Method and apparatus for underwater communication
US5455842A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R1/44
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Waterborne acoustic signals are received and processed into electrical driver signals to energize a transducer held in selectively controllable vibration-transmitting engagement with a tooth of an underwater diver. The transducer converts the electrical signals into low amplitude sound-associated vibrations imparted to the tooth, through the jawbone and scull to the cochlea for processing into electrical signals carried to the brain and perceived as intelligible sound. The addition of conventional broadcast means permits two-way underwater communication. The transducer can be labially or occlusively mounted, preferably against an upper or maxillary tooth and the force of engagement between the transducer and the tooth is at least partially controlled by the diver to optimize communication characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.