Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for a headset that may be used in an audio system used in a magnetic field. In one aspect, the system includes an inner set portion adapted to fit into an ear canal. A pneumatic port is disposed in the hole to couple audible sounds to the ear canal. The system may include a non-magnetic transducer coupled to the pneumatic port. The system also may include a fiber-optic microphone to couple sound from a user of the headset. Other techniques provide a stethoscope-type yoke to couple the pneumatic port and the fiber-optic antenna to the non-magnetic transducer.

Abstract: A vibration actuator excites a mass member by interaction between an electric field of a vibration coil provided in an inner space of a case and a magnetic field of a magnetic field unit disposed corresponding to the vibration coil. The vibration actuator has an elastic wire having a wire body fixed to the outer surface of the mass member and elastic ends fixed to the inner surface of the case. The elastic wire is connected between the case and the mass member for elastically supporting mass member.

Abstract: An ear piece device comprising a generally cone-shaped article made of pliable material dimensioned for fitting the ear canal of a user. In one embodiment, one canal extends through a portion of the ear piece to provide an opening for communication between a person's inner ear and an environment outside the person's ear. The ear piece has a plurality of fold lines provided to facilitate the reversible collapsing of the cone into a star-like configuration when sufficient outside pressure is applied thereto.

Abstract: A decorative and removable earbud cover is disclosed that can attach to earbuds, earpieces, headphones, or the like. The earbud cover includes two major components: an attachment portion and a decorative portion. The attachment portion snaps over a cylindrical earbud portion of a user's earbud such that the attachment portion grips the earbud and is prevented from falling off. A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention has the attachment portion with a tapered end which mates neatly with the contours of an iPod earbud.

Abstract: An earphone system includes an audio device that is connected via an audio chord with at least one ear-bud Also, the system includes a lanyard that is attached to the chord at a distance “L” from the ear-bud In particular, the lanyard is hung on the ear of a user to position the ear-bud at a distance “d” from the point where the lanyard is connected to the chord Importantly, the distance “L” is adjustable, and the distance “d” is less than the distance “L”

Abstract: A speaker with an earphone function comprises a main body, magnet, washer, voice coil, diaphragm, front cover, rear cover and sound tube; it is characterized in that a conventional earphone housing is integrated with a housing of a speaker unit used in an earphone to enable the main body to be used as the speaker housing concurrently so as to save the production material and cost of a speaker housing, and a speaker assembly and the an earphone assembly can be completed at one time so as to reduce the earphone assembly cost. Furthermore, a diameter of a diaphragm can be relatively increased and a length of an earphone front chamber in front of the diaphragm can be shortened so that the bass quality can be elevated and the alt loss can be decreased.

Abstract: An earphone device converts electric signals to audible sound. The device includes an outer area configured to receive a power source. A plug area adjacent to the outer area may be configured to fit within a user's auditory canal. A dynamic transducer reproduces a predetermined frequency spectrum for the user. A sound channel terminating at an output of the dynamic transducer encloses the second transducer.

Abstract: An in-ear earphone for providing high fidelity sound to the ear and having a housing with a receiver bay, at least one speaker positioned in the receiver bay, a flexible acoustical seal configured for insertion into the user's ear canal, a removable treble stem having a stepped opening therethrough configured for receipt of a filter for treble adjustment and positioned on one side of the receiver bay between the receiver bay and the acoustical seal, a cavity on the opposed side of the receiver bay remote from the stem that is configured for receiving removable plugs for bass adjustment, a strengthening and stabilizing member adapted for securing the housing around the speaker and which when optionally removable allows easy access to the speaker within the receiver bay, and a removable coaxial cable connector positioned to communicate with the receiver bay and which allows movable cable connection for user comfort.

Abstract: An earpiece is provided that is adapted for insertion into the ear canal and has at least one resilient fibre that is connected to the earpiece for abutting a surface of the outer ear when the earpiece has been inserted in the ear canal thereby providing retention of the earpiece in the ear canal of the user.

Abstract: A light weight and comfortable ear mount for a personal audio-set is disclosed. The ear mount conforms with the antihelix of a wearer's ear, thereby operating substantially as a compression spring between the wearer's antihelix and tragus, to operably secure the personal audio-set in place. In a preferred embodiment, the ear-mount is substantially kidney-shaped and includes an opening to prevent the total occlusion of the ear canal by the personal audio-set. Alternatively, the ear-mount includes a loop of material sized to operably engage the antihelix of the wearer's ear. The ear-mount is preferably reversible to allow it to be placed in either the wearer's left or right ear.

