Abstract: A headphone assembly, including: a switching element for controlling a switch of at least one functional element in a headphone; a pressure sensor accommodated in a groove of a speaker board; and an ear pad covering the groove, when the ear pad is pressed, a trigger element may be moved to press against the pressure sensor, when detecting that pressure applied by the trigger element reaches a predetermined range, the pressure sensor switches on the switching element, otherwise, the pressure sensor switches off the switching element.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to an apparatus and methodology for monitoring for the occurrence of use of unauthorized telecommunications equipment within a designated area. The present subject matter has particular utility to the corrections environment in that it discloses a methodology for detecting and reporting the unauthorized operation of cellular telephones within a corrections facility. The present technology may be used advantageously in combination with inmate telephone systems to transmit information to appropriate personnel in the form of email messages and/or voice communications by way of telephone local or corrections facility external telephone lines. The present technology also provides for recordation and storage of time, date and location information for detected events.

Abstract: A configurable enclosure including a cover operably attached to a base. The base includes a wall disposed along a perimeter of a bottom surface and a bottom surface having first and second removable portions configured to be peeled away from the base portion to create an opening through the bottom surface. Moreover, the bottom surface includes thin sections located between first and second tracks that extend around outer edges of each of the removable portions. Actuators are operably attached to the first and second tracks, wherein through actuation of the actuator, the removable portions peel away from the base to create an opening through the bottom surface.

Abstract: A pen-type handset has a clip portion as a cartilage conduction unit. The clip portion, of an elastic body, is supported on a main body with no direct contact of a cartilage-conduction vibration source in the clip portion with the main body. The clip portion supporting the cartilage-conduction vibration source is supported on the main body via a vibration isolating material. With the clip portion closed, vibration of the cartilage-conduction vibration source is not conducted to the main body; with the clip portion open, vibration of the cartilage-conduction vibration source is conducted to the main body. With the clip portion open, operation of an incoming-call display unit is prohibited. With the clip portion open, operation on an operation unit is invalidated. An incoming call is responded to by closing the open clip portion.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to an apparatus and methodology for monitoring for the occurrence of use of unauthorized telecommunications equipment within a designated area. The present subject matter has particular utility to the corrections environment in that it discloses a methodology for detecting and reporting the unauthorized operation of cellular telephones within a corrections facility. The present technology may be used advantageously in combination with inmate telephone systems to transmit information to appropriate personnel in the form of email messages and/or voice communications by way of telephone local or corrections facility external telephone lines. The present technology also provides for recordation and storage of time, date and location information for detected events.

Abstract: An accessory device of a portable electronic device is provided. The accessory device includes a first cover that is detachably attached to at least a portion of the electronic device, a second cover that is connected to the first cover, at least a portion of the second cover covering at least a portion of a display of the electronic device, and an electronic circuit that is arranged inside the first cover or the second cover. The electronic circuit may include a memory that stores at least some of codes or data that indicate one or more of identification information, a characteristic, a configuration, a structure, and a function that are associated with a protection cover. Various pieces of corresponding information may be output according to the kinds of applied accessories. Therefore, the consumers' product preference can be improved and the reliability of the electronic device can be secured.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an interface unit that communicates with an external device in wireless or wired communication, a resonance sensor unit that detects a frequency resonance signal of the external device, and a controller that detects at least one input from the external device through the resonance sensor unit, determines an audio input or output activation state of the electronic device in response to the communication connection state with the external device, and controls an audio input or output operation of the electronic device based on the detection of the at least one input and the determination of the audio input/output activation state.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to an apparatus and methodology for monitoring for the occurrence of use of unauthorized telecommunications equipment within a designated area. The present subject matter has particular utility to the corrections environment in that it discloses a methodology for detecting and reporting the unauthorized operation of cellular telephones within a corrections facility. The present technology may be used advantageously in combination with inmate telephone systems to transmit information to appropriate personnel in the form of email messages and/or voice communications by way of telephone local or corrections facility external telephone lines. The present technology also provides for recordation and storage of time, date and location information for detected events.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that limit the number of types of connectors needed by an electronic device. One example may provide a connector receptacle capable of adapting to multiple types of connector inserts. In this way, connector inserts conveying one of a number of interfaces can be accepted by the same connector receptacle. This may reduce the number and types of connector receptacles needed on an electronic device.

