array transducer is provided. The system includes a plurality of transducer elements, each including a positive electrode and a ground electrode. The system includes a plurality of twisted pair cables. Each twisted pair cable is operatively connected to a respective transducer element by way of a circuit connected therebetween. The circuit includes a plurality of first circuit conductors and a plurality of second circuit conductors. Each first circuit conductor is operatively connected to a respective ground electrode and to a respective twisted pair cable. Each second circuit conductor is operatively connected to a respective positive electrode and to a respective twisted pair cable. The system allows for discrete connections to be made at individual ground electrodes in the transducer array. As a result, appreciable time and labor savings in the process of forming the transducer system can be realized.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventor: Matthew Todd Spigelmyer
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Publication number: 20130094331Abstract: Disclosed are a sound generation system, an ultrasonic wave emitting device, and an ultrasonic wave emitting method which utilize the principle of parametric speakers (which uses the difference between frequencies of two ultrasonic waves) and which are capable of allowing target persons in a prescribed area to hear a sound only when a mobile body approaches said prescribed area. An alert system (10) has an ultrasonic wave emitting device (100) mounted on a mobile body (200), and an ultrasonic wave emitting device (300) permanently installed near an area (A101). The ultrasonic wave emitting device (300) emits a first ultrasonic wave towards an area at least including the aforementioned area (A101), and meanwhile, the ultrasonic wave emitting device (100) emits a second ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic emitting device (100) forms the second ultrasonic wave by means of modulating the ultrasonic wave of frequency fit with an audible signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Ayase Watanabe, Takashi Motoyama, Koji Arata, Tatsuyuki Negishi, Takafumi Tokuhiro
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Patent number: 8411531Abstract: A modulation device, a demodulation device, and a transmission system and acoustic signal transmission method using them which can carry out a synchronization process for data signals without using a carrier frequency for a synchronization signal. The modulation device transmits an acoustic signal superposed with a PN sequence set according to a carrier frequency and a data signal. A demodulation device receives the acoustic signal, determines the PN sequence having the highest maximum correlation value with the acoustic signal in a plurality of PN sequences, detects a symbol synchronization point according to the correlation value between the thus determined PN sequence and the acoustic signal, and performs a synchronization process. Thereafter, according to the detected synchronization point and determined PN sequence, an OFDM demodulation processing unit decides the carrier frequency band of the data signal superposed on the acoustic signal and demodulates the data signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.Inventors: Hosei Matsuoka, Takeshi Yoshimura, Toshirou Kawahara
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Publication number: 20130066240Abstract: In order to provide heating means for an ultrasonic application setup, adapted for heating a sample (20) gently and fast and saving costs and space, an ultrasound transducer (10) capable of being driven at multiple frequencies including a main frequency for efficient production of ultrasound waves and at least one alternative frequency, at which almost no ultrasound is generated, a system for sample analysis comprising such an ultrasound transducer (10) and a method for controlling such an ultrasound transducer (10) are proposed, wherein the ultrasound transducer (10) is driven either at the main frequency for generating ultrasonic waves or at the alternative frequency for generating heat in the ultrasound transducer (10), if the sample (20) is to be heated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Christianus Martinus Van Heesch, Aleksey Kolesnychenko
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Publication number: 20130064043Abstract: A CMUT on CMOS imaging chip is disclosed. The imaging chip can use direct connection, CMOS architecture to minimize both internal and external connection complexity. Intelligent power management can enable the chip to be used for various imaging applications with strict power constraints, including forward-looking intra-vascular ultrasound imaging. The chip can use digital logic to control transmit and receive events to minimize power consumption and maximize image resolution. The chip can be integrated into a probe, or catheter, and requires minimal external connections. The chip can comprise integrated temperature control to prevent overheating.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: F. Levent DEGERTEKIN, Gokce Gurun, Mustafa Karaman, Jennifer O. Hasler
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Publication number: 20130028054Abstract: An ultrasonic membrane having ultrasonic transmission(s) over the surface area of the membrane with circuitry to control transmission(s), it can be made to any size but can also be connected to other membranes in each direction to cover large areas for example a super tanker hull.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventor: Ian Alistair Ritchie
