Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing noise transmission in a pneumatic tire and wheel assembly comprising an inflation cavity, the method comprising the step of adding to the inflation cavity from about 0.1 to about 1 volume percent, based on the volume of the inflation cavity, of a repeatably foamable liquid.

Abstract: A biological information imaging apparatus includes: a light source; an acoustic, wave detector that detects an acoustic wave generated from a light absorption material in a living body that has absorbed a part of energy of light irradiated from the light source to the living body, and converts it into a first electric signal; a photodetector that detects optical intensity of a portion of the light irradiated from the light source to the living body and propagating in the living body, and converts it into a second electric signal; and a calculation unit that calculates optical property distribution information on the living body by making use of an analytical result of one of the first electric signal and the second electric signal for analysis of the other electric signal.

Abstract: A vacuum panel using internal or external bracing strips to provide a substantially flat sound barrier capable of very high sound rejection independent of frequency.

Abstract: A system for generating and transmitting energy and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The system for generating and transmitting energy includes prisms, lenses, mirrors, optical cables or optic conduits, heat filters, light filters, and electricity filters. The lenses comprise lens systems to capture electromagnetic signals (wave and particle) coming from any source of radiant energy, from one or more sources of light, from one or more reflective surfaces, or from any electromagnetic wave, long or short. Upon receiving the electromagnetic signals, the lens system multiple n times the intensity of the signals by a method of infinitesimal folding of signals, a method basically consisting of an over-concentration of signals folding onto themselves tenth to millionth times in order to produce substantially concentrated signals and to project the substantially concentrated signals into one single optical cable.

Abstract: A tip for a mobility device which is capable of providing light and/or sound to aid in the safety of the user of the mobility device.

Abstract: A talking sticker includes a lower base material having an attachment layer attached to a bottom surface thereof; an acoustic element mounted on an upper surface of the lower base material; an actuation element electrically connected with the acoustic element to actuate it to make a sound; and an upper base material having a pattern printed on a surface thereof and assembled with the lower base material. After assembled, the acoustic element and the actuation element are enclosed between the upper base material and the lower base material. The actuation element may be a contact switch or a sensor. When the actuation element is actuated, the acoustic element can make a pre-defined sound. Additionally, the talking sticker further includes a signal emitter defined therein and a separate acoustic fitting. Upon receiving a signal from the emitter, an acoustic element of the separate acoustic fitting can make a pre-defined sound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for releasing genetic materials from a solid medium. The present invention also relates to methods for releasing genetic materials from a solid medium. The present invention further relates to methods for isolating genetic material from a biological sample.

Abstract: A device (10) for reducing noise and heat emissions from a laboratory instrument in a laboratory, comprising a casing (20) with sound-absorbing walls (240), wherein the casing (20) forms an interior space (210, 220) for accommodating the laboratory instrument. At least one of the sound-absorbing walls (240) has an air inlet (30). The device (10) further has a flue (40) arranged on one of the sound-absorbing walls (240), so that the interior space (210, 220) of the casing (20) can be vented via the air inlet (30) and the flue (40). During operation of the laboratory instrument situated in the interior space (210, 220) of the device (10), the sound generated by the laboratory instrument is absorbed by the walls, so that essentially no noise, or only significantly reduced levels of noise, generated by the laboratory instrument can escape the device (10).

Abstract: A door trim speaker grille with an electroluminescent lamp for use with an audio speaker of a vehicle. The electroluminescent lamp is positioned for emitting visible light through sound passages in the speaker grille. In certain embodiments of the invention, the electroluminescent lamp may be integrally molded with the speaker grille. One method of forming the door trim speaker grille is by an injection molding process that places the electroluminescent lamp as an insert in the mold cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body defining an engine compartment and a plurality of vehicle frame members. An engine compartment cover defines a portion of the engine compartment and functions as a structural load-bearing portion of a vehicle frame by rigidly, structurally interconnecting vehicle frame members.