Abstract: An assistive hearing device having a sound entrance aperture on a first side, the sound entrance aperture placed against a voice emitting speaker (or receiver) of the telephone, a sound egress aperture on a second side opposite the first side, and the sound egress aperture located within closer proximity to a hearing device relative to the sound entrance aperture and the speaker to facilitate transmission of sound from the speaker to the hearing device located nearby is provided. The assistive hearing device includes a hollow interior, which connects the sound entrance and sound egress apertures, and allows sound waves entering the sound entrance aperture to travel through the hollow interior and exit the sound egress aperture. The sound entrance aperture of the assistive hearing device surrounds the speaker of the mobile device to capture sound waves transmitted from the speaker.

Abstract: A computing apparatus configured in the communication system to store data about advisers, including availability status of the advisers for real time communications with customers, ratings of the advisers by prior customers, compensate rates of the advisers, probability of being connected within a period of time for real time communication with customers, etc. The computing apparatus presents the advisers to customers based on the stored information and provide real time communication connections in response to selections of the presented advisers. Based on monitoring customer interaction with the system, the computing apparatus is configured to detect dissatisfactions, determine authenticity of the dissatisfactions based on user history and usage patterns of the system, and automatically provide a refund to the user without a refund request from the user and/or an explicitly user confirmation of the detected dissatisfaction.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to an apparatus and methodology for monitoring for the occurrence of use of unauthorized telecommunications equipment within a designated area. The present subject matter has particular utility to the corrections environment in that it discloses a methodology for detecting and reporting the unauthorized operation of cellular telephones within a corrections facility. The present technology may he used advantageously in combination with inmate telephone systems to transmit information to appropriate personnel in the form of email messages and/or voice communications by way of telephone local or corrections facility external telephone lines. The present technology also provides for recordation and storage of time, date and location information for detected events.

Abstract: An approach is provided for an interactive cable-based interface to applications and services. A cable interface platform determines at least one configuration of at least one cable associated with at least one device. The cable interface platform determines at least one function associated with one or more applications, one or more services, or a combination thereof associated with the at least one configuration. Then, the cable interface platform causes, at least in part, an initiation of the at least one function.

Abstract: Conventional Universal Serial Bus (USB) headsets or other headsets capable of being connected to a digital data port may be connected in a collaborative configuration using a multiple headset integrator. The multiple headset integrator unifies multiple calling parties at a local end point of an audio communication with a remote calling party. Other peripheral communication devices may also be used, and controls may be provided on the multiple headset integrator or control signals may be passed from the headsets or other wearable communication devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disinfecting docking station for at least one portable electronic device, such as a medical technician's tablet computer, that has at least one recharging connector. An enclosure is adapted to receive the at least one portable electronic device therein through an openable side that includes a selectively closable door. Each electronic device is exposed to a disinfecting wavelength of light, such as UV light, to disinfect the surface of the device. The enclosure includes supports that minimally contact each device so that the device will be substantially exposed to the UV light. A control circuit monitors the exposure time and level, and is programmable to activate the UV light based on pre-set criteria. The enclosures may be stacked and provide power and network connectivity to each device while docked therein.

Abstract: Disclosed, in general, are devices that provide an air-tight chamber over a sound source while absorbing all fields of sounds from the sound source. In general, the devices feature: an anechoic chamber that is configured to receive a sound source in an air-tight manner; and an anechoic channel that is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere. Suitably, the anechoic chamber is adapted to capture air containing sound energy generated by the sound source, and distribute the air about an internal surface area on the inside of the chamber, wherein the internal surface area is sufficiently large to dampen or otherwise absorb the sounds energy. Preferably, the air is directed from the anechoic chamber through an anechoic channel extending therefrom to the ambient to further dampen or absorb the sound energy. In one configuration, the outer wall of the apparatus is configured to reflect ambient sounds.