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Publication number: 20130016585Abstract: A device having a digital controller, a power amplifier, a sonar transducer, and a sonar receiver communicatively coupled to the digital controller. The digital controller provides a power control signal to the power amplifier, which in turn drives the sonar transducer at a level determined in real time by the digital controller to prevent excessive noise from being detected by the sonar receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventor: DAVID A. CRAIG
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Patent number: 8331196Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a transducer circuit, e.g., including an acoustic transducer arranged to cause mixing, cavitation or other movement in a liquid contained in a vessel located remote from the transducer. A load current of a transformer used to generate a drive signal for the transducer may be controlled to vary sinusoidally, to vary between negative and positive values and such that the load current flows in a closed loop when a zero voltage bias is applied across the primary transformer winding, to have a reduced or eliminated 3rd harmonic mode and/or to vary between three discrete modes including a forward current mode, a zero voltage loop current mode, and a freewheel current mode. An inverter circuit may be used to control the load current, e.g., so that the load current flows in a closed loop during portions of the control cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Covaris, Inc.Inventor: Nathan K. Weiner
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Publication number: 20120307596Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to drive reactive loads are disclosed. An example apparatus to drive a reactive load includes a reactive component in circuit with the reactive load, a first switching element in circuit with the reactive load to selectively hold the reactive load in a first energy state and to selectively allow the reactive load to change from the first energy state to a second energy state, a second switching element in circuit with the reactive load to selectively hold the reactive load in the second energy state and to selectively allow the reactive load to change from the second energy state to the first energy state, and a controller to detect a current in the reactive load, and to control the first and second switching elements to hold the reactive load in the first or the second energy state when the current traverses a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Abderrhamane Ounadjela, Jacques Jundt, Olivier Moyal, Henri-Pierre Valero, Sandip Bose
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Publication number: 20120297881Abstract: A device is disclosed that, in an illustrative embodiment, includes an input line, a main gain component, a first local gain component, and a second local gain component. The main gain component, the first local gain component, and the second local gain component each have a communicative connection with the input line. The main gain component is configured for applying a main gain to an ultrasonic wave signal received via the input line, thereby providing a main gain signal. The first local gain component is configured for applying a first local gain to a portion of the ultrasonic wave signal within a first signal gate, and thereby providing a first local gain signal. The second local gain component is configured for applying a second local gain to a portion of the ultrasonic wave signal within a second signal gate, and thereby providing a second local gain signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Norbert Ewald Steinhoff, Alexander Franz Freund, Markus Manfred Stahlberg
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Publication number: 20120300592Abstract: A signal generator generates an electrical signal that is sent to an amplifier, which increases the power of the signal using power from a power source. The amplified signal is fed to a sender transducer to generate ultrasonic waves that can be focused and sent to a receiver. The receiver transducer converts the ultrasonic waves back into electrical energy and stores it in an energy storage device, such as a battery, or uses the electrical energy to power a device. In this way, a device can be remotely charged or powered without having to be tethered to an electrical outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: uBeam Inc.Inventor: Meredith Perry
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Publication number: 20120294120Abstract: An ultrasonic emission device is accommodated in a housing for generating an ultrasonic wave. The housing has an ultrasonic emission port for emitting the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic emission device outward therethrough. A louver is equipped to the ultrasonic emission port. The louver includes multiple louver boards, which are distant from each other. Two of the multiple louver boards adjacent to each other form a clearance therebetween. The clearance includes a horizontal clearance extending along a horizontal direction and an inclined clearance being an ascent inclination toward the ultrasonic emission device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Kouji Sakurai, Toshiaki Nakayama, Toshio Hayashi
