Abstract: Endfire linear array microphone systems and methods with consistent directionality and performance at different frequency ranges are provided. The endfire linear array microphone includes a delay and sum beamformer and a differential beamformer. The delay and sum beamformer may produce pickup patterns with good directionality at higher frequency ranges, but cause the pickup patterns to become more omnidirectional at lower frequencies. The differential beamformer may produce pickup patterns with good directionality at lower frequencies. By combining the delay and sum beamformer and differential beamformer within the linear array microphone, the overall directionality of the linear array microphone may be maintained at different frequency ranges while using the same microphone elements.

Abstract: A microphone module comprises a housing, an audio bus, and a first plurality of microphones in communication with the audio bus. The microphone module further comprises a module processor in communication with the first plurality of microphones and the audio bus. The module processor is configured to detect the presence of an array processor in communication with the audio bus, detect the presence of a second microphone module in communication with the audio bus, and configure the audio bus to pass audio signals from both the first plurality of microphones and the second microphone module to the array processor.

Abstract: A microphone assembly is provided, comprising a transducer assembly including a first enclosure defining a first acoustic volume and a Micro-Electrical-Mechanical-System (“MEMS”) microphone transducer disposed within the first enclosure. The microphone assembly also includes a second enclosure disposed adjacent to the first enclosure and defining a second acoustic volume in acoustic communication with the first acoustic volume, the second enclosure including an acoustic resistance, wherein the first and second acoustic volumes, in cooperation with the acoustic resistance, create an acoustic delay for producing a directional polar pattern. Circuitry comprising a shelving filter configured to correct a portion of a frequency response of the MEMS microphone transducer is also provided. In some embodiments, the circuitry is embedded within the transducer assembly or at least included within the microphone assembly.

Abstract: A solid waste evaluation and weighing system, as described herein, comprises a device, wherein the device comprises hardware, software, firmware, and combinations thereof, designed to evaluate and calculate the weight of solid waste as it is picked up by garbage trucks. Contemplate embodiments aim to increase the granularity and quality of solid waste generated on a per-customer basis for the trash and recycling industry. Such information may be used for applications such as, but not restricted to, quantifying consumer behavior, improving operational efficiency, reducing operating costs and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Abstract: A microphone module comprises a housing, an audio bus, and a first plurality of microphones in communication with the audio bus. The microphone module further comprises a module processor in communication with the first plurality of microphones and the audio bus. The module processor is configured to detect the presence of an array processor in communication with the audio bus, detect the presence of a second microphone module in communication with the audio bus, and configure the audio bus to pass audio signals from both the first plurality of microphones and the second microphone module to the array processor.

Abstract: Devices, modules, systems, and methods for the desalination of water provided. The devices, modules, systems can include a desalination member separating a concentrated fluid chamber from a dilute fluid chamber. The desalination member can comprise one or more pores extending through the desalination member to fluidly connect concentrated fluid chamber and the dilute fluid chamber, and one or more electrodes configured to generate an electric field gradient in proximity to the opening of the one or more pores in the desalination member. Under an applied bias and in the presence of a pressure driven flow of saltwater into the concentrated fluid chamber, the electric field gradient can preferentially direct ions in saltwater away from the opening of the one or more pores in the desalination member, while desalted water can flow through the pores into dilute fluid chamber.