Audible Indication Patents (Class 340/384.1)
  • Patent number: 6600408
    Abstract: A device for the targeted transmission of sound from an induction tract of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle into the interior of the motor vehicle, comprising a hollow transmission body which communicates with the induction tract on the intake side and which emits sound on the output side into the vehicle interior. In order to improve the sound emission of a device of this type, the invention proposes that the transmission body had a conduit section with a conduit cross-section and a chamber section with a chamber cross-section, whereby the chamber cross-section is larger than the conduit cross-section. The conduit section communicates with the induction tract on the intake side and opens into the intake side of the chamber section. The output side of the chamber section emits the sound into the vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignees: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH, Bayerische Motorenwerke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Walter, Manfred Helget, Thomas Gokeler, Reinhard Hoffmann, Udo Lindner
  • Publication number: 20030122658
    Abstract: In a signal generation circuit for a compound acoustic actuator that generates a sound and a vibration in response to a frequency of a signal input to the compound acoustic actuator, the signal generation circuit comprising a plurality of signal data stored in a memory to generate a plurality of signals having mutually different frequencies, the plurality of signals at least including a signal, a frequency of which is equal to a resonant frequency causing the compound acoustic actuator to generate the vibration, a synthesizing means to synthesize a plurality of drive signals in accordance with the plurality of signal data so as to cause the compound acoustic actuator to generate the vibration, and a sweeping means to sweep the plurality of drive signals, repeatedly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chiemi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20030122678
    Abstract: A collar-mounted animal training device includes a piezoelectric transducer device (6) attached to a mylar cone acoustic element mounted in a transducer housing (5) configured as a resonant sound port. The piezoelectric transducer is driven by circuitry including a microcontroller (31), a voltage booster circuit (34), and driver circuitry coupled to the booster circuit and producing a boosted drive signal to the piezoelectric device (6). The microcontroller stores data representing a plurality of sequential segments each having a start and stop time and a start and stop frequency. The microcontroller sequentially produces a plurality of output signals having a start and stop times and frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Duncan, Timothy J. Crist, Sean M. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6587038
    Abstract: A system and method for generating an audible sound in an imaging device is provided, the device having an electronic motor controllable by a first operation sequence to perform a first function. When a condition is detected for which an audible sound is to be generated as notification of the condition, a motor is rotated according to a second operation sequence so as to create the audible sound as notification of the condition, wherein the second operation sequence causes the motor to rotate in a manner, other than the motor rotation resulting from the first operation sequence, so as to cause the motor to perform only the notification function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Peter L. Cheng, Akihiko Hamamoto, Takao Aichi
  • Publication number: 20030112129
    Abstract: A programmable electronic circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a CPU, signal-generating circuitry, and RC circuitry having at least two capacitors, such that when both of the capacitors are switched into the RC circuitry by the CPU, a signal is produced from an output of the signal-generating circuitry that is longer in duration than when one of the capacitors is switched into the RC circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Edwards Systems Technology, Incorporated (CT Corporation)
    Inventor: Angelo S. Arcaria
  • Publication number: 20030112144
    Abstract: A multi function personal alert safety cell system having condition responsive sensors and an alarm for emergency type personal. The personal alert safety cell system having a transceiver. The transceiver for transmitting and receiving at several different radiated power levels, defined as P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, through Pn that vary in signal strength from 1 microwatt through 1 watt. Each power level P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, through Pn being transmitted and received with encoded data and a personal ID uniquely assigned to the transceiver of the cell system. Also, the transceivers transmitting and receiving data being contained within a time frame and having digital instructions and coded format sectors. The power level ID varying in field strength for defining a distance at which the transceiver detects the transmitted and received signal from another of PASS transceiver and the signal being indicative of the distance the transceiver is from the other PASS transceivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: James P. Campman
