Abstract: An ear-worn electronic device comprises a housing configured to be supported by, at, in or on an ear of a wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the housing and comprises a processor. A power source and a receiver or a speaker are respectively disposed in or on the housing. A microphone array is disposed in or on the housing and operatively coupled to the electronic circuitry. The microphone array comprises a plurality of microphones. The processor is configured to operate a set of two or more of the microphones in a directional mode, detect degradation in performance of any microphone of the microphone set, and switch microphone operation from the directional mode to a safe mode using at least one non-degraded microphone of the microphone set in response to detecting the microphone performance degradation.

Abstract: An ear-worn electronic device comprises a housing configured to be supported by, at, in or on an ear of a wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the housing and comprises a processor. A power source and a receiver or a speaker are respectively disposed in or on the housing. A microphone array is disposed in or on the housing and operatively coupled to the electronic circuitry. The microphone array comprises a plurality of microphones. The processor is configured to operate a set of two or more of the microphones in a directional mode, detect degradation in performance of any microphone of the microphone set, and switch microphone operation from the directional mode to a safe mode using at least one non-degraded microphone of the microphone set in response to detecting the microphone performance degradation.

Abstract: A test socket for a device under test (DUT) is disclosed in several embodiments. One embodiment shows a test socket base (16) with apertures (30) for insertion of test pin insert blocks (28). The blocks are inserted top—in or bottom—in and are provided with registration bosses 80 and teeth 92 or other means for maintaining registration. Blocks are provided with dielectric constants to achieve different frequency response relative to other pins. To achieve great EMI and cross talk isolation, the socket may be made of aluminum with hard anodize coating to insulate test pins (32) from the housing.

Abstract: An ear-worn electronic device comprises a housing configured to be supported by, at, in or on an ear of a wearer. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the housing and comprises a processor. A power source and a receiver or a speaker are respectively disposed in or on the housing. A microphone array is disposed in or on the housing and operatively coupled to the electronic circuitry. The microphone array comprises a plurality of microphones. The processor is configured to operate a set of two or more of the microphones in a directional mode, detect degradation in performance of any microphone of the microphone set, and switch microphone operation from the directional mode to a safe mode using at least one non-degraded microphone of the microphone set in response to detecting the microphone performance degradation.

Abstract: A test socket for a device under test (DUT) is disclosed in several embodiments. One embodiment shows a test socket base (16) with apertures (30) for insertion of test pin insert blocks (28). The blocks are inserted top—in or bottom—in and are provided with registration bosses 80 and teeth 92 or other means for maintaining registration. Blocks are provided with dielectric constants to achieve different frequency response relative to other pins. To achieve great EMI and cross talk isolation, the socket may be made of aluminum with hard anodize coating to insulate test pins (32) from the housing.

Abstract: A test socket for a device under test (DUT) is disclosed in several embodiments. One embodiment shows a test socket base (16) with apertures (30) for insertion of test pin insert blocks (28). The blocks are inserted top—in or bottom—in and are provided with registration bosses 80 and teeth 92 or other means for maintaining registration. Blocks are provided with dielectric constants to achieve different frequency response relative to other pins. To achieve great EMI and cross talk isolation, the socket may be made of aluminum with hard anodize coating to insulate test pins (32) from the housing.

Abstract: Described are techniques for creating acoustic inlet manifolds for a microphone that utilize existing flex or printed circuit board (PCB) technology to create an ultra-low profile manifold. The described techniques: take advantage of the ability to allow reflow connection. By embedding an acoustic path between the layers or creating an acoustic path on the surface of a flex or PCB assembly, the microphone can be reflowed onto the manifold assembly.

Abstract: Described are techniques for creating acoustic inlet manifolds for a microphone that utilize existing flex or printed circuit board (PCB) technology to create an ultra-low profile manifold. The described techniques: take advantage of the ability to allow reflow connection. By embedding an acoustic path between the layers or creating an acoustic path on the surface of a flex or PCB assembly, the microphone can be reflowed onto the manifold assembly.

Abstract: Terminals of a device under test are connected to corresponding contact pads or leads by a series of electrically conductive contacts. Each terminal testing connects with both a “force” contact and a “sense” contact. In one embodiment, the sense contact partially or completely laterally surrounds the force contact, so that it need not have its own resiliency. The sense contact has a forked end with prongs that extend to opposite sides of the force contact. Alternatively, the sense contact surrounds the force contact and slides laterally to match a lateral translation component of a lateral cross-section of the force contact during longitudinal compression of the force contact. Alternatively, the sense contact includes rods that have ends on opposite sides of the force contact, and extend parallel.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting a UV light is disclosed. The bracket assembly includes first and second spaced apart posts, each post including a height. The bracket assembly also includes a crossbracket extending therebetween and mounted to the posts, the crossbracket including a UV light mounted thereon, the crossbracket being mountable at different locations along the height of the posts. The crossbracket is pivotably mounted to the posts such that at least a portion of the crossbracket can be pivoted away from at least one post. Also disclosed are a system wherein the UV light mounting bracket assembly is positioned adjacent a target surface to be disinfected from microorganisms and a method of using the mounting bracket assembly.