Electronic Patents (Class 340/384.7)
  • Patent number: 7079014
    Abstract: A digital sampling playback doorbell system has two or more doorbell buttons and a central unit with solid-state memory storage for multiple digitally sampled sound files. User assignment means are provided for assigning a particular sound file to a particular doorbell button. The digital sampling playback doorbell m has computer interface of RS-232, or USB, or infrared wireless connection type and relies on computer installed software to download digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive to the memory of the digital sampling playback doorbell system central unit. The digitally sampled sound files stored in the computer hard drive are obtained by accessing a web site through the Internet or capturing sound through an audio computer connection to a microphone, CD player or radio broadcast using software resident in the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Scott Steinetz, Mike Palazzi
  • Patent number: 7071816
    Abstract: An audible alert device includes a pulse width modulated signal generator. The audible alert device and method for manufacturing the audible alert device also provides resonant frequency and decibel peaking capabilities. Resonant frequency and decibel peaking routines may conducted at the time of manufacture, upon startup of the alarm or during operation of the alarm. The audible alert device may be programmed during a manufacturing step to exhibit a selected operation mode so that one circuit may be manufactured and programmed to operate in any of a number of operation modes or device configurations. A programming station allows an audible alert device to be programmed during a manufacturing step to exhibit a selected operation mode. Programming may occur by connection of the audible alert device to the programming device by one or more audible alert device power conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Electronic Controls Company
    Inventors: Tony J. Tewell, Tracy C. Lowder, James E. Barber
  • Patent number: 7038575
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sound generating apparatus, including an article adapted to be worn on a user's hand, and an electronic assembly attached to the article. It further includes structure for generating a sound within the electronic assembly. Still further, it includes an actuator for energizing the electronic assembly to emit the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Jan A. Frohman, James L. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 7023325
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Edwards Systems Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo S. Arcaria
  • Patent number: 7006001
    Abstract: A speech or phrase emitting celebration device, in the nature of a piñata, includes a longitudinal axial channel within which is placed a complementally sized integrated circuit (“IC”) including a library of pre-programmed voice chips having phrases selected by random. The circuit is responsive to impacts or shocks upon a fanciful housing of the device sufficient to actuate a shock sensor switch thereof. A speaker, in electrical communication with the circuit board of the integrated circuit, is in mechanical communication with a speaker at an end of the channel so that the emitted phrase may be heard by those in the vicinity of the device. A hollow cylindrical sensor may be disposed within the interior channel to provide appropriate input to the shock sensor switch, or a more sensitive discrete element sensor may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Mark A. Estrada, Robert A. Sherwood, Roy A. Griffin, III
  • Patent number: 6992570
    Abstract: A sound producing device adapted for use in a public or private rest room. The device is located within the room, preferably mounted on a wall of a cubicle in the rest room and can be activated to produce a sound upon a person entering the cubicle such that the sound so produced covers up the normal bodily noises of a person using the rest room. In one embodiment, there are a plurality of cubicles with a single sound producing device that emanates sound into each of the cubicles and there is a sensor associated with at least substantially all of the plurality of cubicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Linda A. Weinstein Ide
  • Patent number: 6906626
    Abstract: An improved battery operated combination burglar alarm and door chime mounted to the inside of a door from where the alarm and chime modes are selected. A dead bolt slide cooperates with a jamb plate fastened to the door frame to manually arm the device from the inside with the door closed. Opening the door activates the dead bolt and sounds the alarm. A magnetically sensitive switch within the device cooperates with a magnet fastened to the jamb plate and further cooperates with a mode selection switch to effect either the chime mode or delayed alarm mode when the door is opened. The delayed alarm mode is activated with the door open to permit pre-arming the device followed by automatic arming of the device when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Raymond J. Novotny
  • Patent number: 6897779
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nishitani, Satoshi Usa, Eiko Kobayashi, Akira Miki
  • Patent number: 6897766
    Abstract: This invention includes a square wave signal generating circuit 20 for generating a square wave signal whose frequency changes; a MOS transistor 12 which is turned on/off on the basis of the square wave signal to supply a driving current to a vibrator 14; and a frequency shift detecting circuit 24 for detecting a frequency shift between the square wave signal from the square wave generating circuit and a resonance frequency of the vibrator. The shift in the frequency generated by the square wave generating circuit is trimmed by a signal detected by the frequency shift detecting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadao Mandai, Kenji Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20040263322
