Abstract: An audio jack system includes a special audio jack adaptor that is particularly useful for digital players (e.g., cell phone, smartphone, MP3 player, computer, etc.) housed within watertight enclosures. When a headset is plugged directly into the digital player, the player's audio signal automatically goes to the headset, and the digital player's onboard speaker is silent. When nothing is plugged into the digital player, the audio signal automatically goes to the player's onboard speaker. When just the special adaptor is plugged into the player, the audio signal still goes to the onboard speaker; however, subsequently plugging the headset into the plugged-in special adaptor redirects the audio signal to the headset and not to the onboard speaker. To accomplish such results, a plug end of the adaptor includes a split-ring or split-tip set of open contacts that effectively close upon plugging the headset into a receptacle end of the adaptor.

Abstract: Watertight enclosures for digital audio devices include one or more diaphragms for transmitting sound to and/or from the digital device's audio transducers, such as speakers and microphones. To mitigate standing waves and/or prominent natural frequencies, a central portion of the diaphragm is wavy with a relatively low Q (Young's modulus). The central portion is encircled by a peripheral web portion that is relatively thin to provide the central portion with spring support. In some examples, the diaphragm also includes a seal for sealing against the digital device's housing to create a generally closed air chamber between the diaphragm and the audio transducer. The closed air chamber promotes sound transfer between the diaphragm and the audio transducer. The closed air chamber can also reduce crosstalk between a microphone and a proximate speaker. In some examples, a relatively soft diaphragm and a harder enclosure are created using plastic injection overmolding.

Abstract: An audio jack system includes a special audio jack adaptor that is particularly useful for digital players (e.g., cell phone, smartphone, MP3 player, computer, etc.) housed within watertight enclosures. When a headset is plugged directly into the digital player, the player's audio signal automatically goes to the headset, and the digital player's onboard speaker is silent. When nothing is plugged into the digital player, the audio signal automatically goes to the player's onboard speaker. When just the special adaptor is plugged into the player, the audio signal still goes to the onboard speaker; however, subsequently plugging the headset into the plugged-in special adaptor redirects the audio signal to the headset and not to the onboard speaker. To accomplish such results, a plug end of the adaptor includes a split-ring or split-tip set of open contacts that effectively close upon plugging the headset into a receptacle end of the adaptor.

Abstract: A fluidic capacitive barrier includes at least one resiliently flexible clear membrane that holds a film or thin layer of clear liquid adjacent to a capacitive touchscreen display. The clear liquid has a dielectric constant that is much less than that of water, so the liquid layer provides a capacitive barrier between the touchscreen and a surrounding body of water. Pressing a finger against the flexible membrane locally displaces some of the liquid layer, which allows the touchscreen to sense the manual touch. Thus, the fluidic capacitive barrier makes the touchscreen functional underwater. In some examples, the clear liquid is mineral oil, and the membrane is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. In some examples, the fluidic capacitive barrier is part of a hermetically sealed enclosure in which a touchscreen device can be removably installed for underwater use. In other examples, the fluidic capacitive barrier is part of a touchscreen device itself.

Abstract: A telephone calling card includes a planar card member with a scratch-off label positioned on a surface of the planar card member. The scratch-off label includes a base label having an opaque, releasable film layer and a PIN printed on the opaque, releasable film layer. A scratch-off cover label is secured on the base label and has a scratch-off layer that covers the PIN to obscure from viewing the PIN. Upon application of a peeling force to remove the scratch-off cover label, the opaque, releasable film layer is removed and hides the printed PIN from viewing via the backside of the opaque, releasable film layer. In one aspect of the present invention, the scratch-off cover label is folded over the base label.

Abstract: A telephone calling card includes a planar card member with a scratch-off label positioned on a surface of the planar card member. The scratch-off label includes a base label having an opaque, releasable film layer and a PIN printed on the opaque, releasable film layer. A scratch-off cover label is secured on the base label and has a scratch-off layer that covers the PIN to obscure from viewing the PIN. Upon application of a peeling force to remove the scratch-off cover label, the opaque, releasable film layer is removed and hides the printed PIN from viewing via the backside of the opaque, releasable film layer. In one aspect of the present invention, the scratch-off cover label is folded over the base label.

Abstract: A rigid magnetic memory disc (28) is disclosed having a substantially flat, central hard core substrate (12) and an overlying smoothing layer (14) deposited thereon. The smoothing layer (14) is subsequently polished to a predetermined thickness. The smoothing layer (14) should be capable of having a surface finish better than approximately ten Angstroms Ra. After the smoothing layer (14) is polished, an appropriate magnetic medium (16) and alternately, a nonmagnetic finishing layer (16) are then applied to the rigid disc substrate (10) as necessary, ultimately rendering a finished magnetic disc.

Abstract: A rigid magnetic memory disc(28) is disclosed having a substantially flat, central hard core substrate(12) and an overlying smoothing layer(14) deposited thereon. The smoothing layer(14) is subsequently polished to a predetermined thickness. The smoothing layer(14) should be capable of having a surface finish better than approximately ten Angstroms Ra. After the smoothing layer(14) is polished, an appropriate magnetic medium(16) and alternately, a nonmagnetic finishing layer(16) are then applied to the rigid disc substrate(10) as necessary, ultimately rendering a finished magnetic disc.