Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a self-directed (i.e., autonomous), steerable gravity-embedded anchor. This anchor free-falls through the water column, accelerates due to gravity and uses its kinetic energy to embed itself into the seafloor so as to function as an anchor for mooring of both floating vessels and other underwater structures. Unlike existing gravity-embedded plate anchors, this device can steer itself to its intended target location on the seafloor, enhancing placement accuracy and allowing release directly from an installation vessel on the water surface, thereby greatly simplifying installation.

Abstract: An assistive-listening system is used with sound-producing equipment that includes a signal source, and first and second sound sources operatively associated with the signal source and configured to produce sound corresponding to signals received from the signal source. The assistive-listening system includes a volume control operatively associated with the signal source and configured proportionally to change the volume of both the first and second sound sources. Also included is a support structure configured to support and position the second sound source so that a hearing-impaired listener may listen effectively to sound controlled by the volume control without disturbing normal-hearing listeners.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a self-directed (i.e., autonomous), steerable gravity-embedded anchor. This anchor free-falls through the water column, accelerates due to gravity and uses its kinetic energy to embed itself into the seafloor so as to function as an anchor for mooring of both floating vessels and other underwater structures. Unlike existing gravity-embedded plate anchors, this device can steer itself to its intended target location on the seafloor, enhancing placement accuracy and allowing release directly from an installation vessel on the water surface, thereby greatly simplifying installation.

Abstract: An assistive-listening system is used with sound-producing equipment that includes a signal source, and first and second sound sources operatively associated with the signal source and configured to produce sound corresponding to signals received from the signal source. The assistive-listening system includes a volume control operatively associated with the signal source and configured proportionally to change the volume of both the first and second sound sources. Also included is a support structure configured to support and position the second sound source so that a hearing-impaired listener may listen effectively to sound controlled by the volume control without disturbing normal-hearing listeners.

Abstract: An assistive-listening system is used with sound-producing equipment that includes a signal source, and first and second sound sources operatively associated with the signal source and configured to produce sound corresponding to signals received from the signal source. The assistive-listening system includes a volume control operatively associated with the signal source and configured proportionally to change the volume of both the first and second sound sources. Also included is a support structure configured to support and position the second sound source so that a hearing-impaired listener may listen effectively to sound controlled by the volume control without disturbing normal-hearing listeners.

Abstract: An assistive-listening system is used with sound-producing equipment that includes a signal source, and first and second sound sources operatively associated with the signal source and configured to produce sound corresponding to signals received from the signal source. The assistive-listening system includes a volume control operatively associated with the signal source and configured proportionally to change the volume of both the first and second sound sources. Also included is a support structure configured to support and position the second sound source so that a hearing-impaired listener may listen effectively to sound controlled by the volume control without disturbing normal-hearing listeners.

Abstract: An assistive-listening system is used with sound-producing equipment that includes a signal source, and first and second sound sources operatively associated with the signal source and configured to produce sound corresponding to signals received from the signal source. The assistive-listening system includes a volume control operatively associated with the signal source and configured proportionally to change the volume of both the first and second sound sources. Also included is a support structure configured to support and position the second sound source so that a hearing-impaired listener may listen effectively to sound controlled by the volume control without disturbing normal-hearing listeners.

Abstract: An assistive-listening system is used with sound-producing equipment that includes a signal source, and first and second sound sources operatively associated with the signal source and configured to produce sound corresponding to signals received from the signal source. The assistive-listening system includes a volume control operatively associated with the signal source and configured proportionally to change the volume of both the first and second sound sources. Also included is a support structure configured to support and position the second sound source so that a hearing-impaired listener may listen effectively to sound controlled by the volume control without disturbing normal-hearing listeners.

Abstract: An earphone cover, for attachment to an operative region of an audiometric testing device includes a body formed from a substantially antiviral, acoustically-transparent material, and is constructed for covering such operative region. The body is preferably formed as a polyethylene film with a thickness of about 1-mil. Anti-viral testing shows that the earphone cover is an effective barrier throughout a 60-minute exposure time to a viral organism described as .phi.X174 bacteriophage ATCC# 13706-B1. Acoustic transparency testing shows the earphone cover exhibits acceptable % total harmonic distortion and attenuation. A method of preventing patient cross-contamination associated with audiometric testing is also described. Both the structure and method are usable without affecting calibration of the audiometric testing device.