Abstract: Power management circuitry of a portable electronic biosensor implements conditional power management logic to control biosensor power usage and to discriminate between intended use and nonuse of the biosensor by a clinician. The biosensor is configured to sense a property of the human body, such as a manifestation of acoustic energy produced by matter of biological origin or an action potential of the human body. An output signal is produced that is representative of the sensed property. A sensor of the biosensor produces a signal having a plurality of sensor signal features that are received by a detector of the power management circuitry. The power management circuitry or a processor of the biosensor discriminates between intended use and nonuse of the biosensor by the clinician using the sensor signal features. Power supplied to biosensor components is controlled based on the sensor signal features.

Abstract: A stereo speaker sound capturing and guiding system. The system includes devices that connected on each one of the stereo speakers as a cap. The device covers the speaker cones in hermetic way that captures the sound of the specific speaker and don't let the sound mixed with the sound of the other speaker that located in the same closed box or very near to the first speaker. The sound in the cap device guided directly from the speaker through connector facility between the speakers and the user's ears—such as air tubes—and transmitted exclusively to the user's matched ear—the sound from the right speaker gets only to right ear and sound from the left speaker gets only to the left ear—as at least two independent audio channels.

Abstract: A blood pressure gauge comprises a cuff, a gas pump, a pressure relief valve, a pressure sensor, a gas conduit, a MEMS microphone and a controller. The cuff has a gas bag. The gas pump is used for inflating and pressurizing the gas bag. The pressure relief valve is used for deflating and depressurizing the gas bag. The pressure sensor is used for detecting the pressure of the gas bag. The gas conduit connects the gas bag, the gas pump, the pressure relief valve and the pressure sensor to form a gas loop. The gas loop delivers gas among the gas bag, the gas pump, the pressure relief valve and the pressure sensor. The MEMS microphone is disposed at a specified location of the gas loop for detecting the Korotkoff sounds transmitted from the passing gas. The controller is used for monitoring and controlling the gas pump, the pressure relief valve, the pressure sensor and the MEMS microphone.

Abstract: A modular electronic biosensor includes a housing configured for hand-held manipulation and a base module comprising a module interface configured to receive one of a multiplicity of disparate detachable modules, such as a transducer module and an output module. A transducer of the transducer module is configured to sense a property of the human body and the output module is configured to output a signal comprising transducer signal information. The module interface includes a module connector for receiving a connector of the detachable module to facilitate signal transmission therebetween, a mechanical retention mechanism configured to retentively engage the detachable module, and a sealing arrangement disposed to provide sealing between the base module and the detachable module when attached to the base module. A processor is coupled to the module connector and configured to communicatively couple with each of the detachable and interchangeable modules when attached to the base module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of an adaptive gain control (AGC) unit. The method includes receiving a noisy input signal and determining to utilize a stethoscope in at least one of a noise suppression mode or in amplification mode depending if the noise level is at least one of above or below a threshold, wherein the stethoscope is in noise suppression mode when K is less than the threshold and is amplification mode when K is above the threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a condenser microphone capable of detecting small sounds (e.g., Korotkoff sounds) with high sensitivity even in environments with variations in pressure, such as cuff pressure. A condenser microphone (10) is disposed as an acoustic sensor for detecting Korotkoff sounds in a communication space reachable by the internal pressure of the cuff of a blood pressure gauge. In the condenser microphone, a diaphragm (13) and a backplate 14) are disposed in the interior of a housing (11), an aeration hole (30) is formed in a wall (11B) that blocks off the housing back surface, and a sound-absorbing element (20) having sound absorption characteristics with respect to a frequency band targeted for detection is disposed on the front surface of a housing (11).

