Abstract: In one embodiment of an audio system, a transducer can be coupled to a passive acoustic directional amplifier to provide various benefits and improvements, including improvements to: speech intelligibility, signal-to-noise ratio, effective equivalent input noise, at-a-distance acoustic signal reception, and directional preference. In another embodiment, the shape of an interior surface of a passive acoustic directional amplifier is provided. In another embodiment, the material properties of an interior surface of a passive acoustic directional amplifier are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment of an audio system, a transducer can be coupled to a passive acoustic directional amplifier to provide various benefits and improvements, including improvements to: speech intelligibility, signal-to-noise ratio, effective equivalent input noise, at-a-distance acoustic signal reception, and directional preference. In another embodiment, the shape of an interior surface of a passive acoustic directional amplifier is provided. In another embodiment, the material properties of an interior surface of a passive acoustic directional amplifier are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment of an audio system, a transducer can be coupled to a passive acoustic directional amplifier to provide various benefits and improvements, including improvements to: speech intelligibility, signal-to-noise ratio, effective equivalent input noise, at-a-distance acoustic signal reception, and directional preference. In another embodiment, the shape of an interior surface of a passive acoustic directional amplifier is provided. In another embodiment, the material properties of an interior surface of a passive acoustic directional amplifier are provided.

Abstract: An I/O device powered by its computer interface is interfaced to a computer through a PC Card. A dongle is included with a cable assembly between the PC Card and the I/O device. Power for the I/O device is supplied thereto by an external power supply connected to the dongle. Using a power status input, the PC card can detect whether the external power supply is operational and connected, and accordingly, the PC Card manages operations with the I/O device.

Abstract: A PCMCIA card includes a processor and a dual-ported memory thereon. The PCMCIA card is plugged into a host, such that both the PCMCIA card's processor and the host have access to the dual-ported memory. Upon initialization, the host will load the dual-ported memory will a boot sequence for the processor on the PCMCIA card. The processor on the PCMCIA card is then released from a reset state, and proceeds to boot from the boot sequence loaded by the host. The processor on the PCMCIA card is released from reset by the host accessing a predetermined location within the address space of the PCMCIA card.

Abstract: A PC Card includes a printed wiring board with an edge-card connector formed integral therewith. Wiring of the printed wiring board connects the edge-card connector to components on the printed wiring board. Connection is established to the printed wiring board via the edge-card connection for testing and programming of components on the PC Card.