LOCATING WIRELESS DEVICES

Systems, methods, devices and non-transitory, computer-readable storage mediums are disclosed for location-tracking wireless devices. In an embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device comprises: playing, or initiating the playing of, a sound through a loudspeaker of an accessory device via a communication link. The sound is played at a specified frequency that utilizes a frequency response of the loudspeaker (or loudspeaker plus speaker enclosure). The sound is received through two or more microphones of the electronic device and filtered by one or more filters. The one or more filters are configured to pass the sound at or around the specified frequency and to reduce masking of the sound by ambient noise. The filtered sound is associated with direction data generated from sensor data provided by one or more inertial sensors of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the specified frequency is higher than the maximum human hearing range.

Locating wireless devices

Systems, methods, devices and non-transitory, computer-readable storage mediums are disclosed for location-tracking wireless devices. In an embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device comprises: playing, or initiating the playing of, a sound through a loudspeaker of an accessory device via a communication link. The sound is played at a specified frequency that utilizes a frequency response of the loudspeaker (or loudspeaker plus speaker enclosure). The sound is received through two or more microphones of the electronic device and filtered by one or more filters. The one or more filters are configured to pass the sound at or around the specified frequency and to reduce masking of the sound by ambient noise. The filtered sound is associated with direction data generated from sensor data provided by one or more inertial sensors of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the specified frequency is higher than the maximum human hearing range.

LOCATING WIRELESS DEVICES

Systems, methods, devices and non-transitory, computer-readable storage mediums are disclosed for location-tracking wireless devices. In an embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device comprises: playing, or initiating the playing of, a sound through a loudspeaker of an accessory device via a communication link. The sound is played at a specified frequency that utilizes a frequency response of the loudspeaker (or loudspeaker plus speaker enclosure). The sound is received through two or more microphones of the electronic device and filtered by one or more filters. The one or more filters are configured to pass the sound at or around the specified frequency and to reduce masking of the sound by ambient noise. The filtered sound is associated with direction data generated from sensor data provided by one or more inertial sensors of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the specified frequency is higher than the maximum human hearing range. 1. A method performed by an electronic device , comprising:playing, or initiating the playing of, a sound through a loudspeaker of an accessory device located in an environment, wherein the accessory device is communicatively coupled to the electronic device through a communication link, wherein the sound is played at a specified frequency or frequencies that utilizes a resonant frequency response of the loudspeaker of the accessory device;receiving, by two or more microphones of the electronic device, a recording of the environment, the recording including the sound played through the loudspeaker of the accessory device and ambient noise;filtering, by one or more filters of the electronic device, the recording, the one or more filters configured to pass the specified frequency or frequencies of the sound played through the loudspeaker of the accessory device and to reduce masking of the sound by the ambient noise;determining, by the electronic device, a direction to the accessory device based on a determination of ...

LOCATING WIRELESS DEVICES

Systems, methods, devices and non-transitory, computer-readable storage mediums are disclosed for location-tracking wireless devices. In an embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device comprises: playing, or initiating the playing of, a sound through a loudspeaker of an accessory device via a communication link. The sound is played at a specified frequency that utilizes a frequency response of the loudspeaker (or loudspeaker plus speaker enclosure). The sound is received through two or more microphones of the electronic device and filtered by one or more filters. The one or more filters are configured to pass the sound at or around the specified frequency and to reduce masking of the sound by ambient noise. The filtered sound is associated with direction data generated from sensor data provided by one or more inertial sensors of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the specified frequency is higher than the maximum human hearing range.

Communications headset with isolating in-ear driver

The present invention relates to a communications headset. The headset comprises a housing that includes a speaker driver. The headset further comprises a nozzle for insertion into an ear canal. The nozzle is coupled to the housing. The headset additionally comprises an acoustically isolating ear piece coupled to the nozzle, the ear piece and the housing providing of acoustic isolation from ambient sound over the range of audible frequencies. The headset further comprises a microphone.

Locating wireless devices

Systems, methods, devices and non-transitory, computer-readable storage mediums are disclosed for location-tracking wireless devices. In an embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device comprises: playing, or initiating the playing of, a sound through a loudspeaker of an accessory device via a communication link. The sound is played at a specified frequency that utilizes a frequency response of the loudspeaker (or loudspeaker plus speaker enclosure). The sound is received through two or more microphones of the electronic device and filtered by one or more filters. The one or more filters are configured to pass the sound at or around the specified frequency and to reduce masking of the sound by ambient noise. The filtered sound is associated with direction data generated from sensor data provided by one or more inertial sensors of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the specified frequency is higher than the maximum human hearing range.

EARPHONE DRIVER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

A balanced armature motor assembly has a circuit board mounted to a bobbin. A first end of a wire coil is secured to a first terminal on the circuit board and passes through a first cutout of the bobbin. A second end of the wire coil is secured to a second terminal on the circuit board and passes through a second cutout of the bobbin. The first end of the wire coil is oriented along a first line tangent to a center post of the bobbin, and the second end of the wire coil is oriented along a second line tangent to the center post of the bobbin. In another embodiment, a compressed polymer material is interposed between a first magnet and a post located on the bobbin and between a second magnet and the post on the bobbin. The polymer material forces the first and second magnets into contact with the pole piece such that the magnets can be welded to the pole piece. 1. A balanced armature motor assembly comprising:an armature having a flexible reed;a pole piece containing a pair of magnets;a bobbin comprising a first cutout, a second cutout, and a center post;a wire coil surrounding the bobbin having a first end and a second end;a circuit board mounted to the bobbin, the circuit board comprising a first terminal and a second terminal; anda drive pin operatively connected between the reed and a paddle; wherein the first end of the wire coil is secured to the first terminal of the circuit board and passes through the first cutout of the bobbin and the second end of the wire coil is secured to the second terminal of the circuit board and passes through the second cutout of the bobbin.2. The assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first end of the wire coil is oriented along a first line tangent to the center post of the bobbin and the second end of the wire coil is oriented along a second line tangent to the center post of the bobbin.3. The assembly according to wherein the circuit board comprises first and second notches and wherein the first end of the wire coil is ...

