Abstract: A retainer that is attachable to a set of interfacing cables prevents physical separation of the cables while allowing electrical disconnection of the cables. The retainer uses a body member with a hinged end cap on each end. The end caps include a snap pin and the ends of the body include receiving voids for the snap pins. The end caps can be locked into place by rotating around the hinged attachment until the snap pins engage the receiving voids. Either one or both of the end cap and elongated body have notches that form restraining voids when the end caps are locked in place.

Abstract: A microphone array for providing a focused field of optimum audio reception is disclosed. The array has a series of interconnected microphones spaced within a housing. At a midpoint of the spaced microphones is an illuminated polarized centering marker which gives the user a visual signal that the user is located within the optimum filed of audio reception. The housing can be placed on the top front edge of video monitor and has slideably mounted removable feet, which allow the microphones to be aimed more accurately at the user. The array is foldable along a midpoint, which allow for compact storage. The folding mechanism is a hinge, which has a hollow core, and openings which allow the internal wiring to interconnect two wings of the array without exposing the wires. The wings are held in their longitudinally oriented position by a latching mechanism of pins in one wing which snap fit into capture boots within the other wing.

Abstract: A microphone array for providing a focused field of optimum audio reception is disclosed. The array has a series of interconnected microphones spaced within a housing. At a midpoint of the spaced microphones is an illuminated polarized centering marker which gives the user a visual signal that the user is located within the optimum filed of audio reception. The housing can be placed on the top front edge of video monitor and has slideably mounted removable feet, which allow the microphones to be aimed more accurately at the user. The array is foldable along a midpoint, which allow for compact storage. The folding mechanism is a hinge, which has a hollow core, and openings which allow the internal wiring to interconnect two wings of the array without exposing the wires. The wings are held in their longitudinally oriented position by a latching mechanism of pins in one wing which snap fit into capture boots within the other wing.

Abstract: A microphone array for providing a focused field of optimum audio reception is disclosed. The array has a series of interconnected microphones spaced within a housing. At a midpoint of the spaced microphones is an illuminated polarized centering marker which gives the user a visual signal that the user is located within the optimum filed of audio reception. The housing can be placed on the top front edge of video monitor and has slideably mounted removable feet, which allow the microphones to be aimed more accurately at the user. The array is foldable along a midpoint, which allow for compact storage. The folding mechanism is a hinge, which has a hollow core, and openings which allow the internal wiring to interconnect two wings of the array without exposing the wires. The wings are held in their longitudinally oriented position by a latching mechanism of pins in one wing which snap fit into capture boots within the other wing.

Abstract: An amplifier and method of canceling distortion in an amplified signal. The amplifier includes a main amplifier operable to receive a main input signal and generate an amplified signal having a main component and an error component. The amplifier also includes a plurality of error correction amplifiers coupled in a feed-forward arrangement to the main amplifier and operable to receive an input signal and to generate a plurality of output signals, each having a main component and an error component. A balancing network is coupled to the main amplifier and to the plurality of error canceling amplifiers. The balancing network isolates a sample of the output signal of the main amplifier, inverts the sample, and combines the sample with the input signal to the error correction amplifiers.

Abstract: An improved transient interference detector and suppressor for an MRI system detects the presence of transient interference in an MRI signal by detecting the envelope of the MRI signal and comparing the rate of change of the envelope to a reference signal. When the rate of change of the envelope exceeds the reference signal, a transient interference detection is made and appropriate action may be taken. When the rate of change of the envelope is less than the reference signal, no transient interference detection is made. The reference signal is set at a level slightly above a level corresponding to the average thermal noise in order to substantially prevent the minor, random fluctuations in the thermal noise from falsely triggering the detection of a transient interference event.

Abstract: An error correction amplifier and method of canceling distortion in an amplified signal. The error correction amplifier includes a main amplifier operable to receive a main input signal and generate an amplified signal having a main component and an error component. The error correction amplifier also includes a second amplifier coupled in a feed-forward arrangement to the main amplifier and operable to receive an input signal and to generate an output signal having a main component and an error component. A balancing network is coupled to the main amplifier and to the second amplifier. The balancing network isolates a sample of the output signal of the main amplifier, inverts the sample, and combines the sample with the input signal to the second amplifier.

Abstract: An error correction amplifier and method of canceling distortion in an amplified signal. The error correction amplifier includes a main amplifier operable to receive a main input signal and generate an amplified signal having a main component and an error component. The error correction amplifier also includes a second amplifier coupled in a feed-forward arrangement to the main amplifier and operable to receive an input signal and to generate an output signal having a main component and an error component. A balancing network is coupled to the main amplifier and to the second amplifier. The balancing network isolates a sample of the output signal of the main amplifier, inverts the sample, and combines the sample with the input signal to the second amplifier.

Abstract: A telephone agent availability monitoring system is disclosed for use in telephone switching networks known as “automatic call distribution” systems (ACD's). The inventive monitoring system automatically detects when a telephone headset is unplugged from its associated amplifier, and sends a signal via the agent's computer work station to a central server connected with telephone switching equipment. In the case of a wireless headset, a signal is sent when the headset travels out of communication range. The telephone switching equipment can then route an ongoing call and/or future calls to other agents who are available, until the monitoring system detects that the headset has been plugged back into the amplifier or traveled back into range, indicating that the agent is available again.

Abstract: A communications headset has an earpiece housing that rests on top of the ear and which also has a receiver assembly coupled to the earpiece housing. The receiver assembly is rotatable between a position at which the receiver assembly is against the ear and a position at which the receiver assembly is rotated away from the ear, thereby allowing a user of the headset to wear the headset comfortably even at times when the headset is not in use for communication. The receiver assembly is biased toward the ear, thereby acoustically coupling the receiver assembly reliably and snugly to the ear when the receiver assembly is at the position against the ear. When the receiver assembly is at the position rotated away from the ear, the receiver assembly is held securely in that position.

Abstract: Existing automatic log on/log off systems in telephone systems determine whether or not a workstation is occupied and whether calls can be directed to that workstation by determining whether or not the amplifier that provides the interface between the telephone system and the occupant's headset is plugged into the workstation. Recent headsets have included a connector in the cord between the headset and the amplifier, enabling the occupant to leave the workstation without unplugging the amplifier. However, this defeats the sensing mechanism of the existing automatic log on/log off system. A wireless telephone headset system according to the present invention replaces the existing wired amplifier and headset assembly and includes a detector for determining whether a wireless communication link exists between the headset and the amplifier, and an activator for activating the existing automatic log on/log off system in the telephone system.

Abstract: A communications headset has an earpiece housing that rests on top of the ear and which also has a receiver assembly coupled to the earpiece housing. The receiver assembly is rotatable between a position at which the receiver assembly is against the ear and a position at which the receiver assembly is rotated away from the ear, thereby allowing a user of the headset to wear the headset comfortably even at times when the headset is not in use for communication. The receiver assembly is biased toward the ear, thereby acoustically coupling the receiver assembly reliably and snugly to the ear when the receiver assembly is at the position against the ear. When the receiver assembly is at the position rotated away from the ear, the receiver assembly is held securely in that position.