Abstract: The invention relates to a diving mask (10) including a frame (12) fitted with a visor (18); a flexible skirt (40) including a partition (46) delimiting an upper chamber (50) for viewing from a lower chamber (52) for breathing, the partition being arranged to bear upon the nose of the user such that the mouth and the nose of the user are in the lower chamber, while the eyes of the user are in the upper chamber, a breathing tube (20) having a proximal end (20a) for linking the breathing tube to the frame, the breathing tube including at least one channel (21) fluidically connected with the lower chamber. The diving mask further includes a telecommunications device (500) which is mounted at least partially to the breathing tube (20).

Abstract: This disclosure describes a full-face type mask for underwater use. The mask is provided with a mouthpiece to enable the wearer to breathe with his/her head under the surface of the water. The mask is also provided with a communication device.

Abstract: A system receives audio data in a frequency range of 20 Hz-20 kHz. The received audio data is encoded by the system into ultrasonic data in frequencies that are greater than 20 kHz, and transmitted into a local area that is proximal to the transmitting device, i.e., within the transmission range of the transmitting device. An ultrasonic communication device that is located in the transmission range of the transmitting device may receive the ultrasonic data. The received ultrasonic data is decoded by the ultrasonic communication system in the receiving device into audio data in a frequency range of 20 Hz-20 kHz, and subsequently presented to a user of the receiving ultrasonic communication device.

Abstract: A fully integrated, smart, under/over water speaker system has two dedicated transducers which deliver sound directly to underwater and above water environments. A transducer which is optimized to couple sound to the air is positioned on top of a speaker and another transducer optimized to couple sound below the water is located on the bottom of the speaker. The speaker is watertight and waterproof and is completely sealed and self-righting when thrown into the water. It is wireless, has built-in integrated amplification, communication sensors and signal data processing, and is battery powered. Music streaming can be provided via wireless methods such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, along with solid state storage. Integrated RGV lighting which beats to the music can be optional both above and under the water.

Abstract: A blower filter system (2) has a blower filter device (4) with a housing (56), an air inlet (50), an air outlet (52) and an air duct (54) extending between the air inlet (50) and the air outlet (52) in the housing (56). A blower (6), associated with the air duct (54), delivers air from the air inlet (50) to the air outlet (52). An air filter (16) and a carrying system (18) can be connected to the blower filter device (4). A tube (24) extends from the air outlet (52) to a breathing mask (20). A sound emission unit (64) is associated with the blower filter device (4). A wall section (58) of the air duct (54) is formed by an acoustic membrane (60) for coupling sound into the air duct (54). The sound emission unit (64) is arranged in the housing (56) of the blower filter device (4).

Abstract: A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to transition from a terminal homing mode to a target search mode, responsive to an uplink signal and/or an autonomous determination of scene change.

Abstract: A system for generating and transmitting ULF/VLF signals comprises a plurality of MEMS transmitter devices arranged in an array. Each transmitter device includes a first ground plane; a beam coupled to the first ground plane by an anchor, such that the beam extends over and is spaced apart from the first ground plane; an electret coupled to the beam and spaced apart from the first ground plane; an electrical bias drive coupled to the beam to generate a stress on the beam; and a second ground plane spaced above the beam. The system also comprises a vibration drive stage operatively coupled to each transmitter device. The vibration drive stage synchronically drives each transmitter device such that each electret vibrates in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the first and second ground planes. Each electret also vibrates at substantially the same modulated frequency to generate and transmit ULF/VLF signals.

Abstract: A breathing mask adapted to be placed over a wearer's face, comprises a mask body including a gas inlet port to be disposed in flow communication with the wearer's breathing passage for flow of a gas in a predetermined flow stream there through upon inhalation by the wearer; a communications microphone (30) mounted to said mask body to capture the voice of the wearer, said communications microphone generating sound signals; an attenuation device (34) for attenuating said sound signals; a sound monitor (36) for monitoring the intensity of sound near the communications microphone in a predetermined frequency range, connected to a controller device (38) for activating the attenuation device when the sound intensity monitored by the sound monitor is in a predetermined level range.