EARPHONE ASSEMBLY

An earphone assembly for an in-ear listening device and method for filtering a portion of an audible sound output are disclosed. An earphone comprises a housing configured to receive a nozzle, a plurality of drivers each having an acoustical output disposed within the housing, and an elongated passageway disposed within the housing configured to filter at least an audible portion of a sound wave output from at least one of the plurality of drivers. The method comprises providing an elongated passageway to provide an increased path length and connecting an output of the at least one driver to the elongated passageway to configure the sound output to be received within the elongated passageway to acoustically filter a portion of the sound output from the at least one driver. 1. An earphone assembly comprising:a housing;a first driver configured to produce a first audio output;a second driver configured to produce a second audio output;a nozzle coupled to the housing; andan elongated passageway connected to the first driver and contained within the housing, the elongated passageway having a length and cross sectional area and comprising a tortuous path having multiple turns winding internally within the housing, wherein the length and cross-sectional area of the elongated passageway are configured as an acoustic filter for filtering at least an audible portion of the sound from the audio output of the first driver.2. The earphone assembly of wherein at least a portion of the elongated passageway forms a labyrinth.3. The earphone assembly of wherein the labyrinth comprises a plurality of integral layers.4. The earphone assembly of wherein one or more of the layers of the labyrinth form an elongated channel extending lengthwise claim 3 , widthwise claim 3 , or combinations thereof on the largest surface area of the layer.5. The earphone assembly of wherein the elongated channel of the one or more layers is formed as a wave or spiral shape.6. The earphone assembly of ...

HEADPHONE TRANSPARENCY, OCCLUSION EFFECT MITIGATION AND WIND NOISE DETECTION

A headphone has a driver, an internal microphone, an accelerometer, and an external microphone. An audio processor analyzes signals to detect wind noise. Gain of lower frequencies is reduced relative to higher frequencies, in a first filter that is operating on an audio signal from the external microphone in a feedforward path, responsive to detecting increased wind noise. A second filter in an audio signal feedback path may be adjusted to compensate for the gain change in the first filter that may mitigate occlusion effect. Outputs of the feedforward path in the feedback path are combined to produce an audio signal for the driver. The driver produces sound in the aural canal that has transparency with reduced wind noise, relative to sound external to the headphone. Other aspects are also described and claimed. 1. An audio processing system for headphone transparency , comprising:a headphone having a driver, an internal microphone, an accelerometer, and an external microphone; and detect increased wind noise by analyzing one or more of signals from the internal microphone, the external microphone and the accelerometer, wherein the increased wind noise is detected by analyzing a difference in low frequency components of the signals picked up by the internal microphone and by the accelerometer;', 'reduce gain of lower frequencies relative to higher frequencies in a first filter that is operating on the signal from the external microphone in a feedforward path, responsive to detecting the increased wind noise;', 'adjust a second filter, in a feedback path, that is operating on the signal from the accelerometer, wherein the second filter is adjusted based on detecting the increased wind noise; and', 'combine outputs of the feedforward path and the feedback path to produce a signal for the driver to produce sound in an aural canal of a user of the headphone., 'an audio processor to2. The audio processing system of claim 1 , wherein the audio processor is to adjust the ...

Earbud stability anchor feature

An earbud design is disclosed that is configured to sit securely within an ear of a user. The earbud can be secured within the ear by an anchoring feature formed from an elastomeric material. The anchoring feature has a size and shape in accordance with an interior geometry of an ear of a user. Because the anchoring feature positions the earbud with respect to the ear, geometries of the earbud can be focused upon audio performance and/or device aesthetics. In some embodiments, the earbud housing can have a linear design which allows an audio driver within the earbud housing to be positioned close to an opening defined by the earbud housing. In this way, acoustic degradation associated with a long audio path from the audio driver to the opening can be avoided.

In-ear headphone

A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

Earbud stability anchor feature

An earbud design is disclosed that is configured to sit securely within an ear of a user. The earbud can be secured within the ear by an anchoring feature formed from an elastomeric material. The anchoring feature has a size and shape in accordance with an interior geometry of an ear of a user. Because the anchoring feature positions the earbud with respect to the ear, geometries of the earbud can be focused upon audio performance and/or device aesthetics. In some embodiments, the earbud housing can have a linear design which allows an audio driver within the earbud housing to be positioned close to an opening defined by the earbud housing. In this way, acoustic degradation associated with a long audio path from the audio driver to the opening can be avoided.

EARBUDS WITH BIOMETRIC SENSING

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within. 1. An audio device , comprising:an earbud housing having a size and shape suitable for at least partial insertion into an ear of a user;a speaker disposed within the earbud housing;a biometric sensor disposed within the earbud housing and including a sensing surface arranged along an exterior surface of the earbud housing; anda processor configured to determine an orientation of the earbud housing within the ear of a user using a value of a biometric parameter detected by the biometric sensor and adjust an operational state of the speaker in accordance with the determined orientation.2. The audio device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor is a first biometric sensor and wherein the audio device further comprises a second biometric sensor comprising a light emitter and a light detector claim 1 , the light detector measuring light from the light emitter after being reflected off the tragus of the ear of the user when the earbud housing is positioned within the ear of the user.3. The audio device as recited in claim 2 , wherein the light emitter comprises a first light emitter and a second light emitter claim 2 , the first light emitter being configured to emit light at a different frequency than the second light emitter.4. The audio device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the biometric sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor claim 1 , a capacitive sensor and ...

Earphone assembly

An earphone assembly for an in-ear listening device and method for filtering a portion of an audible sound output are disclosed. An earphone comprises a housing configured to receive a nozzle, a plurality of drivers each having an acoustical output disposed within the housing, and an elongated passageway disposed within the housing configured to filter at least an audible portion of a sound wave output from at least one of the plurality of drivers. The method comprises providing an elongated passageway to provide an increased path length and connecting an output of the at least one driver to the elongated passageway to configure the sound output to be received within the elongated passageway to acoustically filter a portion of the sound output from the at least one driver.

In-ear headphone

A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

EARBUD STABILITY ANCHOR FEATURE

An earbud design is disclosed that is configured to sit securely within an ear of a user. The earbud can be secured within the ear by an anchoring feature formed from an elastomeric material. The anchoring feature has a size and shape in accordance with an interior geometry of an ear of a user. Because the anchoring feature positions the earbud with respect to the ear, geometries of the earbud can be focused upon audio performance and/or device aesthetics. In some embodiments, the earbud housing can have a linear design which allows an audio driver within the earbud housing to be positioned close to an opening defined by the earbud housing. In this way, acoustic degradation associated with a long audio path from the audio driver to the opening can be avoided. 1. An earbud , comprising:an earbud housing defining an interior volume and an audio opening leading out of the interior volume;an audio driver disposed within the interior volume and configured to emit audio that leaves the earbud housing through the audio opening; andan anchoring feature coupled to and surrounding a portion of the earbud housing, the anchoring feature being configured to orient the earbud housing so that a longitudinal axis of the earbud housing is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the anchoring feature by an obtuse angle.2. The earbud of claim 1 , wherein the obtuse angle of the earbud housing with respect to the anchoring feature is between 110 and 120 degrees.3. The earbud of claim 1 , wherein the earbud housing comprises a nozzle protruding from the earbud housing that defines the audio opening.4. The earbud of claim 3 , further comprising an earbud tip engaged over the nozzle.5. The earbud of claim 3 , wherein a longitudinal axis of the earbud housing passes through an opening defined by the nozzle.6. The earbud of claim 1 , wherein the anchoring feature comprises an elastomeric member.7. The earbud of claim 6 , wherein the elastomeric member engages a locking feature of the ...

IN-EAR HEADPHONE

A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud. 1. An earbud , comprising:an earbud housing;a balanced armature audio driver positioned within the earbud housing;a nozzle protruding from an end of the earbud housing; anda cable protruding from the end of the earbud, the cable being configured to provide power and data to circuitry within the earbud housing.2. The earbud as recited in claim 1 , wherein an angle at which the cable protrudes from the earbud housing positions the cable between the tragus and anti-tragus of an ear of a user when the earbud is in use.3. The earbud as recited in claim 2 , wherein the nozzle defines an opening through which audio can be directed into the ear canal of the ear of the user.4. The earbud as recited in claim 2 , wherein an angle between a direction at which the nozzle protrudes from the earbud housing and a direction at which the cable protrude from the earbud housing is between 100 degrees and 110 degrees.5. The earbud as recited in claim 2 , wherein the nozzle is pivotally coupled with the earbud housing.6. The earbud as recited in claim 5 , wherein the nozzle and the earbud housing are formed of rigid materials and the earbud further comprises a flexible boot that accommodates the pivotal coupling between the nozzle and the earbud housing.7. An earbud claim 5 , comprising:a housing;a nozzle protruding from an end of the housing and defining an opening through which audio leaves the housing;an audio driver positioned within the housing and proximate the nozzle; anda protrusion extending from the end of the housing, ...

HEADPHONE EARTIPS WITH INTERNAL SUPPORT COMPONENTS FOR INNER EARTIP BODIES

Headphone eartips with internal support components and methods for making the same are provided. At least one support component may provide specific amounts and types of rigidity at specific portions of an inner eartip body defining an inner eartip space that transmits sound to an eardrum when an eartip subassembly is positioned within an ear canal, such that the eartip subassembly may ensure an effective sound path while also at least partially conforming to various ear canal geometries. 1. An earpiece that is operative to be at least partially positioned within an ear canal , the earpiece comprising: [ an inner eartip front end with an inner eartip front opening through the inner eartip front end;', 'an inner eartip back end with an inner eartip back opening through the inner eartip back end;', 'an inner eartip interior surface extending between the inner eartip front opening and the inner eartip back opening for defining an inner eartip space; and', 'an inner eartip exterior surface extending about the inner eartip interior surface between the inner eartip front end and the inner eartip back end;, 'an inner eartip body comprising, an outer eartip front end with an outer eartip front opening through the outer eartip front end, wherein the outer eartip front end is coupled to the inner eartip front end for at least partially aligning the inner eartip front opening and the outer eartip front opening;', 'an outer eartip back end with an outer eartip back opening through the outer eartip back end;', 'an outer eartip interior surface extending between the outer eartip front opening and the outer eartip back opening for defining an outer eartip space; and', 'an outer eartip exterior surface extending about the outer eartip interior surface between the outer eartip front end and the outer eartip back end; and, 'an outer eartip body that is operative to deform when the earpiece is at least partially positioned within the ear canal, the outer eartip body comprising, the ...