Abstract: A charging case or system for an electronic device case, having a protective housing capable of aesthetic alteration, includes a replaceable and customizable shell and a rechargeable battery unit. A plurality of shells may have different images thereon and can be interchanged in a continuous sidewall portion to alter the look of the case. The shell images may include various colors, pictures, designs, logos, or even text.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing having an open portion at a part of a surface thereof, a door portion having at the open portion, a first face and a second face to be selectively exposed by rotation thereof, and a cradle having a connector and provided on the first face. The cradle is rotatable between a first attitude and a second attitude around a rotation axis line perpendicularly intersecting the first face.

Abstract: An electronic device case or system having a protective housing capable of aesthetic change. A plurality of back panels having different images thereon can be interchanged in a sidewall portion to alter the look of the case. The panel images may be colors, pictures, designs, logos, or even text.

Abstract: Headgear for mounting a camera or other mobile media device is disclosed. The head gear includes a band for circling the head and means for enlarging or decreasing the diameter of the band to make it adjustable for various head sizes. A head mount is secured to the band for holding the device. The mount includes an enclosure with a flap for closing a pocket. The flap is secured to the mount proximate the head and folds over the front of the mount and is secured thereto to maintain the device in the pocket. The front of the pocket contains openings which are aligned with the lens of the held device to focus and record events in front of the user. The pocket has hinged side panels to allow expansion and contraction, caused by a bladder within, so that the camera may be pointed at a desired angle by the mount, thereby achieving the desired angle of view of the camera.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disinfecting docking station for at least one portable electronic device, such as a medical technician's tablet computer, that has at least one recharging connector. An enclosure is adapted to receive the at least one portable electronic device therein through an openable side that includes a selectively closable door. Each electronic device is exposed to a disinfecting wavelength of light, such as UV light, to disinfect the surface of the device. The enclosure includes supports that minimally contact each device so that the device will be substantially exposed to the UV light. A control circuit monitors the exposure time and level, and is programmable to activate the UV light based on pre-set criteria. The enclosures may be stacked and provide power and network connectivity to each device while docked therein.

Abstract: An accessory for use with an existing portable electronic device has a housing that removably couples to a housing of the existing portable electronic device such that the accessory and portable electronic device function and can be portably carried as a single unit. A tunable FM radio receiver in the housing receives an FM broadcast signal and produces a broadcast audio output. A connector on the housing electrically connects the broadcast audio output to a corresponding connector on the device. Application software residing on the device utilizes an internet connection of the device to download digital content related to the broadcast audio output and display the digital content on a display of the device.

Abstract: A button box provides additional keys that can be used in conjunction with a telephone. In one embodiment, a button box is configured by associating it with a telephone and by programming its keys. When a key on the button box is activated, a key press event is sent from the button box to the associated phone. The phone treats the key press event as if a key on the phone itself had been activated and forwards the event to the voice switch appliance associated with the phone. (Alternatively, the key press event is sent from the button box directly to a voice switch appliance.) The button box's user interface is controlled by a voice switch appliance.

Abstract: A wall mount telephone is for use with a socket panel that includes at least one socket receptacle selected from a power socket and a telephone socket. The wall mount telephone includes a base and a handset device. The base includes a mounting wall having a back side provided with a plug that is adapted for direct removable connection with the socket receptacle. The plug is one of a power plug and a telephone plug. The handset device is removably disposed on the base and includes a circuit board that is electrically coupled to the plug to receive a signal from the socket receptacle via the plug when the plug is connected to the socket receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disinfecting docking station for at least one portable electronic device, such as a medical technician's tablet computer, that has at least one recharging connector. An enclosure is adapted to receive the at least one portable electronic device therein through an openable side that includes a selectively closable door. Each electronic device is exposed to a disinfecting wavelength of light, such as UV light, to disinfect the surface of the device. The enclosure includes supports that minimally contact each device so that the device will be substantially exposed to the UV light. A control circuit monitors the exposure time and level, and is programmable to activate the UV light based on pre-set criteria. The enclosures may be stacked and provide power and network connectivity to each device while docked therein.

