Abstract: A loudspeaker includes a frame, a magnet coupled to the frame and a diaphragm secured to the frame. An acoustic lens may be positioned in front of the diaphragm. An aperture extends through the acoustic lens. The acoustical directivity pattern of the loudspeaker may be modified by the acoustic lens to improve the uniformity of the off axis vs. on axis sound pressure level.

Abstract: Eyewear comprises a microphone and a speaker. An eyewear neck strap couples the microphone and speaker to a wearer unit carried by the eyewear wearer. The wearer unit exchanges wireless signals with a base station. The base station is coupled to various devices such as surgical theater equipment, and/or to a telecommunication system, such as a telephone system. The eyewear enables the wearer to conduct hands-free communication such as telephone conversations and command and control operations, as well as to perform other hands-free tasks such as dictation. The wearer also receives data in audio form or as an image using a video display coupled with the eyewear.

Abstract: A microphone housing improves the broadband noise canceling performance of an active noise canceling microphone system while also ensuring improved speech transmission through the system. First and second microphone elements are selected each having a diameter “d” and a thickness “t”. The two microphone elements are aligned axially with the back surfaces in contact and secured in an axially aligned cylindrical cavity within a cylindrically shaped housing. The cylindrically shaped housing has an outside diameter “D,” an interior cavity of diameter of “d,” and a height “2t”. The housing is exposed to an environment comprising both speech and noise. The first microphone element is adapted to receive a signal having both voice and noise components, while the second microphone element is adapted to receive a signal that is predominantly noise. A controller processes signals from the first microphone element and the second microphone element.

Abstract: A microphone assembly fitted to a panel of a vehicle-mounted control module, provided with a housing for housing a microphone and having an opening section on a surface facing the panel, and a holding case for holding the housing so as to be capable of pivoting, and when inserted into a receptacle provided in the panel the housing pivots so as to seal the opening section to the panel.

Abstract: Headsets are used in variety of applications to facilitate one- or two-way audio communications between users and/or devices. The present inventor recognized that conventional headsets lack means for successfully integrating more than one audio source, despite their use in proximity to multiple sources of audio signals, such as cell phones, laptops, aircraft radios, and so forth. Accordingly, the present inventors devised one or more devices, circuits, and methods related to connection of at least two audio input signals to a headset. For example, in one embodiment, an active-noise-reduction (ANR) headset includes at least one auxiliary port for connection to an output of at least one device, such as a personal communications, computing, and/or entertainment device. This exemplary headset also includes a primary port for connection to a two-radio or public-address system and circuitry for automatically suppressing or muting the volume of an auxiliary input signal relative to that of a primary input signal.

Abstract: A microphone isolation system. The system includes an isolation member, a support member, and at least two compliant members. The at least two compliant members mechanically support the isolation member and isolate the isolation member from vibrations. The at least two compliant members can also isolate the support member from any vibratory excitation source coupled to and/or supported by the isolation member.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of a noise canceling microphone with acoustically tuned ports are disclosed herein. In one aspect of the invention, the noise canceling microphone may comprise a housing, a transducer for converting received energy received into electrical signals, where the transducer is located in the housing, a front and rear sound pathways to a front and rear sound openings in the transducer, where the front and rear sound pathways may be located on opposite sides of the housing and may be displaced 180 degrees off a vertical axis. The noise canceling microphone may further comprising a boom for supporting the noise canceling microphone, where the boom may be deformed to place the noise canceling microphone near the mouth of the user. For example, the boom may be deformed to place the noise canceling microphone at least ten millimeters away from the edge of the mouth of the user.

Abstract: A microphone assembly for a vehicle accessory includes one or more transducers positioned in a microphone housing. The microphone housing has at least one acoustic port to which the transducer is acoustically coupled. The microphone assembly further includes a windscreen sealed across the acoustic port. The windscreen having hydrophobic properties to prevent water from penetrating the microphone housing through the acoustic port.

Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides and/or rear. The transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which, with the circuit, produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A microphone assembly includes at one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides. The microphone transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers which with the circuit produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone can be employed in a vehicle accessory.

Abstract: A second-order microphone system is constructed of two null-less first-order microphone elements. The null-less first-order microphone elements prevent the degradations that occur in performance when a second-order microphone system is used at the side of a person's head.

Abstract: A directional microphone assembly suitable for subsurface mounting. A directional pickup pattern is developed from the outputs of a plurality of omnidirectional microphone elements mounted in an assembly behind a surface such that their acoustic excitation comes from the opposite side of the surface through small openings in the surface. The openings may have varying dimensions and may be covered with acoustically semi-transparent material without significantly degrading the assembly frequency response or polar pattern. Precautions are taken to ensure design robustness considering practical microphone element characteristics and potential high levels of low-frequency excitation.

Abstract: A microphone comprising a diaphragm which has a front diaphragm surface on which sound waves impinge and a rear diaphragm surface which is at least partially acoustically separated from the front diaphragm surface, and a sound inlet, through which sound waves can go to the rear diaphragm surface. In order to improve a strongly frequency-dependent frequency response characteristic in respect of the directional effect of the microphone, the microphone includes at least one damping element and the slot-shaped sound inlet forms substantially an acoustic inductance so that at least a part of the sound waves to be picked up is passed with a delay to the rear diaphragm surface.

Abstract: A microphone comprises a housing defining an inner volume and including a first exterior surface with an aperture leading to the inner volume. The microphone includes a transducing assembly within the housing for converting sound into an electrical signal. A sound inlet plate defines, typically in combination with the first exterior surface, a passageway for transmitting sound to the aperture The passageway receives the sound from an opening in the sound inlet plate. The opening is offset from the location at which the aperture is positioned on the exterior surface. The sound inlet plate is made very thin so that it does not extend substantially away from the housing.

Abstract: In order to improve the directional effect in a hearing device system with a hearing aid device worn behind the left ear and a hearing aid device worn behind the right ear, the hearing aid devices are to be fashioned side-specific. Furthermore, each hearing aid device has at least three sound entrance ports that are arranged substantially along a straight line. When the hearing aid devices are worn, these straight lines are turned toward the straight-ahead viewing direction of a hearing device user (in contrast to symmetrically-fashioned hearing aid devices) due to the particular fashioning of the hearing aid devices. A directional effect thus is achieved by the natural formation of the pinna.

Abstract: An electrostatic pressure-gradient microphone capsule to be mounted essentially flush in or behind especially flat mounting surfaces includes a capsule housing with two sound inlet openings which may be divided, a diaphragm tightly mounted on a diaphragm ring, an electrode and possibly an acoustic friction. The two sound entry openings are arranged on one side of the capsule housing, i.e., the front side, and one sound entry opening is connected acoustically conductively with the front side of the diaphragm and the other sound entry opening is connected acoustically conductively with the rear side of the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is arranged essentially parallel to the front side.

Abstract: A microphone capsule for an in-the-ear hearing aid is disclosed. The capsule can include a top plate having first and second spaced openings defining front and rear sound inlets, and a directional microphone cartridge enclosing a diaphragm. The diaphragm is oriented generally perpendicular to the top plate and divides the directional microphone cartridge housing into a front chamber and a rear chamber. A front sound passage communicates between the front sound inlet and the front chamber, and a rear sound passage communicates between the rear sound inlet and the rear chamber. Front and rear acoustic damping resistors are associated with the front and rear sound passages. The acoustic resistor pair provides a selected time delay, such as about 4 microseconds, between the front and rear sound passages. The use of two acoustic resistors instead of one levels the frequency response, compared to the frequency response provided by a rear acoustic damping resistor alone.

