Abstract: A device configured to draw current from one of a PSTN source and a battery source depending on a mode of operation of the device is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a circuit that is configured to draw current from the PSTN source during a first condition and from the battery source during a second condition. Preferably, the circuit is defaulted to draw current from the battery source. The first condition can be associated with an off-hook condition. The second condition can be associated with an on-hook condition.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly retrieving a telephone number is disclosed. The system includes an input device for inputting a dial string from a user, a storage device for storing a plurality of telephone numbers, a display device for displaying the dial string, and a processor for matching the dial string with telephone numbers stored in the storage device. The dial string includes one or more digits. The processor matches the one or more digits with telephone numbers stored in the storage device and retrieves the telephone numbers. Each of the retrieved telephone number includes all digits of the dial string. The retrieved telephone numbers are then displayed on the display device. After the user selects one of the displayed telephone numbers, the system performs an action with the telephone number. For example, the system can be configured to dial the selected telephone number.

Abstract: A method and system for powering of an electronic apparatus having a base unit and one or more portable units is disclosed. The electronic apparatus can be, for example, a cordless telephone system that includes a base unit and a portable unit. The base unit is normally powered by an external power supply. Each portable unit includes a battery pack, preferably a rechargeable battery pack. The portable unit can be placed into a cradle in the base unit. Preferably, the battery pack of the portable unit can be recharged when power is present from the external power supply. Upon failure of the external power supply, the base unit receives power from the battery pack of the portable unit. Thus, the electronic apparatus remains operational even during the power failure. In the context of a cordless telephone, the base unit can be operational during the power failure via a speakerphone operation or additional portable units that are capable of communication with the base unit.

Abstract: A clip construction is provided for an article housing, e.g., a cordless telephone housing, which is movable between a deployed position, and a retracted position, in which the surface of the clip is disposed flush with the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A wireless multi-handset telephone system with integrated video monitoring. A speakerphone base unit, at least one camera module, at least one combination video/voice handset, and at least one voice handset operate together such that voice and data are transmitted (i) between the speakerphone base unit and the at least one camera module and (ii) between the speakerphone base unit and the at least one voice handset, and video images are transmitted from the at least one camera module to the at least one combination video/voice handset.

Abstract: A method uses a rack and gear system for retracting an antenna when a wireless device is opened. Particularly, sliding a cover to open the device moves first and second sliding racks attached on opposite sides of the sliding cover. The racks drive a first gear and a second gear, respectively. The first gear drives an antenna rack. An antenna is attached to the antenna rack, such that driving an antenna rack extends or retracts the cover.

Abstract: A cordless telephone system comprising a base unit, at least one handset, and one or more expansion units is provided. The handset and the expansion units communicate with the base unit via communication channels implemented in a wireless communication protocol. The expansion units can provide the system with communication interfaces to various external networks, such as an additional analog telephone line, a digital telephone line, or a cellular telephone. Conference calling functionality is provided between handsets and expansion base units within the primary base unit. Data services can also be provided by a wireless expansion base unit.

Abstract: A multiple wireless microphone speakerphone system includes one or more wireless microphones. The wireless microphones accept speech and transmit the speech to receivers, one receiver corresponding to each wireless microphone. Audio processing and acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) are performed on the received speech signals. A signal handling unit generates an audio signal after echo cancellation. The generated audio signal is transmitted to a far end to be played through, for example, a speaker or an ear piece.

Abstract: A cordless telephone base unit having a dynamically changeable cellular telephone adapter and partially reconfigurable software is provided. The software includes a static portion containing core application software, and a dynamic portion containing reconfigurable driver software for interfacing with an external device such as a cellular telephone. The driver software can be downloaded from a removable cellular telephone adapter. The core software and the driver software each contain interface portions at fixed locations. The interface portions provide for transparent interaction between core application and driver software.

Abstract: The present invention permits access to information stored on a remote device from a local device without requiring that a complete physical copy of the remote information be made. An enhanced and refined hash table permits access to the remote information in order or according to a search key with significant reduction in the memory requirements on the local device even though the remote information is not sorted. Scrolling through the remote data structure without accessing any unnecessary record on the remote device and hence reducing scroll response time is also achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conducting a conference call between a wireless line and a land line using customer premise equipment, where a cordless telephone device connected to the PSTN includes a wireless telephone cradle for receiving a cellular telephone. Interface circuitry residing in the cordless telephone controls operation of the cordless telephone handset and the cellular handset when positioned in the cradle and connects a first call between a user and a first party via the PSTN and a second call between the user and a second party via the wireless telephone network toward establishing a conference call among the user, the first party and the second party. Echo cancellation and suppression is provided to minimize objectionable echo between the two far end parties.

Abstract: An inverted F antenna with integrated shield is constructed from an electrically conducting sheet that is folded into a shape that provides both a shield can covers an RF module of circuit and an inverted F antenna such that shield can functions also as a ground plane for the antenna. In a pre-folded state the sheet has a shield can portion and a radiating element portion that are connected to each other by a ground feed line that bridges the shield can portion and radiating element portion. The shield can portion preferably includes a plurality of walls that are foldable along respective folds. The radiating element portion preferably includes a plurality of edges and a signal feed line extending from a first one of the plurality of edges. The ground feed line extends from a second one of said plurality of edges.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection shield device, which may be used in bases or cradles for mobile electronic apparatus, among other uses. A grounded electrostatic discharge shield is movable between two positions, one which precludes contact with data/dc power contacts of a data/dc power connection and another, in which the contacts are exposed for normal operation in connection with the parent electronic apparatus.