Abstract: An audio-visual reproduction apparatus is provided. The audio-visual reproduction apparatus includes a visual display screen and an ultrasonic transducer array having two or more transducer elements arranged around the periphery of the screen for generating an ultrasonic beam modulated with an audio-frequency signal. Non-linear effects in the air demodulate the audio-signal to generate an audio beam propagating perpendicular to the screen. Such an integration of audio and vision may make the user feel as if the sound is being generated from the display screen when he or she is watching it, and also may project the sound towards a target user and seldom, or never, disturb unrelated persons. The ultrasonic transducer array may be made up of independent transducer elements, or may comprise two or more sub-arrays of transducer elements.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved earpiece light. In particular, the present invention is directed to an earpiece having a power supply and a light source mounted on the earpiece. The earpiece light is preferably for use on a person's outer ear. The earpiece light comprises an ear support, preferably for placement behind the user's crest of helix. The ear support is attached to a power supply housing, preferably for placement over the user's external auditory canal. The power supply housing has a power supply and a lamp arm with a distal end extended from the power supply housing. The power supply is connected to a light source mounted on the distal end of the lamp arm. Preferably, the lamp arm is positioned below the ear support and the power supply is connected to a light source, preferably an LED, mounted on the lamp arm.

Abstract: An elevator-type mechanism which raises and lowers an animal into desired vertical position to facilitate treatment of injuries, treatment of illnesses, grooming, and the like of the animal.

Abstract: A system for detecting a sound level of vehicles comprising sensor units for detecting vehicles on a road and for measuring a sound level of a detected vehicle. A data processing unit is connected to the sensor units and has an identification recorder for operating the system by recording an identification of the vehicle detected if the sound level is above a given value.

Abstract: A seatback audio system having one or more speakers mounted in a surface of a seatback or a headrest. The speakers may be separated by a sound barrier to reduce cross-talk between the speakers. The surface may have a concave area where the speakers and the sound barrier are mounted. Alternatively, the surface may have two concave areas, and one speaker may be mounted in each concave area. The system may include a manual or an automated positioning system for one or both of the speakers. The system may also include a soft-cell waveguide having a plurality of tubes to direct the sound from one or both of the speakers. The seatback may include a backrest and a removable headrest, each including an electrical connector, where the one or more speakers are mounted to the headrest and the electrical connectors form a circuit when the headrest is mounted to the backrest.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a speaker for use with a recreational vehicle. The speaker is supported relative to the ceiling so as to extend through an aperture in the ceiling. The speaker has a central axis that is oblique relative to a lower surface of the ceiling.

Abstract: A method of making an ultrasonic amplifier (8) comprises shaping the ultrasonic amplifier (8) by forging. This means that an amplifier with a complex shape can be forged in one piece, preventing weaknesses at the joins between different sections of the amplifier. It greatly increases the fatigue resistance of the amplifier (8) and can increase the effectiveness of the amplification.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved earpiece light. In particular, the present invention is directed to an earpiece having a power supply and a light source mounted on the earpiece. The earpiece light is preferably for use on a person's outer ear. The earpiece light comprises an ear support, preferably for placement behind the user's crest of helix. The ear support is attached to a power supply housing, preferably for placement over the user's external auditory canal. The power supply housing has a power supply and a lamp arm with a distal end extended from the power supply housing. The power supply is connected to a light source mounted on the distal end of the lamp arm. Preferably, the lamp arm is positioned below the ear support and the power supply is connected to a light source, preferably an LED, mounted on the lamp arm.

Abstract: An air filter for an internal combustion engine includes an air filter housing, the walls of which encompass a filter compartment in which a filter element is positioned, having an intake and an exhaust. Openings that can be sealed off or opened up based upon the operating conditions of the internal combustion engine are provided in a least one wall of the air filter housing. In this way, effective modulation of induction noise (sound modulation) can be achieved in a simple way and manner.

Abstract: A subwoofer assembly for use within an aircraft including a fuselage having a passenger platform, wherein the passenger platform includes an aisle and a seating area. The subwoofer assembly is shaped and dimensioned for positioning under the aisle. The subwoofer assembly includes a subwoofer housing having a profile shaped to substantially conform to a position beneath the passenger platform under the aisle. The subwoofer housing includes a sound port through which sound is delivered from the subwoofer assembly to a passenger compartment of the aircraft. The subwoofer assembly further including a sound driver mounted within the subwoofer housing for generating predetermined sounds.

Abstract: An audio system includes amplifying with distortion via a first amplifier electrical audio signals from a sound source, such as an electric guitar, for example, to obtain a desired tonal quality in the sound produced from a first loudspeaker driver by the amplified electrical audio signals, simultaneous with applying electrical signals from a piezo film transducer attached to the cone of the first loudspeaker to a second amplifier having a flat response over a desired frequency range, and adjustable low and high frequency rolloff, for driving a second loudspeaker to produce desired perceived tonal quality at relatively low sound pressure levels, with the volume of the sound from the first and second loudspeakers being adjusted to match the acoustics of a room in which the audio system is operating.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved earpiece light. In particular, the present invention is directed to an earpiece having a power supply and a light source mounted on the earpiece. The earpiece light is preferably for use on a person's outer ear. The earpiece light comprises an ear support, preferably for placement behind the user's crest of helix. The ear support is attached to a power supply housing, preferably for placement over the user's external auditory canal. The power supply housing has a power supply and a lamp arm with a distal end extended from the power supply housing. The power supply is connected to a light source mounted on the distal end of the lamp arm. Preferably, the lamp arm is positioned below the ear support and the power supply is connected to a light source, preferably an LED, mounted on the lamp arm.

