Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a gaming system that cooperates with a graphical user interface to enable user modification and enhancement of one or more audio streams associated with the gaming system. In embodiments, the audio streams may include a game audio stream, a chat audio stream of conversation among players of a video game, and a microphone audio stream of a player of the video game. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program, the apparatus including means for determining that perspective mediated content is available within content provided to a rendering device; and means for adding a notification to the content indicative that perspective mediated content is available; wherein the notification includes spatial audio effects added to the content.

Abstract: An electronic device holder may include a body portion housed within an outer housing. The body portion may include surfaces that form a first cavity configured to receive the electronic device, and a second cavity. A sound transmitting passage can be positioned between the first cavity and the second cavity. The second cavity can passively amplify sound received from the second sound channel of the sound transmitting passage. The body of the electronic device holder can include a first wall, a first partition wall, and a second partition wall. The second wall can be generally parallel to a generally planar bottom surface of the holder and can be positioned between the first wall and the first partition wall so as to define a first cavity. A second cavity can be defined between the second partition wall and the outer housing.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a processor; memory accessible by the processor; a display housing that includes a display operatively coupled to the processor; a keyboard housing; a palm rest housing; a first hinge assembly that operatively couples the keyboard housing to the display housing; and a second hinge assembly that operatively couples the palm rest housing to the keyboard housing.

Abstract: An Internet-based communication method, apparatus and/or software may permit a user, engaged in a session using a first mode of communication, to initiate a communication using a second mode of communication. This may be done by providing an icon button for selection by the user, and the communication session using the second mode of communication may be initiated upon selection of the icon button.

Abstract: An application for a caller-identification system includes a circuit for receiving caller-identification information from a tip and ring interface and a circuit for wirelessly transmitting at least a subset of the caller-identification information to a display system. In the display system includes a circuit for receiving the caller-identification information and a circuit for displaying the caller-identification information on a display.

Abstract: A communication wall panel includes an interior panel member to be attached to a room as an interior wall material thereof; an information obtaining part provided in the interior panel member and configured to obtain information associated with a person in the room; a notification part provided in the interior panel member and configured to notify the person in the room of information; a communication part provided in the interior panel member and configured to perform communication with a server installed in a location other than the room; and a control part provided in the interior panel member and configured to control the information obtaining part and the notification part. The communication part is configured to transmit information obtained from the information obtaining part to the server and to output information transmitted from the server to the notification part.

Abstract: An accessory for a portable electronic device having a speaker uses an acoustic wave guide to passively amplify and direct the output of the device's speaker. The accessory has a housing with a docking cavity formed therein. The docking cavity has supportive sidewalls that are adapted to receive and support the portable electronic device in an upright position. A cable access channel is formed in the docking cavity that allows a connector and cable to be coupled to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is mounted in the docking cavity. An acoustic waveguide having a spiral shaped acoustic chamber is positioned in the housing such that an entrance to the acoustic waveguide corresponds to a hole in the docking cavity that is positioned to correspond to the location of the speaker of the device when the device is mounted in the docking chamber. The exit of the acoustic chamber corresponds to an exterior opening in a sidewall of the housing and the hole in the docking cavity.

Abstract: The communication privacy mask has a housing having an opening coupled with a mouth piece and a hollow sound tube mounted in the housing. A microphone is positioned in the sound tube with a space in front of the front end of the microphone.

Abstract: The voice absorber of the present invention includes an absorption member and an attachment member and is adapted for use with portable telephonic devices to enable a user to engage in a more private conversation and limit the disruption to individuals nearby the user during the conversation. The shape of the absorption member may be selectively configurable and may be constructed of multiple layers, including a layer specifically adapted to absorb sound waves. The attachment member enables the voice absorber to be easily affixed and removed from portable telephonic devices and generally positions the absorption member in front of the user's mouth. The voice absorber also functions to isolate the transmitter portion of a portable telephonic device from ambient, background noise and serves as a reminder to a user to speak with a quieter voice.

Abstract: A handset device (10) includes a substrate (56) defining a first audio port portion (78) and having a contact pad (266). An adhesive (60) is operatively coupled to the substrate (56). The adhesive (60) defines a second audio port portion (276) stacked with the first audio port portion (278) and defines a first electrical port portion (262). A speaker (32) having an electrical connector (238) is operatively coupled to the contact pad (266) through the first electrical port portion (262). The adhesive (60) is operative to seal the first and second audio port portions (278 and 276) from the electrical port portion (262). In addition, in one example, the handset device (10) may include a substrate (56) defining a first audio port portion (278), a speaker (32) operatively coupled to the substrate (56), and a rear housing (20) operatively coupled to the substrate (56) and defining an audio cavity (1104).

