Abstract: A method and device for transforming ambient audio are provided. Example embodiments may include monitoring ambient audio proximate to a sound processing device located in an environment. The device may sense environmental conditions associated with the environment. Memory may be accessed to obtain transformation audio.

Abstract: A system (10) for generating high pressure pulses has a source (12, 16) of a pressurized working fluid (14). The working fluid is supplied to two conduits (22,24). A valve (26) has an input connected to each of the conduits (22, 24). The valve has a valve member (29) that is movable between two positions. In one position the valve member allows working fluid to flow from the first conduit (22) to an outlet and blocks the second conduit (24). In the other position the valve member allows working fluid to flow from the first conduit (22) to the outlet and blocks the first conduit (22). Flow of the working fluid causes the valve member to reciprocate and thereby generate water hammers in conduits (22) and (24). Energy from the water hammers may be harnessed for various applications.

Abstract: The system is designed for the purpose of providing a means of conducting objective assessment of the actual or "real world" attenuation which is provided by insert-type hearing protection (IHP) devices. A device is constructed to serve as the input device to any commercially available noise dosimetry instrument or sound level measuring device. A miniature microphone is mounted on, or embedded in the proximal surface of the IHP which is to be inserted in the ear or upon the ear of the user. The miniature microphone is hard wired to a miniature jack which is mounted on, or embedded in, the distal surface of the IFP device. A cable connects to the jack on the outside of the IHP device and to the input of the noise dosimetry instrument or sound level measurement device. Thereby, when the IHP device containing the above is used, the dosimetry or sound level measurement instrument conducts assessments of actual sound levels to which the hearing mechanism is exposed when IHP devices are in use.

Abstract: A crusher for materials such as rock is described. Material is crushed between an inclined anvil and a vibrating impact surface. The impact surface is driven by high intensity pressure pulses which are generated by creating repeated water hammers in a low pressure high volume hydraulic circuit. The water hammer may act directly to drive a piston bearing the impact surface toward the anvil. In another configuration of the invention, the water hammer pulse stores energy by stretching a tension member or by distorting a plate. When the water hammer pulse passes the stored energy suddenly drives the impact surface towards the anvil. The crusher of the invention has few moving parts and is energy efficient.

Abstract: A cavitation chamber is driven by a hydraulic driving system in which acoustic pulses are generated by repeated water hammers. In the driving system a liquid is pumped through a conduit. The flow of liquid through the conduit is periodically interrupted by a valve. A water hammer is created each time the valve closes. Acoustic pulses produced by the water hammer propagate directly into a cavitation chamber where they are reflected back and forth by acoustically reflective plates. The cavitation chamber may be applied to degas liquids, mix chemicals or slurries, or promote sono-chemical reactions. The design generates acoustic pulses efficiently. The acoustic pulses are coupled to the cavitation chamber with minimal losses. The apparatus is rugged and inexpensive when compared to systems which incorporate electromechanical transducers.

Abstract: Rarefaction pulses are generated in a chamber containing a liquid to be degassed. The rarefaction pulses are generated by creating repeated water hammers in a conduit. The water hammers result in sudden high pressure pulses which deform a stiff springy, impermeable deflection cap. After the water hammer pulses pass, the deflection cap snaps back toward its equilibrium position. The snapping action of the deflection cap causes a rarefaction pressure pulse which enhances bubble formation in the chamber. The deflection cap may resonate for some time after each water hammer pulse passes. During the interval when the deflection cap resonates the deflection cap generates an attenuated acoustic wave which is transmitted into the liquid being degassed. The deflection cap may also be driven by a system in which a high pressure fluid, such as steam, is introduced into a sealed chamber behind the deflection cap and then suddenly vented.

Abstract: Hearing aids include rechargeable batteries and contacts accessible from outside of the hearing aid casing for the battery. A charging case includes solar cells mounted on the charging case for outputting energy for charging the batteries in the hearing aids. The charging case may include silos for supporting an over-the-ear hearing aid or a recess for receiving a volume control on the hearing aid.

Abstract: Wood and other article destroying insects, when feeding, induce vibrations in the article being destroyed which is monitored and amplified to an audible level. The vibratory sounds are then analyzed as by comparison with other records of known destructive insects to determine the probable species of insect and its location.

Abstract: A distortion measurement system for measuring distortion as low as 0.002% includes an ultra low distortion oscillator having a relatively fast response which is achieved by switching the time constant of the control loops of the oscillator during settling. The analyzer section included in the distortion system has a unique notch filter which provides low distortion. This is achieved by adding together two 90.degree. all pass phase shifters. In addition, automatic tuning is provided by two feedback control loops; one is responsive to out-of-phase signals which controls the RC filter circuits of the phase shifters and the other responds to the in-phase signals which controls the output summing junction of the notch filter. Finally, a feedforward type of simultaneous tuning is accomplished by ganging the oscillator frequency adjustment with the analyzer.

Abstract: Coded messages, for use in the remote control of equipment for example, are transmitted and received in a manner in which substantially precludes unauthorized or accidental activation of a control associated with the receiving means. This secure communication is accomplished by generation of a plurality of carrier frequencies in a predetermined sequence and by the modulation of each carrier frequency in accordance with a digital code. The receiving means, which is initially tuned to receive the first carrier in a transmission sequence, detects and decodes the received signals and stores the decoded message whereby equipment to be controlled may be responsive to the entire received message; the receiver being retuned to another carrier after each bit of a coded message is detected.

Abstract: A distortion measurement system for measuring distortion as low as .002% includes an ultra low distortion oscillator having a relatively fast response which is achieved by switching the time constant of the control loops of the oscillator during settling. The analyzer section included in the distortion system has a unique notch filter which provides low distortion. This is achieved by adding together two 90.degree. all pass phase shifters. In addition, automatic tuning is provided by two feedback control loops; one is responsive to out-of-phase signals which controls the RC filter circuits of the phase shifters and the other responds to the in-phase signals which controls the output summing junction of the notch filter. Finally, a feedforward type of simultaneous tuning is accomplished by ganging the oscillator frequency adjustment with the analyzer.

Abstract: A distortion measurement system for measuring distortion as low as 0.002% includes an ultra low distortion oscillator having a relatively fast response which is achieved by switching the time constant of the control loops of the oscillator during settling. The analyzer section included in the distortion system has a unique notch filter which provides low distortion. This is achieved by adding together two 90.degree. all pass phase shifters. In addition, automatic tuning is provided by two feedback control loops; one is responsive to out-of-phase signals which controls the RC filter circuits of the phase shifters and the other responds to the in-phase signals which controls the output summing junction of the notch filter. Finally, a feedforward type of simultaneous tuning is accomplished by ganging the oscillator frequency adjustment with the analyzer.