Abstract: A housing assembly 100 which uses substantially spherical pieces (rubber balls) 106 for supports (feet). The balls 106 drop into the bottom housing member 104 which has apertures 202 which allow the balls 106 to rest. Each of the balls 106 protrude from the bottom portion of the housing. Preferably, each of the aperatures 202 have a peripheral wall 402 around them which surround and capture each of the balls (stop the balls from rolling during the assembly process). Preferably, an electronic circuit board 310 is sandwiched between the rubber balls and the top housing member 102. The two housing members 102 and 104 are then latched together causing the balls 106 to compress and load the housing assembly, taking care of any tolerances the mechanical parts in the assembly may have and also hold the electronic circuit board 310 in place.

Abstract: A connector frame and a resilient pad positioned against the frame, both having an equal number of coaxial openings therethrough. A pin positioned in each opening of the pad and extending through the pad and frame with a collar abutting the pad. A back-up plate having the same number of coaxially positioned openings therethrough and abutting the opposite sides of the collars of the pins so that the pad is compressed to make the connector waterproof and reduce tolerance stack-ups.

Abstract: Solder paste vehicles using blends of monofunctional and polyfunctional alcohols are described. The blend may have a major portion of a low viscosity, monofunctional alcohol solvent and a minor portion of a high viscosity polyfunctional alcohol thickener. The monohydric solvent has a room temperature viscosity of at least 3 centipoise and from about 3 to 18 carbon atoms and may include such materials as 2-butanol, 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, 1-octanol, 1-nonanol, 1-dodecanol, 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, n-hexadecanol, n-octadecanol, benzyl alcohol and mixtures thereof. The polyalcohol has a room temperature viscosity of between about 26 to about 1500 cp and includes compounds such as 1,2-ethanediol; 1,2-propanediol; 1,3-propanediol; 1,2-butanediol; 1,3-butanediol; 1,4-butanediol; 1,2-pentanediol; 1,5-pentanediol; 2,4-pentanediol; 2,5-hexane-diol; glycerol; 1,2,4-butanetriol; 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)diethanol; 1,12-dodecane-diol; 1,16-hexanedecanediol and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A first conductive layer 12 is deposited on the substrate 14. Next, a second conductive layer 16 with a circuit pattern is deposited on the first layer 12. Finally, the first conductive layer 12 not residing under the second conductive layer 16 is etched off, leaving the second layer 16 above the first layer 12.

Abstract: Electrical interconnection of first and second sides of a flex circuit is provided by a tab formed in the flex circuit. At least one circuit trace extends along the tab and provides a contact area on the flex circuit first side. The tab is folded so that the contact area overlays the flex circuit second side. The contact area is then electrically interconnected as by reflow soldering to a contact area on the flex circuit second side.

Abstract: An active load impedance control system for a radio frequency power amplifier comprising an amplification means for amplifying radio frequency signals and providing a forward signal, a control means responsive to the operating conditions of said amplification means, a correction signal means responsive to the control means for providing an amplitude, a sampling means and phase controlled corrective reflective signal and a combining means for combining said forward signal and said corrective reflective signal.

Abstract: The programmable electronic device, such as a radio, includes a memory for storing program information. A controller, such as a microprocessor, is connected to the memory for programming and reading the memory. A keypad is provided for data entry and is connected to the microprocessor. A magnetic switch, such as a Hall effect switch, is located within the radio and controls the program enable line of the microprocessor. The Hall effect switch is actuated by an externally supplied magnetic field for enabling programming of the memory of the radio.

Abstract: A phase detector is provided for detecting the phase difference between a first input signal and a second input signal and providing an output corresponding thereto. The phase detector comprises a dual state phase detector, a tri-state phase detector, a control input for receiving a control signal, and a control circuit for selecting either the dual state phase detector or tri-state phase detector. The dual state phase detector compares the phase difference between the first input signal and the second input signal. The tri-state phase detector compares the phase difference between the second input signal and the inverse of the first input signal. The control circuit selects the output of the dual state phase detector or selects the output of the tri-state phase detector based upon the control signal.

