Abstract: A new telephone supporting device for preventing cricks and cramps in the neck caused by holding a phone between the head and shoulder. The inventive device includes a headband having a generally inverted U-shaped configuration. A lower end has an elongated vertically disposed slot formed therethrough. A telephone clamp is adjustably coupled with respect to the headband. The telephone clamp includes a vertical portion having outwardly extending tab portions from opposite ends thereof. A space between the tab portions is dimensioned for receiving a telephone therebetween. One of the tab portions has an adjustment screw extending therethrough for engaging the telephone when positioned therein. The adjustment screw has a gripping pad disposed on a free end thereof. The vertical portion has a screw extending inwardly therefrom for extending through the slot of the lower end of the headband. A nut engages the screw for locking the telephone clamp with respect to the headband.

Abstract: An earphone device independently securable to each ear, with a retainer having two ends. A speaker is coupled to one end of the retainer while a cushion disc is coupled to the other end, and is designed to fit within a recessed area of the outer ear. The earphone device is retained through resilient biasing of the retainer on the ear. The earphone device also includes structure for exerting force thereon in order to urge the first and second ends of the retainer away from each other, thereby providing sufficient spacing to allow removal thereof. The earphone device may have a detachable earmuff designed to protect the user's ear during cold weather conditions. Hook and loop type fasteners are on the retainer and the earmuff in order to provide easy attachment and removal of the earmuff. The invention may also be configured as an earmuff which is capable of attachment to an individual ear.

Abstract: An optical switch for controlling an operative condition of a headset. The headset includes a microphone boom that is rotatable with respect to a housing for the headset. A rotator element is coupled to the microphone boom such that the rotator element rotates with respect the housing along with the microphone boom. Selected portions of a surface of the rotator element are conditioned to be more reflective than the remaining portions. Alternately, portions of the rotator element are opaque. A pair of optical transceivers are in fixed positions relative to the housing. When the microphone boom is positioned approximately straight upward with respect to a user's head, reflective portions of the rotator element are within a field of view of each optical transceiver of the pair. In this position, the headset is in an "off" or "standby" mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headset (1) for a hearing protector provided with a padding part (12) having an essentially elliptical ear opening (18). The headset comprises a microphone (2), an earphone (3), and conducting wires (7) for bringing signals to the earphone (3) and from the microphone (2). According to the invention the earphone (3) is attached to a bow part (10) whose contour essentially follows the external dimensions of the hearing protector padding (12), and a mounting wing (13, 4) is connected to the bow part (10) or the earphone (3) and has a maximum dimension (A) which is smaller than the maximum dimension of the ear opening (18) and yet greater than the minimum dimension (B) of the ear opening (18), and during use the maximum dimension of the mounting wing (13, 4) is essentially horizontal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile cellular phone, the mobile cellular phone including: a radio handset and a mobile cellular phone body for transmitting and receiving a sound and a signal information through a wireless channel; and a holder disposed in the body for accommodating the radio handset so that when the radio handset is detached from the holder the body can relay the sound and the signal information between the radio handset and a base station to thereby enable a telecommunication to be realized through the radio handset and when the radio handset is accommodated in the holder, the telecommunication can be realized through the body.

Abstract: A monaural communication device is composed of a housing for receiving a receiver and a support component which is resiliently connected to the housing and is to be worn binaurally. The support component is constructed symmetrically and the housing and/or the support component is provided with grip elements which, when actuated, make it possible to fold or tilt the support component away from the housing by using the fingers of only one hand, and wherein, when the support component carries out a return movement by means of a spring, the support component clamps the pinna against the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving and/or sending communication signals and consists of at least two parts, a first detachable part and a second, body part. The first part can be moved to an in use position whereby the same is placed on or to the ear of the user to allow information received via the communication signals to be listened to via a speaker in the part. The part includes a receiver to receive communication signals from either or both of the body part which in turn receives signals from a remote point or directly from the remote point. The first part is physically separated from the body part in use and therefore no wire, cable or other physical connections are required therefor providing considerable advantage over known two part communication devices all of which require some form of physical connection. The body part can include a device for transmitting communication signals.

