Abstract: A headset with an active crossover network is provided. The headset is coupleable to a first audio source using a wired connection and to a second audio source using a wireless connection. A controller is used to determine whether the first, or second, audio source is coupled to the active crossover network which, utilizing either analog or digital filtering, divides each channel of the incoming audio signal into multiple frequency regions sufficient for the number of drivers contained within the in-ear monitors of the headset. The output from the network's filters is amplified using either single channel or multi-channel amplifies. Preferably, gain control circuitry is used to control the gain of the amplifier(s) and thus the volume produced by the drivers. More preferably, the gain of the gain control circuitry is adjustable. The headset includes a power source that is coupled to the amplifier(s) and, if necessary, the network's filters.

Abstract: A headset with an active crossover network is provided. The headset is coupled to an audio source using either a wired connection or a wireless connection. The active crossover network, utilizing either analog or digital filtering, divides each channel of the incoming audio signal from the audio source into multiple frequency regions sufficient for the number of drivers contained within each in-ear monitor of the headset. The output from the network's filters is amplified using either single channel or multi-channel amplifies. Preferably, gain control circuitry is used to control the gain of the amplifier(s) and thus the volume produced by the drivers. More preferably, the gain of the gain control circuitry is adjustable. The headset includes a power source that is coupled to the amplifier(s) and, if necessary, the network's filters. The power source can be included within some portion of the headset or included within the wireless interface.

Abstract: An audio monitor system that includes a pair of in-ear monitors, each of which includes a connector and a corresponding detachable cable, is provided. Each connector may include a two pin jack assembly and each detachable cable may include a corresponding two pin plug assembly. Preferably, each plug assembly of each detachable cable includes a hooded member. More preferably, a portion of the hooded member covers a portion of the corresponding connector, thus effectively sealing the plug/connector assembly from contamination. Even more preferably, interlocking members are included on each hooded member and each corresponding connector, the interlocking members preventing accidental decoupling of the cable from the connector. The plug and connector assemblies may include means for insuring that a desired pin polarity is maintained during cable coupling.

Abstract: An omnidirectional electret condenser microphone element with improved low frequency background ambient acoustical noise rejection is provided. The omnidirectional electret condenser microphone element includes a plurality of passageways in acoustic series that couple at least one acoustic aperture of the microphone element to an acoustic cavity formed within the microphone element. At least one of said plurality of passageways is of a predefined size that is determined to provide the desired response roll-off within a predefined frequency range. In at least one preferred configuration, the roll-off resulting from the plurality of passageways is greater than 2.0 dB between 300 and 100 Hz. In at least one alternate preferred configuration, the roll-off resulting from the plurality of passageways is greater than 3.0 dB between 300 and 100 Hz.

Abstract: An earpiece is provided that includes an earpiece enclosure, a sound delivery member that contains a sound delivery tube, and one or more drivers. The earpiece enclosure includes one or more enclosure ports that couple the internal enclosure volume to the volume outside of the earpiece. Corresponding to each enclosure port is a port cover that has at least a fully open port position and a fully closed port position. Preferably the port cover is capable of multiple positions between the fully open port position and the fully closed port position. The port cover can be a plug, a rotating earpiece collar, a sliding cover, etc. In at least one embodiment, separate drivers and/or separate volumes within the earpiece enclosure are coupled to separate enclosure ports.

Abstract: A sandwich panel includes a honeycomb core of a plurality of cells. A first skin is adhered to a first surface of the honeycomb core with an adhesive. A second skin is adhered to a second surface of the honeycomb core with the adhesive. The plurality of cells extend longitudinally between the first and second skins. The first and second skins adhere to the honeycomb core to form a sandwich panel having a surface area of at least 2.25 square feet. A foam fill is disposed within the cells of the honeycomb core. The foam fill and the honeycomb core define a first gap region proximate to the first skin and a second gap region proximate to the second skin.

Abstract: A sandwich panel includes a honeycomb core of a plurality of cells. A first skin is adhered to a first surface of the honeycomb core with an adhesive. A second skin is adhered to a second surface of the honeycomb core with the adhesive. The plurality of cells extend longitudinally between the first and second skins. The first and second skins adhere to the honeycomb core to form a sandwich panel having a surface area of at least 2.25 square feet. A foam fill is disposed within the cells of the honeycomb core. The foam fill and the honeycomb core define a first gap region proximate to the first skin and a second gap region proximate to the second skin.