Abstract: A hands-free intercom may include a user-tracking sensor, a directional microphone, a directional sound emitter, a display device, and/or a communication interface. The user-tracking sensor may determine a location of a user so the directional microphone can measure vocal emissions by the user and the directional sound emitter can deliver audio to the user. The hands-free intercom may induce the user to move to a desired location and/or to stay within a connectivity area. The hands-free intercom may also or instead induce the user to face in a desired orientation. The directional sound emitter and/or the display device may induce the user by explicitly indicating the desired location, by adjusting an apparent source of the audio or video, by changing quality of delivered audio or video based on user position, by producing irritating audio or video, and/or the like.

Abstract: A system is provided for a firefighter or other emergency worker and includes a protective coat and a self-contained breathing apparatus. The self-contained breathing apparatus includes a regulator connected by a high-pressure hose to a gas tank that is releasibly carried on the coat by shoulder straps and waist straps.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a system, apparatus and methods to enable a diver to communicate more clearly with other divers or locations Embodiments process the speech to add clarity, or otherwise convert speech into an outputted form that is more intelligible e.g. so as to simulate the diver's unhindered speech. Embodiments provide hardware and software for receiving and recognizing hindered speech of a diver (e.g., speech hindered by a mouthpiece) and then augmenting the speech with generated output sounds corresponding to the intended speech sound or generating or replacing at least some of the diver's speech with synthesized words. The output sounds may be in the speaker's own voice or a synthesized voice. Embodiments may be configured to add clarity to and/or augment speech that is hindered by the wearing of a mouthpiece from a snorkel, SCUBA or other diving apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for determining distance between two or more mobile devices utilizing a sound emitted from each device such as a chirp. Each device may determine or receive an indication of a time reference for each instance the device emits or detects a chirp. Utilizing the time reference data, the distance between the two or more devices may be determined assuming the sound travels at a constant speed of 340.29 m/s. Techniques for disambiguating orientation of the devices relative to one another rare also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for device playback calibration. An example implementation involves a computing device receiving, via a microphone, detected audio content rendered by at least one playback device. The implementation also involves the computing device modulating the detected audio content with a modulation signal such that the modulation signal has a modulation frequency determined based on an input frequency range of a processing unit. The implementation also involves providing the modulated audio content to the processing unit; and determining, via the processing unit, an equalization setting for the at least one playback device.

