Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – Headphone circuits
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-25
2004-05-11
Isen, Forester W. (Department: 2644)
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
Headphone circuits
C381S071600, C381S317000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06735316
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention concerns headphones or headsets, particularly headsets with automatic noise-reduction circuitry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Headsets typically include two earcups which are worn over cars of users to enhance or protect their hearing. For example, many workers wear headsets to protect their hearing from loud persistent noises, such as airplane engines and construction equipment. These headsets are generally passive or active. Those that are passive only cover the ears with a sound-muffling material, whereas those that are active include ear speakers and automatic noise-reduction (ANR) circuitry. The noise-reduction circuitry cancels or suppresses certain types of noises, providing protection beyond that of passive headsets.
One problem that the present inventor recognized with active headsets, particularly those with automatic noise-reduction circuitry, concerns how they are assembled and testing. Specifically, many, if not all, conventional headsets are assembled by fitting and securing a circuit board carrying electronic circuitry into one or both of the earcups. Once assembled, the headsets undergo testing to ensure proper performance. However, the conventional earcup structure makes it difficult to remove a defective circuit board without damaging or destroying the earcup. Thus, conventional headsets or earcups that fail testing are often discarded, ultimately increasing the cost of manufacturing headsets.
Accordingly, there is a need for active headset designs and assembly techniques that facilitate testing.
SUMMARY
To address this and other needs, the inventor devised a unique cup-in-cup structure for the earcups of active headsets as well as related assembly and testing methods.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4160135 (1979-07-01), Gorike
patent: 4239945 (1980-12-01), Atoji et al.
patent: 5182774 (1993-01-01), Bourk
patent: 5604813 (1997-02-01), Evans et al.
“ANR 101 Section 1: The Basics of ANR”,LightSPEED Aviation, Inc., http://www.lightspeed.com, pp. 1-6, (2000).
“ANR 101, A Tuturial on Active Noise Reduction”,LightSPEED Aviation, Inc., http://www.lightspeed.com, pp. 1-2, (2000).
Busch, M., “AVweb Product Report: LightSPEED Technologies 25XL Active Noise Reduction Headset”, file://C:\TMP\%20 LightSPEED%2025XL%20ANR%20Headset.htm, pp. 1-7, (1997).
Isen Forester W.
McChesney Elizabeth
Schwegman Lundberg Woessner & Kluth P.A.
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