    Abstract: The present invention provides an alerting tone that daily life noises cannot mask, and that is therefore optimum to both young and elderly people. Through specifying various household activities performed in a home, measuring and analyzing frequency of the relevant operating noises (daily life noises) and quantitatively defining the actual status of background noises in a home where electric appliances are being used, alerting devices output an alerting tone having a predominant frequency substantially in a range lower than 3 kHz but not lower than 1.5 kHz, as an alerting tone designed in consideration of the daily life noises, and having the optimum frequency and sounding pattern for various apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Naoko Onaru, Mika Mizutani, Masaharu Matsuoka, Nirou Komura, Kazuko Nishida, Yoshio Tsuchida, Akinori Komatsubara
  • Patent number: 6831552
    Abstract: A vocal container cap includes a cap portion and a vocal assembly received in the cap portion. When the cap portion is fully closed onto a container mouth, an elastic switch associated with a movable member of the vocal assembly is pressed against a contact on a circuit board supported on a fixed member of the vocal assembly to disable the vocal container cap. And when the cap portion is twisted to loosen from the container mouth, a spring lifts the movable member to separate the elastic switch from the contact and thereby actuates the vocal container cap to sound or voice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Ted Lin
  • Publication number: 20040189445
    Abstract: An audible alert device includes a pulse width modulated signal generator. The audible alert device and method for manufacturing the audible alert device also provides resonant frequency and decibel peaking capabilities. Resonant frequency and decibel peaking routines may conducted at the time of manufacture, upon startup of the alarm or during operation of the alarm. The audible alert device may be programmed during a manufacturing step to exhibit a selected operation mode so that one circuit may be manufactured and programmed to operate in any of a number of operation modes or device configurations. A programming station allows an audible alert device to be programmed during a manufacturing step to exhibit a selected operation mode. Programming may occur by connection of the audible alert device to the programming device by one or more audible alert device power conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Tony J. Tewell, Tracy C. Lowder, James E. Barber
  • Patent number: 6788188
    Abstract: A multi-function electronic warning horn system comprises a couple of horns (1, 2) and a microprocessor (6), integrated in an electronic module (16) comprising a voltage adjuster (13), an oscillator (17), power stages (3, 4) and a control circuit (7). Horns (1, 2) are controlled by either the push-button (5) of the steering wheel for the traditional function of acoustic signaling or by a coded signal transmitted to microprocessor (6) by the “intelligent” electronic unit or onboard computer of the vehicle for the function of buzzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Fabbrica Italiana Accumulatori Motocarri
    Inventor: Alain Sague
  • Patent number: 6778078
    Abstract: An emergency signaling system with integrated load management functionality is provided wherein the load management circuitry is alternatively operable in programming and operating modes. The system includes a keypad, control head, control unit and a plurality of signaling features selectively activated by the control unit in the operating mode. The load management circuitry automatically sheds loads from the signaling system in response to an indication from the electrical system powering the signaling system that an energy drain is occurring at the energy source that will cause disruption to other more important systems—e.g., the ignition system in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Jer Han, Robert Spangler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6750759
    Abstract: When a dividing ratio data is written in a counter/timer register 530, a counter/timer circuit 534 divides a frequency of an oscillation signal of the oscillator 532 as much as the dividing ratio data. When an output enabling data is written in the port B register 536, a variable gain control signal is output from an envelope producing circuit 538. A variable gain control circuit 540 changes amplitude of a dividing signal as much as the value responsive to a voltage of the variable gain control signal. When an output disabling data is written in the port B register 536, the variable gain control signal is not output from the envelope producing circuit 538. The variable gain control circuit 540 stops the amplitude control of the dividing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Infrontia Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 6693515
    Abstract: A sequenced audio help label having a plurality of recorded audio messages that are played back in a predetermined sequence, one at a time, in response to a user activating a button or trigger to signal play of the next message. The label may be affixed to e.g. consumer electronic devices as a quick-start help reference system for users. In some embodiments, the messages are pre-recorded, but, in others, the user may record the messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Edward O. Clapper
  • Patent number: 6686833
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Chiemi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6664887
    Abstract: A device and system for determining the status of the contents of a container by measuring the period of time which has elapsed since the opening of the container. The present invention provides a flexible mechanism for enabling the user to determine the usability or efficacy of the contents of the container, since such contents typically experience a higher rate of degradation once the container has been opened. Furthermore, the manufacturer is able to provide information related to the expiration date of an unopened container at the time of manufacture, but cannot determine the time at which the container is opened, and hence the expiration date after opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: D. N. N. Roekoe Inc.
