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The article offers reviews of U.S. patents related to acoustics. Acoustic devices or methods patented and reviewed include an automatic equalization technique for a loudspeaker array, an audio amplifier that uses multi-level pulse width modulation, and a dual function sound attenuating and enhancing headpiece.

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Printed copies of United States Patents may be ordered at $3.00 each from the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Washington, DC 20231. Patents are available via the Internet at http://www.uspto.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Printed copies of United States Patents may be ordered at $3.00 each from the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Washington, DC 20231. Patents are available via the Internet at http://www.uspto.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airport and airspace planners need a reliable method for quantifying the effects of nighttime operations on communities. Research has shown that cumulative metrics such as Lnight, Ldn and Lden show little or no correlation with aircraft noise event (ANE) produced awakenings. What is needed is a reliable method for quantifying the likely awakenings that will result from a full night of aircraft operations. This paper reports the results of an update of the analysis reported previously in Noise Control Engineering, 55(2). The objective of this present analysis is to refine the awakening dose-response relationships to be broadly applicable across airports and communities and it does that by adding European awakening data from Schiphol to the original data from three U.S. airports. It derives new regression coefficients and then tests two aspects of the results: whether the populations around the four airports are significantly different in their probability of awakening; whether coefficients that reflect subject "sensitivity" to awakening are real or a result of the random nature of awakenings. The first analysis used the awakening data collected by Sanford Fidell at Castle Air Force Base, Los Angeles International Airport and the new Denver International Airport. Since that analysis, the authors of the Dutch Sleep Disturbance Study (W. Passchier-Vermeer, H. Vos, J.H.M. Steenbekkers, F.D. van der Ploeg and K. Groothuis-Oudshoorn) graciously provided the data they collected in the vicinity of Schiphol Airport for inclusion in this updated analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the auditor's report for Acoustical Society of America (ASA). It says that ASA's audited financial statements as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 are in accordance with the U.S. auditing standards. It cites the annual reports of various ASA technical committees including Technical Committee on Animal Bioacoustics (TCAB), Architectural Acoustics (AA), and Technical Committee on Noise (TCNS). Meanwhile, Ana Sirovic is one of the appointed members of ASA committees.

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Printed copies of United States Patents may be ordered at $3.00 each from the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Washington, DC 20231. Patents are available via the Internet at http://www.uspto.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2001 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District (OR, USA), started developing the Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System, a nonproprietary sensing technology, to meet the needs for monitoring the survival of juvenile salmonids through eight large hydroelectric facilities within the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Initial development focused on coded acoustic microtransmitters and autonomous receivers that could be deployed in open reaches of the river for detection of the juvenile salmonids implanted with microtransmitters as they passed the autonomous receiver arrays. In 2006, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory began the development of an acoustic receiver system for deployment at hydropower facilities (cabled receiver) for detecting fish tagged with microtransmitters as well as tracking them in two or three dimensions for determining route of passage and behavior as the fish passed at the facility. The additional information on route of passage, combined with survival estimates, is used by the dam operators and managers to make structural and operational changes at the hydropower facilities to improve survival of fish as they pass the facilities through the FCRPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on various issues related to Acoustical Society of America. A list of the manuscript reviewers is presented including Neil L. Aaronson, Noam Amir, and Aldo Ferri. It states that three meeting were held by the Madras Regional Chapter of the Acoustical Society of America in 2010. It presented a calendar of meetings and congresses including the 161st Acoustical Society of America Meeting on May 23-27, 2011 and Interspeech 2012 on September 9-13, 2012.

The article offers news briefs related to acoustical engineering. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said it will withdraw a proposal to change workplace noise standards. Equestrian Surfaces Ltd. in Burnley, England was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for ignoring the formal warning on the noise levels of its factory. Arup has been appointed to design the new Sports Hub in Singapore.

