Abstract: A tablet computer with modular assembly having interchangeable end cap portions, and a method for installing the same. The assembly provides a universal design and customized features to a range of tablets. The modular assembly has a tablet carrier encasing a selected type of tablet computer and an exterior housing enclosing the tablet carrier. The exterior housing contains at least one battery and a controller for communication with the selected tablet computer. The housing also includes end cap portions configured to communicate with the controller and implement a function. The end caps can be interchanged. The tablet carrier and/or exterior housing can also include one or more programmable buttons with actuators for electromechanically actuating a button or an application associated with the tablet.

Abstract: A tablet computer with modular assembly having interchangeable end cap portions, and a method for installing the same. The assembly provides a universal design and customized features to a range of tablets. The modular assembly has a tablet carrier encasing a selected type of tablet computer and an exterior housing enclosing the tablet carrier. The exterior housing contains at least one battery and a controller for communication with the selected tablet computer. The housing also includes end cap portions configured to communicate with the controller and implement a function. The end caps can be interchanged. The tablet carrier and/or exterior housing can also include one or more programmable buttons with actuators for electromechanically actuating a button or an application associated with the tablet.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a light-transmissive cover plate are disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes an image display device that includes an image display surface; a casing that houses at least a portion of periphery of the image display device; a light-transmissive cover plate that includes a first surface facing the image display surface, at least a peripheral edge region of the first surface is bonded to the casing; and a joining member that bonds the peripheral edge region of the first surface to the casing. The joining member has a Young's modulus smaller than that of the light-transmissive cover plate. The light-transmissive cover plate includes a gradual reduction area, and in this gradual reduction area, thickness is gradually reduced towards an outermost edge. At least a portion of the peripheral edge region of the first surface of the light-transmissive cover plate is included in the gradual reduction area.

Abstract: An internet protocol telephony device powered by a tablet computer affixed to a housing. The housing includes any of a speaker, a microphone and a camera that are operatively connected to the tablet computer. A handset is also operatively connected to the tablet to offer traditional feeling communication hardware. The tablet offers additional internet and intranet based functionality.

Abstract: An accessory for use with an existing portable electronic device has a housing that removably couples to a housing of the existing portable electronic device such that the accessory and portable electronic device function and can be portably carried as a single unit. A tunable FM radio receiver in the housing receives an FM broadcast signal and produces a broadcast audio output. A connector on the housing electrically connects the broadcast audio output to a corresponding connector on the device. Application software residing on the device utilizes an internet connection of the device to download digital content related to the broadcast audio output and display the digital content on a display of the device.

Abstract: An exemplary portable communication device and system comprises interchangeable speaker modules allowing different speakers to be used with a portable communication device assembly. The speaker modules and the portable communication device assembly form portable communication devices when the speaker modules are secured to the portable communication device assembly. In the exemplary embodiment, a slim speaker module includes a speaker suitable for operation during proximate communications where the portable communication device is placed near the user's ear. An extended speaker module includes a larger speaker providing improved performance during non-proximate communications where the portable communication device is positioned away from the ear such as during a push-to-talk (PTT) call or when a speaker phone option is invoked. In the exemplary embodiment, the speaker modules also perform the function of a battery compartment door.

Abstract: A wireless telephone includes a support and a base unit supported by the support. The support includes an antenna and defines a number of through holes. The antenna includes a number of electrically conductive pins that are aligned with the through holes. The base unit includes a number of protruding, conductive terminals that respectively pass through the through holes and contact the electrically conductive pins to allow signals to be transmitted through the antenna.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a panel attachment assembly comprises a housing including a first wall with an opening, a cover panel fitted in the opening, and a built-in component fixed in the housing. The housing includes a first end edge defined by the first and second walls, and a second end edge defined by the first and third walls. The cover panel includes a first end face aligned with the first end edge and seen from the outside, a second end face aligned with the second end edge and seen from the outside, and flanges projecting from side edges. The built-in component has engagement sections at positions corresponding to ends of the flanges. These ends of the flanges contact the engagement sections, and the other ends contact the housing between the first wall and built-in component.

Abstract: Free setting of the angle or direction of a camera is available while the camera is being inserted into a cradle. A cradle for a digital camera is provided, which is capable of confirming a display screen of the camera, changing the recording medium or battery, or mounting or demounting a communication cable or the like while the camera is being mounted on the cradle without deteriorating the camera holding. The cradle has a structure such that a tripod screw hole is formed on the bottom surface of the cradle, thereby capable of fixing the cradle to a tripod while the digital camera is being inserted into the cradle. By making the height of rubber pads equal or higher than that of a tripod base, the cradle can be stably placed on a desk or the like.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism is provided for a communication device enabling the communication device to be placed at a desired angular position during use. The tilt mechanism includes a biasing member that allows the user to consistently and easily set the angular position of the phone and without collapse or shifting of the communication device to another position. In the preferred embodiments, the biasing member is in the form of a leaf spring that biases the movement of a user-controlled component for setting the desired angular position.

Abstract: A key telephone set comprises a telephone main body, an interchangeable dial button unit, an interchangeable line button unit, and an interchangeable display unit. The interchangeable dial button unit, the interchangeable line button unit and the interchangeable display unit are attached to the telephone main body while they can be detached from the telephone body from a top surface side of the key telephone set without disassembly of the telephone main body.

Abstract: An attachment for cell phones contains a light and bottle opener. The attachment may be affixed to or be removably attached to the back of a cell phone and/or to a cell phone case. If removable, the structure attaches to the back of a cell phone or case via VELCRO® fastening. The removable light may be held in place by the bottle opener and/or by walls formed on the plate. In another embodiment, the bottle opener also serves as a spring loaded belt clip.

Abstract: A mobile information terminal includes a case that is formed in tabular form and in the size of a palm, a display device that is stored such that the screen is exposed to the outside, an electronic circuit that is stored in the case and controls the display device, a protective frame that is arranged on the edge portion of the case and surrounds the edge portion, and a hooking portion that sticks out outward of the case from the protective frame, and is formed for fingers to be inserted.

Abstract: A mobile telephone station is disclosed having a receptacle comprising a bottom and one or more upstanding sides defining a compartment configured to removably receive a mobile telephone through a top opening. The receptacle may have one or more clips for retaining a battery charger cord. The receptacle may have stabilizing means for mounting the receptacle or supporting it on a surface. The station may further comprise an accessory secured to the receptacle, the accessory comprising one or more of a picture frame, message board, key holder, and pen and paper holder, as desired.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communications device comprising: a support structure; an antenna mounted on the support structure for transmitting and receiving radio signals; radio signal processing circuitry positioned on the support structure to process the radio signals; a speaker and microphone arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the radio signal processing circuitry; a printhead positioned on the support structure to carry out a printing operation; and an interface for enabling interrogation of an authentication means associated with an ink cartridge.

Abstract: A telephone set includes a cradle for receiving a selected electronic device, such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The cradle comprises a cradle base and a cradle cover coupled to the cradle base. The cradle cover includes a support for selectively securing the selected electronic device thereto. Means for coupling the cradle to the telephone set, which preferably comprises a snap device, is provided. A connector is coupled to the cradle in order to enable communication between the selected electronic device and the telephone set. The cradle can be selectively removed from the telephone set by decoupling the cradle base from the telephone set.

Abstract: A telephone including a removable DSL filter cartridge is disclosed. The telephone includes a location adapted to receive a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge is designed to fit inside the location provided on the telephone. The filter cartridge includes a first end that electrically connects the filter cartridge to the telephone and a second end that faces outwards. The second end includes a DSL port so that users can plug DSL devices directly into the port. The filter cartridge includes a DSL filter to help eliminate unwanted noise on the telephone line and the filter cartridge is designed to be easily removable.

