Patent Description:
Many varieties of microphones are employed in a variety of sound reinforcement applications where audio from a sound source (such as a human speaking) is captured, transmitted and amplified to listeners via appropriate amplification and speaker systems. Microphones can be used in a variety of such applications. Microphone connectors typically connect a microphone to a cable or plug such that an electrical connection is made between the microphone and downstream audio components (such as mixers and amplifiers) to which the audio signal captured by the microphone is delivered.

In some applications, such as conferencing environments, larger numbers of microphones are utilized to capture audio from a large number of audio sources. For example, sound reinforcement in environments such as conference rooms, boardrooms, video conferencing applications, and the like, can involve the use of microphones for capturing sound from many audio sources active in such environments. Such audio sources may include humans speaking, for example. The captured sound may be disseminated to a local audience in the environment through amplified speakers (for sound reinforcement), or to others remote from the environment (such as via a telecast and/or a webcast).

Given the larger numbers of microphones utilized in these and other types of applications, it is often desirable to not have all of the microphones active at one time, so as to avoid undesirable results such as feedback, picking up room noise, etc. Therefore, in applications with large numbers of microphones, often system controls are utilized which activate one or several microphones at one time, to pick up audio only from active sources, such as active speakers in a large group of people. In conjunction with selective activation of microphones, it can be desirable to indicate to the individuals using such microphones a status or mode of the microphones (such as when the microphones are active, or "on", and when the microphones are inactive, or "muted", for example). Therefore, conferencing systems may include visual indicators to indicate statuses of various microphones in the system so that users of the system know which microphones are active at any time, and which are not.

It can be desirable for individual microphones in such systems to include visual indicators, such as lighting, on the microphone itself, to indicate the status of such microphone to a user of the microphone. However, adding lighting to a microphone introduces challenges relative to electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference and other noise which can be interjected into the system. For example, users with cell phones placed nearby such microphones can introduce radio frequency or GSM interference into the system due to deficiencies in the electrical design of the microphone. Robustness of the microphone connection can be challenging, so as to ensure that the microphone can be easily connected, cannot be inadvertently removed or have its connection disrupted, and is not negatively impacted by unwanted electromagnetic interference.

Accordingly, there is an opportunity for systems that address these concerns. More particularly, there is an opportunity for a microphone connector that includes a keyed and lockable engagement and is capable of transmitting both audio signals from the connected microphone and lighting signals to lights onboard of the connected microphone to indicate a mode or status of the microphone, while reducing or eliminating unwanted interference.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-noted problems by providing microphone connectors and microphones that are designed to, among other things: (<NUM>) provide keyed and lockable engagement between the portions of the connector, (<NUM>) simultaneously permit downstream transmission of audio captured by the microphone and upstream transmission of lighting signals to one or more lights mounted on the connected microphone and (<NUM>) minimize or eliminate unwanted electromagnetic interference.

The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more particular embodiments of the invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing numbers, such as, for example, in cases where such labeling facilitates a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features. Such labeling and drawing practices do not necessarily implicate an underlying substantive purpose. As stated above, the specification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of the invention as taught herein and understood to one of ordinary skill in the art.

With respect to the exemplary systems, components and architecture described and illustrated herein, it should also be understood that the embodiments may be embodied by, or employed in, numerous configurations and components, including one or more systems, hardware, software, or firmware configurations or components, or any combination thereof, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, while the drawings illustrate exemplary systems including components for one or more of the embodiments contemplated herein, it should be understood that with respect to each embodiment, one or more components may not be present or necessary in the system.

Turning to <FIG>, a microphone connector <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. <FIG> depicts the microphone connector <NUM> in a connected position, while <FIG> depicts the microphone connector <NUM> in a disconnected position. The microphone connector <NUM> comprises two mating portions, a receptacle <NUM> and a sleeve <NUM>, which mate with one another as described herein, and which operate to cause the connection and disconnection of the microphone connector <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> receives the sleeve <NUM> to complete the connection of the microphone connector <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>, and described further herein.

Generally, the sleeve <NUM> is connected to a microphone <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), and can be in communication with the microphone <NUM> via a cable or other connector connecting the two, or alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> can be directly connected to, or integrally formed with the microphone <NUM> so as to be positioned, for example, proximate an end of the microphone. In an embodiment, the receptacle <NUM> can be configured so as to be connected to, or mounted on, a variety of surfaces where it is desirable for the microphone to be connected. For example, the receptacle <NUM> can be surface mounted on a table, lectern, podium, desk, or other appropriate surface, with the wiring and cabling from the receptacle <NUM> connecting the receptacle <NUM> to other components of a sound reinforcement system, such as a mixer, amplifier, etc..

The sleeve <NUM> generally comprises an outer shell <NUM> having an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the outer shell <NUM> is rigid, and generally has a cylindrical shape, with a circular cross-section. The outer shell <NUM> forms a thin-walled housing between the outer surface <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>. A support <NUM> is mounted inside of the sleeve <NUM>, and spaced from a distal end <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. The support <NUM> is structurally supported by the sleeve <NUM> and may be connected to, or integrally formed with the sleeve <NUM>. For example, the support <NUM> may be connected to the inner surface <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. Because the support <NUM> is spaced from the distal end <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, a cavity <NUM> is formed in the sleeve <NUM>, proximate the distal end <NUM>.

The cavity <NUM> is generally formed by the inner surface <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM>, and the support <NUM>. In an embodiment, the cavity <NUM> is generally cylindrical in shape formed by the contours of the inner wall <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> further includes an electrical block <NUM>, which houses the electrical contacts and forms the electrical connection when the sleeve <NUM> is mated with the receptacle <NUM>. The electrical block <NUM> is described in greater detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In an embodiment, the electrical block <NUM> is positioned inside the cavity <NUM>, and supported therein. The electrical block <NUM> may be connected to and supported by the support <NUM>, or any other appropriate structures of the sleeve <NUM>, so as to be positioned and held within the cavity <NUM>. As is described in greater detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> has a corresponding electrical block <NUM>, which is positioned near an opening <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, when the sleeve <NUM> is brought into communication with the receptacle <NUM>, and the two pieces of the microphone connector <NUM> are connected, the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> comes into communication with electrical block <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, thereby forming the electrical connections of the microphone connector <NUM>.

