Abstract: A two-way voice controlled communication system for use with a protective helmet. The communication system includes a transmitting circuit which is normally off, and which is voice actuated, and a receiving circuit which is normally on. The transmitting circuit includes a microphone and an electronic switch which turns the transmitting circuit on and the receiving circuit off in response to the presence of an output from the microphone, and turns the transmitting circuit off and the receiving circuit on substantially immediately in response to the absence of a microphone output. Thus the system approximates two-way real-time communication by permitting one user of the system to interrupt the speech of another user of the system. The system is designed primarily for far field communication, that is, omnidirectional communication where the spatial positioning of one communication system relative to a second communication system is essentially independent of the distance between the two systems.

Abstract: An improved protective helmet of the type including a two-way voice controlled communication system having electronic transmitting and receiving circuitry. When incoming signals are received by the voice communication system, a transducer vibrates a rigid portion of the helmet, causing the helmet to act as a diaphragm to produce intelligible audible sounds. The electronic circuitry of the voice communication system is mounted in a resilient carrier for protection against damage from impact and shock to the helmet. Alternatively, the electronic circuitry may be supported on and protected by the conventional cushion lining of a protective helmet.