Abstract: A valve for a personal auditory system is described. The auditory system is capable of converting between an acoustic signal and an electrical signal. The auditory system has an acoustic pathway through which an acoustic signal may travel between a first point exterior to the auditory system and a second point interior to the auditory system. The valve includes a free floating electrode and a second electrode adjacent to free floating electrode. An electric signal that is generated by the second electrode moves the free floating electrode to substantially open or close the acoustic pathway.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a plug and a socket. The plug includes at least one conductive pin, at least one first electrical conductor coupled to the at least one conductive pin, and a base portion and a column portion. The column portion extends from the base portion and defines at least one slot along a length of the column portion. The column portion is constructed of a compliant material and includes at least one opening that extends through the base portion. The openings and slots are aligned such that the at least one conductive pin extends through the at least one opening and is received in the at least one slot. The socket has an inner surface and includes at least one second electrical conductor that extends through the socket, and holds the plug. When the plug is received by the socket, an interference fit is formed and maintained as between the second electrical conductor and the conductive pin. The base portion of the plug and the inner surface of the socket are engaged to create a seal.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a plug and a socket. The plug includes at least one conductive pin, at least one first electrical conductor coupled to the at least one conductive pin, and a base portion and a column portion. The column portion extends from the base portion and defines at least one slot along a length of the column portion. The column portion is constructed of a compliant material and includes at least one opening that extends through the base portion. The openings and slots are aligned such that the at least one conductive pin extends through the at least one opening and is received in the at least one slot. The socket has an inner surface and includes at least one second electrical conductor that extends through the socket, and holds the plug. When the plug is received by the socket, an interference fit is formed and maintained as between the second electrical conductor and the conductive pin. The base portion of the plug and the inner surface of the socket are engaged to create a seal.

Abstract: A valve for a personal auditory system is described. The auditory system is capable of converting between an acoustic signal and an electrical signal. The auditory system has an acoustic pathway through which an acoustic signal may travel between a first point exterior to the auditory system and a second point interior to the auditory system. The valve includes a free floating electrode and a second electrode adjacent to free floating electrode. An electric signal that is generated by the second electrode moves the free floating electrode to substantially open or close the acoustic pathway.