And Microphone Patents (Class 381/375)
  • Patent number: 7899194
    Abstract: A method for voice communication which includes sensing at least one channel of audio information from proximate a first external auditory canal of a user, sensing at least one channel of audio information proximate a second external auditory canal of the user, and wirelessly transmitting the at least one channel of audio information from proximate the first external auditory canal of the user and the at least one channel of audio information from proximate the second external auditory canal of the user. The method may further include producing a stereophonic audio signal based on the at least one channel of audio information from proximate the first external auditory canal and the at least one channel of audio information from proximate the second external auditory canal. The signal may be stereophonic, recognize right or left, and be tailored to fit the audiometric needs of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Peter V. Boesen
  • Publication number: 20110044463
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to enhance an ear bud including a headband coupled to one or more ear pads. The ear pad being formed of a material for providing dampening of ambient sound and physiologic compression. For example, the pad can be formed of a visco-elastic foam having a thickness to provide noise reduction and sufficient comfort by avoiding excessive compression on any one part of the ear. The headband and the ear pad provide a force for compressing the tragus and antitragus to partially isolate the ear bud in the external auditory canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory DiRusso
  • Publication number: 20110026726
    Abstract: A wireless headphone integrated with an adjustment control device includes a headphone, a tuning unit having a base disposed on a side of the headphone containing an ear muff, a rotatable tuning shaft protruded from the base and coupled to a knob, a direction changing unit having a through hole at the middle of the direction changing unit and rotably coupled to the base, such that the tuning shaft is passed through the through hole, a microphone unit movably coupled to the direction changing unit, such that the microphone unit can be rotated, extended, contracted or adjusted by the direction changing unit. Therefore, the wireless headphone integrated with an adjustment control device achieves the effects of simplifying the assembly structure, lowering the manufacturing cost, and beautifying the appearance of the headphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: JRT PRECISION TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Kuan I. Kuo
  • Publication number: 20110019860
    Abstract: A communication device (1) comprising a housing (2) with a housing wall (3) encapsulating a housing interior (4). A microphone (5) is arranged in the housing interior (4) and communicates via an audio passage (9) with the outside of the housing (2). An electrical socket (6) is adapted to receive an electrical plug (7) through a socket opening (8), which is accessible from the outside of the housing (2). The audio passage (9) comprises the socket opening (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Ole Birch, Anthony Nesbitt
  • Publication number: 20110019859
    Abstract: A headset (1; 101; 102) comprising a housing (2; 102; 103) and a microphone arm (3; 103; 203). The microphone arm (3; 103; 203) is connected to a hinge member (4; 104; 204), which is pivotally connected to the housing (2; 102; 103) such that the microphone arm (3; 103; 203) can be rotated about a first pivot axis (P1; P1O1; P201) between a first position, in which it lies along a first surface (9; 109; 209) of the housing (2; 102; 202) and a second, extended position in which it extends away from the housing (3; 103; 203). The headset is further provided with a switch (19), which is operably connected to the microphone arm (3; 103; 203) or the hinge member (4; 104; 204), such that a rotation of the microphone arm (3; 103; 203) from the first position to the second position or vice versa activates the switch (19) and changes headset mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Willem Hendrik Van Der Beek, Martin Bech, Cathrine Rydahl Gadiel, Nils Toft
  • Patent number: 7864974
    Abstract: An earphone device integrated with a microphone has a main body, a microphone unit and a speaker unit. The microphone unit has a sound-absorbing film and a circuit unit, the sound-absorbing film being a hollow column and being connected to the main body through a rear end thereof, and the circuit unit being fixed on the main body and electrically connected to the sound-absorbing film. The speaker unit is mounted inside the sound-absorbing film of the microphone unit such that the microphone unit is located peripheral to the speaker unit. A microphone and an earphone can thus be integrated together as a whole so as to form an earphone device that can be used conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Lu-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20100322452
    Abstract: An in-canal hearing device includes a receiver, battery, and microphone assembly with a housing. The housing has an air and sound opening which is covered with a structure to inhibit the entry of cerumen and moisture. The structure may be in the form of an end cap having passages with walls which are both hydrophobic and oleophobic to prevent the entry of water, cerumen and other liquids. The structure may also include a flexible tube or a rigid perforated shell surrounding the passages that inhibit the deposition of solid cerumen and other debris onto the passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: InSound Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Igal Ladabaum, Stuart Wenzel, Ganapati Mauze, Ian Michael Day, Leland Stock, Paul Wagner