Abstract: The voice absorber of the present invention includes an absorption member and an attachment member and is adapted for use with portable telephonic devices to enable a user to engage in a more private conversation and limit the disruption to individuals nearby the user during the conversation. The absorption member is formable into a conical shape and may be constructed of multiple layers, including a layer specifically adapted to absorb sound waves. The attachment member enables the voice absorber to be easily affixed and removed from portable telephonic devices and generally positions the absorption member in front of the user's mouth. The voice absorber also functions to isolate the transmitter portion of a portable telephonic device from ambient, background noise and serves as a reminder to a user to speak with a quieter voice. The voice absorber may include words, symbols, drawings, or be colored to provide marketing exposure.

Abstract: A device for transforming a digital signal into an acoustic signal, making use of a standard phase modulation, that comprises a modem chip (1) with a phase modulation of known kind, used until now for the data transmission via cable, conceived and used only for a cable connection, for acquiring a digital signal through a serial inlet RS232 and for modulating the same according to a standard record V.22, and an acoustic transducer (2) of the piezoelectric kind guided by the modem chip (1).

Abstract: An automatic dialing device, system, and method for automatically dialing telephone numbers, placing orders and making announcements are provided. A user of the device places the device near the receiver of a telephone and presses a button on the device. By pressing the button, the user activates a circuit board in the device, and a tone necessary to dial a telephone number or otherwise relay an electronic code is generated. The generated tone is recognized by the telephone receiver, and the telephone number or code is transmitted. The code transmitted may be directed to a business, a person, or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are a detachable keypad and a mobile phone with the detachable keypad. The detachable keypad includes an earphone-microphone jack, a key array, and a DTMF generator. When a key is pressed while an earphone plug is inserted into the earphone-microphone jack, a DTMF signal corresponding to the pressed key is transmitted to a microphone of a mobile phone through an earphone-microphone speaker. In the mobile phone, an earphone-microphone speaker fixing portion fixes an earphone-microphone speaker at a position suitable for a microphone to receive sound from the earphone-microphone speaker. An audio/DTMF separator separates a signal received at the microphone into an audio signal and a DTMF signal. A controller analyzes the DTMF signal and performs an operation according to the analysis result.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the communication of data over telephone lines. A handset orientation tolerant bi-directional acoustic modem according to the invention includes a first transducer operable as a receiving unit under a first condition and as a transmitting unit under a second condition, a second transducer operable as a transmitting unit under the first condition and as a receiving unit under the second condition, and a controller capable of determining the presence of one of the first and the second condition. The presence of the first condition or second condition depends on how the microphone and the speaker of a telephone handset are aligned with respect to the two transducers. The acoustic modem determines the alignment by listening for a detectable dial tone, and then under the first or the second condition, the acoustic modem automatically transmits data to a central site for analysis.

Abstract: A method for creating spatially resolved audio signals for a listener (18) that are representative of one or more callers (12, 14, 16). A digital data signal (13) that represents the individual caller's voice (12) contains an embedded tag (24) that is identifiable with the individual caller. The digital data signal is transmitted from a sending device at the caller's location to a receiving device (30) at the listener's location. At the listener's receiving device, the tag is used to associate each of the digital data signals with a head related transfer functions (32) that are resident in the receiving device by consulting a lookup table. The digital data streams are then convolved (34) with the associated head related transfer function to form binaural digital signals, which are ported to two or more acoustic transducers (36) to create analog audio signals that appear to emanate from different spatial locations around the listener.

Abstract: An audio coupler device for communication with a T-coil in a hearing aid is described to fit inside the receiver section of a handset as defined. The coupler device is so mounted inside the receiver section as to provide strong inductive coupling with a T-coil inside the hearing aid to deliver audio signals from the handset to the person wearing the hearing aid. The coupler device has a coil and a magnetic core that is preferably formed of a ferromagnetic material and a capacitor is placed in series with the coil. The coupler device in turn is connected in series with the speaker so as to reduce loading of circuitry inside the handset and driving the speaker. The coupler device can be mounted in many different handset devices and is preferably mounted to concentrate an audio inductive field at the T-coil in a hearing aid worn by a person using the handset device.