    Inventor: Meir Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6650232
    Abstract: A sounder control system, including a converter circuit for converting a drive signal to a signal for activating a sounder and a drive circuit for generating the drive signal. The drive circuit includes a microprocessor for receiving at least one input signal representative of one of a plurality of control parameters for the sounder control system and for adjusting the drive signal on the basis of the at least one input signal, such that the sounder exhibits a predetermined sound pressure level characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Friedrich Strohbeck, Roderick John Pettit
  • Patent number: 6603392
    Abstract: A driver circuit for an alarm tone transducer includes a signal generator for generating a first signal, a converter for converting the first signal into a second signal for the alarm tone transducer, a battery as a power supply for the circuit, and a circuit for raising the voltage to increase the voltage supply for the signal generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ross Richard Ramm
  • Publication number: 20030128102
    Abstract: An electronic sound generation device is adapted to start arithmetic processing with a start signal. When the arithmetic processing is not completed in a period between two sampling signals of a constant period, a start signal for starting next arithmetic processing signal for the next period is output after the completion of the on-going arithmetic processing. The electronic sound generation device is also adapted to hold resultant data of arithmetic processing, which is output in synchronism with the sampling signal. An address for designating waveform data in a waveform memory is calculated upon the address arithmetic parameters received from a digital signal processor (DSP) having a sum-of-products arithmetic circuit. Using fractional parts of the addresses, the data read out from the waveform memory are interpolated, and supplied to the DSP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yutaka Nakamura
  • 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: 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: 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
  • 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: 6505734
    Abstract: A container with sound and light emitting function includes a containing body, a handle attached to the containing body and an electric circuit. The electric circuit includes speakers, light emitting equipments, two projecting contacts and an IC. The light emitting equipments are attached to outer side of the containing body. The projecting contacts pass through a respective through hole of the containing body into the inner space of the containing body so that same can get into contact with each other electrically to complete the electric circuit for the IC to activate the speakers and the light emitting equipments to send out sound and light when drinks are poured into the containing body to submerge both of the projecting contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Wea Bor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Lai Su
  • Patent number: 6489885
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Wolo Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph Solow
  • 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: 6433673
    Abstract: A receiver in a communication system is coupled to a transmission channel for receiving communication signals transmitted over a transmission channel. The receiver includes signal receiving electronics for receiving communication signals directed to the receiver. The receiver also includes a controller, responsive to the receipt of a communication signal by the signal receiving electronics, to provide an enunciator enable signal, and a clock signal generator for generating a clock signal. The receiver further includes an enunciator coupled to the clock signal generator, for producing an electronic sound signal. The enunciator includes a volume control module for receiving a first periodic signal and providing a volume control signal. The enunciator also includes a divider for receiving the clock signal and providing a corresponding output signal having a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the clock signal frequency divided by a divider value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Yin, Romy Reyes, Kenneth Scott Walley
  • Patent number: 6426695
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at a volume control for an automobile turn signal indicator. The volume control allows the driver to raise or lower the volume of the clicking sound that is produced when a turn signal indicator is activated. As such, the driver is able to increase the volume of the audible clicking sound when operating in a environment having a high background noise (i.e. a radio or traffic) or when the driver is hearing impaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventors: JoAnne Pagano, Jeffrey T. Helvey, Robert Sokohl, Albert J. Fasulo
  • Patent number: 6414906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic game caller comprising a means for receiving a power source in conductive connection with a digital recording circuit; the digital recording circuit in conductive connection with at least one digital vocalization storage medium; the digital vocalization storage medium in conductive connection with a user programmable microcircuit, wherein the programmable microcircuit is encoded with instructions for a predetermined sequence of playback and a predetermined pitch, tempo and volume, the programmable microcircuit in conductive connection with a digital playback circuit; the digital playback circuit in conductive connection with at least one digital playback altering circuit; the digital playback altering circuits in conductive connection with a first amplifier in conductive connection with a first speaker; a transmitter in conductive connection with the digital playback circuit; a remote receiver in conductive connection with a second amplifier in conductive connect
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Art Gaspari
  • Patent number: 6414589