The electrical block <NUM> includes a plurality of openings, or contact positions <NUM> (seen in <FIG>), which are configured to house the electrical contacts <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. The openings, or contact positions <NUM>, are entry points for the male contacts <NUM> on the electrical block <NUM> of receptacle <NUM>. According to the invention, the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> forms an array or matrix of contact positions <NUM>, some of which may house the audio contacts <NUM> and others of which may house the lighting contacts <NUM>. Thus, the contacts <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, specifically the audio contacts <NUM> and the lighting contacts <NUM> may be positioned proximate to, and within the contact positions <NUM> of the electrical block <NUM> so as to be in communication with the contacts <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> when the sleeve <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> are mated or connected. As seen in <FIG>, the contact positions <NUM> in the electrical block <NUM> are arranged in a rectangular shaped array, having two rows of five contact positions <NUM>, or forming a <NUM> by <NUM> array of contact positions <NUM> in the connector <NUM>. The electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> may take on various geometric arrangements and configurations, which may be complimentary to the geometric configurations of the electrical block <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> to support connection there between.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, detailed views of the receptacle <NUM> are shown. The receptacle <NUM> generally is formed by an outer housing <NUM> in which the components of the receptacle <NUM> are supported and positioned. The receptacle <NUM> has an opening <NUM> on one end, into which the sleeve <NUM> is received. Near the opening <NUM>, the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> may include an optional flange <NUM> which extends from the housing <NUM> and aids in mounting of the receptacle <NUM>.

The flange <NUM> may include one or more mounting holes <NUM> which receive mounting hardware, such as screws, used to mount the receptacle <NUM> to various surfaces. For example, an appropriately sized hole may be created in a mounting surface (such as in a desk, lectern, conference table, etc.) so as to accept the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> through the hole, and allow the flange <NUM> to abut, or rest against the mounting surface. The receptacle <NUM> can then be affixed to the mounting surface through the use of mounting hardware inserted through the holes <NUM> of the flange <NUM> and into the mounting surface. In an embodiment, appropriately sized holes may be drilled into the desired mounting surface, and screws may be utilized by inserting the screws through the holes <NUM> in the flange <NUM>, into the drilled holes and affixing the flange <NUM> against the mounting surface. A variety of other mounting methods may be used to affix the receptacle <NUM> to various surfaces.

The receptacle <NUM> further includes an internal frame <NUM> that is positioned within a cavity <NUM> formed inside of the receptacle <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is structurally connected to the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, and supported thereby, as depicted in the figures. In an embodiment, the frame <NUM> may be a separate component from the housing <NUM>, but is supported by the housing <NUM> when the two are interconnected (as seen in <FIG>). Alternatively, the frame <NUM> may be integrally formed with the housing <NUM> so as to be a single, unitary component. The interior of the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> forms a cavity <NUM>, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>. In an embodiment, the frame <NUM> is positioned partially or entirely within the cavity <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is formed by an inner wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and is generally cylindrical in shape.

In an embodiment, the frame <NUM> supports an electrical block <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. The electrical block <NUM> may be supported on an interior of the frame <NUM>, and protrudes through an orifice <NUM> in the end of the frame <NUM> proximate the opening <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. The electrical block <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> includes a plurality of electrical contacts <NUM>, which in an embodiment comprise electrical pins extending from the block <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electrical contacts <NUM> of the block <NUM> in the receptacle <NUM> are male, while the corresponding contacts <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> are female. In alternative embodiments, the contacts <NUM>,<NUM> may be of reverse gender, or may comprise other forms of electrical contact points, which complete electrical connections between the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM>, when the receptacle <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> are connected and mated.

The receptacle <NUM> may further include a latch <NUM> for engaging complimentary latch engaging structure on the sleeve <NUM> to keep the receptacle <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> mechanically engaged when the two are connected together as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the latch <NUM> is a metal bar having a tooth 20a or teeth 20a thereon. The latch <NUM> is engaged partially inside of the frame <NUM>, and is capable of being flexed so as to selectively bring the teeth 20a into mechanical engagement with the sleeve <NUM>. When the latch <NUM> is engaged, the sleeve <NUM> is locked in place with the receptacle <NUM>. An actuator <NUM> may be provided to operate the latch <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may comprises a sliding metal bar 21a that includes a tab 21b for actuation of the actuator <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. The tab 21b may include a demarcation, such as the word "PUSH", which provide instructions on how the actuator <NUM> is operated. In an embodiment, pushing the tab 21b causes the metal bar 21a to slide inward into the cavity <NUM>, and to come in contact with the latch <NUM>, thereby causing the latch <NUM> to flex. The flexing of the latch <NUM> causes the teeth 20a to move out of engagement with the sleeve <NUM>, and in this way the actuator <NUM> operates to actuate the latch <NUM> between a locked and unlocked position. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator <NUM> comprises a screw 21c which is advanced or backed out of a hole in the side of the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. Like the metal bar 21a, the screw actuator 21c operates to flex the latch <NUM> between a locked and unlocked position. The actuation of the latch <NUM>, and the operation of the locking mechanism is described in greater detail in relation to <FIG>.