Abstract: A sub-woofer system with a flat horn for use in a vehicle which is capable of achieving an improved sound reproducing performance as well as an excellent space factor by mounting the horn on the floor of the vehicle. The sub-woofer system includes a flat horn having a proximal end and a distal end where the proximal end is connected to the drive unit for guiding the sound produced by the drive unit. The flat horn is substantially uniform in thickness throughout while gradually increases in width toward the distal end. The drive unit is positioned under a front seat of the vehicle and the flat horn is placed on a floor of the vehicle, and wherein an end opening of the flat horn at the distal end thereof is positioned at a fire wall of the vehicle to exhaust the sound from the drive unit.

Abstract: Acoustic energy is used to control the shape of a particle or particle cluster for the purpose of inducing a phase and hence density change as a result of exposure to radiation. This process, known as optical acoustic molding, employs an acoustic transducer and reflector positioned around a particle or particle cluster to generate standing waves. These standing waves apply forces to points on the particle's surface. The locus of such points represents a three-dimensional pressure function, which will ultimately cause the particle or particle cluster to acquire a predefined shape. Once the particle or particle cluster has attained the desired shape or density, a radiation source induces rapid melting or solidification (i.e. rapid change in density) of the particles.

Abstract: An acoustic chamber formed in door of a vehicle includes a metal door inner panel having an aperture extending therethrough, and a door module secured in the aperture of the door inner panel. The door module includes an indentation and may be made of a polymer or a fibrous material. An interior door trim panel overlies the door module and a loudspeaker is secured between the interior door trim panel and the door module. The interior door trim panel may include a bulge opposing the indentation in the door module, with the loudspeaker located between the bulge and the indentation. A sealing element is secured between the door module and the interior door trim panel for defining an acoustic chamber between the door module and the interior door trim panel. The acoustic chamber enhances the performance of the loudspeaker, thereby allowing a smaller loudspeaker to be used.

Abstract: A bracket assembly system is provided to hold side and center channel speakers. The assembly system may be positioned on a base support structure such as a television or cabinet. In a typical arrangement, left and right satellite speakers are positioned such that the center of gravity is approximately aligned with the pivot axis of the side arms. In addition, additional speakers may be positioned along the support arms and the speakers may be rotated adjusting to desired speaker angles to accommodate for various room acoustics.

Abstract: A passive system for speech enhancement in a motor vehicle includes a headliner adapted to be disposed in an occupant compartment of the motor vehicle. The passive system also includes at least one passive sound reflector disposed in or near the headliner and being sound-reflective and shaped to direct or focus speech between front and rear seat occupants in the occupant compartment of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a cooling fan within an electronic device based on the temperature within the electronic device and the audio output level of the electronic device and/or the ambient noise level.

Abstract: For a selective sound propagation pattern that has an especially high directivity, including in the bass frequency region, there is inventively provided a loudspeaker box (1) with a housing (2) and at least one loudspeaker (4) with chassis (6) which is surrounded by a housing wall (8) in such a way that in the low frequency region the rear side and front side sound of the loudspeaker (4) overlay themselves with a sound increase in a preferred direction.

Abstract: A holder for a loudspeaker to be mounted in a motor vehicle has a receptacle for receiving a loudspeaker. The receptacle has at least one support for supporting the receptacle on a part of the motor vehicle. At least one seal is arranged on the support and seals a mounting space provided within the motor vehicle for receiving the loudspeaker in the mounted position of the holder. The holder is manufactured by first injection-molding the receptacle and subsequently injection-molding the seal onto the receptacle.

Abstract: An audio speaker (10, 76) has a housing (12, 78) with a front panel (14, 80) secured thereto, and with a grille (18) removably mounted to the front panel (14, 80). A series of combined connection assemblies (20, 84) serve to connect both the panel (14, 80) to the housing (12, 78) and the grille (18) to the panel (14, 80). The assemblies (20, 84) include a socket (50) which is seated within a panel opening (34), with couplers (62) securing the panel (14, 80) to the housing (12, 78). An insert (70) is threadably received within the socket (50). Connectors (42) secured to the grille frame (38, 82) include a bifurcated resilient ball (68) which is frictionally received within an associated insert (70).

