Abstract: Existing automatic log on/log off systems in telephone systems determine whether or not a workstation is occupied, and that calls can be directed to that workstation, by determining whether or not the amplifier that provides the interface between the telephone system and the occupant's headset is plugged into the workstation. Recent headsets have a connector in the cord between the headset and the amplifier. This enables the occupant to leave the workstation without unplugging the amplifier, which defeats sensing mechanism of the existing automatic log on/log off system. An amplifier according to the invention replaces the existing amplifier and includes a detector that determines whether the headset is connected to the amplifier, and an activator that activates the existing automatic log on/log off system in the telephone system.

Abstract: A communications headset is disclosed having a detachable receiver capsule rotatably and pivotally attached to a main body, and a cable pivot for allowing the headset connection cable to pivot with respect to the receiver capsule. This combination of features allows the headset to be configured for use on either ear, and allows the receiver capsule to be used in conjunction with a variety of main body assemblies. Stabilization of the headset on the wearer's head is also increased by the cable pivot. The pivoting action of the cable allows the cable to exert a uniform force (from its own weight and tension) on a centrally balanced point on the headset regardless of the forward inclination of the wearer's head, thereby greatly reducing the amount of unsettling force to the headset that typically accompanies movement of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A communication headset is provided which includes two curved housings that rotate with respect to one another to allow the headset to be held firmly in place over one ear of the user. One housing supports a microphone boom which has a free end positionable adjacent to the users mouth and the other houses a receiver element for producing sound from electrical signals. Feedback between the receiver and the microphone is reduced by an elastomer friction hinge between the two housings. The receiver element is encapsulated by elastomer to further reduce feedback and to protect the receiver element from physical shock.

Abstract: A communication headset is disclosed having a microphone for transmitting the user's voice and a receiver for transmitting audio signals into the user's ear. In a monaural configuration, the headset includes a resilient, generally U-shaped headband, to be worn over the head, having a housing adjustably attached at one end and a stabilizing clip at the other. The receiver assembly is mounted to the housing with a ball and socket type arrangement, allowing the receiver assembly to rotate axially and pivot in a spherical fashion with respect to the housing, thereby increasing comfort and acoustic coupling with any size or shape ear. A binaural configuration is also disclosed wherein the stabilizing clip is replaced with a second receiver assembly, ball and socket joint, and housing.The microphone is mounted on the distal end of a microphone boom for positioning adjacent the user's mouth.

Abstract: An amplifier for amplifying a signal received on a telephone line and for providing the amplified signal to a telephone headset. The amplifier draws current from a battery. The current drawn is reduced in the absence of activity on the line. The amplifier includes a timer that generates a first control signal after a time-out time. The timer is reset by a second control signal. A threshold circuit generates the second control signal when the signal on the telephone line is above a threshold level. Finally, a circuit, responsive to the first control signal, reduces the current drawn from the power supply. The amplifier may additionally or alternatively include receive line muting. The amplifier includes an automatic level control circuit that receives the signal received on the telephone line and controls the level of the amplified signal provided to the headset to a set level in response to a second control signal.

Abstract: A communication headset is provided which includes two curved housings that rotate with respect to one another to allow the headset to be held firmly in place over one ear of the user. One housing supports a microphone boom which has a free end positionable adjacent to the users mouth and the other houses a receiver element for producing sound from electrical signals. Feedback between the receiver and the microphone is reduced by an elastomer friction hinge between the two housings. The receiver element is encapsulated by elastomer to further reduce feedback and to protect the receiver element from physical shock.

Abstract: Existing automatic log on/log off systems in telephone systems determine whether or not a workstation is occupied, and that calls can be directed to that workstation, by determining whether or not the amplifier that provides the interface between the telephone system and the occupant's headset is plugged into the workstation. Recent headsets have a connector in the cord between the headset and the amplifier. This enables the occupant to leave the workstation without unplugging the amplifier, which defeats sensing mechanism of the existing automatic log on/log off system. An amplifier according to the invention replaces the existing amplifier and includes a detector that determines whether the headset is connected to the amplifier, and an activator that activates the existing automatic log on/log off system in the telephone system.

Abstract: An audio compression system wherein the compression theshold may be adjusted to a calibrated level. The audio compression system is utilizable in a receiver system whereinan audio input signal received by the receiver system via a communications channel is applied to conditioning circuitry. The conditioning circuitry, in turn, provides a conditioned input signal to an acoustic transducer element for generating a corresponding audio output signal. The audio compression system compares the conditioned input signal and an initial threshold signal to provide a comparator output signal corresponding to the difference between the conditoned input signal and the initial threshold signal. The comparator output signal is provided as a control input to the conditioning circuitry. If the conditioned input signal exceeds the initial threshold signal for a preselected period of time, then the initial threshold signal is switched to a second threshold signal.

Abstract: An acoustical voice tube, comprising an acoustical hollow upper piece and an acoustical hollow lower piece in hinged connection permits voice or sound tube positioning over a large area without changing the sound characteristics.

Abstract: A voice signal compression system wherein the compression threshold may be adjusted to a calibrated level. The system includes a variable gain amplifier for amplifying a voice input signal based on the application of a variable control voltage. A driver increases the power gain of the amplified input signal to provide a power-boosted output signal. In addition to applying the power-boosted output signal to an acoustic output transducer, the power-boosted output is also applied both to a peak detecting comparator and to a threshold reset timer. The comparator produces a digital output that triggers an attack/decay timing generator which produces the control voltage for the variable gain amplifier. The comparator initially is set to a high threshold state by the threshold reset timer. As the levels and peaks of the input signal increase, the comparator begins to trigger digital pulses to the attack/decay timer.

Abstract: An earpiece for use with a post-auricle communication headset is disclosed. The headset includes a capsule to which a microphone boom and the earpiece are affixed. The earpiece is composed of a flexible sound tube terminating in a sound tip surrounded by a conically shaped ear cushion. The sound tube includes an acoustically sealed swivel joint functioning to facilitate the secure positioning of the ear cushion in the user's ear. The cushion is composed of a compressible foam material and is configured so that the sound tip is not in contact with the user's ear thereby reducing irritation and dissipating sound surges.

Abstract: An encrypting transponder provides data security for transmissions between a terminal and a remote computer, network or terminal. The transponder provides positive user and terminal identification before access to a remote computer file is permitted, and further provides for secure message authentication during the course of data transmission. The transponder is passive and operates in response to interrogation from a remote host computer, thus making it useful with many different operating system and hand-shake protocols.

Abstract: A miniature telephone handset that is convertible into a headset for use in conjunction with a telephone base unit. The telephone handset includes a housing, a microphone mounted near one end of the housing, an earphone mounted near the other end of the housing, a cable for electrically connecting the microphone and the earphone to the telephone base unit, a bushing rotatably coupled to the housing near the earphone end, and a removable headband adapted for insertion into the bushing and operable for supporting the housing next to a user's head when used as a headset.

Abstract: A lightweight adjustable headset is disclosed for use with telephones. The headset includes a housing having a microphone boom mounted in a manner to permit rotational and translational movement. A support member is provided for affixing the headset to the wearer. In one embodiment of the subject invention, which includes a wire headband for support, a cushion is affixed to the housing and is adapted to rest against the ear of the wearer. The cushion is configured such that it functions as a load bearing support and as a pivot point to permit the adjustment of the position of the headset relative to the user's head. In addition, the cushion functions to reduce the likelihood of infections and for dissipating sound surges. In an alternate embodiment of the subject invention, the support member includes a clip to permit the mounting of the headset to the frame of the pair of eyeglasses. The subject clip is capable of gripping temples of various thicknesses.