Abstract: A method is provided for directing a user to a point of interest using sounds played on a wearable audio output device. A user's direction of gaze is determined using data from at least one sensor in the audio output device. First and second locations are determined of the user and the point of interest respectively, and a distance is determined between the first and second locations. A relative angle between the direction of gaze and the direction of the point of interest is determined based on the determined first and second locations. A sample sound is altered using at least one sonification technique to convey information relating to the determined distance and the relative angle. The altered sample sound is rendered and output for playing by the audio output device.

Abstract: A microphone adaptor comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and an opening extending from the first end to the second end. The second end is in communication with an electro-acoustic driver. A coupling mechanism is at the first end of the body for receiving a sensing microphone and securing the microphone against the body at a predetermined fixed distance from the electro-acoustic driver.

Abstract: A microphone adaptor comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and an opening extending from the first end to the second end. The second end is in communication with an electro-acoustic driver. A coupling mechanism is at the first end of the body for receiving a sensing microphone and securing the microphone against the body at a predetermined fixed distance from the electro-acoustic driver.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer is provided that comprises a diaphragm and a magnet assembly comprising a magnet and a back plate. The back plate comprises at least one first vent. The diaphragm generates sound during a movement of the diaphragm relative to the back plate. The transducer further comprises a printed circuit board comprising at least one second vent and a cavity between the printed circuit board and the back plate that separates the at least one first vent from the at least one second vent.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes an acoustic diaphragm, a lever, and an oscillatory force source for driving the lever in oscillatory, rotary motion about a pivot axis. The loudspeaker also includes a connector that couples the lever to the acoustic diaphragm. The connector includes a first rotary joint that defines a first rotary axis that is fixedly attached to the acoustic diaphragm, a second rotary joint that defines a second rotary axis that is fixedly attached to the lever, and a linkage coupling the first and second rotary joints. The connector allows for rotational and translational movement of the lever and the diaphragm relative to each other.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer is provided that comprises a diaphragm and a magnet assembly comprising a magnet and a back plate. The back plate comprises at least one first vent. The diaphragm generates sound during a movement of the diaphragm relative to the back plate. The transducer further comprises a printed circuit board comprising at least one second vent and a cavity between the printed circuit board and the back plate that separates the at least one first vent from the at least one second vent.

Abstract: A loudspeaker includes an acoustic diaphragm, an oscillatory force source, a lever that couples the oscillatory force source to the acoustic diaphragm, and a pivot that is coupled to the lever such that the lever pivots about a pivot axis when the oscillatory force source applies a force to the lever. The pivot includes a pair of rotational joints which are spaced apart to allow the diaphragm to pass therebetween as the lever pivots about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a stator assembly mounted to a center pole formed of material having high magnetic permeability and functions as a return path for the magnetic field generated when current is passed through coils in the stator assembly. When current is applied to one or more coils within the stator assembly, a magnetic field is generated that interacts with a magnetic field generated by one or more magnets disposed within the armature assembly and causes the armature to move relative to the center pole thus, for example, opening or closing a valve.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine may be provided with independently controllable valves, fuel injectors and ignition elements that may be used to start the engine without a separate auxiliary device such as an electric starter motor. The engine may fire the cylinders under a startup mode of control at the same time it fires the cylinders under a normal mode of control in order to smooth the transition from start up to normal operating mode. Additionally, an internal combustion engine may use independently controllable valves to stop the engine and ensure that one or more of the pistons come to rest at a position which allows them to be used to restart the engine.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a stator assembly mounted to a center pole formed of material having high magnetic permeability and functions as a return path for the magnetic field generated when current is passed through coils in the stator assembly. When current is applied to one or more coils within the stator assembly, a magnetic field is generated that interacts with a magnetic field generated by one or more magnets disposed within the armature assembly and causes the armature to move relative to the center pole thus, for example, opening or closing a valve.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine may be provided with independently controllable valves, fuel injectors and ignition elements that may be used to start the engine without a separate auxiliary device such as an electric starter motor. The engine may fire the cylinders under a startup mode of control at the same time it fires the cylinders under a normal mode of control in order to smooth the transition from start up to normal operating mode. Additionally, an internal combustion engine may use independently controllable valves to stop the engine and ensure that one or more of the pistons come to rest at a position which allows them to be used to restart the engine.