Abstract: A hand-free operator can be externally dialed via a dialing device. It is more particularly related to an external dialing device, which can be applied to all kinds of cellular phones. Thereby people do not have to keep telephone numbers in memory, they can make direct dials on a hand-free operator by means of telephone numbers stored in advance in a memory unit of a dialing device. It mainly houses a hand-free operator circuit and a dial processing unit in a hand-free operator embodiment that operate in collaboration with a signal cable and a dialing device (DTMF acoustic generator). It enables people to make a dial on cellular phones of all kinds via a hand-free operator without memorizing phone numbers or resorting to phone books, effectively facilitating the use of cellular phones and advancing driving safety.

Abstract: A coupler enabling communication of information between a communication device, such as a PIM device, and an acoustic device, such as a telephone, using acoustic tones. The coupler includes a speaker for transmitting information in the form of acoustic tones to the acoustic device and a speaker for receiving acoustic tones from the acoustic device. The coupler may also include an adjustment mechanism which facilitates coupling between the microphone and an earpiece of the acoustic device and between the speaker and a mouthpiece of the acoustic device. The microphone and speaker positions may be adjustable to adapt to a variety of telephone handset styles, such as cellular telephones or cordless telephones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sound transducer in fluoride polyvinylidene (FPVD), its process of manufacture and integration into a card producing acoustic signals transmittable by telephone route. The process is chiefly characterized in that it consists of making (10) dual surface metallization strips distributed over the entire width of a ribbon in FPVD of great length and of very narrow thickness, cutting (11) each metallization strip into a unit film, fixing (12) a portion of film onto a pre-determined site of an interconnection array made on the rear surface of the card, cutting away excess film, then placing the film portion under stress (13), in such manner that it may emit acoustic signals when voltage is applied to it. This process is highly useful for the manufacture of acoustic signal producing cards of very narrow thickness and low cost price.

Abstract: A method of generation and detection of acoustic signals carrying alpha-numeric data for reducing the effects of noise and thereby improving signal transmission without the need to boost the power of the signal. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a special DTMF acoustic signal consisting of a combination of two frequencies will be generated for the representation of a particular alpha-numeric character that will be similar to the standard DTMF tone. The difference between the amplitudes of both frequencies varies during the time of generation of the DTMF tone in such a way that both signals will arrive at a final destination detector, i.e., an interactive voice response board, at least for a portion of the generation time, at a relatively similar amplitude, thereby substantially increasing the probabilities of being recognized as a DTMF signal.

Abstract: A card (922) comprises a body (909). A connector (522) is carried on the body for coupling to a communication device (900). A user interface including a keypad (926) is carried on the body and coupled to the connector. An identity circuit (904) is coupled to the connector. The identity circuit can be a GSM SIM. The card can include an aperture (924) for alignment with a display on a device with which the card is used.

Abstract: A system and method for providing user feedback for coupling the speaker and microphone of a communications device with the mouthpiece and earpiece of a telephone handset is provided in which the device may indicate to the user when a poor coupling exists causing a poor signal quality value to be generated. The system may provide feedback to the user, which may be visual or audible, so that the user may correct the interface between the communications device and the telephone handset until a predetermined quality signal is generated indicating that communications may occur between the communications device and the telephone handset.

Abstract: A multi-function electronic messaging system for transmitting messages over a first communications link having a remote unit for generating forward error corrected signals representing various types of electronic messages, for generating acoustical tones corresponding to the error corrected signals is provided. The acoustical tones are coupled to the send-only first communications link and transferred to a computer. The computer sends an acknowledgement signal back to the user of the remote unit over the first communications link and decodes and error checks the signals. The computer also reformats the various messages and resends them out over various communication links depending on the ultimate destination of the message. The computer may also send messages to the remote unit over a receive-only second communications link. A multi-level method of error detecting and correcting data is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for communicating data between a computer and a unit remote from the computer is provided, comprising receiving input information from a user in the remote unit and for producing data signals corresponding to the input information, producing error corrected message signals from the data signals, generating acoustical tones corresponding to the error corrected message signals, communicating said acoustical tones over a first communications link, said first communications link being bi-directional so that the remote unit communicates data with the computer, and receiving acoustic tones over said first communications link from the computer, the acoustical tones being adjusted for the conditions of the first communication link prior to transmission to the remote unit. The remote unit may also receive data from the computer over a second communications link, which is independent of the first communications link so that the remote unit receives data from two different communications links.

