Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of generating a Personalized Audio Content (PAC) comprising: selecting Audio Content (AC) to personalize; selecting an Earprint; and generating a PAC using the Earprint to modify the AC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vivo method for specific targeting and transfer of DNA into mammalian repair cells. The transferred DNA may include any DNA encoding a therapeutic protein of interest. The invention is based on the discovery that mammalian repair cells proliferate and migrate into a wound site where they actively take up and express DNA. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions that may be used in the practice of the invention to transfer the DNA of interest. Such compositions include any suitable matrix in combination with the DNA of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a tissue graft material. The invention also relates to a multipurpose tissue graft material and to methods of using same as a replacement for vascular and non-vascular tissue.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a website configured to collect sound signatures from around the world and beyond. A communication device automatically stores acoustic information received by a microphone of the communication device. The acoustic information is analyzed for a trigger event. The trigger event stores the acoustic information, attaches metadata, creates a Gaussian Mixture Model, and measures sound pressure level. The communication device automatically sends the sound signature to a database when a communication path is opened to communication device. Each sound signature has associated metadata including a time stamp and geocode. Automatically collecting sounds using a communication device adapted for the process enables a database that captures sounds globally on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A method for using an earpiece (800) in a work environment is provided. The earpiece (800) attenuates sound from the work environment to the user's ear. The earpiece (800) includes an ear canal microphone (820) for measuring a sound pressure level in an ear canal of the user. Sound pressure levels are measured periodically while in the work environment. Each measured sound pressure levels is stored in memory (127) of the earpiece with time and location information. The sound pressure level information is downloaded to a database (1704) when the earpiece is removed from the user ear for recharging. The sound pressure level information is analyzed and any potential noise compliance issues in the work environment are identified.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to implementing personalized sound management applications. A module comprising hardware and software is provided to manufacturers to build a device. A process is architected for remote enabling of a device with personalized sound management applications. Consumers select applications for managing their sound environment through purchased and subscription hardware and applications via a web environment. All products developed by manufacturers are tested and certified running the personalized sound management applications. Manufacturers and consumers may both be covered under for liability insurance. Users may remotely purchase may update, purchase hardware, add and download subscription based applications, and replace consumable through the web environment.

Abstract: A method to automatically adjust listening levels to safe listening levels is provided. The method can include the steps of monitoring an audio content level, monitoring a sound pressure level within an the ear canal, and gradually reducing over time a volume of the audio content responsive to detecting intermittent manual volume increases of the audio content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM), an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR), a transceiver, an illumination element, and a processor to provide visual operational mode indication via the illumination element. The operational mode can correspond to an active phone call, an incoming phone call, a terminated phone, a caller-on-hold condition, a recording mode, a voice mail mode, a mute mode, an audible transparency mode or an ear-plug mode. The intensity, frequency, amplitude, color or duration of the lighting can be adjusted according to the operational mode. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for administering an audio message to a user of an earpiece can include receiving event information from a paired communication device, updating a personal event calendar by ordering event information to generate a first event list, generating a modified event list by grouping events in the first event list according to acceptance criteria based on event priority of event types, and generating an audio token for collective events in the modified event list for audible delivery to the ear canal. Events can be ordered by event name, event location, event data, event importance, event invitees, or event category. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for an earpiece to manage a delivery of a message can include receiving a notice that a message is available at a communication device, parsing the notice for header information that identifies at least a portion of the message, and requesting a subsequent delivery of at least a portion of the message from the communication device if at least one keyword in the header information is in an acceptance list. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An earpiece and method to control a level of audio reproduction within an occluded ear canal can include the steps of measuring an ambient sound level from an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) at an entrance to an occluded ear canal, measuring a residual background noise level within an occluded ear canal from an Ear Canal Microphone (ECM), measuring a level of audio content delivered to the occluded ear canal, and adjusting a gain of the audio content so as to maintain reproduction of audio content within a predetermined level range.