  • Patent number: 7851247
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a micro-electromechanical system microphone structure is disclosed. First, a substrate defining a MEMS region and a logic region is provided, and a surface of the substrate has a dielectric layer thereon. Next, at least one metal interconnect layer is formed on the dielectric layer in the logic region, and at least one micro-machined metal mesh is simultaneously formed in the dielectric layer of the MEMS region. Therefore, the thickness of the MEMS microphone structure can be effectively reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Hui-Shen Shih
  • Publication number: 20100310093
    Abstract: A single chamber headphone apparatus and earcup design is provided which enhances wearer comfort, reduces headphone weight, facilitates ease of use, maintenance and operation by providing an improved internal chamber and battery cap configuration. Sound quality is improved by eliminating acoustic problems associated with two-chamber headset designs. A volume balance control is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ABLE PLANET, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kevin R. Semcken
  • Publication number: 20100272304
    Abstract: What is provided is an eyewear retention device comprising two ends, wherein each end is adapted for removable connection to an earpiece of an eyewear device; an audio device located at or substantially near at least one of the ends, wherein the audio device is adapted to play one or more audio signals for transmission to one or more surfaces of a human auditory passage at a location proximate to and outside of the ear, if the strap is connected to the earpiece of the eyewear device and worn in combination with the eyewear device; a receiver electrically connected to the audio device, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive the one or more audio signals, wherein the receiver is further adapted to remotely communicate with a sound transmission device; and a power source electrically connected to the audio device and to the receiver that is adapted to supply power to the audio device and the receiver. In one embodiment the audio device is adapted to connect the strap to the earpiece of the eyewear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Adam Thiel, Ryan David Wells
  • Publication number: 20100266136
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program, the apparatus including: a housing configured to be positioned in a user's external ear; a loudspeaker located at a first position within the housing and configured to provide an acoustic signal; a microphone configured to detect an acoustic signal located at a second position within the housing; a filter configured to filter an input signal provided to the loudspeaker; and a controller configured to enable the acoustic signal detected by the microphone to be used to provide a control signal to the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Antti Pekka Kelloniemi, Jouni Veikko Knuuttila
  • Publication number: 20100254563
    Abstract: A system for securing headphone transducers is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a first transducer device having a first mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A first coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the first mechanical housing of the first transducer device. A second transducer device has a second mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A second coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the second mechanical housing of the second transducer device. The first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device when in close proximity to each other, such that the inner surfaces of the first and second mechanical devices are opposed to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Sean Harper
  • Publication number: 20100246860
    Abstract: A bone conduction assembly can include at least a microphone, an assembly stem, an ear cushion, and a microphone channel. The microphone can include an acoustic-to-electric transducer. The assembly stem can house the microphone and can be shaped for insertion into an ear canal of a user. The ear cushion can have an inner surface surrounding an outer surface of the assembly stem and an outer, contiguous, annular surface configured to maintain contact with an ear canal of a user when worn. The microphone channel can be shaped to channel vibrations resulting from bone conduction from the ear canal through the assembly stem to the microphone. In one embodiment, the bone conduction assembly can include a speaker having a speaker channel that is acoustically isolated from the microphone channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: RYAN P. RYE, MICHAEL C. AULERT
  • Publication number: 20100235168
    Abstract: A communication system comprises a terminal configured for being able to communicate with a computer and to operate according to at least one operational parameter. A peripheral device for use with the terminal has a characterizing parameter associated therewith. The terminal is operable for reading the characterizing parameter from the peripheral device when the device is coupled to the terminal. The terminal is further operable for configuring itself to operate according to an operational parameter associated with the characterizing parameter of the peripheral device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Mark David Murawski, Ryan Anthony Zoschg, James Randall Logan, Roger Graham Byford, Lawrence R. Sweeney, Douglas Mark Zatezalo
  • Patent number: 7769194
    Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. The microphone includes means for adjusting the position of the microphone to receive sound waves through a port. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics, LLC
    Inventors: William Vanbrooks Harrison, Lee F Hartley, Philip A Segel, C. Geoffrey E Fernald, Scott Crawford
  • Publication number: 20100189302
    Abstract: A head mounted data storage device comprising an audio receiver for receiving audio signals, a solid state memory for storing received signals, and a power source for providing power to said device. The unit is self contained and adapted to be mounted about the head of a user, typically on a headset or integrated within the shell of a helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventor: Barry Charles Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20100189269
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one earpiece suitable to be applied at an auditory opening of a user's ear and a signal processor is disclosed. The earpiece comprises a speaker enabled to be supplied with an audio signal for rendering, and a microphone arranged in vicinity of the speaker arranged to acquire a sound signal. The signal processor is arranged to determine whether the earpiece is applied at the user's ear by analysis of the acquired sound signal, wherein the analysis is based on the acoustic coupling of the audio signal to the microphone. A method and a computer program are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Jacobus Cornelis HAARTSEN, Gerrit SAMPIMON, Bart TRIP
  • Publication number: 20100172532
    Abstract: There is provided an earphone comprising a first housing (2) with a first control unit (30), a first electroacoustic reproduction transducer (W1, a first operating element (20) and a first microphone (40) for recording speech signals (SS). The first control unit (30) is electrically connected to the first operating element (20), the first microphone (40) and the first electroacoustic reproduction transducer (W1). The control unit receives an audio signal (AS) to be reproduced and in a first mode of operation the control unit outputs that signal for reproduction to the first electroacoustic reproduction transducer (W1). The earphone further has a second housing (3) with a second control unit (50) and a second electroacoustic reproduction transducer (W2). The second control unit (50) receives an audio signal (AS) to be reproduced and outputs that audio signal to the second electroacoustic reproduction transducer (W2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Gelhard, Christian Grone
  • Publication number: 20100172519
    Abstract: A bone-conduction microphone built-in headset comprises: an ear pad; an ear cup capable of covering an ear; a piezoelectric element composing a bone-conduction microphone; a buffer material forming the ear pad; a baffle board provided between the ear pad and the ear cup; a wire laid from the piezoelectric element, in which the ear pad is provided on an opening end side of the ear cup, the piezoelectric element is provided inside the ear pad and supported by the buffer material to be pressed against a skin around the ear, the ear pad is detachably attached to the baffle board, and the baffle board has a connecter to which the wire is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA AUDIO-TECHNICA
    Inventor: Tominori KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20100166204
    Abstract: A headphone set is equipped with left- and right-ear headphone units. Each unit includes a housing body having a first plane section and a second plane section that faces the first section, the sections being almost perpendicular to a cross section of a cavum conchae of a user's ear when the housing body is fit in the cavum conchae, a speaker and a microphone aligned between the sections, the speaker being located at the first section side, the microphone being located at the second section side. A sound output section is provided at the first section, to give off sounds output by the speaker to an outer space of the housing body. A sound pick-up hole is provided at the second section, through which the outer space communicates with an inner space of the housing body created between a sound pick-up section of the microphone and the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. a corporation of Japan
    Inventors: Yuuji Yanagishita, Shinnosuke Katsuyama
  • Publication number: 20100098285
    Abstract: A headset comprising a body portion including a microphone section, a receiver section, a battery section and a wireless communication section, all provided in a case having a substantially flat surface, and a projecting portion projecting from the substantially flat surface, is arranged such that the ear pad of the receiver section attached to the tip of the projecting portion is inserted into the external auditory meatus. A portion coming into resilient contact with the inner wall of the cavity of the concha on the inside of a tragus and an antitragus is provided at the projecting portion closer to the body portion side than the ear pad, wherein the ear pad is of an earplug type deformable elastically to ensure a close contact with the inner wall of the external auditory meatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Kusuda, Yoshito Fujimoto, Hiroyoshi Shinozuka
  • Patent number: 7689248
    Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for listening assistance to a user of a phone terminal with a headset or a hearing aid for selective listening of a local acoustic source in a noisy environment by said user utilizing a combination of said phone terminal and said headset. The method for the listening assistance comprises of placing the phone terminal near a desired local acoustic source, switching a mode of the phone terminal to a listening mode, providing to the headset or to the hearing aid a signal (e.g., a wireless signal) generated by the phone terminal in response to an acoustic signal from the local acoustic source, and providing to the user an output acoustic signal generated by the headset or by the hearing aid in response to that signal thus providing said listening assistance to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Päivi Valve, Leo Kärkkäinen, Juha Backman, Jari Sjöberg
  • Publication number: 20100061579
    Abstract: A frame assembly is worn by a wearer to maintain at least one substantially transparent eye panel in a generally shielding position in front of the wearer's eyes. A processor receives an incoming audio signal and wirelessly transmits the incoming audio signal to at least one earpiece which audibly communicates the incoming audio signal to the wearer. An outbound microphone assembly picks up an outbound audio signal from the wearer and transmits the outbound audio signal to the processor which further transmits the outbound signal to a remote recipient. An ambient microphone assembly picks up an ambient audio signal and transmits the ambient audio signal to the processor. The processor is structured to enhance the incoming audio signal and/or the outbound audio signal based on the ambient audio signal. The processor is also structured to transmit a voice component of the ambient audio signal to the earpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: THOMAS M. RICKARDS, THOMAS H. PERSZYK
  • Publication number: 20100040252
    Abstract: A headset comprises a headband for supporting the headset on a user's head, an earpiece including an audio driver and a microphone boom including a microphone. The microphone boom is rotatable when the headset is located on a user's head from an operative position in which the microphone boom is directed towards the user's mouth to a stowed position in which the microphone boom is at least partially received in a recess defined in the headset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: PLANTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Dale E. Thompson, Manoj Mistry, John B. Ledingham, Matthew E. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20100040245
    Abstract: A multi-function headset is disclosed. The multi-function headset includes an ear shell attached to one end of a holding means the ear shell comprising a speaker unit through which audio stimulus is provided to a user, a microphone attached on a first end of a boom assembly and engaging an engagement switch on a second end of said boom assembly with the ear shell, the engagement switch position selecting an application of the head set. In another aspect of the invention, the ear shell further comprises a first switch engaging the boom assembly when the boom assembly is in a retracted position. In another embodiment of the invention, a headset including an ear shell attached to one end of a holding means is disclosed. The ear shell comprising a speaker unit through which audio stimulus is provided to a user, and means for adjusting a volume through the speaker unit wherein the means is selected from the group consisting of: pressure determining sensors and switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Vincentius Paulus Buil, Elmo Marcus Attila Diederiks, Tatiana Aleksandrovna Lashina, Johannes Antonius Jansen, Ramon Eugene Franciscus Van De Ven, Gerrot Hollemans, Sander Bernard Francis Van De Wijdeven
  • Publication number: 20100040240
    Abstract: A gaming unit and producing a game-audio output of a varying volume level and a chat-voice output is connected to headphones adapted to be worn by a player of the unit and connected to the gaming unit for making the chat-voice output and the game-audio output audible to the player. A circuit or software associated with the headphones can increase the chat-voice volume level generally proportionately to the game-audio volume level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Carmine BONANNO
  • Publication number: 20100020998
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for headset wearing mode based operation are presented. A headset system includes a first earbud and a second earbud. One or both earbuds have a detector which indicates whether the earbud is donned or doffed. Operation of the headset is modified based on the donned or doffed status of the earbuds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: PLANTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: William O. Brown, Timothy P. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20100014699
    Abstract: The reversible headset includes a curved body, at least one connection point and an ear hanger. The curved body includes a first end and a second end. The curved body is configured to be worn around the nape of the wearer's neck. The at least one connection point is suitable for connection of a hands-free communication device. The ear hanger extends from each of the first and second ends. The ear hanger includes an end portion and a body portion. The end portion is configurable to terminate at the top, forward portion of the pinna of a wearer's ear. The body portion is configurable to extend around the outer periphery of the pinna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: John F. Anderson, Niels T. Andersen
  • Patent number: 7646879
    Abstract: A headset communication unit includes a housing and a microphone arm pivotally connected to the housing. The housing has a first pivotal portion that has a pivotal end and connects a supporting pillar in direction of the pivotal end. The microphone arm has a microphone and an elastic slice member received therein. In the process of the microphone arm rotating from an opening status to a closing status, the elastic slice member contacts the supporting pillar and rotates around the supporting pillar. Among this process, there is a farthest supporting position away from a geometric center of the cross-section of the supporting pillar in all supporting position of the supporting pillar. When the elastic slice member contacts the farthest supporting position, an elastic force stored in the deformed elastic slice is maximized. The elastic force is released to push the microphone arm forward to the closing status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Hsiang Huang
  • Publication number: 20090323998
    Abstract: A headset (1) comprises a body (3) and a boom (4), on which a microphone is located. The boom (4) is mounted so that the position of a microphone (5) relative to the body (3) can be adjusted. The headset 1 further comprises a controller (15) arranged to process an electrical signal generated by the microphone (5) by equalizing components corresponding to high and low audio frequencies in accordance with the detected position of the microphone (5). For instance, low frequencies may be preferentially attenuated if the microphone (5) is used when the boom (4) is in a retracted position. Optionally, the controller (15) may also adjust the gain of the microphone (5) in accordance with the position of the microphone (5). The headset (1) may be used to communicate with an external device (2) using a wired or wireless connection. For example, the headset (1) may convey signals to and from a mobile telephone using the Bluetooth® protocol and/or may be used for Push-to-Talk applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mika Tarvonen, Heli Säde, Jarmo Saari, Petteri Salminen, Sami Lehtovaara, Rasmus Martenson, Niko Eiden
  • Publication number: 20090323999
    Abstract: A wireless earphone includes a first answering member and a hanging member. The first answering member includes a base, a microphone and a head phones device. The first answering member is disposed at one end of the hanging member and is configured for being detachably mounted on a portable electronic device. The microphone is disposed at the distal end of the first base. The earphone is disposed at the other end of the first base adjacent to the hanging member. The invention also includes a portable electronic device using the wireless earphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventor: ZHENG SHI
  • Publication number: 20090290742
    Abstract: A touch activated control useful for incorporation into, e.g., a DON/DOFF sensor of a communications headset or a touch pad for a cell phone, includes a weakly conductive electrode and a sensor coupled to the electrode and operative to detect a change in parasitic capacitance caused by a change in the proximity of a body to the electrode. The electrode may include a covering made of a weakly conductive material. The weakly conductive property of the electrode enables the prevention of undesirable electrostatic discharge (ESD), user skin irritation and electrode corrosion caused by direct contact between the electrode and the user's skin and also exhibit's a substantially higher sensitivity than electrodes covered with an insulative material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: PLANTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas K. Rosener
  • Publication number: 20090285434
    Abstract: A headset (10) comprises an earhook (12) and an earbud (14) which are removably connected to each other so that the earbud may be removed from the earhook to enable a user to use the earbud alone. Further, the earbud (14) is connected to the earhook (12) so as to be rotatable relative to the earhook from one side thereof to the other, to thereby enable the headset (10) to be worn on either the left or right ear of the wearer, and/or to configure two such headsets (10) to be worn as a pair, one on each ear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Jason Martin Williams, David Robert Gray, Marco Perry, Jordan B. Nollman, William Webb
  • Publication number: 20090279712
    Abstract: A microphone boom cap includes a porous plastic portion adapted to cover a microphone boom first aperture. The microphone boom cap includes a non-porous plastic portion affixed to the porous plastic portion. The non-porous plastic portion is adapted to cover a microphone boom second aperture in a second use position, where the porous plastic portion covers the second aperture in a first use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: PLANTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Gollbach, Timothy P. Johnston
  • Patent number: 7613315
    Abstract: The headset according to the invention has an elongate cabinet adapted for placement behind the ear lobe, a speaker enclosure hinged to the cabinet part and extending downwards from the upper portion of the cabinet part and a microphone boom extending from the lover tip of the cabinet part. The microphone boom is fastened to the cabinet part in rotatable fashion, and the speaker enclosure has sound exit openings pointing in a direction toward the ear and away from the ear. According to the invention the speaker enclosure has a circumferentially extending band which is detachable from the speaker enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sennheiser Communications A/S
    Inventors: Peter Vestergaard Vaerum, Sivert Wernblad, Jeppe Marckmann Ørsted
  • Patent number: 7609843
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sound collector preferably applicable to an acoustic analysis with a high degree of accuracy and includes a sound collection hood having an opening at the front end and a sound reflective inner wall shaped like a rotating surface having a focus behind the opening at least provided on the opening side, thus forming an inner space, a microphone placed inside the sound collection hood with at least a sound receiving face oriented forward for receiving a sound wave entering the sound collection hood and an acoustical absorbent body formed in front of the sound receiving face so as to form an incident path for sound to enter the sound receiving face and in a shape surrounding the incident path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignees: Hajime Hatano, Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Hatano, Yoshihito Tamanoi, Shinsuke Terashima
  • Publication number: 20090264161
    Abstract: An earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM), an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR), a transceiver, an illumination element, and a processor to provide visual operational mode indication via the illumination element. The operational mode can correspond to an active phone call, an incoming phone call, a terminated phone, a caller-on-hold condition, a recording mode, a voice mail mode, a mute mode, an audible transparency mode or an ear-plug mode. The intensity, frequency, amplitude, color or duration of the lighting can be adjusted according to the operational mode. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: PERSONICS HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: John Usher, Steven Goldstein, Marc Boillot
  • Publication number: 20090238397
    Abstract: A headset comprises two earphones joined together by a band which can be worn over the head of a wearer. Each earphone includes a noise plate, which functions to attenuate or eliminate noise from the environment such as a tournament gaming environment. The noise plate includes an aperture through which a boom assembly that houses a microphone may engage to transmit utterances of the wearer to audio processing circuitry. A grille can be exposed when the noise plate is removed, which allows sounds produced in the ambient environment to enter the earphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: ASTRO GAMING, LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Reiss, Kurt Dammermann, Joshua LaTendresse, Adam Barry, Dana Krieger, Brett Lovelady
  • Publication number: 20090238398
    Abstract: A personal communications earpiece (10, 10a, 10b) for use with a personal communications device such as a telephone (50). The personal communications earpiece (10, 10a, 10b) has an ear hook (12) for placing over an ear (60) of the user. An ear bud (14, 14a) containing a speaker (27) is both physically and electrically connected to the ear hook (12) by a flexible connector (16). A front portion (22) of the ear hook (12) extends generally downward in front of the ear (60). In one embodiment, the ear bud (14) has an in ear portion (28) with a plurality of grooves (30) therein for assisting in preventing the ear bud (14) from completely blocking or occluding the ear canal of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Patrick Connors, Thanh Quoc Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090203318
    Abstract: The invention relates to a headset comprising a housing with an earphone and at least one user interface input or output function, said headset also comprising a fastening element arranged for positioning the headset close to a person's ear during use. According to the invention, said headset furthermore comprises an accelerometer arranged for detecting the orientation in at least one dimension of said housing, said accelerometer being associated with a headset control unit which is arranged for configuring a function of said user interface input or output function depending on said orientation of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Ido de Haan
  • Publication number: 20090175480
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a headset includes a body housing a pivot coupling, a speaker capsule operably coupled to the body, and an arm operably coupled to the body. The arm is capable of pivoting open and close about the pivot coupling for accessing a microphone at a free end of the arm. A method for accessing a headset microphone is also provided. Advantageously, the apparatus and method of the present disclosure provide for improved headset use and speech clarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Wales Zhou
  • Publication number: 20090175481
    Abstract: A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Dominic Amae
  • Patent number: 7551940