Abstract: A coupler is provided which may be incorporated into a handheld communications device to permit the handheld device to be acoustically coupled to a variety of telephone handsets. The device may include a spring-biased, adjustable microphone arm onto which a microphone is mounted in order to acoustically couple the microphone to the telephone handset. The microphone arm may be adjustable to adapt to a variety of telephone handset styles, such as cellular telephones or cordless telephones, in order to permit the acoustical coupling to be achieved with a large number of different telephone handsets.

Abstract: Tone generating apparatus for a cellular telephone simulates those tones normally sensed by a user of a conventional land-line telephone. The cellular telephone is adapted to communicate with a base station via a service provider which provides different types of service, such as HOME service, ROAM service, or alternate HOME service. A progress tone generator is actuable to generate for the user selected dial tone indications as a function of the detected type of service provided by the service provider. In addition, when the keypad of the cellular telephone is operated, digit tones identifying the actuation of the respective keys are generated as is digit data which represents those keys; the digit data being transmitted to the base station to dial a respective telephone number. A warning indication, such as a distinctive tone, is generated in the event that the digit data does not represent a valid telephone number.

Abstract: A telecommunications network comprises a virtual transport server (VTS) for making network routing decisions and establishing call connections. Each VTS is interconnected to each signal transfer point in a common channel signaling (CCS) system associated with the network. Each VTS is also interconnected to at least one switch in a transmission network, such as an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch. The VTS maintains routing tables identifying trunk groups associated with each central office switch in the network. During operation, an initial address message received from a signal transfer point in the VTS is processed and subsequently extended to an ATM switch so that a call connection can be established. Upon completion of the established call, the VTS releases resources associated with the ATM switch.

Abstract: In communication networks with transmission devices using analog circuitry, because of unadapted 4-wire/2-wire junctions, some of the speech of a local speaker is reflected back to the local speaker as a line echo. This line echo is neutralized by echo compensators. However, updating of the filter coefficients of the echo compensators cannot be allowed to occur unless speech of the far-end speaker is absent. Thus, recalculation of the filter coefficients must be precluded at other times. Various possibilities for detecting the speech of a local speaker are well known. According to the invention, detection of the speech of a far-end speaker is fed back to obtain an attenuation measurement of the transmission path; this received speech simulates a reduction in attenuation. From the difference between the long-time average (Aa(k+1)) and the short-time average (A(k+1)) of the attenuation, it is learned very quickly, by comparison with a threshold (THRe), whether speech is present or not.

Abstract: An auto-dialer suitable for use as a smart card capable of being acoustically coupled to a telephone and being reprogrammed in response to acoustic signals. The programming and other features of the auto-dialer can be enabled or disabled by the auto-dialer in response to persecuted signals, e.g., a string of DTMF tones. Encryption of calling card and other data into destination telephone numbers is achieved by selectively altering persecuted characteristics of a DTMF tone sequence, such as the duration of tones, the period of silence between tones and the twist between Lo-band and Hi-band tones of DTMF tone pairs in a DTMF tone sequence representing a telephone number. The encryption of data into the telephone number does not affect the ability of standard telephone switching circuitry to recognize the destination number.

Abstract: Active noise control for use by individuals using magnetically coupled hearing aids is realized by generating a true representation of the handset input signal, which is employed to drive a separate external field coil. The external field coil is positioned between the handset receiver and the handset acoustic output ports so that it is in close proximity to a user's ear cavity and, hence, to the magnetically coupled hearing aid. Also, in some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic shield is employed between the handset receiver and the external field coil to inhibit the magnetic leakage field from the receiver element from mixing with the magnetic field from the external field coil.

Abstract: An auto-dialer suitable for use as a smart card capable of being acoustically coupled to a telephone and being reprogrammed in response to acoustic signals. The programming and other features of the auto-dialer can be enabled or disabled by the auto-dialer in response to persecuted signals, e.g., a string of DTMF tones. Encryption of calling card and other data into destination telephone numbers is achieved by selectively altering persecuted characteristics of a DTMF tone sequence, such as the duration of tones, the period of silence between tones and the twist between Lo-band and Hi-band tones of DTMF tone pairs in a DTMF tone sequence representing a telephone number. The encryption of data into the telephone number does not affect the ability of standard telephone switching circuitry to recognize the destination number.

Abstract: An interactive voice communication terminal (10) provides alpha and numeric characters transmitted from a DTMF generator (36) to access a database by interfacing with the mouthpiece (24) of a telephone handset (26) via a transducer (22). A keypad (14) is operable to allow selection of one of multiple characters associated with alpha characters and numeric characters. A table of DTMF strings associated with each key is stored in a memory (34). In response to depression of a key on the keypad (14), a centralized controller (32) controls the DTMF generator (36) to output the sequence associated with the depressed key that was stored in the memory (34) to transducer (22) via a driver (38). The tables in the memory (34) can be a combination of DTMF sequences for alpha characters and single number sequences for numerical sequences or they can be fixed-length sequences for all numerical and alpha characters.

