Abstract: A sensor (10) preferably for use in an electronic stethoscope (15) comprises a substantially cylindrically shaped viscoelastic contact and transfer body (2) engaging tightly a hard back piece (1) and being tightly surrounded by a piezoelectric member, e.g. one or two piezoelectric foils (4, 7) that convert sound pressure to electrical signals.

Abstract: A light transmitting device for attachment to a stethoscope headpiece which provides for reversible engagement of the device to the headpiece so that the same can be removed such as for repairs or replacement of batteries. The transmitting device provides a source of light without interfering with the operation of the stethoscope and can be provided without retooling the stethoscope to accommodate a source of light.

Abstract: A tool for neurological and diagnostic testing comprises the combination of a stethoscope with a reflex hammer. When mounted on the stethoscope head the reflex hammer extends beyond the head, without interfering with the normal use of the stethoscope. A handle, which may or may not be joined to the reflex hammer, is positioned on the flexible stethoscope tubing and provides a gripping surface for using the tool for neurological testing. One embodiment has an opening between the reflex hammer body and the handle enabling the user to grasp and rotate the stethoscope head. The reflex hammer, which can be made from one or more members, is adaptable for use with binaural and electronic stethoscopes. A detent on the handle provides an ergonomic grip, or a place for inclusion of indicia.

Abstract: A fetal heart monitoring system preferably comprising a backing plate having a generally concave front surface and a generally convex back surface, and at least one sensor element attached to the concave front surface for acquiring acoustic fetal heart signals produced by a fetus within a body. The sensor element has a shape that conforms to the generally concave back surface of the backing plate. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor element comprises an inner sensor, and a plurality of outer sensors surrounding the inner sensor. The fetal heart monitoring system can further comprise a web belt, and a web belt guide movably attached to the web belt. The web belt guide being is to the convex back surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A light transmitting device for attachment to a stethoscope headpiece which provides for reversible engagement of the device to the headpiece so that the same can be removed such as for repairs or replacement of batteries. The transmitting device provides a source of light without interfering with the operation of the stethoscope and can be provided without retooling the stethoscope to accommodate a source of light.

Abstract: A stethoscope includes a pair of branches, each having a bent clip tube section with a coupling end portion connected to an ear tube section, and a curved intermediate fulcrum portion, which interconnects the coupling end portion and a resilient operating end portion and which has a concave outer surface that faces away from the other branch, and a convex inner surface that faces toward the other branch. A rubber tube is connected to the operating end portions of the clip tube sections of the branches and is in fluid communication with the branches. The intermediate fulcrum portions abut against each other. The operating end portions form a press space therebetween, and are depressible toward each other when removing the ear tube sections from the ears of the wearer.

Abstract: A device and a method of sensing and transmitting physiological pressures and body temperatures are disclosed. The device includes a transducer and a transmitter. The transmitter is adapted to broadcast a signal which is modulated by the output of a transducer. The transmitter is also adapted to limit the power of the output signal. The method includes transducing a physiological parameter and broadcasting a signal which is modulated by the transduced parameter. The power of the output signal is limited so that the signal will attenuate within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A stethoscope is described. The stethoscope includes a head assembly, an ear piece assembly, and a tubing assembly. The tubing assembly has a first end connected to the head assembly and a second end connected to the ear piece assembly. The tubing assembly includes a first acoustic chamber and three insulation chambers. The insulation chambers include a first material having a first density and are disposed around the first acoustic chamber. The tubing assembly also includes an outer layer, which includes a second material having a second density. Moreover, the outer layer is disposed around the insulation chambers. In another embodiment, the outer layer is substantially frictionless and the tubing assembly is flexible. In yet another embodiment, the stethoscope further includes a second acoustic chamber and the insulation chambers are disposed around a portion of the first acoustic chamber and a portion of the second acoustic chamber.

Abstract: A quick-updating stethoscope receiver comprises a receiver, a listening disk at a lower end of the receiver, the listening disk can be embedded into a lower end of the receiver; an upper cover at a top end of the receiver; and a transducer combining at a lateral wall of the receiver and a connector at a rear end of the transducer. A lower end of the receiver has an axial extended shaft. The shaft is formed with an annular trench. An elastic tightening ring is embedded into the trench. A diameter of a cross section of the tightening ring is larger than a depth of the trench so that part of the tightening ring protrudes out of the trench. A center of the round disk has an opening. By the elastic expanding force of the tightening ring, the round disk is tightly engaged to the shaft so that the round disk can not drop out.