The receptacle <NUM> further includes structures forming part of a keying system, which works to ensure that the microphone connector <NUM> can only be connected in one orientation. As seen in <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> mates with a corresponding groove or keyway (shown in greater detail in <FIG>) in the sleeve <NUM>, such that the sleeve <NUM> may only be inserted into the receptacle if the protrusion <NUM> and the keyway are aligned. In an embodiment, the protrusion <NUM> is located within the cavity <NUM>, and connected to, or integrally formed upon the frame <NUM>, extending therefrom into the cavity <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the protrusion <NUM> may be located in other areas of the receptacle <NUM>, such as on the inner wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> also includes grooves or keyways 26a,b, which also mate with corresponding protrusions (shown in greater detail in <FIG>) in the sleeve <NUM>, to make the keying system more robust. In an embodiment, the keyways 26a,b, are located on opposing sides of the frame <NUM>, adjacent the electrical block <NUM>. Like the other structures of the keying system, the keyways 26a,b ensure proper alignment of the sleeve <NUM> with the receptacle <NUM> during insertion, by mating with the protrusions of the sleeve <NUM>. The keying system operates to properly align the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> and sleeve <NUM>, to ensure that proper electrical connections between the contacts <NUM>,<NUM> are made.

As seen in <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> further comprises a printed circuit board (or PCB) <NUM>, to which the electrical block <NUM> is connected and supported. The PCB <NUM> provides mechanical support for the electrical block <NUM>, as well as electrical access to the contacts <NUM> of the electrical block <NUM>. Thus, via the PCB <NUM>, the electrical connections of the receptacle <NUM> can be completed, and the receptacle <NUM> can be connected to other downstream audio equipment, such as amplifiers, mixers, etc. to which the connector <NUM> needs to be connected. The PCB <NUM> is connected and secured to the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. In an embodiment, the PCB <NUM> is affixed to the housing <NUM> via one or more screws <NUM> that pass through holes in the PCB <NUM> and into corresponding holes in the housing <NUM>, so as to secure the PCB <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. However, the PCB <NUM> may be secured to the housing <NUM> in a variety of other ways. A grounding tab <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> may further be attached to the PCB <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. An optional gasket <NUM> may be provided between the PCB <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, so as to insulate the PCB <NUM> from the housing <NUM>. The grounding tab <NUM> is an optional feature of the present invention, and may be omitted in various embodiments. The gasket <NUM> may comprise a foam gasket, or may be made of any other suitable insulating material, including rubber, vinyl, paper, etc..

The receptacle <NUM> may further include a contactor <NUM>. The contactor <NUM> may comprise a flexible metal bar, which ensures an electrical grounding connection between the frame <NUM> and the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, and the structures of the sleeve <NUM>. Specifically, the contactor <NUM> may be inserted in between the frame <NUM> and the housing <NUM> by flexing the contactor <NUM>, inserting the contactor <NUM> between the frame <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and releasing the contactor <NUM>. The natural resilience of the contactor <NUM> causes it to stay in contact with both the frame <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The contactor <NUM> maintains a grounding connection between the frame <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, the other components of the receptacle <NUM>, and the components of the sleeve <NUM>, which improves the electromagnetic insulation and shielding of the microphone connector <NUM>, as described herein. The configuration and operation of the contactor <NUM> is described in greater detail in relation to <FIG>.

Turning to <FIG>, detailed description of the operation of a locking mechanism of an embodiment of the microphone connector <NUM> is depicted. In the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a latch <NUM> which is operated by an actuator <NUM> which comprises a sliding metal bar 21a. In <FIG>, a cross-section of the receptacle <NUM> (taken along line 5B-5B of <FIG>) is depicted, with the sleeve <NUM> connected to the receptacle <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> is inserted into the receptacle <NUM> until the latch <NUM> is engaged in a locked position. Specifically, as seen in greater detail in <FIG>, the teeth 20a of the latch <NUM> passes along and over the inner wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, until the teeth 20a reach a lip <NUM> formed in the inner surface <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. The resilience of the flexible latch <NUM> causes it to return to its straightened (non-flexed) state, and in doing so, causes the teeth 20a of the latch <NUM> to enter a groove <NUM> formed by the lip <NUM> in the inner surface <NUM>. When the teeth 20a enter the groove <NUM>, they engage the lip <NUM> so as to prevent the sleeve <NUM> from being removed or extracted from the receptacle <NUM>. In this way, the latch <NUM>, teeth 20a, lip <NUM> and groove <NUM> support a locking mechanism of the connector <NUM>. More specifically, the lip <NUM> forms a latch engaging structure on the sleeve <NUM>. In alternative embodiments other latch engaging structures may be utilized, including tabs, detents, teeth, ribs, screw threads, or other mechanical structures capable of releasably engaging the latch <NUM>.

Removal and extraction of the sleeve <NUM> from the receptacle <NUM> can only be accomplished by disengagement of the latch <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Disengagement of the latch <NUM> is largely the reverse of the engagement process. In the embodiment shown, disengagement is accomplished by the use of an actuator <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is a metal bar 21a that is actuated by pushing down on a tab 21b of the actuator <NUM> in a direction into the cavity <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. When the tab 21b is pushed down, the actuator <NUM> slides down inside the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. In doing so, a shaped portion of the actuator <NUM> comes into contact with the latch <NUM>, causing the latch <NUM> to flex in a direction radially inward inside the cavity <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, when the latch <NUM> flexes under pressure from the actuator <NUM>, the teeth 20a move out of the groove <NUM> and disengage the lip <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. Once disengaged, the sleeve <NUM> may be extracted or pulled out of the receptacle <NUM>, thereby disconnecting the microphone connector <NUM>. In this way, the actuator <NUM> acts to move the latch <NUM> from an engaged or locked position into a disengaged or unlocked position.