INTERNAL CONTROL LEAK INTEGRATED IN A DRIVER FRAME

A driver assembly including a driver module having a driver frame and a diaphragm coupled to the driver frame, the driver frame defining a front volume chamber coupled to a first side of the diaphragm and a back volume chamber; an internal control leak formed through the driver frame to couple the front volume chamber to the back volume chamber; and a first driver vent and a second driver vent formed through the driver frame to couple a second side of the diaphragm to the back volume chamber, wherein a centroid of the first driver vent is aligned with a centroid of the second driver vent. 1. A driver assembly comprising:a driver module having a driver frame and a diaphragm coupled to the driver frame, the driver frame defining a front volume chamber coupled to a first side of the diaphragm and a back volume chamber;an internal control leak formed through the driver frame to couple the front volume chamber to the back volume chamber; anda first driver vent and a second driver vent formed through the driver frame to couple a second side of the diaphragm to the back volume chamber, wherein a centroid of the first driver vent is aligned with a centroid of the second driver vent.2. The driver assembly of wherein the internal control leak claim 1 , the first driver vent and the second driver vent are formed through a same wall of the driver frame that the diaphragm is coupled to.3. The driver assembly of wherein the internal control leak is a first internal control leak claim 1 , the assembly further comprising a second internal control leak.4. The driver assembly of wherein the first internal control leak and the second internal control leak are radially outward to the first driver vent and the second driver vent.5. The driver assembly of wherein the first driver vent and the second driver vent have a same shape.6. The driver assembly of wherein a shape of at least one of the first driver vent and the second driver vent is asymmetrical.7. The driver assembly of wherein ...

EARTIP WITH CONTROL LEAK

Embodiments describe an eartip including an eartip body having an attachment end and an interfacing end opposite from the attachment end, and an attachment structure coupled to the inner eartip body at the attachment end. The eartip body can include: an inner eartip body having a sidewall extending between the interfacing end and the attachment end, the sidewall defining a channel and having a first thickness near the attachment end and a second thickness different from the first thickness at the interfacing end; and an outer eartip body sized and shaped to be inserted into an ear canal and extending from the interfacing end, the outer eartip body extending toward the attachment end of the eartip. The attachment structure including a sidewall extending around a periphery of the attachment structure and defining an opening extending through the sidewall that fluidly couples the channel to an ambient environment. 1. An eartip , comprising: an inner eartip body having a sidewall extending between the interfacing end and the attachment end, the sidewall defining a channel and having a first thickness near the attachment end and a second thickness different from the first thickness at the interfacing end; and', 'an outer eartip body sized and shaped to be inserted into an ear canal and extending from the interfacing end, the outer eartip body extending toward the attachment end of the eartip; and, 'an eartip body having an attachment end and an interfacing end opposite from the attachment end, the eartip body comprisingan attachment structure coupled to the inner eartip body at the attachment end, the attachment structure comprising a sidewall extending around a periphery of the attachment structure and defining an opening extending through the sidewall that fluidly couples the channel to an ambient environment.2. The eartip of claim 1 , wherein the opening is a first opening and the sidewall of the attachment structure defines a second opening separate from the first ...

IN-EAR SPEAKER HYBRID AUDIO TRANSPARENCY SYSTEM

A user content audio signal is converted into sound that is delivered into an ear canal of a wearer of an in-ear speaker, while the in-ear speaker is sealing off the ear canal against ambient sound leakage. An acoustic or venting valve in the in-ear speaker is automatically signaled to open, so that sound inside the ear canal is allowed to travel out into an ambient environment through the valve, while activating conversion of an ambient content audio signal into sound for delivery into the ear canal. Both user content and ambient content are heard by the wearer. The ambient content audio signal is digitally processed so that certain frequency components have been gain adjusted, based on an equalization profile, so as to compensate for some of the insertion loss that is due to the in-ear speaker blocking the ear canal. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. An insertable in-ear speaker configured as a hybrid transparency system , the insertable in-ear speaker comprising:a user content sound system to receive a user content audio signal, being a recorded audio program signal or a downlink audio signal of a phone call, and convert the user content audio signal into sound for delivery into an ear in which the in-ear speaker has been inserted;an ambient sound augmentation system having an external microphone which is configured to pick up sound in the ambient environment of the in-ear speaker, as a microphone audio signal, wherein the system can be configured to be i) activated to process the microphone audio signal to increase gains of a plurality of frequency components therein, respectively, before converting the microphone audio signal into sound for delivery into the ear, and ii) deactivated to not convert the microphone signal into sound;an active, venting or acoustic pass valve that can be configured between i) an open state in which it allows sound inside the ear to travel out into the ambient environment and ii) a closed state in which it ...

In-ear headphone

A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

IN-EAR SPEAKER HYBRID AUDIO TRANSPARENCY SYSTEM

A user content audio signal is converted into sound that is delivered into an ear canal of a wearer of an in-ear speaker, while the in-ear speaker is sealing off the ear canal against ambient sound leakage. An acoustic or venting valve in the in-ear speaker is automatically signaled to open, so that sound inside the ear canal is allowed to travel out into an ambient environment through the valve, while activating conversion of an ambient content audio signal into sound for delivery into the ear canal. Both user content and ambient content are heard by the wearer. The ambient content audio signal is digitally processed so that certain frequency components have been gain adjusted, based on an equalization profile, so as to compensate for some of the insertion loss that is due to the in-ear speaker blocking the ear canal. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. An insertable in-ear speaker configured as a hybrid transparency system , the insertable in-ear speaker comprising:a user content sound system to receive a user content audio signal, being a recorded audio program signal or a downlink audio signal of a phone call, and convert the user content audio signal into sound for delivery into an ear canal that is sealed by the in-ear speaker;an ambient sound augmentation system having an external microphone which is configured to pick up sound in the ambient environment of the in-ear speaker, as a microphone output ambient content audio signal, wherein the system can be configured to be i) activated to process the microphone output ambient content audio signal to increase gains of a plurality of frequency components therein, respectively, by amounts that compensate some of the insertion loss that occurs due to the in-ear speaker blocking the ear canal, before converting the microphone output ambient content audio signal into sound for delivery into the ear canal that is sealed by the in-ear speaker, and ii) deactivated to not convert the microphone output ...

BALANCED ARMATURE BASED VALVE

A balanced armature (“BA”) based valve is described. The valve includes a motor having a coil assembly and a magnetic system, an armature extending through or being located adjacent to the motor, a drive pin coupled to the armature, and a valve flap of a membrane having a hole therein. The valve flap is actuated by the drive pin into open and closed positions, in response to respective motions of the armature. A housing contains the motor, the armature, the drive pin, and the membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane is attached to the housing and divides the housing into an upper space and a lower space, and there is airflow through the hole, between the upper space and the lower space, only when the valve flap is open. A first spout of the housing may deliver sound generated by an acoustic driver in the housing into a wearer's ear canal, and is also open to the upper space. A second spout of the housing is open to the bottom space and to an ambient environment. Other embodiments are also described. 1. An acoustic pass valve for use in a speaker , the valve comprising:a motor having a coil assembly and a magnetic system;an armature extending through or being located adjacent to the coil assembly and the magnetic system;a membrane having a main portion in which a hole is formed, and a moveable valve flap that, in a closed position, abuts the top face of the main portion and completely covers the hole;a drive pin having a first end and a second end, the first end of the drive pin being coupled to the armature and the second end being coupled to the valve flap of the membrane, the valve flap to be actuated by the drive pin into i) an open position in which the hole is uncovered by the flap, in response to a first motion of the armature, and ii) the closed position, in response to a second motion of the armature;a valve housing containing the motor, the armature, the drive pin, and the membrane;a first spout coupled to or formed on the housing, wherein the first spout ...

In-ear speaker hybrid audio transparency system

A user content audio signal is converted into sound that is delivered into an ear canal of a wearer of an in-ear speaker, while the in-ear speaker is sealing off the ear canal against ambient sound leakage. An acoustic or venting valve in the in-ear speaker is automatically signaled to open, so that sound inside the ear canal is allowed to travel out into an ambient environment through the valve, while activating conversion of an ambient content audio signal into sound for delivery into the ear canal. Both user content and ambient content are heard by the wearer. The ambient content audio signal is digitally processed so that certain frequency components have been gain adjusted, based on an equalization profile, so as to compensate for some of the insertion loss that is due to the in-ear speaker blocking the ear canal. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

BALANCED ARMATURE BASED VALVE

A balanced armature (“BA”) based valve is described. The valve includes a motor having a coil assembly and a magnetic system, an armature extending through or being located adjacent to the motor, a drive pin coupled to the armature, and a valve flap of a membrane having a hole therein. The valve flap is actuated by the drive pin into open and closed positions, in response to respective motions of the armature. A housing contains the motor, the armature, the drive pin, and the membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane is attached to the housing and divides the housing into an upper space and a lower space, and there is airflow through the hole, between the upper space and the lower space, only when the valve flap is open. A first spout of the housing may deliver sound generated by an acoustic driver in the housing into a wearer's ear canal, and is also open to the upper space. A second spout of the housing is open to the bottom space and to an ambient environment. Other embodiments are also described. 14. An acoustic driver assembly for use in a speaker , the driver assembly comprising:an acoustic driver that is to generate sound waves for delivery into an ear canal of a user in response to an input audio signal;a balanced armature (BA) based valve having a valve membrane with a hole formed therein that is completely covered by a moveable valve flap when in a closed position, a coil assembly, a magnetic system, an armature extending through or being located adjacent to the coil assembly and the magnetic system, a drive pin whose first end is coupled to the armature and whose second end is coupled to the valve flap, the valve flap to be actuated by the drive pin into an open position based on a first motion of the armature and the closed position based on a second motion of the armature; anda housing containing the acoustic driver and the BA based valve, wherein first and second spouts are coupled to or formed on the housing, the first spout i) is configured to ...

In-ear headphone

A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

In-ear speaker hybrid audio transparency system

A user content audio signal is converted into sound that is delivered into an ear canal of a wearer of an in-ear speaker, while the in-ear speaker is sealing off the ear canal against ambient sound leakage. An acoustic or venting valve in the in-ear speaker is automatically signaled to open, so that sound inside the ear canal is allowed to travel out into an ambient environment through the valve, while activating conversion of an ambient content audio signal into sound for delivery into the ear canal. Both user content and ambient content are heard by the wearer. The ambient content audio signal is digitally processed so that certain frequency components have been gain adjusted, based on an equalization profile, so as to compensate for some of the insertion loss that is due to the in-ear speaker blocking the ear canal. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

IN-EAR EARPHONE WITH ARTICULATING NOZZLE AND INTEGRATED BOOT

Intra-canal earphones and methods of manufacturing intra-canal earphones are disclosed. In an embodiment, an intra-canal earphone includes a rigid housing in which a driver is located, a rigid nozzle, and a resilient joint that physically couples the housing with the nozzle and acoustically couples the driver with the nozzle. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. An intra-canal earphone , comprising:a housing having a chamber, wherein the housing is rigid;a nozzle having a nozzle lumen, wherein the nozzle is rigid;a driver located in the chamber and having a driver port, the driver being configured to receive an electrical audio signal and to emit sound from the driver port; anda resilient joint having an elastomeric body and a joint channel, wherein the nozzle is pivotally coupled with the housing through the elastomeric body, and wherein the nozzle lumen is acoustically coupled with the driver port through the joint channel.2. The intra-canal earphone of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric body is elastomeric to allow the nozzle to pivot relative to the housing from an initial state when an external load is applied to the nozzle and to return to the initial state when the external load is removed.3. The intra-canal earphone of claim 2 , wherein the resilient joint is attached to a housing inner surface of the housing claim 2 , and wherein the resilient joint is attached to the nozzle.4. The intra-canal earphone of claim 3 , wherein the resilient joint fills a space between the housing inner surface and the nozzle.5. The intra-canal earphone of claim 4 , wherein the resilient joint is frictionally held by the housing inner surface claim 4 , and wherein the nozzle is frictionally held by the resilient joint.6. The intra-canal earphone of claim 5 , wherein the housing includes a protrusion extending radially inward from the housing inner surface claim 5 , and wherein the resilient joint covers the protrusion.7. The intra-canal earphone of claim 5 , ...