  • Publication number: 20030102977
    Abstract: An applause device including a sound generator capable of generating at least one applause sound. The sound generator preferably can generate at least one sound which can indicate approval or disapproval, such as clapping, hollering, whistling, booing, and hissing. A switch permits the user to select between each of the sounds. The device also preferably comprises illumination structure so as to illuminate at least a portion of the sound generation device. In a preferred embodiment, the applause device is shaped substantially, at least in part, in the shape of an open hand. A method for generating applause sounds and a system for remotely controlling the applause device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Bradley Gotfried
  • Publication number: 20030085813
    Abstract: The invention is an improved piezoelectric noise-making and audible signaling device which produces a distinctive 2 KHz tone that is more pronounced and significantly easier to perceive, especially in a noisy environment. The volume of the audible tone is amplified by using two or three sound-amplifying chambers or cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Yosemite Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: George Alan Burnett, Christopher Michael Baldwin
  • Patent number: 6559758
    Abstract: A sounder device includes a piezoelectric resonant transducer, an amplifier and a coupling transformer to drive the transducer, an electronic signal produced to provide an input signal to the amplifier, and in which the electronic signal producer includes at least two lower frequency oscillators, a logical “OR” circuit having inputs from each of the lower frequency pulse oscillators, a resonant frequency pulse oscillator having a higher frequency near the resonant frequency of the transducer, a logical “AND” circuit having a first input connected to the output of the logical “OR” circuit, a second input connected to the output of the resonant frequency oscillator, and having an output connected to the amplifier input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Rey
  • Patent number: 6556255
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a remote controller signal and a method using the same, and in particular to an apparatus for setting and generating a melody for a remote controller input signal and a method using the same capable of generating a melody corresponding to a predetermined inputted key, whereby melodies for each key are set, the melody corresponding to the predetermined inputted key is generated, thus a viewer confirms the key is exactly inputted, and furthermore, the viewer sets the melody corresponding to the predetermined key, and the melody is generated when the key is inputted, and thus the viewer is not bored because of an operational delay of a specific function and can confirm a preferred key is inputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronicis Inc.
    Inventors: Joo Won Kim, Jae Kyung Lee, Jin Kuk Jeoung, Bong Chun Shim, Gwon Sool Jung
  • Patent number: 6549142
    Abstract: Audio alerts are provided in an environment, such as a house, concerning categorized events to be reported. Examples of the events are receipt of e-mails and voice mails. The presence of a person entering or leaving a space of the environment is detected and a processing system determines reportable event categories that have occurred. Each possible event category has a corresponding audio signature. The event categories signatures that have occurred are played either simultaneously or sequentially, within the hearing of the person detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas, Stephen John Hinde, Martin Sadler
  • Patent number: 6545594
    Abstract: A closure for a bottle. The closure includes an outer cap. An audio device and a triggering mechanism are positioned within the outer cap. A water block is positioned on the outer cap so as to prevent water from penetrating into the audio device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: John D. Knight, Joseph M. Ladina, George E. Selecman, Thomas P. Hambleton, Douglas J. Ely, Daniela Homza-Stark, Dean M. Pichon, David Nedder
  • Patent number: 6545595
    Abstract: A doorbell system having a sound memory for storing and playing a CD quality doorbell sound is disclosed. Said doorbell system includes a receiver unit for receiving an indication of a doorbell button being pressed, a code detector for commanding the sound memory to output stored sound signals and sound producing means for outputting a CD quality sound. Also disclosed is a method for storing a CD quality sound into a doorbell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Xydis
  • Patent number: 6538565