Turning to <FIG>, operation of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism of the microphone connector <NUM> is depicted. In the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a latch <NUM> which is operated by an actuator <NUM> which comprises a screw 21c. In <FIG>, a cross-section of the receptacle <NUM> (taken along line 7B-7B in <FIG>) is depicted, with the sleeve <NUM> connected to the receptacle <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> is inserted into the receptacle <NUM> until the latch <NUM> is engaged in a locked position. Specifically, as seen in greater detail in <FIG>, the teeth 20a of the latch <NUM> pass along and over the inner wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, until the teeth 20a reach a lip <NUM> formed in the inner surface <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. The resilience of the flexible latch <NUM> causes it to return to its straightened (non-flexed) state, and in doing so, causes the teeth 20a of the latch <NUM> to enter a groove <NUM> formed by the lip <NUM> in the inner surface <NUM>. When the teeth 20a enter the groove <NUM>, they engage the lip <NUM> so as to prevent the sleeve <NUM> from being removed from the receptacle <NUM>. In this way, the latch <NUM>, tooth 20a, lip <NUM> and groove <NUM> form and support a locking mechanism of the connector <NUM>.

Removal of the sleeve <NUM> from the receptacle <NUM> can only be accomplished by disengagement of the latch <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Disengagement of the latch <NUM> is largely the reverse of the engagement process. In the embodiment shown, disengagement is accomplished by the use of an actuator <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is a screw 21c that passes through a hole in the housing <NUM> of the receptacle. The screw 21c is actuated and advanced by tightening the screw 21c in the hole, causing the screw 21c to extend further into the housing <NUM>, in a direction into the cavity <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. As the screw 21c is advanced, the tip of the screw 21c comes into contact with the latch <NUM>, causing the latch <NUM> to flex in a direction radially inward inside the cavity <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, when the latch <NUM> flexes under pressure from the screw 21c, the teeth 20a move out of the groove <NUM> and disengage the lip <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. Once disengaged, the sleeve <NUM> may be disengaged or pulled out of the receptacle <NUM>, thereby disconnecting the microphone connector <NUM>. In this way, the actuator <NUM> acts to move the latch <NUM> from an engaged or locked position into a disengaged or unlocked position.

Turning to <FIG>, detailed views of the configuration and operation of a contactor <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> is shown. As described in relation to <FIG>, the contactor <NUM> is an element of the receptacle <NUM> that ensures grounding electrical contact between the various components of the receptacle <NUM>, including the housing <NUM> and the frame <NUM>, and the components of the sleeve <NUM> for improved electromagnetic shielding and immunity. The contactor <NUM> is preferably made of metal and forms a flexible, resilient metal strip which is inserted into the receptacle <NUM> during assembly and manufacture, as described. A first end 22a of the contactor <NUM> is electrically connected to the grounding tab <NUM> on the bottom surface of the receptacle <NUM>. This electrical connection can be made through any appropriate electrical connection, including by soldering the components together, connecting them with an intermediary wire or other conductor, brazing them together, or otherwise placing them in electrical communication directly or through intermediary components. In the embodiment shown, the first end 22a of the contactor <NUM> extends beyond the bottom of the receptacle <NUM> and is connected with the grounding tab <NUM>. In this way, the first end 22a of the contactor <NUM> protrudes through the PCB <NUM> to connect to the grounding tab <NUM> on the opposing surface of the PCB <NUM>.

A middle portion 22b of the contactor <NUM> makes physical contact with the frame <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. Thus, the contactor <NUM> extends into the cavity <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> such that the middle portion 22b of the contactor <NUM> contacts the frame <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, as shown. A top portion 22c of the contactor <NUM> is in contact with the sleeve <NUM>, when the sleeve <NUM> is inserted into the receptacle <NUM>. Specifically, as the outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is inserted into the cavity <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, an inner surface <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM> makes contact with the top portion 22c of the contactor <NUM>, thereby flexing the contactor <NUM> radially inward into the cavity <NUM>. The resilience of the contactor <NUM> causes the top portion 22c of the contactor <NUM> to maintain contact with the inner surface <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, due to its tendency to return to its straightened, unflexed position.

The outer surface <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is in contact with the inner wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. Thus, the contactor <NUM> forms an electrically conductive connection between the sleeve <NUM>, the housing <NUM>, and the frame <NUM> to ensure that these components are in contact with the grounding tab <NUM> on the bottom of the receptacle <NUM>. In this way, the contactor <NUM> aids in forming a grounding envelope for the microphone connector <NUM>, by ensuring that the housing <NUM>, frame <NUM>, and outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> are all grounded to the grounding tab <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the contactor <NUM> may directly contact the housing <NUM>, for example, via the inner wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Other configurations of the contactor <NUM> are also possible, and may comprise a plurality of metal strips geometrically positioned to make contact with the sleeve <NUM>, frame <NUM>, housing <NUM> and grounding tab <NUM>. Alternatively, the contactor <NUM> may be constructed of non-metal materials, such as resilient plastic, which are embedded with, coated, or otherwise includes conductive portions such as metal strips, pathways or other conductors thereon to accomplish the electrical conductivity and grounding described. By using the contactor <NUM>, when downstream electrical equipment is connected to the microphone connector <NUM>, such equipment may be grounded to the grounding tab <NUM>, thereby ensuring that all of the components of the microphone connector <NUM>, as well as any microphones <NUM> connected thereto, are properly grounded.

In <FIG>, a keying system of the microphone connector <NUM> is depicted. The keying system operates to ensure that the sleeve <NUM> of the microphone connector <NUM> is insertable into the receptacle <NUM> in only one direction or orientation, such that the electrical connections of the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> are properly made. In various embodiments, one or both of the sleeve <NUM> and the receptacle <NUM> include engageable and mating protrusions and keyways to ensure proper orientation of the sleeve <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> relative to one another during insertion, connection, and locking, as described in reference to the example embodiments.

As seen in <FIG>, in an embodiment, the receptacle <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM>. Turning to <FIG>, the protrusion <NUM> is located inside of the cavity <NUM>, and on the frame <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. Specifically, the protrusion <NUM> is on an outer surface of the frame <NUM>, and extends lengthwise down the frame <NUM> in a direction of insertion of the sleeve <NUM> into the receptacle <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> extends radially from the center of the frame <NUM>, outward into the cavity <NUM>, and has a generally curved or rounded surface. As seen in <FIG>, a complimentary keyway <NUM> is provided in the sleeve <NUM>, and has a similar curved or rounded configuration so as to mate with the protrusion <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the keyway <NUM> comprises a channel or groove in the outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the keyway <NUM> is formed in an inner surface <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>.

To ensure directional alignment of the sleeve <NUM> and receptacle <NUM>, the keying system may include a second protrusion/keyway combination. Thus, as seen in <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> also includes a plurality of keyways 26a,26b that are engageable by complimentary protrusions 58a,58b on the sleeve <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the keyways 26a,26b are formed in the frame <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, on opposing sides of the first electrical block <NUM>. As shown, the keyways 26a,26b are grooves or channels formed in the outer surface of the frame <NUM>, and extending axially down a length of the frame <NUM> in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion of the sleeve <NUM> into the receptacle <NUM>. In this way, the keyways 26a,26b are positioned within the cavity <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>.

Depicted in <FIG> are complimentary protrusions 58a,58b which are provided on the sleeve <NUM> to engage the keyways 26a,26b. In the embodiment shown, the protrusions 58a,58b are formed inside the second cavity <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, inside of the outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. More specifically, in this embodiment, the protrusions 58a,58b are formed on an inner surface <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. The protrusions 58a,58b protrude radially inward from the inner surface <NUM> of the outer shell <NUM>, into the second cavity <NUM>. Moreover, the protrusions 58a,58b extend axially along the inner surface <NUM> in a direction parallel to a direction of insertion of the sleeve <NUM> into the receptacle <NUM>. Thus, the protrusions 58a,58b generally have a length similar to a length of the second cavity <NUM>.

As seen in greater detail in <FIG>, when the sleeve <NUM> is inserted into the receptacle <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM> must be rotationally aligned around its center axis with the receptacle <NUM> to allow the protrusion <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> to align with the keyway <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, and to allow the protrusions 58a,58b of the sleeve <NUM> to align with the keyways 26a,26b of the receptacle <NUM>. Only in this alignment will the sleeve <NUM> be able to be inserted into the receptacle <NUM> to allow the microphone connector <NUM> to be connected and placed in an engaged, or locked position. In any other rotational alignment, the protrusions <NUM>,58a,58b will impede and prohibit insertion of the sleeve <NUM> into the receptacle <NUM> by contacting and interfering with other structures inside the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> of the components.

In this way, the keying system of protrusions <NUM>,58a,58b and keyways 26a,26b,<NUM> ensure rotational alignment of the sleeve <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> prior to and during insertion and connection. This protects the microphone connector <NUM> from damage and undue wear and tear, ensuring that the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> are aligned so that the contacts <NUM>,<NUM> therein make proper connections with one another, the contactor <NUM> properly engages the sleeve <NUM>, and the latch <NUM> properly engages the latch engaging structures on the sleeve <NUM>, such as the lip <NUM> and groove <NUM>. This consistent alignment will provide greater robustness to the electrical and mechanical connections of the microphone connector <NUM>, and provide longer usable life of the connector <NUM>, less failures, damage or repairs, and improved reliability and performance. While the keying system in the depicted embodiments includes keyways and mating protrusions, other keyway systems may be used in addition to, as alternatives to, the keyways/protrusions.

In <FIG>, a microphone <NUM> which utilizes a microphone connector <NUM> of the present invention is shown. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> of the connector <NUM> is connected with, or integrally formed within an end <NUM> of the microphone <NUM>. The functionality of the microphone <NUM> resides in the head <NUM> of the microphone, which is located proximate a top <NUM> of the microphone. At the head <NUM>, the microphone <NUM> includes a cap <NUM> at the top <NUM> of the microphone <NUM>. The head <NUM>, further includes a cartridge housing <NUM>, at the bottom of the head <NUM>. Thus, the components of the head <NUM> are positioned within the cap <NUM> and the cartridge housing <NUM>, and shown in an exploded view in <FIG>.

The cap <NUM> serves to protect the interior components of the microphone <NUM>. In an embodiment, the cap <NUM> may comprise a screen or apertures to permit acoustic waves from a proximate sound source (such as a human speaking) to enter the microphone <NUM> and be picked up by the microphone <NUM>. The cap <NUM> may be affixed to the microphone <NUM> body by any number of mechanical techniques, but in an embodiment, a set screw <NUM> passes through a hole in the cap <NUM> to hold the cap <NUM> onto the top <NUM> of the microphone <NUM>.

The microphone <NUM> further comprises a cartridge <NUM>, which is a transducer element which picks up acoustic waves from an audio source proximate the microphone <NUM> and covers such acoustic waves to audio signals which are transmitted by the microphone <NUM> via the connector <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may be any appropriate form of transducer, such as a dynamic or condenser microphone cartridge or transducer. The cartridge <NUM> is electrically connected to the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, so as to be able to transmit audio picked up by the cartridge <NUM>, via the microphone connector <NUM>, to the downstream audio components, such as an amplifier, mixer, etc. The cartridge <NUM> is secured to the microphone <NUM> via a retainer ring <NUM> that acts to mechanically connect the cartridge <NUM> to the other components of the assembly. The cartridge <NUM> is in electrical connection with a field effect transistor interface (or FET) <NUM>. The FET <NUM> acts to control the cartridge <NUM>, and the transmission of the signals received by the cartridge <NUM>. The retainer ring <NUM> connects the FET <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> so as to maintain mechanical contact between the two.

The microphone <NUM> also comprises one or more lights <NUM>, which in an embodiment are positioned near the top <NUM> of the microphone <NUM> so as to be visible by a user of the microphone <NUM> near the head <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the lights <NUM> are light emitting diodes (or LEDs), which are formed in the shape of annular ring, or LED ring. The LEDs <NUM> forming the ring are supported by and connected to an underlying printed circuit board (lighting PCB) <NUM>, which is electrically connected (via wires) to the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. The lighting PCB <NUM> receives electrical signals upstream from the control equipment (not shown) of the system, which transmits lighting signals to the electrical block <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, and via the electrical connection between the two blocks <NUM>,<NUM>, to the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> to which the wires are connected, and further to the lighting PCB <NUM> to activate the LEDs <NUM>. Thus, various control equipment, such as computers, processors, hardware, software, and other components, may be used to activate the lighting elements of the LEDS <NUM> to show a status or mode of the microphone <NUM>, when in use. The LEDS <NUM> and lighting PCB <NUM> are connected to, but spaced from the FET <NUM> by an intermediate spacer <NUM> positioned between the PCB <NUM> and the FET <NUM>.

The components of the head <NUM> are positioned inside of the cap <NUM> and the cartridge housing <NUM> when assembled. When the LEDs <NUM> and lighting PCB <NUM> are positioned within the cartridge housing <NUM>, the LED ring <NUM> aligns with a window <NUM> in the cartridge housing <NUM>. The window <NUM> is a transparent or translucent portion of the cartridge housing <NUM> which allows the light from the LED ring <NUM> to be visible from outside of the cartridge housing <NUM>, while simultaneously protecting the LED ring <NUM> and lighting PCB <NUM> from elements external to the microphone <NUM>. In other embodiments, the window <NUM> may be positioned in other portions of the microphone <NUM>, or may be omitted by positioning the LEDs <NUM> external to the microphone <NUM> structure so as to be visible by users of the microphone <NUM>.

The microphone <NUM> further includes a microphone body <NUM>, which in an embodiment comprises a shaft <NUM>, such as a flexible gooseneck shaft. In other embodiments, the shaft <NUM> may be rigid, or a combination of flexible and rigid portions. The shaft <NUM> comprises a hollow tube which supports the head <NUM> of the microphone <NUM> away from the end <NUM> of the microphone <NUM> where the sleeve <NUM> is located. The shaft <NUM> may take on a variety of geometric configurations, lengths, widths, and thicknesses depending on the application in which the microphone <NUM> is being used. In an embodiment, the shaft <NUM> is long, thin member for use in a microphone <NUM> which is surface mounted to a lectern, desk, conference table, or other surface. In alternative embodiments, the microphone body <NUM> may take on various other geometries and configurations depending on the application of the microphone <NUM>. For example, a desktop microphone <NUM> may have a generally flat microphone body <NUM> which sits on the desktop or other appropriate surface and houses the other components of the microphone <NUM>.

An interior channel of the hollow shaft <NUM> accommodates an electrical cable <NUM> which connects the electrical components in the head <NUM> of the microphone <NUM> (such as the cartridge <NUM>, FET <NUM>, LEDS <NUM> and lighting PCB <NUM>) with the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. The end of the electrical cable <NUM> in the head <NUM> of the microphone <NUM> is supported by a bushing <NUM>, which may be a crimp bushing affixed to the cable <NUM> to keep the cable <NUM> positioned within the head <NUM>, specifically within the cartridge housing <NUM>. A bushing <NUM> abuts a portion of the interior of the cartridge housing <NUM> and prevents the cable <NUM> from being inadvertently strained or pulled out of the housing <NUM>. The cable <NUM> may be alternatively secured to the head <NUM> of the microphone <NUM> and the cartridge housing <NUM> in a variety of other ways, including soldering, clamping, and the like. The electrical cable <NUM> comprises a plurality of wires which connected the functional components in the head <NUM> of the microphone <NUM> to the electrical block <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM>. The wires of the electrical cable <NUM> and their functionality is described in greater detail in relation to <FIG>.

In <FIG>, an electrical diagram of an embodiment of the microphone <NUM> and microphone connector <NUM> of the present invention is shown. Specifically, <FIG> depicts the electrical connections between the PCB <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> (which is connected to the second electrical block <NUM>), the lighting PCB <NUM> (which is in communication with the LEDs <NUM>), and the FET <NUM> (which is in communication with and controls the cartridge <NUM>). The electrical block <NUM> includes a plurality of contacts <NUM>, which include audio contacts <NUM> and lighting contacts <NUM> which are terminated on the PCB <NUM> of the electrical block <NUM>. The audio contacts <NUM> are connected to the FET <NUM> via wires that pass through the electrical cable <NUM> and enable functionality of the cartridge <NUM>. Sound waves received at the cartridge <NUM> are converted to electrical signals, and transmitted to the FET <NUM>, sent down corresponding wires in the electrical cable <NUM> to the audio contacts <NUM> of the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. When the sleeve <NUM> is connected to the receptacle <NUM>, as described herein, the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is in electrical communication with the electrical block <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. Thus, the audio signals are transmitted to corresponding audio contacts <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, and in turn to other audio components of the system connected via the PCB <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> (such as amplifiers, mixers, etc.). In this way, the electrical wiring of the microphone <NUM> supports downstream transmission of audio signals from the cartridge <NUM> across the connector <NUM> via the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM>.

