Abstract: An alignment apparatus (110) for sound delivery of an audio device (100) is provided. The apparatus can include a speaker (130) mounted to an underside of a face plate (120) of the device, and a raised appendage (112) on the topside of the face plate. At least a portion of the raised appendage rests against at least a portion of a concha bowl (310) of an ear (230) to align a direction of sound from the speaker through the ear canal when the face plate is pressed against the ear. A positional cue of the raised appendage provides a repeatable reference location for positioning the audio device to align a centerline of the speaker with a centerline of the ear canal when coupled to the ear to maximize audio performance.

Abstract: A communication device (200) for use behind the ear comprises a housing having a first section (202) and a second section (206). A sound delivery tube (210) is coupled to the second section of the housing (206). The second section of the housing (206) rotates with respect to the first section of the housing (202) within a prescribed range of angular displacement as to allow user-definable depth adjustability of at least a portion of the sound delivery tube (210) into an ear canal (104). Optionally, the first section of the housing (202) rotates with respect to the second section of the housing (206) to provide a better fit to the shape of the head at the temporal/mastoid plate 120.

Abstract: A communication system (200) includes a portable radio (202) having as a remote accessory (204) coupled thereto. The remote accessory (204) is preferably a remote speaker-microphone that includes a controller (206) and an accelerometer (208) that monitors a user's vital signs, such as respiration and heart rate. A dispatch station (210) receives the vital sign information from the radio (202) and a detection/notification device (212) detects the vital sign information and notifies support personnel distress conditions.

Abstract: A communication device (300) for use behind an ear (200) comprises a housing (302), a sound delivery tube (310), and a self-retaining element (316). The sound delivery tube (310) is coupled to the housing. The self-retaining element (316) is coupled to the housing (302) or the sound delivery tube (310). The self-retaining element (316) rests beneath an inferior crus (216) of the ear (200) and provides positive retention of the communication device (300) to the ear (200) when the sound delivery tube (310) is positioned for sound delivery to the ear (200).

Abstract: A communication device (200) for use behind the ear comprises a housing having a first section (202) and a second section (206). A sound delivery tube (210) is coupled to the second section of the housing (206). The second section of the housing (206) rotates with respect to the first section of the housing (202) within a prescribed range of angular displacement as to allow user-definable depth adjustability of at least a portion of the sound delivery tube (210) into an ear canal (104). Optionally, the first section of the housing (202) rotates with respect to the second section of the housing (206) to provide a better fit to the shape of the head at the temporal/mastoid plate 120.

Abstract: A behind the ear communication device (200) has a housing (205) with a form factor to provide a comfortable fit across a wide variety of users. Particularly, the housing (205) is a hook shaped member having an inner curved surface (261) defined by first and second arcs (272, 271) that merge, in tangential fashion, to form a contiguous surface for interfacing with the ear. The first arc (272) has a radius of between 0.826 and 0.876 centimeters, and the second arc has a radius of between 3.24 and 3.75 centimeters.

Abstract: A sound delivery system such as a hearing aid, a telephone headset, a multimedia headset, or other communications device is capable of being used on either the left or right ear of the user. The sound delivery system includes an integral case and ear hook having a rotatable connection for receiving a sound delivery tube. The sound delivery tube is preformed in a generally L-shaped tube. The sound delivery tube has an eartip at one end configured to be received in the ear canal of the user to secure the end of the sound delivery tube in the ear canal. The tube can be rotated about an axis between a left-ear position and a right-ear position.

Abstract: A low-profile crystal package wherein the wire bonding operation from the electrode pattern of the crystal plate to the terminal posts may be accomplished without fear of fracture of the crystal plate itself. The crystal blank is positioned on a support member which in turn initially sits on a ring of indium. In this position, the crystal blank is not in contact with the split center support post whose top surface is covered with indium paste, and is supported around its periphery during wire bonding. When all the wire bonding operations are effectuated, the assembly is subjected to sufficient heat wherein the indium material will melt, which will cause the support member to be drawn downward, thereby resulting in the crystal plate being supported and fastened only by the center supports, with the periphery of the crystal plate being free to vibrate with no extraneous dampened support.

Abstract: A low-profile crystal package wherein the wire bonding operation from the electrode pattern of the crystal plate to the terminal posts may be accomplished without fear of fracture of the crystal plate itself. The crystal blank is positioned on a support member which in turn initially sits on a ring of indium. In this position, the crystal blank is not in contact with the split center support post whose top surface is covered with indium paste, and is supported around its periphery during wire bonding. When all the wire bonding operations are effectuated, the assembly is subjected to sufficient heat wherein the indium material will melt, which will cause the support member to be drawn downward, thereby resulting in the crystal plate being supported and fastened only by the center supports, with the periphery of the crystal plate being free to vibrate with no extraneous dampened support.