    Abstract: An applause device includes a sound generator capable of generating at least one applause sound. The sound generator preferably can generate at least one sound which can indicate approval or disapproval, such as clapping, hollering, whistling, booing, and hissing. A switch permits the user to select between each of the sounds. The device also preferably comprises illumination structure so as to illuminate at least a portion of the sound generation device. In a preferred embodiment, the applause device is shaped substantially, at least in part, in the shape of an open hand. A method for generating applause sounds is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Bradley L. Gotfried
  • Publication number: 20030046847
    Abstract: A device for bulletining posters and the like has a simple construction which eliminates the need for using a base plate, allowing individual posters and the like to be bulletined with an easy mounting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Yasunobu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6522244
    Abstract: A ride-on vehicle for children comprising a body with a seat, a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the body, a steering mechanism operable by a child seated on the seat, and a frame forming a portion of the body. The frame includes a plurality of interconnected frame members, with at least one of the frame members comprising an audio-visual device configured to emit at least one of a light and a sound upon the occurrence of a triggering event. The audio-visual device has opposing end regions that are connected to other frame members such that the audio-visual device forms a portion of the frame and maintains other frame members in a spaced-apart relationship. In some embodiments, the frame at least partially defines a riding space, and the audio-visual device is configured to be activated by a child seated within the riding space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Daniel J. Damon
  • Patent number: 6512450
    Abstract: The invention is an improved piezoelectric noise-making and audible signaling device which produces a distinctive 2 KHz tone that is more pronounced and significantly easier to perceive, especially in a noisy environment. The volume of the audible tone is amplified by using two or three sound-amplifying chambers or cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mallory Sonalert, Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George Alan Burnett, Christopher Michael Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20020196130
    Abstract: A system and method for generating an audible sound in an imaging device is provided, the device having an electronic motor controllable by a first operation sequence to perform a first function. When a condition is detected for which an audible sound is to be generated as notification of the condition, a motor is rotating according to a second operation sequence so as to create the audible sound as notification of the condition, wherein the second operation sequence causes the motor to rotate in a manner, other than the motor rotation resulting from the first operation sequence, so as to cause the motor to perform only the notification function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Peter L. Cheng, Akihiko Hamamoto, Takao Aichi
  • Patent number: 6476711
    Abstract: Upon receipt of a direction indication control signal s11, a sounding-body driving circuit 12 generates a driving signal s16 for generating a flashing operation sound which is an artificial striking sound similar to a striking sound of a mechanical relay. The driving signal s16 is output to a speaker 16 via an amplifier 14, and the flashing operation sound is outputted from the speaker 16, thereby obtaining the flashing operation sound which does not sound unusual to the driver. The sounding-body driving circuit 12 enables a plurality of rectangular wave signals having the same amplitude and different frequencies to be synthesized in sequence of time by first and second synthetic signal generating circuits 20A and 20B to thus generate first and second synthetic signals s14 and s15 as artificial striking sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Kitamura, Naohiro Fujinami, Katsuyoshi Omori
  • Patent number: 6476710
    Abstract: An electromagnetic sound generator has a case provided with a yoke, a magnet, a vibrating plate and a coil, and a pair of leads. An end of the coil and the other end of the leads is secured to the case so as to be connected to an outside terminal. A terminal connecting device is provided for connecting the end of the lead to the outside terminal. The terminal connecting device comprises a cylindrical case secured to the case, a connecting rod slidably mounted in the cylindrical case, and a coil spring provided in the cylindrical case to outwardly urge the connecting rod so as to be contacted with the outside terminal at an end of the rod. A top end of the cylindrical case is contacted with the end of the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Togawa, Masato Asahina, Yoshizumi Ohta
  • Patent number: 6469712
    Abstract: A method and implementing computer system is provided in which sounds are projected or rendered in space surrounding a computer system to provide information concerning various aspects of information displayed on the computer system display screen. Computer system users are able to ascertain predetermined information relative to the displayed information, such as a relative scroll point in a lengthy context, by perceiving certain characteristics of the projected sounds, including the perceived location of the source of the projected sounds relative to a designated point of origin, such a user's head or the computer display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin James Hilpert, Jr., Michael A. Paolini