Abstract: An earphone housing has a sound output port to be inserted into an ear. Multiple drivers are located in the housing. Each driver has a respective motor and a respective diaphragm. The diaphragm of one of the drivers is vented but that another is not. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed toward an earphone device with a sealing section for acoustically sealing the meatus of a human ear, which includes an inner ear canal speaker; an inner ear canal microphone; connected to a logic circuit which can include a digital signal processor (DSP), where a sealant operatively attached to an outer section of the earphone acoustically seals the meatus of a human ear canal.

Abstract: An audio headset with bio-signal sensors is provided. In some embodiments, an audio headset that includes one or more electroencephalography (EEG) sensors is provided.

Abstract: An in-ear canal earphone includes a torus-shaped cushioning member defining an aperture therethrough. An audio housing is connected to the cushioning member such that the cushioning member is movable between a first position, in which the housing extends generally away from the cushioning member, and a second position, in which a portion of the housing extends through the aperture for insertion into an ear canal.

Abstract: An apparatus (300) and method (500) for receiving inputs from a user (102) is provided. The inputs from the user may be head gestures and/or speech of the user. The head gestures refer to movements of the head of the user. The apparatus includes an accelerometer (303) for receiving inputs from the user. The inputs are in form of nasal bone vibrations of the user, which are caused by the head gestures and/or speech of the user. The accelerometer further generates signals corresponding to the inputs received from the user.

Abstract: An earbud is disclosed for use in a user's ear. The earbud includes an ear pad shaped to engage the concha of the ear and an audio driver coupled to the ear pad. When the earbud is installed in the user's ear the ear pad substantially occludes, or closes up the concha of the user's ear. Thus ambient noise is significantly attenuated before reaching the user's ear canal. Also, the earbud is supported primarily by the ear pad resting in the concha.

Abstract: An in-ear earphone has a housing in which a driver is located. An articulated acoustic tube is coupled to the housing at its near end portion. The acoustic tube has an open far end portion that is to be inserted into an ear. A hinge or pivot mechanism is formed in the tube, between the near and far end portions. An acoustic aperture formed within the mechanism acoustically couples sound pressure waves, generated by the driver, to the far end portion of the acoustic tube. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An earphone set includes a main device having a digital signal processor, and an earplug has an external microphone and a speaker electrically connected with the digital signal processor respectively. The external microphone converts an external sound wave into an electronic signal and transmits the electronic signal to the digital signal processor for processing. The speaker converts the electronic signal processed by the digital signal processor into a sound wave for output.

Abstract: A wired or wireless earset assembly includes an earset housing having a curved portion configured to fit to the top of an ear, a speaker driver contained in a speaker housing, a flexible tube having a first extension so as to be coupled with at least a part of the curved portion of the earset housing and a second extension coupled with the speaker housing, a rotatable cap containing a bud coupled with the speaker driver, a sound delivery port in the bud, a circuitry for processing an input signal in the case, and a wire in the flexible tube connecting the circuitry and the speaker driver.

Abstract: A method includes adhering an audiometric device to a surface of an ear or to an ear canal, the audiometric device including an adhesive contacting the surface of the ear or the ear canal; and conducting an audiometric procedure with the audiometric device adhered to the surface of the ear or the ear canal.

Abstract: A method and in the concha bowl hearing aid apparatus with sound processor/amplifier and speaker sized to be removably secured within the concha bowl of the ear and structured to allow sound to pass through the hearing aid into the ear canal so its speaker positioned within the external auditory canal of the ear blends and provides the desired combination of external sound entering the ear canal with amplified sound from the speaker.

Abstract: Audio apparatus (30) comprising a piezoelectric transducer (44) and coupling means (54) for coupling the transducer to a user's pinna (32) whereby the transducer excites vibration in the pinna (32) to cause it to transmit an acoustic signal from the transducer (44) to a user's inner ear, characterised in that the transducer is embedded in a casing (42) of relatively soft material and the casing (42) is mounted to a housing (34) of relatively hard material such that a cavity (48) is defined between the casing (42) and housing (34).

