US3745674A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hearing tester
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-02-03
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Granted: 1973-07-17
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Expires: 1992-02-03
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus to test the ability of a literate human to distinguish and associate among audio and multiple visual stimuli is taught. The apparatus embodies magnetic audio and magnetic or optic-like projection visual stimuli means with mechanical and electrical response, and automatic logging and read-out means.
Inventors
- 👤 R Thompson
- 👤 E Cohn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:10
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B7/00; G09B7/06; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/12; A61B5/16; A61B5/161
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
248 words
An apparatus for testing the hearing of an individual subject by means of synchronized audio and visual stimuli, comprising: A. means for producing a series of audio stimuli to at least one ear of the individual subject; B. means for producing a series of visual stimuli in synchronization with the series of audio stimuli, each visual stimulus comprising a plurality of simultaneously presented scenes; C. means to generate electrical pulses in synchronization with both of the series of stimuli from the audio and visual means; D. counter means actuated by the electrical pulse generating means for producing at least one signal pulse corresponding in time to the synchronized production of each member of the series of audio and visual stimuli; E. adjustable switch means for manually preselecting and directing the at least one signal pulse to one of a plurality of outputs, thereby producing at the one output a first signal corresponding to a predetermined association of each audio stimulus with one of the plurality of scenes of each visual stimulus; F. means operable by the individual subject for producing a second signal corresponding to the individual''s selected association of each audio stimulus with one of the plurality of scenes of each video stimulus; G. means responsive to the first and second signals for determining non-coincidence of the predetermined association of stimuli and the individual''s selected association of stimuli; and, means connected to the coincidence means for providng cumulative indication of non-coincidence of the predetermined and selected association.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
248 words
An apparatus for testing the hearing of an individual subject by means of synchronized audio and visual stimuli, comprising: A. means for producing a series of audio stimuli to at least one ear of the individual subject; B. means for producing a series of visual stimuli in synchronization with the series of audio stimuli, each visual stimulus comprising a plurality of simultaneously presented scenes; C. means to generate electrical pulses in synchronization with both of the series of stimuli from the audio and visual means; D. counter means actuated by the electrical pulse generating means for producing at least one signal pulse corresponding in time to the synchronized production of each member of the series of audio and visual stimuli; E. adjustable switch means for manually preselecting and directing the at least one signal pulse to one of a plurality of outputs, thereby producing at the one output a first signal corresponding to a predetermined association of each audio stimulus with one of the plurality of scenes of each visual stimulus; F. means operable by the individual subject for producing a second signal corresponding to the individual''s selected association of each audio stimulus with one of the plurality of scenes of each video stimulus; G. means responsive to the first and second signals for determining non-coincidence of the predetermined association of stimuli and the individual''s selected association of stimuli; and, means connected to the coincidence means for providng cumulative indication of non-coincidence of the predetermined and selected association.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said audio stimuli producing means comprises magnetic tape playback means; said visual stimuli producing means comprises film projection means having a cooling means; and further comprising means for shutting off power to the system while allowing a timed delay shut-off of the cooling means to the visual stimuli producing means after power shut-off.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising circuit means for resetting said counter means and said coincidence means to a beginning condition.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means for shutting off power to the system comprises: switch means for conveying power to the audio and visual stimuli producing means and to the electrical pulse generating means; solenoid coil means for activating said switch means; means activated by the magnetic tape playback means for deactivating the solenoid coil means and switch means; and, means for allowing a timed delay shut-off of the cooling means to the visual stimuli producing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising circuit means for actuating said indication means sequentially at a predetermined point in the operation of present program circuit means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, said audio stimuli producing means further comprises circuit means for presenting audio stimulus selectively to each ear.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
177 words
In an apparatus for testing the hearing of an individual subject by means of synchronized audio and visual stimuli, an improved program circuit means comprising: A. a first electrical pulse signal driver for generating pulses in synchronization with both of the audio and visual stimuli; B. a plurality of leads for receiving first electrical signals driven from said first electrical signal driver; C. counter means associated with said leads and actuated by said pulses for automatically and progressively selecting one at a time of said leads for receiving at least one first electrical signal; D. programming means associated with each said lead for manually, selectively connecting in circuit said first electrical signal with one from a hereafter recited plurality of open circuits connected in parallel; E. a plurality of open circuits connected in parallel; F. means operable by the individual subject for selectively, manually, operatively closing each said circuit connected in parallel; and G. means for indicating the non-coincidental operation of the selectively, manually, operatively closed circuit with the said circuit selectively receiving said first electrical signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
177 words
In an apparatus for testing the hearing of an individual subject by means of synchronized audio and visual stimuli, an improved program circuit means comprising: A. a first electrical pulse signal driver for generating pulses in synchronization with both of the audio and visual stimuli; B. a plurality of leads for receiving first electrical signals driven from said first electrical signal driver; C. counter means associated with said leads and actuated by said pulses for automatically and progressively selecting one at a time of said leads for receiving at least one first electrical signal; D. programming means associated with each said lead for manually, selectively connecting in circuit said first electrical signal with one from a hereafter recited plurality of open circuits connected in parallel; E. a plurality of open circuits connected in parallel; F. means operable by the individual subject for selectively, manually, operatively closing each said circuit connected in parallel; and G. means for indicating the non-coincidental operation of the selectively, manually, operatively closed circuit with the said circuit selectively receiving said first electrical signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said means for indicating non-coincidental operation comprises: G.1. means for producing a second electrical signal of predetermined magnitude when the closed circuit is non-coincidental with the circuit selectively receiving the first signal; G.2. a flip-flop comparator circuit means for receiving and comparing the first and second signals and for transmitting a third signal when the first and second signals are non-coincidental; and, G.3. means actuated by the comparator means for indicating non-coincidence of the first and second signals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: means connected in parallel with selected ones of the plurality of leads for selectively directing the audio stimuli to one or the other ear of the individual subject; and wherein the indicating means comprises: registering circuits for each ear of the subject individual; and, means connected in parallel with the selected ones of the plurality of leads for actuating the registering circuits in accordance with the selected ear.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-16 | 1977-01-15 | 1977-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-16 | 1981-01-15 | 1981-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-16 | 1985-01-15 | 1985-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |