Abstract: A scan receiving system comprising an antenna circuit, a radio-frequency reception circuit connected to the antenna circuit and for converting a received radio-frequency signal into an audio-frequency signal, an audio-frequency circuit connected to the radio-frequency reception circuit and for amplifying the audio-frequency signal supplied from the radio-frequency reception circuit, an input circuit for inputting a desired reception frequency, and a controller connected to the radio-frequency reception circuit, the audio-frequency circuit and the input circuit, the controller including a plurality of channel memories which are provided in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of carrier frequency channels so that a plurality of desired reception frequencies inputted through the input circuit are programmed in the plurality of channel memories, the frequencies programmed in the plurality of channel memories being scanned in the order of frequency ascending or descending in accordance with a scan instructi

Abstract: A receiver is disclosed which includes an automatic display illumination capability. Upon the receipt of a signal, the display is illuminated until either an interval timer expires, or the signal goes away. In the preferred embodiment, a portable scanning receiver employs a liquid crystal display and an incandescent light. The automatic display capability can be enabled and disabled to a manual display illumination mode of operation. Benefits include improved ease of use in low ambient light conditions and improved battery life.

Abstract: A method of searching a specified band of frequencies for a plurality of active signal frequency in a scanning receiver is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a range of channel memory storage locations are specified and a controller in the scanning receiver repetitively scans the range of frequencies for active signal frequencies and stores a number corresponding to each active signal frequency in one of the storage locations. Upon filling all of the specified storage locations, the search and store operation is terminated.

Abstract: A portable telephone is disclosed which comprises a data memory having a plurality of data storage locations for storing telephone numbers used to initiate telephone calls as an auto-dialer function. An audio memory is also disclosed which comprises a plurality of audio storage location, each of which may be linked to one of the data storage locations. A controller with a key matrix for inputting commands and a display for displaying status is included such that commands can be entered that cause the controller to sequentially recall telephone numbers stored in the data memory and play back voice tags stored in the audio memory, that are linked with the data memory. A loud speaker is disclosed for playing back the audio tags at a loud volume. When a tag is heard that represents the desired call destination, that call is initiated.

Abstract: An automatic frequency transfer and storage method is disclosed in a scanning receiver having a channel memory having a plurality of storage locations for storing frequency numbers corresponding to frequencies. In the preferred embodiment, the storage locations are grouped into channel banks. Each storage location is identified with a channel number and each channel bank is identifed with a channel bank identifier. A source channel number and either a destination channel number or destination channel bank identifier are specified. A controller searches the specified channel bank for a clear storage location. In either case, the controller displays the pertinent frequency transfer information and the transfer is executed upon confirmation, and the source storage location is cleared.

Abstract: A low cost antenna assembly is disclosed which is formed from a flexible wire and a pair of suction cups for supporting the wire in a substantially linear fashion. A feed line couples the wire antenna to a receiver. Further, a method for fabricating the antenna is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable cellular telephone having a loud speaker for implementing a monitor mode function which operates separately from the normal head set mode of operation and further has a default mode selector which varies the monitor mode function depending on whether a call is being initiated or received. The portable cellular telephone further has a display for displaying the current mode of the monitor mode function.

Abstract: An automated pay-per-view activation method is disclosed for use in integrated television receive-only satellite receiver/descramblers. The automated procedure allows for automatic activation of the pay-per-view program event reception from all pay-per-view service providers. Taken in conjunction with a preprogrammed timer function, the present invention provides for the preprogrammed reception of pay-per-view programs in the absence of the operator.