  • Publication number: 20020149474
    Abstract: This Invention concerns a device used by an official at a sports event, to produce a whistle like sound, that is hand activated, fitting into the palm of the hand. When activated by that hand, the sound is emitted in all directions, into the surrounding area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Max M. Stern
  • Publication number: 20020145510
    Abstract: Upon receipt of a direction indication control signal s11, a sounding-body driving circuit 12 generates a driving signal s16 for generating a flashing operation sound which is an artificial striking sound similar to a striking sound of a mechanical relay and outputs the driving signal s16 to a speaker 16 via an amplifier 14, and the flashing operation sound is outputted from the speaker 16, thereby obtaining the flashing operation sound which does not sound unusual to the driver. The sounding-body driving circuit 12 has a construction such that a plurality of rectangular wave signals having the same amplitude and different frequencies are synthesized in sequence of time by first and second synthetic signal generating circuits 20A and 20B to thus generate first and second synthetic signals s14 and s15 as artificial striking sounds, and the signals s14 and s15 are alternately outputted as driving signals s16 from a synthetic signal output circuit 22 at intervals of a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: HAJIME KITAMURA, NAOHIRO FUJINAMI, KATSUYOSHI OMORI
  • Patent number: 6456193
    Abstract: A controlling method and apparatus of constant-frequency sound-production for an electric horn are described. These are achieved. And comprised by a monolithic-processor. It's characterized in that frequency pulse output from constant-frequency oscillator is collected as base resonant frequency of each horn (accuracy at least +0.05 HZ), thereby the horns can operate in optimum condition driven by electric driving signal, duty cycle of the driving signal can be arbitrarily adjusted in the range of 1-99% based on sound production feature of different horns. It overcomes the shortcomings that sound changing and sound level descending may arise under the influence of environmental temperature and motor vehicle's voltage variation in the horn with contact and various present electric horns. It also can be used as a signal source having adjustable frequency and pulse width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Yu Wan
  • Publication number: 20020126001
    Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer driving circuit has a main oscillator stage, a buffer circuit, and a voltage-doubling circuit. The main oscillator stage includes a frequency-swept signal generator that can be configured to provide different outputs to the buffers, which in turn provide the output to the voltage-doubling circuit, which supplies the piezoelectric transducer, causing it to mechanically deform and produce audible sounds of different types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher M. Baldwin, George Burnett, Daniel O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20020126014
    Abstract: A tone generating system 100 has a motion detection terminal 11 and a tone producing device. The Motion detection terminal 11 has a motion sensor MS which is attached to the back of a hand, and transmitting unit 11a. The Motion sensor MS detects a torsional motion of the hand to which it is attached. The Transmitting unit 11a transmits motion information on the torsional motion. A Tone producing device 10 receives the motion information, generates control information based on the motion information, and produces a tone on the basis of the control information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nishitani, Satoshi Usa, Eiko Kobayashi, Akira Miki
  • Publication number: 20020121966
    Abstract: A personal communication device comprises a housing, a receiver component, a processor and a multi-functional piezoelectric transducer. The transducer is mounted within the housing, is electrically connected to the processor, and produces mechanical vibrations in response to the electrical signals transmitted by the processor. These mechanical vibrations are over a broad range of frequencies and are of a force sufficient to generate a tactile alert, an audible alert, and audible sound over the audible frequency range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Stanley E. Woodard, Robert L. Fox, Robert G. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20020121965
    Abstract: A vehicle horn has data representing audio horn signals recorded in a memory. The horn includes a digital counter responsive to clock signals from an oscillator to sequentially read the horn audio data from the memory, provide the data to a D/A converter and the output audio signal to a speaker for broadcast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: WOLO MANUFACTURING CORP.