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Etymotic Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Paulson, Jonathan K. Stewart, Andrew J. Haapapuro, Viorel Drambarean, Robert B. Schulein, Mead C. Killion
  • Publication number: 20090154738
    Abstract: A portable device that provides sound level attenuation while also providing an acoustic representation of the user's sound environment using microphones attached to, or embedded in, the device, and providing the ability to blend in a user adjustable auxiliary audio source with the user's sound environment signal, whereby placement of the sound signal from both the microphones and the auxiliary input can be adjusted in the stereo field using stereo width and panning controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Ayan Pal
  • Patent number: 7542578
    Abstract: The DC magnetization of a transformer core is prevented without increasing the size of an output transformer in a condenser microphone which is operated by a phantom power source, uses a vacuum tube as an impedance converter, and outputs a vacuum tube signal via the output transformer. The condenser microphone includes a condenser microphone capsule MC, a vacuum tube V01 used as an impedance converter, and an output transformer TRS having a primary winding F connected to the plate and screen grid of the vacuum tube V01 and a secondary winding S connected to the phantom power source via an output connector, wherein the primary winding F has a center tap CF and both ends of the secondary winding S are connected to the center tap CF via constant current diodes D04 and D05, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akino
  • Publication number: 20090136056
    Abstract: A device in a headset having a throat microphone and ear speakers soundproofing against the auditory meatus. The device has a separate microphone connected to the ear speaker for picking up the sound of the surroundings that is transmitted to the car speaker. Furthermore, noise-suppressing means are included, which limit the sound level of the sound of the surroundings. The throat microphone communicates via a communication unit. The soundproofing ear speaker and the microphone are arranged so that the headset can be housed in a safety helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Bo FRANZEN
  • Publication number: 20090103761
    Abstract: A removable microphone includes an engaging member for engaging with an ear cup of a headphone; a first signal transmission interface provided on the engaging member for electrically connecting to a second signal transmission interface provided on the ear cup of the headphone; a signal transmission unit provided on the engaging member; and a voice receiver provided on the engaging member. When a user wearing the headphone wants to communicate with another user online in real time, he needs only to attach and accordingly electrically connect the engaging member of the removable microphone to the ear cup of the headphone. Therefore, a user may flexibly select to use the headphone with or without a microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: JEN-HUAI FAN
  • Patent number: 7519196
    Abstract: A headset with a headband is equipped with at least one cup in which a male or female plug is arranged. The cup is intended for the mounting of a speaker or a speaker with microphone arm, said speaker or speaker with microphone arm being also provided with a male or female plug adapted to be connected to the male or female plug in the cup. The headband of the headset is hollow so that the wire may be run from one side of the headset to the other side. Hereby, the speaker and/or speaker with microphone arm of the headset may easily be replaced, without having to scrap the entire headset. Thus, it is possible to upgrade the headset currently for technical as well as aesthetic reasons. In an embodiment, the headset is provided with a cup at one side and at the other side with a T-member which constitutes a support part against a user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: GN Netcom A/S
    Inventor: Martin Bech
  • Publication number: 20090074223
    Abstract: A headset comprises an audio output device, an audio input device, and a wire. The audio output device plays outgoing audio data. The audio input device receives incoming audio data. The wire connects the audio input device to a sound device that interprets the incoming audio data. The wire is further configured to be an antenna to one of transmit and receive radio frequency signals. The wire is further connected to a transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: David BELLOWS
  • Publication number: 20090073950
    Abstract: A wireless, multi-function audio gateway device provides communication between the headset and at least one audio gateway. The headset includes a housing having at least one multifunction button, and a first and a second microphone. The first microphone is located closer to a user's mouth than the second microphone. The headset also includes a flexible ear bud, a speaker, a volume control button, a rechargeable battery, a USB port, a detachable ear wrap, and a programmable baseband IC. The programmable baseband IC is configured for wireless communications to allow interfacing between the at least one audio gateway and the wireless headset. Methods for improved noise suppression, pairing and communicating with multiple audio gateways simultaneously, and allowing headset-to-headset communications between two wireless, multiple audio gateway headsets are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: CALLPOD INC.
    Inventors: Darren S. Guccione, Craig B. Lurey