Abstract: A valve for a personal auditory system is described. The auditory system is capable of converting between an acoustic signal and an electrical signal. The auditory system has an acoustic pathway through which an acoustic signal may travel between a first point exterior to the auditory system and a second point interior to the auditory system. The valve includes a free floating electrode and a second electrode adjacent to free floating electrode. An electric signal that is generated by the second electrode moves the free floating electrode to substantially open or close the acoustic pathway.

Abstract: A valve for a personal auditory system is described. The auditory system is capable of converting between an acoustic signal and an electrical signal. The auditory system has an acoustic pathway through which an acoustic signal may travel between a first point exterior to the auditory system and a second point interior to the auditory system. The valve includes a free floating electrode and a second electrode adjacent to free floating electrode. An electric signal that is generated by the second electrode moves the free floating electrode to substantially open or close the acoustic pathway.

Abstract: A condenser microphone having a housing, a diaphragm assembly and backplate located within the housing. A spacer isolates the diaphragm assembly from the housing and spaces the diaphragm assembly from the backplate. The spacer has a first portion disposed between the backplate and the diaphragm assembly, and a second portion disposed between the diaphragm assembly and the wall of the housing. A conductive member electrically connects the backplate to a ground.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a motor assembly for an acoustic transducer is provided. The motor assembly includes a base member, a support member, a diaphragm and a backplate. The base member has a surface and a protrusion extending a distance from the surface. The support member has an opening therethrough, and the diaphragm is connected to the support member such that the diaphragm covers a portion of the opening of the support member. The support member is placed on the base member such that the support member contacts the surface of the base member, and the protrusion of the base member contacts the diaphragm. The backplate is placed on the diaphragm such that the backplate is supported by the protrusion. As part of the assembly, the backplate is secured to the support member. By having an assembly wherein the backplate does not contact the diaphragm, the capacitance of the assembly is reduced.

Abstract: A condenser microphone, and method of construction, is disclosed. The microphone comprises a cup-shaped housing having a base surface and an upstanding peripheral wall. The wall terminates at a distal edge defining an opening. The microphone further comprises a diaphragm and ring assembly disposed on the base surface and having a peripheral edge, a backplate having a peripheral edge, and a spacing washer disposed between the diaphragm and ring assembly and the backplate for separating the diaphragm and ring assembly from the backplate. The microphone also comprises a substrate closing the housing opening. The spacer is disposed between the peripheral housing wall and the peripheral edges of the diaphragm and ring assembly and the backplate. The spacer includes a radially inwardly directed flange which engages an upper peripheral surface of the backplate.

Abstract: An acoustical transducer including a case and a support member, diaphragm, and backplate located within the case. The diaphragm is connected to the support member and is capable of vibrating. The backplate is mounted to the support member and is spaced a distance from the diaphragm to provide a gap between the backplate and the diaphragm. An electret material on the backplate cooperates with the diaphragm to develop a signal which is transmitted to an amplifier. By having an assembly wherein the backplate does not contact the diaphragm, the capacitance of the assembly is reduced.

Abstract: A condenser microphone, and method of construction, is disclosed. The microphone comprises a cup-shaped housing having a base surface and an upstanding peripheral wall. The wall terminates at a distal edge defining an opening. The microphone further comprises a diaphragm and ring assembly disposed on the base surface and having a peripheral edge, a backplate having a peripheral edge, and a spacing washer disposed between the diaphragm and ring assembly and the backplate for separating the diaphragm and ring assembly from the backplate. The microphone also comprises a substrate closing the housing opening. The spacer is disposed between the peripheral housing wall and the peripheral edges of the diaphragm and ring assembly and the backplate. The spacer includes a radially inwardly directed flange which engages an upper peripheral surface of the backplate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a motor assembly for an acoustic transducer is provided. The motor assembly includes a base member, a support member, a diaphragm and a backplate. The base member has a surface and a protrusion extending a distance from the surface. The support member has an opening therethrough, and the diaphragm is connected to the support member such that the diaphragm covers a portion of the opening of the support member. The support member is placed on the base member such that the support member contacts the surface of the base member, and the protrusion of the base member contacts the diaphragm. The backplate is placed on the diaphragm such that the backplate is supported by the protrusion. As part of the assembly, the backplate is secured to the support member. By having an assembly wherein the backplate does not contact the diaphragm, the capacitance of the assembly is reduced.