Abstract: A rotary switch knob assembly (100) includes one or more circular knobs (101) having a plurality of interspersed labeling configured radially at least partially about the knob. The labeling including a first set of characters (105) and a second set of characters (107) each configured at a predetermined distance and angle between an adjacent character. A viewing window (109) is positioned over the labeling where either the first set of characters (105) or the second set of characters (107) are displayed through the viewing window (109) depending on an angular position of the viewing window.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) switch accessory (100) for use with a two-way radio (101) includes an input port (203), antenna port (215) for connection to an antenna and a remote port (213). The RF switch accessory (205) is used to control an electro-mechanical relay (207) for electrically connecting the input port (203) either between the antenna port (215) for connection to the radio antenna or the remote port (213). The invention allows for RF energy produced by the radio (101) to be easily switched to the remote port (213) without disconnecting an antenna from the radio.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the output level of a power amplifier is disclosed. A current comparator (230) compares a reference current with a sensed current which is representative of the power amplifier current state. The reference current is used not only for comparison with the sensed current but also for setting the power amplifier (104). The current comparator (230) provides an output, based on the comparison, that is coupled to the power amplifier so that the power amplifier current is maintained at an optimum level for minimizing temperature dependent variations and substantially leveling the power of the power amplifier.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of a predetermined portion of an electronic part during the solder reflow process. The method includes the steps of applying (107) an absorbent material containing a fugitive material (109) to a predetermined portion of an electronic part which must be kept below the solder reflow temperature to prevent damage. Heat is then applied and the electronic part is subjected to a high reflow temperature capable of allowing solder to melt. The predetermined portion of the electronic part is controlled (113) at a substantially lower temperature than the high temperature due to evaporative cooling properties of the fugitive material avoiding damage to the electronic part.

Abstract: A vibration reducing radio speaker assembly (100) located within a radio housing (101). The radio speaker assembly (100) includes a speaker grommet (105) having an aperture (111) and notched portions (115) which extend along the lateral sides of the grommet (105). The grommet (105) holds a speaker (103) and frictionally engages within the aperture located in the interior of the grommet (105) while the notched portions (115) frictionally engage with rib member (119) which protrude from the radio housing (101). The speaker assembly (100) provides reduced acoustic vibration and enhances audio quality since the speaker (103) is not directly fastened to the radio housing (101).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of increasing the voltage of a charge pump (111) used in a synthesizer charge pump network (100). The invention enables a voltage boost network (123) to be connected to a charge pump (111) and utilizes a capacitor which is charged and discharged synchronously with the charge pump to allow the charge pump (111) to effectively operate at a higher voltage than ordinary supply (V2). The invention allows the synthesizer charge pump network (100) to be operated in a low voltage condition without providing switching of external voltages greater than supply thereby eliminating EMI and increasing operating efficiency.

Abstract: A device (111) for simulating a high battery temperature used in charging a rechargeable cell (101). The device takes advantage of a control signal generated by a voltage control circuit (103) used to disconnect a rechargeable cell (101) from a charging system (105) when a predetermined voltage is reached. The device (111) is generally used with cells having a lithium based chemistry and requiring a different charging regime then nickel chemistry cells. The device (111) is activated by the control signal from control circuit (103) which detects a predetermined voltage from rechargeable cell (101) enabling thermistor (113) to change its state. This change is detected by the charging system (105) which alters its mode of operation from a rapid charging rate to a slower charging rate. The device is retrofitable to existing rechargeable batteries allowing them to be charged using existing charging systems alien to the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A high Q multi-layer ceramic transmission line resonator (100) used for RF applications. The resonator (100) includes a plurality of strips (102) which are separated by a ceramic substrate (104). Each of the strips are interconnected using vias (110) passing through the ceramic substrate (104). The invention utilizes current manufacturing processes to fabricate an equivalent thick center conductor to effectively increase the Q factor. This allows for the resonator to be used in miniature RF communication devices utilized in high tier devices such as voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) or integrated filter circuits.

Abstract: A support plate assembly (100) is used for aligning and/or supporting one or more accessory connector(s) (103). The support plate assembly (100) includes a support plate (101) having one or more apertures (105) for frictional engaging with a sleeve (107) of an accessory connector (103). An alignment plate (109) is attached to the support plate (101) for aligning the accessory connector (103) and for providing a working surface for placement of the support plate assembly (100) by automated machinery. The alignment plate (109) includes one or more support members (115) for engaging with the accessory connector (103) and holding the accessory connector into a fixed position.

