Patents by Inventor Joseph A. Birli
Joseph A. Birli has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20100308991Abstract: A breathing apparatus designed to display at least one condition associated with the breathing apparatus to the user of the breathing apparatus. The breathing apparatus includes a breathing mask, a display assembly and a sensor assembly. The display assembly includes at least one display designed to display at least one condition of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly. The breathing apparatus design can be designed to enable a third party to view at least one condition of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly while a user is wearing the breathing mask. The breathing apparatus can include a sealing arrangement for forming a seal between a circuit board and/or other electronic components and a housing of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: JONATHAN D. ADAMS, JOSEPH BIRLI, GREG SKILLICORN, GARY L. CLAYPOOLE, ROBERT L. LIVINGSTON, JR.
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Publication number: 20090141917Abstract: An arrangement used in a speaker designed to restrict movement of at least a portion of the speaker cone, to inhibit the speaker cone from deforming, completely flipping inside out and/or to inhibit sticking of the speaker cone to a frame of the speaker. In one arrangement, there is provided a speaker insert that is designed to be inserted at least partially between the frame and the cone of a speaker. The speaker insert includes a body having a front face and a rear face, a frame opening positioned at least closely adjacent to a center region of the body, and a plurality of gas openings spaced from the primary opening and spaced from a periphery edge of the body. In another and/or additional arrangement, the speaker includes a modified speaker frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Mark Miller, Robert Miller, Joseph Birli
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Patent number: 7457427Abstract: A microphone assembly including two microphones is usable in connection with a mask of the type worn by someone wearing a protective mask or respirator. The two microphones may share a common pass-through. The output signals of the two microphones may share one or more conductors in the pass-through. One microphone may support the other on the mask, or the microphones may be physically separate, or the microphones may be formed as one unit. The invention also relates to a mask having at least two microphones.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Ultra Electronics Audiopack, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Birli, Greg Skillicorn
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Patent number: 7349551Abstract: A microphone-speaker assembly includes a housing, a microphone, a speaker, and a push-to-talk switch. The housing supports the speaker for movement between a first position in which the switch is not activated and a second position in which the switch is activated. The switch is located in a water resistant chamber along with a circuit board. The speaker moves toward the circuit board when it moves from the first position to the second position. A seal supports the speaker for movement between the first and second positions. A method of activating a microphone in a microphone-speaker assembly includes the steps of applying force to a speaker of the assembly, and moving the speaker thereby to activate the switch thereby to activate the microphone. The speaker moves relative to a push to talk switch, deforming a resilient membrane that helps to form a water resistant chamber in the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Ultra Electronics Audiopack, Inc.Inventors: Greg Skillicorn, Joseph Birli, Lou Monaco, Dave Potts
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Publication number: 20080035145Abstract: A breathing apparatus designed to display at least one condition associated with the breathing apparatus to the user of the breathing apparatus. The breathing apparatus includes a breathing mask, a display assembly and a sensor assembly. The display assembly includes at least one display designed to display at least one condition of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly. The breathing apparatus design can be designed to enable a third party to view at least one condition of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly while a user is wearing the breathing mask. The breathing apparatus can include a sealing arrangement for forming a seal between a circuit board and/or other electronic components and a housing of the display assembly and/or the sensor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: Jonathan Adams, Joseph Birli, Greg Skillicorn, Gary Claypoole, Robert Livingston
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Publication number: 20080025546Abstract: A microphone assembly including two microphones is usable in connection with a mask of the type worn by someone wearing a protective mask or respirator. The two microphones may share a common pass-through. The output signals of the two microphones may share one or more conductors in the pass-through. One microphone may support the other on the mask, or the microphones may be physically separate, or the microphones may be formed as one unit. The invention also relates to a mask having at least two microphones.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: Joseph Birli, Greg Skillicorn
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Patent number: 7221966Abstract: Various types of wireless communication systems for masks or helmets can be mounted externally or internally on a mask. Different types of microphones can be employed, for example, a bone-conducting microphone or a directional microphone. Ear speakers mounted at various locations on the mask or helmet can be employed. Wireless communication is with a transceiver mounted in or on a lapel unit, a walkie-talkie, or at a remote location.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Ultra Electronics Audio Pack, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Birli, Greg Skillicorn, Gary Claypoole
