Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transforming cell phones at end of life into new electronic devices, such as clocks, calculators, PDAs, remote controls, etc. Importantly, the systems and methods of the present invention salvage many of the features and electronics of the cell phone that are not associated with the placement and reception of telephone calls. The electronics of the cell phone are repackaged and/or configured to hide the telecommunications options associated with the phone, leaving intact or upgrading other features of the phone, such as clock, calculator, storage device, etc. In doing so, all or most of the components of the cell phone are successfully recycled over more conventional methods that scavenge the phones for precious metals and reusable components.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transforming cell phones at end of life into new electronic devices, such as clocks, calculators, PDAs, remote controls, etc. Importantly, the systems and methods of the present invention salvage many of the features and electronics of the cell phone that are not associated with the placement and reception of telephone calls. The electronics of the cell phone are repackaged and/or configured to hide the telecommunications options associated with the phone, leaving intact or upgrading other features of the phone, such as clock, calculator, storage device, etc. In doing so, all or most of the components of the cell phone are successfully recycled over more conventional methods that scavenge the phones for precious metals and reusable components.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely programming a radio telephone with identification data. The apparatus receives and decodes DTMF signals indicative of the identification data and controls storage of the identification data at predetermined memory locations in the radio telephone.

Abstract: A mobile telephone operated from a vehicle battery comprises an input line for providing a signal indicative of the ignition stage of the vehicle. The telephone has a menu facility for selecting an automatic answer mode. The telephone goes off-hook automatically after a predetermined interval if the automatic answer mode has been selected and the signal on input line (11) indicates that the ignition is turned on. An incoming call can thus be answered without the user having to physically touch the telephone. On the other hand the automatic answer mode is not enabled when the ignition is off, i.e when the telephone is more likely to be unattended.