Abstract: An earpiece assembly includes an earbud that is pivotably mounted to a stem. In the use position, the earpiece assembly is preferably generally L-shaped with the face of the earbud being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem. The earpiece assembly may be pivoted from the use position to a storage position. The amount of pivoting is generally 90° or more, and preferably approximately 180°. In a first storage position, the earbud front face is generally normal to the stem longitudinal axis. In a second storage position where the earbud front face is generally parallel to the stem longitudinal axis. For storage, the earpiece assembly is preferably mated with the associated electronic device such that the stem is at least partially within a suitable recess in the casing of the electronic device. The ability of the earbud to pivot relative to the stem allows the earbud to assume a variety of configurations.

Abstract: During production, a wireless communications device manufacturer determines the version of specific integrated circuits being used by interpreting the response signals generated by the integrated circuits in response to an electronic query. The device manufacturer preferably establishes a cross reference list of response signals and computer chip versions for the affected computer chip type. Each integrated circuit chip manufacturer then designs and manufactures their respective integrated circuit chips to generate their corresponding response signal when a particular predetermined query is received by the chip. During subsequent device production, a factory system is connected to the device and sends the query signal. The computer chip detects this query and, in response, the integrated circuit generates the pre-defined response signal. The factory system compares this generated response signal to the cross-reference list of assigned response signals to determine the integrated circuit version being used.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the effects of the transmission medium on transmitted information symbols are estimated separately from other effects, e.g., those associated with receive and transmit filters, using knowledge of the pulse shaping. The medium response estimate is then used to detect information symbols. Previously, receivers had used estimates of the composite channel to detect symbols. This, however, assumed uncorrelated noise, which is not always the case.

Abstract: A wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone, is provided with a touch-sensitive panel that is moveable between a normal position and a select position. The display on the wireless communications device is preferably graphical and includes a cursor; the movement of the cursor is controlled, at least in part, by the user's interaction with the touch-sensitive panel. The touch-sensitive panel is movable by rotation or simple vertical displacement between a normal up position and a select or down position. When the user pushes down on the touch-sensitive panel, the touch-sensitive panel is rotated or otherwise displaced into the second position. A detector, such as a reed switch or dome spring switch, senses when the touch-sensitive panel is moved to the select position and, in response, changes from an unselected state to a selected state. This state change is communicated to the main electronics of the wireless communications device to signal that a selection is occurring.

Abstract: A reversible double-throw air motor utilizes a moveable cylinder casing to switch between forward and reverse operation. The cylinder casing rotates between its forward and reverse positions in response to movement of an externally accessible actuator, via a front bearing plate rotationally coupled to the cylinder casing. The actuator may be biased to the proper position by reaction forces generated within the motor. In some embodiments, the coupling of the front bearing plate to the cylinder casing allows for the cylinder casing to float, thereby enabling the cylinder casing to self-center about the rotor. In other optional embodiments, the front bearing plate is pressed against the cylinder casing during operation by air pressure. The resulting double-throw air motor is easy to use motor and may be economically produced.

Abstract: A method of using a conveyor dryer having a drying chamber and a conveyor disposed within the chamber for conveying a selected material through the chamber. A stationary conveyor support is disposed on each side of the conveyor for supporting the conveyor. A material guide is disposed adjacent each side of the conveyor for generally retaining material on the conveyor and wherein the conveyor support and material guide are disposed adjacent to each other such that they cooperate to form a generally air tight seal that minimizes the flow of air between the conveyor support and the material guide.

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet with adjustable shelves includes a cabinet having a molded plastic liner defining a refrigeration compartment. A plurality of shelves are disposed in the refrigeration compartment. Shelf supports are integrally molded with the liner to support said plurality of shelves in both horizontal and tilted positions. Integrally formed back stops define channels for air to flow vertically through the cabinet and help lock the shelves in place to prevent accidental dislodging. The liner also defines a housing for the evaporator coil and fan in the upper portion of the liner. Shoulders are integrally formed along the top corners of the liner. The fan panel mounts to the shoulders on opposing sides of the liner and serves as the bottom of the evaporator housing.

Abstract: A method for determining when a wireless communications device's warranty period begins uses the wireless communications device's first use date as a proxy for the start of the warranty period. After being powered-on, the wireless communications device checks a non-volatile warranty registration status-flag. If that flag indicates that the wireless communications device has not previously registered, the wireless communications device sends a unique identifier, such as a serial number, to a warranty registration center. The warranty registration center stores the identifier with an associated registration date stamp. The wireless communications device then changes the warranty registration status flag to indicate that the device has been registered for warranty purposes. Once this automated warranty registration is complete, the wireless communications device proceeds with normal operation. The recorded first use date may be used as the start of the warranty period.

Abstract: A tool, in particular a power screw driver, comprises an output shaft which is rotatably mounted in a housing and is driven by a motor. The output shaft extends substantially coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the housing. In order to improve a tool of the type described in such a manner that the tool can be held comfortably, in controlled manner and with little force, a grip sleeve which is rotatable relative to the housing is fitted over the housing, and at least one damping device that counteracts a pulse-like rotation of the grip sleeve relative to the housing is disposed between the housing and the grip sleeve.

Abstract: A fractional synthesis approach and arrangement are presented which achieve fine frequency resolution with low phase noise while at the same time retaining a high phase comparison frequency/fast frequency changing speed. An output signal having a desired output frequency is generated by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). An output divider divides the output frequency by an output divisor N to produce an output pulse train. The output divisor N may be equal to an output integer N or the output integer plus one N+1, for example, and may change during the generation of a single output frequency. For different desired output frequencies, the value of the output integer N may be varied. A reference divider divides a reference frequency by a reference divisor M to produce a reference pulse train. The reference divisor M may be equal to a reference integer M or the reference integer plus one M+1, for example, and may change during the generation of a single output frequency.

