Abstract: A digital loudspeaking telephone for connection to a telephone line, including a microphone, speaker, codec and digital signal processor. Incoming and outgoing signals are received by the digital signal processor from remote and local subscribers via the telephone line and microphone respectively. The processor generates and compares incoming and outgoing envelope and noise floor signal levels derived from the received incoming and outgoing signals and in response suppresses a particular compared, and one of the incoming or outgoing signals. Automatic gain control of outgoing signals is implemented in order to allow smooth switching of the outgoing signals and to suppress background noise from being transmitted by the microphone. Room echo and reverberation are also detected, and the processor eliminates spurious channel switching due to the detected echo signals.

Abstract: A flexible electrical heating element includes a resistance heater which defines a seam, particularly a zig-zag seam, supported on an air-permeable, flexible, flat plane-like carrier. The carrier, is fastened by means of closing-seams to a perforated plastic foam web. The heating element is suitable for use in heating seats or couches in motor vehicles and the like.