Hearing Protectors, Electrical Patents (Class 381/72)
  • Patent number: 7317802
    Abstract: Active-noise-reduction (ANR) headsets protect the hearing of their users from loud persistent noises, such as airplane engines and construction equipment. These headsets generally include ear speakers and special circuitry to cancel or suppress certain types of loud persistent noises. One problem the present inventor recognized with active headsets, particularly those manufactured in mass quantities, concerns the performance variations that stem from inevitable variations in the fit of their earcups against heads of their users. For example, in putting on and taking off these headsets, some users experience low-pitched noises. Accordingly, the inventor devised, among other things, headsets that include front-cavity vents for equalizing the pressure between a front cavity portion of an earcup and an ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: LightSPEED Aviation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Jon Wurtz
  • Patent number: 7308106
    Abstract: A tailored active noise control design method is presented that provides for improved noise attenuation performance for each individual user and improved hearing protection in a specified noise field as a function of a specified metric indicative of a noise reduction objection. Characteristics of individual users, behavior of the associated passive hearing protection, and the external noise environment are all concurrently accounted for in an automatic method for designing an active controller that limits the exposed noise level for a specific individual. The controller manufacturing process and implementation may be performed in-situ for each individual automatically. The design method may also account for actuator limitations and can be applied equally well to any passive/active noise control devices including headphones and earplugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders, Andre Goldstein, William T. Baumann
  • Publication number: 20070253571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hearing protection in an ambient environment of a sound reproduction device, includes steps of: receiving analog audio signals from an audio signal source via a connector; converting the analog audio signals to digital audio signals; sampling the digital audio signals to obtain a plurality of sampled amplitude values; computing an actual audio energy of the digital audio signals within a predetermined time period setting the sampled amplitude values sampled within the predetermined time period as parameters; collecting ambient noises to compute a noise level; obtaining an audio reference energy according to the noise level; comparing the actual audio energy with the audio reference energy; generating a hearing protect signal if the actual audio energy reaches the audio reference energy; and changing a current gain value or emitting reminding information, thus, protecting listeners' hearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bing Li, Xiao-Guang Li, Wen-Sheng Tsai, Kuan-Hong Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20070253572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hearing protection in an ambient environment of a sound reproduction device, includes steps of: receiving digital audio signals from an audio signal source via a connector; sampling the digital audio signals to obtain a plurality of sampled amplitude values; computing an actual audio energy of the digital audio signals within a predetermined time period setting the sampled amplitude values sampled within the predetermined time period as parameters; collecting ambient noises to compute a noise level; obtaining a reference audio energy corresponding to the noise level; comparing the actual audio energy with the reference audio energy; generating a hearing protect signal if the actual audio energy reaches the reference audio energy; and reducing a current gain value or emitting reminding information when receiving the hearing protect signal, thus, protecting users' hearing. The present invention also provides a corresponding sound reproduction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bing Li, Xiao-Guang Li, Wen-Sheng Tsai, Kuan-Hong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7289636
    Abstract: An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Saunders, Michael A. Vaudrey, Andre Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20070195970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing protection method, includes steps of: obtaining digital audio signals from an audio signal source; sampling the digital audio signals and obtaining a plurality of amplitude values; calculating an audio energy within a predetermined time period according to the amplitude values sampled in the predetermined time period; determining whether the audio energy reaches a predetermined value; and generating a hearing protect signal when the audio energy reaches the predetermined value, thereby protecting users' hearing. The present invention also provides a corresponding sound output device for hearing protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rong-Hwa Ding, Ho-Leung Cheung, Kuan-Hong Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20070195969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing protection method of a sound output device, includes steps of: obtaining analog audio signals from an audio signal source via a plug of the sound output device; converting the analog audio signals to generate digital audio signals; sampling the digital audio signals to obtain a plurality of amplitude values of the sampled digital audio signals; calculating an audio energy in every predetermined time period according to the amplitude values sampled in the predetermined time period; determining whether the audio energy reaches a predetermined value; generating a hearing protect signal if the audio energy reaches the predetermined value; and in response to the hearing protect signal, automatically reducing a current gain value or outputting prompt information, thus, preventing hearing impairment of users. The present invention also provides a corresponding sound output device for hearing protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rong-Hwa Ding, Ho-Leung Cheung, Kuan-Hong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7248706
