Abstract: An antenna includes a conductive coil electrically coupled to a wave launching structure and configured such that a plurality of capacitances act electrically in parallel with a plurality of distinct portions of the conductive coil. The capacitances configure what would otherwise be a conventional normal-mode helical antenna for operation at multiple, closely spaced resonance frequencies. The antenna operates at the multiple resonance frequencies with only a small loss of efficiency relative to the maximum response of a conventional normal-mode helical antenna that has a single resonance frequency. Also, the antenna in accordance with the invention is self-duplexing, eliminating the need for complex and expensive duplexing circuitry.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed, designed for use with a telephone headset. The connector utilizes angled contacts for low insertion force, resulting in easier mating and longer life. The connector is provided with a latch that allows the connector to be uncoupled with a force roughly eight times the insertion force. Both halves of the connector have beveled edges on the upper surfaces only, allowing the connector to be aligned by tactile feel rather than visual inspection or by trial and error. Fine wires can be terminated on the connector contacts because the wires are accurately centered over insulation piercing points on the electrical contacts, and expansion of the wires in all directions is restricted as the piercing points penetrate the wire.

Abstract: A tuned radio frequency (RF) amplifier includes serially connected input and output common emitter amplifiers with closed ac and dc loops for maintaining high input impedance and low output impedance. The closed ac loop includes a parallel resonant circuit which is connected to the input and capacitively coupled to the output and across which a small signal appears as the difference between the input and output signals. The collector of the input amplifier transistor is maintained at a constant voltage, thereby minimizing any Miller Effect feedback capacitance, and, therefore, any RF degeneration, at the input.

Abstract: A communications headset is disclosed having a detachable receiver capsule rotatably and pivotally attached to a main body, and a cable pivot for allowing the headset connection cable to pivot with respect to the receiver capsule. This combination of features allows the headset to be configured for use on either ear, and allows the receiver capsule to be used in conjunction with a variety of main body assemblies. Stabilization of the headset on the wearer's head is also increased by the cable pivot. The pivoting action of the cable allows the cable to exert a uniform force (from its own weight and tension) on a centrally balanced point on the headset regardless of the forward inclination of the wearer's head, thereby greatly reducing the amount of unsettling force to the headset that typically accompanies movement of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A communication headset is provided which includes two curved housings that rotate with respect to one another to allow the headset to be held firmly in place over one ear of the user. One housing supports a microphone boom which has a free end positionable adjacent to the users mouth and the other houses a receiver element for producing sound from electrical signals. Feedback between the receiver and the microphone is reduced by an elastomer friction hinge between the two housings. The receiver element is encapsulated by elastomer to further reduce feedback and to protect the receiver element from physical shock.

Abstract: A data transfer and communication system is disclosed including a central station and a plurality of remote, relay terminals. Each relay terminal includes a data entry device such as a keypad or bar code wand. A headset is associated with each relay terminal. Circuitry is provided to permit two-way wireless communication between the headset, relay terminal and central station. The relay terminal functions to transmit substantially unprocessed voice and data signals to the central station. The central station analyzes the signals and can retransmit a response which can be displayed on the relay terminal. The relay terminals are intended to be high volume, low cost items with the more expensive computational power being located at the central station.

Abstract: A communication headset is provided which includes two curved housings that rotate with respect to one another to allow the headset to be held firmly in place over one ear of the user. One housing supports a microphone boom which has a free end positionable adjacent to the users mouth and the other houses a receiver element for producing sound from electrical signals. Feedback between the receiver and the microphone is reduced by an elastomer friction hinge between the two housings. The receiver element is encapsulated by elastomer to further reduce feedback and to protect the receiver element from physical shock.

Abstract: A communication headset is disclosed having a microphone for transmitting the user's voice and a receiver for transmitting audio signals into the user's ear. The headset includes a resilient, generally U-shaped headband, to be worn over the head, having a housing adjustably attached at one end thereof. A receiver assembly is mounted to the housing with a ball and socket type arrangement, allowing the receiver assembly to rotate axially and pivot in a spherical fashion with respect to the housing, thereby increasing comfort and acoustic coupling with any size or shape ear.

Abstract: An amplifier for amplifying a signal received on a telephone line and for providing the amplified signal to a telephone headset. The amplifier draws current from a battery. The current drawn is reduced in the absence of activity on the line. The amplifier includes a timer that generates a first control signal after a time-out time. The timer is reset by a second control signal. A threshold circuit generates the second control signal when the signal on the telephone line is above a threshold level. .[.Finally, a.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.circuit, responsive to the first control signal, reduces the current drawn from the power supply. The amplifier may additionally or alternatively include receive line muting. The amplifier includes an automatic level control circuit that receives the signal received on the telephone line and controls the level of the amplified signal provided to the headset to a set level in response to a second control signal. .[.Finally, a.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.