Abstract: A portable transceiver includes a transceiver body including a microphone, and an earphone including an earphone body physically separated from the transceiver body when in use, and a cord. The cord has one end connected to the transceiver body and the other end connected to the earphone body. A communication cable extends between the transceiver body and a portable wireless means. A holder is releasably secured to the communication cable so as to hold the earphone body in position. The earphone is thus integral with the transceiver body when not in use and can be carried with the transceiver without the need to store the earphone in a user's pocket. This allows the user to have ready access to the earphone whenever necessary.

Abstract: A two way voice communications earset which is situated in the ear of the user and which includes a filter in an audio signal loop coupling a microphone and a speaker of the earset.

Abstract: A structure of a telephone receiver mainly comprises a transmission portion, a receiving portion and an expansion bracket connected therebetween wherein a transmitter and a receiver are installed on the two sides of the end portions of said transmission portion and said receiving portion, respectively. Each of said transmission portion and said receiving portion is installed with a positioning piece, respectively, and said expansion bracket is formed by a plurality of serially connected relatively pivotable linking pieces which are alternately crossed, the two end portions of said expansion bracket are connected with said position pieces, respectively.

Abstract: A phone handset housing assembly that includes an upper and a lower handset housing unit that are interconnected by a resilient over-the-head combined support band/communications conduit, the upper and lower handset housing units being configurable in hand-held configuration for use in a hand-held mode wherein the upper and lower handset housing units are rigidly attached and the resilient over-the-head combined support band/communications conduit is stored within an upper and a lower band storage chamber formed, respectively within the upper and lower handset housing units, and configurable in a head-set configuration for use in a hand-less mode wherein the upper and lower handset housing units are separated and the resilient over-the-head combined support band/communications conduit is used to support the upper and lower handset housing units on either side of the user's head and against the user's ears; the lower handset housing unit including an extendable microphone support structure, a fixed microphone

Abstract: A phone holder kit comprising a box-like cradle (10, 100, 200) for accommodating a telephone set (11) and a pair of flexible headbands (12 and 14) for supporting the cradle on the user's head. Addition support is ensured by a ear mount (16) attached to the ends of headbands (12 and 14) on the side opposite to the position of the cradle. The cradle has a rubber band (30) or a padded platform (108) which supports the telephone set (11) and which can be adjusted within the cradle for adjusting the depth of location of the telephone in the cradle, depending on the dimensions of the telephone set.

Abstract: An ear-mounted microphone device configured for being supported in the ear. The microphone device includes a microphone element contained within a housing which is configured at one end to be mounted at a user's ear canal. When the housing is so mounted, the microphone element is positioned closely adjacent to the user's head such that the housing and the user's head cooperatively alter the sensitivity of the microphone so as to provide an enhanced directional orientation and sensitivity of the microphone element toward the user's mouth to a greater degree than is provided when the housing and microphone element are not mounted at the ear canal, so as to enhance pickup of the user's voice. A speaker element may be included within the ear device and can be decoupled mechanically by a gasket bridge between the housing and microphone so as to avoid feedback.

Abstract: A hearing aid telephone interconnect system for permitting hearing impaired persons to use conventional telephone instruments employs a T-coupler adapted to hook over the ear of a user of a conventional behind-the-hear, in-the-ear, or eyeglass hearing aid of the type employing an input T-coil. The T-coupler, as well as the telephone base unit and the telephone receiver, are connected to an adaptor box that permits switching the telephone receiver signal between the telephone receiver and the T-coupler to permit use of the telephone by persons with and without hearing impairment. When interfacing the T-coupler to cellular telephones and princess style landline telephones in which the touchtone keypad and receiver form an integrated unit, the adaptor box may be eliminated because switching of the receiver signal is not necessary.