    Abstract: An audio-signal detecting device to be disposed in a user's earmuffs for protecting his eardrums against noise of high-decibel level is comprised of a receiving unit, a first audio-signal amplifying unit, a second audio-signal amplifying unit, a peak-detecting and inverting unit, a first amplifying unit, a peak-detecting unit, a first switch, a delay unit, a second amplifying unit, a second switch, a third switch, an adjusting unit, a third audio-signal amplifying unit, and an output unit. In keeping communicable with outside world, when a noise greater than a predetermined decibel level is detected, this device is supposed to attenuate or reject it temporarily, then, after an RC-constant time period, recover to communicate automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Ching Kuo Chuang
  • Publication number: 20070154029
    Abstract: A combination hearing protector and illumination provider, including a right cup, a left cup, a band, a first light source, and a second light source. The right cup covers the right ear of a user. The left cup covers the left ear of the user. The band connects the right cup to the left cup and is worn over the top of the head of the user. The first light source is operatively connected to one of the right cup and the left cup and faces in a direction that is one of forward of the user and rearward of the user. The second light source is operatively connected to one of the right cup and the left cup and faces in a direction that is the other of forward of the user and rearward of the user. The first light source and the second light source illuminate in opposite directions to each other so as to illuminate forward of the user and rearward of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventor: Theodore J. Werner
  • Patent number: 7231037
    Abstract: An output reducing system for a telephone system, e.g., implemented in a headset, includes an input line and an output line, wherein the input line transmits an incoming signal to an output transducer and the output line transmits an outgoing signal from an input transducer, and a compressor system is provided in the input line for reducing the output signal level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Sennheiser Communications A/S
    Inventors: Niels Christian Steen Hansen, Ole N. Christensen
  • Patent number: 7177433
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the audibility of sound from a loudspeaker located close to an ear, comprises the steps of detecting ambient acoustic noise arriving from other sound sources using a transducer that provides corresponding ambient sound signals, inverting the polarity of said ambient sound signals and combining them with the signals being fed to the loudspeaker to reduce the audibility of said ambient acoustic noise, and passing said ambient sound signals through a filter having a predetermined average transfer function that compensates for the spectral modification of sounds travelling from the loudspeaker to the ear caused by the proximity of the ear of a listener in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Alastair Sibbald
  • Patent number: 7151835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and device for monitoring noise received by individuals operating in noisy environments. The device comprises a substantially credit card size housing and can be worn as a “badge”. The device includes a monitoring means for monitoring sound, and a display for displaying various noise parameter values, including a percentage value of cumulative noise dose received by the device. The device includes an input key which enables a user to select one of a plurality types of hearing protection equipment, so the user can indicate to the device the hearing protection equipment they are wearing. This enables the device to monitor compliance. The device also includes an input key enabling the user to acknowledge when an unallowable noise dose level has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventors: Al Yonovitz, Leslie Yonovitz
  • Patent number: 7110551
    Abstract: An improved active noise reduction system which has a transducer, an electro-acoustic sensing means including adjacent to the transducer, an attenuation means with electro-acoustic sensing means to attenuate selected sound frequencies, said system utilizing both feed forward control means and feedback control means comprising a heteronomous electronic controller with algorithmic transfer function and said controller being individually operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Richard Saunders, Michael Allen Vaudrey
  • Patent number: 7103188
    Abstract: An active noise cancellation system includes a series of features for more effective cancellation, greater reliability, and improved stability. A particular feature adapted for headset systems includes locating a residual microphone radially offset from the center of a sound generator to detect a signal more similar to that incident upon the eardrum of the user. In addition, an open back headset design includes perforations on the side of the headset instead of the back, so that the perforations are less susceptible to inadvertent blockage. The system also includes a mechanism for detecting changes in the acoustic characteristics of the environment that may be caused, for example, by pressure exerted upon the earpieces, and that may destabilize the cancellation system. The system automatically responds to such changes, for example, by reducing the gain or the frequency response of the system to preserve stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Owen Jones
