Abstract: A speaker having a transparent sound panel and an exciter connected to the transparent sound panel for converting electrical energy received by the exciter, into vibrations that are transmitted to the transparent sound panel, resulting in the transparent sound panel transmitting sound. The speaker also contains a stiff panel located between the exciter and the transparent sound panel, where the stiff panel minimizes dampening qualities associated with material utilized to fabricate the transparent sound panel and minimizes bending of the portion of the transparent sound panel that is in contact with the stiff panel. In addition, a dampening pad is located within the exciter for absorbing a portion of excessive mid-high frequency vibrations emanating from the exciter prior to transmission to the transparent sound panel.

Abstract: A speaker system employs a first device and a second device where one of the first device and the second device is a speaker. The first device has a supporting surface, from which a positioning element protrudes and forms a distal end. The positioning element tapers from the supporting surface to a smaller dimension at the distal end. The second device has a cavity receiving the positioning element. In one embodiment, the first device has a first electrical contact positioned adjacent to the positioning element and the second device has a second electrical contact engaging the first electrical contact. In another embodiment, the first and second device are rotationally repositionable relative to one another, and an electrical connection is created between the first device and the second device when the cavity receives the positioning element at more than one relative rotational position between the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A passive noise reduction apparatus has a headset with at least one ear cup attached to the headset, the ear cup having an ear side and a shell side. An inner shell, having a cup side and an outer side, is mounted to and substantially covers the shell side of the ear cup wherein the cup side of the inner shell faces the shell side of the ear cup. An outer shell, having an inner side and a distal side, is mounted to and substantially covers the inner shell, wherein the inner side of the outer shell is in substantially contiguous contact with the outer side of the inner shell.

Abstract: An audio system includes a housing which has at least one port, at least one speaker driver with a diaphragm located in the housing, a tube made of one or more thermally conductive materials and having at least two openings, and at least one electronic component which is thermally coupled to the tube. The tube is at least partially located in the housing with one of the openings of the tube at least adjacent to the port of the housing. Movement of the diaphragm helps move air into and out of the tube to dissipate heat.