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Publication number: 20070049360Abstract: In one aspect the invention relates to apparatus comprising a personal protection device, a microphone and speaker on the device, a cell phone, and a cable for electrically connecting the microphone and the speaker with the cell phone. In another aspect the invention relates to apparatus comprising a personal protection device, a microphone and speaker on the device, and a cable for electrically connecting the microphone and the speaker with the cell phone. In still another aspect, the invention relates to a cable for electrically connecting the microphone and the speaker that are on a personal protection device, with a cell phone.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2005Publication date: March 1, 2007Inventors: Joseph Birli, Dave Potts, Frank Torrieri
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Patent number: 7110743Abstract: A communications device for use with a protective helmet having a headband is provided. Generally, the communications device provides support member for a bone conduction microphone that is easily added to and removed from the protective helmet, allowing the communications device to be readily used with both new and existing protective helmets. While in use, support member positions the bone conduction microphone between the headband and a user's head, preferably between the napestrap and the center of the back of the user's head. The communications device can be used with any type of protective helmet, such as a fireman's helmet, a military helmet, a hard-hat, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances CompanyInventors: Larry Depew, Joseph Birli, Lou Monaco, Greg Skillicom, Dan Zimet, Dave Potts, Michael T. Rupert, John L. Hierbaum, Layton A. Wise, F. Joseph Hersick
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Patent number: 7089930Abstract: A system and method of providing a wireless heads-up display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in an associated breathing gas supply is provided. The system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter has a pressure sensor and a controller for interpreting the sensed pressure into levels indicative of the amount of breathing gas remaining in the breathing gas supply. These levels are transmitted via radio frequency to the receiver. The receiver, which can be mounted in a breathing mask, includes a display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in the associated breathing gas supply.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Audiopack Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan D. Adams, Joseph Birli, Greg Skillicorn, Gary Claypoole
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Publication number: 20060050917Abstract: A microphone-speaker assembly includes a housing, a microphone, a speaker, and a push-to-talk switch. The housing supports the speaker for movement between a first position in which the switch is not activated and a second position in which the switch is activated. The switch is located in a water resistant chamber along with a circuit board. The speaker moves toward the circuit board when it moves from the first position to the second position. A seal supports the speaker for movement between the first and second positions. A method of activating a microphone in a microphone-speaker assembly includes the steps of applying force to a speaker of the assembly, and moving the speaker thereby to activate the switch thereby to activate the microphone. The speaker moves relative to a push to talk switch, deforming a resilient membrane that helps to form a water resistant chamber in the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2004Publication date: March 9, 2006Inventors: Greg Skillicorn, Joseph Birli, Lou Monaco, Dave Potts
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Publication number: 20050201548Abstract: A telephone interface unit enables a user of a personal protection device, such as a mask, to speak and hear over a standard telephone, without removing the personal protection device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: September 15, 2005Inventors: Joseph Birli, Frank Torrieri, Dan Zimet, Mike Krnc
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Publication number: 20050096096Abstract: Various types of wireless communication systems for masks or helmets can be mounted externally or internally on a mask. Different types of microphones can be employed, for example, a bone-conducting microphone or a directional microphone. Ear speakers mounted at various locations on the mask or helmet can be employed. Wireless communication is with a transceiver mounted in or on a lapel unit, a walkie-talkie, or at a remote location.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2003Publication date: May 5, 2005Inventors: Joseph Birli, Greg Skillicorn, Gary Claypoole
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Publication number: 20050063561Abstract: A microphone assembly including two microphones is usable in connection with a mask of the type worn by someone wearing a protective mask or respirator. The two microphones may share a common pass-through. The output signals of the two microphones may share one or more conductors in the pass-through. One microphone may support the other on the mask, or the microphones may be physically separate, or the microphones may be formed as one unit. The invention also relates to a mask having at least two microphones.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: March 24, 2005Inventors: Joseph Birli, Greg Skillicorn