Abstract: A method of implementing data transfer from a mobile device is described. The method comprises: (i) receiving positional information from the mobile device; (ii) receiving directional information from the mobile device; and (iii) receiving data from the mobile device. The method further comprises: (iv) ascertaining a receiving device based on the received directional information; and (v) providing the data received from the mobile device to the ascertained receiving device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of managing a communication system, wherein a decision regarding a level of activity at a first end is made based at least in part on the level of activity at the second end. In one embodiment, the energy level of a first-end audio signal is measured. The first end is declared voice-active if the first-end energy level is greater than or equal to a first threshold value. The first end is declared voice-inactive if the first-end energy level is less than the first threshold value. To determine the value of the first threshold value, the energy level of a second-end audio signal is measured. If the second-end energy level is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the second end is declared voice-active, in which case the first threshold is maintained at a relatively high level. If the second-end energy level is less than the second threshold value, the second end is declared voice-inactive, in which case the first threshold is maintained at a relatively lower level.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a system, apparatus and methods to enable a diver to communicate more clearly with other divers or locations Embodiments process the speech to add clarity, or otherwise convert speech into an outputted form that is more intelligible e.g. so as to simulate the diver's unhindered speech. Embodiments provide hardware and software for receiving and recognizing hindered speech of a diver (e.g., speech hindered by a mouthpiece) and then augmenting the speech with generated output sounds corresponding to the intended speech sound or generating or replacing at least some of the diver's speech with synthesized words. The output sounds may be in the speaker's own voice or a synthesized voice. Embodiments may be configured to add clarity to and/or augment speech that is hindered by the wearing of a mouthpiece from a snorkel, SCUBA or other diving apparatus.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: An underwater navigation system comprising a transmitter having an electrically insulted magnetic coupled antenna for transmitting an electromagnetic and/or magneto-inductive signal, a receiver having an electrically insulated magnetic coupled antenna for receiving an electromagnetic and/or magneto-inductive signal from the transmitter, and determining means for determining the position of the receiver relative to the transmitter using the received electromagnetic and/or magneto-inductive signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, apparatus and methods for underwater voice communication between a diver and an underwater electronic device. In many embodiments, the system includes a dive computer which generates audio signals corresponding to spoken messages and a mouthpiece apparatus having an acoustic transducer that conducts sound via conduction through the diver's teeth and skull to the cochlea so as to allow the diver to hear the messages and other sounds and a microphone for sensing the diver's voice. The mouthpiece is adapted to be easily attached to portions of a SCUBA or other underwater breathing apparatus. It may also be attached or integral to a snorkel or similar apparatus.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a transmitting device and a receiving device, in which the transmitting device generates a signal including information and transmits the signal by electromagnetic waves and ultrasonic waves in the same frequency in parallel, and in which the receiving device extracts the signal from at least one of the electromagnetic waves and the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting device and acquires the information included in the extracted signal.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: A signalling system is provided which can be used to update the prices of goods which are electronically displayed on supermarket shelves. The signaling system may include a first signalling device having an input terminal for receiving electrical message data received from a central computer system, a spread spectrum encoder for encoding the received message data and an electroacoustic converter for converting the encoded data into corresponding acoustic signals and for transmitting the acoustic signals from the transmission medium and for converting the received acoustic signals into corresponding electrical signals, a spread spectrum decoder for decoding the received signals and a message regenerator for regenerating the message data transmitted by the first signalling device from the signals output by the decoder.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a transmitting device and a receiving device, in which the transmitting device generates a signal including information and transmits the signal by electromagnetic waves and ultrasonic waves in the same frequency in parallel, and in which the receiving device extracts the signal from at least one of the electromagnetic waves and the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting device and acquires the information included in the extracted signal.

Abstract: An audio apparatus comprising a modulator 12 for modulating a first ultrasonic signal 29 with an audio signal to provide a second ultrasonic signal 30; a transducer 15 for converting the second ultrasonic signal 30 into an ultrasonic pressure wave for transmission into a non-linear medium to allow demodulation of the ultrasonic pressure wave and thereby generate an audio pressure wave representative of the audio signal 29, processing means 11 for modifying the audio signal to compensate for the demodulating properties of the non-linear medium; and means 8 for modifying the audio signal to compensate for the conversion characteristics of the transducer 15.

Abstract: An underwater audio system includes a framing having at least one speaker mounted thereon and at least one upwardly extending arm member. The arm member(s) are arranged to slide under the strap of a diver's mask in use and to be held in place between the strap and the diver's head. Two speakers mounted on the frame are arrange to be located adjacent a diver's ear when the arm members are in place under the strap of the diver's mask.

Abstract: A device forming a mouthpiece for a snorkel or diving regulator, adapted to fit in the mouth of a diver or swimming and comprising a body provided with an air intake and extended by two lateral branched each provided with a bite tab, and at least one transducer buzzer positioned in one of the branches and comprising a piezoelectric membrane. Each transducer buzzer comprises a peripheral weight fixed to the periphery of the piezoelectric membrane, and elements for transmitting the vibrations of the membrane towards the teeth of the diver or swimmer. Furthermore, each transducer buzzer is positioned in the branch in such a way that the piezoelectric membrane is totally isolated from the external environment, and that the transmission elements form a contact interface with the teeth at the bite tab.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device forming a mouthpiece for a snorkel or diving regulator, adapted to fit in the mouth of a diver or swimmer and comprising a body (20) provided with an air intake and extended by two lateral branches (21) each provided with a bite tab (22), and at least one transducer buzzer positioned in one of the branches (21) and comprising a piezoelectric membrane (3, 4). According to the invention, each transducer buzzer comprises a peripheral weight (6) fixed to the periphery of the piezoelectric membrane (3, 4), and means (5, 30) for transmitting the vibrations of said membrane towards the teeth of the diver or swimmer. Furthermore, each transducer buzzer is positioned in the branch (21) in such a way that the piezoelectric membrane (3, 4) is totally isolated from the external environment, and that the transmission means (5, 30) form a contact interface with the teeth at the bite tab (22).