Abstract: Telecommunications mounting case includes an enclosure containing a mounting plate having a grid pattern of crisscrossing horizontal and vertical slots or grooves extending partway through the mounting plate. The crisscrossing slots or grooves have a substantially uniform spacing therebetween in increments of the spacing between screw mounts on respective vertical and horizontal telecommunications devices mountable within the case. Each of the slots or grooves has substantially uniformly spaced apart side walls with a spacing therebetween that is somewhat less than the thread diameters of a range of different sized mounting screws used to attach the telecommunications devices to the mounting plate to enable the mounting screws to bite into the side walls when started by hand.

Abstract: An innovative portable dialer device and method for automatically initiating a telephone call of a pre-programmed telephone number stored as data representing tones, when the portable dialer device is brought near a telephone handset or a cellular telephone. The proposed portable dialer device enables a manual or automatic activation of the sequence of tones required for initiating the telephone call. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portable dialer device is a refrigerator magnet dialer.

Abstract: A telephone accessory device and system for facilitating communication between a wireless headset and wireline telephone. The telephone accessory device includes a device body configured to rest on top of a base of the corded telephone, a device platform connected to the base portion and configured to support a corded handset on a first surface, and a head portion disposed on a second surface of the device platform opposite the first surface. The system includes a wireless headset, a headset base wirelessly coupled to the wireless headset, and the telephone accessory device coupled through a control signal cable to the headset base unit. When the handset is resting on the first surface, in response to control signals from the wireless headset, the head portion is operable to reversibly depress and release a switch hook button of the cradle speaker recess while the device body and device platform remain stationary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device comprising a receiving system for receiving a mobile telephone (30, 30?) provided with a device fort the wireless transmission of data and voice signals. Said holding device comprises a housing (1), an interface for a handsfree device, and a device for controlling the charging of a battery of the mobile telephone (30, 30?). The aim of the invention is to provide a holding device which enables different mobile telephones (30, 30?) to be held and operated. To this end, the receiving system can be adjusted in such a way as to receive different-sized mobile telephones (30, 30?), the holding device has an electrical output with an electrical power that can be used for charging the battery, and the device for controlling the charging is arranged in a cable (9) which is used specifically for the mobile telephone (30, 30?) and can be connected to the output on one end thereof and to the mobile telephone (30, 30?) on the other end thereof.

Abstract: A button box provides additional keys that can be used in conjunction with a telephone. In one embodiment, a button box is configured by associating it with a telephone and by programming its keys. When a key on the button box is activated, a key press event is sent from the button box to the associated phone. The phone treats the key press event as if a key on the phone itself had been activated and forwards the event to the voice switch appliance associated with the phone. (Alternatively, the key press event is sent from the button box directly to a voice switch appliance.) The button box's user interface is controlled by a voice switch appliance.

Abstract: A headphone device includes: two output units for outputting playback audio which has been played back; a contact determination unit determining the occurrence of contact with respect to a telephone device; a first audio-collecting unit for collecting call voice generated from the telephone device; a second audio-collecting unit for collecting ambient external sound; and an output audio control unit performing control so that the call voice is outputted from one output unit of the two output units and the external sound is outputted from the other output unit when it is determined that contact has occurred by the contact determination unit.

Abstract: The communication privacy mask has a housing having an opening coupled with a mouth piece and a hollow sound tube mounted in the housing. A microphone is positioned in the sound tube with a space in front of the front end of the microphone.

