Abstract: Described is a wearable device configured to oscillate a chest of a user. The wearable device may include a chest wall oscillator, a sound detector, and a controller for controlling operations of the chest wall oscillator, based on sound from the sound detector. The chest wall oscillator may be mounted on the chest of the user to oscillate the chest of the user. The sound detector may detect the sound from the chest of the user before, during, and/or after operation of the chest wall oscillator. The controller may change one or more of a frequency, intensity, or duration of the oscillations of the chest wall oscillator, depending on an analysis of the sound from the sound detector.

Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring vibration of an implanted driven vibrating elongate body coupled to a bone of the middle ear, for example using an accelerometer coupled to the vibrating body. The measured vibration can be taken during implantation and long again after implantation to check for possible decoupling, disease, or additionally impeded vibratory driving of the middle ear bone. An accelerometer signal can be converted to a displacement value and used to check for an under impeded or over impeded vibratory body. An implanted device can be used to periodically check the vibration of the vibratory body. Methods and devices can be used in conjunction with implanted devices which receive vibratory signals from a middle ear bone and use the signals to drive a disarticulated middle ear bone closer to the ear drum.

Abstract: A sound generating device according to an embodiment includes a sound tube and a sound generator. The sound tube is to be held between a tragus and an antitragus. The sound generator is disposed inside the sound tube.

Abstract: An audio processing device includes: a signal processing circuit configured to select between a first state for outputting a first signal obtained by reducing components that fall below a first frequency in an audio signal and a second state for outputting a second signal obtained by reducing components that fall below a second frequency in the audio signal, and output one of the selected first or second signal as an output signal, where the second frequency is higher than the first frequency; a class-D amplifier that amplifies the output signal; a processor configured to: determine whether or not an intensity of a low-frequency component in the audio signal exceeds a threshold value; and control the signal processing circuit to select: the first state in a case where a determination result is negative, where the intensity of the low-frequency component in the audio signal is determined to not exceed the threshold value; and the second state in a case where the determination result is affirmative, where the i

Abstract: A protective case in two parts (L, R) interconnected by a flexible top wall (28) acting as a hinge and a closure spring. Opposed jaws (32, 34) in the two respective parts (L, R) hold a stethoscope chestpiece (40) within the case, and protect its diaphragm (43) behind a separable (24) front wall (22). The jaws have insertion ramps (33A, 35A) that open the jaws upon insertion of the chestpiece, a retention portion (33C, 35C), and removal ramps (33D, 35D) that open the jaws upon removal. A chest piece is inserted by pushing it into the insertion ramps. It is removed by pulling it outward against the removal ramps. This protects the chestpiece from damage in a medical equipment bag to which the case may be attached by a lanyard (37) for quick location. A back wall (23) may protect a second diaphragm (45) of the chestpiece.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the wellbeing of a fetus by the non-invasive detection and analysis of fetal cardiac electrical activity data.

Abstract: An adjustably attenuating ear plug adapted for use in an ear canal, includes a flexible body, and a valve assembly further comprising a disk and knob translatable relative to the disk, wherein the knob defines at least one inlet, the disk alternately defines at least one shield and hole, and the inlet is alternatively aligned with the hole and shield to varying degrees, so as to selectively and variably expose the canal to the environment.

Abstract: A device and attendant method to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. The device includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.

Abstract: A ratchet-action open-end wrench of the present invention has a simplified structure. Arc-shaped abutting surface and corresponding groove is dismissed from the present wrench. Thus, components of the wrench can be manufactured and fabricated easily, and specified producing process can be chosen for obtaining strengthened structure. In addition, cost of the wrench is abated, precision of the wrench is arisen, and lift-time of the wrench is prolonged.

Abstract: An audio signal compensation device includes: a signal processor configured to perform filtering on an input audio signal; a filter coefficients storage module configured to store a plurality of filter coefficients; a user interface configured to provide options for a determination of filter coefficients to a user and to obtain a selection result from the user; and a filter coefficients determining module configured to determine a set of filter coefficients among the plurality of filter coefficients based on the selection result.

Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. The device includes an elongated base, which may be disposable, and has a sufficient length to be disposed in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system for transmitting sounds to an in-utero infant, that is worn by a pregnant woman, said system comprising a flexible carrier with two arms and adapted to accommodate the continuously changing shape of the abdomen of a pregnant woman; an array of speakers disposed on the arms of the carrier and substantially surrounding the in-utero infant with the sounds emitted from said speakers; an amplifier operatively associated with the array of speakers that enables tailoring the frequencies and tonal qualities of the sounds emitted from the array of speakers to levels suitable for an in-utero infant; and an audio device, operatively connected to the array of speakers and the amplifier, that provides a source from which sounds are played back.

Abstract: An adjustably attenuating ear plug adapted for use in an ear canal, includes a flexible body, and a valve assembly further comprising a disk and knob translatable relative to the disk, wherein the knob defines at least one inlet, the disk alternately defines at least one shield and hole, and the inlet is alternatively aligned with the hole and shield to varying degrees, so as to selectively and variably expose the canal to the environment.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core.

Abstract: A non-electronic hearing aid with a left ear member and a right ear member. The left and right ear members are made of flat sheet material. The sheet is die cut into the left and right members. The left member is a mirror image of the right member. The members each die cut to form a hand shaped pattern. The fingers of the pattern each have a locking tab and or a locking slot. The locking tab of one finger engages with the locking slot of the adjacent finger to form a cup shape. The palm portion of the hand shape has a C shaped portion cut out which is sized to fit over a person's ear. A slot running parallel to the central part of the C shaped portion facilitates a bend in the sheet to allow the cup shape that is ninety degrees to the user's ear.

Abstract: In a headphone set, a speaker is enclosed in a housing. A cord is connected to the speaker at one end and running to the outside of the housing at another end through a pulling-out portion of the housing. The cord is inserted into a bushing at the pulling-out portion. An outer-shape expansion portion is fixed to the cord and located between the speaker and the bushing. The outer-shape expansion portion expands the outer shape of the cord. A concavity is provided to the bushing at one end of the bushing closer to the speaker. At least a portion of the outer-shape expansion portion is put in the concavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hearing protector comprising two ear cups which are designed to cover the ears of the wearer of the hearing protector, and sealing rings (2) which are secured along the peripheries of the ear cups, the sealing rings each displaying at least one circumferential lamella (5, 6, 7), being manufactured from a resilient, possibly elastic material, and being formed to sealingly abut, around the wearer's ears, against the wearer's head, wherein the lamella (5,6, 7), at least along its edge regions located most proximal the wearer's head, display portions (13, 14, 15) which, in a direction towards the wearer, are arched from a central region (3) in the sealing ring (2) out towards its periphery (1).

Abstract: A support particularly for frames of eyeglasses and in-ear speakers, comprising a substantially curvilinear framework with a curvature which is at least partially complementary with respect to the natural curvature of the root of the helix, of the ridge of the antihelix, of the inferior crux of the antihelix of the ear of the user. The curvilinear framework is adapted for at least partial interlocking in at least one of the portions of the pinna.

Abstract: A non-invasive system and process for converting sensory data, e.g., visual, audio, taste, smell or touch, to neural firing timing differences in a human brain and using acoustic signals to generate the neural firing time differences. Data related to neural firing time differences, the acoustic signals, and a user's response map may be stored in memory. The user's response map may be used to more accurately map the calculated neural firing time differences to the correct neural locations.

Abstract: There is provided a headphone with a behind-the-head headband comprising at least one transducer and a behind-the-head headband for receiving the transducer. The behind-the-head headband further comprises first and second contact locations for resting against a temporal bone of a wearer of the headphone. The spacing between the transducer and the first or second contact location can be adjusted. By virtue of the possibility of adjusting the spacing with respect to the contact location the transducer can be positioned exactly over the auditory channel of the headphone wearer without pressure points on the ear.