    Inventor: Joseph Solow
  • Publication number: 20020109586
    Abstract: A signaling device for marine vessels that is functionally and operationally similar to the directional devices (i.e., turn signal devices) found in automobiles including an actuating means selectively connectable to a sound source that is connected to a sound controller, and to a light source that is connected to a light controller. The actuating means of the present invention has the same look, feel, and is operated in the same manner as those provided in an automobile. The present invention thus reduces the dependency of the vessel operator on his or her memorization of the applicable required sound and optional light maneuvering signals for operation of the vessel in inland and international waters while at the same time helping to ensure that the required signals are given.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Evan A. Showell
  • Patent number: 6433677
    Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a siren for sounding a siren security alarm to supplement a horn security alarm responsive to operation of the horn in a predetermined pattern, such as by a security controller. The siren may not sound the siren security alarm responsive to selective occasional operation of the horn, such as by the user. The vehicle may include a horn being electrically operable, and a horn switch permitting selective occasional operation of the horn by a user. The vehicle security system may also include the security controller for operation of the horn in the predetermined pattern to sound the horn security alarm responsive to at least one security sensor, such as for a vehicle security breach. The vehicle security system can be readily installed, or the siren can be readily interfaced to an existing security system, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Publication number: 20020105414
    Abstract: An acoustic signal generator, and a method for generating an acoustic signal are described. The acoustic signal generator has a membrane that can oscillate, a deflection sensor for detecting any deflection of the membrane, an exciter configuration that is coupled to the membrane, and a power semiconductor switch with a load path that is connected to the exciter configuration. The switch has a drive connection. A drive circuit has a first connection connected to the drive connection of the power semiconductor switch and at which a drive signal is available. The drive circuit further has a second connection, to which the deflection sensor is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Christian Arndt
  • Publication number: 20020105431
    Abstract: A gift tag comprising a housing that is conveniently attachable to a gift and contains electronic circuitry that can be selectively activated to play a recorded soundtrack whenever the package and tag are moved following such activation. The gift tag housing preferably comprises two switches. The first switch is accessible from outside the housing and is selectively activated by the user whenever the gift is placed in a predetermined location. The second switch is a motion-activated switch disposed inside the housing that initiates operation of a playback circuit. The playback circuit desirably includes a direct current power supply, an electronic chip comprising a digital electronic memory device, a digital-to-analog converter and a speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Keith F. McNeese, Lonnie F. Gary, Stephen L. Fillipp, Andrew G. Avinger
  • Publication number: 20020101333
    Abstract: A siren has a housing, a motor, an acoustic actuator and a horn. Multiple vents are defined in the housing. The acoustic actuator is rotatably mounted in the housing and is rotated by the motor. The horn is mounted on the housing to provide a resonant effect. Accordingly, the air can be drawn into the housing through the vents by the acoustic actuator. The sound will generated by the impact between air and each block in the acoustic actuator and the interruption of the airflow by the blocks. Consequently, the process for assembling the siren is simplified. The sound quality of the siren will be consistent and improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: John Lu
  • Publication number: 20020101336
    Abstract: A vehicle security system 10 having a “panic” and/or “alarm tripping” feature which is adapted to allow the activation of a siren/horn/visual indicator in a pseudo-random or “human-like”0 manner. The system may comprise a portable system to protect an individual or non-automotive object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Code Alarm, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Stouffer, Michael Lindsey
  • Publication number: 20020097158
    Abstract: To provide wrist portable information apparatus promoting operability. A main body case is attached with a 12 o'clock side strap and a 6 o'clock side strap and includes a circuit block and an electrode terminal B constituting a portion of a contact mechanism. The circuit block is constituted by CPU, ROM, RAM, an input apparatus, a display device, a wireless circuit, a voice circuit, an informing apparatus and a portion of a strap opening and closing detecting circuit. CPU is connected with the wireless circuit and the voice circuit for voice speech. Further, CPU is connected with the display device for displaying data received by a wireless signal and displaying setting of the circuit block and the input apparatus for inputting change in the setting and instruction operation of the circuit block to CPU. Further, ROM of the circuit block is stored with data of various programs and character fonts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Atsushi Muto, Noboru Kawai