Abstract: A coupling device (100) for coupling RF energy on a transmission line (101) to a forward coupler (107) and a reverse coupler (113). The coupling device (100) includes a first coupling structure (121) and second coupling structure (125) which are parallel plate structures positioned a predetermined distance in a plane parallel to the transmission line (101), forward coupler (107) and reverse coupler (113). The first coupling structure (121) and second coupling structure (125) are used to increase the coupling coefficient and directivity of the forward coupler (107) and reverse coupler (113). One or more vias (139, 141) are used to connect forward coupler (107) and reverse coupler (113) to the first coupling structure (121) and the second coupling structure (125). The addition of the first coupling structure (121) and the second coupling structure (125) allow for a greater coupling efficiency without physically moving transmission line (101) towards either forward coupler (107) or reverse coupler (113).

Abstract: A IC test adapter (100) for adapting the pin configuration of a chip carrier for use with test equipment. The IC test adapter (100) includes a case (101), printed circuit board (131), electrical contact pad(141), pin grid array (151) and bracket (161).

Abstract: An orthogonal insertion phase tuning method for easily and efficiently tuning insertion phase without affecting other critical system parameters. The method is used generally with an amplifier network and includes attaching (130) at least two line runners in parallel at the input of the network. The insertion phase is then measured (140) to determine which runner most closely yields an acceptable and desired insertion phase. The remaining line runners are removed (150). An orthogonal relationship exists between insertion phase and input return loss in view of the tuning at a 50 ohm point with 50 ohm runners. This method insures only a minor change to input return loss while quickly and easily adjusting insertion phase.

Abstract: A write-once read-many memory system (10) for electronically securing a select portion of memory from being overwritten or erased. Memory system (10) includes one or more storage cells (25) for providing electronic storage of information. A control cell (13) is used for controlling writing and/or erasing access to the storage cells (25). Control logic (11) is provided to control access to the control cell (13). Control cell (13) and control logic (11) are used as a gate to provide selective access to storage cells (25) through write control line (19) and erase control line (21). Storage cells (25) can only be accessed when the control cell (13) in an appropriate logic state.

Abstract: A device used with a portable radio (10) and associated carrying case (30) which can automatically adjust radio control functions such as audio output, DTMF tone level mode telephone hang-up or illumination levels of the radio depending on the radio's position in relation to the carrying case. The radio (10) includes a hall effect switch (14) used to signal the a microprocessor within the radio when actuated. A magnet (38) located within the case (30) actuates the hall effect switch (14) when the radio (10) is placed within the case (30). The microprocessor is then signaled to change radio function aiding the user in the operation of the radio (10) depending on the its position.

Abstract: An antenna assembly (300) includes an antenna nut (100) which is reflow soldered onto a printed circuit board (202). First and second radio housing members (302, 304) provide additional support to the antenna nut (100).

Abstract: A rotary control device is provided comprising a light receptor (52), a plurality of light sources (54) radially spaced from the light receptor (52), a light director (14) having means for directing light from the light source (54) to the receptor (52) and means for rotating the director (14) thereby selectively directing light from the light sources (54) to the light receptor (52). In another aspect of the invention, the optical rotary device further comprises an isolator (56) made of opaque material which surrounds four sides of the light receptor (52) and four sides of the light sources (54). In a further aspect of the invention the light director includes a reflector (46) for directing the light from the light sources (54) to the light receptor (52).

Abstract: A method of managing (150) an overlapping radio patch which allows a audio channel to be involved in multiple patches which are established at different dispatch positions. The method prevents interaction between channels that are not part of the same radio patch by maintaining dynamic profiles of channel assignments (153) and channel patches (155). Channel activity is tracked (157) and a connection instance count (CIC) is determined using the assignment and patch profiles as well as the channel activity. Audio connections are then managed (161) using the corresponding CIC's to dynamically switch connections. This ensures the connections are in place only when needed thereby avoiding any latent connections which would contend for network resources. The invention allows for the implementation of a composite channel concept which improves the overall capability of radio dispatch services in a multi-channel, multi-dispatcher environment.

Abstract: A radio (100) which includes a plurality of printed circuit boards (101) which are positioned in a planar arrangement so to provide a substantially fiat structure. The printed circuit boards (101) are connected using flexible conductors (105) which mechanically and electrically couple the printed boards (101) and provide a flexible link to allow the printed circuit boards (101) to be manipulated into various configurations. A flexible radio housing (151) is used to encapsulate the printed circuit boards (101) and flexible conductors (105) allowing radio (100) to be impacted and/or easily manipulated without crushing the contents. The radio (100) may be worn and easily concealed on the body without risk of breakage.