Abstract: A stethoscope chest piece has a chest piece housing containing a piezoelectric (piezo) element mounted within a housing. The piezo element converts body signals to an electrical representation that is processed by circuitry on a circuit board. A back stop is affixed to the circuit board to prevent excess excursion by the piezo element and may be one of the circuit elements on the circuit board. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An active stethoscope or other sound detection device, including a diaphragm, at least one floating mass mounted to the diaphragm (at at least one coupling point of the diaphragm), and an acoustic transducer mounted to the floating mass. Preferably, each floating mass is configured and mounted so that as each floating mass and each coupling point of the diaphragm move in sympathy with acoustic waves (to be detected) that impinge on the diaphragm, the acoustic transducer rides with and is stabilized by the floating mass to which it is mounted and the diaphragm is stabilized by each floating mass. The acoustic transducer can be of any of many different types. For example, it can be a microphone, or an optical, capacitive, or inductive transducer. The diaphragm can have an isolating portion which absorbs acoustic surface wave energy incident thereon, or otherwise prevents or reduces transmission of acoustic surface waves through the isolating portion between regions of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A transducer system is disclosed for detecting actual or simulated body sounds. An audio signal generation and detection system is disclosed for the purposes of simulating the medical examination of a patient or simulating the listening of sounds seeming to emanate from a live or inanimate body. A signal generator sets up a voltage potential at an electrode physically attached to the body, or electrically connected to a body, thereby setting up a voltage potential on a surface area of the body. An electric field potential sensor or a capacitive electrical sensor placed in proximity to the electrode or body surface then detects the voltage potential. The signals produced by the signal generator can represent heart, lung, bowel or other sounds and the electrical sensor can take the physical form of a listening device such as a stethoscope, thereby creating a simulation of listening to body sounds for medical diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patient health system for transmission of patient health data from a patient data collection system to a provider analysis system. The patient data collection system, located proximate a patient, is configured to collect patient physiological data and is operatively coupled to a communications network. The patient data collection system includes a patient data collection device couple to a patient work station. The patient work station is configured to transmit patient physiological data upon a determination that the communications network is reliable. The provider analysis system is coupled to the communications network and located remote from the patient data collection system.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing bioacoustic energy includes a housing comprising an interfacing portion configured to establish coupling with a body part during use. The sensor includes a transducer element coupled to the interfacing portion of the housing and configured to sense sounds produced by matter of biological origin. One or more conductors are coupled to the transducer element. A mass element is compliantly coupled to a surface of the transducer element. Intervening material is disposed between the transducer element surface and the mass element, and allows for differential motion between the transducer element surface and the mass element during excitation of the transducer element.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator produces audible prompts for a user by providing the audible information with default audio characteristics in response to a first ambient noise condition and providing the audible information having different audio characteristics than the default audio characteristics in response to a second ambient noise condition. An automatic external defibrillator provides voice prompts by selecting one of a plurality of different levels of sound quality at which to playback the voice prompts and playing back the voice prompts at the selected level of sound quality.

Abstract: A passive stethoscope chest piece has a chest piece housing containing a passive piezoelectric (piezo) element mounted within a metal housing. The piezo element converts body signals to an electrical representation. A pair of electrical connections attached to the metal plate and the piezoelectric layer of the piezo element pass the electrical representation outside the housing for processing by external circuitry. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A transducer system is disclosed for detecting actual or simulated body sounds. An audio signal generation and detection system is disclosed for the purposes of simulating the medical examination of a patient or simulating the listening of sounds seeming to emanate from a live or inanimate body. A signal generator sets up a voltage potential at an electrode physically attached to the body, or electrically connected to a body, thereby setting up a voltage potential on a surface area of the body. An electric field potential sensor or a capacitive electrical sensor placed in proximity to the electrode or body surface then detects the voltage potential. The signals produced by the signal generator can represent heart, lung, bowel or other sounds and the electrical sensor can take the physical form of a listening device such as a stethoscope, thereby creating a simulation of listening to body sounds for medical diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A device for testing the operability of an audio speaker includes a housing, a unidirectional microphone and a display. The underside of the housing comprises a recessed area. The unidirectional microphone is positioned and oriented in the recessed area such that the unidirectional microphone is recessed from the underside of the housing. The display is positioned on the housing such that the display is visible when the testing device is placed proximate an audio speaker with the underside of the housing facing the audio speaker. The display may include at least one visual indicator operatively coupled to the unidirectional microphone such that, when the unidirectional microphone is receiving an acoustic signal, the at least one visual indicator is illuminated.

