Optical microphone with vibrating optical element
First Claim
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1. A transducer for converting varying acoustic pressure wave into a signal comprising a light beam made up of variable components corresponding to the varying acoustic pressure wave, comprising:
- a. a support base having a through aperture;
b. a flexible membrane covering the aperture, the membrane having an inner surface and an outer surface exposed to acoustic pressure wave, the membrane adapted to vibrate in response to the acoustic pressure waves being directed toward said outer surface;
c. a beam altering optical element mounted directly on the inner surface of the flexible membrane for movement with the membrane and positioned at an optimum point relative to the membrane for intercepting the light beam, whereby the optical element vibrates with the membrane;
d. first means positioned a first predetermined distance from a membrane for directing a beam of light toward the optical element, the optical element adapted to altering and redirecting the beam of light in varying form in response to the vibration of the membrane for receiving the altered and redirected beam of light;
e. second means positioned a second predetermined distance from the membrane; and
f. a fiber optic cable in communication with each of said first and second means and terminating at a position spaced a third predetermined distance from the optical element for transmitting the beam of light to and from the optical element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An optical microphone includes a vibrating membrane defining a diaphragm for receiving acoustic signals. An optical element such as a lens is attached for vibrating with the membrane in direct relationship with the acoustic input signals. Fixed fiber optic cables may be placed in alignment with the lens for directing the initial light toward the lens and transmit the directed light from the lens. A single or dual fiber optic geometry may be used with the vibrating lens.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A transducer for converting varying acoustic pressure wave into a signal comprising a light beam made up of variable components corresponding to the varying acoustic pressure wave, comprising:
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a. a support base having a through aperture; b. a flexible membrane covering the aperture, the membrane having an inner surface and an outer surface exposed to acoustic pressure wave, the membrane adapted to vibrate in response to the acoustic pressure waves being directed toward said outer surface; c. a beam altering optical element mounted directly on the inner surface of the flexible membrane for movement with the membrane and positioned at an optimum point relative to the membrane for intercepting the light beam, whereby the optical element vibrates with the membrane; d. first means positioned a first predetermined distance from a membrane for directing a beam of light toward the optical element, the optical element adapted to altering and redirecting the beam of light in varying form in response to the vibration of the membrane for receiving the altered and redirected beam of light; e. second means positioned a second predetermined distance from the membrane; and f. a fiber optic cable in communication with each of said first and second means and terminating at a position spaced a third predetermined distance from the optical element for transmitting the beam of light to and from the optical element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13)
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12. A fiber optic microphone for receiving acoustic pressure waves and converting the acoustic pressure waves into a varying light beam, comprising:
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a. a cylindrical sleeve defining a microphone case having opposite open ends; b. a closure cap on one end of the microphone case, the having a through aperture; c. a diaphragm plate on the other end of the microphone case and having a circular, through, diaphragm aperture of a predetermined size; d. a flexible membrane having an inner surface and an outer surface and secured to said plate and stretched over and covering said diaphragm aperture and covering said diaphragm aperture for defining a diaphragm adapted to vibrate in response to acoustic waves directed toward the outer surface thereof; e. a beam altering lens mounted directly on the inner surface of the membrane in the position of maximum vibration of the membrane; f. first means for directing a beam of light toward the lens, the lens adapted for redirecting the beam of light in varying form in response to vibration of the membrane; g. second means for receiving the redirected beam of light; and h. a fiber optic cable in communication with each of said first and second means and terminating at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the lens for transmitting the beam of light to and from the lens. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A fiber optic microphone for receiving acoustic pressure waves and converting the acoustic pressure waves into a varying light beam, comprising:
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a. a cylindrical sleeve defining a microphone case having opposite open ends; b. a closure cap on one end of the microphone case, the cap having a through aperture; c. a diaphragm plate on the other end of the microphone case and having a circular through diaphragm aperture of a predetermined size; d. a flexible membrane having an inner surface and an outer surface and secured to said plate and stretched over and covering said diaphragm aperture therein for defining a diaphragm adapted to vibrate in response to acoustic waves directed toward the outer surface thereof; e. a beam altering lens mounted on the inner surface of the membrane in the position of maximum vibration of the membrane; f. first means outside the sleeve for directing a beam of light toward the lens, the lens adapted for altering and redirecting the beam of light in varying forms in response to the vibration of the membrane; g. second means outside the sleeve for receiving the altered, redirected beam of light; h. a holder mounted in said case, the holder having a truncated conical end in axial alignment with the lens in the membrane; and i. a pair of elongated fiber optic cables having opposite ends, the cables carried by said holder and mounted on said truncated conical end with one end of each of said cables extending beyond said truncated conical end to a predetermined position spaced from said lens. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27)
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Specification