Abstract: A microphone includes a housing. The microphone includes a windscreen coupled with the housing. The windscreen and the housing define a central volume. The microphone includes an audio module within the central volume. The audio module includes a receiver capsule, a carrier unit coupled with the receiver capsule, and a counterweight coupled with the carrier unit. The microphone includes a suspension element that is coupled with the housing and carrier unit to suspend the audio module within the central volume. The suspension element includes an inner body that contacts the carrier unit. The suspension element includes first and second flanges extending outward from the inner body. The first and second flange are fixedly coupled with the housing. A cross-section of the first and second flange includes an arched region that extends at least partially to an inner wall of the housing. The arched regions are oriented in opposite directions.

Abstract: A microphone includes a housing. The microphone includes a windscreen coupled with the housing. The windscreen and the housing define a central volume. The microphone includes an audio module within the central volume. The audio module includes a receiver capsule, a carrier unit coupled with the receiver capsule, and a counterweight coupled with the carrier unit. The microphone includes a suspension element that is coupled with the housing and carrier unit to suspend the audio module within the central volume. The suspension element includes an inner body that contacts the carrier unit. The suspension element includes first and second flanges extending outward from the inner body. The first and second flange are fixedly coupled with the housing. A cross-section of the first and second flange includes an arched region that extends at least partially to an inner wall of the housing. The arched regions are oriented in opposite directions.

Abstract: A microphone system includes a microphone and a pre-amplification conditioning circuit configured within a housing and comprising a pair of matched JFETs configured in a differential pair with common-source configuration and, when biased, are operable to receive and amplify the differential microphone output signal. The microphone further includes a pair of BJTs configured as a complimentary feedback transistor pair with each of the pair of BJTs coupled in parallel to a corresponding one of the pair of matched JFETs, and a current sink coupled to the matched JFETs and corresponding emitter electrodes of the BJTs and operable to maintain a fixed total direct current through each of the matched JFETs and BJTs, which reduces the JFETs corresponding electrical load, reduces signal noise, and increases a maximum amplified microphone output signal level at the drains of the matched JFETs.

Abstract: A microphone includes a housing. The microphone includes a windscreen coupled with the housing. The windscreen and the housing define a central volume. The microphone includes an audio module within the central volume. The audio module includes a receiver capsule, a carrier unit coupled with the receiver capsule, and a counterweight coupled with the carrier unit. The microphone includes a suspension element that is coupled with the housing and carrier unit to suspend the audio module within the central volume. The suspension element includes an inner body that contacts the carrier unit. The suspension element includes first and second flanges extending outward from the inner body. The first and second flange are fixedly coupled with the housing. A cross-section of the first and second flange includes an arched region that extends at least partially to an inner wall of the housing. The arched regions are oriented in opposite directions.

Abstract: A microphone system includes a microphone and a pre-amplification conditioning circuit configured within a housing and comprising a pair of matched JFETs configured in a differential pair with common-source configuration and, when biased, are operable to receive and amplify the differential microphone output signal. The microphone further includes a pair of BJTs configured as a complimentary feedback transistor pair with each of the pair of BJTs coupled in parallel to a corresponding one of the pair of matched JFETs, and a current sink coupled to the matched JFETs and corresponding emitter electrodes of the BJTs and operable to maintain a fixed total direct current through each of the matched JFETs and BJTs, which reduces the JFETs corresponding electrical load, reduces signal noise, and increases a maximum amplified microphone output signal level at the drains of the matched JFETs.

Abstract: A microphone system includes a microphone and a pre-amplification conditioning circuit configured within a housing and comprising a pair of matched JFETs configured in a differential pair with common-source configuration and, when biased, are operable to receive and amplify the differential microphone output signal. The microphone further includes a pair of BJTs configured as a complimentary feedback transistor pair with each of the pair of BJTs coupled in parallel to a corresponding one of the pair of matched JFETs, and a current sink coupled to the matched JFETs and corresponding emitter electrodes of the BJTs and operable to maintain a fixed total direct current through each of the matched JFETs and BJTs, which reduces the JFETs corresponding electrical load, reduces signal noise, and increases a maximum amplified microphone output signal level at the drains of the matched JFETs.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention include a modular video camera system that can be adapted to mount to a number of different surfaces and perform a number of different functions. Some embodiments include a video camera housing having a front portion with a camera lens and infra-red (IR) emitter disposed thereon, a mounting apparatus to couple to and secure the camera system to a window pane such that the front portion of the housing faces the window pane, and a silicone-based compound, placed between the IR emitter and the window pane, that is translucent to IR light and prevents IR light from reflecting off of the window pane and into the camera lens. Some embodiments include a video camera system with a battery pack coupled to a base support having an orientation adjustment apparatus to prevent inadvertent adjustments to an orientation of the video camera system.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a video camera system includes a camera housing including a back side, a plurality of concentric electrical traces disposed on the back side of the camera housing, and a notched mounting apparatus disposed on the back side of the camera housing, where the notched mounting apparatus can be operable to receive and secure a modular attachment to the camera housing such that the modular attachment is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the camera housing. In some implementations, the one or more of the concentric electrical traces can be configured to contact one or more electrical contacts of the modular attachment and remain in contact with the one or more electrical contacts as the camera housing is rotated with respect to the modular attachment.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a video camera system includes a camera housing including a back side, a plurality of concentric electrical traces disposed on the back side of the camera housing, and a notched mounting apparatus disposed on the back side of the camera housing, where the notched mounting apparatus can be operable to receive and secure a modular attachment to the camera housing such that the modular attachment is mechanically and rotatably coupled to the camera housing. In some implementations, the one or more of the concentric electrical traces can be configured to contact one or more electrical contacts of the modular attachment and remain in contact with the one or more electrical contacts as the camera housing is rotated with respect to the modular attachment.