Abstract: A stethoscope tubing with a means for retaining a desired shape, said means being a wire or plurality of wires integrated into flexible acoustic stethoscope tubing. Also, for retrofit of existing stethoscopes, a sleeve with a means for retaining a desired shape is used.

Abstract: A mechanic's stethoscope includes a frustaconical funnel member for collecting the audible sounds of a vehicle system and transmitting those sounds through hollow tubes to ear pads.

Abstract: An acoustic-to-electrical transducer for sensing body sounds is disclosed. The transducer comprises a diaphragm that can be placed in direct contact with a body, whereby the diaphragm motion directly affects an electromagnetic sensing signal, which is then converted to an electrical signal representation of the diaphragm motion. Such sensing means allows the diaphragm to move freely without mechanical coupling to a secondary transducer, while providing a direct and efficient acoustic to electrical conversion means. The transducer further provides a means for using static diaphragm pressure to control gain and frequency characteristics of the electrical signal. The transducer provides methods for ambient noise reduction or cancellation, as well as means for simulating sound detection for applications such as medical education and testing. The sensor, circuitry, manufacturing methods and improvements are disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic audio system, and particularly a stethoscope, provides enhanced user comfort using ear tips that anchor to the user's ears. The anchoring of the ear tips allows lower binaural spring pressure. The stethoscope offers enhanced audio performance by using an acoustically-smooth air column that transmits sound pressure with maximum audio fidelity. Optional inner air tubes carry the air column from the chest piece to the ear tips, thus avoiding air column obstructions and material changes and enhancing audio quality. The ear tips provided enhanced audio isolation from the ambient environment. The air column is carried by a structure that provides enhanced acoustic isolation from the ambient environment. The air column is vented to optimize balance between audio isolation and audio fidelity. A replaceable transducer cell enhances acoustic isolation and sound quality. The stethoscope includes visual indicators to aid the user in readily identifying the stethoscope and its adjustment parameters.

Abstract: A hand-held and hand-operated electronic stethoscope sensor module (1) constitutes the core of an equipment kit which in addition to the sensor module (1), comprises at least one extra equipment unit to be attached to the sensor module (1) optionally. The sensor module (1) is provided with interface means adapted to each one of the extra equipment units. Examples of cooperating pairs of extra equipment unit and interface means, are: wireless headset (9) and radio antenna (7) on the module (1); front piece (16) for machine part listening, and front listening surface (3) on the module (1); galvanic safety separation unit (23) and appurtenant connector on the module (1).

Abstract: A mechanic's stethoscope includes a frustaconical funnel member for collecting the audible sounds of a vehicle system and transmitting those sounds through hollow tubes to ear pads.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope comprises a headpiece, a chest-piece and two earpieces. The headpiece is fitted with a display arrangement in the form of a liquid-crystal display. A microphone, one or more sensors and fixed electrodes and movable electrodes are mounted in the headpiece. The movable electrodes are fixed to pivoted arms which form a contact ring.

Abstract: In an electronic stethoscope, a filter unit receives and filters an audio signal attributed to a human body part and received by a receiver so as to output a set of target signals associated with the audio signal. The target signals have frequencies within specific frequency bands and are converted into a set of digital signals. An operating unit is operable so as to generate an input mode signal corresponding to a selected operating mode for selecting one of the digital signals. A processor receives the set of digital signals and the input mode signal, and processes and outputs one of the digital signals that is selected according to the input mode signal. An audio playback unit receives and reproduces output of the processor.

Abstract: A chestpiece for a stethoscope, the chestpiece having a novel mix of desirable properties through being fabricated from the group of materials known as “high gravity compounds.” These compounds are prepared by loading various plastic resins with high density metal powders. In spite of the metallic content, appropriate compounds can be injection molded, providing economic and aesthetic advantages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting infrasonic cardiac apical impulses of a patient including a sensor disposable in contact with skin of the patient for producing a signal responsive to a motion of the skin at an infrasonic cardiac apical impulse point of the patient. A first circuit coupled to the first sensor for generating at least one audible output in response to the first signal and indicative of the infrasonic cardiac apical impulse. A dampening ring surrounding the sensor for dampening the relative motion of the sensor with respect to movement of the patient.