    Abstract: An apparatus for activating a doorbell chime and for remotely controlling an auxiliary doorbell chime includes a push button unit responsive to manual actuation for activating the doorbell chime and generating a radio frequency wave and a remote unit responsive to the radio frequency wave for generating an auxiliary acoustic frequency wave. The push button unit has a manually actuated switch assembly with a first pair of normally open switch contacts adapted to be connected in series with the doorbell chime and a source of electrical power and a second pair of normally open switch contacts, a radio frequency transmitter connected in series with the second pair of switch contacts for generating a radio frequency output signal and a first antenna connected to the transmitter and responsive to the radio frequency output signal for generating the radio frequency wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Dimango Products Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Angott, Thomas G. Xydis
  • Patent number: 6384730
    Abstract: Eye-protective alarm. When a user reads, writes or keys with a computer, the photosensitive resistor of the alarm can sense the illumination of the environment and detect insufficient safe visual distance and even detect too long working time and in time emit a warning music to inform the user of these situations. The eye-protective alarm includes a circuit structure including a system processor, illumination sensor, weak current detector, time controller, alarm informing circuit, light indicator module and several switches which are serially connected. The circuit structure via wires is connected to a cell box, an AC power socket and a distance sensor. The photosensitive resistor detects whether the illumination of the environment, safe visual distance and working time meet the preset standard values. If not, the system controller triggers the light indicator module and the alarm informing circuit to play the warning music so as to remind the user to improve these situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Bing-Wen Chen
  • Publication number: 20020044046
    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: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chiemi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6362726
    Abstract: A sounder assembly comprising a housing, means for providing a sounder plate; a base for attaching the sounder assembly to a support surface, and an electrical sounder mounted generally within the housing, the arrangement being such that, in use, the sounder plate is spaced from the housing and is located between the housing and the support surface, with the electrical sounder facing the sounder plate such that sound is generated towards the sounder plate and is directed away from the housing so that the sound emerges generally laterally of the sounder plate, and wherein the sounder plate is concave and the center of the electrical sounder is displaced from the center of the sounder housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Fulleon Limited
    Inventor: Kieron Chapman
  • Patent number: 6356185
    Abstract: An automobile sound processor containing prerecorded or synthesized sound signatures of vintage automobiles and motorcycles or other sounds, along with other audio processing components, is integrated with an automobile's on-board stereo sound system. A mode selector allows the user to select the desired classic car sound signature to be replicated. Sensors or transducers located in the engine compartment measure engine RPM and manifold vacuum. The sensors communicate instantaneous measurements of engine RPM and manifold vacuum to the sound processor and other audio processing components. The output of the sound processor is a composite audio replication of a selected sound signature. The sound signature is reproduced through the vehicle's on-board stereo sound system and modulated by the driving dynamics of the driver's car, as if the car were producing these sounds by responding to acceleration and deceleration dynamics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventors: Jay Sterling Plugge, Jason Carl Plugge
  • Publication number: 20010052848
    Abstract: A personal security system including a base unit which communicates emergency voice information to a surrounding area through and amplified speaker/siren system. The security system includes a held-held remote “panic button” unit to allow activation of an amplified call for help. The unit uses an RF transmitter and receiver to trigger a digitally recorded voice/siren when the panic button is pushed. Once triggered, the pre-recorded voice and or siren alarm will sound continuously until positively reset. The base unit of the present invention is suitable for installation inside a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Vernon Lewis
  • Patent number: 6329908
    Abstract: An addressable speaker system in which a plurality of selectively activated speakers are distributed throughout a predefined area and are connected to a central processing unit. The system contains multiple RF antennas that are capable of broadcasting and receiving radio frequency signals to individuals wearing radio frequency identification (RFID) badges. The system users the RF transmission to locate an intended radio frequency identification badge and selectively broadcasts an audio message to a speaker located closest to the intended recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Sandor A. Frecska
  • Publication number: 20010045889
    Abstract: A network-based program is provided for generating sleep inducing sounds at a user location. The program is accessed through a networked computer, web-based CRT, Palm Pilot, cellular telephone or pager. Alarm clock or visual components are also optionally provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: James D. Hooberman
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 6288633
    Abstract: An actuable audible display (10) for mounting on the handlebars (12) of a child's vehicle such as a bicycle includes a visual image (15) depicted on a plate-like member (16) affixed to the handlebars and an actuable sound unit (19) mounted on the back of the plate-like member, which can be actuated by the rider of the bicycle to produce audible sounds that are commonly associated with what is depicted in the visual image. The plate-like member (16) has a generally trapezoidal shape corresponding to the shape of the handlebars, and is securable to the handlebars by looping self-locking ties (38) through holes (28, 30, 32, 34) in the plate-like member. The sound unit (19) is actuated by a button (54) which causes an electronics package (54) to retrieve from storage a recorded sound and to drive a loudspeaker 58 to produce a corresponding audible sound effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Rand International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Volpe, Steven Goldmeier