Abstract: A retainer for controlling the movement of objects along a conveyor including a substantially L-shaped retaining arm pivotally mounted to the conveyor and having a toe section and a leg section. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the leg section and includes a roller rotatably mounted to the second end of the swing arm. A biasing member has a first end attached to the conveyor frame and a second end attached to the swing arm. A link arm is connected to the roller and is selectively actuatable for moving the roller to a first position between the conveyor frame and the retaining arm for maintaining the leg section below the retaining arm pivot point and the toe section above the conveyor frame to stop the objects. The link arm is also actuatable to a second position in which the retaining arm pivot point, swing arm pivot point, and link arm are substantially aligned providing for the retaining arm toe section to be positioned below the retaining arm pivot point to allow the objects to pass on the conveyor.

Abstract: The cellular telephone of the present invention includes a generally sealed, moisture resistant electrical external connector that resides in the wall of the phone housing and provides a series of electrically conductive pathways which lead from the external surface of the housing, through the housing wall, to designated areas on an internally located printed circuit board. More particularly, these electrically conductive pathways or contacts, that essentially penetrate the cellular telephone housing, are incorporated within the housing wall via an insert molding, press fitting, or similar process such that a generally sealed, moisture resistant barrier is formed between the individual contacts which comprise the connector and the surrounding housing.

Abstract: A process is described for testing the integrity of liquid filtration membranes without the use of pressurized air. The process includes draining the upstream compartment 3 and filling it with air by venting it to the atmosphere; applying a partial vacuum to the permeate compartment 4 to create a pressure difference across the membrane 2; and measuring the liquid flow out of the permeate chamber that corresponds to air passing through the leak orifices in the membrane. After stabilization of the pressure in the permeate chamber, the resulting constant liquid flow rate out of the permeate chamber is then used to evaluate the integrity of the membrane. An installation for implementing the process is also described and can include a plurality of filtration modules.

Abstract: A belt press uses differential thermal expansion between parts of a platen assembly to generate pressure. The belt press typically includes substantially aluminum platen assemblies that are connected such that movement of the second press surface away from said first press surface is limited. A plurality of expansion limiting rods are aligned generally parallel to the top platen's longitudinal axis and attached thereto. The expansion limiting rods preferably are attached via adjustable couplings to sturdy anchor bars laterally disposed across the platen and rest against two or more bridging rods midway along the length of the platens. The expansion limiting rods have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is smaller than the coefficient of thermal expansion for the platens.

Abstract: A band saw attachment for working in conjunction with a band saw for cutting arcuate panels from a piece of stock. The attachment includes a frame structure and a carriage movably mounted on the frame structure and movable back and forth between selected cutting positions. A rotating support is pivotally mounted to the carriage and pivotally movable back and forth relative to the blade of the band saw. In operation, the rotating support receives and holds a piece of stock and by rotating the support the blade of the band saw functions to cut arcuate shaped panels from the piece of stock.

Abstract: The MIN, but not the ESN, associated with a mobile station is entered into a permanent subscriber record associated with a private wireless communications system. During at least the initial registration attempt for the mobile station in the private system, the mobile station sends its MIN and ESN to the private system. The private system then asks a public wireless communications system for verification of the subscription status of the mobile station. If the status is favorable, e.g., the mobile station has a valid subscription to the public system, the private system updates its permanent subscriber record to include the ESN and continues with the registration process. If the verification response indicates an unfavorable subscription status, e.g., the ESN/MIN combination is invalid, the private system preferably refuses to allow the mobile station to register.

Abstract: A reversible double-throw air motor provides for forward and reverse operation by having a cylinder member rotate relative to a stationary valve plate between fixed forward and reverse positions of the cylinder member. The valve plate has diametrically opposite pressure ports and diametrically opposite exhaust ports at an end surface that faces the cylinder member. The cylinder member has a transfer passage associated with each quadrant of the inner surface, the transfer passages opening at wall ports at the inner surface close to each of the two bottom dead center lines. In the forward position of the cylinder, pressure is supplied from the pressure ports in the valve plate through two of the transfer passages to opposite quadrants while the other two quadrants are open to the exhaust ports in the valve plate. For reverse operation, the cylinder is rotated, which reverses the quadrants open to the pressure and exhaust paths.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shield including at least one entry hole is placed in contact with a circuit board, thereby substantially enclosing a compartment. With the shield and circuit board held together, conformal coating is introduced into the compartment through the entry hole. The conformal coating coats the exposed portions of the circuit board within the compartment, but does not coat the portions of the circuit board contacted by the shield. The circuit board may include ground traces that divide the circuit board into sections. An optional electrically conductive gasket may be used between the ground traces and the shield to provide good electrical contact between the shield and the circuit board. In addition, a connector seal may be used to form a barrier preventing entry of environmental contaminants into critical connector interface areas. The connector seal is inserted into the forwardly facing pin cavity of a male connector so that the male pins pierce through the connector seal.

Abstract: A water flow-sensing device includes an assembly with a stationary metering rod with a cylindrical portion and a conical portion and a relatively moveable element in the shape of a hollow cylindrical toroid. The relatively moveable element is biased by a spring to a rest position wherein the cylindrical portion of the stationary metering rod blocks flow through the relatively moveable element. During fluid flow, fluid pressure moves the relatively moveable element so that the conical portion of the stationary metering rod is within the hollow portion of the relatively moveable element thereby creating a flow area and allowing flow therethrough. A toroidal ferrite is biased against the relatively moveable element and moves in unison therewith. The position of the toroidal ferrite is electromagnetically determined thereby allowing for a calculation of the fluid flow therethrough. Low flowrates indicative of a trickle leak and large flowrates indicative of a large leak can be detected.