Abstract: A hearing protection earplug having a shell worn at least in part in a user's ear canal, an active unit having an acoustic output transducer and an arrangement for producing output audio signals for said output transducer, and a detachable connection of the active unit to said shell, the shell including a sound passage extending between an outer opening of said shell and an inner sound output opening of said shell and having a valve mechanism which is moveable, upon connecting said active unit to said shell, from a closed position acoustically closing said sound passage into an open position acoustically opening said sound passage, said valve mechanism being biased towards said closed position when said active unit is removed from said shell, and wherein said output transducer is acoustically connected to said sound output opening via said sound passage when said active unit is connected to said shell.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system for transmitting sounds to an in-utero infant, that is worn by a pregnant woman, said system comprising a flexible carrier with two arms and adapted to accommodate the continuously changing shape of the abdomen of a pregnant woman; an array of speakers disposed on the arms of the carrier and substantially surrounding the in-utero infant with the sounds emitted from said speakers; an amplifier operatively associated with the array of speakers that enables tailoring the frequencies and tonal qualities of the sounds emitted from the array of speakers to levels suitable for an in-utero infant; and an audio device, operatively connected to the array of speakers and the amplifier, that provides a source from which sounds are played back.

Abstract: A personal protective device is disclosed. The personal protective device comprises at least one energy-activated material, disposed within or on the personal protective device. The energy activated material changes reversibly changes at least a portion of the personal protective device from a first visual zone to a second visual zone when the personal protective device is exposed to an activation energy. An earplug, a pair of earmuffs, a respirator, and eyewear are also disclosed. A method for determining the fit of a personal protective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A headphone type earpiece assembly having two earpieces adapted for protecting the user's ears and keeping the user's ear warm and a cord member connected between the earpieces, wherein each earpiece having soft cloth covering, a frame fixedly mounted inside the soft cloth to support the soft cloth in shape, a cushion fixedly fastened to the frame, and clip means adapted for securing said frame to the user's ear lobe.

Abstract: A dilatant circumaural hearing protection earcup soft seal is disclosed. The design of the instant invention is predicated on the theory that the primary function of an effective earcup soft seal is to hold the earcup it is attached to stiffly against the user's head. Experimental evidence shows that an earcup is “pumped” in response to acoustic pressure and reconstructs the acoustic signal inside the earcup as a diaphragm, even though very little noise may pass directly through the earcup itself. The soft seals of the instant invention utilize the dilatant property of some materials to provide a soft seal that conforms slowly and comfortably to a user's head but is stiff under the influence of high shear rate acoustic pressure.

Abstract: A combined stethoscope and reflex hammer. Preferably, the head of the reflex hammer is incorporated into an o-ring securing the diaphragm membrane of the stethoscope chest piece so that a standard stethoscope may be easily retrofitted to add the reflex hammer function. A rigid handle for the reflex hammer is provided by a penholder rigidly affixed to the stethoscope in proximity to the chest piece. The pen may be provided with a penlight so that the combined instrument also provides that function in addition to providing a writing pen, a reflex hammer and a stethoscope.

Abstract: A feedback device providing immediate feedback to a user. The feedback device includes a main hollow tubular body having a first transmitter end and an opposite second receiver end. The feedback device is “C” shaped and sized to comfortably allow the user to hold the transmitter end close to his mouth while simultaneously positioning the receiver end close to the ear of the user. The user speaks into the transmitter end. The sounds emitted by the user are amplified within the main tubular body and directed through the receiver end to the ear of the user. The feedback device provides immediate feedback for all sounds produced by the user. The feedback device may be used to enhance the reading and speaking ability of the user.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for selecting or designing a product, such as a muffler, having a sound output which is less stressful or more pleasing. The process includes the steps of sensing at least one physiological response of a subject (21) while the subject listens to an initial sound output, repeating the sensing step for the new sound output, comparing the physiological responses, and selecting the sound output for use in selecting or designing the product which output produces the physiological response that is the least stressful or most pleasing to the subject. The apparatus includes an audio playback device (15), a sound recording (16) of the initial sound, a sound recording (16) of the new sound, and physiological monitoring apparatus (17) suitable for attachment to and monitoring of the physiological responses of the test subject (21) to the playback of the sound recordings.