Abstract: A method and system for downloading initial setup data to an apparatus for controlling at least one appliance.

Abstract: The remote control comprises a microprocessor including a CPU and memory, a keypad including keys for operating the remote control coupled to the microprocessor, signal outputting circuitry, driver circuitry coupled to the microprocessor for driving the signal outputting circuitry, hardware and software, including the microprocessor, for generating output signal data which is supplied to the driver circuitry, a signal coupling transducer, such as a pick-up coil, in the remote control for picking up electro-magnetic signals from an electro-magnetic signal emitting or transmitting device, such as a telephone handset, coupling circuitry for coupling the signal coupling transducer to the microprocessor and decoding software in the microprocessor for decoding the electro-magnetic signals picked up into bits and/or bytes of output signal data and storing same in the memory.

Abstract: A post assembly process for enabling a manufacturer of acoustical communications apparatus, such as telephones and the like, to conveniently trim a sensitivity characteristic of an electret microphone therein, after assembly of the apparatus, whereby a uniform performance standard may be adhered to. When the acoustical sensitivity characteristic of the electret transducer is measured to be greater than a predetermined value, the transducer is exposed to X-ray radiation until the measured sensitivity characteristic has been reduced to the predetermined value.

Abstract: A surveying technique transmits a combined signal made up of a programming signal and a survey signal, both of which are acoustically reproduced by a speaker in the audible range. The survey signal is uniquely coded to identify a signal source such as a radio station or television channel. At the receiver, the acoustic survey signal is controlled so as not to be heard at an appreciable distance from the speaker, and is converted to a non-acoustic signal. The converted non-acoustic signal is transmitted for detection by a portable unit worn by a person being monitored for his listening and/or viewing habits. The detection of the converted survey signal by the portable unit identifies the signal source to which the person was tuned. The conversion avoids the possibility of disturbing the monitored individual by the acoustic survey signal.

Abstract: An information communication apparatus includes acoustic and non-acoustic couplers, a switch for selectively connecting an information sending source of the apparatus to the acoustic or non-acoustic couplers, a setting unit for selectively setting items of a communication characteristic of each of the acoustic and non-acoustic couplers, a memorizing circuit for memorizing communication characteristics each having items the values of which are preset by the setting unit, a connection detector for detecting the connection of the acoustic coupler to a communication line, and an information sending controller. The controller connects the sending source to the acoustic or non-acoustic coupler by the switch in response to the acoustic coupler connection or not connection and controls the information sending according to the acoustic coupler or non-acoustic coupler communication characteristic from the memorizing circuit.

Abstract: The telephone (1) comprises a base (2) adapted to be connected to a telephone line, a first handset (4) connected to the base (2) by a flexible cord (5) and a second handset (6) connected to the base (2) by a radio link. To reduce the size of the base (2), the latter is formed with a cavity (11) in which the second handset (6) can be fully inserted, or at least substantially so. This cavity (11) communicates with the exterior of the base through an opening (11b) formed in one of the walls (2c) of the base's casing, such that the microphone and the earpiece of the second handset (6) are acoustically linked with the exterior of the base (2) and hence enable the second handset (6) to be used even when it is lodged in its cavity (11).

Abstract: The universal remote control system includes a universal remote control comprising an input including a set of keys or push buttons for inputting commands into the remote control, infrared signal output circuitry for supplying an infrared signal to a controlled device including IR lamp driver circuitry, a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the input and to the signal output circuitry, a single, non-volatile read-write memory coupled to the CPU and data coupling circuitry including terminal structure comprising a receiving port coupled to the CPU for enabling code data for creating appropriate IR lamp driver instructions for causing the infrared signal output circuitry to emit infrared signals which will cause specific functions to occur in a specific controlled device, for operating a variety of devices to be controlled, to be supplied from outside the remote control through the receiving port of the terminal structure directly to the CPU for direct entry to the memory to enable the remote control to co

Abstract: A hands-free telephone assembly according to the present invention comprises a speech network mounted in a base and having an input channel and an output channel, the speech network being connected to a telephone interface which is selectively connectable to a telephone line. Also included are a gain-controllable amplifier in said input channel, a primary transducer including a primary speaker connected to the output of said gain-controllable amplifier, and a primary microphone, and a gain and frequency controllable amplifier connecting the primary microphone to said input channel. The primary transducer is mounted in a housing separate from the base, said housing being constructed and arranged so as to fit within the ear canal of a user and to be releasably maintained therein. Finally, the assembly contains a cancellation mechanism for suppressing positive feedback between the primary microphone and the primary speaker.