  • Patent number: 7054450
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and a system (100) for ensuring audio safety in an audio device (110). The system includes a processor (112), a sensor (116), an analog safety circuit (114) and a first feedback loop (117). The processor is programmed to output an acoustic output signal (310, 410), the sensor monitors the acoustic output signal and the analog safety circuit is coupled to an output of the processor. The first feedback loop feeds the monitored acoustic signal from the sensor to the analog safety circuit. The analog safety circuit adjusts from a first level (312, 412) to a second level (316, 414) the acoustic output signal when the acoustic output signal exceeds a predetermined safety threshold (314, 420) such that the audio device has an output capacity that is capable of driving a sound pressure level of the acoustic output signal above the predetermined safety threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. McIntosh, David B. Cranfill
  • Patent number: 7039195
    Abstract: Ear terminal comprising a sealing section (2) for arrangement in the meatus (3) of a human, comprising: an inner microphone (M2) having a sound inlet (S2) for being directed, directed into the meatus, an electronics unit (11) coupled the inner microphone (M2) and also being coupled to a power supply (12) as well as an outer microphone (M1) for measuring acoustic signals in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Nacre AS
    Inventors: Jarle Svean, Svein Sørsdal, Odd Kr. Ø. Pettersen, Georg E. Ottesen, Sverre Stensby
  • Patent number: 7006650
    Abstract: A device for attenuating sound on the human ear, especially for preventing sleep disturbances caused by noise and other sounds. The device for attenuating sound has good damping properties and also ensures that certain alarm sounds are heard in spite of the sound-attenuating measure. To this end, a radio receiver with means for converting radio signals received from a radio station into audio signals is integrated into at least one of two sound-attenuating ear plugs. The radio station is connected to at least one alarm-sounding means and/or at least one sound-receiving means in order to convert a specific alarm and/or at least one specific sound into a radio signal that can be received by a radio receiver as it occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Lars Wild
  • Patent number: 7003123
    Abstract: A volume controlling system and method for regulating the output volume of a headset in order to protect the hearing ability of a user. The system includes a volume sensor/controller for monitoring the volume output of the headset by adjusting the volume to be within a predetermined threshold. A warning indicator indicates to the user or a person monitoring the listening user that the volume is set too high. The method include the steps of comparing the received audio signal to the predetermined volume threshold and adjusting the volume accordingly. The method also includes the steps of notifying that the volume has been set at too high a level by providing a warning signal, such as an audible or visual alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Dimitri Kanevsky, Wlodek W. Zadrozny, Sarah H. Basson
  • Patent number: 6961436
    Abstract: A noise-protecting arrangement for ear protector includes an audio-frequency receiving unit, a first audio-frequency amplifying unit, a volume control amplifying unit, a current amplifying unit, a gain control signal unit, an impedance matching unit, a gain control unit, a gain adjusting unit, a volume regulating unit, a second audio-frequency amplifying unit, and an audio-frequency output unit. The noise-protecting arrangement automatically attenuates a noise that enters into the ear protector and is higher than a predetermined dB level, and thereby protects a user's eardrum. The ear protector with this noise-protecting arrangement is suitable for use in environments in which various machine tools, such as drills, millers, lathes and the like are operated, firing training is performed, high-pressure air horn, vehicles, and aircrafts are maintained, or other types of high-frequency noises exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: David Han
  • Patent number: 6941161
    Abstract: Improper microphone position and speech level on a telephone headset is sensed by comparison of a speech envelope to multiple signal threshold levels. A first threshold is used to determine whether a headset user is talking. A second threshold is used to determine whether a signal level at the microphone is sufficiently strong for proper communication. An indicator is activated when the user is talking and the signal level is too weak. Typically, a weak signal is caused by a mispositioned microphone or a user talking too softly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc
    Inventors: James F. Bobisuthi, Robert J. Bernardi, Steven F. Burson, Lawrence W. Gollbach, Allen Woo
  • Patent number: 6898290
    Abstract: An improved personal noise attenuation system which attenuates both tonal and broadband sound and which includes a spatially adjustable acousto-electric sensor and attenuation means including both feedback and feed forward components so as to provide a heteronomous attenuation and more complete active noise attenuation and the adjustable acousto-electric sensor is moved to exploit the changing physical characteristics of spatial silent zones in different noise fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Adaptive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Richard Saunders, Michael Allen Vaudrey
  • Publication number: 20040258253