Abstract: A physiological sensing stethoscope suitable for use in high-noise environments is disclosed. The stethoscope is designed to be substantially matched to the mechanical impedance of monitored physiological activity and substantially mismatched to the mechanical impedance of air-coupled acoustic activity. One embodiment of the stethoscope utilizes a passive acoustic system. Another embodiment utilizes an active Doppler system. The passive and active systems can be combined in one stethoscope enabling switching from a passive mode to an active mode suitable for use in very high-noise environments. The stethoscope is suitable for use in environments having an ambient background noise of 100 dBA and higher. The passive includes a head having a housing, a flexural disc mounted with the housing, and an electromechanical stack positioned between the housing and the flexural disc in contact with the skin of a patient. The active system detects Doppler shifts using a high-frequency transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic and communications apparatus with audio output comprises an electronic processor for processing stethoscope signals and secondary audio signals. An electronic stethoscope sensor is contained within a housing for transducing body sounds to electronic signals, and is operatively connected to the electronic processor. One or more secondary audio signal sources operatively connects to the electronic processor. A common audio output is connected to electronic processor to convert electronic stethoscope signals or secondary audio signals to acoustic output. These sounds may be produced separately or mixed.

Abstract: A medical voice data system includes a hand-held recording device, an electronic information carrier (EIC), and a host station. The hand-held device records medical information from a user that is examining a person in an extreme environment such as battlefield or disaster area. EICs are stored within a housing interior and can be dispensed therefrom by the user. Recording electronics within the housing interior are operably connected to at least one of the EICs. A microphone is operably connected to the recording electronics to record on a EIC medical information about the injured person. The EIC is configured to be attached to and travel with the person as they are evacuated so that the recorded medical information is immediately available to medical personnel at a care center via the host station. The medical voice data system may also employ a wireless EIC. A host station is used to receive and process the recorded information and convert it to text-based medical record.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mobile phone with a stethoscopic function. The mobile phone with a stethoscopic function, of which the mobile phone has communication data processing functions, comprises a stethoscopic microphone which is arranged in a body of the mobile phone; and a stethoscopic system which is embedded in the body of the mobile phone. The auscultated sound data obtained from the medical examination made on the part of a human body where the stethoscopic microphone is contacted are converted into digital auscultated sound data. The digital auscultated sound data identifies corresponding sound data in the pre-stored standardized digital auscultating sound data through search and comparison within allowable errors of data. With the identified data, a diagnostic data is made available. The diagnostic data may be stored and transmitted to a physician using the communication function of the mobile phone.

Abstract: A wireless listening system includes a base operable to receive an electrical signal corresponding to an audio signal, including the ring of an incoming telephone call, up-convert the audio signal to an infrared signal, and transmit the infrared audio signal wirelessly therefrom, and a wireless headset operable to selectably receive either the infrared audio signal transmitted by the base, or an infrared signal corresponding to an audio signal transmitted by a public address system, down-convert the received signal back into the audio signal, and audibly reproduce the audio signal to a wearer of the headset. The system enables a hearing impaired listeners to enjoy their favorite audio programs without disturbing nearby persons with normal hearing and without missing an incoming telephone call, and is also compatible with public IR PA systems currently used to assist the hearing impaired community.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stethoscope auscultation method, adapted for an improved stethoscope so as to be used for assisting a medical diagnosis according to visceral sounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sound reinforcement for musical instruments. The method and apparatus re-direct sound waves via an open-sided chamber against a curved wall panel in such a way that the sound from a musical amplifier is reflected or altered in its course from a direction in which the microphone design has reduced sensitivity to a direction of maximum sensitivity and, typically, altering the direction of the sound from off-axis to on-axis into the microphone capsule.

Abstract: A stethoscope capable of eliminating unwanted sounds and method thereof, the stethoscope and method thereof mainly use a stethoscope head containing a sensor and a signal processing circuit. By way of detecting and judging whether the stethoscope head arrives on correct stethoscopic position by the sensor, unwanted sounds generating by frictions, translations, or collisions during the stethoscopic process can be effectively eliminated such that the stethoscopic quality can be improved. Thus, a doctor can use less time and spirit to make a correct diagnosis for a patient with least unwanted interference sounds.