Abstract: A wireless telephone using an RF receiver unit and an RF transmitter unit and having a removable headset, the telephone and headset particularly suitable for applications where the RF transmitter unit is switched on and off at a frequency less than twenty kilohertz. The wireless telephone is coupled to the headset using a conventional stereo plug and jack. A headset detect logic signal is generated from the speaker audio line. A microphone current detect logic signal is generated from the microphone audio line. A digital logic circuit, preferably including a microprocessor, monitors the headset detect logic signal and microphone current detect logic signals and generates a programmed response to the headset detect logic signal. The programmed response reduces audible noise to the headset user, generates a ringing signal on the speaker audio line when an incoming call is received and allows the headset user to answer incoming calls, and place outgoing calls while touching only the headset.

Abstract: A cordless headset telephone for cordless hands free telephone communication between a base unit and the headset. The cordless headset has a first and third operable position as a headset and a second operable position as a hand held telephone receiver.

Abstract: A telephone communication headset for attachment to the outer ear of an operator and comprising a main unit (3) which supports an arm (2) with a microphone (1) at its outer end, and an earphone (5) on the main unit. Furthermore, a U-shaped support (6) is arranged with a first and a second downwardly-directed shank, said support (6) being attached to the main unit. A connecting upper portion (9) is arranged between the two shanks, which portion is arranged, in a position of use, to rest against the uppermost point of the outer ear, where the outer ear attaches to the scull. A weight (11) is arranged so that its mass and leverage presses the rear shank (10) of the support (6) towards the rear side of the outer ear and into the fold between the outer ear and the skull. The effect of gravity on the microphone (1) and the microphone-arm (2) is also counter-balanced.

Abstract: The light output of an IR LED mounted on a cellular telephone is modulated by the audio output of the telephone and made incident upon a photodiode mounted to an ITE-type or canal-type hearing aid. The electrical signal output from the photodiode is routed through a bandpass filter, demodulated in a demodulator and amplified and/or processed in the hearing aid circuit.

Abstract: A telephone instrument creates spatially simulated sound signals from signals received from a telephone line. The monaural signals are separated to two left and right channels. In each channel, the signals are processed via a direct path, an early reflection path including a finite impulse response filter and a reverberant decay path including all-pass filter. In each channel, the outputs from the three paths are summed with different weights.

Abstract: A communications headset includes a headset enclosure and a receiver enclosure coupled thereto by various means allowing displacement of the receiver enclosure with respect to the headset enclosure at any of a variety of angles, rotations, and distances. The adaptable positioning of the receiver enclosure allows the headset to be used by a wide variety of users having different ear shapes and sizes, while providing a stable, comfortable fit and ensuring good acoustic performance. In one embodiment the receiver enclosure is slidably coupled to a ball tube having a ball that rests in a socket of the headset enclosure. The receiver enclosure can telescope along the length of the ball tube and can rotate about an axis of the tube. The ball can be rotated in the socket to position the receiver enclosure at any of a variety of angles relative to the headset enclosure. A voice transmitter is also coupled to the headset enclosure so as to allow adjustment of length, angular position, and rotation.

Abstract: A telephone headset apparatus is disclosed. This headset apparatus includes a body having a microphone at one end and a transducer at the opposite end, an earhook, for attaching the apparatus to the ear of the operator, and a mechanism, contained within the body in a movable engagement, for holding the earhook in a frictional engagement that allows for movement of the earhook, with three degrees of freedom. The mechanism is located at a point within the body where upon adjustment of the earhook by the operator (i.e., rotated, tilted, pivoted) the headset apparatus remains properly balanced and within the sound envelope of an operator, for uninterrupted operation.