Abstract: The voice absorber of the present invention includes an absorption member and an attachment member and is adapted for use with portable telephonic devices to enable a user to engage in a more private conversation and limit the disruption to individuals nearby the user during the conversation. The shape of the absorption member may be selectively configurable and may be constructed of multiple layers, including a layer specifically adapted to absorb sound waves. The attachment member enables the voice absorber to be easily affixed and removed from portable telephonic devices and generally positions the absorption member in front of the user's mouth. The voice absorber also functions to isolate the transmitter portion of a portable telephonic device from ambient, background noise and serves as a reminder to a user to speak with a quieter voice.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for providing telephony and digital media services to a location, such as a home or office, is described herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a telephony and digital media services device that is configured to function as an all-in-one voice, data and media information center. The device provides telephony functionality both directly and through associated handsets. The device pairs a user-friendly touch-screen interface with a high-performance hardware/software architecture capable of delivering advanced media applications and graphics combined with landline quality telephony service all in one integrated system.

Abstract: A modular housing for outside plant telecommunication equipment includes a main enclosure for containing common electronic equipment and an auxiliary enclosure for containing input/output (I/O) circuitry to said common electronic equipment. In this way, different configurations of I/O circuitry can be accommodated only by changing the auxiliary enclosure. The design and fabrication times for making housings is reduced by the smaller size of each enclosure. Upgrades can often be accommodated by only changing one of the main or auxiliary housings.

Abstract: An interruption device arranged in a communication line including first and second cables in series, each including a first group of wires for the transmission of computer data and a second group of wires independent of the computer data, includes: a box provided with first and second input/output sockets with which the first and second cables, respectively, are connected; interrupters each connected between the first and second input/output sockets inside the box and actuable from outside the box, these interrupters being associated respectively with the wires of the first group; and transmission elements not including an interrupter and each connected between the first and second input/output sockets inside the box, these transmission elements being associated respectively with the wires of the second group. In a variant, the second input/output socket is replaced by two sockets associated with the interrupters and the transmission elements, respectively.

Abstract: A phone jack connection detection system and method of operating the same, including a phone jack circuit having a data access arrangement circuit in communication with at least two pins, a stimulus input in communication with the phone jack circuit, the stimulus input being adapted to communicate a stimulus to the phone jack circuit, and a detection circuit in communication with the phone jack circuit, the detection circuit being adapted to detect a response of the phone jack circuit to the stimulus and notify a user of the status of the connection.

Abstract: The voice absorber of the present invention includes an absorption member and an attachment member and is adapted for use with portable telephonic devices to enable a user to engage in a more private conversation and limit the disruption to individuals nearby the user during the conversation. The shape of the absorption member may be selectively configurable and may be constructed of multiple layers, including a layer specifically adapted to absorb sound waves. The attachment member enables the voice absorber to be easily affixed and removed from portable telephonic devices and generally positions the absorption member in front of the user's mouth. The voice absorber also functions to isolate the transmitter portion of a portable telephonic device from ambient, background noise and serves as a reminder to a user to speak with a quieter voice.

Abstract: A peripheral for an electronic device having a speaker is provided. The peripheral includes an input device for placement proximal to the speaker for receiving audio information from the speaker. The peripheral includes an output device connected to the input device that is positioned distal from the input device and away from electromagnetic signals generated by the device. The output device presents the audio information to a hearing aid proximal to the output device. The output device is positioned at a distance such that the electromagnetic signals experienced by the input device is less than the signals experienced by the hearing aid. As a result, deleterious effects of signals otherwise experienced by the hearing aid are reduced.

Abstract: The voice absorber of the present invention includes an absorption member and an attachment member and is adapted for use with portable telephonic devices to enable a user to engage in a more private conversation and limit the disruption to individuals nearby the user during the conversation. The absorption member is formable into a conical shape and may be constructed of multiple layers, including a layer specifically adapted to absorb sound waves. The attachment member enables the voice absorber to be easily affixed and removed from portable telephonic devices and generally positions the absorption member in front of the user's mouth. The voice absorber also functions to isolate the transmitter portion of a portable telephonic device from ambient, background noise and serves as a reminder to a user to speak with a quieter voice. The voice absorber may include words, symbols, drawings, or be colored to provide marketing exposure.

