Abstract: An earphone device/test station pairing (1, 2) includes an earphone device (1) including: at least one electroacoustic driver (32, 33, 34); a digital module (31) including a processor module; and a digital interface configured to connect the earphone device (1) to a media/communications device having a digital output; a test station (2) including at least one transducer (40, 42, 6), the test station (2) being operative to communicate with the earphone device (1) via the digital interface to allow data transmission between the earphone device (1) and the test station (2) during a test/configuration procedure; and a test module (4) for performing automated testing of the earphone device (1) when mounted on/connected to the test station (2).

Abstract: An active Noise Reduction (ANR) device includes a plurality of inputs, a plurality of signal processing resources, an output for driving an earphone driver, a programmable switch arrangement capable of assigning any of the plurality of inputs to any of the plurality of signal processing resources, and a controller for programming the programmable switch arrangement in order to assign each of at least a subset of the plurality of inputs to a different one of the signal processing resources. The ANR device is dynamically configurable to vary which of the signal processing resources are selected to contribute to the output.

Abstract: An active Noise Reduction (ANR) device includes a plurality of inputs, a plurality of signal processing resources, an output for driving an earphone driver, a programmable switch arrangement capable of assigning any of the plurality of inputs to any of the plurality of signal processing resources, and a controller for programming the programmable switch arrangement in order to assign each of at least a subset of the plurality of inputs to a different one of the signal processing resources. The ANR device is dynamically configurable to vary which of the signal processing resources are selected to contribute to the output.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting both analogue and digital earphone devices to a server system providing a digital audio output includes an interface for connecting an earphone device to the server system, a detector for detecting the type of earphone device connected via the interface, a converter for generating an analogue audio signal from the digital audio output received from the server system, and a switch for switching between providing digital and analogue signals to the attached earphone device via the interface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an Active Noise Reduction (ANR) device includes providing at a stage during manufacture a pre-completion ANR device in a non-final configuration, the pre-completion ANR device including a plurality of inputs, a plurality of signal processing resources, an output for driving an earphone driver, and a programmable switch arrangement capable of assigning any of the plurality of inputs to any of the plurality of signal processing resources, selecting from the plurality of signal processing resources a subset of signal processing resources to contribute to the output, whereby the remaining signal processing resources of the plurality do not contribute to the output in any mode of operation of the ANR device, and in a configuration step during manufacture, programming the programmable switch arrangement to assign each of at least a subset of the plurality of inputs to a different one of the selected subset of signal processing resources.

Abstract: An earphone device/test station pairing (1, 2) includes an earphone device (1) including: at least one electroacoustic driver (32, 33, 34); a digital module (31) including a processor module; and a digital interface configured to connect the earphone device (1) to a media/communications device having a digital output; a test station (2) including at least one transducer (40, 42, 6), the test station (2) being operative to communicate with the earphone device (1) via the digital interface to allow data transmission between the earphone device (1) and the test station (2) during a test/configuration procedure; and a test module (4) for performing automated testing of the earphone device (1) when mounted on/connected to the test station (2).

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting both analogue and digital earphone devices to a server system providing a digital audio output includes an interface for connecting an earphone device to the server system, a detector for detecting the type of earphone device connected via the interface, a converter for generating an analogue audio signal from the digital audio output received from the server system, and a switch for switching between providing digital and analogue signals to the attached earphone device via the interface.

Abstract: A system provides media content/communications data to a plurality of devices. The system includes a server system that includes a central server in communication with a plurality of local units each acting as a client to the central server. The central server is configured to provide content to each local unit. The system includes at least one earphone device linkable to each local unit to convert an audio signal received from the server system into an audible sound output to a user. The system is configured to identify a potential unlinking of an earphone device from an output of a local unit, store user-specific data corresponding to a condition of operation of the local unit substantially at the time of the potential unlinking, identify an attempt to link the earphone device with an output of a local unit, and retrieve the stored user-specific data.

Abstract: A turbofan engine includes: a turbomachinery core; and a low-pressure turbine configured to drive a fan to produce a fan flow, the fan being configured such that at least a portion of the fan flow exits the engine without passing through a turbine. The fan includes: a rotor having at least one rotor stage including axial-flow rotor airfoils, and at least one stator stage including axial-flow stator airfoils. At least one of the rotor or stator stages includes an array of airfoil-shaped splitter airfoils alternating with the rotor or stator airfoils of the corresponding stage. At least one of a chord dimension of the splitter airfoils and a span dimension of the splitter airfoils is less than the corresponding dimension of the airfoils of the at least one stage.

