Abstract: A bi-directional voltage translator (102) includes a first port (300/302), a second port (302/300), and a switch circuit (310). The first port (300/302) communicates a first signal at a first voltage or a second voltage (V.sub.1 /V.sub.2). The second port (302/300) communicates a second signal at the first voltage or a third voltage (V.sub.2 /V.sub.1). The second and third voltages (V.sub.1 /V.sub.2) are different. The switch circuit (310) is coupled to the first port (300/302) and the second port (302/300). The switch circuit (310), responsive to the first signal at the first voltage and the second signal at the third voltage (V.sub.2/ V.sub.1), communicates to the second port (302/300) the second signal at the first voltage. The switch circuit (310), responsive to the second signal at the first voltage and the first signal at the second voltage (V.sub.1 /V.sub.2), communicates to the first port (300/302) the first signal at the first voltage.

Abstract: A battery identification system (100) includes a battery (104), a device (102), and an apparatus (106). The battery (104) is of a particular type (e.g., NiCd, NiMH, Lithium Ion) and is detachably coupled to the device (102). The device (102) includes a controller (112) that determines the type of the battery (104) and generates a number of signals according to the type. The apparatus (106) is detachably coupled to the device (102) and includes a current source (164) and a controller (162) that detects the number of signals. The controller (162), responsive to the controller (112), controls the current source (164) to initially provide charging current at a first rate to the battery (104) until reception of a first one of the number of signals. The controller (162) thereafter identifies the type of the battery (104) from the detection of additional ones of the number of signals.

Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a charging pocket (112) capable of receiving either a first battery (102) in a first orientation or a second battery (104) in a second orientation. The charging pocket (112) includes a first set of contacts (170) and a second set of contacts (152). The contacts (172-175) of the first set of contacts (170) have a first spacing so as to mate with contacts (187) disposed on the first battery (102) when the first battery (102) is inserted into the charging pocket (112). The contacts (154-157) of the second set of contacts (152) have a second spacing so as to mate with contacts (199) disposed on the second battery (104) when the second battery (104) is inserted into the charging pocket (112). By providing two sets of contacts (170, 152) in a single charging pocket (112), the battery charger (100) can charge batteries (102, 104) having dissimilarly positioned contacts.

Abstract: A radio communication device (50) has a housing having a first housing element (51) and a second housing element (53). The first housing element (51) is movable between an extended and a closed position. The radio communication device has at least two antennas (112, 113). A switch (121) is provided that is operable to switch between a first antenna (112) and a second antenna (113) responsive to position of the first housing element (51). Preferably the first antenna (112) is disposed in the first housing element (51) and the second antenna (113) is disposed in the second housing element (53) or a battery housing (57).

Abstract: An output stage (418) for an operational amplifier (403) powered by a first supply voltage rail (102) and a second supply voltage rail (104) includes a buffer (100) and a current booster (500) for amplifying an input voltage (105) into a low impedance output signal (117 and 520). The buffer (100) amplifies the input voltage (105) into the amplified output signal (117 and 520) when the input voltage (105) is within a buffer voltage range (210), the buffer voltage range (210) contained within a maximum voltage range (208) defined by a voltage difference in the first supply voltage rail (102) and the second supply voltage rail (104). The current booster (500) assists the buffer (100) in amplifying the input voltage (105) into the output signal (117 and 520) when the input voltage (105) is outside of the buffer voltage range (210) but within the maximum voltage range (208).

Abstract: At least two circuit elements are interconnected by a bus which permits transmission of information between the circuit elements. A clock signal generator generates a clock signal alternately of at least two frequencies, namely, a low frequency and a high frequency. When information is not transmitted upon the bus, the clock signal generator generates the clock signal of the low frequency, and the circuit is operated at the low frequency level. When information is generated upon the bus, the clock signal generator generates a clock signal of the high frequency and the circuit is operated at the high frequency. Detection of a start bit, for example, forming a first bit of a word transmitted upon the bus, once detected, causes the clock signal generator to generate the clock signal of the increased frequency.

Abstract: The present patent application includes a discussion of an integrated information card reader. The card reader is integrated into a radiotelephone (101). The card reader has a set of electrical contacts imbedded in a sliding plate (205). The sliding plate (205) is coupled to at least a portion of the other electronic apparatus contained in the radiotelephone (101) and enhances the rigidity of the radiotelephone (101). The card reader also includes a cover plate (213). The cover plate (213) and the sliding plate (205) form a cavity for retaining an information card (105). The cover plate (213) has cantilevered springs (309, 313) shaped from its body for forcing the information card (105) against the first set of contacts (403) when the information card (105) is loaded. Additionally, the cover plate (213) provides shielding at least a portion of the electronic apparatus from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI, RFI).

Abstract: A universal power transformer (101) is for connection to an AC power source and produces a regulated DC voltage at an output thereof. The power transformer includes a power transformer housing (102) with a recess (114). A universal power converter circuit (313) is positioned in the housing. Connector prongs (108, 110) are electrically coupled to the circuit and are movably carried on the housing at a position adjacent the recess. The prongs move between an outwardly extending position, projecting from the housing for connection to a first type of power supply connector, and a retracted position, extending into the recess for storage during transport of the power transformer and for connection to an adapter (103-106) positioned in the recess, to connect to a second type of power supply connector.

Abstract: A power regulator (220) includes a power source output (303) for coupling to a power source. A switching circuit (345) controls the supply of power from the power source output to an energy storage circuit (334). An output (305) of the energy storage circuit has a controlled current in a current regulator mode. The output of the energy storage circuit has a substantially constant voltage in a voltage regulator mode.

Abstract: A smart card (100) is equipped with an internal time-of-day clock and calendar (106). Between the smart card (100) and a subscriber unit (209, 300), into which it is inserted, there is a communication of the subscriber's identity and a negotiated agreement for how long the subscriber unit (209, 300) is to maintain the transferred identity. For that duration of time, the subscriber unit (209, 300) is enabled with the subscriber's identity, and the smart card is essentially "dumb," and therefore unusable until that duration has elapsed.

Abstract: A latching mechanism (160) disposed on an accessory (102) for attaching the accessory (102) to a portable device (100) includes a support (164) and a latch (162) disposed about opposite ends (150, 152) that mate with first and second portions (206 and 300, 302) of a retaining device (123) disposed about opposite ends (112, 122) of the portable device (100). The support (164) includes feet (412, 414) having prongs (420) that face a hooked end (404) of the latch (162). The latch (162) includes a spring (502, 510) coupled to the hooked end (404) such that when the latch (162) is extended, the hooked end (404) exerts a force (700) on the first portion (206) of the retaining device (123) drawing the support (164) into abutment with the second portion (300, 302) of the retaining device (123). The exerted force (700), which is in a plane parallel to a front surface (146) of the accessory (102) extending between the ends (150, 152) thereof, maintains the accessory (102) in attachment with the portable device (100).

Abstract: A cellular speakerphone (100) includes a housing (101) containing a transceiver circuit (203), a processor and switching circuit (205), a coupler (209), and a hands-free user interface (207). The processor and switching circuit (205) and the hands-free user interface (207) operate the cellular speakerphone (100) in a default hands-free mode that is automatically interruptable to permit the cellular speakerphone (100) to operate in a handset mode when an optional handset (127) is operably coupled to the cellular speakerphone (100) via the coupler (209).