Abstract: A stethoscope having a binaural and a chestpiece in acoustic communication with that binaural. The chestpiece has at least one microphone in acoustic communication with a hollow stem, with this stem having a slot. The binaural is on the type with a tubing assembly having two lumens, these lumens being separated by a wall. Upon assembly, the tubing assembly engages the stem with the wall disposed within the slot. A method of providing a custom stethoscope is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stethoscope assembly for sports enthusiasts is provided which preferably includes at least one sound receiver assembly, a tube assembly having a proximal end portion connected to the at least one sound receiver assembly and extending outwardly therefrom toward the user, a first and second earpieces each having a proximal end portion connected to a distal end portion of the tube assembly and extending outwardly therefrom toward the user. The tube assembly further preferably is visibly colored with at least one of a first color associated with a sports team to thereby define a first sports team color and a second contrasting color also associated with the sports team to thereby define a second sports team color.

Abstract: In an article and method for clamping a plurality of objects together, the article includes a body portion, comprised of spring wire, formed in a generally C-shape. The body portion comprises a pair of side portions, an intermediate portion extending between and interconnecting the pair of side portions, and a pair of opposed free end portions extending from the pair of side portions and opposite the intermediate portion and forming a gap therebetween. The pair of opposed free end portions are resiliently biased toward a position proximate each other and spaced apart to the extent of the gap therebetween. They are adapted to be expanded away from each other upon the exertion of expansion pressure, to extend about the plurality of objects to be clamped therebetween, and to return to the resiliently biased position to exert pressure on the plurality of objects therebetween upon the release of the expansion pressure.

Abstract: A chestpiece for a stethoscope, the chestpiece having a novel mix of desirable properties through being fabricated from the group of materials known as “high gravity compounds.” These compounds are prepared by loading various plastic resins with high density metal powders. In spite of the metallic content, appropriate compounds can be injection molded, providing economic and aesthetic advantages.

Abstract: The stethoscope has a chest piece and two earpieces and two continuous passages, one from each earpiece to the chest piece. The passages may be in separate tubes which may be connected side-by-side over a portion of their lengths or the passages may be in a single part called a passage member which is bifurcated to allow one passage to go to each earpiece. The earpieces and portions of the tubes or passage member are attached by a leaf spring which positions the earpieces relative to each other.

Abstract: The earpiece assembly includes two parts: a base and a compliant part. The base has flange with a post extending perpendicular from one of its sides. There is a center hole through the base. The compliant part is shaped like a frustum of a cone, the diameter of its base being equal to the diameter of the flange. There is a center hole in the compliant part so that it can be installed on the post of the base and held in place by friction or, if desired, soluble adhesive. The smaller end of the compliant part extends beyond the end of the post. The compliant part is pliable in shape but is essentially non-compressible. When in use the amount of insertion into an outer ear canal is determined when, at the line of contact between the assembly and canal surface, the cross sectional area of the compliant part and its cross sectional area equal those of the ear canal.

Abstract: A tension-adjusting mechanism for the elongated earpieces of a stethoscope comprises a neckpiece and, for each earpiece, a pivot mechanism portion between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, a spring mechanism portion between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, and a tension-adjusting mechanism portion between the spring member and the neckpiece. For each earpiece, the pivot mechanism portion defines a pivot axis about which the earpiece pivots, and the spring mechanism portion comprises a resilient blade deforming upon spreading apart of the earpieces. This deformation produces a tension on the earpieces opposing to further spreading apart thereof. The tension-adjusting mechanism portion defines a plurality of interchangeable point of contacts with the resilient blades, which contact points having different positions relative to the neckpiece.

Abstract: An acoustic- to-electrical transducer for sensing body sounds is disclosed. The transducer comprises a diaphragm that can be placed in direct contact with a body, whereby the diaphragm motion directly affects an electromagnetic sensing signal, which is then converted to an electrical signal representation of the diaphragm motion. Such sensing means allows the diaphragm to move freely without mechanical coupling to a secondary transducer, while providing a direct and efficient acoustic to electrical conversion means. The transducer further provides a means for using static diaphragm pressure to control gain and frequency characteristics of the electrical signal. The sensor, circuitry, manufacturing methods and improvements are disclosed.