Abstract: A support for earphone unit for a scuba diver mask (18) comprises a U-shaped base (20) with a rod (21) extending from it, associable to an earphone unit (12), to be arranged close to the scuba diver's ear, wherein the U-shaped base (20) in each of its two legs (23) can be attached to a carrying band (14) of the mask (11) by freely removable coupling means (24, 25) and a free end of the rod (21) is arranged into a seat (30) of the earphone unit (12).

Abstract: A plurality of actuators are provided at predetermined intervals on the reverse surface of a predetermined side wall of a swimming pool. When an electric signal corresponding to a sound to be propagated in the water is given to the actuators, the electric signal is converted by the actuators into a mechanical vibration signal to cause vibrations. The actuators are secured directly to the reverse surface of the predetermined side wall by an adhesive or otherwise, and thus the vibrations of the actuators are radiated as a sound in the water of the pool through the side wall.

Abstract: A portable and hand-held device for making humanly audible sounds responsive to the detecting of ultrasonic sounds. The device includes a hand-held housing and circuitry that is contained in the housing. The circuitry includes a microphone that receives the ultrasonic sound, a first low voltage audio power amplifier that strengthens the signal from the microphone, a second low voltage audio power amplifier that further strengthens the signal from the first low voltage audio power amplifier, a 7-stage ripple carry binary counter that lowers the frequency of the signal from the second low voltage audio power amplifier so as to be humanly audible, a third low voltage audio power amplifier that strengthens the signal from the 7-stage ripple carry binary counter, and a speaker that generates a humanly audible sound from the third low voltage audio power amplifier.

Abstract: A portable and hand-held device for making humanly audible sounds responsive to the detecting of ultrasonic sounds. The device includes a hand-held housing and circuitry that is contained in the housing. The circuitry includes a microphone that receives the ultrasonic sound, a first low voltage audio power amplifier that strengthens the signal from the microphone, a second low voltage audio power amplifier that further strengthens the signal from the first low voltage audio power amplifier, a 7-stage ripple carry binary counter that lowers the frequency of the signal from the second low voltage audio power amplifier so as to be humanly audible, a third low voltage audio power amplifier that strengthens the signal from the 7-stage ripple carry binary counter, and a speaker that generates a humanly audible sound from the third low voltage audio power amplifier.

Abstract: A wireless communication system, for example for underwater divers, wherein the receiver portion and the transmitter portion of the system are mounted at the user's ear and mouth, respectively, by a single strap. The single strap is also used to maintain the communication system electronics and the mouth mask securely in place.

Abstract: An underwater audio communication system to be worn by a diver is connected with and carried by a conventional face mask such that bone conduction occurs through the mastoid bone of the diver (i.e., behind the ear of the diver). The underwater audio communication system includes a face mask with a head strap for placement behind the head of the diver. A transceiver which is connected with and carried by the head strap is configured for receiving and transmitting ultrasonic signals in the water. At least one bone conduction transducer assembly is connected with and carried by the head strap at a location for placement against a mastoid bone of the diver. Each bone conduction transducer assembly is electrically connected with the transceiver.

Abstract: An underwater communication apparatus is provided which enables safe and clear speech transmission. An exhalation pipe which defines an acoustic space for communicating with an interior space of a mouthpiece is connected at one end to a site adjacent a breathing port of the mouthpiece. An exhaust valve which allows the flow of air only from the mouthpiece toward an exhaust port of the exhalation pipe is provided adjacent the exhaust port. A sound receiver portion having a capacitor microphone is provided within the exhalation pipe at a site upstream of the exhaust valve. When voice is uttered while the mouthpiece is held in the mouth, exhaled air is emitted from the exhaust port through the exhalation pipe and the exhaust valve, so that the capacitor microphone is less liable to noise trouble due to bubbles produced at the exhaust port, or on the downstream side. Speech transmission is made underwater by a waterproof speaker on the basis of an output of the capacitor microphone.