Abstract: An exterior covering for various types of medical equipment is disclosed to reduce some of the intimidation created by medical equipment. The covering is configured to receive the medical device and is shaped to portray an object, such as an animal, plant, vehicle, building, etc., and can include a removable figure. The cover has recesses and channels, such as a lens viewing channel, corresponding to the specific equipment to permit unobstructed use of the equipment. When the covering is for a stethoscope, the covering can extend along the ear tubes proximate the ear pieces, between the ear tubes and/or beyond the tubes. When used for a blood pressure cuff the covering is a sleeve that is dimensioned to receive an inflatable bladder, hook and loop materials to enable the cover to be secured to itself and a tube receiving hole to enable the bladder to be inflated.

Abstract: An arrangement in hearing protection devices, headphones and the like of the type comprising a frame (1) and plugs (2) arranged at both ends of the frame. Each of the plugs is pressed into contact with the orifice of the related auditory meatus and may also partly enter the passage. The frame (1) is provided with means (3) that contact the skull bone at the related ear for the purpose of dampening vibrations in the frame. Those means can be shaped like bent or enlarged portions of the frame adjacent to each end thereof, said portions being arranged, when the device is in use, to be held in pressure contact against the skull bone in the area of the respective ear.

Abstract: A precordial monitor including a head that has a chamber for capturing sound from a patient's body. The head has an acoustic probe for detecting the sound captured in the chamber and a temperature sensor for measuring the skin temperature of the patient.

Abstract: An earcap type earphone having a flexible stretching configuration which includes an earphone housing, an ear loop and a speaker, wherein both the ear loop and the earphone housing can be produced and integrated into a one-piece-molded product or can be made separately and then assembled together later. Additionally, an expandable component is provided to allow the earphone to comfortably fit a variety of different ear sizes.

Abstract: A system and a method for remote monitoring of a designated user utilize an integrated scale that is able to measure the body weight of a current user and determine whether the current user is the designated user. The identification of the current user is accomplished by measuring a preselected length of the current user by reflecting sound waves at location(s) that defines the preselected length and comparing the measured length to a corresponding length of the designated user that is stored in the integrated scale. When the current user is identified as the designated user, the integrated scale transmits the measured body weight to a remote monitoring device. The preselected length may be the distance from the bottom of a foot to the knee joint. Alternatively, the preselected length may be the length of a tibia or femur, or the skeletal height.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope emulates the frequency response of a standard acoustical stethoscope in both bell and diaphragm modes, while providing additional features attainable only with an electronic stethoscope, such as signal amplification, noise reduction, wider bandwidth, and mode selection. The electronic stethoscope includes spectrally separate idealized diaphragm and idealized bell modes. The idealized diaphragm mode and the idealized bell mode each include emphasized passbands and de-emphasized passbands. The emphasized passbands are spectrally separate. In addition, the electronic stethoscope also includes a wideband mode, which permits the user to hear high frequency sounds such as those associated with mechanical heart valves, lung sounds, and the like.

Abstract: A device for electromechanical stimulation and testing of hearing in which an electromechanical transducer transmits audiologic signals as mechanical deflections via a coupling element from the outside, noninvasively through the external auditory canal, by direct mechanical coupling with the manubrium of the malleus to the ossicular chain. In preferred embodiments, by suitable selection of the transducer principle disruptive magnetic stray fields and acoustic stimulation by sound transmission to the contralateral ear, which is not being examined, are prevented.