Abstract: A noise-reducing resonant chamber sound pick-up for electronic stethoscopes is claimed. It consists of a resonating chamber (24) which acoustically preamplifies the selected frequencies of heart sounds, 50-150 hz, and bruits of breath or blood, 150-500 hz, while rejecting ambient sounds. A skin contact (34) has elastic foam support (14), whose rigidity is varied by varying the applied pressure, in order to select the preamplified band of sounds. The other side of the resonating chamber contains a sound transducer (10) largely encased in heavy malleable metal (12) that absorbs sound not coming from the chamber. A damping vent hole (26) shapes the band of preamplified sounds. The resulting superior signal-to-noise ratio permits two, small chambers to be used in a stereophonic chest piece little larger than that of a conventional stethoscope, with better amplification enabling examination through clothing or surgical dressing even in heavy persons.

Abstract: A protective-sleeve-cartridge/stethoscope assembly includes a stethoscope and a cartridge mounted to the stethoscope, with the cartridge including a sleeve. In a cartridge-and-sleeve assembly, the assembly includes a cartridge having a first elongated circumferential sidewall, with the first elongated circumferential sidewall defining an interior space. The assembly further includes a sleeve, at least a part of which is stored in the interior space. In this assembly, the cartridge and sleeve are constructed and arranged whereby the cartridge may be mounted to a stethoscope, and at least a part of the sleeve may be dispensed from the cartridge interior space and over a head of the stethoscope. A cartridge for mounting to a stethoscope includes a first elongated circumferential sidewall and a second elongated circumferential sidewall inwardly spaced from the first sidewall.

Abstract: The earpiece is characterized by having a harder portion which connects it to a stethoscope tube and supports its share of the weight of the stethoscope and a soft, compliant portion which extends farther into the ear passage than the hard portion and serves as the acoustic seal for the earpiece. In one embodiment the earpiece is a single piece made of foam plastic with the hardened portion including the surface of the lumen hardened using techniques well known in the art. In a second embodiment the harder portion is one piece and the softer, acoustic sealing portion a separate part which may be adhesively attached to the harder portion or be held in place by friction and therefore separately replaceable.

Abstract: A wireless stethoscopic apparatus is disclosed comprising of an auscultation piece removably secured to a hearing piece. The components, auscultation piece and hearing piece, when not in use can be stored in a carrying case. Housed within the auscultation piece is a conventional radio frequency chip including a microphone that will enable transmission of radio frequency without the use of wires. A transmission system is housed within the auscultation piece, while the hearing piece includes a link manager receiver device for receiving the radio signals wirelessly from the transmission system and enabling sound to be heard via the hearing device from the auscultation piece.

Abstract: A stethoscope having a binaural and a chestpiece in acoustic communication with that binaural. The chestpiece has at least one microphone in acoustic communication with a hollow stem, with this stem having a slot. The binaural is on the type with a tubing assembly having two lumens, these lumens being separated by a wall. Upon assembly, the tubing assembly engages the stem with the wall disposed within the slot. A method of providing a custom stethoscope is also disclosed.

Abstract: A receiver structure of stethoscope which can be switched back and forth between high- and low-frequency sound comprises a receiver body, a double-hoop frame, and a membrane, in which a groove is formed in an outer periphery of a sound-pickup cambered surface of the receiver body for buttoning up and assembling the double-hoop frame. The double-hoop frame further comprises an outer hoop and an inner hoop, which are supported by at least two links; and a gap is formed between the outer hoop and at least two links for clamping and fixing the rim of the membrane. When using a stethoscope of this kind, a large cavity would be formed and enclosed by the cambered surface, the outer hoop, and the membrane to enable a user to hear low-frequency sound via a pickup duct; or, a small cavity would be formed when the user depresses the receiver body harder to enable the user to hear high-frequency sound.

Abstract: A replaceable and disposable elastomeric soft diaphragm or cover for use with a stethoscope whereby said elastomeric soft diaphragm or cover is a molded piece of elastomer being sufficiently flexible allowing for simple application and removal, whereby said diaphragm or cover, when attached, forms an airtight seal with the stethoscope, and whereby device may act as a soft diaphragm in stethoscopes with removable rigid diaphragms with said rigid diaphragm removed or as a cover where said rigid diaphragm remains attached to said stethoscope.

