Abstract: A telecommunication device (10) includes a housing (14, 16) and a dual earpiece arrangement (26) associated with the housing. The dual earpiece arrangement (26) includes a handsfree transducer (28) that generates dispatch-level audio output in a handsfree operating mode of the telecommunication device, and a private-mode transducer (38) that generates private-level audio output in a private operating mode of the telecommunication device. In particular, the device (10) includes a cantilevered bender (30) having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the bender is mounted to the housing (16), a diaphragm (32) having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the diaphragm (32) is attached to the second end of the bender (30), and a surround (34) joining the second end of the diaphragm (32) to the housing (16). The bender (30) drives the diaphragm (32) in a reciprocating manner to generate dispatch level audio output.

Abstract: The invention is an improved credit card utilizing a die-cut removable portion which enables both visual and/or mechanical disablement of the card. The die-cut portion is preferably in the shape of a conventional key providing a visual indicator of the missing link necessary to make the card operational. The die-cut portion of the card may encompass identifying indicia such as the owner's name, the card expiration date, the numerical identification number, and/or the magnetic strip. Variations of the die-cut key allow certain aspects of the card to remain enabled should the removed key be accidentally lost. The invention requires that the key lock system be carried separately from the credit card thus frustrating pick-pockets or instances where the cards are otherwise stolen or lost. A second embodiment of the invention includes the use of the die-cut portion placed within two side surfaces of a credit card device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for degassing a mix of cement and a polymeric binding agent including filler material and/or fiber. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber and a mechanism for adjusting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber has an upper inlet zone including an inlet port, a lower discharge zone including a discharge port and an intermediate zone therebetween. Structure is provided adjacent to the inlet port which is open to the atmosphere for guiding the mix toward the inlet port. Structure is also positioned in the intermediate zone of the vacuum chamber for receiving, distributing and expediting the degassification of the free falling mix entering the vacuum chamber through the upper inlet port. A vacuum seal is provided by the mix entering the inlet port and by the degassed mix exiting the discharge port.