  • Publication number: 20010017586
    Abstract: When a dividing ratio data is written in a counter/timer register 530, a counter/timer circuit 534 divides a frequency of an oscillation signal of the oscillator 532 as much as the dividing ratio data. When an output enabling data is written in the port B register 536, a variable gain control signal is output from an envelope producing circuit 538. A variable gain control circuit 540 changes amplitude of a dividing signal as much as the value responsive to a voltage of the variable gain control signal. When an output disabling data is written in the port B register 536, the variable gain control signal is not output from the envelope producing circuit 538. The variable gain control circuit 540 stops the amplitude control of the dividing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 6262654
    Abstract: Device for identifying multiple two-conductor alarm wires originating from a common location but terminating at individual remote locations. This device is utilized at the common location by connecting a plurality of test leads and common leads to wires to be identified. User then visits the remote locations where alarm wires connected to test leads and common leads are suspected to terminate. Device emits frequency pulses along connected wires. Using an inductance amplifier probe user can locate and verify that the wire at the remote location is indeed connected to the device. If necessary the user can find the wire it buried within the wall and when found, strip back insulation of the same terminating end of alarm wire and momentarily join the two conductors together. The result is a number of audible beeps sounding from a piezoelectric transducer from the device letting user, who is at the remote location, know which test lead is connected to the wires that were momentarily joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Jimmie Lee Vernon Judd
  • Patent number: 6259797
    Abstract: A metal base assembly for speaker that combines with a magnetic circuit to produce a fluctuating magnetic field which drives an acoustic diaphragm into vibration to produce a warning alarm. The metal base assembly comprises a top pad, a middle pad, a bottom plate, positioning rivets, a magnetic plate and a metal plate. The positioning rivets couple the top pad, the middle pad and the bottom plate together forming the metal base assembly with a recess cavity for accommodating the magnetic plate and the metal plate. Under influence of a magnetic force generated by a circular magnetic field generator, an acoustic diaphragm inside the speaker is made to vibrate rapidly producing a high tone warning alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Alertek Corporation
    Inventor: Sin-Kai Hu
  • Patent number: 6255937
    Abstract: A notifying device adapted to give notification with both sound and vibration includes a notifying unit 2 which comprises a first vibrator drivable at an audio-frequency with a first drive signal for producing sound waves, and a second vibrator drivable with a second drive signal at a frequency, up to several hundred of hertz, lower than the driving frequency of the first vibrator for producing a perceivable vibration. A notifying signal generating circuit 5 is connected to the unit 2 via a switch 59.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihide Hamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6225908
    Abstract: A double-layer container equipped with temperature warning device comprises a double-layer container and a temperature sensor device, wherein the temperature sensor device is disposed in a segregated store space formed at the bottom end of the double-layer container for detecting temperature of food or soup loaded in the container. A detected signal is transmitted from a temperature sensor to a microprocessor for judging to lighten a specified LED and meanwhile drive a speaker to play a corresponding song or rhythm for easy discrimination of the temperature range of the food or the soup and thereby to protect a user against being scalded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: Shu-Finn Lee, Chih-Lun Chen
  • Patent number: 6211774
    Abstract: An electronic horn for mimicking a multi-frequency tone includes a wave signal generator for generating an input signal and a complex signal generator for generating a complex signal across a transducer to mimic the sound and sound intensity of an electromechanical horn. The complex signal generator produces a complex output signal which may derive from a plurality of product signals, each product signal being derived by processing the input signal. A first product signal drives the transducer through a full bridge motor driver circuit and a second product signal is converted to a control signal by the signal processor circuit. The control signal is used to control the full bridge motor driver circuit to drive the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Electronic Controls Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Steiner
  • Patent number: 6201470
    Abstract: A device usable in a plurality of environments such as in buildings, transport vehicles, pedestrian aids and sirens for producing a locating sound of broad band noise. The broad band noise is formed from frequencies emitted simultaneously within a human hearing range. An alerting sound may also be emitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sound Alert Limited
    Inventor: Deborah Jane Withington
  • Patent number: 6175297
    Abstract: A method and circuit for emulating a contact breaker in trumpets having an inductor coil powered from a battery through a power driver device. The method includes obtaining the derivative of the current value flowing through the inductor of the trumpet coil, sensing a change in the slope of this derivative, and turning off a circuit portion of the driver device upon a negative slope being sensed. The circuit portion is turned back on with a transient of predetermined duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Rosario Scollo