Abstract: An earpiece assembly for use in a stethoscope having a pipe member includes a connector having a distal end coupled to the pipe member and a proximal end, a bushing having a distal end rotatably coupled to the proximal end of the connector and a proximal end, and an earpiece having a sound path and being coupled to the proximal end of the bushing. The earpiece assembly may further include a bearing for rotatably coupling the connector and the bushing. The earpiece assembly provides a stethoscope that produces less undesired noise and prevents an injury to user's ears during the operation of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A combined stethoscope and reflex hammer. Preferably, the head of the reflex hammer is incorporated into an o-ring securing the diaphragm membrane of the stethoscope chest piece so that a standard stethoscope may be easily retrofitted to add the reflex hammer function. A rigid handle for the reflex hammer is provided by a penholder rigidly affixed to the stethoscope in proximity to the chest piece. The pen may be provided with a penlight so that the combined instrument also provides that function in addition to providing a writing pen, a reflex hammer and a stethoscope.

Abstract: A tension-adjusting mechanism for the elongated earpieces of a stethoscope comprises a neckpiece and, for each earpiece, a pivot mechanism portion between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, a spring mechanism portion between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, and a tension-adjusting mechanism portion between the spring member and the neckpiece. For each earpiece, the pivot mechanism portion defines a pivot axis about which the earpiece pivots, and the spring mechanism portion comprises a resilient blade deforming upon spreading apart of the earpieces. This deformation produces a tension on the earpieces opposing to further spreading apart thereof. The tension-adjusting mechanism portion defines a plurality of interchangeable point of contacts with the resilient blades, which contact points having different positions relative to the neckpiece.

Abstract: An electronic auscultation aid improves the performance and convenience of auscultation. The auscultation aid may include means for emphasizing sounds that may be associated with pathological or pre-pathological conditions. The auscultation aid may include a wireless interface for distributing a detected signal to one or more remote devices. The auscultation aid may comprise a mount for temporary attachment to a conventional acoustic stethoscope. The auscultation aid may include an apparatus for switching between active and sleep modes for the conservation of battery life.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm assembly for use with al types of conventional stethoscopes and a universal retainer ring for retro-fitting conventional stethoscopes to accept the disposable diaphragm assembly. A novel stethoscope for use with the disposable diaphragm assemblies. A stationary dispenser for the disposable diaphragm assemblies from which the assemblies may be loaded onto either retrofitted conventional stethoscopes or the novel stethoscope of this invention without the assembly being contaminated by the hands of medical personnel. Portable and disposable dispensers which also provide for the loading of the disposable diaphragm assembly in a manner which prevents the assembly from becoming contaminated by the hands of medical personnel.

Abstract: This application discloses a stethoscope that utilizes a dual diaphragm construction such that the user of the stethoscope is able to tune in to or to allow the user to select between the isolation and accentuation of either high frequency sounds or low frequency sounds while using a single stethoscope and without the removal of said stethoscope from the patient's skin.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of stethoscopes and specifically a method for controlling the functions and operations of a digital stethoscope. The disclosed invention portrays a rotating control barb extending from the head of a digital stethoscope. The disclosed invention allows a user to selects between multiple features that are available on a digital stethoscope by rotating the control barb 360° around the circumference of the control barb to multiple stopping points, whereby said rotation along the 360° circumference sets the electronic features within a digital stethoscope. A method of controlling the functions of a digital stethoscope without adding cumbersome or difficult to use controls to the stethoscope head, and whereby external connections are not required. Furthermore, the disclosed method does not hamper the quality or affect the operations of the stethoscope head.

Abstract: Combined stethoscope integral housing and belt adapter for mounting a stethoscope on the belt of a care giver. The integral housing has a back wall and first and second side walls. The upper portion of each side wall contains an ear piece receptacle. A pair of front walls are spaced apart from each other to form a slot and spaced apart from the back wall to form an opening for a stethoscope chest piece. The belt adapter is hingedly attached to a back upper portion of the housing by an axially mounted rod.