Similarly, the lighting contacts <NUM> of the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> are connected to the LED ring <NUM> via the lighting PCB <NUM> to enable operation of the lights in the LED ring <NUM>. Thus, lighting control signals received via the lighting contacts <NUM> are transmitted to the lighting PCB via wires in the electrical cable <NUM> as seen in <FIG>. In response to the lighting signals, the lighting PCB <NUM> operates the lights in the LED ring <NUM> so as to cause the LEDs <NUM> to illuminate so as to transmit information as to a status or mode of the microphone <NUM>. When the sleeve <NUM> is connected to the receptacle <NUM>, as described herein, a downstream control system sends lighting control signals upstream to the receptacle <NUM> through wires connected to the PCB <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>. Those lighting signals are in turn transmitted across the electrical block <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> to the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve, via their corresponding lighting contacts <NUM>,<NUM>. The lighting signals received at the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> are further transmitted upstream to the lighting PCB <NUM> to control the illumination of the LEDs <NUM>. In this way, the microphone connector <NUM> acts in a bidirectional manner so as to send audio signals picked up by the cartridge <NUM> of the microphone <NUM> downstream to audio devices connected to the receptacle <NUM>, while simultaneously sending lighting control signals from control systems connected to the receptacle <NUM> upstream to the lighting PCB <NUM> and LEDs <NUM> of the microphone <NUM> to illuminate the LEDs <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, an embodiment of an end view of the sleeve <NUM> is depicted, for which the various functions of the electrical block <NUM> thereon are explained. As with other embodiments, the electrical block <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> is positioned within the cavity <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>, and supported by the support <NUM>. The electrical block <NUM> is in communication with a PCBA (not shown) of the sleeve <NUM>, which is in communication with the various electrical contacts <NUM> of the electrical block <NUM> so as to pass along received electrical signals to other components of a microphone connected to the sleeve <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the electrical block has ten (<NUM>) contacts 62a-j, which are located in corresponding contact positions <NUM> formed in the electrical block <NUM>. The contact positions <NUM>, and hence the contacts therein 62a-j, are arranged in a rectangular array, forming a matrix having two rows and five columns, or a "2x5" matrix, as seen in <FIG>.

In this embodiment, the ten contacts 62a-j have various functions. The specific function of each contact 62a-j is shown below in Table <NUM>.

Thus, the various contacts 62a-j in Table <NUM> are connected to the PCB (not shown) of the sleeve <NUM>, which in turn routes signals there from to appropriate components in the sleeve <NUM> and connected microphone (such as the microphone <NUM> in <FIG>). The contacts 62a-j include audio contacts <NUM>, as well as lighting contacts <NUM>. The contacts 62a-j may optionally include information contacts such as the microphone identifier contacts 62a,d.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the lighting contacts <NUM> include the lighting supply voltage <NUM>, and the light controls <NUM>,i,j for a plurality of lights. The lighting supply voltage <NUM> supplies an operational voltage to lights onboard of the microphone, which in an embodiment may be +<NUM>. The lighting control contacts <NUM>,i,j serve to send control signals to a plurality of lights on the microphone, so as to activate the lights by turning them on, turning them off, flashing them, etc. Thus, the three light control contacts <NUM>,i,j in the embodiment shown can operate three separate lights on the microphone (such as blue LED, a green LED, and a red LED, respectively).

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the audio contacts <NUM> include the capsule supply voltage 62b, and two microphone capsule audio channels 62c,e. The capsule supply voltage 62b provides an input voltage to one or more microphone cartridges or capsules in the microphone connected to the sleeve <NUM>. Thus, in an embodiment, the capsule supply voltage 62b supplies +5V DC to the microphone cartridges. The electrical block <NUM> in <FIG> supports a microphone having up to two cartridges. Thus, the contacts <NUM> include a first microphone capsule audio channel 62e and a second microphone capsule audio channel 62c. These microphone capsule audio channels return audio which is picked up by a first and second microphone cartridge on board of the microphone connected to the sleeve <NUM>.

The block <NUM> in <FIG> may optionally include one or more information contacts, such as contacts 62a and 62d. In this embodiment, the information contacts 62a,d are microphone identifier contacts 62a,d, which are in communication with the microphone(s) and cartridge(s) connected to the sleeve <NUM>. The microphone identifier contacts 62a,d return an identification signal which relays information as to what type of microphone and/or cartridge is connected to the sleeve <NUM>. This way, a control system connected on the receptacle <NUM> side of the connector <NUM> will know what types of microphones and/or cartridges are connected to the sleeve <NUM> side of the connector <NUM>. In other embodiments, other information can be transmitted via the information contacts to share data as to configurations, components, statuses, modes, and operations of the connector <NUM> and the components connected thereto.

In some embodiments, the various keyway/protrusion combinations perform complimentary functions. For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the keyway <NUM> on the sleeve <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> on the receptacle <NUM> are relatively small in size and serve primarily as a locating mechanism to ensure proper alignment of the sleeve <NUM> with the receptacle <NUM> prior to and during insertion of the sleeve <NUM> into the receptacle <NUM>. The keyway <NUM> and protrusion <NUM> generally have an arced shape or surface, and have a substantially semicircular cross-section. This keyway <NUM> and protrusion <NUM> are substantially smaller in size than the second keyway/protrusion combination on the connector <NUM> - namely, the keyways 26a,26b in the receptacle <NUM> and the mating protrusions 58a,b on the sleeve <NUM>. Thus, this keyway <NUM> and protrusion <NUM> combination serves primarily (or in some embodiments, solely) as a locating mechanical device for alignment during insertion.

The keyways 26a,b in the receptacle <NUM> (and the corresponding protrusions 58a,58b in the sleeve <NUM>) are larger, more robust mechanical engaging structures which are have a generally rectangular cross-section. These complimentary structures, therefore, may serve not only to align the sleeve <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> during insertion - but also provide structural support and rigidity to the connector <NUM> when the sleeve <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> are connected. Thus, when the two portions of the connector <NUM> are inserted into one another, the mechanical engagement of the protrusions 58a,58b with the keyways 26a,b provide resistance to twisting, bending, flexing and other transverse forces on the connector - and in this way, serve to provide mechanical support to the connector <NUM> while the sleeve <NUM> is inside of the receptacle <NUM>. Thus, these keyway 26a,b and protrusion 58a,58b combinations serve the purpose of both locating (during insertion) and supporting (after insertion). Therefore, depending on the size, shape, length, geometry, tolerances, and configuration of the keyways/protrusions, they may either serve primarily (or solely) as locating keyway/protrusion combinations, or as combined locating and supporting keyway/protrusion combinations.

Using the connections of the microphone connector <NUM>, control systems may be coupled to the receptacle <NUM> to control the lighting <NUM> on the microphone <NUM> connected via the sleeve <NUM>, so as to indicate a status or mode of the microphone <NUM>. For example, when the microphone <NUM> is "on" or "active", the control system may cause the LEDs <NUM> to light a certain color (such as green) to indicate that the microphone <NUM> is active and picking up sound via the cartridge <NUM>. This visual indication of "green" serves to inform a user of the microphone <NUM> that he or she may now speak into the microphone <NUM> because it is turned on and is active. In another example, the control system may cause the LEDs <NUM> to light a different color (such as red) to indicate that the microphone <NUM> is "off" or "inactive" to indicate that the microphone <NUM> is in a "mute" mode. This visual indication of "red" serves to inform a user of the microphone <NUM> that sounds are not being picked up by the microphone <NUM> because of its "muted" state.

In other embodiments, the LEDs <NUM> may be illuminated by the control system in a large variety ways to provide a number of visual indicators corresponding with various statuses or modes of the microphone <NUM>. The LEDs <NUM> may be illuminated in different colors corresponding with various modes or statuses. Alternatively, the LEDs <NUM> may be illuminated in different illumination patterns (such as solid illumination, short flashes, long flashes, blinking, etc.) to indicate differing statuses or modes in which the microphone <NUM> has been placed. By using the LEDs <NUM>, the control system can visually indicate various information to users of the microphone <NUM>. In larger systems with large numbers of microphones <NUM>, control systems can take advantage of the large variety of colors and illumination patterns to convey a wealth of information about the statuses and modes of the microphones <NUM> of such system to the many users of such system.

The locking and keying features of the microphone connector <NUM> described herein provide a robust mechanical connection which ensures a durable and solid electrical connection for optimal use of the microphone <NUM>. The keyways and protrusions described herein ensure that the sleeve <NUM> is inserted into the receptacle <NUM> in the proper orientation such that the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> are properly connected, and the correct pairing of counterpart audio contacts <NUM>,<NUM> and lighting contacts <NUM>,<NUM> occurs. Moreover, the latch <NUM> mechanism works in conjunction with the lip <NUM> and groove <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> to keep the sleeve <NUM> and receptacle <NUM> connected. This prevents inadvertent disconnection of the connector <NUM> during use, for example, when bumped or contacted by a user or other objects. While providing a robust electromechanical connection, the latch <NUM> simultaneously supports easy disconnection of the sleeve <NUM> from the receptacle <NUM> via the actuator <NUM>. When a user wishes to remove or disconnect a microphone <NUM>, he or she simply actuates the actuator <NUM> to disengage the latch <NUM>, placing the connector <NUM> in unlocked state, and permitting removal of the sleeve <NUM> from the receptacle <NUM>. This functionality supports easy removal of the microphone <NUM>, for example, for servicing, maintenance, repair, or replacement. The disengagement further allows for a variety of microphones <NUM> to be used, and to have differing varieties of microphones <NUM> quickly and easily swapped out and replaced by disconnecting unwanted microphones <NUM> and reconnecting alternative microphones <NUM> to the various available receptacles <NUM> of a system.

Moreover, construction, configuration, and various components of the microphone connector <NUM> of the present invention support delivery of high quality audio signals by microphones <NUM> using such connectors <NUM>. The microphone connector <NUM> provides excellent shielding from unwanted electrical and radio frequency interference, for example, from cellular phones which are active proximate to the microphones <NUM> and microphone connectors <NUM>. The metal construction of the receptacle <NUM> support such improved shielding. Moreover, the contactor <NUM> positioned between the frame <NUM> and the housing <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> ensures excellent grounding of the entire receptacle <NUM> to the grounding tab <NUM>, and creates a "grounding envelope" around the components of the receptacle <NUM> and sleeve <NUM>, including the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> therein. These and other features of the connector <NUM> minimize the impact of outside electrical and radio frequency devices, thereby preserving the high audio quality captured by the microphone <NUM>.

The electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> used in the microphone connector <NUM> may be any variety of appropriate electrical connectors, plugs, jacks, or terminations. Preferably, the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> are insulated such that the contacts <NUM>,<NUM> therein, once connected, are insulated from the other components of the microphone connector <NUM>, such as the housing <NUM> and frame <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, and the outer shell <NUM> and support <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> are mating plastic components (such as a plug and a jack) which house the internal contacts <NUM>,<NUM> therein. The contacts <NUM>,<NUM> may connect to wires which can be connected to other external components. Alternatively, the contacts <NUM>,<NUM> may connected to printed circuit boards where external connections may be made. The use of insulated electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> ensures that the audio signals being passed downstream by the audio contacts <NUM>,<NUM> and the lighting signals being passed upstream by the lighting contacts <NUM>,<NUM> of the electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> are not affected by outside unwanted electromagnetic interference, nor do the lighting signals and audio signals affect one another. When coupled with the grounding and shielding properties of the sleeve <NUM> and receptacle <NUM>, the microphone connector <NUM> provides an excellent conduit for the audio and lighting signals via the insulated electrical blocks <NUM>,<NUM> and insulated wires and/or conductors connected thereto.

Any process descriptions or blocks in figures should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments of the invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

Claim 1:
A microphone (<NUM>) comprising:
a head (<NUM>), the head including a cartridge (<NUM>);
a microphone body (<NUM>) supporting the head;
a sleeve (<NUM>) connected to the microphone body, the sleeve comprising:
an outer shell (<NUM>);
a cavity (<NUM>) formed within the outer shell;
a first keyway (<NUM>) formed on an inner surface of the outer shell;
a first electrical block (<NUM>) positioned within the cavity, the first electrical block comprising an array of contact positions (<NUM>) configured to house a plurality of electrical contacts (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the array is a rectangular array and comprises ten contact positions arranged in a <NUM> by <NUM> matrix;
a first protrusion (58a) extending from the inner surface of the outer shell, the first protrusion proximate a first end of the first electrical block; and
a second protrusion (58b) extending from the inner surface of the outer shell, the second protrusion proximate a second end of the first electrical block, wherein the first and second protrusions are diametrically opposed on the outer shell.