US4696045A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ear microphone
Assignee: NABDCO ACQUISTION CORP A CORP OF FL
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Filing: 1985-06-04
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Granted: 1987-09-22
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Expires: 2005-06-04
Abstract
Abstract An ear microphone includes a bimorph piezoelectric transducer mounted on a PC board having an amplifier therein and surrounded by a helically wound spring. The piezoelectric transducer and spring are potted in a semi-soft potting compound which is formed in a shape adapted to be inserted into an external auditory ear canal to permit bone conduction to the microphone element. A cable is coupled to the amplifier through which a signal can be withdrawn for processing by electronic equipment.
Inventors
- 👤 James M. Rosenthal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 21:45
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04R; H04R1/00; H04R1/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
An ear microphone comprising: an electroacoustic transducer; a rigid housing, said transducer being partially disposed within said housing and partially extending out from said housing; a helically wound compression spring partially disposed within and supported by said housing, and partially extending outward of said housing and surrounding said transducer; semi-soft compound enclosing at least a portion of said transducer and said spring, said semi-soft compound having a shape adapted for insertion into a user's ear, said compound being adapted to provide a better mechanical impedance match of said transducers to the human ear than to air to thereby reduce the effect of response of said transducer to airborne vibrations.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
An ear microphone comprising: an electroacoustic transducer; a rigid housing, said transducer being partially disposed within said housing and partially extending out from said housing; a helically wound compression spring partially disposed within and supported by said housing, and partially extending outward of said housing and surrounding said transducer; semi-soft compound enclosing at least a portion of said transducer and said spring, said semi-soft compound having a shape adapted for insertion into a user's ear, said compound being adapted to provide a better mechanical impedance match of said transducers to the human ear than to air to thereby reduce the effect of response of said transducer to airborne vibrations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ear microphone according to claim 1 wherein said semi-soft compound has a cylindrical shape adapted for insertion into a user's external auditory ear canal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The ear microphone according to claim 2 wherein said electroacoustic transducer comprises a piezoelectric transducer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The ear microphone according to claim 3 wherein said piezoelectric transducer comprises a bimorph piezoelectric transducer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ear microphone according to claim 4 wherein said bimorph piezoelectric transducer comprises a bender-mode piezoelectric transducer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
The ear microphone according to claim 5 wherein said transducer is of a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a longitudinal axis aligned with a longitudinal axis of said cylindrical shape of said compound and further includes long faces and short faces, said transducer being sensitive to forces on at least said long faces.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ear microphone according to claim 1 wherein said semi-soft compound comprises a silicone rubber potting compound.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
the apparatus acording to claim 1 further comprising an amplifier disposed within said housing.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-09-21 | 1991-03-23 | 1991-09-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-09-21 | 1995-03-23 | 1995-09-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-09-21 | 1999-03-23 | 1999-09-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |