Abstract: There is provided a microphone which has a microphone capsule for recording audio signals, an A/D converter for digitizing the audio signals recorded by the microphone capsule and a semiconductor memory for storing the audio signals digitized by the A/D converter. The microphone further has an interface for transmitting the digital audio signals to an external receiver and a controller for controlling the microphone. The controller controls the microphone in a first operating mode for storing the digitized audio signals in the semiconductor memory and for transmitting the stored audio data by way of the interface at a later time. The controller controls the microphone in a second operating mode for direct transmission of the digitized audio signals by way of the interface. The controller switches into the first operating mode when errors occur in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A tool for removing a polishing pad adhesively attached to a rotatable platen including a base, a lever member, at least one canted or angled latch pin, a chain having a plurality of links or rings, means for clamping the pad, and stop pins. The base is substantially flat and is engageable with a top or contact surface of the pad. The stop pins are attached to the base and are engageable with the platen. The lever is pivotally attached to the base, and has at least one latch pin attached thereto. A latch pin is engageable with each of the links of the chain. One end of the chain is pivotally attached to the clamping means. In operation, a portion of the pad disposed proximate the distal portion of the platen, is pried away from the top surface of the platen, and the clamp means is attached thereto. The base is disposed onto the contact surface of the pad such that the stop pins are in brought into contact with the near edge of the platen.