Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices – Acoustical noise or sound cancellation – Adjacent ear
Reexamination Certificate
1997-04-09
2001-01-16
Isen, Forester W. (Department: 2747)
Electrical audio signal processing systems and devices
Acoustical noise or sound cancellation
Adjacent ear
C381S110000, C381S328000, C367S198000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175633
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of radio communication devices. In particular, the invention is concerned with a preferred communications apparatus including a pair of ear units coupled with a VOX-triggered control unit that can be connected to a radio transceiver for delivery of audio signals therebetween.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Radio communication in a high noise environment has been a problem in the prior art. One prior art device includes headphones that fit over and enclose a person's ears in order to attenuate ambient sound and to allow the wearer to hear incoming transmissions. A boom microphone is provided for outgoing communications but such transmissions also include the ambient sounds. Additionally, the headsets are bulky and heavy, and do not provide a good seal against ambient sounds for people who wear eye glasses or other protective gear such as hard hats, face shields, respirators and so forth.
Other prior art devices use transducers configured to fit within the ear canal of the person and some include bone conduction microphones allowing two-way communications. Also, these prior art devices do not limit the loudness of the audio signals thereby adding to the noise exposure of the wearer with potential damage to the wearer's hearing. Moreover, these prior art devices do not provide sufficient attenuation of ambient sounds to satisfy safety requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the prior art problems discussed above and provides a distinct advance in the state of the art. More particularly, the communications apparatus hereof provides a transmit-and-receive radio communications system that is practical for high noise environments while meeting the safety standards to protect the wearer's hearing.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of ear units that can be coupled with a VOX-triggered control unit which, in turn, can be coupled with a radio transceiver. Each preferred ear unit includes an earphone transducer and at least one of the transducers also functions as a microphone. Additionally, each ear unit includes an ear piece configured to attenuate ambient sound sufficiently to meet safety standards and to prevent triggering of the VOX circuit.
In the preferred embodiment, only one of the transducers includes a microphone and the control unit is operable to provide a side tone to the other transducer as feedback. Other preferred aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein.
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Jonas Gerald J.
Morrill Jeffrey C.
Cavcom, Inc.
Hovey Williams Timmons & Collins
Isen Forester W.
Mei Xu
LandOfFree
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