Inventors:
Barry Voroba - Minnetonka MN
Daniel E. Kobylarz - Bloomington MN
Carrie L. Zochert - Minnetonka MN
Steven Maser - Hinckley MN
Marlyn J. Anderson - St. Louis Park MN
Assignee:
Microtalk Technologies - Minnetopka MN
International Classification:
H04Q 732
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for reducing sidetone feedback in a portable wireless telephone system by positioning the speaker and the microphone to reduce acoustic feedback and by controlling the amplifier gain in the transmitter section of the wireless telephone to reduce amplification of sidetone which has been acoustically coupled from the speaker to the microphone. The wireless telephone may be configured as a watch with a wrist strap for retaining it to the user, as a piece of jewelry such as a brooch or pendant, as a voice capable pager/intercom, or as an identification badge for an employee. In one embodiment, the base station includes circuitry for further reducing sidetone feedback. In additional embodiments, the wireless telephone may include a quick-release outboard battery, a retractable earpiece, and an ergonomic keypad.