Patents by Inventor William M. Humphreys, Jr.

William M. Humphreys, Jr. 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: 8848942
    Abstract: A feedback-controlled microphone includes a microphone body and a membrane operatively connected to the body. The membrane is configured to be initially deflected by acoustic pressure such that the initial deflection is characterized by a frequency response. The microphone also includes a sensor configured to detect the frequency response of the initial deflection and generate an output voltage indicative thereof. The microphone additionally includes a compensator in electric communication with the sensor and configured to establish a regulated voltage in response to the output voltage. Furthermore, the microphone includes an actuator in electric communication with the compensator, wherein the actuator is configured to secondarily deflect the membrane in opposition to the initial deflection such that the frequency response is adjusted. An acoustic beam forming microphone array including a plurality of the above feedback-controlled microphones is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Eliott Radcliffe, Ahmed Naguib, William M. Humphreys, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130064391
    Abstract: A feedback-controlled microphone includes a microphone body and a membrane operatively connected to the body. The membrane is configured to be initially deflected by acoustic pressure such that the initial deflection is characterized by a frequency response. The microphone also includes a sensor configured to detect the frequency response of the initial deflection and generate an output voltage indicative thereof. The microphone additionally includes a compensator in electric communication with the sensor and configured to establish a regulated voltage in response to the output voltage. Furthermore, the microphone includes an actuator in electric communication with the compensator, wherein the actuator is configured to secondarily deflect the membrane in opposition to the initial deflection such that the frequency response is adjusted. An acoustic beam forming microphone array including a plurality of the above feedback-controlled microphones is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: Space Administration
    Inventors: Eliott Radcliffe, Ahmed Naguib, William M. Humphreys, JR.
  • Patent number: 8170234
    Abstract: Mapping coherent/incoherent acoustic sources as determined from a phased microphone array. A linear configuration of equations and unknowns are formed by accounting for a reciprocal influence of one or more cross-beamforming characteristics thereof at varying grid locations among the plurality of grid locations. An equation derived from the linear configuration of equations and unknowns can then be iteratively determined. The equation can be attained by the solution requirement of a constraint equivalent to the physical assumption that the coherent sources have only in phase coherence. The size of the problem may then be reduced using zoning methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Adminstration
    Inventors: Thomas F. Brooks, William M. Humphreys, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7783060
    Abstract: A method and system for mapping acoustic sources determined from a phased microphone array. A plurality of microphones are arranged in an optimized grid pattern including a plurality of grid locations thereof. A linear configuration of N equations and N unknowns can be formed by accounting for a reciprocal influence of one or more beamforming characteristics thereof at varying grid locations among the plurality of grid locations. A full-rank equation derived from the linear configuration of N equations and N unknowns can then be iteratively determined. A full-rank can be attained by the solution requirement of the positivity constraint equivalent to the physical assumption of statically independent noise sources at each N location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thomas F. Brooks, William M. Humphreys, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090052689
    Abstract: Mapping coherent/incoherent acoustic sources as determined from a phased microphone array. A linear configuration of equations and unknowns are formed by accounting for a reciprocal influence of one or more cross-beamforming characteristics thereof at varying grid locations among the plurality of grid locations. An equation derived from the linear configuration of equations and unknowns can then be iteratively determined. The equation can be attained by the solution requirement of a constraint equivalent to the physical assumption that the coherent sources have only in phase coherence. The size of the problem may then be reduced using zoning methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Thomas F. Brooks, William M. Humphreys, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3933938
    Abstract: A relatively inexpensive injection molding-grade thermoplastic polyurethane is based on a modified polyether diol. This elastomer has the inherent toughness, abrasion resistance and general good mechanical properties of the ether-based urethanes. Its temperature insensitivity and low temperature flexability are, however, exceptional. It is flexible to impact at -50.degree.F and stiff enough at 250.degree.F to allow painting without distortion.The modified polyether polyol is a poly (oxypropylene) diol reacted with a 50/50 styrene/acrylonitrile monomer mixture using a free radical catalyst. This grafted polyol is preferably blended with a minor amount of a poly alkene ether diol and reacted with an aromatic diisocyanate to form a prepolymer in a known manner. The prepolymer is thereafter reacted with a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 alkane diol, pan cast, cured and aged, followed by grinding to one-fourth and three-eighth inch granules to give the molding composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1976
    Assignee: McCord Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Rhodes, Jr., William M. Humphrey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3933937
    Abstract: A relatively inexpensive injection molding-grade thermoplastic polyurethane is based on a modified polyether diol. This elastomer has improved toughness, abrasion resistance and good mechanical properties. Its temperature insensitivity and low temperature flexability are exceptional. It is flexible to impact at -50.degree.F and stiff enough at 250.degree.F to allow painting without distortion. Of special interest is the fact that this grafted PPG-based polymer is injection moldable and possesses properties adequate for exterior automobile trim components and the like.The modified polyether polyol is a poly (oxypropylene) diol reacted with a 50/50 styrene/acrylonitrile monomer mixture using a free radical catalyst. While a one shot method of preparation can be used, the capped polyol is preferably reacted with an aromatic diisocyanate to form a prepolymer in a known manner. The prepolymer is thereafter reacted with a C.sub.2 to C.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1976
    Assignee: McCord Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Rhodes, Jr., William M. Humphrey, Jr.