Abstract: The nasal bone conduction wireless communication transmitting device of the present invention comprises a bone conduction inputting device; a wireless communication transmitting device electrically connected to the bone conduction inputting device; a bone conduction outputting device having a second oscillator; and a carrier device for supporting those abovementioned devices. The invention is characterized by that the carrier device is a carrier provided on the nose for making the bone conduction outputting device and the bone conduction inputting device supported by it closely touching the skin of the nasal bone, and making the oscillating wave of the bone conduction outputting device being sent to the ear via the nasal bone conduction after the resonance in the nasal cavity; and converting the sound provided through the nasal conduction resonance by the bone conduction inputting device into an electrical wave, and then transmitting it to the wireless communication transmitting device for signaling.

Abstract: Wireless earphone systems provide earphones configured to be supported entirely by the ear canals of the wearer and to provide stereophonic reproduction of sound to the wearer based on a two-channel stereophonic signal from a transceiver that is attachable to a device. Certain systems include earphones configured such that channel reception can be switched between the earphones. Certain systems include an earphone that includes: a housing; a ground plane comprising circuitry; and a multi-segmented antenna configured to receive a signal from a transceiver, wherein the antenna and the ground plane are disposed within the housing, wherein the antenna is substantially parallel to the ground plane, and wherein the antenna and the ground plane are separated by a distance.

Abstract: The receiver unit includes a receiver body, a housing containing this receiver body, a cord connected to the receiver body, and a cord protector for protecting the cord. The cord protector is a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape, and includes an engaging portion and a semicircular portion. The cord protector is formed of soft material such as urethane rubber having Shore hardness of about A90, and its wall thickness is set to be 0.3 to 0.6 mm (0.5 mm, for example).

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

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an in-the-ear-canal device comprising: an insertion element; and at least one non-circumferential protrusion, where the at least one non-circumferential protrusion is operatively connected to a surface of the insertion element and provides a stabilizing force for maintaining the position of the insertion element in an ear canal.

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.

Abstract: An adapter for connection to an earphone or headphone having a speaker which is housed in a relatively rigid casing utilizes an elongated hollow body having two open ends. One open end of the body is adapted to be positioned about the relatively rigid speaker casing of the earphone or headphone for connection thereto, and the other open end of the body is adapted to be positioned within the ear of a user. The hollow body has an interior shape which is shaped to conduct sound emitted from the speaker casing toward and through the other open end of the body.

Abstract: An earphone is disclosed that is used in connection with reproducing audio sounds that are supplied from an audio-frequency source. The earphone includes a housing that includes a boot assembly positioned in the housing. A first audio driver is positioned in the boot assembly such that a first output of the first audio driver is in acoustic communication with a mixing chamber. A second audio driver is also positioned in the boot assembly such that a second output of the second audio driver is in acoustic communication with a chamber in the boot assembly. A tubular needle is positioned in the boot assembly having a first end in acoustic communication with the chamber and a second end in acoustic communication with the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An earpiece device includes a housing having a sound output portion, a speaker and a microphone. The speaker disposed in the housing includes a diaphragm and a sound transmitting hole. The diaphragm is located between the sound output portion and the sound transmitting hole. The microphone is disposed in the housing and covers the sound transmitting hole. A sound wave generated within an ear canal would be received by the speaker and delivered through the sound transmitting hole to the microphone for pickup.

Abstract: Feedbacks in hearing aids are to be attenuated and avoided in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The invention thus proposes producing a hearing aid component at least partially from a material comprising a plurality of Helmholtz resonators (8). An otoplastic (2) can be produced from a material of this type for example, thus enabling high frequency sound which leaks out of a ventilation bore (5) in the otoplastic (2) and which leads to feedback, to be attenuated in the otoplastic (2).

Abstract: An earphone and its method of making are disclosed. The earphone comprises a first shell and a second shell joined thereto to form a housing. A sound pressure releasing path is defined in the housing. A loudspeaker is disposed in the housing. A strain relief collar is securely clasped between the first and second shells, and the strain relief collar has an inner molded body and an outer molded body. The inner molded body having a hardness, and the outer molded body has a hardness lesser than that of the inner molded body. A cord has an end connected to the loudspeaker, a portion encompassed by the strain relief collar and a portion extended out of the strain relief collar, wherein the sound pressure releasing path allows sound air waves to exit the earphone to the atmosphere when the loudspeaker imposes sound to the ear.

Abstract: A light weight and comfortable ear mount for a personal audio-set is disclosed. The ear mount conforms with the anti-helix of a wearer's ear thereby operating substantially as a compression spring between the wearer's anti-helix and tragus to operably secure the personal audio-set in place. In a preferred embodiment, the ear mount is substantially kidney-shaped and includes an opening to prevent the total occlusion of the ear canal by the personal audio-set. Alternatively, the ear mount includes a loop of material sized to operably engage the anti-helix of the wearer's ear. The ear mount is preferably reversible to allow it to be placed in either the wearer's left or right ear.

Abstract: A resiliently flexible headpiece pivotally coupled to a pair of earbud securement elements each of which releasably engage the external surface of a corresponding discrete pair of earbuds.

Abstract: An earphone device comprises an inner casing enclosing one or more miniature drive units, and a movable cap or outer casing that moves relative to the inner casing. The inner casing has an extension member, such as a hollow post, terminating in an acoustic output port. A compressible foam bulb at least partially surrounds the extension member, and is decompressed and compressed by actuation of an adjustable member. The adjustable member may take the form, for example, of a pivoting lever, a helical cam, or a push-rod mechanism, among other things. A flange may be disposed around the periphery of the movable cap, in order to provide a seal surrounding the ear canal region. The compressible material may be gripped by the hollow extension member, and abut the movable cap or flange.

Abstract: An earphone device capable of achieving sound bandwidths beyond the 150-7000 Hz wideband range, and configured for supra-concha or supra-aural placement. The earphone comprises at least two frequency range receivers positioned within a housing. In at least one embodiment, the earphone is capable of achieving a super-wideband range by physically combining a low frequency receiver and a high frequency receiver in a space-efficient and acoustically advantageous manner.

Abstract: A springy or malleable conformable wire or wirelike stabilizer structure attached to an earbud microphone or earphone that maintains maximal contact with the wall structures of the ear around the wall of the concha region of the ear and the wall under the overhang of the helix providing a secure hold within the ear preventing easy dislodgement of an earbud device without visible means of an earhook.

Abstract: The present invention provides an earphone comprising an electro-active polymer that is adapted such that the outer circumference of a resilient member of the earphone is responsive to an electric voltage, enabling providing essentially sealing the ear canal when the resilient member of the earphone at least partly is inserted in an ear canal of a wearer. The electro-active polymer also enables an improved game and sound experience by providing by synchronizing the outer circumference of the resilient member with the electric signal provided to the earphone.

Abstract: An earphone or a removable component for use with an earphone are disclosed. As an example, the removable component can be an ear tip. According to one aspect, an improved ear tip can be provided for use with a headphone. The ear tip is suitable for in-ear operation and has a deformable outer member. The deformable outer member enables the ear tip to readily conform to a user's ear. The ear tip can also include an inner member to structurally support the outer member and to facilitate attachment to a headphone.

Abstract: An earphone or a removable component for use with an earphone are disclosed. As an example, the removable component can be a cap, filter or cover. According to one aspect, a headphone can provide improved approaches to substantially prevent foreign matter from hindering performance. However, when foreign matter has nevertheless accumulated, a user of the headphone can themselves clean the accumulated foreign matter without any tools or professional assistance. In one embodiment, a cover or filter is position and removably secured proximate to an entry to an acoustic channel of the headphone so that the foreign matter can be substantially blocked from ever entering the acoustic channel. In one embodiment, the cover or filter can be provided as part of a removable structure, e.g., cap, so that the cover or filter can be cleaned, replaced or otherwise serviced.

Abstract: A high comfort sound delivery system (10) for use with a personal communications device such as a telephone. The high comfort sound delivery system (10) has a behind-the-ear member (12) for holding the device on or near an ear of the user, and a sound horn (14) to be positioned at or near the ear canal of the user. Sound is produced by a speaker (26) in a speaker enclosure portion (15) of the behind-the-ear piece (12) and is delivered to the sound horn (14) through a generally flexible connecting member (16). Rotational adjustment is provide to rotating the connecting member (16) in relation to a speaker tube connection projection (20) and/or a sound horn tube connection projection (46). A length adjustment is provided by moving an elongated portion (66) of the connecting member (16) of the sound horn tube connection projection (46). Alternate sound horn bodies (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42e, 42f) provide addition rotational adjustment points.

Abstract: A monitoring system that can be placed proximate to the head or ear of a user is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the monitoring system can be used with headphones, earbuds or headsets. The monitoring system can, for example, be used to monitor user activity, such as during exercise or sporting activities. The positioning of the monitoring system can also facilitate sensing of other user characteristics (e.g., biometric data), such as temperature, perspiration and heart rate. The monitoring system can also be used to control a an electronic device. In one embodiment, the monitoring system facilitates user control of the electronic device using head gestures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing protection earplug comprising a shell (12) for being worn at least in part in the ear canal of a user, the shell having a sound passage (1016, 1036) extending from an outer sound inlet opening (50) of the shell to an inner sound output opening (1034) adapted to acoustically connect to the user's ear canal, and a noise attenuation button (1002) which is provided at the outer end of the shell, wherein said button is manually movable relative to the shell between a resting position in which the outer sound inlet opening of the shell is closed by the button and at least one communication position in which the outer sound inlet opening of the shell is at least partially opened by the button for enabling sound communication between the environment and the sound passage of the shell, wherein the sound passage (1016, 1036) is designed such that it has a sound attenuation of less than 10 dB averaged over the audible frequencies.

Abstract: A balanced armature apparatus is disclosed that includes dual transducers for generating sound waves in response to electric audio signals. The dual transducers include a motor assembly coupled to a diaphragm. A housing defines an interior chamber and the motor assembly and the diaphragm are positioned within the interior chamber. A pair of acoustic output ports is located in a respective end of the housing. A low pass acoustic filter is in communication with one of the acoustic output ports that is operable to attenuate a predetermined range of frequencies from an audio signal produced by one of the diaphragms.

Abstract: A stereo headphone includes a first audio element and a second audio element to be positioned against sides of a user's head in which each of the first and second audio elements is configured to transmit audio signals through bone to the auditory system of the user.

Abstract: Personal communication method and apparatus, such as telephone handsets and headsets, with acoustic stray field cancellation are disclosed. The personal communications device employs an echo canceling receiver generally including two displacement sources that are not in phase formed by at least one driver, an acoustic cavity corresponding to each displacement source, and an acoustic output port corresponding to and in acoustic connection with each displacement source via the corresponding acoustic cavity such that the acoustic length between the acoustic centers of the two ports is less than the distance between the acoustic center of each port and the acoustic center of the corresponding displacement source to which the port is acoustically connected. In another embodiment, the ports may be such that both ports are located on a same side of a surface of at least one of the displacement sources.

Abstract: A headphone device includes a pair of headphone units composed of a left headphone unit and a right headphone unit, a band section that is attached to the left headphone unit and the right headphone unit, and arranged so as to be positioned at the back of a head, a headphone cord attached to the left headphone unit or the right headphone unit, and a headphone cord attaching section that freely changes a branch point of the band section and the headphone cord by moving along the band section in a freely sliding manner in order to place the headphone cord along the band section to integrate the headphone cord and the band section with each other.

Abstract: A compact audio speaker assembly that fits into the ear canal without occluding the ear canal, thus allowing ambient sounds to be heard along with the audio source. The ear speaker is secured in the ear canal by a ribbon or wire like spring structure anchoring the speaker to the concha portion of the outer ear and typically pushing the speaker up against the top side of the ear canal, leaving a space for external sounds to bypass the speaker to the eardrum. The speaker may further include a connecting signal cable that passes over the ear and behind the ear to provide additional support for the speaker and strain relief for the signal cable. One embodiment may include a shell over the speaker connected to the wire like spring anchor and may include an ear wax screen. Two speakers may be configured for stereo listening.

Abstract: An insert earphone is provided in which a piece of foam material is used to resiliently mount a receiver within a chamber portion of a one-piece plastic housing member. The receiver has an output port extending through a central aperture of the piece of foam material and into one end of a passage defined by a tubular portion of the housing member with a damper being disposed in the other end of the passage. The tubular portion is inserted into an ear tip or other coupling device and has an enlarged diameter end section to achieve a locking action. Two such insert earphones may be coupled through cables to a junction unit and filters are provided for enhancing the drive of the earphones at high frequencies, the filters being preferably mounted in the junction unit.