Abstract: The invention provides method and apparatus that utilize a plurality of port sub-arrays, in which each port sub-array comprises a plurality of acoustical ports. The ports of each port sub-array are spaced so that each port sub-array responds to acoustical signals that are generated by acoustical sources within an associated frequency range. In an embodiment of the invention, associated frequency ranges are related in a harmonic manner, in which each port sub-array corresponds to different frequency octaves. The associated frequency range is a portion of the total frequency range of an acoustical system. Received acoustical signals from each of the port sub-arrays are coupled over acoustical pathways and are converted into electrical signals by capsules that may be mounted in a capsule mounting. The electrical signals may be filtered, such as to reduce spatial aliasing, and post processed to further enhance the characteristics of the signals.

Abstract: A new acoustic sensing device or directional microphone having greater sensitivity and reduced noise. The directional microphone or acoustic sensor has a rigid, one micron thick, polysilicon membrane having dimensions of about 1 mm×2 mm. The membrane is supported upon its center by rigid supports having torsional and transverse stiffness. The differential microphone is useful in hearing aids, telecommunications equipment, information technology and military applications.

Abstract: An improved boom adapted for use in or with a headset is disclosed. The boom generally comprises a voice tube having a first entry aperture, a light tube, and a noise reducer. The noise reducer is composed at least partially of a porous plastic material and partially or fully covers the voice tube, the noise canceling tube, and/or the light tube.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) having a multi-mode acoustic system (120) and a method (500) for radiating sound waves are described herein. The acoustic system (120) generally includes a transducer (530), a first port (510), and a second port (520). The first and second ports (510, 520) may be acoustically coupled to the transducer (530). The second port (520) may be acoustically symmetric relative to the first port (510) such that output from the second port (520) is substantially identical to output from the first port (510).

Abstract: This invention addresses a fundamental weakness in currently common microphones, and their applications in feedback for audio speaker systems. This limitation stems from the fundamental difficulties of typical membrane-type microphones in the frequency range 1-100 Hz. The self-noise of membrane-type microphones increases in this range approximately as 1/f, and membrane-type microphones are sensitive to parasitic inertial vibrations, which are usually very important in this frequency range. The removal of these limitations enables the use of such a sensor (APV sensor) for effective feedback in audio speakers, dramatically improving performance in the low-frequency range of 10-100 Hz. Without feedback, typical audio speakers suffer severe attenuation and/or distortion in this range.

Abstract: An acoustic mechanism is provided for a microphone, by which the transmission sensitivity-vs.-frequency characteristic of the microphone can be adjusted by an easy operation. Good communication quality can be thereby invariably secured for radio communications, and a preferred communication sound can also be obtained. Elongated openings 16a and 16b that are long in a periphery direction are formed in the peripheral wall portion of a housing 11 of a microphone main unit 1. Hollow cylindrical packing 2 made of rubber, in which elongated openings 21a and 21b are formed at locations corresponding to the positions of the elongated openings 16a and 16b in the housing 11, is fitted over the housing 11 for securing. A hollow, cylindrical adjustment ring 3 where slits 32a and 32b are formed at locations corresponding to the positions of the elongated openings 21a and 21b is fitted over the periphery of the packing 2.

Abstract: A microphone construction for use in a hearing aid wherein a faceplate separates a switching mechanism from a microphone having first and second acoustic ports. The first and second acoustic ports are placed into acoustic relationships with first and second acoustic opening within the faceplate by first and second acoustic passages, respectively. The switching mechanism is positionable between a first position wherein the first and second acoustic ports are in an acoustically receptive state and a second position wherein either the first or second acoustic port is in an acoustically receptive state and the other acoustic port is in an acoustically unreceptive state.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a particular accessory and an arrangement for a mobile phone (5) and its hands-free function, for instance in a car. Thanks to the accessory, such as a cradle (16), the characteristics of the mobile phone (5) are changed, preferably for the hands-free function, due a strip (17) which covers at least one of the at least two sound openings (7A, 7B) of the pressure gradient microphone (7) of the mobile phone. The sound opening can be covered also by a special flange of an accessory connector, or by a separate bridge mounted in the cradle. The covering can also be sealed with a rubber seal, for instance.

Abstract: An electrostatic pressure-gradient microphone capsule to be mounted essentially flush in or behind especially flat mounting surfaces includes a capsule housing with two sound inlet openings which may be divided, a diaphragm tightly mounted on a diaphragm ring, an electrode and possibly an acoustic friction. The two sound entry openings are arranged on one side of the capsule housing, i.e., the front side, and one sound entry opening is connected acoustically conductively with the front side of the diaphragm and the other sound entry opening is connected acoustically conductively with the rear side of the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is arranged essentially parallel to the front side.

Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides and/or rear. The transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which, with the circuit, produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.

Abstract: The present invention includes a compact and economical construction of a microphone wherein the housing is preferably constructed of two identical halves that form a chamber in which the microphone is retained. The housing also includes first and second acoustic passages in an acoustic relationship with the first and second ports of the microphone and extending to an exterior surface of the housing. A switching mechanism is preferably rotatably secured to the housing such that when the switching mechanism is in a first position, the first and second passages are in an acoustic receptive state and when rotated to a second position only one of the acoustic passages is in an acoustic receptive state.

Abstract: A microphone for converting sound into an electrical signal includes a generally cylindrical housing including an inlet for receiving sound, an inner backplate, and an outer backplate. The inner and outer backplates are generally cylindrical and substantially concentric with each other. A cylindrical membrane is disposed between the inner and outer backplates. The membrane divides an interior of said housing into a front volume and a back volume. The front volume is in direct communication with the inlet. The backplates and/or membrane are charged. Electronics are included for detecting movement of the membrane relative to the inner and outer backplates in response to the membrane moving when subjected to the sound. The backplates and membrane may be of a shape that approximates a cylinder, such as those that have a hexagonal or octagonal cross-section.

Abstract: A hearing/speaking configuration (1) having a housing (2), having sound-reproducing means (20) accommodated in the housing (2), and having sound-receiving means (19) designed without a boom, wherein the sound-receiving means (19) is accommodated in the housing (2), as is the sound-reproducing means (20), wherein a first sound passage opening (16) and a second sound passage opening (25) are provided in the housing (2) and the sound-receiving means (19) has a directional characteristic with a main direction (28) and an extinction direction (30), and wherein the extinction direction (30) extends from the sound-receiving means (19) to the sound-reproducing means (20).

Abstract: A microphone is constructed to be more tolerant to a wide range of relative humidity conditions without adversely affecting the performance of the microphone. The microphone includes a housing with a sound port for receiving sound and an electret assembly for converting the sound into an output signal. The electret assembly includes a diaphragm and a backplate. The backplate is made of at least two layers, usually polymeric layers. The first layer of material has a first hygroscopic coefficient and a second layer of material has a second hygroscopic coefficient. The first and second layers cause the backplate to bend in response to higher humidity conditions, thereby minimizing the adverse effects on microphone performance caused by characteristic changes in the diaphragm at the higher humidity conditions.

Abstract: An acoustic mechanism is provided for a microphone, by which the transmission sensitivity-vs.-frequency characteristic of the microphone can be adjusted by an easy operation. Good communication quality can be thereby invariably secured for radio communications, and a preferred communication sound can also be obtained.

Abstract: A directional microphone includes a yoke, and a magnet and a washer disposed in the yoke. An annular cap body encloses a surrounding wall portion of the yoke, and has a plurality of first air passages extending from a front portion through a rear portion of the cap body and are angularly spaced apart from each other, and second air passages formed in the front portion and having radial first sections and axial second sections. A voice coil is disposed around the washer and the magnet within the yoke. A diaphragm is disposed adjacent to the front portion of the cap body and is connected to the voice coil. A protective cover has an annular surrounding wall coupled to the front portion of the cap body without covering the second air passages, and a perforated cover plate disposed proximate to the diaphragm. An air chamber unit is coupled to the rear portion of the cap body and is in communication with the first air passages.

Abstract: Handheld radiotelephones are provided with battery packs that facilitate the transmission of a person's voice to internally mounted microphones. A radiotelephone housing end portion is provided with an aperture that is in acoustic communication with an internally mounted microphone. A passageway extends through a battery pack from a sound inlet in a front portion thereof to a sound outlet in an end portion thereof. The sound outlet is in acoustic communication with the aperture when the battery pack is removably secured to the housing end. Accordingly, the sound inlet is in acoustic communication with the microphone via the passageway.