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer unit for a handsfree device in a vehicle includes a loudspeaker, a microphone and a connection to a mobile phone. The microphone can be mounted on a flexible bracket. The unit is constructed for positioning in the upper seatback area of a seat of the vehicle. One way of positioning is an elongated casing with two recesses at both ends and a spring device at one end. The casing can be inserted between the headrest carriers and is elastically fixed to it.

Abstract: A sound producing arrangement in an automobile has at least one bass speaker and one hollow acoustic conductor coupled to the bass speaker. The bass speaker is located in the wet area of the automobile. The acoustic conductor is mounted in a gas-tight manner in the dry area and there is a gas-tight connection between the bass speaker and the acoustic conductor.

Abstract: A housing having a loudspeaker system including two elongate mutually identical loudspeaker enclosures (9a, 9b) situated near a front side (3a) of the housing and extending parallel to one another, each loudspeaker enclosure comprising a first loudspeaker unit (19a, 19b) for radiating tones of comparatively high frequencies and a second loudspeaker unit (29a, 29b) for radiating tones of comparatively low frequencies. The first loudspeaker units are both situated at the same level (11), while one of the two loudspeaker units is situated at one side and the other one is situated at the other side of this level.

Abstract: A substantially acoustically transparent speaker grille is bonded or molded to a rear shelf panel located between the cabin and trunk of a vehicle. The grille is pressed into and laminated between a pair of resin impregnated sheets of fibrous material during a hot press molding operation. The grille and shelf panel is overlaid with a layer of covering fabric so as to present a smooth aesthetic appearance within the vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A holder for a loudspeaker to be mounted in a motor vehicle has a receptacle for receiving a loudspeaker. The receptacle has at least one support for supporting the receptacle on a part of the motor vehicle. At least one seal is arranged on the support and seals a mounting space provided within the motor vehicle for receiving the loudspeaker in the mounted position of the holder. The holder is manufactured by first injection-molding the receptacle and subsequently injection-molding the seal onto the receptacle.

Abstract: A subwoofer assembly shaped and dimensioned for positioning within a wall of an aircraft fuselage. The subwoofer assembly includes a subwoofer housing having a curved profile shaped to substantially conform to the wall of an aircraft fuselage. The subwoofer housing includes a sound port through which sound is delivered from the subwoofer assembly. The subwoofer assembly further includes a sound driver mounted withing the subwoofer housing.

Abstract: A sound emitting and vibratable blanket for providing comfort to the baby or infant. The sound emitting and vibratable blanket includes a quilt member having a central portion, end portions, and a top side, and further having outer layers with padding being sandwiched therebetween; and also includes a conventional sound producing member securely disposed in an end portion of the quilt member and having a first switch visibly and securely disposed upon the quilt member for energizing said sound producing member; and further includes a vibrating mechanism securely disposed at the central portion of the quilt member inside the padding thereof for vibrating the quilt member and having a second switch visibly and securely disposed upon the quilt member for energizing said vibrating mechanism.

Abstract: A speaker mounting assembly for use on a boat. The assembly consists of a rigid elongated speaker support bracket on which two interfacing boat engaging members are fixed opposite the speaker. The boat engaging members have a hole through their mid portion and are pivotally joined together each of their sides with a component of the boat, such as a rail, compressed between them. At their other side these two boat engaging members are fixed to the boat by a through bolt extending through both members. At the upper portion of one of the engaging members is a lever arm having an internally threaded hole that fits on the top of the through bolt and, when compressed, is used to retain the members to the boat. Alternately, the lever arm may be used to adjust the compressive force of the boat engaging members with respect to the engaged boat component on which mounted.

Abstract: A decorative speaker cover is disclosed that transforms any loudspeaker into a work of art. The decorative speaker cover of the invention consists of a sheet of material stretched across and adhered to a support frame. The sheet of material contains an artistic work like a picture, design, custom photograph, print, etc. The invention also includes methods for attaching the decorative speaker covers to a loudspeaker cabinet. The disclosed methods allow speaker covers to be readily changed.

Abstract: A speaker support bar supports a pair of speakers above a vehicle headliner. The speaker support bar is positioned vertically above the headliner, and thus the uniform appearance of the headliner is preserved. The speaker support bar extends between lateral support ends which transfer the weight of the speakers to the headliner over a wide area, and near the vehicle frame. Thus, the headliner is able to support the weight of the speakers. The invention also facilitates the pre-assembly of the headliner and its sound system prior to attachment of the headliner to the vehicle.

