Abstract: A wireless communication system and portable radio repeater are described. The system includes a portable magazine having multiple portable radio repeaters disposed therein. One or more of the repeaters are automatically or manually ejected based on a received signal strength measurement. Once ejected, each repeater communicates from the ejected location, automatically switching between passive and active receive modes based on received signal strength. The repeater has a sensor to transmit environmental data or a visual or audible locator. The magazine has a dispensing mechanism with a mechanical or electro-mechanical release mechanism that holds the repeater to be ejected in a substantially fixed position. The dispensing mechanism detects when the repeater switches to the active mode and dispenses the repeater in response thereto, as well as detecting the number repeaters remaining within the magazine and communicating this information.

Abstract: A wireless communication system and portable radio repeater are described. The system includes a portable magazine having multiple portable radio repeaters disposed therein. One or more of the repeaters are automatically or manually ejected based on a received signal strength measurement. Once ejected, each repeater communicates from the ejected location, automatically switching between passive and active receive modes based on received signal strength. The repeater has a sensor to transmit environmental data or a visual or audible locator. The magazine has a dispensing mechanism with a mechanical or electro-mechanical release mechanism that holds the repeater to be ejected in a substantially fixed position. The dispensing mechanism detects when the repeater switches to the active mode and dispenses the repeater in response thereto, as well as detecting the number repeaters remaining within the magazine and communicating this information.

Abstract: A user interface system (102) for a portable electronic device (100) is disclosed. The user interface system includes an interface (202) that is made of a flexible material and has an active position and an inactive position. The interface is coupled with a reservoir (204). The reservoir is used for storing electrorheological fluid (206). The user interface system also includes a source (208) that is coupled to the reservoir. The source is used for applying an electric field to the electrorheological fluid when the interface is in the active position.

Abstract: A method of programming a second security token using data stored on a first security token, wherein a privilege to be assigned to the second security token is selected by a user of the first security token. The user selects from privileges derived from a first set of privileges assigned the first security token. A file containing a definition of the privilege to be assigned to the second security token is transferred from an apparatus for programming security tokens to the second security token.