Abstract: A media enhancement module (13) can be used in conjunction with a media delivery system such as an in-flight entertainment system to enhance media delivered to a user depending on the user's preferences. The module (13) can be provided between a media transmission network and a media player device (15) to receive a media signal from the transmission network and process the media signal to provide the user selected enhancement.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an Active Noise Reduction (ANR) device includes providing at a stage during manufacture a pre-completion ANR device in a non-final configuration, the pre-completion ANR device including a plurality of inputs, a plurality of signal processing resources, an output for driving an earphone driver, and a programmable switch arrangement capable of assigning any of the plurality of inputs to any of the plurality of signal processing resources, selecting from the plurality of signal processing resources a subset of signal processing resources to contribute to the output, whereby the remaining signal processing resources of the plurality do not contribute to the output in any mode of operation of the ANR device, and in a configuration step during manufacture, programming the programmable switch arrangement to assign each of at least a subset of the plurality of inputs to a different one of the selected subset of signal processing resources.

Abstract: A system for providing media and/or communications data to a plurality of users, the system comprising: a plurality of headphones; and a server system for providing audio data to each of the plurality of headphones; wherein each headphone comprises a processor module for allowing two-way digital communication between the headphone and the server system.

Abstract: A system provides media content/communications data to a plurality of devices. The system includes a server system that includes a central server in communication with a plurality of local units each acting as a client to the central server. The central server is configured to provide content to each local unit. The system includes at least one earphone device linkable to each local unit to convert an audio signal received from the server system into an audible sound output to a user. The system is configured to identify a potential unlinking of an earphone device from an output of a local unit, store user-specific data corresponding to a condition of operation of the local unit substantially at the time of the potential unlinking, identify an attempt to link the earphone device with an output of a local unit, and retrieve the stored user-specific data.

Abstract: A system (10) for providing media and/or communications data to a plurality of users, 5 the system comprising: a plurality of earphone devices (30); and a server system (20) for providing audio data to each of the plurality of earphone devices (30); wherein each earphone device (30) comprises a processor module (80) for allowing 10 two-way digital communication between the earphone device (30) and the server system (20).

Abstract: An active noise reduction (ANR) component for provision in an earphone housing is disclosed. The device includes a driver and a sensing microphone, the driver and sensing microphone being housed in a component housing. The earphone housing has an outlet passageway from the ANR component to an auditory canal. The ANR component is adapted for use with a controller to provide active noise reduction to the auditory canal over a predetermined range of physical dimensions or acoustic parameters of the housing outlet passageway. The ANR component can thus be used with different housings which simplifies the design process for producing ANR earphone products.

Abstract: An active noise cancellation earphone (1) has an acoustic path including a cavity (36) and a pipe (20) leading to the auditory canal (40) which are arranged to form an oscillator in use which has the effect of recovering the open loop system phase characteristics at a selected frequency or frequency range. The earphone (1) also has two parts (5,18) which can be adjusted relative to each other to allow the earphone (1) to be comfortably and correctly positioned in use.

Abstract: A multiple straw fluid dispenser is disclosed including a cap assembly containing two or more straws, each of the straws are accessible to one or more users for the purpose of drinking one or more fluids. Each straw includes a back flow prevention means allowing users to drink a fluid or fluids independent of other users and or other fluids. The fluid dispenser may be used in a conjunction with a multiple compartment fluid storage container or a single compartment storage container.

Abstract: A media delivery system which allows the user to control a media delivery device, such as an audio headset or earphone, from another device which may be remote from the media delivery device.

Abstract: An In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system connector assembly has a connector module receiver for provision in a seat. The receiver includes a number of pockets in which connector modules can be docked. Each connector module provides a required connector type for a device to be connected to the IFE. Modules can be replaced if different connector types are required to be supported.

Abstract: An active noise cancellation earphone (1) has an acoustic path including a cavity (36) and a pipe (20) leading to the auditory canal (40) which are arranged to form an oscillator in use which has the effect of recovering the open loop system phase characteristics at a selected frequency or frequency range. The earphone (1) also has two parts (5,18) which can be adjusted relative to each other to allow the earphone (1) to be comfortably and correctly positioned in use.