Abstract: An embodiment of an auscultation device can be constructed using electronic components to provide improved acquisition, processing, and communication of sound signals. An input device can be used for detecting sounds, and electrical signals representing the sounds can be processed and transmitted via Bluetooth and/or another form of wireless communication. Such embodiments can employ, at least in part, one or more of several commercially available wireless receiver devices, such as, without limitation, headsets and headphones, mobile phones, PDAs and/or other handheld devices, desktop, laptop, palmtop, and/or tablet computers and/or other computer devices and/or electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention is an ambient noise canceling physiological acoustic monitoring system and method. The system and method utilizes a plurality of microphones to collect input data including ambient noise signals, bed frame noise signals and patient respiratory and cardiac data signals. The system and method cancels the ambient noise and bed frame noise signals, and calculates a filtered audio output signal with an algorithm that utilizes ECG rhythm patterns and impedance pneumography. The set of input data and the filtered audio output signal are then displayed in real time.

Abstract: A device is provided for connecting a medical apparatus to a network. The device collects data from the medical apparatus and performs a variety of processing functions, such as trending, protocol translation, generating reports, etc. related to the collected data. The device then transmits the collected data over a network to interested parties. In some implementations, the device can transmit the collected data as an email message.

Abstract: A stethoscope expander assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. Each portion is provided with at least one arm, at least one leg, and at least one attachment member. The first portion of the stethoscope expander assembly includes a male member and a cover opposite the male member. The second portion of the stethoscope expander assembly includes a female member and a channel for receiving a tubing of a stethoscope. The first and second portions provide a slit for receiving a spring of the stethoscope. The first and second portions of the stethoscope expander assembly function to move the stethoscope expander assembly into an expanded position.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing bioacoustic energy includes a housing comprising an interfacing portion configured to establish coupling with a body part during use of the sensor. An anchoring arrangement is defined on the housing. A transducer member has an anchoring end and at least one free end. The anchoring end of the transducer is coupled to the housing such that the transducer member is arranged to be preferentially sensitive to bioacoustic energy transferred to the transducer via the interfacing portion relative to other portions of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for locating a sound source. The system comprises:—a receiving unit (311) for receiving navigating sound signals from at least two navigating sound sensors (21, 22, 23), and receiving a selection instruction comprising a signal segment type corresponding to the sound source, wherein the at least two navigating sound sensors are received in a chest-piece (20),—a selecting unit (312) for selecting a segment from each navigating sound signal according to the signal segment type,—a calculating unit (313) for calculating a difference between the segments selected from the navigating sound signal, and—a generating unit (314) for generating a moving indication signal for guiding moving the chest-piece (20) to the sound source according to the difference.

Abstract: A method of and system for transmitting video images preferably allows a specially trained individual to remotely supervise, instruct, and observe administration of medical tests conducted at remote locations. This system preferably includes a source device, a transmitting device, and at least one remote receiving device. The transmitting device, and the remote receiving device communicate over a network such as any appropriate data network. The transmitting device transmits the video images to the remote receiving device either for live display from the source device or for pre-recorded display from a video recorder device. The remote receiving device is also capable of communicating with the transmitting device while simultaneously receiving video images to provide remote control. The source device is preferably a medical test device such as an ultrasound, a sonogram, an echocardiogram, an angioplastigram, and the like.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing bioacoustic energy includes a housing comprising an interfacing portion configured to establish coupling with a body part during use. The sensor includes a transducer element coupled to the interfacing portion of the housing and configured to sense sounds produced by matter of biological origin. One or more conductors are coupled to the transducer element. A mass element is compliantly coupled to a surface of the transducer element. Intervening material is disposed between the transducer element surface and the mass element, and allows for differential motion between the transducer element surface and the mass element during excitation of the transducer element.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope includes a housing configured for hand-held manipulation, a transducer supported by the housing and configured to sense auscultation signals at a first location, and a headset coupled to the housing and configured to deliver audio corresponding to the auscultation signals through earpieces on the headset. The electronic stethoscope further includes a processor disposed in the housing and configured to convert the auscultation signals to first digital signals representative of the auscultation signals and to wirelessly transmit the first digital signals from the electronic stethoscope via a secure digital network to a second location such that the audio corresponding to the auscultation signals is provided to headsets of one or more additional electronic stethoscopes at the second location in substantial real time with the sensing of the auscultation sounds at the first location.