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Printed copies of United States Patents may be ordered at $3.00 each from the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks, Washington, DC 20231. Patents are available via the Internet at http://www.uspto.gov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An indoor test facility for 20-mm and 30-mm aircraft Gatling guns was recently constructed at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, UT. In designing the range, the primary concerns were that the 30-mm gun muzzle blast overpressures were large enough to a) cause significant spallation of the concrete walls during the anticipated 20-year building usage, and b) potentially pose an auditory risk for personnel working elsewhere in the test range building. This project consisted of three phases. First, levels, directivity, and geometric spreading of the 30-mm gun blast were characterized in outdoor measurements. Second, range impulse response estimates generated by a commercial room acoustics package were used to discover potential problem areas within the range and explore the effectiveness of treatments. Finally, data were collected on gun blasts in the completed range to confirm that the test facility meets all acoustical and occupational safety requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Silver Medal is presented to individuals, without age limitation, for contributions to the advancement of science, engineering, or human welfare through the application of acoustic principles, or through research accomplishment in acoustics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article summarizes the music production training program called "Better Chance" at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Florida. The program highlighted the ability of visually impaired individuals to learn to use the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) technology for music production and sound engineering. The first compact disc (CD) was produced by Miami Lighthouse in 2008. The inclusion of sighted teenagers in music instruction and performance at the Miami Lighthouse is attributed to a Children's Trust grant. The article points out the success of participants in gaining employment in the music production industry.

The article highlights the history of Industrial Acoustics Co. Inc., founded in 1949 by Martin Hirschorn, who received his engineering education in England and came to the U.S. after World War II. It states that the company began its one-man operation in New York City. It note that Hirschorn pioneered in sound control products and solutions, was an engineer dedicated to a quieter and more enjoyable environment. Details regarding the company's research laboratories are discussed.

The article offers information on the development of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) acoustic emission (AE) standards. The formulation, development, standardization and maintenance of test methods is the responsibility of the ASTM International, E07.04, Acoustic Emission Subcommittee. A list of the existing AE standard document numbers and titles which can be found in Volume 03.03 Nondestructive Testing, Annual Book of Standards is also presented.

The article offers updates on several events of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). These events include the election of officers of ASA which will take place on April 9, 2010, the 159th Meeting of ASA to be held at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Maryland on April 19-23, 2010, and its technical program. Moreover, several photographs of the candidates for president, vice presidents, and for members of the executive council is provided.

The article presents reports from the various committees of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) with regards to the their activities for the year 2007 and 2008. The Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustical (TCAA) had a successful year, particularly during its Fall 2007 meeting and Spring 2008 meeting. Achieving good classroom acoustics continues to be an important topic that members are advocating. At its Fall 2007 Meeting, Engineering Acoustics (EA) sponsored a special session entitled "Infrasonic Instrumentation." Technical Committee on Musical Acoustics, like the other groups, was well represented at the 155th meeting in terms of special sessions. The independent auditor's report for calendar year ended December 31, 2007 is also presented.

