Patents by Inventor Robert Orban

Robert Orban 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).

  • Patent number: 6937912
    Abstract: A method for computing the “clippings” of an audio signal in the digital domain to prevent aliasing is disclosed. An offset signal is found by subtracting a threshold from samples of the audio signal. These are multiplied by a pulse after the pulse is lined up in time with the crossing of the audio signal at the threshold. The pulse is the sum of two step functions, both of which are bandwidth-limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Orban, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 6618486
    Abstract: A feedback controller, embedded in an FM audio processor, that controls the “integrated multiplex power” to the requirements of ITU-R 412 (2.51) is disclosed. This regulation specifies the maximum power, which is the same as the power produced by a sinewave modulating the carrier ±19 kHz (where ±75 kHz is 100% peak modulation). The controller applies the square of the multiplex signal to an integrator. A constant is removed from the integrator; representing the maximum power threshold. The output of the integrator is sampled periodically with a sample-and-hold circuit. A second integrator receives the output of the sample-and-hold. The output of the second integrator circuit is added to the threshold setting of a compressor, which determines the average power output of the compressor. The output of the compressor is applied through a peak controller to the input of the multiplex coder, closing a feedback loop, which controls the integrated multiplex power to a preset threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Publication number: 20030149615
    Abstract: A method and system for performance-energetics estimation is provided. The system includes an input module, a transformation module and a core processor (core engine). The input module is an interactive module to collect individual data. The transformation module transforms the inputs into standard forms to provide them to the core engine. The core engine executes algorithms and equations based on basic laws to estimate individual parameters and provide a performance-energetic profile for the individual. The values of the parameters represent particular performance-energetic characteristics of the individual. The parameters (variables) are defined in universal standards. The outputs of the core engine can be utilized for creating unique training and fitness programs for the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: William Andrew Robert Orban
  • Publication number: 20030142840
    Abstract: A feedback controller, embedded in an FM audio processor, that controls the “integrated multiplex power” to the requirements of ITU-R 412 (2.51) is disclosed. This regulation specifies the maximum power, which is the same as the power produced by a sinewave modulating the carrier ±19 kHz (where ±75 kHz is 100% peak modulation).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 6434241
    Abstract: A method for controlling the peak levels of an FM composite signal is described. First, the FM signal is clipped to obtain an error signal. This signal comprises the “clippings” resulting from the clipping operation. Next, the peaks of the error signal are determined. Then, a half-cosine wave is fitted to each of the peaks. The resultant half-cosine-interpolated signal is filtered to provide a filtered error signal. This error signal is subtracted from the FM composite signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 6337999
    Abstract: A digital clipper is highly oversampled to decrease aliasing and increase accuracy. The difference between the clipper's input and output is then downsampled and added to the delayed, unclipped signal at 1× sample rate to achieve clipping. Filters operating at 1× can be placed in series with the downsampled differentially-clipped signal to achieve overshoot compensation, bandlimiting of the clipped signal, and other goals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Orban, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 6205225
    Abstract: An audio peak limiter in which the lower sideband of the modulation distortion spectrum is canceled. The peak limiter is realized by multiplying the input signal by a control signal. The Hilbert transform of the control signal is multiplied by the Hilbert transform of the input signal and the outputs of the two multipliers are added. This cancels the lower sideband of the modulation process. Various filters can be added to eliminate aliasing in digital realizations, to band-limit the output signal, and to control peak overshoot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Orban, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Orban
  • Patent number: 5737434
    Abstract: An audio peak limiter suitable for use between a compressor and pre-emphasis circuit. The limiter uses a center clipper to develop a control signal for a 1/x control law VCA. The center clipping, after rectification, is sampled-and-held for 4 milliseconds by a retriggerable sample-and-hold circuit then low-pass filtered. The compressed audio is delayed for 4 milliseconds before being coupled to the VCA. The VCA acts as a modulator to provide control of its peak output level while simultaneously limiting the bandwidth of the modulation sidebands caused by the modulation process, so that these sidebands are better masked psychoacoustically than sidebands that would be caused by simple clipping of the compressed audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Orban, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Orban
  • Patent number: 5574791
    Abstract: Two level detectors with logarithmic outputs receive an input audio signal. The first level detector receives the signal through a high-pass filter while the second level detector receives the signal through a band-pass filter contoured to simulate the equal-loudness curves of the human ear. The difference between the detectors' outputs (representing the log of the ratio of their respective input levels) is processed to provide quick broadband gain reduction whenever the ratio exceeds a preset threshold, providing de-essing. The difference is further smoothed and then applied to a voltage-controlled high-pass filter that provides high-frequency boost, the amount of which is controlled by the relative high frequency power contained within the input signal. This voltage-controlled high-pass filter applies automatic, program-adaptive equalization to the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: AKG Acoustics, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 5444788