Abstract: A protective cover for an article such as a stethoscope, comprising a bag member of elongate form, closed at a first end and fully or partially open at a second, opposite end to form an enclosed volume for retention of the head and elongate connector body of a stethoscope. The two longitudinal sides of such bag member can be seamless; alternatively, such longitudinal sides can comprise two seam lines. The bag member is longitudinally, medially severable at an end portion that include the second, open end, to yield two free end segments for covering respective ear tubes of the stethoscope. The protective cover may further include retention means for positionally retaining the free end segments of the bag member in protective covering relationship to the ear tubes of the stethoscope, e.g., adhesive and/or compressive clips, or a transverse heat seal at marginal extremities of the free end segments.

Abstract: A combined stethoscope and reflex hammer. Preferably, the head of the reflex hammer is incorporated into an o-ring securing the diaphragm membrane of the stethoscope chest piece so that a standard stethoscope may be easily retrofitted to add the reflex hammer function. A rigid handle for the reflex hammer is provided by a penholder rigidly affixed to the stethoscope in proximity to the chest piece. The pen may be provided with a penlight so that the combined instrument also provides that function in addition to providing a writing pen, a reflex hammer and a stethoscope.

Abstract: The practical stethoscope cover of this invention in its most essential elements, comprises any form of material which acts as an effective, inexpensive and acoustically transmissive barrier means for easy application and removal from the head, or heads, of a stethoscope. The barrier means should be non-transmissive for dirt, organisms, oils, fluids and the like, all of which may carry pathogenic components. Significantly, embodiments of the stethoscope cover of this invention are easily applied by a physician, nurse or other medical practitioner to the head of a single-headed stethoscope or a double-headed stethoscope, typically in a quick, simple, easy single-handed operation. The barrier means comprising the stethoscope cover comprises folds, gathers or crimping at the marginal edges or medial portions thereof, providing flexibility, extensibility or elasticity to the cover, thus facilitating easy application and removal of the stethoscope cover from the head of the stethoscope.

Abstract: A stethoscope having an optical fiber light for providing light suitable for patient examination emanating from the chestpiece of the stethoscope. A battery operated light source is provided near the junction of the binaurals and light is transmitted by optical fiber along the stethoscope tubing into the chestpiece and out the side opposite the tubing. A switch for activating and deactivating the light can be operated by manipulation of the binaurals or rotation of the chestpiece.

Abstract: A stethoscope amplifier headset for receiving, isolating and transferring sound received from a stethoscope to a user's ears, the stethoscope sound isolation headset including left and right ear assemblies connected by an adjustable length headband, ear receiving cavities, stethoscope receiving apertures, and acoustic insulators. Each of the left and right ear assemblies may also include an amplifier assembly including an adjustable volume control.

Abstract: A chest piece for a stethoscope has a housing with a cavity. The cavity has a cavity surface which is paraboloid in shape, having an apex, an axis, and a focal point. The cavity terminates at the apex and an opening, and the focal point resides in the cavity. A transducer is positioned at the focal point. The parabolic shape of the cavity surface acts to reflect sound waves transmitted normal to the opening to the transducer, while reflecting other sound waves. A mechanical wave guide with a series of parallel passages preferably extends across the opening. Preferably, a membrane with a convex surface covers the opening. The cavity is preferably filled with a liquid or gel having physical characteristics similar to human flesh. To reduce noise from motion of the chest piece across the skin, the stethoscope can be activated by a pressure switch responsive to fluid pressure inside the cavity.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an object to attenuate thermal sensation when handling the object at non-body temperature, and an object fabricated in accord with the method. There is first provided a substrate which has a first surface subject to handling. There is then formed upon the first surface of the substrate a coating. The coating has an optimal density, an optimal thermal conductivity and an optimal thickness such that when the substrate having the coating formed thereupon is equilibrated at a non-body temperature differing from a body temperature and the coating is subsequently contacted with a body at the body temperature during handling, the temperature of the surface of the coating at a contact point of the body with the coating changes precipitously to a temperature near the body temperature and subsequently returns towards the non-body temperature at a rate which permits handling of the coating at the location of the first surface of the substrate by the body with attenuated thermal sensation.

Abstract: An earphone having a drive unit (22) carried by an earphone shell (20) and covered by an ear cushion (24) of auxetic foam.