Abstract: An acoustic-electronic stethoscope that filters aberrant environmental background noise. The chest piece employs acoustic vents to inhibit resonant amplification of noise and contains a diaphragm design that focuses vibrational energy to a raised ring, which transfers and further focuses the energy to a piezoelectric polymer sensor with dual elements. The ensuing electrical signal is then preamplified with the low frequency sound, comprising predominantly background noise, filtered out. The stethoscope contains a binaural head set and output jack for down loading of data. Furthermore, areas normally subject to exposure and damage to water, such as the chest piece and headset, are water-tight.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring physiological parameters is useful for remote auscultation of the heart and lungs. The system includes an acoustic sensor (105) that has a stethoscopic cup (305). A membrane (325) is positioned adjacent to a first end of the stethoscopic cup (305), and an impedance matching element (335) is positioned adjacent to the membrane (325). The element (335) provides for acoustic impedance matching with a body such as a human torso. A microphone (315) is positioned near the other end of the stethoscopic cup (305) so as to detect sounds from the body. A signal-conditioning module (110) is then operatively connected to the acoustic sensor (105), and a wireless transceiver (115) is operatively connected to the signal-conditioning module (110). Auscultation can then occur at a remote facility that receives signals sent from the transceiver (115).

Abstract: A method and system for processing of physiological signals is provided. The system processes information signals in subband-domain associated with the physiological signals in time-domain. The information signals are obtained by one or more over-sampled filterbanks. The method and system possibly synthesizes the subband signals obtained by subband processing. The method and system may implement the analysis, subband processing, and synthesis algorithms on over-sampled filterbanks, which are implemented on ultra low-power, small size, and low-cost platform in real-time. The method and system may use over-sampled, Weighted-Overlap Add (WOLA) filterbanks.

Abstract: An acoustic-to-electrical transducer for sensing body sounds is disclosed. The transducer comprises a diaphragm that can be placed in direct contact with a body, whereby the diaphragm motion directly affects an electromagnetic sensing signal, which is then converted to an electrical signal representation of the diaphragm motion. Such sensing means allows the diaphragm to move freely without mechanical coupling to a secondary transducer, while providing a direct and efficient acoustic to electrical conversion means. The transducer further provides a means for using static diaphragm pressure to control gain and frequency characteristics of the electrical signal. The transducer provides methods for ambient noise reduction or cancellation, as well as means for simulating sound detection for applications such as medical education and testing. The sensor, circuitry, manufacturing methods and improvements are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope comprises a local unit (1-6) and an outer auxiliary processing unit (PU).

Abstract: A device for converting acoustic data collected by a stethoscope into digital data for transmission to a processor for storage and/or comparison with data stored in a database, and to optionally provide computer generated suggestions for diagnosis, is provided in the form of an in-line device interposable between a head of the stethoscope and an acoustic transmission portion of the stethoscope, or is integral with the head, and advantageously has the appearance of an icon of pleasing appearance, for example, a butterfly, in which are incorporated the structural requisites of a functioning stethoscope and/or capabilities for receiving and transmitting to a diagnostician, audio signals gathered from patient examination, and optionally also other data collected at examination and/or following the examination. The butterfly-shaped device, includes a central body advantageously serving as a conduit for transmitting sound received from the patient to the physician or a remote system for analysis and diagnosis.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope having a pickup head bearing a microphone, a sound system for transmitting sounds obtained from the microphone, and two earpieces each having a transducer for generating acoustic signals corresponding to the sounds picked up by the microphone. The electronic stethoscope may have electrical circuitry, an onboard battery connected to the electrical circuitry, an on-off switch controlling power from the battery, and a volume control feature for adjusting sound levels heard by the user. The electronic stethoscope may have an onboard sound recorder for recording the acoustic signals.

Abstract: A stethoscope with a figure-eight configuration designed for one-handed operation and further comprising improvement to the headpiece resonance chamber. The ear tubes of the stethoscope are roughly S-shaped and together form a figure eight design. The lower portion of each ear tube is connected by a resistant force mechanism that maintains the stethoscope in the closed configuration. By applying one-handed compressive force to the resistant force mechanism attached to the lower portion of the stethoscope's figure-eight construction, the earpieces are separated and the stethoscope adopts the open configuration. Both the headpiece and the diaphragm are interchangeable to allow a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring a healthcare worker's exposure to radiation wherein a stethoscope is adapted to comprise a radiation monitor. The radiation monitor may be of instruments for measuring radiation including Geiger-Muller counters, scintillation detectors, photographic emulsions and various ionization chambers. The stethoscope may be acoustic or electronic or combined.

