Abstract: A key (10) includes a transceiver core (12) that couples to antenna electrodes that include all or part of a key shank (11) and an electrically conductive surface (16). The transceiver core (12) utilizes these electrodes (11 and 16) to capacitively transceive information with a reader (41). The reader (41) may, in turn, utilize all or part of a keyed lock cylinder (43) as an antenna electrode.

Abstract: The device (10) includes a semiconductor die (12) positioned to receive a fluid cooling medium (45) and a power input lead (25) attached to the semiconductor die. The power input lead having a characteristic such that at a first temperature a first current flows between the semiconductor die and the power input lead and at a second temperature a second current flows between the semiconductor die and the power input lead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of linking communication systems of different types. Call requests are directed from a sourcing communication unit in a first communication system (101) to a gateway (114), which translates identity and call type information from the first system to at least one other system (113). Next, the gateway requests radio frequency (RF) resources from each system to support the call. After sufficient RF resources have been received, and prior to the sourcing communication unit starting a call, the gateway (114) issues call start information to each of the communication systems (101, 113). Then, the gateway (114) is operable to receive and translate a message payload from the sourcing communication unit and distribute the translated message payload to communication units in the at least one other system.

Abstract: An integrated land mobile dispatch radio capable of accommodating both standard audio transmissions and video transmissions. The push-to-talk switch controls these activities. Video images can be stored and reviewed prior to transmission. Also, video transmissions can be interrupted to accommodate a current need to conduct an audio transmission.

Abstract: A profile is maintained, either in a central profile data base (106) or in a more distributed manner that includes local profile data bases (706). These profile data bases include preference information for particular users, which preference information is utilized by the system to direct various messages from various sources to various destinations for a particular user. By accessing the system through an appropriate input source (708), the user can provide temporary over-ride instructions that cause this preference information to be temporarily altered. When so altered, messages that would ordinarily be directed to a location in accordance with the original entries to the profile data base will be directed instead to a temporary destination (707) as identified by the user. This temporary destination can either be identified in particular at the time of entering the temporary over-ride instruction, or can be pre-identified in an over-ride plan (709).

Abstract: A noise blanker (400) suitable for use with a radio receiver (500) having a track and hold unit (509) includes an impulse noise detector (401), a low pass filter (404) that is coupled to the impulse noise detector, and a first amplitude threshold detector (406) that is coupled to the output of the low pass filter and to the input of the track and hold unit. In one embodiment, this noise blanker is configured in conjunction with a radio receiver to yield a radio receiver that substantially minimizes the impact of noise impulses on resulting processed audio. In one embodiment, a second amplitude threshold detector (512) and a repetition rate threshold detector (513) are additionally utilized to allow gating of the internal signal processing paths of the radio receiver in conjunction with operation of the track and hold unit.

Abstract: A radio transceiver system (100) includes an option board interface (117) with an analog interface (119) and a digital interface (125). Option board interface (117) is used for conveying information between an optional memory board (133) and a digital processing unit (105). Option board interface (117) also controls analog audio functions through analog interface (119). Option board interface (117) enhances functional operation of the radio transceiver system (100) by allowing options to be selected which are not provided as standard radio equipment.

Abstract: In a speech coder (100), excitation source gain information (802) is transmitted along with a coding mode indicator. The coding mode indicator indicates how the gain information is to be interpreted. In one embodiment, the coding mode indicator can also be utilized to control which of a plurality of excitation sources (202, 206-208) are utilized when synthesizing the speech. The coding mode itself is selected as a function of the periodicity of an input speech signal.

Abstract: A bulletin board coordinates the service authorization for other communication systems. Service authorizations are periodically updated, with authorized communication units returning to the bulletin board at pre-scheduled times to receive the updates that extend service authorization for authorized communication services. The bulletin board transmits authorization information on known communication resources at predetermined times known only by authorized communication units.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enabling a single communication system (100) to support at least two communication services. For example, one can support both cellular telephone services and trunked dispatch services by sharing some, but not all, of the system infrastructure. Access control gateways (201) and base stations (203) comprise common infrastructure elements, while two separate processors provide control for each service, these being a communication agent processor (104) to support telephone services, and a dispatch call processor (106) to support dispatch call services. These two independent processors each include a data base (303 and 307) that includes information concerning communication units (204-206) operating within the system. During a call set-up sequence, the access control gateway (201) receives a call request from a communication unit via a base station, and passes the request to the appropriate processor, which uses its corresponding database to support the requested service.