    Abstract: Some workers wear headsets to protect their hearing from loud persistent noises, such as airplane engines and construction equipment. These headsets are generally passive or active, with the active ones including ear speakers and automatic noise-reduction (ANR) circuitry to cancel or suppress certain types of loud persistent noises. One problem with active headsets, particulary those that are battery-powered, concerns battery life. Workers often take the headset off or store them without turning them off and thus wasting costly battery life. Accordingly, the inventor devised active headsets with automatic turn-on and/or turn-off circuits. One exemplary embodiment senses a condition of the headsets, for example, the light, pressure, or temperature within one earcup, and then turns the headset on or off in response to the sensed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Wurtz
  • Patent number: 6831984
    Abstract: A module adapted for use in a noise reduction headset earcup has an enclosure having walls separating an interior of the enclosure from an exterior of the enclosure outside the earcup. There is a driver with a diaphragm. A port connects the interior and exterior. An acoustically resistive opening connects the interior and exterior in parallel with the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Roman Sapiejewski
  • Patent number: 6826287
    Abstract: An acoustic earmuff device is provided comprising a rigid cup, including inner and outer surfaces, a sound channel means disposed through said cup shaped portion, and a plate means operatively associated with said sound channel means, such that when the plate means is in a first orientation, sound attenuation through the plate means is greater than when the plate means is in a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Myers
  • Patent number: 6801629
    Abstract: A noise attenuating system includes a core portion adapted to actively filter sound waves into various bands, passing only those bands corresponding to safe amplitude sounds to a wearer's ear canal. Unlike conventional active noise cancellation systems, active noise attenuation is accomplished without providing additional sound waves inverse to unsafe amplitude sound waves. Instead, unsafe amplitude sound waves are passively blocked, and only safe amplitude sound waves are passed through to the wearer's ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Sonic Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Owen D. Brimhall, Craig M. Collotzi, Gregory N. Koskowich
  • Publication number: 20040190729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and device for monitoring noise received by individuals operating in noisy environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Al Yonovitz, Leslie Yonovitz
  • Patent number: 6768803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for performing selective acoustic signal filtering. The apparatus comprises two acoustic ports, an electrical output port and an acoustic signal processing device, where all three ports have an impedance characteristic. The acoustic signal processing device includes a diaphragm which will manifest vibration in response to an admitted input acoustic signal and generates an output acoustic signal. The signal processing device is characterized by a frequency response such that the spectrum level of the output acoustic signal will have predetermined differences with respect to the input acoustic signal. The frequency response characteristic of the signal processing device may be set and adjusted by the manipulation of the impedance characteristics of either the acoustic output load or the electrical output load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sonomax Hearing Healthcare Inc
    Inventor: Gilles Duhamel
  • Publication number: 20040086138
    Abstract: An ear protection comprises a monitoring device, which is designed in order to be able to continuously monitor the effectiveness of the ear protection during use. The invention provides that, in a method for operating a noise-emitting device,during which at least one individual is wearing an ear protection and located in the area in which the noise-emitting device is generating noise, the noise-emitting device, in the event of a monitoring result of the ear protection indicating a risk of damage to the individual's hearing, is controlled whereby appropriately reducing the noise emission thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Rainer Kuth
  • Publication number: 20040081323
    Abstract: A noise suppression earphone is constructed to include a microphone adapted to receive environmental noises, and a circuit board connected between the microphone and the voice output speaker of the earphone and adapted to set off external noises, the circuit board having a music band pass circuit, which removes high frequency and low frequency from received external noises, and a 180 deg. reverse amplifier, which reverses the waveform of input sound signal from the music band pass circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Charles Sung
  • Patent number: 6661901
    Abstract: Ear terminal and ear terminal system, in which at least one ear terminal includes a sealing section (2) arranged for use in the ear meatus (3) of a human, including an inner microphone (M2) having a sound inlet (S2) for being directed into the meatus (3); an electronic unit (11) including filtering part coupled to the inner microphone for filtering the signal from the inner microphone (M2), the filtering part being programmable to transform the signals based on the sounds received in the ear by the inner microphone (M2) into sounds when combined with the user's own voice, providing a voice sounding natural to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Nacre AS
    Inventors: Jarle Svean, Svein Sørsdal, Odd Kr. Ø. Pettersen, Georg E. Ottesen, Sverre Stensby
  • Patent number: 6625277
    Abstract: A low voltage and low current compression circuit for connection between a telephone receiver and a telephone headset earphone, the circuit having an operational amplifier with variable gain, the gain being determined by the output signal level and by the presence or absence of transient signal spikes generated by the telephone receiver. The amplifier is connected to a voltage clipper circuit and a JFET feedback device, wherein the JFET operates as a variable resistance to control the signal feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Unicon Incorporates
