Abstract: A method of automatically setting voice processing parameters in a communication device, such as a wired or wireless communication device, is disclosed. The method comprising steps of detecting the selection of a voice recognition call; setting voice processing parameters of the communication device for a voice recognition call; and enabling voice communication with a voice recognition server using the voice processing parameters. Additional embodiments related to communication between a communication device and a voice recognition server are also disclosed.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner having an air flow exhaust pipe is provided with a muffler comprising an elongated muffler pipe having a reduced diameter inlet and a reduced diameter outlet and a noise reducing foam liner disposed in the muffler pipe between the inlet and outlet. The foam liner includes a smooth inner surface that is generally flush with inner surfaces of the inlet and outlet. The foam liner comprises a combustion modified polyether polyurethane foam tube inserted in the muffler pipe between the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: The invention provides a speakerphone having a low-profile housing having an upward-oriented speaker on an upper surface of the housing and a downward-oriented microphone on a lower surface of the housing. The lower surface of the housing is domed, for example, a parabolic dome, enabling a low opening distance between the housing and a support surface on which the speakerphone rests, in turn, enabling a low housing profile. The speaker is retained by an elastic rubber cup member.

Abstract: A central vacuum unit having an acoustic damping system is provided. The central vacuum unit includes a canister having a sidewall forming a hollow interior and a lid closing an end of the sidewall, a vacuum motor within the canister which emits noise during operation, at least one cooling air inlet for admitting cooling air into the hollow interior, and at least one cooling air outlet in the sidewall for exhausting the cooling air from the hollow interior. Additionally, the sidewall has an exhaust port and the motor has an exhaust pipe extending through the exhaust port. The acoustic damping system includes an acoustic damping tunnel, an acoustic damping canopy, and an exhaust port seal. The acoustic damping tunnel is within the hollow interior and forms a pathway between the hollow interior and the cooling air outlet. The pathway is lined with a sound absorbing material so that the tunnel reduces noise emitted from the hollow interior through the cooling outlet.