Abstract: An acoustic coupler for a data communication device with a housing having a receiver and a coupling member mechanically coupling the receive housing and the transmitter housing. The acoustic coupler also includes a first microphone as part of the receiver for receiving an acoustic signal from a transmitter portion of a handset of a telephone, when the acoustic coupler is set to the handset. A first speaker is fastened to the second end of the receive part and outputting an acoustic signal to an operator, with yet a second speaker being fastened receiver portion of the housing for outputting an acoustic signal to a receiver portion of the handset. A second microphone is fastened to another part of the receiver which is for inputting an acoustic signal from the operator, and a coupling circuit for electrically coupling the first microphone, the second microphone, the first speaker and the second speaker to a data transmission apparatus.

Abstract: A transmission control unit disclosed is used when an electronic device which is usually directly connected to a telephone line is used via a public telephone or the like. In this case, the transmission control unit is connected to a MODEM included in the electronic device, and a microphone and a speaker of the transmission control unit are brought to confront the speaker and the microphone of the telephone. When the transmission to the electronic device on the other end of the line is conducted, tone dialing is conducted to make a call and data is then transmitted. The thus transmitted data is converted by a converter of the transmission control unit so as to be transmitted to the telephone line connected to the other end of the line, while data from the electronic device on the other end of the line is transmitted and converted so as to be supplied to the MODEM.

Abstract: A large number of name and telephone number numerical data can be stored in a RAM, and a reservation flag which represents whether a call is made or not can be set for each telephone number numerical data. A time mode for displaying time, a search mode for sequentially displaying all telephone number data stored in the RAM, or a reservation mode for displaying only the telephone number data having a reservation flag can be selectively set upon operations of switches SW1 and SW3. A dialing tones generator and a speaker are arranged to convert the displayed telephone number data into dialing tones and output the converted dialing tones.

Abstract: A telephone communication apparatus for receiving data from a telephone network in either of two modes, i.e., an acoustic mode and an electromagnetic mode, and for automatically selecting the particular mode that provides fewer data errors.

Abstract: The open end of a thin shell is snugly fitted over the earpiece of a standard telephone handset to secure the shell on the handset. Teeth or projections can extend inward from the sidewalls of the shell for snap-fit connection of the shell to the earpiece. The sidewalls of the shell project beyond the sound-emitting outer surface of the earpiece to an apertured outer surface of the shell against which the ear of a user can rest. The shell forms an extension attachment spacing the ear of a hearing aid wearer a distance from the earpiece sufficient to avoid generation of objectionable feedback sounds during use of the telephone.

Abstract: A telephone set usable as an acoustic coupler comprising, a transmitter for generating an acoustic signal in response to an electric signal applied thereto, a receiver for generating an electric signal in response to an acoustic signal thereto, a telephone unit for performing telephone communication, a switch for switching over the operation mode of the telephone set, a switching controller connected to the transmitter, receiver and telephone unit for changing the operation mode of the telephone set, in response to the switching state of the switch, display connected to the switching controller for indicating the current operation mode of the telephone set, first connecting terminal connected to the telephone unit for connecting with an external device, second connecting terminal connected to the switching controller for connecting with an external device, and a belt attached to the telephone set for attaching the transmitter and the receiver to a hand set of another telephone set in alignment therewith, the

Abstract: An attachment for a telephone handset used by users of in-the-ear hearing aids including a cup shaped member which acoustically couples the handset to the ear and serves to cancel feedback between the hearing aid receiver and microphone.

Abstract: A portable system for recording telephone conversations from a telephone and also for recording face-to-face conversations includes a portable, battery-powered audible sound recorder carried by the user, a microphone connected to the recorder, and a microphone support which is supported by the ear of the user for retaining the microphone between the telephone earpiece and the inner portion of the auditory meatus of the user. By locating the microphone near the auditory meatus or in the outer portion of the auditory meatus of the user, sounds of the face-to-face conversation and sounds of the telephone conversation from the earpiece are recorded on the recorder. With the recording system of the invention, there is no physical contact between the microphone and the telephone earpiece. A microphone holder is also disclosed for retaining a small microphone near or in the auditory meatus of the user.