There is no standardized federal, state or local methodology for assessing noise impact from major industrial facilities and power plants in the U.S. The U.S. EPA "Levels" document guideline of DNL=55 dBA is sometimes used as a de facto standard, but is misapplied more often than not. Thirteen states promulgate noise emission standards for industrial sources. Of these, eight issue "maximum-emission" levels and five publish "ambient-based" standards. Levels deemed "acceptable" for permitting purposes for an identical project in the thirteen states can vary by 17 dBA or more, and the rest of the states consider noise a local issue. This paper reviews and critiques in-use assessment methods and develops a method called the Noise Perception Index (NPI) that is based on core thresholds and methods used for decades in the states using ambient-based assessment procedures. The intent is to develop a uniform and relatively simple method to predict true community perception over the long range course of the installation. Spectral imbalance and tonal character are accounted for as are adverse cumulative effects inherent in ambient-based methods. It is believed that the developed NP! assessment method is fair and reasonable for both the community and the project owner since the core method has been validated from years of application throughout the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eye of Hurricane Katrina passed within 49 n mi of an oceanographic observing system buoy in the Mississippi Bight that is part of the Central Gulf of Mexico Ocean Observing System. Although a mechanical anemometer failed on the buoy during the hurricane, a two-axis sonic anemometer survived and provided a complete record of the hurricane’s passage. This is the first reported case of a sonic anemometer surviving a hurricane and reporting validated data, and it demonstrates that this type of anemometer is a viable alternative to the mechanical anemometers traditionally used in marine applications. The buoy pitch and roll record during the storm show the importance of compensating the anemometer records for winds oblique to the horizontal plane of the anemometers. This is made apparent in the comparison between the two wind records from the anemometers during the hurricane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the electroacoustic outputs of frequency-modulated (FM) systems coupled to hearing aids. Method: Electroacoustic performance of FM systems coupled to hearing aids was determined for 3 FM receivers: body-worn with neck loop, ear-level nonprogrammable, and ear-level programmable. Systems were evaluated using the FM-advantage approach suggested by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's "Guidelines for Fitting and Monitoring FM Systems" (2002). Output differences between the hearing aid and FM system were examined for typical input levels with a complex signal to verify an FM advantage and for high-input levels with a pure-tone signal to confirm similarity in maximum output. Results: Measurements from the FM receivers with neck loops showed significant low-frequency reduction and the most variable performance of the 3 types of systems. Less variable measurements were obtained with the ear-level FM receivers, and programmable FM receivers allowed for the most flexibility in obtaining an FM advantage. Findings of variability may be related to the type of system and the compression characteristics of the devices. Conclusion: Findings of great variability in electroacoustic performance of all systems support the need for electroacoustic evaluation, particularly when observing the effects of various settings on new technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents updates related to the Acoustical Society of America. It offers information on the new fellows of the society including Michael R. Bailey, Stephen J. Elliott and Hedwig Gockel. It lists the reviewers of the manuscripts for the 2006 issue of the "Journal of the Acoustical Society of America." It presents a summary of meetings related to acoustics that will be held in the U.S.

The article presents news briefs related to the area of acoustical standards in the U.S. and in other countries. The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Standards has launched its new website containing general information about each Standards Committee and U.S. Technical Advisory Group. A calendar of national and international Standards Committee Meetings in 2007 is also presented.

The article provides an update on issues concerning the Acoustical Society of America as of October 2006. The society has named new fellows including Anthony W. Gummer for his contributions to the mechanics of mammalian and avian cochlea. The 51st meeting of the society was held at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island on June 6-9, 2006. In addition to news, John K. Home of the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Science was given the 2006 Medwin Prize in Acoustical Oceanography.

A directory of the various sections of the Audio Engineering Society in the U.S. and abroad is presented including its All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography Section in Russia and its Conservatoire de Paris Section in Paris, France.

Reviews patents in acoustical engineering in the U.S. Method and apparatus for acoustic detection of buried objects; Viscosity measurement; Acoustic pipe for flip style cellular telephone.

Provides information on various issues related to acoustical engineering in the U.S. as of May 2006. Plan of the Acoustical Society of America to hold its 151st meeting at the Westin Providence Hotel in Rhode Island from June 5 to 9, 2006; List of the American National Standards Call for Comment on Proposals.

Profiles U.S. consummate acoustician and inventor James E. West, the recipient of the 2006 Gold Medal award of the Acoustical Society of America. Family and educational background ; Professional activities in acoustics including the creation of unique loudspeakers; Contributions to architectural acoustics.

Presents a directory of Audio Engineering Society sections. New York Section; Upper Midwest Section; Netherlands Section; Israel Section.

Presents an update on issues related to acoustical standards in the U.S. as of January 2006. Launch of the American National Standards on acoustics from the Acoustical Society of America (ASA); Meetings held by ASA Committee on Standards; Information on several accredited standards committees.

Presents an update on issues related to the Acoustical Society of America as of September 2005. Winner of 48th Dallas Morning News-Toyota Regional Science and Engineering Fair in Texas; Financial report of the society; Annual reports of the technical committees.

Presents several topics discussed during the "Architectural Acoustics, Engineering Acoustics and ASA Committee on Standards: ISO 3382 Acoustics and Electroacoustics Measurement Workshop" in the U.S. Music information retrieval; Speech communication; Signal processing in acoustics and underwater acoustics.