Abstract: A modem including a removable DSL filter cartridge is disclosed. The modem includes a location adapted to receive a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge is designed to fit inside the location provided on the modem. The filter cartridge includes a first end that electrically connects the filter cartridge to the modem and a second end that faces outwards. The second end includes a telephone connector or port so that users can plug telephones directly into the port. The filter cartridge includes a DSL filter to help eliminate unwanted noise on the telephone line and the filter cartridge is designed to be easily removable.

Abstract: A cordless telephone system comprises a base unit which cam accept information services for stationary telephone sets, and which can transmit and receive various signals by way of networks, and a wireless handset which wirelessly communicates with the base unit in two-ways, wherein the wireless handset can accept information services for stationary telephone sets in pair with the unit. With this arrangement, information obtained from the information services for stationary telephone sets can be seen even at a position remote from the base unit.

Abstract: Telephone apparatus comprises a telephone and a remote controller separate therefrom. The telephone has a built-in keypad and an internal operating circuit including a control circuit connected with the keypad for accepting keying signals therefrom to process a telephone call. The remote controller includes a built-in keypad for generating keying signals and an internal signal transmitter for transmitting said keying signals in a wireless format. There is a signal receiver located internally of the telephone and connected to the control circuit for receiving said wireless keying signals from the signal transmitter and relaying the same to the control circuit for processing a telephone call. The remote keypad represents a second keypad for convenience.

Abstract: A docking station for a wireless communications device includes a support structure that includes a cradle for the wireless telephone. The docking station includes a switch, sensor or other detection mechanism that detects when the wireless communication device is docked. When the wireless communication device is docked, the detection mechanism sends a signal to the wireless communication device. A set of instructions stored in the processor determines which display and which input to use, depending on whether or not the signal is received from the detection mechanism. Embodiments include a display, USB hub, and modem in the docking station. Another embodiment includes a USB connector in the wireless communication device. Finally, an embodiment includes a docking station with equivalent features for a cellular telephone or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

Abstract: A mechanism for securely locking and easily releasing a wireless device in a cradle is comprised of a release button located on an outer housing, accessible to a user. The release button extends through the outer housing to an interior in the cradle. An actuator is disposed in the housing and has an arm extending into the interior receptacle area of the cradle, wherein movement of the arm activates the mechanism. A lever is disposed within the housing and is rotatable between a first and a second position. A first end of the lever is located adjacent to the actuator, while a second end of the lever is located adjacent to the release button. A protrusion extends from the lever into the receptacle area when the lever is in the first position and is housed inside the housing when the lever is rotated to the second position. A spring connects the actuator to the lever.

Abstract: The present multi-media communication management system comprises a controller that interfaces with a plurality of space station communication devices and with one or more communication medium service providers. The controller translates multi-media communications received from a multi-media service provider into the protocols required for use by the space station communication devices as well as any convention telephone stations that may be coupled to the controller. The communication and control signaling between the controller and the space station communication devices may be wireless in nature with the space station communication devices being powered by an internal battery and/or connection to a local source of conventional line voltage. Modular docking interfaces may be used to couple the space station communication device to portable subscriber devices and to enable integrated and coordinated communication through multiple communication medium service providers.

Abstract: In a communication system having a first communication apparatus capable of a first communication via a first communication line such as a wire line and a second communication apparatus capable of a second communication via a second communication line such as a wireless line, information input from an information input unit of the first communication apparatus is transmitted over the second communication line via the second communication apparatus.

Abstract: A handheld mobile image-sensing device comprising: a support structure; an image sensor positioned on the support structure for sensing an image; a display positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor for displaying the image sensed by the image sensor; a printing mechanism positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor; a capping mechanism operable to selectively cap a printhead of the printing mechanism when the printing mechanism is not printing; and a remote transmission arrangement positioned on the support structure and operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image.

Abstract: A desk top telephone includes a network interface circuit for audio session set up and audio session communication with a remote telephone device. A display device docking bay accommodates a simple display screen or a portable computing device such as a portable data device (PDA). Each of a plurality of adapters coupled one of the modular display screens or a PDA to the docking bay. Each of the module display screens and PDAs can have various display sizes, resolutions, and color/gray-scale combinations.

