Patent US5853005A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5853005A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acoustic monitoring system
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
•
Filing: 1996-05-02
•
Granted: 1998-12-29
•
Expires: 2016-05-02
Abstract
Abstract A transducer in communication with fluid in a pad held in close contact against a sound or movement source monitors acoustic signals transferred into the fluid. The signal pattern is monitored aurally and/or compared to predetermined reference patterns, and optional control and stimulation means can be activated in response to the comparison results. The sensed acoustic signal can be transmitted to a remote receiver or processed locally. Typically, the acoustic signal is representative of the heartbeat or breathing of a living organism. The monitoring system may be applied to diverse situations including SIDS, apnea, home baby monitoring, medical transport devices, blood pressure cuffs, seats, combat casualty care and hand-held devices.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael V. Scanlon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 06:50
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B7/00; A61B7/003; A61B5/00; A61B5/103; A61B5/11; A61B5/113; A61B5/68; A61B5/6887; A61B5/6896; A61B2503/00; A61B2503/06; A61B2562/00; A61B2562/02; A61B2562/0219; A61B2562/16; A61B2562/168; A61B5/16; A61B5/18; A61B5/40; A61B5/4076; A61B5/4094; A61B5/6801; A61B5/6813; A61B5/6814; A61B5/6815; A61B5/6817; A61B5/683; A61B5/6831; A61B5/6892; A61B5/72; A61B5/7203; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S5/00; Y10S5/94; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/53; Y10T29/53657; Y10T29/53661
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 124
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining at least one chamber containing acoustic transmission material and adapted to receive acoustic signals originating from and produced by the organism; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting said acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining at least one chamber containing acoustic transmission material and adapted to receive acoustic signals originating from and produced by the organism; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting said acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a plurality of fluid-filled chambers adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
65 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a plurality of fluid-filled chambers adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 2 wherein said acoustic transducing means includes a plurality of acoustic transducers disposed within respective fluid-filled chambers of said pad.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 2 wherein said acoustic transducing means includes an acoustic transducer communicating with each of said fluid-filled chambers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising means for transmitting said electrical signals for remote monitoring.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising means for visually displaying said acoustic signals from the organism.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising means for audibly displaying said acoustic signals from the organism.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising a conduit containing acoustic transmission material, for communicating said acoustic signals to said acoustic transducing means, said acoustic transducing means being located within said fluid-filled conduit a predetermined distance from said pad.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising conduit surfaces formed in said pad to channel said acoustic signals toward said acoustic transducing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
78 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and means for filtering airborne acoustic noise from said electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
78 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and means for filtering airborne acoustic noise from said electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 10 wherein said filtering means includes an air-mounted microphone.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 10 wherein said filtering means includes an acoustic transducer located in said pad, said acoustic transducer being acoustically isolated from said signals from the organism.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
88 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and means to store predetermined patterns of acoustic signals and means to provide a comparison of said predetermined patterns to said acoustic signals from the organism.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
88 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and means to store predetermined patterns of acoustic signals and means to provide a comparison of said predetermined patterns to said acoustic signals from the organism.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 13 further comprising means for stimulating said living organism in response to preselected values of said comparison.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 14 wherein said means for stimulating said living organism produces physical movement in said sensor pad.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 14 wherein said means for stimulating said living organism produces visual signals to said organism.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 14 wherein said means for stimulating said living organism provides audible signals to said organism.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 14 wherein said sensor pad is positioned against a portion of a body of the driver of a vehicle and said stimulating means is activated in response to acoustic signals corresponding to predetermined patterns indicating reduced driver alertness.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 13 further comprising a control circuit activated in response to the results of said acoustic signal pattern comparison.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 19 wherein said sensor pad is positioned adjacent an operator location on a piece of heavy machinery and said control circuit inactivates said machinery in the absence of a predetermined operator acoustic signal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
71 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; wherein said sensor pad is filled with water.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
71 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; wherein said sensor pad is filled with water.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
71 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; wherein said acoustic transducing means includes a hydrophone.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
71 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; wherein said acoustic transducing means includes a hydrophone.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
89 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a bed having a body support surface wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is positioned on said body support surface of said bed.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
89 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a bed having a body support surface wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is positioned on said body support surface of said bed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
