John F Gerhardt

US Patent:

7039179, May 2, 2006

Filed:

Sep 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/256450

Inventors:

John F. Gerhardt - Los Gatos CA, US
J. Stephen Graham - Scott's Valley CA, US
Robert M. Khamashta - Los Gatos CA, US
Iain McNeill - Aptos CA, US

Assignee:

Plantronics, Inc. - Santa Cruz CA

International Classification:

H04M 1/00

US Classification:

37939002, 37938701, 379 9305, 37939004

Abstract:

The present invention provides an echo reduction apparatus, system, and method that advantageously reduces echo when communicating over packet-switched networks. An echo reduction apparatus, including echo reduction circuit, operably couples a headset or handset device to an audio source that is capable of transmitting a sound signal. The echo reduction circuit receives the sound signal from the audio source and a transmit signal from the headset or handset device and provides an adjusted sound signal to the audio source. Advantageously, a variety of headsets and handsets may be used in accordance with the present invention with reduced caller echo and without the need to purchase new headsets or handsets.

US Patent:

7227944, Jun 5, 2007

Filed:

Mar 22, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/387191

Inventors:

John F. Gerhardt - Los Gatos CA, US
J. Stephen Graham - Scott's Valley CA, US
Robert M. Khamashta - Los Gatos CA, US
Iain McNeill - Aptos CA, US

Assignee:

Plantronics, Inc. - Santa Cruz CA

International Classification:

H04M 1/00

US Classification:

37939002, 37938701, 379 9305, 37939004

Abstract:

The present invention provides an echo reduction apparatus, system, and method that advantageously reduces echo when communicating over packet-switched networks. An echo reduction apparatus, including echo reduction circuit, operably couples a headset or handset device to an audio source that is capable of transmitting a sound signal. The echo reduction circuit receives the sound signal from the audio source and a transmit signal from the headset or handset device and provides an adjusted sound signal to the audio source. Advantageously, a variety of headsets and handsets may be used in accordance with the present invention with reduced caller echo and without the need to purchase new headsets or handsets.

US Patent:

8335312, Dec 18, 2012

Filed:

Oct 2, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/542385

Inventors:

John F. Gerhardt - Los Gatos CA, US
Timothy P. Johnston - Los Gatos CA, US
Edward L. Reuss - Santa Cruz CA, US
Robert M. Khamashta - Campbell CA, US

Assignee:

Plantronics, Inc. - Santa Cruz CA

International Classification:

H04R 25/00
H04R 1/10
H04M 1/00
H04M 9/00

US Classification:

379430, 381 74, 381370

Abstract:

An apparatus and method are provided for determining the donned or doffed state of a headset. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer, and a detector operably coupled to the processor, the detector providing an output charge pattern corresponding to a state selected from the group consisting of the headset being donned and doffed. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides for reliably determining a donned or doffed state of a headset for efficiently routing calls, text messages, and/or otherwise being used for notifications and requests in a system.