  • Publication number: 20020089416
    Abstract: An electronic siren emulates the sound of a mechanical siren using a dynamic algorithm and look up tables to generate a series of wave sets, each wave set including one fixed frequency wave and one variable frequency wave. A micro controller stores the algorithm and look up tables and executes the algorithm on command to produce a digital output emulating the mechanical siren. The digital output is converted to an analog signal that is applied to a class D amplifier. A switching power supply provides 70 VDC to the output stage of the amplifier. This arrangement produces 126 dB of sound pressure at a distance of 10 feet from the reverse folded horn speaker. The electronic siren generates little heat and requires only 10 amps of current from the vehicle electrical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: David P. Dornfeld
  • Publication number: 20020080011
    Abstract: An integrated outdoor lighting and sound systems comprising a plurality of outdoor landscaping lighting units, a wiring cable interconnecting the plurality of outdoor landscaping lighting units, a source of low-voltage energy connected to said wiring cable and a plurality of speaker assemblies, each of the speaker assemblies including a speaker, an audio amplifier for amplifying sound to the speaker, the audio amplifier further including leads connected to the wiring cable for supplying electrical power to the audio amplifier, and a battery storage electrically connected to the wiring cable for storing electrical energy and for supplying the electrical energy to the audio amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Charles E. Bucher
  • Publication number: 20020075135
    Abstract: Multi-functional electro-acoustic apparatus has a bending wave panel loudspeaker, an input device (11) forming part of the surface of the bending wave panel (5), and means (13) for providing force feedback to the input device. An electro-acoustic transducer (15) attached to the bending wave panel excites bending waves in the panel to produce an acoustic output. The panel (5) provides several functions and may be considered to be a hyper-functional surface (HFS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: NEW TRANSDUCERS LIMITED
    Inventor: Russ Bown
  • Publication number: 20020057193
    Abstract: A novel modular audible signaling device is provided capable of expanded functionality, such as the provision of visual signaling as well. A piezoelectric transducer audible alarm signaling device is provided with an assembly having a housing defining an interior holding a piezoelectric transducer, the housing having a first exterior portion for attachment to a surface and a second exterior portion extending beyond the surface, wherein the first exterior portion and the second exterior portion comprise at least one pair of communicating apertures whereby an electrical conductor may extend through the at least one pair of apertures to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: North American Capacitor, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Burnett, Brian S. Bush
  • Publication number: 20020053979
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing the transmission of information to users—via peripheral, or background, auditory cues—in response to the physical action of the users in a particular environment, e.g., the workplace. The system combines three known technologies: active badges, distributed systems, and digital audio delivered via portable wireless headphones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: ELIZABETH D. MYNATT, MARIBETH BACK, ROY WANT, JASON ELLIS, W. KEITH EDWARDS
  • Patent number: 6380847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control circuit of a vibrating membrane excited by a solenoid in series with a d.c. supply and a controlled switch. A capacitor is disposed across a series circuit including the solenoid and the switch associated with opening means in the vicinity of a zero crossing of the current in the inductance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: André Bremond, Philippe Merceron
  • Publication number: 20020030588
    Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, corporation of the State of Michigan
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Deline, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Patent number: 6351908
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for scaring deer and other unwanted animals away from agricultural crop production areas using unnatural audible and visual stimuli. The invention generally comprises a substantially hollow housing having a removable top portion mounted atop a rigid support frame member. The exterior of the housing includes a plurality of light and sound emitting devices attached thereto, in addition to at least two rotatably mounted elongated arms having a hollow interior portion with a flowable metal particulate contained therein for producing unnatural sounds upon rotation of such for scaring deer and other unwanted animals away. The interior portion of the housing includes an electronic controller in electrical connection with a power relay for energizing the aforementioned electrical components, along with a motor assembly for imparting rotational motion to the rotatably mounted elongated arms on the exterior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: James Wendell Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020017982