Abstract: An accessory for a wireless communications device includes a cord that electrically connects a first peripheral device and a system plug. The system plug mates with a system connector on the wireless communications device, and electrically connects the first peripheral device to the wireless communications device. An auxiliary system connector integrally formed with the cord permits the connection of a second accessory to the wireless communications device.

Abstract: An interruption device arranged in a communication line including first and second cables in series, each including a first group of wires for the transmission of computer data and a second group of wires independent of the computer data, includes: a box provided with first and second input/output sockets with which the first and second cables, respectively, are connected; interrupters each connected between the first and second input/output sockets inside the box and actuable from outside the box, these interrupters being associated respectively with the wires of the first group; and transmission elements not including an interrupter and each connected between the first and second input/output sockets inside the box, these transmission elements being associated respectively with the wires of the second group. In a variant, the second input/output socket is replaced by two sockets associated with the interrupters and the transmission elements, respectively.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include methods and systems for detecting an incoming telephone signal, processing the incoming telephone signal, transmitting the processed signal to a remote receiver and alerting a remote user of the incoming signal.

Abstract: A safety pay telephone using conventional telephone mechanical and electrical components mounted within a telephone housing, typically mounted on a wall, with the earpiece and mouthpiece mounted within the telephone. To operate, the user deposits the proper amount of currency and pushes an on/off switch, dials his number, and then places his ear next to the fixed earpiece. A method of retrofitting a conventional telephone with a retrofit housing member that permits that existing handset to be protected within a retrofit housing member. The safety phone is designed for use in prisons so inmates within a prison cannot hang themselves with a handset cord or break a handset and handset cord off for use as a weapon. The safety telephone is also designed for use in environments wherein the telephone is subject to abuse. The safety telephone design reduces the cost of maintenance by eliminating the need to fix and replace telephone components.

Abstract: Communications systems that include an adaptable headset are described. In various embodiments, the communications system comprises a handheld device and a headset device that can be removably coupled to the handheld device. The headset device can comprise a replenishable power source that recharges via electrical power when the headset device is removably coupled to the handheld device.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as the this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: A protective cover for handheld devices. The protective cover containing a hardened plastic protective inner layer and a soft outer layer. The protective cover containing at least one cavity for mounting the associated segment of the handheld device therein and at least one fitted notch to secure the piece to the associated segment. The protective cover further containing at least one window for providing exposure to the surface of the associated segment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scent bottle type portable wireless terminal. The scent bottle type portable wireless terminal includes a body housing, a band shape rim unit surrounding upper and lower surfaces and a pair of side surfaces of the body housing, a rotatable lens housing provided between the body housing and the rim unit, the lens housing extending in a longitudinal direction of the body housing, one or more openings defined between the body housing, the lens housing and the rim unit, and a rotatable handle coaxially extending relative to the lens housing so that it protrudes outwardly from an outer surface of the rim unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable phone using a sound receiving unit installed in the portable phone to receive a sound in the surrounding within an appropriate range, and then using a sound source playback device to play a sound after being amplified, so that a person having a hearing problem can just carry a mobile phone to concurrently have the basic functions of the mobile phone and use the sound amplification function of the mobile phone to supplement the deficiency of the hearing ability when talking to or communicating with others. The portable phone can be toggled between the regular telephone function and the hearing aid function, and thus concurrently serving as a hearing aid to the people who have a hearing problem.

Abstract: A rotational split adaptor for engaging with gold-plated contacts of a communication socket is introduced to comprise a common plug, a socket assembly and a rotational joint. The common plug further includes a plug end for engaging with the communication socket and an opposing first oblique surface. The socket assembly further includes a splitter and an opposing second oblique surface. The splitter has a plurality of parallel sockets electrically coupling with the communication socket, and the second oblique surface is used to pair with the first oblique surface. The rotational joint is constructed to pair the first oblique surface and the second oblique surface so as to provide angular sliding in between and thus to alter angling between the socket assemble and the common plug.