Abstract: A method of making finger sensor packages may include advancing a flexible circuit tape along a predetermined path of travel. The flexible circuit tape may include a flexible layer and conductive traces thereon defining individual flexible circuits. The method may include, as the flexible circuit tape is advanced along the path of travel, securing a respective finger sensing integrated circuit (IC) and surrounding sensor package frame to each flexible circuit, applying at least one fluid fill material adjacent each finger sensor IC while using the corresponding sensor package frame as a dam to thereby define finger sensor packages, and stamping out the finger sensor packages from the flexible circuit tape to form at least one flush common edge of each sensor package frame and individual flexible circuit.

Abstract: A method of making finger sensor packages may include advancing a flexible circuit tape along a predetermined path of travel. The flexible circuit tape may include a flexible layer and conductive traces thereon defining individual flexible circuits. The method may include, as the flexible circuit tape is advanced along the path of travel, securing a respective finger sensing integrated circuit (IC) and surrounding sensor package frame to each flexible circuit, applying at least one fluid fill material adjacent each finger sensor IC while using the corresponding sensor package frame as a dam to thereby define finger sensor packages, and stamping out the finger sensor packages from the flexible circuit tape to form at least one flush common edge of each sensor package frame and individual flexible circuit.

Abstract: An electronic device (10) has a foldable housing (11) including a base unit (12) and a cover unit (14). The cover unit is rotatably joined to the base unit by a hinge mechanism. Within cover unit is a frictional hinge mechanism including a cam member (30), a cam follower (32) and an o-ring (34). The cam member has an attachment post (38) connected to an attachment gear on base unit such that the cam member is fixed to the base unit. The cover unit rotates against noticeable friction produced by o-ring rubbing between cover unit and cam member while cover unit is at angles of rotation larger than a pre-set angle, and cover unit rotates against minimal friction at angles of rotation smaller than the pre-set angle. The friction allows cover unit to maintain a multiplicity of positions with respect to base unit within a preselected range of angles larger than pre-set angle.

Abstract: A foldable housing (11) for an electronic device (10) includes a body portion (12) and a flip portion (14). The flip portion (14) is rotatable joined to the body portion (12) by a relatively small hinge control mechanism (22). The hinge control mechanism (22) includes a U-shaped spring (28) having a pair of spring arms (42) and (44) between which a shaft (30) is located. As the flip portion (14) is moved, it rotates the spring arms (42), (44) around the shaft (30). Protuberances (34) and (36) on the shaft surface (32) deflect the spring arms (42), (44) to generate a force which varies with the amount of deflection and which holds the flip portion (14) in a closed position or in an open position, and allows the flip portion (14) to be adjusted from the open position to a read position selected by the user.

Abstract: A housing (12) for a portable electronic device (10) has a battery compartment cover (14) and a latch (20). The latch has a cantilevered beam (42) that rotates about a base (40) fixed to the housing. The cover has a notch (38) on an inner surface (36). An engagement end (44) of the cantilevered beam rotates into the notch for securing the cover to the housing. Application of an external force on the cover approximately opposite the latch in a direction toward the latch causes the engagement end of the cantilevered beam to rotate out of the notch to disengage the latch. Application of an external force on the cover in a direction only toward an opened position for the cover causes the latch to engage the cover with more force.

Abstract: A one piece holster 10 for a PCD (Personal Communication Device) 24 has a back wall 14, sidewalls 18 and a bottom ledge 20 formed to receive a PCD either by lateral or vertical insertion. A snap fit feature and a locking mechanism 38 hold the PCD securely within the holster 10. A clip 56 is integrally formed with the back wall 14 for supporting the holster on a user's clothing.

Abstract: An impact resistant switch mechanism is disclosed which includes a switch disposed within a housing of a device, such as a communication device or the like. The housing has an opening formed therein through which the switch may be operated from outside the housing. An extension of material extends from the housing about the housing opening, and a shaft extending through the extension of material and the housing opening is coupled at one end to the switch for operation thereof. A knob is attached to an opposite end of the shaft and is disposed over the housing extension. The knob is rotatable about the extension and will come into contact with the extension if a force is applied to the knob before transmission of the force into the switch, which could result in possible damage to the switch.

