Abstract: An in-ear listening device having a device housing including a speaker housing and an elongated tube protruding away from the speaker housing, an audio port formed through the speaker housing, a speaker disposed in the speaker housing and aligned to emit sound through the audio port, a microphone port formed through the elongated tube, a microphone disposed in the elongated tube and operatively coupled to receive sound through the microphone port, a rechargeable battery and a wireless antenna disposed within the device housing, wireless circuitry coupled to the wireless antenna and configured to input and output radio frequency signals for wireless communications, a user-interface touch control disposed on the device housing and operable to control a function of the earbud, and battery charging circuitry coupled to the rechargeable battery and positioned within the device housing and operable to charge the rechargeable battery when coupled to receive power from an external power source.

Abstract: Left and right earphones are independently wireless such that the left and right earphones are not physically connected when worn by a user. Each earphone comprises a speaker, a body portion, and an earbud extending from the body portion. The body portion comprises a downwardly extending portion that extends straight downwardly when the earphone is worn by the user, a wireless communication circuit for receiving signals transmitted wirelessly to the earphone from a remote source, a microphone, a rechargeable battery, a memory and a processor. Each earphone is configured to receive from a remote computing device, and store in the memory, a firmware update.

Abstract: A portable device accessory includes an attachment mechanism, a hinge member, and a privacy shield. The attachment mechanism is for attaching the accessory to a rear face of the portable device. The rear face is opposite a front face of the portable device. The front face includes the screen of the portable device. The hinge member is pivotably attached to the attachment mechanism. The privacy shield is pivotably attached to the hinge member and movable between a storage position and a blocking position. When the privacy shield is in the blocking position, the privacy shield extends over the front face of the portable device and blocks at least a portion of the screen. When the privacy shield is in the storage position, the privacy shield extends over the rear face of the portable device and is positioned proximate to the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A microphone housing is described with a screen for wind noise reduction. One example includes a housing defining a cavity and a surface on one side of the cavity, a mesh of holes through the surface into the cavity, and a microphone mounted inside the cavity.

Abstract: An acoustic driver system for use in applying an oscillating stress to a subject undergoing a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) examination includes a flexible passive driver located in the bore of the magnet and in contact with the subject. A remotely located active driver is acoustically coupled to the passive driver and produces acoustic energy in response to an applied current. The passive driver produces shear waves in response to the acoustic energy and are directed into the body of the subject undergoing the MRE examination.

Abstract: A connective assembly for selectively interfacing a single listening device with a two-way radio and a cellular device enables selective listening therebetween from a single listening device, such as an earpiece, a throat microphone, and a prior art microphone. The assembly provides both a half-duplex and a full-duplex system that creates communication in both directions, including simultaneous connections. At least one assembly switch enables powering on and off of the assembly, and selective interfacing between the two-way radio and the cellular device. A push-to-talk button enables enable half-duplex two-way communications. A send button enables full-duplex two-way communications. A finger switch enables selective interfacing between the two-way radio and the cellular device. A full-duplex switch enables simultaneous communication between the two-way radio and the cellular phone. A clip mounts the listening device to the garment.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a speaker for presenting audio to a user. The speaker may have a speaker diaphragm mounted in a speaker enclosure and driven using a speaker driver. A sensor such as a gas sensor, particulate sensor, or other environmental sensor may be mounted within the speaker enclosure. Control circuitry in the electronic device may move the speaker diaphragm to draw fresh air into the speaker enclosure or to capture a sample of liquid while using the environmental sensor to make sensor measurements. The control circuitry may use a display, other visual output devices, audio output devices, and/or vibrating output components to present alerts to the user based on environmental data from the environmental sensor.