    Abstract: An audio compressor having both a feedback compressor and a feedforward compressor. The feedback compressor operates so as to provide envelope detection. A sidechain processor which receives an input from the feedback path includes a non-linear low-pass filter and a non-linear amplifier. The output of this processor provides the gain-control signal for the feedforward compressor. The main audio path is through the feedforward compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: AKG Acoustics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 5282252
    Abstract: Audio equalizer circuit for adjusting the amount of boost and cut. The circuit uses a combination negative feedback, positive feedback, negative feed-forward and positive feed-forward resulting in boost and cut characteristics which are entirely reciprocal and which, nonetheless provides an infinite-depth notch. The equalizer is fabricated with an ordinary band pass filter, resistors, potentiometer and operational amplifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: AKG Acoustics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 5168526
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing distortion in a peak limited audio siganl. The amount of low-frequency spectral energy in the input audio signal is determined for a peak limited signal and used to control low-frequencies in the output audio signal. Identical low-pass filters with cut-off frequencies of 2.2 kHz are used; one passing a peak limited signal, the other a non-peak limited signal. When no noticeable low-frequency spectral energy is present in the peak limited (clipped) signal, the peak level is controlled below 2.2 kHz, without distortion, by a VCA and above 2.2 kHz by a clipper. When low-frequency spectral energy is present, the VCA reduces gain on each low-frequency wave to prevent uncontrolled safety clipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: AKG Acoustics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 5050217
    Abstract: An audio processor consisting of a "single-ended" dynamic noise reduction system cascaded and cross-coupled with a program-adaptive dynamic equalizer. The audio at the output has a consistent subjective spectral texture even if the spectral texture of the input audio varies widely. Further, although the system often adds high frquency energy to the audio, it does not increase the perceived noise level and is free from audible noise modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: AKG Acoustics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 4888789
    Abstract: An audio equalization circuit for use in an AM transmission system is described which is particularly useful for compensating for the high frequency rolloff found in currently manufactured AM receivers. A single potentiometer adjustment in the feedback path of the equalization circuit allows the response in the AM receiver to be effectively and economically adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 4837824
    Abstract: A circuit for providing enhanced stereophonic sound by processing the L-R signal. A compressor which receives the L+R signal provides a gain control signal. This signal controls the level of the L-R signal and the gain in a tracking VCA. The tracking VCA receives the enhanced L-R signal and under predetermined conditions prevents increasing the level of the L-R signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Orban Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 4674122
    Abstract: Improved FMX Companding apparatus for FM transmitter. A pilot subsystem which is substantially identical to the FMX audio path is used to develop a control signal which provides amplitude control through a VCA in the main FMX audio path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Orban Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 4525857
    Abstract: A peak limiter is described which employs the Hilbert transform. Effectively distinct processing occurs for low frequency and high frequency signals and harmonic distortion results only when the limiter is excited by high frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Orban Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 4495643
    Abstract: A peak limiter is described which employs the Hilbert transform. Effectively distinct processing occurs for low frequency and high frequency signals and harmonic distortion results only when the limiter is excited by high frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Orban Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 4460871
    Abstract: A multiband compressor suitable for compressing the dynamic range of an audio signal in a broadcasting system is disclosed. The frequency band with the highest predictable energy is selected as a master band with the energy level in this band used to control the gain in the other (slave) bands. When the energy in a slave band exceeds a predetermined level, additional control of the signal level in that band occurs. The described compressor has the advantages of both the wideband compressors and multiband compressors without the disadvantages of these compressors. In addition to the compressor, a unique overshoot protection circuit is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Orban Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban
  • Patent number: 4412100
    Abstract: A multiband analog audio processor is described which provides low peak-to-r.m.s. ratios. A distributed crossover configuration is described which, in the presently preferred embodiment, employs bandpass filters with embedded clippers for high frequency processing. Circuits for improved distortion performance of the distributed crossover configuration is also described. An economical series/parallel crossover configuration with favorable summation properties is also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Orban Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Orban