Abstract: A dual-sensor stethoscope, or retrofit device for a stethoscope, promotes anti-sepsis and stereoscopy through use of a substantially rigid, generally T-shaped tube for support of dual stethoscope sensors, wherein at least one sensor is electronic. Each sensor may be rotated away from a body independently for use of a single head or rotated into the same general plane for dual-head stereoscopy. A clinician can create a spatial, three-dimensional (3D) antiseptic barrier and avoid the need to carry multiple stethoscopes. During stereoscopy, the use of a common tube or earphones allows the transmission of sound with constructive interference of sound waves. The substantially rigid, generally T-shaped support tube allows a clinician to auscultate with one hand and monitor two locations without transference of pathogens.

Abstract: A system and method for providing earpieces includes an inventory of earpieces having a plurality of parameters and a device for making a non-contact ear measurement. An earpiece is selected from the inventory based on the non-contact measurement.

Abstract: A stethoscope is provided, comprising: a sound receiving member (12) for receiving sounds, the sound receiving member capable of transmitting sound received thereby; a head set coupled to the sound receiving member to receive sound transmitted by the sound receiving member; means for reducing frictional noise, said means associated with the sound receiving member to reduce noise caused by relative movement between a surface and the sound receiving member of the chestpiece in contact with the surface.

Abstract: An auscultation system aids a clinician's diagnosis of the heart sounds by visually displaying at least an S1 heart sound and an S2 heart sound, and ascertaining an onset of at least one of the heart sounds. A corresponding audio representation of the heart sounds can be provided to the clinician. The auscultation system includes a sensor for sensing heart sounds from at least one chest location of the patient and for transducing the heart sounds into electrical signals. The auscultation system also includes a signal processor for selectively filtering the electrical signals thereby highlighting frequency differences of the heart sounds, and further includes a video display for selectively displaying the selectively filtered electrical heart signals.

Abstract: An electronic sound monitor for use as a stethoscope, a signal treatment and a method for treating the signals using the monitor. The sound monitor includes at least one transducer for transforming vibrations to electrical signals, a filtering, A/D- and D/A-converter, amplifier, a processor, a sound chamber in which at least one transducer for transforming electrical signals to sound is arranged, and a sound channel opening into the sound chamber. The sound channel being adapted to forward the sound from the sound chamber through an opening connecting the sound channel with the ambient air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for automatically determining the use status of medical devices and more particularly to automatic power management based on said use status in electronic medical devices. Specifically, although not exclusively, the invention relates to power management of electronic stethoscopes (1), when such devices are turned on prior to the use of the stethoscope and to problems related to turning on such devices or relating to the time required for such electronic devices to become operable after turning on the device prior to use. Furthermore, the use status determination according to the invention may find use in other devices than stethoscopes, such as injector devices for administering medicaments or inhaling devices.

Abstract: A stethoscope is provided with two head portions for fitting two diaphragms different in caliber on a head main portion, having diverse design properties and functions. A stethoscope head comprising a head main portion and a conduit connecting portion provided on the head main portion, wherein said head main portion comprises a main head portion and a sub-head portion formed from a transparent or semitransparent element formed in the opposite direction each other with the pipe connecting port put therebetween; the main head portion comprises a transparent or semitransparent main diaphragm connected to the conduit connecting port, and the sub-head portion is provided with spaces for receiving the sub-diaphragm for high frequency and or narrow area stethoscope or various functions, and is provided with mounting means for mounting the sub-diaphragm or the apparatus on the sub-head portion.

Abstract: A visual-acoustic device is provided that contains an acoustic detector to produce sound waves in communication with a moiré pattern generator that produces moiré patterns corresponding to the sound waves. The device includes a rigid plate having a first repetitive pattern and a flexible plate spaced from the rigid, plate and having a second repetitive pattern corresponding to the first repetitive pattern. The sound waves induce movement of the flexible plate such that the second repetitive pattern moves with respect to the first repetitive pattern to produce the moiré pattern. The visual-acoustic device can be arranged as a visual-acoustic stethoscope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of an adaptive gain control (AGC) unit. The method includes receiving a noisy input signal and determining to utilize a stethoscope in at least one of a noise suppression mode or in amplification mode depending if the noise level is at least one of above or below a threshold, wherein the stethoscope is in noise suppression mode when K is less than the threshold and is amplification mode when K is above the threshold.