Abstract: A transmitting/receiving apparatus to be used as fitted into an external auditory meatus is provided which ensures less inclusion of noise and less possibility of howling and allows the user to hear the voice of the communication partner clearly, and which comprises: a bone-conduction microphone (2) and a speaker (3) which are housed in a single casing (4), the casing (4) having a distal end portion to assume a distal position in the external auditory meatus, in which distal end portion the bone-conduction microphone (2) is disposed; a vibration-absorptive foamed material (6) surrounding the bone-conduction microphone (2); a hollow portion (2) provided between the foamed material (7) and the speaker (3) within the casing (4); and a through-hole (8) extending through a wall portion of the casing (4) at a location adjacent the distal end portion.

Abstract: A headset provides for user selectable switching between various frequency responses for the headset through manipulation of mechanical acoustic elements of the headset. The acoustic elements allow adjustment of the transmission paths between a transducer element in the headset and the user's ear canal, and adjustment of the resonant characteristics of the headset housing itself. Adjustment of the transmission path is made by manipulation of ports and openings in and between various volumes containing the transducer and the ear canal, and through the use of various resistant elements along such transmission paths. The user is able to independently and mechanically alter the inductance and resistance along the transmission path, and thereby independently control the high and low frequency response of the headset.

Abstract: A telephone interface unit automatically configures itself to couple a headset to a telephone. The interface unit comprises a switch matrix, for coupling various signal lines of the telephone to various signal lines of the headset, and a control logic, for automatically setting the switch matrix. The interface unit also comprises a variable gain circuit, for adjusting the amplitude of signals transmitted by the headset. The control logic automatically adjusts the gain of the variable gain circuit such that the gain of the headset is matched to the gain of the telephone.

Abstract: A cordless headset telephone for cordless hands free telephone communication between a base unit and the headset. The cordless headset has a first and third operable position as a headset and a second operable position as a hand held telephone receiver. A further embodiment of the cordless telephone headset replaces the extended microphone arm and microphone with a combined earpiece speaker/microphone.

Abstract: A self-supporting headset worn on the ear of a user without a headband or placed in a stand as a desk-top microphone system by a switch-function installed in the headset. The headset includes a housing which accommodates a receiver, an arcuate earband connected by a spring to the housing and a pivotally connected boom microphone which extends from the housing to near the lips of a user. The earband can have a shape substantially corresponding to human ear structure for placement behind the ear of the user. The arcuate housing is placed over the entire outer ear to transmit audio signals without any need for an ear tube. An earband member can have a female member on the bottom surface so as to connect a member to mate with a male member located on the stand, to thereby secure the headset on the stand. The headset can be equipped with noise cancellation technology to remove background noise for optional use on with telephones, computers, or any the like.

Abstract: An over the head hands free phone holder comprising an adjustable headband terminated on each end by pivotable rigid housings whose inner surfaces are terminated by resilient ear cushions similar to an audio headset. A phone holding housing has an opening at the lower end which accepts most portable phones. Opposing gripping fingers on the left and right sides of the phone holding housing help hold the phone in place. The opposing, non-phone housing contains a perforated wall to which the resilient ear cushion is attached. A mating inner sliding wall has matching perforations. When the inner wall slides in a downward direction, the holes are misaligned with respect to the non-sliding wall, thereby blocking unwanted ambient noise. The non-phone housing also contains a weight to balance and offset the weight of the phone located on the opposite side of the user's head.

Abstract: An integrated sound/telephone headset system is provided comprising a music source, a telephone, a headset having a microphone and earphones, and a control system. The control system receives music from the music source, a telephone ring signal from a telephone line, the telephone audio, and ambient sounds received by the microphone. A handset lift device is manually actuated by the user to select between a bypass mode and operational modes. When operating in the bypass mode, the phone is answered with its handset, and the headset is connected to a mixer with audio input from the music source, the ambient sounds, and a ring tone indicating a ring signal on the telephone line. When in the operational modes, a user initiates or answers a call by lowering the microphone, which switches the headset from the mixer to the telephone and connects the telephone to the telephone line.