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Publication number: 20120294113Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer drive circuit for driving an ultrasonic transducer by outputting pulses including a positive pulse and a negative pulse to an output line is provided. The ultrasonic transducer includes a positive voltage supply circuit, a negative voltage supply circuit, a current-inflow-type ground clamp circuit configured to operate when voltage in the output line is positive voltage, and a current-outflow-type ground clamp circuit configured to operate when voltage in the output line is negative voltage, wherein the current-inflow-type ground clamp circuit is configured to enter an operation state at a time of generating the negative pulse in a state where the voltage in the output line is positive voltage, and the current-outflow-type ground clamp circuit is configured to enter an operation state at a time of generating the positive pulse in a state where the voltage in the output line is negative voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: GE MEDICAL SYSTEMS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, LLCInventor: Shinichi Amemiya
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Publication number: 20120281509Abstract: Methods of identifying patching connections in a communications system are provided in which an acoustic signal generator is used to transmit an acoustic signal that includes a unique identifier embedded therein over a patch cord from a first connector port to a second connector port. The acoustic signal is received at the second connector port. The unique identifier is extracted from the acoustic signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Hongwei Liang, Edmond Richer, Jeffrey D. Nielson
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Publication number: 20120250454Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at a method and system for shaping a membrane a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer, or CMUT. A bias voltage is asymmetrically applied to a membrane of the CMUT such that the membrane is directed to send ultrasonic waves that propagate along a propagation axis that is not parallel with a propagation axis along which ultrasonic waves propagate when the bias voltage is symmetrically applied to the membrane. In this way, the ultrasonic waves that are generated using a CMUT array can be physically steered to or focused on a target. Steering and focusing ultrasonic waves by altering the shape of the membrane by asymmetrically biasing the membrane reduces grating lobes and can also be used as part of an adaptive control system that can improve ultrasound image quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Robert Nicholas Rohling, Edmond Cretu, Wei You
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Publication number: 20120224457Abstract: A method of grouping devices which are connected to a server, and a server applying the same, are provided. The method includes receiving sounds collected from the plurality of devices, respectively, detecting devices from among the plurality of devices which are located nearby each other, using information regarding a time slot at which the sounds are collected and the collected sounds, and grouping the detected devices into one group. The server includes a communicating unit which receives collected sounds from the plurality of devices, respectively; and a control unit which controls devices from among the plurality of devices which are detected to be located nearby each other, using information regarding a time slot at which the sounds are collected and the collected sounds, and grouping the detected devices into one group.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Moon Su KIM, Chun-Un KANG, Dae-hyun LEE
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Patent number: 8233349Abstract: In some aspects of the invention, a device, positioned within a well bore, configured to generate and direct an acoustic beam into a rock formation around a borehole is disclosed. The device comprises a source configured to generate a first signal at a first frequency and a second signal at a second frequency; a transducer configured to receive the generated first and the second signals and produce acoustic waves at the first frequency and the second frequency; and a non-linear material, coupled to the transducer, configured to generate a collimated beam with a frequency equal to the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency by a non-linear mixing process, wherein the non-linear material includes one or more of a mixture of liquids, a solid, a granular material, embedded microspheres, or an emulsion.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Cung Khac Vu, Dipen N. Sinha, Cristian Pantea, Kurt T. Nihei, Denis P. Schmitt, Christopher Skelt
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Publication number: 20120163126Abstract: A transducer 1b comprising a vibrator body 2b for generating and/or receiving acoustic or ultrasonic waves, acoustically coupled to a second part 4 for generating and/or receiving acoustic or ultrasonic waves and, a matching layer 5 coupled to said vibrator body 2 so as, in use, to acoustically match the vibrator body 2b to a medium 6 contacting said matching layer 5.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Ewan Fraser Campbell, Tony John Beswick, Peter Caplen