Abstract: A hearing/speaking configuration (1) having a housing (2), having sound-reproducing means (20) accommodated in the housing (2), and having sound-receiving means (19) designed without a boom, wherein the sound-receiving means (19) is accommodated in the housing (2), as is the sound-reproducing means (20), wherein a first sound passage opening (16) and a second sound passage opening (25) are provided in the housing (2) and the sound-receiving means (19) has a directional characteristic with a main direction (28) and an extinction direction (30), and wherein the extinction direction (30) extends from the sound-receiving means (19) to the sound-reproducing means (20).

Abstract: The electrical apparatus (10) in particular a telephone comprises a box (12) and an electro-acoustic transducer (16) disposed in the said box (12). The said box (12) comprises a bearing zone (25) supporting an ear of a user, the said bearing zone (25) comprising an exit aperture (26) of the said electro-acoustic transducer (16). The said box (12) furthermore comprises a decompression aperture (32) made through the said bearing zone (25). The electrical apparatus (10) comprises an essentially sealed resonant enclosure (18), inside which is disposed the said electro-acoustic transducer (16). The said enclosure (18) comprises an interference aperture (28) made through a wall (20) of the said enclosure, and a leakage aperture (30) linking the said rear volume (24) to the outside. The said interference aperture (28) emerges through the said bearing zone (25). The said leakage aperture (30) emerges through a zone separate from the said bearing zone (25).

Abstract: A directional microphone includes a housing, a diaphragm dividing the housing into a front volume and a back volume, electronics for detecting signals corresponding to movements of the diaphragm, and front and back inlets for the front and back volumes, respectively. To obtain additional low frequency roll-off in the directional microphone, the directional microphone includes an elongated acoustical conduit connecting the front volume and the back volume. The acoustical conduit may be external or internal to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a directional microphone, in particular having symmetrical directivity, having an interference tube with a tube axis which is provided with a row of sound inlets arranged at least approximately parallel to tube axis, and which incorporates an electroacoustic transducer in its inside in the vicinity of its rear end face. It is further provided that the row of sound inlets is arranged non-symmetrically to tube axis opposite the outer periphery of interference tube.

Abstract: A system for controlling noise for a sound receiving device directs noise towards the sound-receiving back side of a bi-directional microphone and directs the user's voice away from the back side. The bi-directional microphone is electrically connected to plug adapted for mating with an external microphone input jack of the sound receiving device. A resistor is connected in series with the bi-directional microphone and operates to attenuate the detected sound signal of the bi-directional microphone in order to overcome signal enhancement expedients of the sound receiving device, such as compression and clipping due to for example automatic gain control.

Abstract: Provided is a microphone with a stable output employing an aluminum membrane and having an air escape provided to the vibration detector. Specifically, the material used as the membrane frame material has a larger Young's modulus and a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than those of aluminum. Thereby, even if stress distribution or heat distribution is inflicted on the membrane frame, the slack or tension in the membrane will be reduced and the microphone output is stabilized.

Abstract: A microphone capsule for an in-the-ear hearing aid is disclosed. The capsule can include a top plate having first and second spaced openings defining front and rear sound inlets, and a directional microphone cartridge enclosing a diaphragm. The diaphragm is oriented generally perpendicular to the top plate and divides the directional microphone cartridge housing into a front chamber and a rear chamber. A front sound passage communicates between the front sound inlet and the front chamber, and a rear sound passage communicates between the rear sound inlet and the rear chamber. Front and rear acoustic damping resistors are associated with the front and rear sound passages. The acoustic resistor pair provides a selected time delay, such as about 4 microseconds, between the front and rear sound passages. The use of two acoustic resistors instead of one levels the frequency response, compared to the frequency response provided by a rear acoustic damping resistor alone.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the cancellation of ambient noise that impinges upon the front surface of a pressure differential microphone means. The apparatus utilizes one or more curved surfaces that act as ambient noise waveform reflectors. The reflectors cause ambient noise to impinge on the back surface of the microphone. In addition, the reflectors deflect a speaker's voice which is directed toward the front surface of the microphone to be deflected away from the back surface of the microphone.