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Publication number: 20040261158Abstract: A communications device for use with a protective helmet having a headband is provided. Generally, the communications device provides support member for a bone conduction microphone that is easily added to and removed from the protective helmet, allowing the communications device to be readily used with both new and existing protective helmets. While in use, support member positions the bone conduction microphone between the headband and a user's head, preferably between the napestrap and the center of the back of the user's head. The communications device can be used with any type of protective helmet, such as a fireman's helmet, a military helmet, a hard-hat, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Larry Depew, Joseph Birli, Lou Monaco, Greg Skillicom, Dan Zimet, Dave Potts, Michael T. Rupert, John L. Hierbaum, Layton A. Wise, F. Joseph Hersick
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Publication number: 20040046710Abstract: A system and method of providing a wireless heads-up display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in an associated breathing gas supply is provided. The system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter has a pressure sensor and a controller for interpreting the sensed pressure into levels indicative of the amount of breathing gas remaining in the breathing gas supply. These levels are transmitted via radio frequency to the receiver. The receiver, which can be mounted in a breathing mask, includes a display for displaying the amount of breathing gas remaining in the associated breathing gas supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Jonathan D. Adams, Joseph Birli, Greg Skillicorn, Gary Claypoole
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Publication number: 20030224838Abstract: A communication system for a mask including an externally mounted microphone and ear speaker assembly is provided. The microphone and ear speaker assembly are adapted for electrical interconnection with a radio. A lapel microphone assembly optionally including a transmission activation device, a microphone, a speaker and an amplifier may be included. An interconnection cable connecting the microphone and ear speaker assembly to a lapel microphone assembly facilitates connection and disconnection between the assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Greg Skillicorn, Joseph Birli, David Potts, Jonathan D. Adams
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Publication number: 20020008625Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) based accountability system is provided. The system includes at least one communication module affixed to the SCBA. The communication module includes, for example, an electronic key port configured to accept an electronic key device having identification information, at least one sensor port for interfacing with at least one sensor system, and a controller in circuit communication with said electronic key port. The communication module reads, stores, and transmits the identification information to a command post for remote monitoring. The communication module also transmits data received through the sensor port to the command post. The sensor system that interfaces with the communication module can include a wide variety of sensors including, for example, a pressure sensor for sensing pressure from the breathing gas tank of the SCBA. Other Insensors include temperature, gas, and physiological sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: Jonathan D. Adams, Joseph Birli, Gary Claypoole
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Patent number: 5566362Abstract: A voice transmission system for a protective face mask is provided, comprising a voice transmitter attached to an external portion of the face mask, a radio receiver, and a two-way radio. The voice transmitter is attached to an external portion of the face mask and transmits the voice of a user of the face mask via a short range radio signal. The radio receiver receives the short range radio signal output by the voice transmitter, processes the short range radio signal, and outputs an audio output signal. The two-way radio (i) receives the audio output signal from the radio receiver, amplifies the audio output signal, and transmits the amplified audio output signal to a remotely located receiver, in a transmitting mode, and (ii) receives a broadcast signal from a remotely located transmitter in a receiving mode. A voice actuated switch switches the two way radio between receiving and transmitting modes.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1994Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Audiopack Sound Systems, Inc.Inventors: Alfred Bauer, Joseph A. Birli, Jack J. Becker, Greg L. Skillicorn, Jose L. Ramos
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Patent number: 5463693Abstract: A voice transmission system for a protective respirator, having a face mask with an inhalation port and a filter attached to the inhalation port, is provided. The voice transmission system comprises a microphone assembly adapted to be located between the inhalation port and the air filter, the microphone assembly including a spacer for separating the filter from the inhalation port and a microphone extending therefrom and into an interior space of the face mask, and a combined amplifier/loudspeaker assembly remotely connected to the microphone. The spacer of the microphone assembly provides an airtight seal between the filter and the face mask and includes a one-way inhalation valve. The spacer is provided with an outer surface configuration which matches the face mask on one side and the filter on another so that the microphone assembly may be attached intermediate the face mask and the filter without using any additional fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1993Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Audiopack Sound Systems Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Birli, Jack J. Becker