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Publication number: 20120163128Abstract: In apparatus for the acoustic transmission of power or data through a solid barrier such as a ships hull, assembly of an acoustic transducer to the hull is facilitated by bonding it first to an intermediate element by a thin layer of bonding adhesive and then bonding the intermediate element to the barrier using a second bonding layer. Acoustic matching of the transducer to the intermediate element is achieved by the thin layer, and the mechanically more robust base of the intermediate element can be rubbed on the barrier surface to displace or abrade away any unwanted debris or imperfections which might otherwise prevent the achievement of a thin second bonding layer. This makes the mounting and bonding process more tolerant of imperfections in the barrier surface due to either surface defects or particulate contamination. The transmit and receive transducers may be positioned relative to each other so as to suppress or attenuate multiple-transit signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS PLCInventors: John Martin Bagshaw, Lionel William John Kent
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Publication number: 20120155221Abstract: In apparatus for the acoustic transmission of power or data through a solid barrier such as a ships hull, assembly of an acoustic transducer to the hull is facilitated by bonding it first to an intermediate element by a thin layer of bonding adhesive and then bonding the intermediate element to the barrier using a second bonding layer. Acoustic matching of the transducer to the intermediate element is achieved by the thin layer, and the mechanically more robust base of the intermediate element can be rubbed on the barrier surface to displace or abrade away any unwanted debris or imperfections which might otherwise prevent the achievement of a thin second bonding layer. This makes the mounting and bonding process more tolerant of imperfections in the barrier surface due to either surface defects or particulate contamination. The transmit and receive transducers may be positioned relative to each other so as to suppress or attenuate multiple-transit signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS PLCInventors: John Martin Bagshaw, Lionel William John Kent
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Publication number: 20120147707Abstract: A method of optimizing a parametric emitter system having a pot core transformer coupled between an amplifier and an emitter, the method comprising: selecting a number of turns required in a primary winding of the pot core transformer to achieve an optimal level of load impedance experienced by the amplifier; and selecting a number of turns required in a secondary winding of the pot core transformer to achieve electrical resonance between the secondary winding and the emitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventor: Elwood G. Norris
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Publication number: 20120134238Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a computer-implemented method for generating a modulated acoustic carrier signal for wireless transmission from a speaker of a transmit device to a microphone of a receive device. Aspects of the exemplary embodiments include converting a message to binary data; modulating one or more selected frequencies for one or more acoustic carrier signals based on the binary data to generate one or more modulated acoustic carrier signals; filtering the one or more modulated acoustic carrier signals to remove any unintended audible harmonics created during modulation, including; equalizing the modulated acoustic carrier signal to pre-compensate for known degradations that will occur further along a signal path; setting a level of the modulated acoustic carrier signal for the intended application; and storing the modulated acoustic carrier signal in a buffer for subsequent output and transmission by the speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Naratte, Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Surprenant, Chad G. Seguin, Brett L. Paulson
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Publication number: 20120134239Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a transmitter having a minimal size and weight with acceptable output and life performance. The transmitter may be powered by a single 1.5V battery, rather than two 1.5V batteries in series, by electrically connecting a capacitor and voltage inverter to the microcontroller. The transformer to power the transmitter's ultra-sonic piezo transducer can be eliminated by the inclusion of an inductor selected to cause a resonance matched condition. A capacitor can be placed in parallel with the transducer to match the impedance to the inductor. The transmitter may have a power output of +156 dB (re: 1 uPa @ 1 meter), and certain physical properties, including a volume of 115 mm3; a dry weight of 280 mg; and an activated life (@ 5 sec PRI) of 35 days and an activated life (@ 3 sec PRI) of 23 days.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventor: Sheldon L. STRUTHERS
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Publication number: 20120127831Abstract: Methods and systems for determining and utilizing spatial correlative information relating to two or more devices to determine device positioning are described. Using audio signals emitted from stereo speakers, for example, associated with a first device and a microphone associated with the second device, the distance and angle between the two devices and as their relative positions can be determined. No other sensors or specialized accessories are needed on either device to calculate the distance and angles. The devices need only be loaded with the appropriate software which, when executed, is able to carry out steps of the present invention. The usefulness of one or both of the devices may be enhanced by knowing the distance and angle data between the devices. For example, one device may be a TV having stereo speakers and the other device may be a handheld device, such as a smartphone, having a microphone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Daniel P. Gicklhorn, Dang Van Tran