Abstract: The pressure-difference microphone is arranged in a housing, and there is provided in one of the housing walls a single opening, directed onto the front side of the microphone, for feeding voice commands which can be produced in the acoustic near field of the housing. According to the invention, the arrangement of the microphone and/or the air volume which surrounds the microphone in this case are such that the microphone can be irradiated with sound through the opening, using the pressure-difference principle.

Abstract: An unidirectional microphone comprising a microphone unit 2 having a front acoustic terminal 21 and a rear acoustic terminal 22, which is provided in a flat-faced surface F2 of such as an outer frame of a display panel for computer, includes a unit fitting portion F1 provided on the flat-faced surface F2 for fitting said microphone unit 2, the top surface of the plane F2 being flat with respect to the top surface of the front acoustic terminal 21 of the microphone unit 2, a baffle plate 3 mounted on the side of the front acoustic terminal 21 of the microphone unit 2 to be disposed in the opening surface of the unit fitting portion F1, and a side acoustic terminal 4 provided about the baffle plate 3 in communication with the rear acoustic terminal 22.

Abstract: A cellular telephone for reducing background noise comprising a housing having a receiver portion and a speaker portion; the receiver portion having a voice port and a noise port; a microphone isolator located within the receiver portion; at least one noise canceling microphone having a front end and a back end enclosed by the microphone isolator; an windscreen placed in front of the microphone and internally behind the voice port; and an acoustical port to permit a pressure gradient noise porting placed at the back end of the microphone and internally behind the noise port.

Abstract: A transmitter structure which is resistance to wind noise and the like and allows a reduction in size is disclosed. A sound hole is formed in a case at an offset position with respect to a microphone, and a slit extending from the sound hole to the microphone is filled with an acoustic resistance cloth.

Abstract: A vibration detecting unit is arranged in an air chamber in communication with a microphone unit and changes in pressure in the air chamber caused by the vibrations of a diaphragm of the vibration detecting unit is transmitted to the back surface side of a diaphragm of the microphone unit thereby suppressing the displacement of the diaphragm caused by external vibrations.

Abstract: An apparatus for noise cancellation of ambient noise impinging upon the front surface of a pressure differential microphone on the end of a boom. The apparatus utilizes curved reflectors to cause ambient noise which impinges on the front surface of the microphone to also impinge on the back surface of the microphone. In addition, the curved reflectors cause a talker's voice which is directed toward the front surface of the microphone to be deflected away from the back surface of the microphone.

Abstract: An assembly housing for accepting an electroacoustical transducer having a rear face with terminal pins proceeding therefrom, contact surfaces thereon, and at least one sound admission opening, is formed by an acceptor plate which is disposed adjacent the rear face of the electroacoustical transducer, and a covering cap which is fitted over the radial edge of the acceptor plate. The acceptor plate has respective openings therein proceeding completely through the acceptor plate which respectively receive the terminal pins, and has blind holes therein which respectively receive springs in registration with the electrical contact surfaces of the electroacoustical transducer. The acceptor plate has a radially-proceeding sound admission channel therein, with one end in registration with the sound admission opening in the rear face of the transducer, and an opposite end in registration with a sound admission opening in the covering cap.

Abstract: A video monitor assembly incorporating a microphone shielded from electromagnetic interference emitted by the monitor's electronic components. The assembly includes a video monitor having a housing with a microphone port and an interior cavity containing electronic components emitting electromagnetic interference. A microphone is mounted within the housing, the microphone being capable of detecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic interference emitted by the electronic components of the monitor. A shroud is secured within the housing, the shroud being made from an electromagnetic interference shielding material and at least partially surrounding the microphone to substantially reduce the microphone's detection of the electromagnetic interference emitted by the electronic components of the monitor.