Abstract: A telephone handset holder that mounts to the user's head or headgear. The handset holder, with handset attached, allows hands-free use of handset. The handset holder attaches to the backside of a telephone handset. The holder can accommodate a large variety of handsets for corded telephones, cordless telephones, cellular telephones, small two-way radios and other similar communication instruments. The handset holder can be quickly attached to and unattached from the back of handsets by means of small straps, hock and loop fasteners or suction cups. The handset holder is lightweight. The handset holder, with a handset attached, can be easily secured to the user's head by an over-the-head headband or by a wrap-around headband. The handset holder may be attached to a user's helmet or hard hat. The disclosed handset holder is simple and inexpensive to produce.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mobile telephone apparatus comprising at least one loudspeaker and at least one microphone arranged in connection with a headrest, the loudspeaker and the microphone being connected to the mobile telephone. According to the invention, the loudspeaker is integrated in the headrest and the microphone is arranged on an arm, which arm is attached to the headrest.

Abstract: A communication headset is provided which includes two curved housings that rotate with respect to one another to allow the headset to be held firmly in place over one ear of the user. One housing supports a microphone boom which has a free end positionable adjacent to the users mouth and the other houses a receiver element for producing sound from electrical signals. Feedback between the receiver and the microphone is reduced by an elastomer friction hinge between the two housings. The receiver element is encapsulated by elastomer to further reduce feedback and to protect the receiver element from physical shock.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a speaker telephone in either full-duplex mode or half-duplex mode. In the absence of an earphone connection, the speaker telephone operates in half-duplex mode to prevent undesired feedback of speaker output to microphone input. Upon detecting insertion of an earphone plug into an earphone jack, the speaker telephone transitions to a full-duplex mode of operation. Upon detecting removal of the earphone plug, the speaker telephone reverts to the half-duplex mode of operation. The speaker telephone includes a controller configured to detect an earphone insertion event and enable full-duplex operation in response. The controller enables half-duplex operation upon detecting earphone removal.

Abstract: A one piece two way voice communications earset which is situated in or at the ear of the user and which includes either two unidirectional microphones having their outputs combined or a single bi-directional microphone. The earset also includes a combination circuit for adding or subtracting the first and second signals output from the first and second microphones respectively.

Abstract: This invention involves a headset for use with a cellular telephone. The headset comprises an acoustical earpiece assembly adapted for the acoustical transmission of sound to the ear, a device for mounting the earpiece assembly on the head in a position adjacent an ear of a person wearing the headset, and a flexible acoustical receiving tube having an upper end connected to the earpiece assembly and a lower end attached to an acoustical receiving cup. The headset also includes a device for releasably attaching the acoustical receiving cup to a telephone in a position where the mouth of the cup is disposed closely adjacent the telephone speaker for receiving sound emitting from the speaker. The acoustical cup transmits sound to the earpiece assembly via the acoustical receiving tube. The earpiece assembly has a transmitter mechanism for picking up sounds made by a person wearing the headset, and for transmitting such sounds to the transmitter of the telephone.

Abstract: An indicator lamp identifies the status of telephone calls both transmitted and received from a hands-free telephone headset. The indicator lamp is either automatically activated by a signal from a telephone line or manually activated by a switch. Manual activation provides an additional means for the operator to prevent interruptions regardless of telephone status. The indicator lamp is located at various locations on the headset next to the mouthpiece or, alternatively, along the entire length of the headset arm.

Abstract: A one piece two way voice communications earset which is situated in or at the ear of the user and which includes either two unidirectional microphones having their outputs combined or a single bi-directional microphone.

