Sound-Emitting Device

• US 20070037691A1
• Filed: 08/17/2006
• Published: 02/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Howard Stapleton
• Original Assignee: Howard Stapleton
• Inventors: Stapleton, Howard
• Granted Patent: US 8,031,058 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 501/136
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/16 using sound waves
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/18 using ultrasonic signals

Abstract

A sound-emitting device (10, FIG. 1) may be mounted to a wall near places which be unsuitable for the congregation of young person, such as outside shops and on street corners. The device generates sound waves at a frequency that is detectable by one or more subgroups of individuals within a group of individuals.

Claims

1. A sound-emitting device, said sound-emitting device comprising oscillating means for generating a signal and sounding means for generating a sound wave in accordance with said signal, said sound wave having a frequency that is detectable by one or more subgroups of individuals within a group of individuals, said subgroup of individuals being of the same species as the group of individuals.

2. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more subgroups of individuals are caused to move away from said sound-emitting device by said sound wave.

3. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frequency is in the range 16.5 kHz±

5 kHz.

4. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frequency is in the range 16.5 kHz±

2 kHz.

5. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frequency is in the range 16.5 kHz±

1 kHz.

6. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sounding means comprises a transducer.

7. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sounding means emits said sound wave with an angular spread in direction in the range of substantially 50°

-70°

.

8. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sound-emitting device is mounted to a wall or post or similar.

9. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sound-emitting device is hand-held.

10. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sound-emitting device has an operating range of substantially 15 m-20 m.

11. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said subgroups of individuals are teenagers.

12. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sound-emitting device is noticeable to those individuals whom are wearing headphones or using mobile phones.

13. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device comprises an amplifier and automatic gain control.

14. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said automatic gain control measures the level of background noise and adjusts the amplitude of the sound wave so that the amplitude of the sound wave is above the level of the background noise.

15. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is arranged to emit an indicator periodically to indicate that the device is working.

16. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said indicator is an audible indicator.

17. A sound-emitting device, said sound-emitting device comprising oscillating means for generating a signal and sounding means for generating a sound wave in accordance with said signal, wherein said signal causes said sounding means to generate a sound wave having a first frequency and a second frequency, said sound wave being detectable by one or more subgroups of individuals within a group of individuals.

18. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said device further comprises mixing means for combining said first and second frequencies to create a high frequency component and a low frequency beat component.

19. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sounding means generates a sound wave which switches between said first and second frequency.

20. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said high frequency component is in the range 16.5 kHz±

5 kHz.

21. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said high frequency component is in the range 16.5 kHz±

2 kHz.

22. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said high frequency component is in the range 16.5 kHz±

1 kHz.

23. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said low frequency beat component has a frequency in the range 1-10 Hz.

24. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said low frequency component is in the range of 1 Hz-6 Hz.

25. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said low frequency component is 3.8 Hz±

2 Hz.

26. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said oscillating means varies the frequency of said signal between said first frequency and said second frequency.

27. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sounding means comprises a transducer.

28. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sounding means emits said sound wave with an angular spread in direction in the range of substantially 50°

-70°

.

29. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sound-emitting device is mounted to a wall or post or similar.

30. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sound-emitting device is hand-held.

31. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sound-emitting device has an operating range of substantially 15 m-20 m.

32. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said subgroups of individuals are teenagers.

33. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said sound-emitting device is noticeable to those individuals whom are wearing headphones or using mobile phones.

34. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said device comprises an amplifier and automatic gain control.

35. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 34, wherein said automatic gain control measures the level of background noise and adjusts the amplitude of the sound wave so that the amplitude of the sound wave is above the level of the background noise.

36. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said device is arranged to emit an indicator periodically to indicate that the device is working.

37. A sound-emitting device as claimed in claim 36, wherein said indicator is an audible indicator.

38. A method of dispersing a group of individuals, said method comprising generating a single to cause sounding means to generate a sound wave having a frequency detectable by one or more subgroups of individuals within said group of individuals.