Abstract: A percutaneous biomedical device comprising a body having a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through the body, an implantable interface region disposed on the body, the implantable interface region having a plurality of radially extending conduits through the body, each of the conduits are in fluid communication with the lumen and in fluid communication with an exit port. The exit ports extrude a skin-interface composition between the subject's skin and the percutaneous biomedical device. Methods for implanting a percutaneous biomedical device includes implanting a percutaneous biomedical device percutaneously in a subject and aligning the exit ports of the implantable interface region between the epidermis and the hypodermis skin layers of the subject.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an alarm signal alerts individuals who may be in the vicinity of the reversing vehicle and alerts the vehicle operator when the alarm signal is not be audible due to high ambient sound levels or detritus covering the alarm transducer. The background noise level in proximity to the vehicle is monitored. The level of the alarm signal is increased as the ambient (or background) sound level rises. Conversely, the level of the alarm signal is reduced as the background noise level decreases. The alarm signal is changed in volume, frequency, or both based on velocity of the vehicle. In other exemplary embodiments, the frequency content of the alarm signal is modified if the spectral profile of the ambient sound field contains spectral components that may mask the alarm signal.

Abstract: An earpiece (100) and acoustic management module (300) for in-ear canal suppression control suitable is provided. A method for suppressing signals for a conference call, a vehicle, and a general communication event is also provided. The earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (111) to capture ambient sound, an Ear Canal Receiver (125) to deliver audio content to an ear canal, an Ear Canal Microphone (123) configured to capture internal sound, and a processor (121) to generate a voice activity level (622) and suppress an echo, spoken voice, and media content in the electronic internal signal, and mix an electronic ambient signal with an electronic internal signal in a ratio dependent on the voice activity level and a background noise level to produce a mixed signal (323) that is delivered to the ear canal (131).

Abstract: A display hook for supporting items of merchandise includes a rod assembly and a pair of mechanically interlocked time delay arms medially disposed on the rod assembly. The time delay arms are sequentially movable to permit a potential purchaser to manipulate an item beyond the time delay arms for removal from the display hook. The time delay arms include a guide tube slidingly disposed on the rod assembly, a first arm rotatably mounted on the guide tube and a second arm spaced outwardly from the first arm and fixedly mounted on the guide tube. The first arm is spaced-apart from the second arm sufficiently to permit at least one of the items to be disposed between the arms. The first arm has a circumferentially extending groove and the guide tube has a key that cooperates with the groove to permit limited rotation between the guide tube and the first arm.

Abstract: A security device for an item of merchandise having at least one removable component includes a sensor attached to the item of merchandise. The sensor has an extension that extends outwardly from the sensor in a first direction generally parallel to an axis defined by the item of merchandise sufficiently to prevent a removable component from being removed from the item of merchandise. The extension is preferably a plate having an outer surface that is adhered to the sensor and an inner surface that is adhered to the item of merchandise. The extension includes a leg depending from the plate in a second direction that defines an angle with the axis defined by the item of merchandise sufficiently to prevent a removable component from being removed from the item of merchandise when the plate is adhered to the item of merchandise. The sensor is electrically connected to an alarm circuit.

Abstract: An earpiece (100) and acoustic management module (300) for in-ear canal echo suppression control suitable is provided. The earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (111) to capture ambient sound, an Ear Canal Receiver (125) to deliver audio content to an ear canal, an Ear Canal Microphone (123) configured to capture internal sound, and a processor (121) to generate a voice activity level (622) and suppress an echo of spoken voice in the electronic internal signal, and mix an electronic ambient signal with an electronic internal signal in a ratio dependent on the voice activity level and a background noise level to produce a mixed signal (323) that is delivered to the ear canal (131).

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of auditory communication comprising: measuring a data set; identifying the type of data set; obtaining the auditory cue associated with the type of data set; and generating an auditory notification; and emitting the auditory notification.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a system for monitoring a sound pressure level dose at an ear which includes an audio transducer adapted to be placed within an ear to receive sound at the ear. The audio transducer outputs a sound signal. A sound level threshold detector receives the sound signal and determines whether a sound pressure level of the sound signal is at a minimum level and outputs a sound pressure level signal corresponding to a sound pressure level of the sound pressure level when the sound pressure level is not at the minimum level. A clock calculates a time period during which the sound pressure level is not at the minimum threshold level. A listening fatigue calculator receives the sound signal and the time period and determines whether a cumulative effect of exposure to the sound at the ear over a monitored time period will cause harm to the ear. At least a portion of the system is disposed in situ at the ear.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an earpiece comprising: an ambient microphone; an ear canal microphone; an ear canal receiver; a sealing section; a logic circuit; a communication module; a memory storage unit,; and a user interaction element, where the user interaction element is configured to send a play command to the logic circuit when activated by a user where the logic circuit reads registration parameters stored on the memory storage unit and sends audio content to the ear canal receiver according to the registration parameters.