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Furlong
  • Publication number: 20030095670
    Abstract: Active-noise-reduction (ANR) headsets protect the hearing of their users from loud persistent noises, such as airplane engines and construction equipment. These headsets generally include ear speakers and special circuitry to cancel or suppress certain types of loud persistent noises. One problem the present inventor recognized with active headsets, particularly those manufactured in mass quantities, concerns the performance variations that stem from inevitable variations in the fit of their earcups against heads of their users. For example, in putting on and taking off these headsets, some users experience low-pitched noises. Accordingly, the inventor devised, among other things, headsets that include front-cavity vents for equalizing the pressure between a front cavity portion of an earcup and an ambient environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Jon Wurtz
  • Publication number: 20030095679
    Abstract: An industrial hearing protection and communication assembly including a frame having a front frame member that includes a substantially transparent shatterproof eye panel disposed to shield a wearer's eyes, and at least one protective ear insert structured to be fitted into a wearer's ear in order to substantially muffle exterior noise. The assembly further includes a speaker head to audibly communicate an audio signal received by a receiver disposed on the frame to the wearer. The speaker head is structured to be inserted into a bore defined in the protective ear insert, and as such, into one of the wearer's ears so that the audio signal is audible and clear to the wearer in a loud environment even though the exterior noise is muffled by the protective ear insert and the speaker head is shielded from contact with the wearer and from perspiration or other body contaminants of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Tom Rickards
  • Patent number: 6567524
    Abstract: Ear protecting device with a sealing section for acoustically sealing the meatus of a human, includes a sound generator with a sound outlet for being directed toward the user meatus; an inner microphone with a sound inlet from the meatus, arranged for measuring the resulting sound field in the meatus; connected to an electronics unit including a sound analyser coupled to the inner microphone, for analyzing sound characteristics of the resulting sound field in the meatus, producing analyzed sound characteristics; storing part in the electronics unit for storing measured predetermined sound characteristics of a properly functioning ear protecting device; a comparing part in the electronics unit for comparing the inner microphone analyzed sound characteristics with the stored measured predetermined sound characteristics; indicating part coupled to the comparing part for being activated if the analyzed sound characteristics differ significantly from the predetermined sound characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Nacre AS
    Inventors: Jarle Svean, Svein Sørsdal, Odd Kr. Ø. Pettersen, Georg E. Ottesen, Sverre Stensby
  • Publication number: 20030059071
    Abstract: An integrated personal audio device that provides hearing protection is disclosed. The device includes a flexible band configured to extend at least partially around a head of a user. An audio transmitter is coupled to the band. The band has two legs that terminate at respective end portions. Each end portion is coupled to an audio speaker, which is electrically connected to the audio transmitter. A hearing protector is mounted onto each respective audio speaker. Each hearing protector has a sound channel configured to transmit sound from the respective audio speaker to the user's ear. The sound channel may comprise a Venturi-shaped chamber. The sound channel may, for instance, include: (1) a sound-expansion-chamber portion; (2) a central-chamber portion having a smaller diameter than the sound-expansion-chamber portion; and (3) an end-chamber portion having a larger diameter than the central-chamber portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: John Dunham
  • Patent number: 6463316
    Abstract: System and method for actively canceling the acoustic noise generated by changes in the electric current within the gradient coils of a magnetic resonance imager based on the finding that the acoustic noise in the magnetic resonance imager is highly periodic but that the period of the magnetic resonance imager noise changes substantially during a scan. The acoustic noise signal is measured at the ears of a patient undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging, delayed by a variable number of samples and the resulting signal is subtracted from the acoustic noise signal. Magnetic resonance imaging noise cancellation occurs at the level of 20 decibels or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Douglas S. Brungart
  • Publication number: 20020141599
    Abstract: A selective noise canceling device is disclosed that evaluates an external audio signal and determines whether a given external audio signal should be suppressed or reproduced. A selective noise suppression circuit processes the external audio signal to classify the external audio signal as noise to be suppressed or as a desired audio signal to be reproduced. An external audio signal, or a desired portion thereof, is reproduced if a portion of the external audio signal is likely to be of interest to the user. The desired external signal may optionally be amplified over the primary selected audio signal for emphasis and the selected audio signal may optionally be suppressed entirely when the desired external signal is reproduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Philips Electronics North America Corp.
