Sound Generating Device

• US 20080048871A1
• Filed: 02/16/2006
• Published: 02/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/16/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DLP Limited
• Original Assignee: DLP Limited
• Inventors: Stimpson, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 7,692,554 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/573.7
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 21/006 using audible presentation of the information

Abstract

A sound generating device for invalid apparatus as herein defined comprises a monitoring circuit and an audible output device For outputting an audible indication corresponding to the status and/or relative proximity of the in use apparatus monitored by the monitoring circuit. Body soaking apparatus, a seat, a handle, and invalid apparatus having such a sound generating device are also provided.

Claims

1-18. -18. (canceled)

19. Invalid apparatus, comprising a sound generating device including a monitoring circuit and an audible output device for outputting an audible indication corresponding to the status and/or relative proximity of the apparatus monitored by the monitoring circuit, the monitoring circuit of the sound generating device having means for determining the position and/or status of one or more parts of the apparatus, and the sound generating device outputs an audible indication corresponding to the position and/or status of the or each part, characterised in that the audible indication is outputted before the condition of the or each part changes.

20. Invalid apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein a different audible indication is outputted from the audible output device dependent upon a specific status of the apparatus monitored by the monitoring circuit.

21. Invalid apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the audible indication is a voice message.

22. Invalid apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the monitoring circuit includes a proximity sensor for determining the position of a user relative to the apparatus.

23. Invalid apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the monitoring circuit includes a water temperature sensor, a how rate sensor, a water pressure sensor, a water depth sensor and/or a power supply sensor.

24. Invalid apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the monitoring circuit includes means for determining the position of one or more movable parts of the apparatus.