Presents a directory for several sections of the Audio Engineering Society in the U.S.

Presents information on technical standards set by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) in the U.S. Purposes of the standards; Benefactors of the standards; Processes involved in the standards projects of the AES.

Presents a directory of the various chapters of the Audio Engineering Society. University of Miami Student Section in Florida; Toronto Section in Ontario; Danish Section in Denmark; Philippine Section in the Philippines.

Reviews several acoustical patents in the U.S. including the Sonar-Controlled Apparatus for the Delivery of Electromagnetic Radiation, Cylindrical Acoustic Levitator/Concentrator Having Non-Circular Cross-Section and Trolling Motor With Integral Sonar Transducer.

The article presents acoustical patent reviews which aim to provide enough information for a "Journal of the Acoustical Society of America" reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. The data provided include the patent number, patent assignors, patent description, filing date and the place where the patent is filed.

The article lists the members of the technical and administrative committees of the Acoustical Society of America who were appointed by the executive committee in 2003, including committee chairpersons Peter F. Worcester, Andrea M. Simmons, K. Anthony Hoover, Robin O. Cleveland, James P. Cottingham, Kim C. Benjamin, Michael R. Stinson, Thomas J. Matula and Charles F. Gaumond.

The article presents reports from the technical committees of the Acoustical Society of America for the period 2000 to 2003. The technical committees are Acoustical Oceanography, Architectural Acoustics, Animal Bioacoustics, Biomedical Ultrasound and Bioresponse to Vibration, Engineering Acoustics, Musical Acoustics, Physical Acoustics, Psychological and Physiological Acoustics, Signal Processing Acoustics and Speech Communication.

The article presents a calendar of meetings related to acoustics scheduled during the period July 2003 through November 2004. These include the 1st Conference on Acoustic Communication by Animals to be held at the University of Maryland in College Park, the 46th meeting of the Acoustic Emission Working Group in Portland, Oregon, and the IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The joint India–USA symposium was held at The Ohio State University in December 2001 and focused on basic research issues and trends in the general area of vibration and noise engineering. Over 100 delegates and observers participated, including delegates from 19 academic institutions, 18 industrial companies and seven national agencies. Fifteen delegates traveled from India. Overall, 55 articles including state-of-the-art papers were presented on a variety of topics. Papers selected for the 3-day meeting dealt with advanced problem-solving strategies, experimental and computational structural dynamics, intake and exhaust systems, aerospace applications, non-linear dynamics, structure-borne noise and vibration isolation, vibration and acoustic materials, statistical energy analysis, smart structures, turbo-machinery vibration, smart materials and active control, and machinery vibration and acoustics. The impact of new and emerging technologies was illustrated through case studies and personal experiences. In addition, interactive workshops with potential sponsors added an important element to this symposium with key experts from industry and government agencies highlighting their research needs and vision. The Symposium is expected to stimulate further research and collaboration between the two countries. Selected articles (20 including this report) are published in the special edition of the Journal of Sound and Vibration for archival purposes and for dissemination to the global noise and vibration control community. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents updates and information on events related to American and international acoustical standards as of 2003. Information on the meetings by the Acoustical Society of America and study sessions offered by the American National Standards Institute are provided. Information on and pictures of awards given to engineers who helped in the development of standards are provided.

Discusses ways to provide high-quality acoustical environment in schools. Recommendations on school design and planning; Description of impulse response; Personnel needed for acoustical design of classrooms.

Emphasizes the need for a legal mechanism to require local educational systems in the United States to consider acoustics in the design and construction of schools in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Efforts to develop a standard for acoustics that would be referenced in the ADA; Difficulties experienced by hearing-impaired children in understanding speech in noisy classrooms.

Presents the Acoustical Society of America awardees for individual works in acoustics in the U.S. Awards received by physicists James L. Flanagan; Works of physicists John G. Backus; Acceptance of Silver Medal in Engineering Acoustic by physicist Albert G. Bodine.