    Inventors: Miroslav Trajkovic, Srinivas Gutta, Eric Cohen-Solal
  • Patent number: 6449806
    Abstract: A head strap for a set of headphones or hearing protector s with two ear members comprises two almost parallel wire arcs (18, 19) for connecting the two ear members. The two wire arcs (18, 19) are held together by a connecting member (20), wherein the connecting member (20) is a rigid plate. The rigid plate (20) comprises two recesses (22) extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the plate, a wire arc section (18, 19) being fixed in the recesses, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: Jörg Engelhard, Manfred Hargarter
  • Patent number: 6442279
    Abstract: An acoustic conditioning apparatus. The mechanism includes an attenuator to limit excessive noise levels. The attenuator includes a circuit for compressing an output sound pressure level below a desired level, such as 90 dBA over an eight-hour period. The mechanism also includes an amplifier for conditioning ambient sound level in accordance with the normal needs of a hearing impaired person using the conditioning apparatus. Additionally included is a switch in an electrical circuit to enable selection of attenuation of excessive noise levels or normal amplification. The switch can be controlled either manually by means of a toggle on a housing enclosing the various components, or automatically in response to the sensed noise level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Micro Ear Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Preves, Robert L. Millier, Lawrence T. Hagen, Ning Shen
  • Publication number: 20020080979
    Abstract: A noise attenuating system includes a core portion adapted to actively filter sound waves into various bands, passing only those bands corresponding to safe amplitude sounds to a wearer's ear canal. Unlike conventional active noise cancellation systems, active noise attenuation is accomplished without providing additional sound waves inverse to unsafe amplitude sound waves. Instead, unsafe amplitude sound waves are passively blocked, and only safe amplitude sound waves are passed through to the wearer's ear canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: SONIC INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Owen D. Brimhall, Craig M. Collotzi, Gregory N. Koskowich
  • Publication number: 20010055399
    Abstract: An assistive-listening system is used with sound-producing equipment that includes a signal source, and first and second sound sources operatively associated with the signal source and configured to produce sound corresponding to signals received from the signal source. The assistive-listening system includes a volume control operatively associated with the signal source and configured proportionally to change the volume of both the first and second sound sources. Also included is a support structure configured to support and position the second sound source so that a hearing-impaired listener may listen effectively to sound controlled by the volume control without disturbing normal-hearing listeners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: KENNETH A. ULLRICH
  • Publication number: 20010053228
    Abstract: An active headset system is provided with compatibility with existing socket configurations in a way that minimizes the number of electrical connections. The number of connections between the active headset and the remote noise cancellation circuitry is reduced through the use of a common contact, having a controlled impedance, that serves as an input connection to corresponding terminals of the two earphones of the active headset. According to another aspect of the present invention, the transients associated with plugging in or unplugging stereo jack plugs or up to a seven pin connector into an active headset may be overcome by a transient detector in the noise cancellation circuitry. Yet another aspect of the present invention concerns the powering of the noise cancellation circuitry whether the noise cancellation circuitry is placed inside the active headset or at least partially internal to a remote external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Owen Jones
  • Patent number: 6278786
    Abstract: An active noise cancellation aircraft headset system. A speaker is mounted within each earcup of a headset for receiving and acoustically transducing a composite noise cancellation signal. A microphone is also mounted within each earcup for transducing acoustic pressure within the earcup to a corresponding analog error signal. An analog filter receives the analog error signal and inverts it to generate an analog broadband noise cancellation signal. The analog error signal is also provided to an analog to digital converter, which receives the analog microphone error signal and converts it to a digital error signal. A DSP takes the digital error signal and, using an adaptive digital feedback filter, generates a digital tonal noise cancellation signal. A digital to analog converter then converts the digital tonal noise cancellation signal to an analog tonal noise cancellation signal so that it can be combined with the analog broadband noise cancellation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Telex Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason D. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 6122383