94 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a pillow having a surface to support a portion of a living organism wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said support surface of said pillow.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
94 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a pillow having a surface to support a portion of a living organism wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said support surface of said pillow.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
92 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a blood pressure cuff adapted to pressingly encircle a portion of a living organism wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said encircling cuff.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
92 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a blood pressure cuff adapted to pressingly encircle a portion of a living organism wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said encircling cuff.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
91 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a strap apparatus adapted to support animals during lifting and transporting operations wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said supporting strap apparatus.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
91 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a strap apparatus adapted to support animals during lifting and transporting operations wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said supporting strap apparatus.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
91 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and an exercise apparatus having a body support surface wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said body support surface of said exercise apparatus.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
91 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and an exercise apparatus having a body support surface wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said body support surface of said exercise apparatus.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 27 wherein said exercise apparatus is a recumbent bicycle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
94 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a hat having a headband adapted to press against the head of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said headband of said hat.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
94 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a hat having a headband adapted to press against the head of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said headband of said hat.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
101 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and eyeglasses having at least one arm adapted to press against the side of the head of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said eyeglass on said at least one arm.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
101 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and eyeglasses having at least one arm adapted to press against the side of the head of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said eyeglass on said at least one arm.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
98 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a pair of goggles having a support surface adapted to press against the head of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said support surface of said goggles.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
98 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a pair of goggles having a support surface adapted to press against the head of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said support surface of said goggles.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
94 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and at least one earplug adapted to be pressed into the ear of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is incorporated into said at least one earplug.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
94 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and at least one earplug adapted to be pressed into the ear of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is incorporated into said at least one earplug.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
93 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a medical transport device having a body support surface wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said body support surface of said medical transport device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
93 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and a medical transport device having a body support surface wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said body support surface of said medical transport device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 33 wherein said medical transport device includes a gurney.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 33 wherein said medical transport device includes a stretcher.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 33 wherein said medical transport device includes a wheelchair.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising adjustable straps attached to said pad, wherein said sensor pad is held in acoustic contact with the living organism by said adjustable straps.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
33 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising an adjustable belt attached to said pad, wherein said sensor pad is held in acoustic contact with the living organism by said adjustable belt.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
29 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive patch, wherein said sensor pad is held in acoustic contact with the living organism by said adhesive patch.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
94 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and means for creating a vacuum seal around said sensor pad, wherein said sensor pad is held in acoustic contact with the living organism by said vacuum seal created around said pad.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
94 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and means for creating a vacuum seal around said sensor pad, wherein said sensor pad is held in acoustic contact with the living organism by said vacuum seal created around said pad.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
107 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; wherein said pad includes a concave vessel having an open side forming a chamber, a substantially acoustically transparent diaphragm extending across said open side and enclosing a volume within said chamber, said chamber being fluid-filled to receive acoustic signals from the organism through said diaphragm.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
107 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; wherein said pad includes a concave vessel having an open side forming a chamber, a substantially acoustically transparent diaphragm extending across said open side and enclosing a volume within said chamber, said chamber being fluid-filled to receive acoustic signals from the organism through said diaphragm.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 41 wherein said chamber is hemispheric in shape.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 41 wherein said chamber is parabolic in shape.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