Abstract: A Bluetooth device is provided, which comprises a body used for connecting with an earphone; a rotating member, rotating between a first position and a second position relative to the body, so as to control power on or off of the Bluetooth device.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of systems for assisting hearing for individuals are disclosed. A hand-carryable transceiver having inputs for sound or other audio signals is provided, with a transmitter for transmitting digital packets or signals with identifying information relating to the transmitter. An earpiece is adapted to receive the packets or signals from the transmitter, and direct signals to a speaker on the earpiece for hearing by an individual user. Methods for making and using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body and a BLUETOOTH earphone that can be detachably attached to the main body. The earphone includes a keyboard capable of generating signals to control the electronic device in response to user input. The main body includes a detecting unit, a processing unit, and a touch-sensitive screen. The detecting unit generates a signal when the earphone is attached to the main body. The processing unit controls to display information without specific information or with specific information on the touch-sensitive screen upon receiving the signal from the detecting unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for media devices including a housing, a frame disposed adjacent to the housing, and a microphone assembly that is integrated with the frame for receiving sound.

Abstract: A head set device includes an antenna housing, a speaker housing connected to the antenna housing while protruding from one face of the antenna housing, and a hinge device for rotatably combining the speaker housing to the antenna housing. The speaker housing rotates with respect to a rotation axis that extends outwardly from one face of the antenna housing. The antenna housing and the speaker housing are rotatably connected together using a hinge device, thereby allowing the user to selectively wear the head set device on either ear and thus facilitating the use of the head set device.

Abstract: A mobile device, particularly a wireless headset, includes a cord to which an earpiece is fixed and a module having a spring-actuated retractor reel into which the cord is retracted for storage. A fastener on the module makes the device wearable. A rotary encoder generates a position data output according to the rotational position of the reel, and a controller receives the position data output from the sensor, and, in response, controls a function such as placing the device in an on-hook or off-hook state.

Abstract: A wireless earphone includes an earphone, a microphone, a hanging portion and an adjusting portion fixed with the hanging portion. The answering portion is mounted on the junction area of the hanging portion and the adjusting portion. The microphone is mounted on the other end of the adjusting portion. The wireless earphone is made of flexible, elastic material. The bluetooth has at least one block protruding thereon, to make the wireless earphone be disassembly mounted on a portable electronic device. The invention also includes a portable electronic device using the wireless earphone.

Abstract: A device for hands-free push-to-talk functionality may include a push-to-talk sensor or switch operable by at least one of a preset audible signal, a predetermined movement of the sensor or switch, air pressure or the like. The device may also include means to control operation of a communications device in response to signals from the push-to-talk sensor or switch.

Abstract: Communication unit comprising a housing (1) in which at least one transducer is placed, and on which a microphone arm (2) is suspended. The housing also has an ear hook (6) for fastening the communication unit to the head of a user. The microphone arm (2) is pivotally connected to the housing (1) by a hinge link (3, 4, 5) at an outer area of the housing, and so that the microphone arm (2) can be moved between a position in which it lies up against the housing (1), and a position in which it extends away from the housing. The microphone arm has a length, which in the main is less than or of the same order as the greatest extent of the housing, so that in the folded-in state the microphone arm does not project out over the circumference of the housing. The communication unit can be used on both the right and the left side of the head, in that the ear hook (6) can be suspended in two different positions.

Abstract: The modular wireless headset includes at least one wearable earpiece and at least one wearable microphone, where the earpiece is physically separate from the microphone. The wearable earpiece is operably to render inbound radio frequencies received from a host device audible. To do this, the wearable earpiece includes, at least, a receiver module, a data recovery module, and a speaker module. The receiver module is operably coupled to convert the inbound RF signals. The data recovery module is operably coupled to recover audio signals from the RF signals. The speaker module is operably coupled to render the audio signals audible. The wearable microphone is operable to convert received audio signals into outbound RF signals, where the outbound RF signals are transmitted to the host device. The wearable microphone includes, at least, an audio input module and a transmitter module. The audio input module is operably coupled to convert received analog audio signals into digital audio signals.