    Abstract: A switch's click tone output unit is provided, which includes: a switch unit having a switch and an operation signal generating means to generate an operation signal when the switch is operated; a click tone signal generating means to generate a click tone signal including click tone information according to generation of the operation signal; and a tone outputting means to output a click tone corresponding to the click tone information, wherein a tone outputting means to output a tone corresponding to an audio tone signal generated by an audio unit and including audio tone information is applied as the tone outputting means to output the click tone. A switch's click tone outputting method includes a step of outputting a click tone from a tone outputting means for an audio system when a switch is turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishiyama, Fumie Mukasa
  • Patent number: 6342831
    Abstract: Electronic apparatus incorporating a loudspeaker, wherein the loudspeaker comprises a bending wave panel member having a user-accessible surface, an electro-acoustic vibration exciter on the panel member to introduce bending wave energy into the panel member in response to an electrical signal applied thereto, and at least one touch sensitive area on or associated with the said user-accessible surface and responsive to user contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: New Transducers Limited
    Inventor: Henry Azima
  • Publication number: 20010043144
    Abstract: The battery powered or 120VAC powered environmental condition detector of the present invention is designed to provide an early warning of the presence of an environmental condition (smoke or carbon monoxide gas or natural gas or propane gas or any multiple combination of these offending agents) to persons in remote areas of a building. The detector sensing the environmental condition emits an audible tonal pattern alarm, while transmitting a radio signal directly to other environmental condition detectors to activate their alarms and to activate an electronically stored human voice recording (or synthesized voice) that indicates the location of the environmental condition detector sensing the environmental condition, or the type of environmental condition, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: GARY J. MORRIS
  • Patent number: 6320513
    Abstract: A dirty filter indicator device adapted for use with a furnace, an air conditioning assembly and the like. As the filter collects dirt and dust, the overall airflow is restricted causing more air to flow through the whistle device. This increased air flow through the device alerts the occupants to the need to change the air filter. The device has a canopy cover to prevent large dust particles from clogging the device and an adjustable nozzle element which can be adjusted to begin whistling according to the degree of dirtiness of the filter by cutting portions of the distal end of the whistle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald G. Timmons, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6317045
    Abstract: The reproducing device is prevented from being taken out because the reproducing device becomes controllable by operation of the device only when a visitor who borrowed the reproducing device enters through a specified entrance and that the reproducing device becomes uncontrollable by operation of the device when the visitor has come out of the exit. When a receiving means of the reproducing device receives an ID code signal for enabling control by a command from an operation means of the device, the reproducing device becomes controllable by a command from the operation means. When the receiving means receives another ID code signal for disabling control by a command from the operation means, control by a command from the operation means is disabled and a reproducing means of the reproducing device outputs voice information requesting a return of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuuichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6310551
    Abstract: An alpine rescue alert assembly operated by a ski patrol member. The rescue alert assembly adapted for mounting between a pair of toboggan handles pivotally attached to the front of a toboggan. The toboggan used for carrying an injured skier. The alert assembly includes a battery received in a battery tray attached to a side of one of the handles. The assembly also includes a pole mounting base. The pole mounting base rotatably mounted on a pivot pin ring. The pivot pin ring is attached to a ring bracket mounted on and expending upwardly from an assembly brace. A lower end of a pivot pole is releasably attached to the pole mounting base. The pole mounting base allows the pole to be raised from a lowered horizontal position upwardly to a vertical position when the alert assembly is in use. An upper end of the pivot pole includes a strobe light and a siren mounted thereon. The strobe light and siren include electrical wiring connected to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: David G. Croft
  • Patent number: 6310540
    Abstract: A microcontroller is used to drive a piezoelectric transducer. Certain pins on the microcontroller are indicative of selection signals. The selector can be activated either by a user directly (e.g., by pushing buttons), by an offboard actuator (e.g., another microcontroller), or by any method known in the art for activating switches. In one embodiment, an output pin of the microcontroller acts as output for a high-low oscillator. The oscillation amplitude toggles between 0 and 5 volts in a square wave fashion. The output pin is coupled to the base of a bipolar junction transistor so that the transistor turns on and off as a switch in response to the high-low oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Yosemite Investiment Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Burnett, Robert L. Leonard, Jr.