Abstract: Resource controllers (14) within a multisite communication system (20) selectively and automatically assume primary (45) and secondary (53) control modes of operation in order to ensure that adequate communication resources are assigned throughout the system at necessary sites in order to include talk group members that are dispersed throughout the system.

Abstract: A local-area RF communication unit (305) is incorporated in a portable housing, such as a briefcase (101), and adapted to communicate with personal communication devices, such as a handset (105) and notepad (107). One or more wide-area RF communication units (303) are disposed in the briefcase (101) and adapted to communicate with a wide-area communication system. The local-area RF communication unit (305) and the wide-area communication unit are selectively controlled by a microprocessor (301) within the briefcase (101).

Abstract: A method at comparator (103) of determining the depth of remote buffer (107-109), by computing the difference between the current time and a next launch time, where the next launch time is the time at which a next information packet will be transmitted by the base station (104-106) on the radio channel. The next launch time is determined by the summation of, the time to transmit a previous information packet with error correcting information on the radio channel, and the launch time of a previous information packet. The method further includes maintaining the buffer depth between thresholds such that information packets will not be provided beyond a maximum threshold and filler packets will be provided when buffer depth is less than a minimum threshold.

Abstract: A table surface (11) adjusts in set increments to a variety of vertical positions. The table surface (11) moves only in a vertical direction, as determined through use of a vertical guide (16) that traverses a vertical tract (15). A tooth (35) and pawl (40) assembly controls the vertical disposition of the assembly such that the table surface (11) is incrementally raised to different vertical positions of choice. Once the table surface (11) has been raised to its uppermost limit, the pawl (40) becomes locked in a non-tooth engaging position, thereby allowing the table surface (11) to be lowered to its lower most position. When so lowered, the pawl (40) is released from its non-engaging position, such that the pawl (40) again engages the teeth (35) to allow the table surface (11) to be incrementally raised as before.

Abstract: An intelligent repeater (101) is used to control trunked communications at a trunked communication site in a trunked communications system. The intelligent repeator (101) transceives and signal processes radio frequency signals. The intelligent repeater (101) also processes and stores control information. The control information and processed signals are interfaced (109, 110, and 111) directly to an external communication network (117, 118, and 119), without use of a separate central controller for the trunked communication site or system.

Abstract: At the access control gateway (105) of a communications system (100) sharing common resources and providing telephone and dispatch services, a service request queue (301) is provided where requests are queued when communication resources are not available. Queuing of dispatch requests does not differ from that used in current dispatch-only systems where all requests are queued for an indeterminate period of time when resources are not available. Telephone service requests, however, are queued for a finite period of time. Should resources become available during the finite period of time, the resources are provided and the request is granted. If resources do not become available before the finite period of time expires then the request is removed from the queue and terminated.

Abstract: A method is employed by a central controller of a radio communications system, which method provides for sustaining a predetermined level of communication service. The system includes a plurality of voice channels which are allocated among a plurality of subscribers (108-112) using a first control channel (102). In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the voice channels (104, 106) is also control-capable. The method includes evaluating (502) a current loading condition, and comparing (504) this loading condition with an upper loading threshold. Where appropriate, the controller assigns (506) one of the control-capable voice channels as a temporary control channel.

Abstract: In a communication system having a plurality of sites (100, 101), resource allocations are monitored in the plurality of sites to identify communication resources (108) that support communications for critical members of a user group and historical information is developed regarding the communication resources. When a communication request is received from a member of a first user group, a determination is made as to whether at least one site includes only non-critical members of the first user group. A decision is made to allocate a communication resource in the non-critical-only site(s) in support of the communication request as a function of the historical information.

Abstract: A decal (51) having a conductive pattern is first fabricated. This fabrication includes plating a layer of a conductive material (22) using a thermal spraying method. After completing the fabrication of the decal (51) having the conductive pattern, the decal (51) is then affixed to a component (81). In one embodiment, heat and pressure is used to bond the decal (51) to the component (81). In an alternative embodiment, the decal (51) is placed in a mold (61) from which the component (81) is to be molded. Resin (71), forming the component (81), is then placed into the mold (61). After molding, a device comprising the component (81) with the conductive pattern is thus formed. The result of both embodiments is a device with a conductive pattern affixed on at least one of the device's surfaces.