Abstract: A modular wireless headset includes wearable earpiece(s) and wearable microphone(s), where the earpiece and microphone may be physically separate devices. The wearable earpiece renders inbound radio frequencies received from a host device audible. The wearable earpiece may include a receiver module, data recovery module, and speaker module. The receiver module may convert inbound RF signals into low intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The data recovery module recovers audio signals from the low IF signals. The speaker module renders the audio signals audible. The wearable microphone converts received audio signals into outbound RF signals, where the outbound RF signals are transmitted to the host device. The wearable microphone includes an audio input module and a transmitter module. The audio input module is operably coupled to convert received analog audio signals into digital audio signals. The transmitter module is operably coupled to convert the digital audio signals into the outbound RF signals.

Abstract: A mobile device integrates a wireless headset with the housing of a mobile terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing of the mobile terminal includes a fastener for mechanically connecting the wireless headset to the housing. When the wireless headset is mechanically disconnected from the housing, a speaker and microphone associated with the wireless headset interfaces with the mobile terminal via a wireless interface. However, when the wireless headset mechanically connects to the housing, the speaker and microphone associated with the wireless headset mechanically and electrically connect to the housing and operate as the speaker and microphone for the mobile terminal. A detector circuit included in the mobile device also determines the position of the wireless headset relative to the mobile terminal, and may automatically select a wireless or electrical interface between the wireless headset and the mobile terminal based on the determined position.

Abstract: A wireless earpiece assembly configured to physically contact a user substantially exclusively at an outer ear location of a user's ear when in use. For example, the outer ear location may be an ear lobe providing the assembly with an appearance of an earring. The assembly is configured to distribute a significant portion of its bulk away from the isolated location of a user's ear for long term user comfort without sacrifice of audio or communicational integrity. The wireless earpiece assembly simultaneously eliminates extraneous wiring in order to optimize the un-encumbering user-friendly advantages afforded by wireless technology.

Abstract: A set of parts for assembly into a reconfigurable communications device has at least an earpiece (16) a microphone (20) and a press-to-talk switch (24). These parts can be assembled together by respective connectors (19,22,26,29) and the device can be reconfigured by disconnecting and reconnecting with other parts of the set (for example different forms of switch and microphone) to meet other operational requirement.

Abstract: Communication unit comprising a house in which at least one transducer is placed, and on which a microphone arm is suspended. The housing also has an ear hook for fastening the communication unit to the head of a user. The microphone arm is pivotally connected to the housing by a hinge link at an outer area of the housing, and so that the microphone arm can be moved between a position in which it lies up against the housing, and a position in which it extends away from the housing. The microphone arm has a length, which in the main is less than or of the same order as the greatest extent of the housing, so that in the folded-in state the microphone arm does not project out over the circumference of the housing. The communication unit can be used on both the right and the left side of the head, in that the ear hook can be suspended in two different positions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a telephony earpiece is provided. The method includes providing a speaker diaphragm and constraining the speaker diaphragm using a cap to provide a thin cavity between the cap and the diaphragm. The first resonance peak of the diaphragm/cavity system is damped by a first slow leak in the cap. The frequency response is built up using a rear resonator in the cap and the high frequency end response is enhanced using a front resonator on an opposite side of said diaphragm as said cap. Positioning of these resonator holes is an important factor. The earpiece is tuned using a second leak to adjust amplitude of low frequency end response.

Abstract: An integrated circuit within a cellular telephone has a wake mode and a sleep mode. In the wake mode, a voltage regulator supplies a regulated voltage onto a MIC BIAS terminal. This voltage biases a microphone of a headset/microphone accessory that is coupled to the cellular telephone. If the user presses a switch on the accessory, then a large current is drawn out of the MIC BIAS terminal. This switch press condition is detected by an ADC within the integrated circuit. In the sleep mode, the regulator and ADC are disabled to conserve power. A novel switch detect circuit supplies a current out of the MIC BIAS terminal at an unregulated voltage. If the user presses the switch, then the current supplied from the MIC BIAS terminal increases. This switch press condition is detected over temperature, voltage and process conditions by a special inverter in the switch detect circuit.

