Abstract: A radiotelephone (100) includes a main battery (101) and is operable on a first communication system. A supplemental module (102) may be attached to the radiotelephone. The supplemental module may include a second RF communication circuit for communicating with a second communication system. This allows the user to configure the radiotelephone for communication with currently available systems. The supplemental module may further include an auxiliary battery for providing extended battery operation. The radiotelephone includes a discharging and charging circuit (310) to control the discharge and charge of the auxiliary and main batteries in a way that allows uninterrupted, continuous operation of the radiotelephone.

Abstract: A satellite communication system (SCS)(100) and method (300) are provided that provide a geographically co-located user assignment system. For unit-to-unit communication, each group of subscriber units is instructed to operate in a half-duplex unit to unit mode. The geographically co-located user assignment system comprises an assignment unit (201), a storage unit (203), and an instruction unit (205) such that a first subscriber unit (204) initiates unit to unit communication with at least a second subscriber unit (206, . . . ) in the first subscriber unit's user group utilizing a multiple access channel assigned to that group by transmitting on an assigned satellite downlink frequency of the multiple-access channel on a push-to-talk basis.

Abstract: A flexibly adjustable mounting clip assembly and method for providing the assembly for a pager includes a swivel assembly (104) for raising and rotating the mounting clip (102) approximately 180.degree. to provide a reversibly positioned clip. The clip allows for positioning in an introverted position, i.e., facing the bent section toward the pager and for positioning in an extroverted position, i.e., facing away from the pager. In addition, a transparent portion may be positioned below the clip assembly for allowing observation of the information display of the pager.

Abstract: The present invention includes a low-earth satellite-based paging broadcast system (100) and method (200, 300) that maximizes spectral efficiency and minimizes power expenditure for the broadcast of paging messages by broadcasting the messages to terminator- or originator-selectable portions of the total system coverage area. The terminator selects a long-term preferred geographic area (LTPGA), and optionally, a short-term preferred geographic area (STPGA). The originator provides the terminator ID, the message, and optionally provides a customized preferred geographic area (CPGA). Terminators and originators can easily modify the selectable geographic areas (SGA(s)): LTPGA(s), STPGA(s), and CPGA(s). The gateway converts the SGA(s) to addressable coverage areas (ACA(s)), and transmits a signal including the paging information, and ACA(s) to at least a first communication satellite (COM SAT).