Abstract: A portable stethoscope warming device incorporating an exothermic reaction heating element and adapted to be used with both diaphragm type and bell type stethoscopes. The device generally comprises a pouch member having a first pocket and a second pocket formed therein. The first pocket is adapted to receive either a diaphragm member or the bell member of conventionally known bell and diaphragm type stethoscopes. The second pocket is adapted to receive a heating element which comprises a packet having a bulkhead therein which, when ruptured, allows chemicals contained within the packet to mix in a manner producing a prolonged exothermic reaction. The second pocket is disposed directly adjacent the first pocket such that the heating packet is operable to warm the skin contacting surface of the diaphragm or bell member of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting an adventitious sound from a sound signal formed of a plurality of successive sound waves received from a patient including establishing at least one of a predetermined time interval and a threshold signal value based on an average signal value of at least a portion of a sound signal, sequentially comparing the sound waves to at least one of the threshold signal value and the predetermined time interval to identify a first wave having at least one of an amplitude at least as large as the threshold signal value and a duration falling within the predetermined time interval, and identifying an adventitious sound when at least one consecutive wave following the first wave has at least one of an amplitude at least as large as the threshold signal value and a duration falling within the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An intra-concha type electroacoustic trasducer has an auxiliary supporter projecting in opposite direction to entrance part of external auditory meatus of the user's ear from a side of the transducer opposite to its sound-radiating side disposed to face the auditory meatus entrance. Reliable mountability of the transducer with respect to auricle of the user's ear is thereby ensured, while an unpleasantness or pain given to the user upon mounting to the auricle can be at least reduced to a remarkable extent.

Abstract: A sanitary stethoscope which prevents carrying potentially infectious matter from one patient to the next comprises a modified stethoscope head or diaphragm-retaining ring and a quick-insert/quick-release replaceable diaphragm. The diaphragm is suitably held in place on the stethoscope by means of a projection on the diaphragm surface which fits into a groove on the stethoscope head or diaphragm-retaining ring, preferably with provision for magnetic attraction. Means for facilitating easy exchange of diaphragms comprise specially designed diaphragm dispensers and diaphragm storage containers or cartridges. The diaphragm dispensers may be heated to maintain the diaphragms at a temperature comfortable to the touch.

Abstract: A vocal tactile feedback apparatus and method for use in the treatment of stuttering and other speech or hearing abnormalities is disclosed. A microphone and amplifier are utilized to produce and amplify an electronic signal responsive to vocal utterances spoken within a known range of the microphone. The amplified signal is then delayed by a suitable delaying circuit for a desired time interval and is then transmitted to an electro-mechanical transducer attached to the outer surface of the laryngeal or glottis region of the neck of a user. The transducer then transforms the amplified delayed signal into a mechanical vibration to provide delayed vibrotactile feedback of the vocal utterances whether spoken by the user or by others. A unique transducer assembly for use in the apparatus and method is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a coupling intended for mechanical transmission of sound information from a vibration generating apparatus as a transmitter to the skull of a person with damaged hearing, including a first coupling part, for example directly anchored to the skull, and a second coupling part attachable to it and mounted on the sender, whereby at least one vibration-transmitting surface is formed between the coupling parts.

Abstract: A communications device for use under water by a human speaker. A tubular base member has a mouthpiece located at one open end thereof and an inflatable air bag mounted about another open end thereof. In use, the speaker places the mouthpiece around his mouth to form an air seal therebetween and blows into the air bag to partially inflate it. When so inflated, the speaker talks into the device with voiced sounds being transmitted to the surrounding water through suitable transmitting means attached to the base member, preferably the air bag itself. During talking, the air bag receives and returns the air used by the speaker, thereby effectively preventing the escape of air bubbles from the device which otherwise interfere with communications. The air bag is preferably an elongated, flexible balloon which can be stretched into an extended position when speaking into it under water.

Abstract: A sponge sound absorbing article for placement on the side frames of eyeglasses for workers employed in very noisy environments. The sound absorbing article eliminates any sound gap between the sides of the eyeglass frames and conventional earmuffs to protect the ears from sustained exposure to dangerous noise levels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method suitable for automatic machine interrogation of individuals for identifying or analyzing persons such as those seeking admittance to secure areas or seeking an extension of credit. Physical vibration wave energy is applied by a signal generator and transducer to the person's body at a selected point such as the finger tips. The frequency and/or the time function of force and/or motion parameters at the driving point of the body are then detected and stored. Comparison of a previously known function with a subsequently measured function to determine whether they are within preselected tolerances permits a machine decision whether the functions represent the same person.