Abstract: A bass reflex box of a radio-sound system of an automobile is designed to be accommodated compactly and with good sound generating effect in the vehicle interior. For this purpose, the bass reflex box, which can be designed as an energy-absorbing crash element, is installed in a space between the firewall that separates the vehicle interior from the engine compartment and a foot support plate located in the vehicle interior at a distance from the firewall and tilted upward relative to the vehicle interior floor, with bass output openings extending into the vehicle interior above the foot support plate. The foot support plate can be eliminated and its function assumed directly by the bass reflex box itself.

Abstract: A sound activated lighted woofer speaker comprising a cylindrical speaker, a circular grooved base, and a circular neon lighted tube with a transparent cover.

Abstract: A noise absorbing cover is provided for an automotive loudspeaker to prevent exterior noise from being coupled through a loudspeaker to the interior of the automobile. An air gap is provided around the cover to provide a vent to static pressure for the loudspeaker, thereby avoiding any degradation in low frequency performance. The air gap is oriented to exclude direct sound transmission paths for exteriorly generated noise to the interior.

Abstract: A sound bar assembly 12 for converting electronic signals into sound within a vehicle can be located at the rear edge 18 of the roof 16 of a sport utility vehicle 10. The sound bar is made of a lower member 20 and an upper member 22 that preferably are made of polymeric materials capable of forming a sealed relationship with each other without the need for gasketing material. The sound bar has a wedge shape and speakers 32 and 34 are mounted in each end at a forward angle so they direct sound forwardly into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The sound bar can be coordinated with the interior decor of the vehicle, utilizes unused space of the vehicle, projects sounds more directly at the vehicle occupants, and enables tuning to achieve improved sound quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite vehicle trim panel having enhanced sound transmission characteristics and a method for manufacturing the same. In the most preferred embodiment, the composite vehicle trim panel comprises a substrate layer with a first aperture, a second substrate layer with a second aperture, and a grid interposed between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer. The grid overlays the first aperture and the second aperture, which are aligned with each other. The first substrate layer, grid, and second substrate layer are secured to each other by compression molding to form a composite vehicle trim panel. A finish layer is then laminated to the first substrate layer. The use of the grid provides an increased open area for sound transmission through the composite vehicle trim panel over previous designs.

Abstract: A speaker system provides good acoustic characteristics for use in visual equipment, by controlling the turbulence in mid-range of response frequency characteristics to be flat so as to produce an excellent speech articulation. This is accomplished by coupling an acoustic pipe to the front of a speaker unit to guide sound waves through an opening of generally rectangle shape. A resonance absorption section is formed by a tube, one end of which forms a hole for absorbing sound facing to a sound path running within the acoustic pipe from the front of speaker unit to an opening, and a cavity having a small gap along the edge, except the area where is coupled through with the other end of tube. By constructing the speaker system in this way, the width of band to be absorbed and the Q of a dip can be controlled to suppress the peaks and dips, thereby providing a speaker system of good acoustic characteristics where the response frequency characteristics are flat and the speech articulation is excellent.

Abstract: A rear mounted vehicular horn is provided including a vehicle with a front extent and a rear extent. A horn is situated at the rear extent and directed rearwardly from the vehicle. The horn has a speaker for emitting a high intensity tone upon the actuation thereof. Next provided is a pair of horn switches situated within a steering wheel of the vehicle and connected to the horn. The horn switch functions to actuate the speaker of the horn upon the depression thereof thereby emitting the high intensity tone from the rear extent of the vehicle.

Abstract: A speaker support bar supports a pair of speakers and speaker covers above a vehicle headliner. A lamp may also be mounted into the support bar. The speaker support is positioned vertically above the headliner, and thus the uniform appearance of the headliner is preserved. The speaker support extends between lateral support ends which transfer the weight of the speakers to the headliner over a wide area, and near the vehicle frame. Thus, the headliner is able to easily support the weight of the speakers. A seal incorporated into the headliner defines a sound chamber. The invention also facilitates the pre-assembly of the headliner and its sound system prior to attachment of the headliner to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of providing a personalized light source in conjunction with a sound system includes mounting a personalized light source on a support for supporting at least one speaker next to a wearer's ear. The personalized light source includes an effective light source mounted at the distal end a semi-flexible stem. The stem allows the effective light source to be aimed as desired by the wearer and may be extended from or retracted into the support.