Abstract: A system for connecting between at least one radio communication transceiver and at least one conventional telephone including: (a) at least one detachable adaptor, each adaptor having (i) a cellular transceiver docking connector, the connector operatively connected to the radio communication transceiver, and (ii) an interface module operatively connected to the docking connector, wherein the module is designed and configured for utilization of at least one protocol that enables information transfer between the conventional telephone and the transceiver.

Abstract: A cover member for an electronic device, the cover member having a secure radio frequency identification (RFID) module within it, an electronic device including such a cover member, and a system including such an electronic device for authorizing providing of goods or services. If desired, the circuitry of the electronic device can supplement that of the RFID module, enabling storage, display and control of transactions enabled by the RFID module.

Abstract: A notebook computer with hidden multimedia controller. The notebook computer has a cavity and a multimedia device. A multimedia controller with a plurality of keys to control the multimedia device movably pivoted to the main body. The notebook computer has a switch with a rod. Two magnets are individually disposed on the rod and the multimedia controller. The multimedia controller is attracted, remaining in the cavity. When the switch is pressed, the multimedia controller is pushed out from the cavity by the repulsive magnetic force.

Abstract: An electronic terminal device, especially a telephone, communicates with a graphic input and/or output unit, which is mechanically and electrically detachably connectable to the terminal device through an adapter device.

Abstract: A channel (20) for accommodating a fully or partially cylindrical body (22) is formed above a visual display unit (16) in a multimedia communications terminal (10) having a console-like housing (12). This body (22) comprises a central body element (26) in which a video camera is installed, and at least one projection (28; 30) on which a rest (42) for a telephone handset (44) is integrally formed, or a card reader for telephone calls is also installed.

Abstract: An electronic programmer for the auto-dial functions of a telephone comprises an apparatus which electrically connects the rows and columns lines on the keyboard of a telephone so as to mimic the pressing the buttons on the telephone keypad.

Abstract: A desk top telephone includes a network interface circuit for audio session set up and audio session communication with a remote telephone device. A display device docking bay accommodates a simple display screen or a portable computing device such as a portable data device (PDA). Each of a plurality of adapters coupled one of the modular display screens or a PDA to the docking bay. Each of the module display screens and PDAs can have various display sizes, resolutions, and color/gray-scale combinations.

Abstract: The present multi-media communication management system comprises a controller that interfaces with a plurality of communication space stations and with one or more communication medium service providers. Each communication space station may be coupled to a wide area network mobile telephone served by a wide area network service provider. The multi-media communication management system communicates with a wide area network controller through the service provider medium and automatically provides instructions to the wide area network controller to forward telephone calls that are directed to the mobile telephone to the system controller upon the mobile telephone being coupled to a communication space station.

Abstract: An adjustable telephone system includes a base and a support coupled to the base. The support is operable to dispose the base in a plurality of positions relative to a support surface. The telephone system also includes an actuator coupled to the support to effect movement of the support relative to the base. The telephone system may also include one or more add-on line modules. Each add-on line module may include a support operable to dispose each add-on line module in a plurality of positions relative to the support surface. Each add-on line module may also include an actuator to effect movement of each add-on line module support. The actuator disposed on each add-on line module may also effect movement of other supports.

Abstract: A phone connector assembly for cellular phones that lack locking connector capability, including a cup-shaped member for cradling the phone having a base at one end with terminal contact pins, and a flexible retainer at the other end which snap-locks into a recess in the top of the phone and holds the phone securely in the cup-shaped member.

Abstract: An adapter in which a portable telephone having a socket including terminals connected to electric terminals therein is receivable includes an adapter body having a concave portion in which the portable telephone is receivable, a connector provided in the adapter body so as to be exposed to the concave portion, the connector having terminals connected to predetermined electric units including at least an antenna, the connector being connectable the socket of the portable telephone, and a clamping mechanism for clamping the portable telephone received in the concave portion of the adapter body in a state where the connector is connected to the socket of the portable telephone so that the terminals of the connector are in contact with the terminals of the socket of the portable telephone