US3821472A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cough monitoring apparatus
Assignee: Threshold Tech
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Filing: 1972-02-25
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Granted: 1974-06-28
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Expires: 1992-02-25
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus that receives ambient sounds and recognizes the occurrence of coughs to the exclusion of other sounds. Means are provided for translating the received sounds into a plurality of spectral component signals. A feature signal generating means is provided for sensing the presence of properties of the spectral component signals that are characteristic of coughs and for generating a feature signal for each property found to be present. An occurrence decision means, responsive to the feature signals, generates an occurrence indication upon receiving a predetermined combination of feature signals. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the occurrence decision means is programmable to the cough of a particular individual.
Inventors
- 👤 M Herscher
- 👤 T Martin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 12:07
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10L; G10L15/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
Apparatus for receiving ambient input sounds and recognizing the occurrence of coughs to the exclusion of other sounds, comprising: a. means for translating said input sounds into a plurality of spectral component signals; b. feature signal generating means for sensing the properties of a single broad peak of energy in the spectral component signals and for generating a feature signal for each such property found to be present; and c. occurrence decision means responsive to said feature signals for generating occurrence indications upon receiving a predetermined combination of said feature signals, irrespective of the order of arrival of said feature signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
Apparatus for receiving ambient input sounds and recognizing the occurrence of coughs to the exclusion of other sounds, comprising: a. means for translating said input sounds into a plurality of spectral component signals; b. feature signal generating means for sensing the properties of a single broad peak of energy in the spectral component signals and for generating a feature signal for each such property found to be present; and c. occurrence decision means responsive to said feature signals for generating occurrence indications upon receiving a predetermined combination of said feature signals, irrespective of the order of arrival of said feature signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said feature signal generating means includes means for sensing a predetermined minimum energy product in the spectral component signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 further comprising duration sensing means which enables occurrence indications only when the predetermined combination of feature signals is continuously present for a predetermined duration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said occurrence decision means includes a plurality of manually operable switches and a gate, each of said switches coupling a feature signal to said gate, the presence of a feature signal on all gate inputs that are coupled through closed switches causing activation of said gate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein said occurrence decision means further includes duration sensing means which allow occurrence indications when said gate is continuously activated for a predetermined duration.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-27 | 1977-12-27 | 1978-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-27 | 1981-12-27 | 1982-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-27 | 1985-12-27 | 1986-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |