Acoustic Valve Mechanisms

Abstract

A valve for a personal auditory system is described. The auditory system is capable of converting between an acoustic signal and an electrical signal. The auditory system has an acoustic pathway through which an acoustic signal may travel between a first point exterior to the auditory system and a second point interior to the auditory system. The valve includes a free floating electrode and a second electrode adjacent to free floating electrode. An electric signal that is generated by the second electrode moves the free floating electrode to substantially open or close the acoustic pathway.

1 . A valve for an personal auditory system, the auditory system capable of converting between an acoustic signal and an electrical signal, wherein the auditory system has an acoustic pathway through which an acoustic signal may travel between a first point exterior to the auditory system and a second point interior to the auditory system, the valve comprising:
 a free floating electrode;   a second electrode adjacent to free floating electrode;   wherein an electric signal generated by the second electrode moves the free floating electrode to substantially open or close the acoustic pathway.   
     
     
         2 . The valve of  claim 1  further comprising;
 a third electrode, wherein the free floating electrode is positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein an electric signal generated by the third electrode moves the free floating electrode to substantially open or close the acoustic pathway.   
     
     
         3 . The valve of  claim 1  being positioned within a microphone. 
     
     
         4 . A valve for an auditory system, the auditory system capable of converting between an acoustic signal and an electrical signal, wherein the auditory system has an acoustic pathway through which an acoustic signal may travel between a first point exterior to the auditory system and a second point interior to the auditory system, the valve comprising:
 a housing;   a magnetic member located within the housing capable of generating a magnetic force;   an armature adjacent to the magnetic member wherein the magnetic member generates a magnetic force towards the armature;   a coil adjacent to the armature, wherein energizing of the coil attracts or repels the armature to substantially open or close the acoustic pathway.   
     
     
         5 . The valve of  claim 4  further comprising:
 a spring member associated with the armature, wherein the spring member applies a force to the armature to open the acoustic pathway.   
     
     
         6 . The valve of  claim 4  further comprising:
 a diaphragm coupled to the armature and positioned between the armature and the exterior of the auditory system wherein movement of the diaphragm opens or closes the acoustic pathway.   
     
     
         7 . A valve for an auditory system, the auditory system capable of converting between an acoustic signal and an electrical signal, wherein the auditory system has an acoustic pathway through which an acoustic signal may travel between a first point exterior to the auditory system and a second point interior to the auditory system, the valve comprising:
 a magnetic member;   coil substantially surrounding the magnetic member;   wherein a magnetic field generated by the coil moves the magnetic member to substantially open or close the acoustic pathway.   
     
     
         8 . The valve of  claim 7  wherein the magnetic member is positioned within a housing and the coil surrounds the housing. 
     
     
         9 . The valve of  claim 8  wherein the housing has a port wherein movement of the magnetic member towards the port causes closing of the acoustic pathway. 
     
     
         10 . The valve of  claim 7  further comprising:
 a sleeve attached to the magnetic member.   
     
     
         11 . A valve for an auditory system, the auditory system capable of converting between an acoustic signal and an electrical signal, wherein the auditory system has a housing and further has an acoustic pathway through which an acoustic signal may travel between a first point exterior to the auditory system and a second point interior to the auditory system, the valve comprising:
 a peg element fitted within the housing;   a spring member coupled to the peg element wherein the spring member provides a restoring force to the peg element;   means for actuation of the peg element from a first position to a second position within the housing wherein such actuation substantially closes the acoustic pathway in the second position; and   means for locking the peg element, or releasing the peg element, from the second position.   
     
     
         12 . The valve of  claim 11  wherein the peg has a protruding member from a surface of the peg. 
     
     
         13 . The valve of  claim 12  wherein the means for locking the peg element comprises a cam formed in the housing having a grooved surface sized to receive the protruding member. 
     
     
         14 . The valve of  claim 11  wherein the acoustic pathway includes a port in the housing wherein the peg covers the port when the acoustic pathway is closed.