Abstract: A Bluetooth headset in-car holder/car kit has a main body having an end formed into a pivoted plug for plugging in a cigarette lighter on a vehicle to obtain a power supply, and another end into a holding seat for a wireless Bluetooth headset to seat therein. The holding seat is provided with at least one connecting port, such as a USB port, to electrically connect to the Bluetooth headset and the plug, so that power is supplied from the vehicle via the plug to charge the Bluetooth headset. The main body is provided with speaker and microphone electrically connected to the connecting port, so that the headset in-car holder car kit with the wireless Bluetooth headset seated therein forms an in-car Bluetooth handsfree kit, enabling a user to listen and speak via the speaker and the microphone on the main body without putting on the Bluetooth headset.

Abstract: A multi-mode power supply device of a wireless earphone is disclosed. The earphone is communicable bi-directionally with portable communication devices wirelessly through an antenna. The earphone has a battery set. In at least one side of the earphone; an internal of the earphone has a power management circuit. The battery set supplies power to the power management circuit. The power management circuit is used to control the power on or off. The communication devices are selected from portable mobile phones and vehicle used phones. A suspender is capable of being inserted into or buckled into the groove of the earphone so that the suspender is positioned at one side of the power supply module. The suspender has a power supply module. When the suspender is combined to the earphone. The power management circuit is electrically connected to the power supply module.

Abstract: A cordless telephone headset, which is controlled by an unattached handheld control module. The control module includes a keypad, and emits an infrared signal towards the user's head corresponding to the depression of a particular key on the keypad. The cordless headset is worn on a user's head, receives the infrared signals originating from the control module, and performs a function corresponding to the particular signal received, such as dialing a number or placing the telephone on hook. The control module includes a visual display screen that provides visual confirmation of keypad depressions. The control module also displays caller identification or other data for visual observation.

Abstract: A communication system for telephone. The system uses infrared or radio wave as a medium for transmitting voice signal from a telephone to a receiver earphone worn by the user, and then uses a microphone to pick up voice messages from the user. Hence, hands-free telephone conversation is possible.

Abstract: A two-way voice communication device which provides a high-level of acoustic noise reduction is disclosed. A resilient ear tip provides acoustic isolation and secures the earphone within the ear canal of the user. The ability to rotate the earphone within the ear canal allows the user to easily position an attached microphone. The audio signals may be conveyed by an included radio frequency receiver and radio frequency transmitter, or the earphone may be connected to an electrical audio device using a multi-conductor cable. Audio signals may be conveyed to one or both ears of a user. A switch to mute the audio signal from the microphone, or for supporting a push-to-talk mode of operation, may be included in the earphone housing, or on the cable.

Abstract: Communication unit comprising a housing (1) in which at least one transducer is placed, and on which a microphone arm (2) is suspended. The housing also has an ear hook (6) for fastening the communication unit to the head of a user. The microphone arm (2) is pivotally connected to the housing (1) by a hinge link (3, 4, 5) at an outer area of the housing, and so that the microphone arm (2) can be moved between a position in which it lies up against the housing (1), and a position in which it extends away from the housing. The microphone arm has a length, which in the main is less than or of the same order as the greatest extent of the housing, so that in the folded-in state the microphone arm does not project out over the circumference of the housing. The communication unit can be used on both the right and the left side of the head, in that the ear hook (6) can be suspended in two different positions.

Abstract: The two-way communication earpiece is a small, inconspicious, and comfortable earpiece which fits behind the ear for sound delivery and pickup. The earpiece may be used with a variety of communication devices, such as telephones, cellular telephones, two-way radios, radios, tape players, CD players, and televisions. The earpiece is configured to be received behind the ear of a user with a sound delivery tube extending from behind the ear into the ear canal of the user. An eartip positioned on the sound delivery tube is preferably a non-occluding type eartip which allows ambient sound to enter the ear canal around the eartip. A microphone is positioned on the earpiece above the ear for voice pickup.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a telephony earpiece is provided. The method includes providing a speaker diaphragm and constraining the speaker diaphragm using a cap to provide a thin cavity between the cap and the diaphragm. The first resonance peak of the diaphragm/cavity system is damped by a first slow leak in the cap. The frequency response is built up using a rear resonator in the cap and the high frequency end response is enhanced using a front resonator on an opposite side of said diaphragm as said cap. Positioning of these resonator holes is an important factor. The earpiece is tuned using a second leak to adjust amplitude of low frequency end response.

Abstract: A holster (10) for a telecommunication device (12), such as a cellular telephone or wireless telephone, includes a housing (14) adapted to removably support the telecommunication device (12). The holster (10) also includes an earpiece assembly (52) including at least one transducer, such as an earbud (53) or a microphone (54), and a cord (56) depending from the at least one transducer (53, 54). The earpiece assembly (52) is extendable and retractable relative to the housing (14). The holster (10) further includes an extension/retraction assembly (32) having a spool (34) for taking up at least a portion of the cord (56) when the earpiece assembly (52) is retracted relative to the housing (14), and at least one coil spring (35) adapted to rotate the spool (34). The at least one coil spring (35) can electrically couple the at least one transducer (53, 54) to the telecommunication device (12).

Abstract: A rear-view mirror assembly 10 is provided, including a housing 12 and a reflective surface 14. At least one microphone 18 is positioned behind the reflective surface 14 within the housing 12. At least one audio port 20 allows sound to pass through the reflective surface 14 to reach the at least one microphone 18.

Abstract: There is provided a vibration generator 1 which is small sized but provides a sufficient vibration force and which is advantageous in assembly and packaging. A vibration generation portion of the vibration generator has a U-shaped leaf spring 2, 22 one end of which is fixed to a circuit board 6, a permanent magnet 3, 23 and an electromagnetic coil 4, 24. The permanent magnet is disposed on the leaf spring in a spaced confronting relation with the electromagnetic coil. The U-shaped leaf spring 2, 22 increase an actual length of the vibration portion to thereby lower a resonance frequency of the vibration portion so that vibration at the resonant point can be obtained and consequently a large vibration can be obtained efficiently by a small power. A power supply terminal device 30 can be provided for resiliently pressing from upward the vibration generation portion so that the power supply terminal device 30 serves not only as power source but also as a means for pressing an adhered portion of an adhesive tape.

Abstract: An ear mounted speaker assembly provides improved internal and external stability of a “in-the-ear” headset. A housing containing a speaker further contains an extender, audio portion and electrical compartment. The extender is adapted to rest in the intertragic notch of the ear. The audio portion is mounted to the extender and is of greater width than the extender. The audio portion is adapted to be positioned within the lower concha behind the tragus and antitragus of the ear. The compressible retainer extends from the surface of the housing and presses against the upper concha of the ear. The strut extends from the lower surface of the housing below the extender and extends downward outside the intertragic notch and presses against skin to stabilize the speaker assembly within the ear. Compressible retainers may be interchangeable and may come in a kit containing a plurality of interchangeable compressible retainers of a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A cover or mask to prevent the spread of germs from a telephone mouthpiece. The mask or cover is made of a porous nylon stretchable material. Antibacterial, such as lysol or similiar is sprayed onto the mask. the mask can be used wherever telephones are used by more then one person, such as a payphone or an office.

Abstract: An improved structure of headphone comprising: an arched straddle type strip, one end of the straddle type strip is provided with an earphone, an enlarged piece is provided on the other end of the arched straddle type strip, a flexible twig with a microphone on its own end is connected to the lower end of the earphone, the structure is characterized by that: the enlarged piece is provided with a soft cover having on the front and the rear ends thereof elastic hollow protrusions for contacting a lateral side of a head; thereby, the headphone can take advantage of the soft and comfortable elastic hollow protrusions for wearing and fixing after adjustment on and any head with different size, thus a practical structure of headphone is obtained.

Abstract: When a power source is turned on, a menu screen is displayed on LCD. When the insertion of an earphone jack is detected with the menu screen displayed, display on LCD is automatically switched from the menu screen to a dialing screen. A user can have conversation with a desired party by dialing using the displayed dialing screen. If the insertion of an earphone jack is detected while another processing is executed using the menu screen after the power source is turned on, the processing is temporarily interrupted and the dialing screen is displayed on LCD. The temporarily interrupted processing is executed again when a call is finished. Even during a call, another processing can be executed using the menu screen.

Abstract: A portable telephone communications system has a portable telephone terminal (300) and a repeater unit (100), and a remote receiver unit (200), wherein the repeater unit (100) includes a main power supply control device which includes detection means triggered by a signal from the telephone terminal arising on receipt of an incoming call, and including infra-red transmission means for transmitting the signal as a frequency-modulated signal to the remote receiver unit; the remote receiver unit (200) includes an infra-red receptor, demodulation means (205) and means for outputting the demodulated signals as audible voice signals, and further comprises a noise level comparator (209d) which compares the voltage of noise generated when no infra-red signals are received with a predetermined level and delivers an output signal when said voltage exceeds the predetermined level, and a time counter (210) which outputs a reset signal when the output from the noise comparator has been generated for a predetermined time i

Abstract: A handheld voice communication system including a handheld computing device and a handset linked to the computing device via a retractable cable. The handheld computing device includes a data display screen and a microphone integrated therein, and the handset includes a speaker. The handset is movable between a retracted position, wherein at least one portion of the cable is retracted into the computing device and the handset is in contact with the computing device, and an extended position wherein at least one portion of the cable is extended out of the computing device and the handset is spaced away from the computing device. In one embodiment, the speaker is capable of high-level audio output when the handset is in the retracted position and capable of low-level audio output when the handset is in the extended position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield for a handheld cellular phone that is particularly useful for shielding a hearing aid against EMI from the phone's antenna. The device includes a base and a flap laminated with a metallic shielding. The base attaches to the receiver end of the cellular phone and the flap rests over the base when the phone is not in use. In operation, the flap extends away from the base forming an enclosure about the user's ear for shielding the hearing aid from EMI when the phone is in use.

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 packaging scheme (10) for a microphone (22) comprises a housing having first opening (50) and a second opening (52) at opposing ends of the housing. The microphone has a top portion and a bottom portion arranged within the housing wherein the top portion is exposed to the first opening and the bottom portion is exposed to the second opening. Finally, a porous membrane (20) is mounted between the microphone and the openings on the opposing ends of the housing. The porous membrane can be retained against the housing using a sticker (16).

Abstract: A headphone includes an electro-acoustic transducer, a housing, and first, second and third members. The electro-acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and is supplied with a signal through a cord. The housing is shaped in such a way as to be accommodated into a concave portion of an auricle and includes an accommodating portion in which the electro-acoustic transducer is accommodated and a projecting portion for leading the cord from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing. The accommodating portion has a first opening so that the electro-acoustic transducer is exposed to the outside from the first opening. The projecting portion is formed on the rear surface of the accommodating portion. A first member is provided so as to cover the whole surface of the diaphragm and the first opening and is made of a metal material. The first member has a plurality of first openings. A second member is provided on the first member so as to cover the first member and is made of a synthetic resin material.

Abstract: An earpiece for use with a post-auricle communication headset is disclosed. The headset includes a capsule to which a microphone boom and the earpiece are affixed. The earpiece is composed of a flexible sound tube terminating in a sound tip surrounded by a conically shaped ear cushion. The sound tube includes an acoustically sealed swivel joint functioning to facilitate the secure positioning of the ear cushion in the user's ear. The cushion is composed of a compressible foam material and is configured so that the sound tip is not in contact with the user's ear thereby reducing irritation and dissipating sound surges.