Abstract: A planar monopole antenna is provided that includes a dielectric substrate with an electrically conductive antenna element adhered to the substrate surface. A coplanar waveguide is also adhered to the surface of the dielectric substrate in electrical communication with the antenna element. A microwave absorber layer is adhered to an opposing rearward surface of the dielectric substrate. The resultant antenna operates at a reduced return loss and lowers operating frequency compared to an antenna lacking the microwave absorber layer. As a result, an otherwise nonultrawideband antenna is operated as an ultrawideband antenna without increasing the dimensions of the antenna elements through resort to adherence of a microwave absorber layer to the rearward surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An earphone device independently securable to each ear, with a retainer having two ends. A speaker is coupled to one end of the retainer while a cushion disc is coupled to the other end, and is designed to fit within a recessed area of the outer ear. The earphone device is retained through resilient biasing of the retainer on the ear. The earphone device also includes structure for exerting force thereon in order to urge the first and second ends of the retainer away from each other, thereby providing sufficient spacing to allow removal thereof. The earphone device may have a detachable earmuff designed to protect the user's ear during cold weather conditions. Hook and loop type fasteners are on the retainer and the earmuff in order to provide easy attachment and removal of the earmuff. The invention may also be configured as an earmuff which is capable of attachment to an individual ear.

Abstract: A radio frequency gasket assembly having a flexible hollow tube enveloped a conductive layer, and filled with an incompressible fluid. In one embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled with a sufficient volume of incompressible fluid such that when the gasket is compressed proper contact pressure is achieved between adjacent conductive surfaces of the enclosure. In another embodiment thereof, the undeformed gasket is filled completely with an incompressible fluid, such as ethylene glycol. When the gasket is compressed, a portion of the fluid is allowed to collect in a spring-loaded reservoir, preventing excessive pressure build-up and rupture. When the compressive force is removed, the collected fluid re-enters the gasket.