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 speech to touch translator assembly and method for converting spoken words directed to an operator into tactile sensations caused by combinations of pressure point exertions on the body of the operator, each combination of pressure points exerted signifying a phoneme of one of the spoken words, permitting comprehension of spoken words by persons that are deaf and blind.

Abstract: A speech to touch translator assembly and method for converting spoken words directed to an operator into tactile sensations caused by combinations of pressure point exertions on the body of the operator, each combination of pressure points exerted signifying a phoneme of one of the spoken words, and sound characteristics superimposed on the spoken words, permitting comprehension of spoken words, and the speaker thereof, by persons that are deaf and blind.

Abstract: A multi-language phonetic transcribing system and method are provided for automatically transcribing speech into a phonetic equivalent. The phonetic transcribing system need only be able to recognize the limited number of phonemes of a particular language, e.g., the forty-two phonemes in the English language. Each language to be translated may be broken down into the phonetic elements and stored in a phonetic library for that language. The transcribing system detects speech, converts the speech to an electrical signal, and analyzes the frequency, amplitude, and timing characteristics of the speech to produce incoming phoneme information. The incoming phoneme information is compared to the phonetic elements in the active library. A correlator determines the degree of correlation between the incoming phoneme information and the stored information for each phoneme in the library. For each match, based on the degree of correlation, a respective phoneme is preferably stored and/or printed.

Abstract: A speech to visual display translator assembly and method for converting spoken words directed to an operator into essentially simultaneous visual displays wherein the spoken words are presented in phonems and variations in loudness and tone, and/or other characteristics of phonemes displayed, are presented visually by the display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely and automatically adjusting the volume of a remotely controlled audio device. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a sensor circuit for continuously detecting audio signals generated by the audio device, a difference circuit for determining the difference between the amplitude of the detected audio signals and a reference audio signal amplitude and for outputting a signal that represents this difference, a difference signal transfer circuit having an input for receiving the difference signal and an output wherein the difference signal is coupled to the output when the sensor circuit outputs a signal that indicates an audio signal has been detected, and a control circuit for generating a control signal that effects attenuation, augmentation or maintenance of the amplitude of the audio signals generated by the audio device in accordance with the difference signal when the sensor circuit detects an audio signal.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the remaining life of a light bulb, which includes a device for determining cold filament resistance of the light bulb while the light bulb is in a non-operating mode, a comparison device for comparing the cold filament resistance of the light bulb to a reference near an end of its life filament resistance, and a device for displaying an indication of a life expectancy for the light bulb. The system may be integrated into a vehicle or may be portable.

Abstract: A speech to touch translator assembly and method for converting spoken words directed to an operator into tactile sensations caused by combinations of pressure point exertions on the body of the operator, each combination of pressure points exerted signifying a phoneme of one of the spoken words, and sound characteristics superimposed on the spoken words, permitting comprehension of spoken words, and the speaker thereof, by persons that are deaf and blind.

Abstract: A speech to visual display translator assembly and method for converting spoken words directed to an operator into essentially simultaneous visual displays wherein the spoken words are presented in phonems and variations in loudness and tone, and/or other characteristics of phonemes displayed, are presented visually by the display.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter device protects a load circuit from excessive, or overloading levels of current, provides a visual indication of circuit overload and open circuit, and can be reset. A multi-metallic heat reactive strip is snapped by an overload current to open the load circuit and close a light emitter circuit having a current limiting resistor connected to an indicator lamp that provides a visual indication of the open circuit. The multi-metallic strip is manually reset via a push button to open the light emitter circuit and extinguish the indicator lamp and close the load circuit to reestablish operation therein. The circuit interruption device can be made utilizing currently available technology for miniature fusing in tight, confining spaces and/or assemblies that have unusual shapes that restrict access in automobile electrical systems, test instruments, domestic appliances or many other electronic/electrical circuits.

Abstract: A speech to touch translator assembly and method for converting spoken words directed to an operator into tactile sensations caused by combinations of pressure point exertions on the body of the operator, each combination of pressure points exerted signifying a phoneme of one of the spoken words, permitting comprehension of spoken words by persons that are deaf and blind.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for estimating the remaining life of a light bulb. The system broadly comprises a device for determining a physical condition of the light bulb while the light bulb is in a non-operating mode, a comparison device for comparing the determined physical condition of the light bulb to a reference physical condition for a light bulb of the same type near an end of its life, and a device for displaying an indication of a life expectancy for the light bulb. The system may be integrated into a vehicle or may be portable.

Abstract: A multi-language phonetic transcribing system and method are provided for automatically transcribing speech into a phonetic equivalent. The phonetic transcribing system need only be able to recognize the limited number of phonemes of a particular language, e.g., the forty-two phonemes in the English language. Each language to be translated may be broken down into the phonetic elements and stored in a phonetic library for that language. The transcribing system detects speech, converts the speech to an electrical signal, and analyzes the frequency, amplitude, and timing characteristics of the speech to produce incoming phoneme information. The incoming phoneme information is compared to the phonetic elements in the active library. A correlator determines the degree of correlation between the incoming phoneme information and the stored information for each phoneme in the library. For each match, based on the degree of correlation, a respective phoneme is preferably stored and/or printed.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter device protects a load circuit from excessive, or overloading levels of current, provides a visual indication of circuit overload and open circuit, and can be reset. A multi-metallic heat reactive strip is snapped by an overload current to open the load circuit and close a light emitter circuit having a current limiting resistor connected to an indicator lamp that provides a visual indication of the open circuit. The multi-metallic strip is manually reset via a push button to open the light emitter circuit and extinguish the indicator lamp and close the load circuit to reestablish operation therein. The circuit interruption device can be made utilizing currently available technology for miniature fusing in tight, confining spaces and/or assemblies that have unusual shapes that restrict access in automobile electrical systems, test instruments, domestic appliances or many other electronic/electrical circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely and automatically adjusting the volume of a remotely controlled audio device. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a sensor circuit for continuously detecting audio signals generated by the audio device, a difference circuit for determining the difference between the amplitude of the detected audio signals and a reference audio signal amplitude and for outputting a signal that represents this difference, a difference signal transfer circuit having an input for receiving the difference signal and an output wherein the difference signal is coupled to the output when the sensor circuit outputs a signal that indicates an audio signal has been detected, and a control circuit for generating a control signal that effects attenuation, augmentation or maintenance of the amplitude of the audio signals generated by the audio device in accordance with the difference signal when the sensor circuit detects an audio signal.

Abstract: A multi-propeller drive system having a single input shaft for connection an engine system, a differential gear assembly for dividing the driving force from the input drive shaft between a pair of output shafts and a pair of laterally spaced propellers driven by the output shafts of the differential gear assembly. The differential gear assembly operates in a manner wherein one output shaft, if required, is permitted to revolve at a different rate than the other output shaft. A pair of brake mechanisms acting on the output shafts of the differential gear assembly enable an operator to control the rotational speed of the respective propellers without modifying the engine speed or transmission settings.