    Abstract: A device is provided for reducing noise in the human ear having a microphone which picks up the noise and a reproduction transducer to which a noise compensation signal is fed via a compensation circuit which is connected with the microphone. The microphone in the device has a balancing element which is arranged in front of the sound entrance opening of the microphone. The balancing element defines a quasi-constant sound reflection and accordingly reduces individual reflection effects caused by the fundamental diversity of the external region of the human ear and improves the use of the entire device and increases the effectiveness of the noise compensation overall. In this way, headphones/hearing protectors can also be designed as acoustically closed systems which are designed so as to rest on the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Sennheiser electronic KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang zum Berge
  • Patent number: 6118878
    Abstract: An active noise cancellation system includes a series of features for more effective cancellation, greater reliability, and improved stability. A particular feature adapted for headset systems includes locating a residual microphone radially offset from the center of a sound generator to detect a signal more similar to that incident upon the eardrum of the user. In addition, an open back headset design includes perforations on the side of the headset instead of the back, so that the perforations are less susceptible to inadvertent blockage. The system also includes a mechanism for detecting changes in the acoustic characteristics of the environment that may be caused, for example, by pressure exerted upon the earpieces, and that may destabilize the cancellation system. The system automatically responds to such changes, for example, by reducing the gain or the frequency response of the system to preserve stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Noise Cancellation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Owen Jones
  • Patent number: 6091825
    Abstract: A sound baffling device comprising an enclosure containing a homogeneous means for attenuating sound, the shape and composition of said enclosure crafted to vary the sound baffling characteristics of said enclosure, and another embodiment showing how a workable material comprised of a plurality of enclosures containing a homogeneous means for attenuating sound may be used to baffle sound. A method for constructing the workable material is given and various applications to sound baffling requirements involving previous as well as new uses are set out, including a description of how dynamic sound baffling may be implemented.More specifically, the invention shows improvements to the sound baffling cups of ear protectors and the application of sound baffling cups to head phone sets, including some of the new art required to render these applications more effective. Several fitting means are described and improvements to the connecting means of head phone sets are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Horst Burghardt Minkofski
  • Patent number: 6078672
    Abstract: An improved personal noise attenuation system which attenuates both tonal and broadband sound and which includes a spatially adjustable acousto-electric sensor and attenuation means including both feedback and feed forward components so as to provide a heteronomous attenuation and more complete active noise attenuation and the adjustable acousto-electric sensor is moved to exploit the changing physical characteristics of spatial silent zones in different noise fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: William Richard Saunders, Michael Allen Vaudrey
  • Patent number: 6058194
    Abstract: The system of the invention includes a sound-capture and listening system for a helmet in a noisy environment, and is characterized in that it includes, on the sound-capture side, at least one microphone (20) followed by a sampling device (25), by a decimator (26), by a device (27) for compensating for signal distortions arising within the whole of the upstream acoustic chain, and on the listening side, an interpolator (5) followed by a device for compensating for the defects of audiometry of the operator (6) and by an active noise reduction loop (10, 11, 7, 12, 13, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Sextant Avionique
    Inventors: Christian Gulli, Gerard Reynaud
  • Patent number: 6041126
    Abstract: A noise controlled type handset processes the output of non-directional noise detector installed outside of the handset by a first adaptive filter, delivers a control sound from a control speaker, controls the first adaptive filter so that the output of an error detector near the ear may be small, simultaneously processes the noise detection signal in a second adaptive filter, subtracts from the noise signal mixing into a bi-directional talking microphone, and controls the second adaptive filter so that the subtraction signal may be small, thereby taking back the signal of voice only by reducing noise by delivering through the speaker, and sending a transmission output at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Terai, Hiroyuki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6035047
    Abstract: A cordless, wireless headset to block unwanted sound waves and/or noise from entering the ears of a user. The headset (FIG. 5) contains an electronic receiver, an audible tone/alert generator, volume control/switch and battery. The wireless headset would permit freedom of movement during sleep without danger of being entangled by cords/wires. The wireless headset would be secured to the ears and head of the user while sleeping by a Top head-strap, a Rear head-strap and Chin-strap. Referencing FIG. 1, the wireless headset will receive and interpret signals from remote sound sensor(s) and/or motion detection sensor(s). Remote sensor(s) would transmit radio signal(s) to the headset when an unwanted sound or motion is detected. The signal would be received in the wireless headset and an audible tone would be generated in the ear of the user, to alert of an important event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Henry Lewis