Abstract: A wireless communication system, for example for underwater divers, wherein the receiver portion and the transmitter portion of the system are mounted at the user's ear and mouth, respectively, by a single strap. The single strap is also used to maintain the communication system electronics and the mouth mask securely in place.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a scuba diving mouthpiece for supplying air to a diver. The mouthpiece includes a mouth engageable body having at least one biteplate. Each biteplate is adapted for being disposed between and engaged by the teeth of the diver. A sound transducer is associated with the body, and includes a magnetostrictive element with opposing ends. The magnetostrictive element is expandable and contractible in an axial direction in a presence of a magnetic field. A sound conducting member includes a movable distal end and an opposing fixed end. The sound conducting member is operatively connected with one of the ends of the magnetostrictive element at a location between the distal end and the fixed end. The sound conducting member is embedded within the body and configured to receive audio sounds from the connected sound transducer.

Abstract: An acoustic communication system comprises: a voice processing circuit wh generates a first signal representing a voice message; a noise sensor channel which generates a second signal in response to detecting background noise in an environment; a microcomputer which receives the first and second signals, and provides a third signal to a selected one of first and second output ports of the microcomputer, where the amplitude of the third signal is functionally related to the value of the second signal; an ultrasonic output channel coupled to the first output port and which generates an ultrasonic output signal representing the voice message in response to receiving the third signal; a pubic address channel coupled to the second output port which generates an audible signal representing the voice message in response to receiving the third signal; and an ultrasonic receiving system which generates an audible output representing the voice message in response to receiving the ultrasonic output signal.

Abstract: A wireless communication system, for example for underwater divers, wherein the receiver portion and the transmitter portion of the system are mounted at the user's ear and mouth, respectively, by a single strap. The single strap is also used to maintain the communication system electronics and the mouth mask securely in place.

Abstract: An underwater scuba diver communication system is disclosed which is comprised of an oral bone conduction mouthpiece based sound transmission and conduction device, an oral--mouthpiece based microphone, an ultrasonic sound transmission device, an ultrasonic receiving device and the electronic circuitry required to facilitate the transmission or reception of ultrasound transmitted signals through a water medium. The system is constructed to provide underwater diver voice communication with a modified scuba mouthpiece not unlike in appearance or function from a conventional second stage mouthpiece for a scuba diver breathing apparatus. This mouthpiece can also be configured to provide binaural input and/or output with two different transducers for locating sound direction underwater.

Abstract: A control system which enables a diver to electronically switch between voice operated (VOX) operation and push-to-talk (PTT) operation by actuation of the existing momentary contact PTT switch used in most diver communication systems. A counter and multivibrator arrangement is employed to alternate between PTT and VOX modes in response to a pair of quick depressions of the PTT switch within a pre-determined time. An audio tone having a duration which identifies which mode of operation has been enabled is also generated and is available for input to the diver's earphone amplifier. The control system includes a frequency selective VOX enabling circuit which takes advantage of the repetition of vowel pitch pulses found in human speech. The circuit continually locks onto these pulses when they last for a few cycles but ignores noise (as found in diving masks) which has only random spikes without the periodic repetition of vowel frequencies in speech.

Abstract: A wireless communication system undetectable by radio frequency methods for converting audio signals, including human voice, to electronic signals in the ultrasonic frequency range, transmitting the ultrasonic signal by way of acoustical pressure waves across a carrier medium, including gases, liquids, or solids, and reconverting the ultrasonic acoustical pressure waves back to the original audio signal. The ultrasonic speech translator and communication system (20) includes an ultrasonic transmitting device (100) and an ultrasonic receiving device (200). The ultrasonic transmitting device (100) accepts as input (115) an audio signal such as human voice input from a microphone (114) or tape deck. The ultrasonic transmitting device (100) frequency modulates an ultrasonic carrier signal with the audio signal producing a frequency modulated ultrasonic carrier signal, which is transmitted via acoustical pressure waves across a carrier medium such as gases, liquids or solids.