Abstract: A protective pouch (26) for storing eyeglasses (24) or small objects such as keys or money that can be rolled up into a compact configuration (44). The pouch is provided with an eyeglass strap (21) with ends (20) capable of releasably attaching to the eyeglass arms (22) so that it is always available for use and cannot be lost. The two ends of the strap pass through holes (25) into the interior cavity (46) of the pouch, pass out the open end (48) of the pouch and are attached to the eyeglass arms. The pouch can slide along the strap to adjust the strap length for tensioning the eyeglasses to a one's head. A cover flap (30) is provided to fasten the pouch in its compact configuration or to close off the pouch opening. When the eyeglasses and strap are stored inside the pouch, the entire package can be worn on one's belt (50) from a loop (28) provided.

Abstract: A hinged device (100) comprises a first body portion (105) having a first end (115), wherein the first end (115) is substantially cylindrical and curved about a first axis, and wherein the first end (115) has a first plurality of cogs formed thereon substantially parallel to the first axis. The hinged device (100) further comprises a second body portion (110) having a second end (120), wherein the second end (120) is substantially cylindrical and curved about a second axis, and wherein the second end (120) has a second plurality of cogs formed thereon substantially parallel to the second axis. Securing means (125) movably secures the first body portion (105) to the second body portion (110) at the first end (115) and the second end (120), respectively, such that the first plurality of cogs meshes with the second plurality of cogs when the first body portion (105) is secured to the second body portion (110).

Abstract: A selective call receiver (100) including a receiver (102) for receiving messages and a housing (104) for housing the receiver (102). A clasp (200) for securing first and second wrist straps (112, 114) including a base member (202) and a pair of sides (204, 206) contiguous with the base member (202). A first compression member (208) located between the pair of sides (204, 206), the base member (202) and the first compression member (208) for engaging the first wrist strap (112) slidably therebetween. The first wrist strap (112) is also coupled to the housing (104). A clasp cover (214) having a second compression member (210) coupled thereto and to a first (204) of the pair of sides. The second compression member (210) engages the second wrist strap (114) with the first compression member (208) when the clasp cover (212) is transversely rotated between the pair of sides (204, 206) while the second wrist strap (114) also coupled to the housing (104).

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a housing (222) and a piezo-bender (400). The piezo-bender (400) includes a metal beam (402) having at least a portion of a surface mechanically coupled to a piezo-ceramic layer (304). The piezo-bender (400) is flexibly coupled to the housing (222) at an end of the metal beam (402) forming a cantilever structure. A vibratable body (404) is mechanically coupled to the other end of the metal beam (402). A tuning slide (604) is slidably coupled to the piezo-bender (400) for mechanically tuning the resonant frequency of vibration of the piezo-bender (400) by varying the length of the piezo-bender (400) that can vibrate. An electrical drive circuit (708) is electrically coupled to the piezo-bender (400) for electrically driving the piezo-bender (400) with a drive signal to generate vibratory motion in the piezo-bender (400) for providing a vibratory alert.

Abstract: A selective call receiver includes first and second housing portions forming a chamber therebetween which houses the electronic circuitry for receiving messages, a display for displaying the messages, and an annunciator for alerting a user that a message has been received. The first housing portion has an opening therein through which keys of an elastomeric keypad are accessible to the user. The keypad also includes a base portion for forming a seal between the first and second housing portions and a rim which extends into an additional opening in the first housing portion proximate the periphery thereof for sealingly receiving a lens therein.

Abstract: A housing (18) for an electronic device comprises a chamber (16) having an interior (14) for receiving electronic circuitry and a detachable contaminant barrier (12) generally contouring the interior (14) of the chamber (16) for preventing foreign particles from entering the chamber (16), for removing existing foreign particles in the chamber (16), and for aiding in the handling of the housing (18) during assembly. The detachable contaminant barrier (12) includes a first protrusion (22) for manipulating said contaminant barrier (12) and said housing (18) and a second protrusion (24) for removing said contaminant barrier (12) from said housing (18).

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the integrity of an antenna which is located within a wristband and which is coupled to a wrist worn communication device having a receiver, and an antenna sensing circuit which generates an antenna sensing signal. The antenna sensing circuit monitors the antenna sensing signal and derives an antenna integrity indication signal which indicates the integrity of the antenna. An indicating circuit is responsive to the antenna integrity indication signal and provides a sensible indication of the integrity of the antenna, such as a message indicating the antenna is open.

Abstract: A loop antenna includes a circuit board having a ground plane layer. A formed loop is located on one side of the circuit board and a transmission line is located on the opposite side of the circuit board. Capacitors interconnect the ends of the formed loop and the transmission line. The transmission line is a microstrip formed by the ground plane layer in a microstrip portion.The circuit board includes RF circuitry that is located on the side of the circuit board opposite to the transmission line so that the ground plane shields the circuitry from the transmission line.