Abstract: In one embodiment, a method and apparatus for processing an audio signal are provided. In one example of the invention, an audio signal is received. The audio signal is classified as a high quality signal or a low quality signal based upon a determination of the bandwidth, signal source, and/or signal type of the audio signal. The audio signal is further processed responsive to whether the audio signal is classified as a high quality signal or a low quality signal.

Abstract: An accessory interface bus for a telecommunications headset adapter or base unit, which controls and monitors the operations of various headset accessories coupled to the interface bus, is disclosed. The accessory interface bus allows the telecommunications headset adapter to detect when a new accessory is coupled to the bus. The interface bus may be implemented within a headset adapter base in a telecommunications system that includes the headset adapter base, a telecommunications headset coupled to the adapter base, and various headset accessories coupled to the adapter base. The interface bus transmits control and status signals between the headset adapter base and the various headset accessories to directly control and monitor operations for each headset accessory coupled to the interface bus. The control and monitoring of a given headset accessory may include activating or deactivating, resetting, and/or simulating a button press of a button located on the accessory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a wireless stereo headset are disclosed. The system generally includes a first headset component and a second headset component. Both the first headset component and the second headset component may be wireless devices.

Abstract: Wireless systems having a plurality of physically and electrically-separated data sinks. An exemplary wireless system includes first and second data sinks having no physical or electrical connection therebetween. The first and second data sinks each include a wireless communication device, e.g., a radio frequency (RF) receiver or transceiver configured to receive data signals over one or more single-access wireless links or over a multi-access wireless link. The first and second data sinks in exemplary embodiments may comprise audio data sinks, e.g., stereo speakers, left-ear and right-ear earphones (e.g., earbuds or canalphones), left-ear and right-ear circum-aural over-the-ear headphones, etc. At least one of the first and second data sinks may also be coupled to a wireless transmitter and accompanying data source (e.g., a microphone or sensor), so as to provide, for example, two-way communications between a user and an external data device (e.g., a cellular telephone).

Abstract: Systems and methods for a wireless stereo headset are disclosed. The system generally includes a first headset component and a second headset component. Both the first headset component and the second headset component may be wireless devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for inductive charging a battery. The apparatus includes a housing with a lower surface and a charging surface. A rechargeable device with a rechargeable battery may be placed on the charging surface. The apparatus further includes a controller for driving an oscillator, wherein the controller receives power from a power source. A first charger coil and second charger coil are disposed within the housing and are coupled to the oscillator. The first charger coil and second charger coil create a substantially horizontal magnetic field in the volume of space above the charging surface.

Abstract: A wireless communication system automatically aligns a magnetic induction field to establish a two-way communication link between a stationary base unit located, for example, at a user's work station, and a remote unit worn by the user, for example, as a headset or body pack. At any point in time, the base unit and the remote unit have an arbitrary relative orientation to each other. The base unit senses this orientation, then aligns the magnetic induction field to maintain the communication link with the remote unit. In one embodiment, the base unit preferably includes an aerial array having a number of mutually orthogonal windings. Each winding produces a signal when a magnetic induction field generated by the remote unit passes through the base unit. A selector module selects the longitudinal axis of the winding with the strongest signal as an approximation of a direction vector defining the orientation of the magnetic induction field relative to the base unit.

Abstract: A telephone interface unit automatically configures itself to couple a headset to a telephone. The interface unit comprises a switch matrix, for coupling various signal lines of the telephone to various signal lines of the headset, and a control logic, for automatically setting the switch matrix. The interface unit also comprises a variable gain circuit, for adjusting the amplitude of signals transmitted by the headset. The control logic automatically adjusts the gain of the variable gain circuit such that the gain of the headset is matched to the gain of the telephone.

Abstract: A kettle which includes a vessel that provides a chamber for holding water, a pouring spout for dispensing water from the chamber, and a handle for lifting and tilting the vessel during pouring, also includes an electric heating element in the form of a conductive track of a thick film printed circuit on a metal substrate that forms a heated portion of the vessel, the electric heating element being located externally of the chamber.

Abstract: A solenoid drive circuit for a matrix printer comprises a capacitor (C1) connected in parallel with the series arrangement of a first diode (D2), the solenoid coil (L1), and the collector-emitter path of a transistor (T1). A second diode (D3) is connected in parallel with the coil (L1) and transistor (T1). The capacitor is charged from a d.c. supply which includes a switching regulator (10, T10) via a diode (D1). When the transistor is switched ON by a print signal applied to a terminal (4) the capacitor is discharged resonantly into the coil. The first diode (D2) prevents current flow from the solenoid to the capacitor during the negative half cycle of the resonant frequency so that current in the coil circulates in the loop formed by the coil, the transistor and the second diode. When the transistor is switched OFF the current flowing in the coil is discharged via a further diode (D4) into the storage capacitor (C10) of the d.c. power supply to increase the efficiency of the drive circuit.