Abstract: An integrated eartip (501) that utilizes a one-piece, rather than a multi-piece, design is provided. The one-piece design is comprised of a first portion that includes at least one, or at least two, sound delivery tubes (513/515) and a second portion that is comprised of a compressible region. The integrated eartip also includes means for releasably attaching the eartip to an earphone in general, and a coupling member (503) in particular, thus allowing the eartip to be replaced as desired. When attached, the sound delivery tube, or tubes, of the integrated eartip are aligned with the acoustic port, or ports, of the earphone/coupling member. The first and second portions of the integrated eartip may exhibit different rigidity and/or compressibility characteristics. The integrated eartip can be fabricated from a single material such as a natural or synthetic elastomer.

Abstract: An audio monitor/microphone combination coupled to a four contact plug connector is provided. Exemplary audio monitors include ear buds, in ear monitors, over-the-head headsets, over-the-ear headsets, clip-on headsets, and behind-the-neck headsets. Exemplary microphones include boom-mounted microphones, earphone integrated microphones, microphones located on (or integrated within) the headset cable, and lanyard mounted microphones. The plug connector is configured such that the tip contact region corresponds to the left-hand speaker channel input, the second contact region adjacent to the tip contact region corresponds to the right-hand speaker channel input, the third contact region adjacent to the second contact region corresponds to the microphone output, and the fourth contact region adjacent to the third contact region corresponds to both the speaker ground and the microphone ground. Insulating rings are interposed between each pair of contact regions.

Abstract: The invention provides a use of a material comprising antimony silicate as a sorbent in the removal of metal ions, e.g. radioactive metal ions, from an acidic liquid medium. The metal ions may be selectively removed from amongst other ions such as Na, K, Mg, and Ca ions. Strontium is particularly effectively removable in this way. There is also provided a method of preparing an antimony silicate material for use in removing metal ions. The invention further provides a material comprising antimony silicate doped with one or more elements selected from the group consisting of tungsten, niobium and tantalum. The doped material has been found to be particularly effective as a sorbent in the removal of metal ions from a liquid medium.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the audio performance of an earpiece and the resultant device are provided. The disclosed earpiece combines at least two drivers within a single earpiece. If a pair of drivers is used, each driver has a discrete sound delivery tube. If more than two drivers are used, preferably the outputs from the two lower frequency drivers are merged into a single sound delivery tube while the output from the third driver is maintained in a separate, discrete sound tube. To compensate for the inherent phase shift of the earpiece the lengths of the sound delivery tubes, and thus driver offset, are regulated. Further audio performance optimization can be achieved through an iterative process of measuring the performance of the earpiece and making further, minor adjustments to the sound delivery tube lengths. The sound delivery tubes can include transition regions. The earpiece is configured to use removable/replaceable eartips.

Abstract: A multi-driver in-ear monitor for use with either a recorded or a live audio source is provided. If a pair of drivers is used, each driver has an individual sound delivery tube. If three drivers are used, the outputs from two of the drivers are merged into a single sound delivery tube while the output from the third driver is maintained in a separate, discrete sound tube. The sound delivery tubes remain separate throughout the end portion of the earpiece. The earpiece tip is configured to be fitted with any of a variety of sleeves (e.g., foam sleeves, flanged sleeves, etc.), thus allowing the in-ear monitor to be easily tailored to comfortably fit within any of a variety of ear canals. Due to the size constraints of such an earpiece, the sound delivery tubes include a transition region. Acoustic filters (i.e., dampers) can be interposed between one or both driver outputs and the earpiece output.

Abstract: A sandwich panel includes a honeycomb core of a plurality of cells. A first skin is adhered to a first surface of the honeycomb core with an adhesive. A second skin is adhered to a second surface of the honeycomb core with the adhesive. The plurality of cells extend longitudinally between the first and second skins. The first and second skins adhere to the honeycomb core to form a sandwich panel having a surface area of at least 2.25 square feet. A foam fill is disposed within the cells of the honeycomb core. The foam fill and the honeycomb core define a first gap region proximate to the first skin and a second gap region proximate to the second skin.

Abstract: Various devices are provided for conveniently storing, transporting and recharging wireless headsets and associated devices. According to some embodiments, a dongle is formed to receive a portion of a wireless headset, thereby bringing together electrical contacts of the dongle and electrical contacts of the wireless headset, thereby permitting convenient recharging of the wireless headset. In some embodiments, a dongle is integrated into a holster or carrying case for a wireless headset and/or an external device such as a telephone.