Electronically variable audiometer of the von Bekesy type
US3936607A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 1973 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 1993 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/121
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The disclosure relates particularly to audiometers, such as used in ascertaining the hearing ability of test subjects. Functionally, the new audiometer is similar to the so-called von Bekesy audiometer. However, the new system incorporates unique and advantageous circuit arrangements which enable controlled variable attenuation of a power signal to be achieved through simple and reliable electronic means. The new system eliminates the costly and fast-wearing electro-mechanical mechanism customarily used and heretofore considered necessary in a von Bekesy audiometer. The new electronic attenuation system includes means, effective in the extremely low power range of audiometer signal generation, to apply a high level, controllably variable signal, and to attenuate that signal across a high ratio voltage divider. In the high power ranges of the audiometer, the generated signals need not be attenuated in the first instance, and the voltage divider is rendered ineffective automatically when the system operates in the higher ranges. A current amplifier supplies the necessary additional current requirements for high level signals. The new system is unique in its ability to generate an ext…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.