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Publication number: 20120127833Abstract: A system for transmitting power and data through a solid medium includes a power signal transmitter configured to acoustically transmit power through the solid medium to a power signal receiver using a first frequency and a data signal transmitter configured to acoustically transmit data through the solid medium to a data signal receiver using a second frequency. The second frequency may be offset from the first frequency and from at least a first overtone of the first frequency. Furthermore, the data signal transmitter and data signal receiver may be positioned at a null of a pattern of acoustic waves produced by operation of the power signal transmitter. The system may further include a notch filter coupled to receive an electrical output of the data signal receiver, the notch filter being tuned to attenuate the first frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: PROGENY SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Ronald David Ghen, George Edward Anderson, JR., Michael Richard Strong, Michael Edward Mullen
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Patent number: 8171333Abstract: Multi-channel pulser driver circuitry for a sub-beam forming transmitter of an ultrasound system in which sub-beam signals are formed by delaying sub-beam pulse pattern data in accordance with sub-beam pulse delay data and multiple clock signals.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Wei Ma, Zhenyong Zhang, Jian-yi Wu
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Patent number: 8170134Abstract: The present invention is intended to realize a transmitter whose internal signal processing function can be duplicated without having to add any hardware components. The transmitter converts an input signal into an output signal using a plurality of calculation steps, comprising a backward calculation means for executing the plurality of calculation steps in reverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventors: Hiroki Yoshino, Etsutaro Koyama
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Publication number: 20120099403Abstract: A human-machine interface system adapted to track movement of an object in air is disclosed. In one aspect, the human-machine interface includes an acoustic transmitter, an acoustic receiver, and logic configured to apply a calculated inverse matrix of an impulse signal transmitted by the acoustic transmitter to a signal received by the acoustic receiver, wherein movement of the object is used to control the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: ELLIPTIC LABORATORIES ASInventors: Tobias Dahl, Gudbrand Eggen
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Publication number: 20120099404Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer is configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic transducer includes a vibrating member and a piezoelectric member coupled to the vibrating member. The piezoelectric member includes a first piezoelectric part configured and arranged to be deformed by applied voltage to vibrate the vibrating member or configured and arranged to be deformed by vibration of the vibrating member to produce a potential difference, and a second piezoelectric part configured and arranged to be deformed by applied voltage to statically deflect the vibrating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Tsukasa FUNASAKA, Tomoaki NAKAMURA
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Patent number: 8164439Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: The General Hospital Corp.Inventors: Michael K. Dempsey, Ronald S. Newbower
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Publication number: 20120092954Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitting/receiving circuit equipped with: a semiconductor circuit element which comprises at least three terminals including a first terminal connected to a plurality of transducer elements that constitute an ultrasonic probe, a second terminal connected to a transmission signal generating circuit, and a third terminal serving as an output terminal of an amplifier of a reception signal from the transducer element, and which has a function of amplifying a signal inputted from one terminal by the other terminal and outputting the amplified signal between at least two terminals among the above-said three terminals; and a control unit which performs control so as to cause the semiconductor circuit element to perform a first function of functioning as a switch for inputting a transmission signal to the transducer element and a second function of amplifying the reception signal received from the transducer element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: HITACHI MEDICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Atsushi Suzuki, Mitsuhiro Oshiki, Kanako Hatayama, Kenji Maio
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Publication number: 20120051187Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product is provided for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data through sonic communication. A method and system is provided for devices to exchange data over the air using a sonic carrier signal. The transmit device has at least one sonic transducer that transmits a sonic carrier signal through the air in accordance with aspects of the present invention. A digital representation of the data is modulated consistent with a modulation protocol using one or more sonic transmission frequencies in accordance with present invention. The sonic transducer transmits the one or more sonic carrier signals carrying the modulated data over the air. Each sonic carrier signal has sufficient gain to carry the signal to a receiver device where the data from the one or more sonic carrier signals is demodulated. Aspects of the present invention receive modulated data through the air using at least one sonic transducer of a receive device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: Brett L. Paulson
