Abstract: A method for an audio system controls a number of audio devices from a master device over a wired network for at least one wired audio device and over a wireless network for at least one wireless device. The method receives a reply in response to a poll message from each of the wired audio devices and aggregate polling information indicative of the state of the wireless devices from one of the wireless devices.

Abstract: A method includes providing, to a user of a control device, an indication of a value currently representative of a preset sound signal source, and simultaneously providing an indication of a possible new value of the preset.

Abstract: An audio system may include a plurality of sound reproduction devices characterized by parameter values; a plurality of audio signal sources characterized by parameter values; a plurality of remote control devices, a system controller, constructed and arranged to wirelessly receive command signals from the remote control devices and to wirelessly transmit parameter values of audio signal sources and of sound reproduction sources to the remote control device. The remote control devices are constructed and arranged for wirelessly transmitting command signals to the system controller and for wirelessly receiving parameter values and displaying parameter values. The remote control devices are being further constructed and arranged to transmit command signals to and receive parameter values from a system controller that is separated from remote control.

Abstract: An optical assembly and electronic reader circuit cooperate to provide a highly-efficient and low-cost electro-optic barcode reader. The optical assembly includes a shielded housing, a photo detector and optical elements disposed about an un-folded optical path that provide a virtual reading window at one end of the housing whose field of view, which is focused to a point at the photo detector, is shaped to be no wider than constitutive barcode indicia. The electronic reader circuit includes a pulse amplifier and manual-adjustment-free average D.C. offset negative feedback and A.C. information peak detect negative feedback loops that respectively maintain the electrical pulse stream input to the pulse amplifier within the dynamic range thereof and eliminate electrical pulse stream peak noise. A circuit is coupled to a comparator with hysteresis square-up stage to deactivate the comparator in the state of no input signal.

Abstract: Voltage-control and current-limiting negative feedback loops are disclosed that cooperate with an adjustable voltage regulator to provide a constant-amplitude and current-limited D.C. voltage. The regulator and voltage-controlling and current-limiting feedback loops are constituted by low-cost circuit elements that cooperate to provide high-precision voltage and current regulation in a manner that is free from manual adjustment. The circuit of the invention is particularly adapted to charging lead-acid batteries.

Abstract: An optical assembly and electronic reader circuit cooperate to provide a highly-efficient and low-cost electro-optic barcode reader. The optical assembly includes a shielded housing, a photo detector and optical elements disposed about an un-folded optical path that provide a virtual reading window at one end of the housing whose field of view, which is focused to a point at the photo detector, is shaped to be no wider than constitutive barcode indicia. The electronic reader circuit includes a pulse amplifier and manual-adjustment-free average D.C. offset negative feedback and A.C. information peak detect negative feedback loops that respectively maintain the electrical pulse stream input to the pulse amplifier within the dynamic range thereof and eliminate electrical pulse stream peak noise. A circuit is coupled to a comparator with hysteresis square-up stage to deactivate the comparator in the state of no input signal.

Abstract: Hearing aids include rechargeable batteries and contacts accessible from outside of the hearing aid casing for the battery. A charging case includes solar cells mounted on the charging case for outputting energy for charging the batteries in the hearing aids. The charging case may include silos for supporting an over-the-ear hearing aid or a recess for receiving a volume control on the hearing aid.