Abstract: A system and method for using a portable information device, such as a personal digital assistant, to establish a conference call on a telephony network. In one embodiment, a user of the portable information device may select communication partners from an address book application located in the portable information device. Communication information related to the communication partners is transmitted across a link from the portable information device to a voice communication device, such as a data network telephone. The data network telephone may then set up the conference call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of one or more telephone off-hook conditions using an analog-to-digital converter to detect voltage changes between tip and ring lines of a telephone network loop. An isolation network provides substantial electrical isolation for a detection device from voltage surges on the tip and ring lines of a “plain old telephone system” (POTS) network. The isolation network also provides a minimal load on the POTS wiring system, so as not to cause a false detection of an off-hook condition by central office equipment. A gain amplifier is used to scale the tip and ring voltage to a suitable range for an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC outputs a digital voltage value to a decision-making element, such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or a state machine. The decision-making element can detect when multiple POTS devices coupled to the network wiring loop go into an off-hook state.

Abstract: Methods and computer readable media are provided for creating a wireless dialing string. Wireless dialing strings are used in a dial-up session to establish a communications link for transferring data between computing configurations from an origination location across a wireless network to a destination location. In a preferred embodiment, queries are made regarding the origination location and the wireless service provider. In response thereto, a database is searched for phone dialing codes, such as enhanced services modem pool availability codes and wireless digital data transfer protocol codes, that correspond to the origination information. The codes are then fashioned into the dialing string. Preferably, a dial-up manager serves to provide the functions of querying about the origination location, billing information, and preferred wireless service provider; searching the database; and fashioning the dialing string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact antenna for use with small, wireless, electronic devices. The antenna is particularly suited for adaptation to thin profile expansion cards such as the PC Card standard card as well as other thin form factor devices. This antenna comprises a ground plane element from which a radiator element protrudes. When the ground plane element occupies a substantially horizontal plane, the radiator element extends upwardly from a centralized location on the ground plane element and bends away from the device in which the antenna is used. The radiator may then bend back to a more vertical orientation in some embodiments. The shape of the radiator element allows the antenna to be retracted into a host device while minimizing the amount of space required to house the antenna in the device.

Abstract: Network traffic management is achieved based on automatically setting up a plurality of virtual networks (VNETs) within a single large virtual LAN. Multicast/broadcast traffic is confined to the VNET of the source, without imposing constraints on layer two addressing within the virtual LAN. VNETs are domains of users of a virtual LAN which include members of logical networks defined at layer three or higher. One method includes transferring a multi-destination packet originating from a particular node in the virtual LAN by tunnelling across a connectionless backbone network to a virtual net server. The virtual net server translates the multi-destination packet to a plurality of tunneled messages identifying nodes authorized to receive multi-destination packets from members of the particular VNET which originated the packet. The tunneled messages are then forwarded from the virtual net server to the authorized nodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an opening in a cabinet for housing electronic devices includes a grommet for covering the opening in the cabinet. A plurality of slits are formed in the grommet defining a plurality of flexible tab portions to allow one or more cables to pass through the grommet. The plurality of slits include at least one longitudinally oriented slit and a plurality of transversely oriented slits which intersect the longitudinally oriented slit.

Abstract: A cable management apparatus includes a cable trough having a body portion. A first side wall portion and a second wall portion each extend along a length of the body portion. The first side wall portion includes a plurality of notches formed therein and spaced along a length of the first side wall portion. A flange portion extends from each of the side wall portions. Each of the flange portions includes a plurality of openings formed therein. An elongated cover includes a plurality of fastening members spaced along a length of the cover. The fastening members are received in the flange openings to fasten the cover to the cable trough and to enclose cables routed within the cable trough while allowing cables to pass through the notches formed in the first side wall portion.

Abstract: An electronic chassis and filter apparatus is provided. A chassis includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side wall portion, and a second side wall portion. The bottom portion includes an open front side, a closed back side, a first guide rail portion and a second guide rail portion. An ejector spring is operatively attached to the back side of the bottom portion, and a spring-biased actuator is operatively connected to the first rail portion adjacent the open front side. When the filter is inserted into the open front side, the filter contacts the ejector spring which biases the filter against the spring-biased actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a circuit board assembly to an electronic chassis is provided. A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board operatively attached to a bracket member having a first end and a second end. A first connector member is rotatably attached to the first end, and a second connector member is rotatably attached to the second end. The first connector member includes a first hook portion and a first handle portion. The second connector member includes a second hook portion and a second handle portion. The first and second hook portions each include a first surface and a second surface oriented at an angle to the first surface. The first surface of the first hook portion contacts with a first spring and the first surface of the second hook portion contacts with a second spring to orient the first and second connectors in an insertion position.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing fans includes a mounting body portion and first, second and third fan housings. The mounting body portion has a length, and includes first and second longitudinal sides. The fan housings are operably attached to the mounting body portion. The fan housings also have a length. The sum of the lengths of the fan housings are greater than the length of the mounting body portion. The fan housings include a cable trough. Each of the cable troughs are oriented adjacent to a region of the mounting body portion bounded by each of the fan housings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering a power filter includes a mounting plate and a cover. The mounting plate includes a first side and a second side each including a flange retaining portion. The mounting plate also includes at least one filter opening formed therein for receiving a power filter. The cover includes a first side wall and a second side wall. A first flange portion having a length extends from each of the side walls. The first and second side walls each include a leg portion formed therein. The leg portion includes a second flange portion having a length greater than the length of the first flange portion wherein the first flange portion slides into the flange retaining portion and the second flange portion extends through a guide opening formed in the flange retaining portion and slides into the flange retaining portion while the leg portion is flexed inward.

Abstract: An apparatus for routing cable includes a slide member slidably attached to a mounting member. The mounting member may be attached to a module and/or rack. The slide member includes a cable opening for receiving one or more cables. The slide member may include symmetrical arm portions which border the cable opening to allow the mounting member to be attached to either side of a module or rack. The mounting member may include a module mounting portion at a right angle to a rack mounting portion. The slide member may include a slot with a rivet positioned therein to allow the slide member to extend to an open position and retract to a closed position.

Abstract: A speaker-phone assembly includes a speaker assembly, a microphone and an outer shell. The speaker assembly includes an upper lid, a bottom cup, and a speaker. A gasket may be positioned between the lid and cup, a C-shaped gasket may be positioned around the rim of the speaker to isolate the speaker from the lid. A plurality of brackets including gaskets extend from the cup and are received by posts extending from an interior portion of the outer shell to isolate the speaker assembly from the outer shell. A microphone stand having an inner region connected to an outer region by at least one web portion isolates the microphone. The microphone is positioned upright and in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane which includes a rim of the speaker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrically connecting a plurality of electronic modules includes a power cord for supplying power to a plurality of electronic modules, the power cord including a first end and a second end, the first end of the power cord including a plug for connection to a power source, the second end of the power cord including a power cord terminal, the power cord terminal including a first receptacle for connection to a first electronic module and a second receptacle, and a connector cord including a first end and a second end, the first end of the connector cord including a plug for connection to the second receptacle of the power cord terminal, the second end of the connector cord including a connector cord terminal, the connector cord terminal including a first receptacle for connection to a second electronic module and a second receptacle.