EARPHONE ASSEMBLIES WITH MAGNETS FOR ANCHORING TO A USER

Earphone assemblies with magnets are provided to anchor the assemblies to a user during use. 1. An earphone assembly for use by a user's ear , the earphone assembly comprising:a hook member comprising a functional component;a body;an audio output component positioned at least partially within the body;a first magnet physically coupled to the body; and a first end of the hook member is physically coupled to the body;', 'a second end of the hook member is a free end;', 'the second magnet is coupled to the hook member adjacent the second end of the hook member; and', an antenna functionally coupled to the audio output component; and', 'a battery functionally coupled to the audio component., 'the functional component comprises at least one of the following], "a second magnet, wherein, when the body is positioned against the user's ear in a functional position that is operative to direct sound from the audio output component into the user's ear, the first magnet and the second magnet are operative to be positioned on opposite sides of a wall of the ear and are operative to be magnetically attracted to one another via the wall for holding the body in the functional position, and wherein:"}2. The earphone assembly of claim 1 , wherein the functional component comprises an antenna functionally coupled to the audio output component.3. The earphone assembly of claim 1 , wherein the functional component comprises a battery functionally coupled to the audio component.4. The earphone assembly of claim 3 , wherein the functional component further comprises an antenna functionally coupled to the audio output component.5. The earphone assembly of claim 1 , wherein the free end of the hook member is operative to move in at least one direction of freedom with respect to the first end of the hook member.6. The earphone assembly of claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , when the body is positioned in the functional position claim 1 , a portion of the hook member extends up over a helix of the ear ...

Dynamic valve for an electronic device

A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber and a sound output port to an ambient environment; a transducer positioned within the interior chamber and dividing the interior chamber into a front volume chamber coupling a first side of the transducer to the sound output port and a back volume chamber coupled to a second side of the transducer; and an electromechanical valve comprising a number of flaps operable to open and close a vent to the interior chamber, the front volume chamber or the back volume chamber.

Headphone transparency, occlusion effect mitigation and wind noise detection

A headphone has a driver, an internal microphone, an accelerometer, and an external microphone. An audio processor analyzes signals to detect wind noise. Gain of lower frequencies is reduced relative to higher frequencies, in a first filter that is operating on an audio signal from the external microphone in a feedforward path, responsive to detecting increased wind noise. A second filter in an audio signal feedback path may be adjusted to compensate for the gain change in the first filter that may mitigate occlusion effect. Outputs of the feedforward path in the feedback path are combined to produce an audio signal for the driver. The driver produces sound in the aural canal that has transparency with reduced wind noise, relative to sound external to the headphone. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Communications headset with isolating in-ear driver

The present invention relates to a communications headset. The headset comprises a housing (902) that includes a speaker driver. The headset further comprises a nozzle (9049 for insertion into an ear canal. The nozzle (904) is coupled to the housing (902). The headset additionally comprises an acoustically isolating earpiece (906) coupled to the nozzle (904), the earpiece (906) and the housing (902) providing of acoustic isolation from ambient sound over the range of audible frequencies. The headset further comprises a microphone (9016).

Magnet array for securing wireless listening devices

Embodiments describe a magnetic securing component including a set of magnets positioned laterally adjacent to one another and having a curved top surface defined by individual curved top surfaces of each magnet in the set of magnets. The set of magnets includes: first and second magnets positioned laterally adjacent to one another, where the first and second magnets each have a polarity that is oriented parallel to a vertical dimension; and third and fourth magnets laterally positioned from the first and second magnets, where the third magnet is positioned adjacent to the first magnet and the fourth magnet is positioned adjacent to the second magnet, the third and fourth magnets each having a magnetic polarity that is oriented at an angle with respect to the vertical dimension.

Magnet array for securing wireless listening devices

Communications headset with isolating in-ear driver

The present invention relates to a communications headset. The headset comprises a housing (902) that includes a speaker driver. The headset further comprises a nozzle (9049 for insertion into an ear canal. The nozzle (904) is coupled to the housing (902). The headset additionally comprises an acoustically isolating earpiece (906) coupled to the nozzle (904), the earpiece (906) and the housing (902) providing of acoustic isolation from ambient sound over the range of audible frequencies. The headset further comprises a microphone (9016).

Earphone driver and method of manufacture

Attachment mechanism for eartips

Embodiments describe an attachment mechanism including a wire bent in various directions forming a spring compressible in lateral directions. The wire includes a first wireform feature and a second wireform feature extending from the first wireform feature, where the first wireform feature and the second wireform feature each include: an intermediate segment; a u-shaped segment extending from the intermediate segment; and an end segment extending from the u-shaped segment.

Eartips for coupling via wireform attachment mechanisms

Embodiments describe an eartip including an eartip body having an attachment end and an interfacing end opposite from the attachment end. The eartip body can include an inner eartip body having a sidewall extending between the interfacing end and the attachment end, the sidewall defining a channel and having a first thickness near the attachment end and a second thickness different from the first thickness at the interfacing end. The eartip can also include an attachment structure coupled to the inner eartip body at the attachment end, the attachment structure having an inner surface and an outer surface. The attachment structure can include an upper region interfacing with the sidewall and defining discrete through-holes, a lower region below the upper region where the inner surface defines a plurality of recesses positioned around the lower region, and a mesh extending across the channel and into the upper region.

In-ear headphone

A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

Shape memory alloy valve for an electronic device

An in-ear electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that defines an interior chamber surrounding a transducer and an opening from the interior chamber to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; and an acoustic valve comprising a driven member coupled to a driving member having a lever and a shape memory alloy operable to cause the driven member to open and close the opening upon application of a current.

An electroosmotic flow valve for an electronic device

A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that defines a first chamber, a second chamber and an acoustic opening from the first chamber or the second chamber; and an electroosmotic flow valve operable to open and close the acoustic opening.

Speaker and microphone for acoustic devices

Implementations of the subject technology provide for a microphone in the front volume of a speaker. The speaker and the microphone may be provided in a single speaker assembly. The microphone may be implemented as an error microphone or a feedback microphone. The microphone may be mounted to a speaker frame of the speaker, with a sound-sensitive element of the microphone in the front volume of the speaker on a first side of the speaker frame, and with conductive contacts for the microphone disposed on an opposing second side of the speaker frame.

Earbuds with biometric sensing

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within.

An electroosmotic flow valve for an electronic device

A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that defines a first chamber, a second chamber and an acoustic opening from the first chamber or the second chamber; and an electroosmotic flow valve operable to open and close the acoustic opening.

Piezoelectric mems valve for an electronic device

A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) package comprising: a MEMS package comprising a substrate and a lid coupled to the substrate; a piezoelectric valve coupled to the substrate and comprising a number of movable members operable to be deformed in opposite directions upon application of a voltage to modify an acoustic resistance of an acoustic port; and a first stopper defined by the substrate and a second stopper defined by the lid, the first stopper and the second stopper being aligned with the number of movable members and operable to prevent an undesirable defection of the number of movable members.

Ventil für elektroosmotischen fluss für eine elektronische vorrichtung

Eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung, umfassend: ein Gehäuse mit einer Gehäusewand, die eine erste Kammer, eine zweite Kammer und eine akustische Öffnung von der ersten Kammer oder der zweiten Kammer definiert; und ein Ventil für elektroosmotischen Fluss, das betriebsfähig ist, um die akustische Öffnung zu öffnen und zu schließen.

耳機總成

本發明揭示一種用於一耳塞式收聽裝置之耳機總成及一種用於過濾一可聽覺聲音輸出之一部分之方法。一耳機包括：一外殼，其經組態以接納一管嘴；複數個驅動器，其各者具有佈置於該外殼內之一聲學輸出；及一長形通路，其佈置於該外殼內，經組態以自該複數個驅動器之至少一者過濾一聲波輸出之至少一可聽覺部分。該方法包括提供一長形通路以提供一增加之路徑長度及連接該至少一驅動器之一輸出至該長形通路以組態在該長形通路內將被接收之該聲音輸出以聲學過濾來自該至少一驅動器之該聲音輸出之一部分。

Earphone assembly

An earphone assembly for an in-ear listening device and method for filtering a portion of an audible sound output are disclosed. An earphone comprises a housing configured to receive a nozzle, a plurality of drivers each having an acoustical output disposed within the housing, and an elongated passageway disposed within the housing configured to filter at least an audible portion of a sound wave output from at least one of the plurality of drivers. The method comprises providing an elongated passageway to provide an increased path length and connecting an output of the at least one driver to the elongated passageway to configure the sound output to be received within the elongated passageway to acoustically filter a portion of the sound output from the at least one driver.

Conjunto de auricular

Un conjunto de auricular (100) que comprende: una carcasa (102a, 102b; 202a, 202b); un primer transductor (122) configurado para producir una primera salida de audio; un segundo transductor (124; 126) configurado para producir una segunda salida de audio; una boquilla (112) acoplada (110) a la carcasa; y una vía de paso alargada (130; 202a, 202b; 430) conectada al primer transductor y contenida dentro de la carcasa, teniendo la vía de paso alargada una longitud y área de sección transversal y comprendiendo una trayectoria tortuosa que tiene múltiples vueltas que se enrollan internamente dentro de la carcasa, en el que la longitud y área de sección transversal de la vía de paso alargada están configuradas como un filtro acústico para el filtrado de al menos una parte audible del sonido procedente de la salida de audio del primer transductor; en el que al menos una parte de la vía de paso alargada forma un laberinto (119; 419); caracterizado por que el laberinto comprende una pluralidad de capas integradas (119a-f; 419a-f).

Earphone assembly

Earphone assembly

An earphone assembly for an in-ear listening device and method for filtering a portion of an audible sound output are disclosed. An earphone comprises a housing configured to receive a nozzle, a plurality of drivers each having an acoustical output disposed within the housing, and an elongated passageway disposed within the housing configured to filter at least an audible portion of a sound wave output from at least one of the plurality of drivers. The method comprises providing an elongated passageway to provide an increased path length and connecting an output of the at least one driver to the elongated passageway to configure the sound output to be received within the elongated passageway to acoustically filter a portion of the sound output from the at least one driver.

In-ear headphone

A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

Earbuds with biometric sensing

Earbuds with biometric sensing

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within.

Dynamisches ventil für eine elektronische vorrichtung

Eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung, die umfasst: ein Gehäuse mit einer Gehäusewand, die eine Innenkammer und eine Öffnung zu einer Umgebung bildet, die die Gehäusewand umgibt; und ein Ventil, das eine Anzahl von Schiebeaktuatoren umfasst, die betätigbar sind, um die Öffnung zur Umgebung, die die Gehäusewand umgibt, zu öffnen und zu schließen.

Earbud stability anchor feature

An earbud design is disclosed that is configured to sit securely within an ear of a user. The earbud can be secured within the ear by an anchoring feature formed from an elastomeric material. The anchoring feature has a size and shape in accordance with an interior geometry of an ear of a user. Because the anchoring feature positions the earbud with respect to the ear, geometries of the earbud can be focused upon audio performance and/or device aesthetics. In some embodiments, the earbud housing can have a linear design which allows an audio driver within the earbud housing to be positioned close to an opening defined by the earbud housing. In this way, acoustic degradation associated with a long audio path from the audio driver to the opening can be avoided.

Balanced armature based valve

A balanced armature ("BA") based valve is described. The valve includes a motor having a coil assembly and a magnetic system, an armature extending through or being located adjacent to the motor, a drive pin coupled to the armature, and a valve flap of a membrane having a hole therein. The valve flap is actuated by the drive pin into open and closed positions, in response to respective motions of the armature. A housing contains the motor, the armature, the drive pin, and the membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane is attached to the housing and divides the housing into an upper space and a lower space, and there is airflow through the hole, between the upper space and the lower space, only when the valve flap is open.

Earbud stability anchor feature

An earbud design is disclosed that is configured to sit securely within an ear of a user. The earbud can be secured within the ear by an anchoring feature formed from an elastomeric material. The anchoring feature has a size and shape in accordance with an interior geometry of an ear of a user. Because the anchoring feature positions the earbud with respect to the ear, geometries of the earbud can be focused upon audio performance and/or device aesthetics. In some embodiments, the earbud housing can have a linear design which allows an audio driver within the earbud housing to be positioned close to an opening defined by the earbud housing. In this way, acoustic degradation associated with a long audio path from the audio driver to the opening can be avoided.

Earbud stability anchor feature

An earbud design is disclosed that is configured to sit securely within an ear of a user. The earbud can be secured within the ear by an anchoring feature formed from an elastomeric material. The anchoring feature has a size and shape in accordance with an interior geometry of an ear of a user. Because the anchoring feature positions the earbud with respect to the ear, geometries of the earbud can be focused upon audio performance and/or device aesthetics. In some embodiments, the earbud housing can have a linear design which allows an audio driver within the earbud housing to be positioned close to an opening defined by the earbud housing. In this way, acoustic degradation associated with a long audio path from the audio driver to the opening can be avoided.

Earbud stability anchor feature

An earbud design is disclosed that is configured to sit securely within an ear of a user. The earbud can be secured within the ear by an anchoring feature formed from an elastomeric material. The anchoring feature has a size and shape in accordance with an interior geometry of an ear of a user. Because the anchoring feature positions the earbud with respect to the ear, geometries of the earbud can be focused upon audio performance and/or device aesthetics. In some embodiments, the earbud housing can have a linear design which allows an audio driver within the earbud housing to be positioned close to an opening defined by the earbud housing. In this way, acoustic degradation associated with a long audio path from the audio driver to the opening can be avoided.

Balanced armature based valve

Dynamic valve for an electronic device

A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber and an opening to an environment surrounding the enclosure wall; and a valve comprising a number of sliding actuators operable to open and close the opening to the environment surrounding the enclosure wall.

Ultrasonic Particle Reduction System for an Acoustic Micro-Valve

A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber containing a transducer and a valve operable to open or close a vent to the interior chamber; and a particle removal mechanism coupled to the valve that is operable to drive particles away from the valve upon application of a current.

Ultraschallpartikelreduktionssystem für ein akustisches mikroventil

Eine tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung, die umfasst: ein Gehäuse, das eine Gehäusewand aufweist, die eine Innenkammer bildet, die einen Wandler und ein Ventil enthält, das betreibbar ist, um eine Entlüftung zu der Innenkammer zu öffnen oder zu schließen; und einen Partikelentfernungsmechanismus, der mit dem Ventil gekoppelt ist, der betreibbar ist, um bei Anlegen eines Stroms Partikel von dem Ventil wegzutreiben.

Dynamic valve for an electronic device

A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber and a sound output port to an ambient environment; a transducer positioned within the interior chamber and dividing the interior chamber into a front volume chamber coupling a first side of the transducer to the sound output port and a back volume chamber coupled to a second side of the transducer; and an electromechanical valve comprising a number of flaps operable to open and close a vent to the interior chamber, the front volume chamber or the back volume chamber.

Headphone eartips with internal support components for inner eartip bodies

Headphone eartips with internal support components and methods for making the same are provided. At least one support component may provide specific amounts and types of rigidity at specific portions of an inner eartip body defining an inner eartip space that transmits sound to an eardrum when an eartip subassembly is positioned within an ear canal, such that the eartip subassembly may ensure an effective sound path while also at least partially conforming to various ear canal geometries.

Earbuds with biometric sensing

This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be positioned within.

In-ear speaker hybrid audio transparency system

A user content audio signal is converted into sound that is delivered into an ear canal of a wearer of an in-ear speaker, while the in-ear speaker is sealing off the ear canal against ambient sound leakage. An acoustic or venting valve in the in-ear speaker is automatically signaled to open, so that sound inside the ear canal is allowed to travel out into an ambient environment through the valve, while activating conversion of an ambient content audio signal into sound for delivery into the ear canal. Both user content and ambient content are heard by the wearer. The ambient content audio signal is digitally processed so that certain frequency components have been gain adjusted, based on an equalization profile, so as to compensate for some of the insertion loss that is due to the in-ear speaker blocking the ear canal. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Earphone assemblies with magnets for anchoring to a user

Earphone assemblies with magnets are provided to anchor the assemblies to a user during use.

Balanced armature based valve

A balanced armature (“BA”) based valve is described. The valve includes a motor having a coil assembly and a magnetic system, an armature extending through or being located adjacent to the motor, a drive pin coupled to the armature, and a valve flap of a membrane having a hole therein. The valve flap is actuated by the drive pin into open and closed positions, in response to respective motions of the armature. A housing contains the motor, the armature, the drive pin, and the membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane is attached to the housing and divides the housing into an upper space and a lower space, and there is airflow through the hole, between the upper space and the lower space, only when the valve flap is open. A first spout of the housing may deliver sound generated by an acoustic driver in the housing into a wearer's ear canal, and is also open to the upper space. A second spout of the housing is open to the bottom space and to an ambient environment. Other embodiments are also described.

In-ear earphone with articulating nozzle and integrated boot

Intra-canal earphones and methods of manufacturing intra-canal earphones are disclosed. In an embodiment, an intra-canal earphone includes a rigid housing in which a driver is located, a rigid nozzle, and a resilient joint that physically couples the housing with the nozzle and acoustically couples the driver with the nozzle. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.