53 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 41 wherein said chamber is formed in a first end of an elongate hand-held device for pressing against a body portion of a living organism and further comprising an earphone attached to a second end of said elongate device for audibly monitoring acoustic signals from the organism.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
93 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and means for transmitting said acoustic signals for remote monitoring; wherein said sensor pad and acoustic transducing means are miniaturized and included within a swallowable capsule for monitoring internal acoustic signals.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
93 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of a living organism, said pad defining a fluid-filled chamber adapted to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; and means for transmitting said acoustic signals for remote monitoring; wherein said sensor pad and acoustic transducing means are miniaturized and included within a swallowable capsule for monitoring internal acoustic signals.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
99 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a conformable fluid-filled sensor pad; acoustic transducing means for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said sensor pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; processing means connected to said acoustic transducing means and adapted to receive said electrical signals from said acoustic transducing means; a transmitter located at a first position and connected to said processing means, said transmitter configured to transmit signals corresponding to the received acoustic signals; and a receiver located at a second position spaced apart from said first position and configured to receive signals from said transmitter.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
99 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a conformable fluid-filled sensor pad; acoustic transducing means for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said sensor pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; processing means connected to said acoustic transducing means and adapted to receive said electrical signals from said acoustic transducing means; a transmitter located at a first position and connected to said processing means, said transmitter configured to transmit signals corresponding to the received acoustic signals; and a receiver located at a second position spaced apart from said first position and configured to receive signals from said transmitter.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
92 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: at least one fluid-filled sensor pad adapted to conform to a portion of the surface of a living organism and to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received in each of said at least one sensor pads to electrical signals; fluid-filled conduit means communicating from each of said at least one sensor pads to said acoustic transducing means; and processing means connected to said acoustic transducing means and adapted to receive said electrical signals from said transducing means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
92 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: at least one fluid-filled sensor pad adapted to conform to a portion of the surface of a living organism and to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received in each of said at least one sensor pads to electrical signals; fluid-filled conduit means communicating from each of said at least one sensor pads to said acoustic transducing means; and processing means connected to said acoustic transducing means and adapted to receive said electrical signals from said transducing means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
73 words
An acoustic monitoring system for insertion in an ear having an ear canal, comprising: a fluid filled bladder; a hydrophone disposed in the bladder for creating an electrical signal; electrical circuitry connected to the hydrophone for at least one of amplifying, filtering, transmitting and receiving the electrical signal; a battery for powering the electrical circuitry; an antenna connected to the electrical circuitry; and a seal for sealing the ear canal from external sounds.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
73 words
An acoustic monitoring system for insertion in an ear having an ear canal, comprising: a fluid filled bladder; a hydrophone disposed in the bladder for creating an electrical signal; electrical circuitry connected to the hydrophone for at least one of amplifying, filtering, transmitting and receiving the electrical signal; a battery for powering the electrical circuitry; an antenna connected to the electrical circuitry; and a seal for sealing the ear canal from external sounds.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 48, further comprising a temperature probe.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 48, further comprising a fluid filled conduit configured to be inserted in the ear canal and connected to the bladder, wherein the bladder is disposed outside of the ear canal.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
71 words
An acoustic monitoring system, comprising: a pacifier having a nipple; fluid and a hydrophone disposed in the nipple, the hydrophone creating an electrical signal; electrical circuitry connected to the hydrophone for at least one of amplifying, filtering, transmitting and receiving the electrical signal; a battery for powering the electrical circuitry; an antenna connected to the electrical circuitry; and noise isolation material for isolating the nipple from a remainder of the pacifier.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
71 words
An acoustic monitoring system, comprising: a pacifier having a nipple; fluid and a hydrophone disposed in the nipple, the hydrophone creating an electrical signal; electrical circuitry connected to the hydrophone for at least one of amplifying, filtering, transmitting and receiving the electrical signal; a battery for powering the electrical circuitry; an antenna connected to the electrical circuitry; and noise isolation material for isolating the nipple from a remainder of the pacifier.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 51, further comprising a temperature probe disposed in the nipple.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
70 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of an inanimate object, said pad defining a chamber containing acoustic transmission material and adapted to receive acoustic signals originating from the inanimate object; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting said acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
70 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a sensor pad adapted to conform to at least a portion of the surface of an inanimate object, said pad defining a chamber containing acoustic transmission material and adapted to receive acoustic signals originating from the inanimate object; and acoustic transducing means coupled with said pad for monitoring and converting said acoustic signals received by said pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said pad defines a plurality of chambers containing acoustic transmission material.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
25 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 54 wherein said acoustic transducing means includes a plurality of acoustic transducers disposed within respective chambers of said pad.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 54 wherein said acoustic transducing means includes an acoustic transducer communicating with each of said chambers.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
24 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising means for filtering airborne acoustic noise from said electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
32 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising a second acoustic monitoring system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sensor pads are located on different areas of the organism.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
40 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 58 wherein at least one of the acoustic transducing means includes a filtering means for acoustically isolating the at least one acoustic transducing means from at least one of the signals of the organism.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
34 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising means to store predetermined patterns of acoustic signals and means to provide a comparison of said predetermined patterns to said acoustic signals from the organism.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
23 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 60 further comprising means for stimulating said living organism in response to preselected values of said comparison.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
22 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 61 wherein said means for stimulating said living organism produces physical movement in said sensor pad.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
21 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 61 wherein said means for stimulating said living organism produces visual signals to said organism.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
21 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 61 wherein said means for stimulating said living organism provides audible signals to said organism.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
50 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 61 wherein said sensor pad is configured to be positioned against a portion of the body of the driver of a vehicle and said stimulating means is configured to be activated in response to acoustic signals corresponding to predetermined patterns indicating reduced driver alertness.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
24 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 60 further comprising a control circuit activated in response to the results of said acoustic signal pattern comparison.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
41 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 66 wherein said sensor pad is configured to be positioned adjacent the operator location on a piece of machinery and said control circuit inactivates said machinery in the absence of a predetermined operator acoustic signal.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
24 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising an article of clothing wherein said sensor pad is attached to the article of clothing.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
35 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising an adjustable band wherein said sensor pad is disposed in said band and said sensor pad is held in contact with said organism by said band.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
38 words
In combination, an acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and a structure having a body support surface wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is positioned on said body support surface of said structure.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
43 words
In combination, an acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and a pillow having a surface to support a portion of a living organism wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said support surface of said pillow.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
48 words
In combination, at least one acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and a blood pressure cuff adapted to pressingly encircle a portion of a living organism wherein at least one sensor pad of said at least one acoustic monitoring system is carried on said encircling cuff.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
40 words
In combination, an acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and a strap apparatus adapted to support animals during lifting and transporting operations wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said supporting strap apparatus.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
40 words
In combination, an acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and an exercise apparatus having a body contact surface wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said body contact surface of said exercise apparatus.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
23 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of a surface of the sensor pad includes acoustic insulating material.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
37 words
In combination, an acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and a headband adapted to press against the head of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said headband.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
50 words
In combination, an acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and eyewear having at least one arm adapted to press against the side of the head of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said eyewear on said at least one arm.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
47 words
In combination, an acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and a pair of goggles having a support surface adapted to press against the head of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is carried on said support surface of said goggles.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
43 words
In combination, an acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and at least one earplug adapted to be pressed into the ear of a wearer wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is incorporated into said at least one earplug.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
47 words
In combination, an acoustic monitoring system as recited in claim 1 and a medical transport device having a body support surface wherein said sensor pad of said acoustic monitoring system is one of carried on and built into said body support surface of said medical transport device.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
18 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising means for changing a temperature of the sensor pad.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
22 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising means for transmitting one of the acoustic and electrical signals to a telephone.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
11 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising a thermometer.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
40 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising means for creating a vacuum seal around said sensor pad, wherein said sensor pad is held in acoustic contact with the living organism by said vacuum seal created around said pad.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
54 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said pad includes a concave vessel having an open side forming a chamber, a substantially acoustically transparent diaphragm extending across said open side and enclosing a volume within said chamber, said chamber containing acoustic transmission material to receive acoustic signals from the organism through said diaphragm.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
13 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising a global positioning system.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
18 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1 further comprising means for transmitting the electrical signals to electrical equipment.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
51 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 85 wherein said chamber is formed in a first end of a hand-held device for pressing against a body portion of a living organism and further comprising an earphone attached to a second end of said device for audibly monitoring acoustic signals from the organism.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
28 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 5 wherein said sensor pad and acoustic transducing means are miniaturized and included within a swallowable capsule for monitoring internal acoustic signals.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
102 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a conformable sensor pad containing acoustic transmission material; acoustic transducing means for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said sensor pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; processing means connected to said acoustic transducing means and adapted to receive said electrical signals from said acoustic transducing means; a transmitter located at a first position and connected to said processing means, said transmitter configured to transmit signals corresponding to the received acoustic signals; and a receiver located at a second position spaced apart from said first position and configured to receive signals from said transmitter.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
102 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: a conformable sensor pad containing acoustic transmission material; acoustic transducing means for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received by said sensor pad to electrical signals corresponding to said acoustic signals; processing means connected to said acoustic transducing means and adapted to receive said electrical signals from said acoustic transducing means; a transmitter located at a first position and connected to said processing means, said transmitter configured to transmit signals corresponding to the received acoustic signals; and a receiver located at a second position spaced apart from said first position and configured to receive signals from said transmitter.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
100 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: at least one sensor pad containing acoustic transmission material and adapted to conform to a portion of the surface of a living organism and to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received in each of said at least one sensor pads to electrical signals; conduit means containing acoustic transmission material and communicating from each of said at least one sensor pads to said acoustic transducing means; and processing means connected to said acoustic transducing means and adapted to receive said electrical signals from said transducing means.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
100 words
An acoustic monitoring system comprising: at least one sensor pad containing acoustic transmission material and adapted to conform to a portion of the surface of a living organism and to receive acoustic signals from the organism; acoustic transducing means for monitoring and converting acoustic signals received in each of said at least one sensor pads to electrical signals; conduit means containing acoustic transmission material and communicating from each of said at least one sensor pads to said acoustic transducing means; and processing means connected to said acoustic transducing means and adapted to receive said electrical signals from said transducing means.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
76 words
An acoustic monitoring system for insertion in an ear having an ear canal, comprising: a bladder containing acoustic transmission material; a hydrophone disposed in the bladder for creating electrical and acoustic signals; electrical circuitry connected to the hydrophone for at least one of amplifying, filtering, transmitting and receiving the electrical signal; a battery for powering the electrical circuitry; an antenna connected to the electrical circuitry; and a seal for sealing the ear canal from external sounds.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
76 words
An acoustic monitoring system for insertion in an ear having an ear canal, comprising: a bladder containing acoustic transmission material; a hydrophone disposed in the bladder for creating electrical and acoustic signals; electrical circuitry connected to the hydrophone for at least one of amplifying, filtering, transmitting and receiving the electrical signal; a battery for powering the electrical circuitry; an antenna connected to the electrical circuitry; and a seal for sealing the ear canal from external sounds.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 92, further comprising a temperature probe.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 92, further comprising a conduit containing acoustic transmission material and inserted in the ear canal and connected to the bladder, wherein the bladder is disposed outside of the ear canal.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
73 words
An acoustic monitoring system, comprising: a pacifier having a nipple; acoustic transmission material and a hydrophone disposed in the nipple, the hydrophone creating an electrical signal; electrical circuitry connected to the hydrophone for at least one of amplifying, filtering, transmitting and receiving the electrical signal; a battery for powering the electrical circuitry; an antenna connected to the electrical circuitry; and noise isolation material for isolating the nipple from a remainder of the pacifier.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
73 words
An acoustic monitoring system, comprising: a pacifier having a nipple; acoustic transmission material and a hydrophone disposed in the nipple, the hydrophone creating an electrical signal; electrical circuitry connected to the hydrophone for at least one of amplifying, filtering, transmitting and receiving the electrical signal; a battery for powering the electrical circuitry; an antenna connected to the electrical circuitry; and noise isolation material for isolating the nipple from a remainder of the pacifier.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
15 words
The acoustic monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising internal supports in the sensor pad.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3547106A
Cited
US3972320A
Cited
US4146885A
Cited
US4366533A
Cited
USRE32180E
Cited
US4407293A
Cited
US4438771A
Cited
US4722346A
Cited
US4630614A
Cited
US4619270A
Cited
US4813427A
Cited
US4694839A
Cited
US4862144A
Cited
US5557263A
Cited
US5532681A
Cited
US5515865A
Cited
US5559497A
Cited
US5581238A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-12-28 | 2002-06-29 | 2002-12-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-12-28 | 2006-06-29 | 2006-12-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-12-28 | 2010-06-29 | 2010-12-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |