Abstract: The present invention overcomes interface problems between proprietary handset ports on telephone base units and voice/data accessory products by allowing a user to automatically calibrate the telephone accessory product for an optimal interface match with the intended telephone base unit. This is accomplished through the use of a “Smart Interface Technology” (SIT) integrated chip set consisting of a full custom analog and semi-custom digital integrated circuit. The SIT incorporates three different methods for “learning” the characteristics of 4-wire port modular interfaces found in all telephone station sets. Basically, these methods determine the appropriate 4-wire terminal configurations, the transmit and receive channels of the intended telephone base unit, and adjust the channel sensitivities until an optimal and clear signal is provided for the user.

Abstract: An adapter apparatus for coupling a headset and an audio device to a telephone headset amplifier includes a first interface for sending and receiving audio signals with the telephone headset amplifier, a second interface for sending and receiving audio signals with the headset, a third interface for sending receiving audio signals with the audio device, and a switching circuit coupled to the three interfaces, wherein the switching circuit provides a communications link between at least two of the first interface, the second interface, and the third interface as a function of a selected mode. In a first mode, a communications link between the second interface and the third interface is established where the audio device either provides audio signals to or receives audio signals from the headset.

Abstract: An adaptive interface method and apparatus for interfacing a telephony appliance such as an analog telephone, modem, fax modem, facsimile machine teleconferencing device, headset, VoIP telephone or non-compatible digital telephone to a digital, analog or hybrid telephone system, such as a private branch exchange (PBX). The interface device is suitable for use with a variety of PBX's produced by different manufacturers, despite differences in signaling characteristics between the PBX and an associated PBX-compatible telephone. The interface device is coupled between A telephony appliance and a PBX. In order to communicate the interface device “learns” the characteristics of the telephony appliance and also of the PBX. This is accomplished by: determining whether each component of the telephone system is an analog or digital device; and, if the telephone system is a digital, monitoring communications between the PBX and the PBX-compatible telephone.

Abstract: An electronic device having a first surface positioned adjacent to an article worn by a person and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface, the electronic device having a headphone connector interface for accepting a headphone connector, the electronic device comprising a clip coupled with the electronic device, the clip having a first segment positioned adjacent to the first surface and a second segment configured at a predetermined angle with respect to the first segment, wherein pressing the second segment toward the second surface rotates the first segment away from the first surface; the clip further comprising an adapter coupled with the first segment of the clip, the adapter positioned between the first segment of the clip and the first surface of the object and having an adapter length.

Abstract: A headset has one or two earpieces, an adjustable microphone boom, and a means for securing the headset to the user. The earpiece includes a speaker element for generating sound and a sound funneling device for funneling sound from the speaker element to an ear canal of the user. The sound funneling device rests within a concha and at the entrance of the ear canal for funneling sound and for stabilizing the earpiece against an ear of the user. In the preferred embodiment, the sound funneling device includes a first end which is open-ended and facing the speaker element, and a second end which includes one or more apertures and rests at the entrance of the ear canal. The first end has a circumference which is larger than a circumference of the second end which focuses the sound from the speaker element to the ear canal. A speaker cushion is configured to fit around the speaker element and the sound funneling device and preferably provides a means for coupling the speaker element to the sound funneling device.

Abstract: A handset port interface including DC measurement and transmit path calibration. In an interface device for interfacing a telephone instrument, such as a headset, a handset, a modem, or a teleconferencing device, to the handset microphone input port of a telephone set base unit, the transmit signal level applied to the microphone input of the base unit must be set to an appropriate level. The appropriate level is determined according to the type of microphone the telephone set base unit is configured to interface with. The microphone can be carbon, electret or dynamic. The interface device detects the type of microphone the base unit is configured to interface with by detecting the DC characteristics of the microphone input port. Then, the interface device determines the appropriate transmit level by correlating the DC characteristics to one of a plurality of predetermined transmit levels. These levels are stored in a table.

Abstract: A headphone support element for securing a headphone connector to a headphone connector interface, the headphone support element coupled with the headphone connector interface, wherein the headphone support element having a first receptacle for engaging and securing the headphone connector, wherein the headphone connector cannot move or rotate when connected to the headphone connector interface. Each side of the headphone support element extends perpendicular to the first receptacle, thereby preventing the headphone connector from moving within the first receptacle when the headphone connector is connected to the interface. The headphone support element further comprises a second receptacle for engaging and securing a headphone connector wire, the second receptacle having a third side and a fourth side, wherein each side extends substantially perpendicular to the second receptacle. The headphone support element is made of an elastic material.

Abstract: An electronic device having a first surface positioned adjacent to an article worn by a person and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface, the electronic device having a headphone connector interface for accepting a headphone connector, the electronic device comprising a clip coupled with the electronic device, the clip having a first segment positioned adjacent to the first surface and a second segment configured at a predetermined angle with respect to the first segment, wherein pressing the second segment toward the second surface rotates the first segment away from the first surface; the clip further comprising an adapter coupled with the first segment of the clip, the adapter positioned between the first segment of the clip and the first surface of the object and having an adapter length.

Abstract: An adaptive handset interface method and apparatus for interfacing a two-wire analog telephone instrument, such as a modem, fax modem, facsimile machine or teleconferencing device, to a digital, analog or hybrid telephone system, such as a private branch exchange (PBX). The interface device is suitable for use with a variety of PBX's produced by different manufacturers, despite differences in signalling characteristics between the PBX and an associated PBX-compatible telephone. In a preferred embodiment, the invention does not require access to a handset port of a PBX-compatible telephone. The interface device is connected to the extension line along with a PBX-compatible telephone. An analog telephone instrument is then connected to the interface device. In order to communicate with the PBX using a communication protocol appropriate to the PBX, the interface device “learns” the characteristics of the PBX.

Abstract: A headset has an earpiece and a flexible microphone boom. The headset is designed and constructed to be lightweight, flexibly adjustable, and comfortable to wear. The earpiece fits comfortably over an external portion of an ear of a wearer and between a head of the wearer and the ear. The earpiece is designed to be easily adjusted for a secure, comfortable fit. In the preferred embodiment, the earpiece includes a rigid plastic backbone and a ductile wire. In an alternate embodiment, the earpiece includes a rigid plastic backbone, a spring, and a ductile wire. The earpiece has an asymmetrical U shape, facilitating easy adjustment to fit securely around the external portion of the ear. A speaker module is coupled to the earpiece and designed to rest over a pinna of the ear when the earpiece is worn over the ear. A small speaker is mounted inside the speaker module. The speaker module is coupled to the earpiece by a ball and socket joint integrally formed as part of the earpiece.

Abstract: A cordless telephone headset and remotely controlled telephone handset pick-up device for use in conjunction with an existing corded telephone set. A mechanical lift arm of the pick-up device, driven by an electric motor with a slip clutch, lifts the handset away from the corded telephone cradle, placing the telephone handset in an off-hook position. The handset is lowered back onto the cradle by the mechanical lift arm, returning the telephone set to an on-hook position. The mechanical lift arm is activated and deactivated in response to a radio signal indicative of the lowering and raising of the microphone boom of the cordless headset. The slip clutch provides sufficient force to gently and reliably raise and lower the telephone handset without causing misalignment between the handset and the cradle and without causing damage.