Abstract: A portable communication system provides a universal transmitter that couples to a communication device having an audio port, e.g., a cellular phone audio port, and which transforms the sound output into signals, e.g., infrared pulses, for transmission to a wireless receiver, e.g., a behind the ear or in the ear receiver.

Abstract: A portable communication system provides a universal transmitter that mechanically couples to a communication device having a sound output, e.g., a cellular phone handset, and which transforms the sound output into infrared signals, e.g., pulses, for transmission to a wireless receiver, e.g., a behind the ear or in the ear receiver.

Abstract: A portable communication system provides a universal transmitter that couples to a communication device having an audio port, e.g., a cellular phone audio port, and which transforms the sound output into signals, e.g., infrared pulses, for transmission to a wireless receiver, e.g., a behind the ear or in the ear receiver.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for reducing sidetone feedback in a portable wireless telephone system by positioning the speaker and the microphone to reduce acoustic feedback and by controlling the amplifier gain in the transmitter section of the wireless telephone to reduce amplification of sidetone which has been acoustically coupled from the speaker to the microphone. The wireless telephone may be configured as a watch with a wrist strap for retaining it to the user, as a piece of jewelry such as a brooch or pendant, as a voice capable pager/intercom, or as an identification badge for an employee. In one embodiment, the base station includes circuitry for further reducing sidetone feedback. In additional embodiments, the wireless telephone may include a quick-release outboard battery, a retractable earpiece, and an ergonomic keypad.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for reducing sidetone feedback in a portable wireless telephone system by positioning the speaker and the microphone to reduce acoustic feedback and by controlling the amplifier gain in the transmitter section of the wireless telephone to reduce amplification of sidetone which has been acoustically coupled from the speaker to the microphone. The wireless telephone may be configured as a watch with a wrist strap for retaining it to the user, as a piece of jewelry such as a brooch or pendant, as a voice capable pager/intercom, or as an identification badge for an employee. In one embodiment, the base station includes circuitry for further reducing sidetone feedback. In additional embodiments, the wireless telephone may include a quick-release outboard battery, a retractable earpiece, and an ergonomic keypad.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for reducing sidetone feedback in a portable wireless telephone system by positioning the speaker and the microphone to reduce acoustic feedback and by controlling the amplifier gain in the transmitter section of the wireless telephone to reduce amplification of sidetone which has been acoustically coupled from the speaker to the microphone. The wireless telephone may be configured as a watch with a wrist strap for retaining it to the user, as a piece of jewelry such as a brooch or pendant, as a voice capable pager/intercom, or as an identification badge for an employee. In one embodiment, the base station includes circuitry for further reducing sidetone feedback. In additional embodiments, the wireless telephone may include a quick-release outboard battery, a retractable earpiece, and an ergonomic keypad.

Abstract: A novel way to package and dispense small batteries which provides easy installation and removal of batteries from small electronic devices is described. More particularly, the invention relates to a battery dispensing and removal apparatus for simple inserting and removing of batteries from hearing aids. The battery dispensing and removal apparatus is reusable and stores used batteries for recycling or disposal.

Abstract: A novel way to package and dispense small batteries which provides an easy means for installation and ejection of batteries from their host device. The invention relates to devices for the insertion and removal of miniature batteries in electronic devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a single device which dispenses and provides insertion and removal capability for individually installing and deinstalling batteries in hearing aids. The invention is a multi-battery dispensing container which is reusable and stores the removed batteries within the container for recycling or proper disposal.

Abstract: The in-the-canal hearing aid has patient selected physical components and patient selected electronic components. The construction of the hearing aid and the method of providing a hearing aid for a particular patient's hearing impairment are such that a patient may personally select the best suited hearing aid during the testing process and walk away with the hearing aid he or she has personally selected. This is accomplished by allowing the patient to select a form fitting shell with a malleable covering having a hook and twist which precisely conforms to the patient's own ear. The patient then listens to sounds with or without background noise and from various directions using electronic components which conform to the specifications of the hearing aid and personally chooses those electronics which best aid or assist the patient's hearing loss.

Abstract: A programmable patient controlled master hearing aid is disclosed which consists of a hearing aid test module, an operator's console and a patient's console, both of which are microprocessor based, and all of which are interconnected to provide a testing apparatus which is used by the patient to select electronic components to be imployed in a hearing aid. The testing device has selectable electronic components that match the components which will be used in the hearing aid which the patient selects as best assisting or addressing the patient's hearing loss. The patient is located in the center of a sound field created by multiple speakers which accurately reproduce both pre-recorded environmental background sounds and pre-recorded or live "target-stimuli" such as speech. Thus surrounded by a simulation of real-world listening situations, the patient initially selects a hearing aid shell assembly which comfortably fits in the patient's ear.