Abstract: A wireless telephone using an RF receiver unit and an RF transmitter unit and having a removable headset, the telephone and headset particularly suitable for applications where the RF transmitter unit is switched on and off at a frequency less than twenty kilohertz. The wireless telephone is coupled to the headset using a conventional stereo plug and jack. A headset detect logic signal is generated from the speaker audio line. A microphone current detect logic signal is generated from the microphone audio line. A digital logic circuit, preferably including a microprocessor, monitors the headset detect logic signal and microphone current detect logic signals and generates a programmed response to the headset detect logic signal. The programmed response reduces audible noise to the headset user, generates a ringing signal on the speaker audio line when an incoming call is received and allows the headset user to answer incoming calls, and place outgoing calls while touching only the headset.

Abstract: In an earphone assembly, a front cap portion of an outer casing (5) having an electroacoustic transducing device (12) therein is made to have a substantially circular configuration being greater in diameter than other portions to be able to be fit in the cavity of the auricle. The earphone assembly has a cord supporting member (4) for a connection cord (3) of the electroacoustic transducing device (12) and a movable member (10) pivotable with respect to the outer casing (5). A protruded portion (2a) of the outer casing protrudes peripherally from a peripheral portion of the front cap member thereof. The protruded portion (11) of the movable member (10) cooperates with the peripheral portion of the front cap member of the outer casing (5) to allow the earphone to be fit in the cavity of the auricle (9).

Abstract: A communication headset is provided which includes two curved housings that rotate with respect to one another to allow the headset to be held firmly in place over one ear of the user. One housing supports a microphone boom which has a free end positionable adjacent to the users mouth and the other houses a receiver element for producing sound from electrical signals. Feedback between the receiver and the microphone is reduced by an elastomer friction hinge between the two housings. The receiver element is encapsulated by elastomer to further reduce feedback and to protect the receiver element from physical shock.

Abstract: An adaptor for converting a hand-held telephone into a headset telephone. The inventive device includes a headset wearable by an individual for audibly coupling an individual's ear and mouth to a pair of sound tubes. The sound tubes extend from the headset to removably couple with a hand-held telephone, whereby sound is transmitted between the headset and the telephone through the sound tubes. The present invention serves to permit a hands-free utilization of the associated cellular phone, and further to place the cellular phone a greater distance from the user's head to reduce exposure to potentially hazardous radiation generated by the cellular phone.

Abstract: A hinge configuration particularly suitable for use with a radiotelephone includes: an arcuate hinge body having a predetermined body length, a predetermined body thickness and a predetermined radius of curvature; and a pair of arms, a respective one of which is attached to and extends away from a respective end of the arcuate hinge body, the pair of arms each having predetermined arm lengths and predetermined arm thicknesses. The arms are pivotally mounted on a housing such that the arms twist upon pivotal movement of the arcuate hinge body relative to the housing. At least one of the predetermined body length, predetermined body thickness, predetermined radius of curvature, predetermined arm lengths and predetermined arm thicknesses should be selected to induce preferential deflection in the arcuate hinge body relative to the pair of arms upon twisting thereof during pivotal movement of the hinge body so that the arms resist fracture during such repeated pivotal movement.

Abstract: A mounting device for mobile telephones, comprising a belt assembly, a swivel assembly and a telephone holder assembly. The belt assembly, which is to be secured to the user's shoulder, consists of an upper jacket, a lower apron and a pair of Velcro hook and loop fastener pieces. The swivel assembly, which is mounted on the upper jacket by way of fastening screws, consists of a mounting piece and an erecting rod. The telephone holder assembly, which is designed for holding a telephone, consists of a pair of side plates equipped with a set of bolts, spring pieces and an hexagonal nut. With this mounting device for mobile telephones, users can talk on the telephone without having to hold on to it.

Abstract: A headset (10) for a radiotelephone (12) has a boom (16) that pivots about a housing (13). The headset (10) has a speaker (20) and a microphone (18). A headset detect circuit (33) determines when the headset connector (24) has been plugged into the radiotelephone's jack (26) and signals the microprocessor (60). The microprocessor (60) then connects the transmitter (68) and the receiver (70) to the headset's microphone (18) and speaker (20). To answer a call the user rotates the boom (16), either clockwise or counter clockwise, which closes a three position switch (30) and sends an off-hook signal (44) to a microprocessor (60).

