Abstract: A selective call receiver and carrying case both include a surface for interchangeably attaching a mounting clip assembly to the selective call receiver housing and the selective call receiver carrying case at the discretion of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a signal is capable of determining the presence or absence of a signal having a predetermined baud rate. By initializing counting registers to either first or second values, and receiving the signal, either the presence or absence of the baud rate may be more rapidly detected. Rapid detection provides for improved battery savings when the invention is used within a portable receiver such as a pager. The invention provides for positive detection of the predetermined baud rate while rejecting a baud rate being an integer divisor of the predetermined baud rate. Additionally, as a result of the determination of the presence of the predetermined baud rate, a sample clock may be established for receiving data at the baud rate.

Abstract: An apparatus (112) for charging a plurality of batteries, having at least one aperture (300) capable of receiving a plurality of batteries therethrough, and including at least two slots (110.sub.I and 110.sub.I+1) for accommodating the plurality of batteries therein during a charging process. The apparatus (112) charges the plurality of batteries, and collectively rotates the slots (110.sub.I and 110.sub.I+1) so as to position a slot (110.sub.I) accommodating at least one charged battery with an aperture (400) to facilitate the removal of a charged battery. Optionally, a date coding machine (130) applies a representation of a calendar date to the charged batteries.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the magnification of an information display on a selective call receiver. The apparatus comprises an optical lens system coupled in a manner which provides for its easy attachment and removal from the selective call receiver.

Abstract: Messages received by a selective call receiver are stored in source files with a user allocated number of message storage slots in response to a message source signal indicating the source of the message. Messages are retrieved utilizing the source files facilitating message location in large memories. Source files are retrieved on a priority basis which is a function of a predetermined priority associated with each source file and the status of messages stored therein.

Abstract: A dispenser (100) for solder flux includes a first solder flux reservoir (110) with a dispensing tip (118) at one end thereof for dispensing solder flux (112) in response to a frictional pressure applied to the tip. A second solder flux reservoir (102) is also included having a dispensing channel (106) for dispensing solder flux (104) responsive to a pressure applied to the flux (104) within the second solder flux reservoir (102).

Abstract: A selective call receiver allows reprogramming of the options stored within a code plug only after entry of a correct password. After a predetermined number of unsuccessful attempts to enter a correct password, the selective call receiver is user disabled such that the user may not reenable the selective call receiver without returning the receiver to the manufacturer or without replacing expensive components thereof.

Abstract: A central controller operating as a pager terminal for receiving, handling, and transmitting messages is shown that adaptively alters its message handling characteristics in order to improve the overall throughput of the central controller. The channel loading characteristics, based upon the time of day, are used in order to vary the limitation of the size of message received by the central controller as well as vary the transmission size and age of messages prior to transmission. Additionally, channel loading may be determined by determining the total size of messages within the central controller. In response to the total size determination, the limitation of the message size received by the controller may be varied. Furthermore, the transmission size and age of messages prior to transmission may be varied in response to the total size determination.

Abstract: A method of reducing the discharge rate of a battery while providing a desired current comprising the steps of incrementally controlling the amount of one or more activating gases provided to an energy storage means, and providing an energy level responsive to the selectable amount of said one or more activating gases.

Abstract: An on-site communication system includes a system for identifying communication receivers including acknowledge back capability and operating within the on-site communication system, and for controlling the delivery of messages to the communication receivers. The identification system operates on the same frequency as the on-site communication system, and includes an RF shielded enclosure for momentarily shielding the communication receivers from messsages transmitted on the on-site communication system. The RF shielded enclosure provides interference free identification of the communication receivers as the communication receivers pass through the enclosure, and enables the determination of those communication receivers which are operating within the coverage area of the on-site communication system, and those communication receivers which have left the coverage area of the on-site communication system.

Abstract: A method is described for transmitting digital data with minimum splatter and for recovering the same with a conventional frequency modulated (FM) receiver to obtain data having minimum intersymbol interference. The method utilizes an optimized prototype pulse which has been predistorted to match the inverse characteristics of the post detection low pass filter in a conventional FM receiver. When the optimized electric pulse is received and processed by the post detection low pass filter of the conventional FM receiver, a pulse shape exhibiting minimal intersymbol interference is produced.

Abstract: Accelerated throughput of voice messages is accomplished by first filtering a normal 50-3000 Hz voice signal to a reduced bandwidth 350-1650 Hz (with loss of identifying features), the reduced signal then accelerated X3 and translated downward to bandwidth 50-3950 Hz for transmission. The receiver recovers the 350-1650 Hz signal.

Abstract: A method for generating alphanumeric messages in a telephone-entry selective call system comprises programmable selective call source identification for selected selective call receivers and numerically coded canned alphanumeric messages.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of automated and/or robotic assembly, comprises a vacuum nozzle (100) capable of aspirating and securing an electrically conductive assembly component (114). The electrically conductive assembly component (114) is electrically coupled to an electric conductance sensor for detecting the presence of the electrically conductive assembly component (114) at the vacuum nozzle (100).

Abstract: A reconfigurable deinterleaver for deinterleaving up to N interleaved codewords, each up to M bits in length comprises a memory array, a memory for storing predetermined deinterleaver parameters, a controller, and column and row selector means. The memory array is configured with N bit rows by M bit columns, and is capable of selectably deinterleaving interleaved codewords. The predetermined deinterleaver parameters define the number and length of the interleaved codewords to be deinterleaved. The controller is responsive to the deinterleaver parameters for controlling the writing of interleaved codewords into the memory array and for reading deinterleaved codewords from the memory array. Column and row selector means provide for writing interleaved codewords into, and reading deinterleaved codewords from only a portion of the memory array when smaller data blocks are deinterleaved.

Abstract: A voltage potential monitoring circuit is operative to set a voltage potential threshold substantially independent of ambient temperature variation. The monitoring circuit includes a first circuit for generating a first current proportional to the voltage potential being monitored, and a second circuit responsive to the first circuit for generating a second current. The voltage potential threshold is set substantially as a function of the first and second currents. The monitoring circuit further includes a circuit responsive to the first and second currents for generating an undervoltage signal when the monitored voltage potential falls below the set voltage potential threshold. The voltage potential monitoring circuit has application in an electronic device which is operational over an ambient temperature range and includes a source of power for generating a voltage potential suitable for energizing the electronic device.

Abstract: A paging receiver has a synthesizer for governing the receive frequency. The paging receiving further has characteristics which are varied in response to the receive frequency. These characteristics include varying the bandwidth of a loop filter within a phase lock loop within the synthesizer as well as varying the time in which a detector circuit used to extract a DC level from a recovered audio signal is disabled. Furthermore, the bandwidth of the loop filter is varied in response to switching from a first receive frequency to a second receive frequency in order to provide for either a uniform frequency lock time or for a rapid frequency lock time. Furthermore, the time in which the detector circuit is disabled is correspondingly changed.