Abstract: An ear piece device configured for being supported in the ear and providing a microphone which is sensitive only to sounds conducted within the skull of the user is contained within a housing which is configured at one end to fit snugly at the ear canal of the user, but not to extend within the ear canal. A microphone element is coupled within the housing in a position such that the microphone element is separated from contact with the skull of the user by the housing. This microphone element includes an inertial platform which has sufficient inertial mass to substantially resist movement associated with the housing by reason of audio vibration and which is cantilevered at one end within the housing and includes signal means for generating a signal representing vibrations transferred into the housing in the form of audio vibrations from the user. This signal is supplied to an audio circuit for processing and reproduction of the user's voice.

Abstract: A telephone speaker/microphone device for suspending in a user's ear to enable hands-free communication without common occurrence of feedback. The device utilizes control circuitry capable of interconnecting microphone and speaker leads from a telephone or other communicating device to a speaker element and microphone element which are embodied in a single earpiece and suspended at the user's ear. The speaker element and microphone element are positioned sufficiently close and are wired such that the speaker signal is approximately 180 degrees out of phase with the microphone signal and results in cancellation of feedback by virtue of the out of phase relationship. This device and method are particularly useful in communication devices which utilize a side tone electronically transmitted from the microphone into the speaker element at the user's ear.

Abstract: A self-contained, fully operational radio device adapted in size and configuration for implacement and retention at the entrance to an ear canal, said device being fully self-supported by surrounding ear cartilage, thereby eliminating any need for connecting wires or other radio circuitry. The device includes a casement having an outward and an inward housing for containing the respective radio circuitry and speaker means for the radio device. A battery is also contained within the outward housing for powering the radio system. The maximum outside dimensions of the radio device and enclosed radio circuitry are less than 3/4 of an inch in diameter and one inch in length. Various functional controls are provided for convenient operation of on/off, frequency selection, and volume level.

Abstract: A piezoelectric crystal spark plug includes a body similar to a conventional spark plug, a central electrode extending from the bottom end of the body, and a ground electrode disposed near but spaced from one end of the central electrode and connected to the body. A piezoelectric crystal is included within the body and one side of the crystal is electrically coupled to the other end of the central electrode. A deforming device is also included within the body to deform the crystal and cause it to produce and apply an electrical signal to the central electrode. This electrical signal produces a spark between the central and ground electrode similar to a conventional spark plug.

Abstract: A switching unit selectively couples together various combinations of audio subsystems from three or more different groups of such subsystems, to thereby allow a complete audio system to be "constructed" for use. The switching unit is designed to be used in sales showrooms or similar environments where it is desired to demonstrate several different combinations of audio subsystems. The switching unit permits any one subsystem of a first group, typically source subsystems such as turntables, tuners, and tape-decks, to be connected to any one subsystem of a second group, typically amplifier subsystems. The switching unit further permits the subsystem of the second group to be connected to any one subsystem of a third group, typically speaker subsystems. The selection of the particular subsystems from each group may be controlled by a hand-held remote selector, thereby allowing the user thereof to walk around the showroom floor as the various selections are made.

Abstract: A multi-speed tape cassette system includes a tape cassette having a removable tab centrally located over a cavity disposed on the leading edge thereof, and a tape player operable to reproduce information contained on the tape cassette at one speed if the cassette tab is in place, and at another speed if the cassette tab is removed. The tape player includes a receptacle for receiving and holding the cassette, a two-position control switch normally biased to a second position, and operable to a first position when the tape cassette including the tab is placed in the receptacle. The control switch remains in the second position when the cassette with the tab removed is placed in the receptacle. The tape player also includes apparatus responsive to the control switch being in the first position for operating the tape cassette at the normal speed, and responsive to the control switch being in the second position for operating the tape cassette at a lower speed.

Abstract: Structure for combining at one location smoke detection circuitry and wall or ceiling lamp apparatus. The structure includes a housing formed with a bottom wall and side walls and having an opening at the top thereof. The bottom wall has an opening centrally located therein. Also included is a lamp socket disposed in the housing so that the socket opening may receive the base of a lamp bulb through the opening in the bottom wall. Smoke detection circuitry is also disposed in the housing about the lamp socket. The circuitry includes an audible sound producing mechanism and a detector element responsive to the presence of smoke thereat for causing the sound producing mechanism to produce audible sound. The circuitry is powered alternatively by a rechargeable battery or by the current supplied to the lamp bulb.