Abstract: A radio or telephone handset configured with the usual transmitter and receiver ends and connecting handle is designed to have physical characteristics well adapted in its acoustic characteristics to complement noise cancellation circuitry. The receiver speaker is mounted in the receiver cap, and the cap is built with a domed, apertured earpiece extending from the exterior surface of said receiver cap. The dome fits into a user's outer ear, thereby to aid in positioning said handset on a user's ear. Openings radially placed on said receiver cap exterior surface and surrounding said earpiece, define an acoustic grill through which signal from said receiver speaker is passed substantially directly to said user's ear canal. Noise absorbing material is placed at strategic locations within the handset interior.

Abstract: A telephone instrument creates spatially simulated sound signals from signals received from a telephone line. The received signals are directed to left and right channels. In each channel, the signals are processed via a direct path, an early reflection path including a finite impulse response filter and a reverberant decay path including all-pass filter. In each channel, the outputs from the three paths are summed with different weights.

Abstract: A transmitter-receiver comprises a transmitter, a transmitter circuit, a receiver circuit, a receiver, a jack, and a switch. The transmitter circuit converts a first audio signal to a transmit signal and transmits the transmit signal. The receiver circuit extracts a second audio signal from a received signal. The jack is adapted to be connected with a plug of an external transmitter-receiver. The switch is on/off controlled dependent on whether or not the jack of the external transmitter-receiver is connected with the plug. The switch, when the jack is not connected with the plug, supplies the first audio signal from the transmitter to the transmitter circuit and also supplies the second audio signal from the receiver circuit selectively to the receiver.

Abstract: A communication headset is disclosed having a microphone for transmitting the user's voice and a receiver for transmitting audio signals into the user's ear. The headset includes a resilient, generally U-shaped headband, to be worn over the head, having a housing adjustably attached at one end thereof. A receiver assembly is mounted to the housing with a ball and socket type arrangement, allowing the receiver assembly to rotate axially and pivot in a spherical fashion with respect to the housing, thereby increasing comfort and acoustic coupling with any size or shape ear.

Abstract: A one-piece two-way voice communication earset is situated in or at the ear of the user and is operated hands-free. It includes either two separated microphones having their outputs combined or a single bidirectional microphone. In either case, the earset treats the user's voice as consisting of out-of-phase signals that are not canceled, but treats ambient noise, and any incidental feedback of sound from received voice signals, as consisting of signals more nearly in-phase that are canceled or greatly reduced in level. The microphones are preferably electret microphones. In addition, a logarithmic amplification circuit reduces residual ambient noise during non-speaking intervals. The earset includes a receiver coupled to a communication medium and a speaker coupled to the receiver for emitting sound from received voice signals primarily to the user's ear canal.

Abstract: A telephone headset including a boom microphone, a earphone, and an ear support constructed and arranged to be adjustable and comfortable for a wearer. The headset is configured with an adjustable ear support to fit a variety of ear sizes without affecting the balance of the ear support on the ear of the wearer. The ear support includes a rotational hinge which is biased into a given position by a compression washer. The earphone is removably and adjustably attached to a mounting ring which in turn is movably attached to the ear support by a spring biased ball and socket joint. The combination of flexible joints and removability of the earphone provides the degrees of freedom and stiction necessary to permit the earphone to be worn comfortably on either ear of the wearer.

Abstract: A communication headset is provided which includes two curved housings that rotate with respect to one another to allow the headset to be held firmly in place over one ear of the user. One housing supports a microphone boom which has a free end positionable adjacent to the users mouth and the other houses a receiver element for producing sound from electrical signals. Feedback between the receiver and the microphone is reduced by an elastomer friction hinge between the two housings. The receiver element is encapsulated by elastomer to further reduce feedback and to protect the receiver element from physical shock.