Abstract: A vocal communication snorkel includes a hollow body having a breather tube, adapted to extend above the water, coupled thereto and a mouthpiece adapted to be held by the lips of a snorkeler. The body has a pair of inwardly curved, spherically shaped diaphragms of thin plastic material that are tuned to resonance within the frequency band of 1500 to 3000 Hertz in water. The mouthpiece includes a passageway that is coupled to the body and a pair of flexible lips, that are closable by the lips of the snorkeler for articulating plosive sounds. A readily collapsible bubble, formed in the passageway and engageable by the lower lip of the snorkeler, facilitates closure of the passageway under pressure from the snorkeler's lower lip.

Abstract: An immersion-resistant housing adapted to receive a vibratable diaphragm spanning the interior of the housing to divide the housing into first and second chambers includes a first port communicating between the first chamber and the exterior environment. The first port is configured as a tubulation. A second port communicates between the second chamber and the external environment. The tubulation has sufficiently small diameter that water entering therein moves essentially as a piston without breakup. The tubulation is configured to have a volume at least equal to that of the first chamber, and a hydrostatic head of about 32 feet of water is necessary before water can be forced into the first chamber. In the preferred embodiment the diaphragm completely seals the housing against direct communication between the two chambers.

Abstract: A uniquely designed acoustic transducer comprising a stack of piezoceramic elements (other piezoelectric materials may be used) mounted upon a tuned, shaped transmit/receive head made of hardened metal alloy. The ceramic stack is preloaded to the head via a stress bolt. Insulator electrodes used in the ceramic stack are selected to minimize compliance in the stack for maximum efficiency. All the material properties, sizes, weights, etc., as well as the overall transducer design are carefully selected to act in combination to match the impedance of the load (i.e. metal structural framework). The diameter of the tip of the tuned, shaped driving head is sized such that when clamped to a metal framework, the base metal of the material just under the tip is compressed to or slightly beyond its yield point. This eliminates the requirement for surface preparation because any coatings will be displaced under the applied pressure and any surface irregularities will be flattened out.

Abstract: A novel totally integrated divers face mask and ultrasound underwater voice communication apparatus having integral transducer-transmit-receive-power source enclosures of low profile, flexible hands-free-voice or push-to-talk operation while submerged, and noise-cancelling microphone features for reducing bubble and vibration noise.

Abstract: A communication system for attachment to a standard type of firefighter's face mask. Generally speaking, the communication system is mounted on opposite sides of the glass/plastic lens portion without affecting the integrity of the mask seal or the breathing air conduits. An infra-red signal representative of the wearer's voice is transmitted through the mask lens to speaker-electronics for reproducing the amplified voice of the wearer out side the mask unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure compensated communication system having at least one audio transducer, the pressure compensated communication system comprising a fluid tight housing for the or each audio transducer, the or each housing having a corresponding one of the or each of the audio transducers located therein and having an orifice coupled to a pressure compensation means, the pressure compensation means connected to the or each orifice and to a continuous supply of gas at a pressure equal to or slightly greater than the pressure of liquid surrounding the housing.

Abstract: An underwater communicator comprising a transmitter for transmitting acoustical energy between mediums having differing impedance. The transmitter includes first and second ends. The first end is exposed to a first medium while the second end is exposed to a second medium. In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter is formed from a material having a substantially identical impedance to the second medium. An acoustical lens is positioned adjacent the first end of the transmitter. The acoustical lens has a substantially planar front face and a substantially concave shaped rear face. The acoustical lens includes a plurality of spaced vertically extending plates. The vertically extending plates form a substantially right angle with the front face of the acoustical lens. A plurality of spaced plates intersect the vertically extending plates and form an acute angle with the front face of the acoustical lens, thereby forming a plurality of inclined passageways.