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Patent number: 8125851Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling an acoustic radiation pattern output through an array of speakers. The apparatus stores a plurality of filter values for forming a plurality of corresponding control patterns set in advance from an input signal. The apparatus forms a compensation control pattern such that signals output through the array of speakers have an intended pattern in consideration of a filter value of a focusing filter. The apparatus selects at least one of the control patterns set in advance to form the compensation control pattern, and processes the input signal using a filter value corresponding to the selected control pattern.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-chul Ko, Young-tae Kim, Jung-ho Kim, Jung-woo Choi
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Publication number: 20120026838Abstract: An audio data processing system is a client-server system including an audio data communication device and an audio data processing device which are linked together via a communication network. The audio data communication device includes an acoustic generator, a control device, a transmitter and a receiver in connection with first and second storage areas. The transmitter sequentially transmits a time series of unprocessed data DA[n] stored in the first storage area, whilst the receiver sequentially receives a time series of processing-completed data DB [n] from the acoustic data processing device so that processing-completed data are stored in the second storage area and sequentially reproduced. When specific processing-completed data is not stored in the second storage area, the control device designates and reproduces specific unprocessed data, which is unprocessed acoustic data corresponding to specific processing-completed data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji KOIKE, Kazuhito INOUE
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Patent number: 8072839Abstract: An acoustic camera includes an acoustic transmitter disposed at one longitudinal end of a housing. The transmitter has a convex radiating surface. A diameter of the transmitter is about four times a wavelength of acoustic energy emitted by the transmitter. A plurality of acoustic receivers is disposed at spaced locations in a pattern extending laterally from the housing. A signal processor is in signal communication with the acoustic receivers. The signal processor is configured to cause the acoustic receivers to be sensitive along steered beams. The signal processor is configured to cause an end of the steered beams to move through a selected pattern within a beam width of the acoustic energy emitted by the acoustic transmitter. The signal processor is configured to operate a visual display device to generate a visual representation corresponding to acoustic energy detected by the acoustic receivers. A visual display device is in signal communication with the signal processor.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Intelligent Sciences, Ltd.Inventors: Jacques Y. Guigné, James A. Stacey, Nicholas G. Pace
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Publication number: 20110273965Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transmitting information in solid media (21) with at least one communication node (1, 33), comprising a transmission device and a receiving device. To improve the information transmission, the transmission device comprises at least one transmitter with a converter for converting electric information into mechanical waves. The receiving device comprises at least one receiver with a convener for converting mechanical waves into electric information. The transmitter and the receiver are in mechanical contact to a solid medium (21).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2009Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Peter-Michael Mayer, Frank Schmidt
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Publication number: 20110251968Abstract: Acoustic waves are transmitted bidirectionally through-the-earth in a simple robust architecture in combination with signal-to-roise reduction techniques which ensure the ability to communicate using simple tools available in a mine. An enhanced version includes a personal electronics device designed to be carried by a miner to automatically decode acoustically transmitted text messages.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventor: David H. Parker
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Publication number: 20110237951Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to ultrasound (acoustic) data transmission systems, in particular data transmission over wide-band acoustic channels with frequency-dependant multi-path propagation. More specifically, embodiments of the invention involve increasing the bit rate in the acoustic channel by means of utilization of the entire ultrasound spectrum available for data transmission inside a human body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Innurvation, Inc.Inventors: William R. BANDY, Yuri Okunev, Wayne E. Shanks