Abstract: In a converter console for converting a portable radio to mobile operation, a sleeve for receiving the portable radio and improved mounting apparatus which positions the sleeve so the portable can be easily inserted and smoothly moves the sleeve into a loaded position in which the portable is connected for control by the console and for receiving power from the vehicle. The mounting apparatus holds the various contacts firmly together to prevent contact chatter. Also included are locking apparatus which prevent relative movement between the portable/sleeve and the housing to eliminate contact chatter under extreme vibration and reduce theft and improper use.

Abstract: A frequency synthesizer for providing a modulated output signal includes a phase comparator, a loop filter, and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The phase comparator receives a reference input signal and a signal related to the VCO output, and generates a control current. A modulation circuit receives a modulation signal and provides both a modulation current and a modulation voltage. The modulation current is summed with the control current at one input of the loop filter, while the modulation voltage is applied to a second input of the loop filter. The VCO is controlled by the output of the loop filter to produce the modulated output signal.

Abstract: An improved quasi-duplex time division multiplexed (TDM) communication system provides for transmission by a talker until an interrupt command for role reversal is transmitted by a listener. Preferably, the time allocated for voice transmission is greater than the time allocated for command transmission. In this manner, the primary feature of full-duplex communications is provided simply while conserving spectrum.

Abstract: A selective call communication system for use by an untrained person is provided. The communication system includes a number of telephones located in different locations, connected to a central switching unit. A number of selective call radios, each having an address, are assigned to the central switching unit. Upon the use of the telephone, the central unit identifies the telephone in use, and initiates an alerting call to the corresponding selective call radio automatically. The selective call radios may be pagers or two-way radios. Other features such as radio to radio communication, and radio to telephone network communication may be incorporated into the system.

Abstract: A test board is provided with a plurality of cavities that are covered by a film and arranged in a know pattern to coincide with the components to be inserted. The component lead is inserted through the film and into the cavities on the test board. The component lead is removed from the test board. The location of the resulting hole in the film is measured and compared to its intended target to determine the accuracy of the insertion equipment.

Abstract: A band (or eyelet) (16 or 17) is crimped onto a cable (12) so as to form at least one flange (18 or 19). The flange (18 or 19) is received in a slot between fingers (23) of a receptacle (20) so as to provide both longitudinal and rotational strain relief.

Abstract: A stripline structure has a stabilized resonant frequency against temperature variations. It includes a lower and an upper substrate of ceramic materials, each substrate having opposing inner and outer surfaces. Each of the outer surfaces are covered with a layer of conductive material constituting ground planes. Resonator strips of conductive material are situated on each of the inner surfaces, and each have one end connected to the ground, while the opposite end is an open circuit. The upper and lower substrates are bonded together along the length of their respective resonator strips, thereby producing the stripline structure. The length of the resonator determines the resonant frequency of the stripline structure. The two substrates are made of materials having opposite dielectric temperature coefficient.

Abstract: A molded thermoplastic housing (100) includes base (102) and cover (104) members joined by a living hinge (106). The base member (102) includes a peripheral wall (108). Four solderable printed circuit patterns (112, 114, 116 and 118) are vacuum deposited onto the interior and exterior surfaces of both housing members. The printed circuit patterns on opposing surfaces of the base and cover members are joined by conductive through-holes (e.g., 120 and 122), while the printed circuit patterns on the interior surfaces of the base and cover members are joined by an interconnecting printed circuit pattern (124) which is vacuum deposited onto the living hinge. Mylar sheets (132) are adhered to the exterior surface of the housing to insulate the exterior printed circuit patterns. An antenna pattern (126) is also vacuum deposited onto an exterior surface of the housing.

Abstract: A high efficiency variable power amplifier suitable for use in a battery powered device is provided wherein a variable power amplifier has at least a first (2) and a second (12) amplification stage. Base bias potential (8) for the second amplification stage (12) is derived from the bias potential provided to the first amplification stage. In this way, as the bias potential to the first amplification stage is modified to vary the output power, the base bias potential for the second amplification stage is correspondingly modified to maintain the amplifier's efficiency.