Abstract: A cradle having a depression configured to receive a handset. A latching mechanism is mounted on the cradle and includes two detents that are biased toward the depression so that the two detents are positioned within two openings in the handset to retain the handset in a secured position. The latching mechanism is movable to a second position wherein the detents are removed from the openings in the handset and the cradle also includes an ejecting mechanism which urges a first end of the housing out of the depression in the cradle. A deformable catch member is position on a first end of the cradle so as to engage with a lip formed on the first end of the housing to partially retain the handset in the depression in the cradle in a partially ejected position. The deformable catch member is flexibly mounted so that the user can remove the handset from the depression in the cradle by pulling up on the handset to force the lip on the handset past the deformable catch member.

Abstract: A storage assembly for an electronic device, such as a telephone handset. The storage assembly is comprised of a tube housing, carrier tray and tray locking mechanism. The tube housing receives a telephone handset forcing the carrier tray to the full aft and locked position. At this point, the telephone handset is completely stored inside the tube housing. A push-button release mechanism provides the ability for the user to eject the telephone handset from the tube when needed. The entire tube housing is designed to fit in the armrest of a seat on an airplane, train, car or any other desired seat. This allows storage of the telephone handset while maximizing the available space immediately around the seat used for other purposes.

Abstract: In a card reader, the transducer head is supported at one end of the guide path by a spring-loaded, pivoting arm. The spring is located adjacent the head and urges the head against the card as it passes under the head. The pivoted arm forces the head to follow a slightly arcuate path as it moves in a direction transverse to the card. With this head-support system, the guide path need only extend from approximately the pivot point of the arm to a point a short distance beyond the head and the card can be inserted laterally into the guide just behind the head. The card is read by moving the card longitudinally past the head a distance approximately equal to the length of the card so that it exits the guide just after it passes under the head.

Abstract: The frequency and power of transmissions in a mobile communication system, such as an air-to-ground telephony system, are stabilized without a priori knowledge of the system gain factors or frequency references. The ground station monitors the available channels and modifies a vacant channel broadcast message to provide information that the channel is available. In this way, the air terminals have knowledge of all available channels. The ground station transmits a pilot signal. Upon request by a user for a dial tone at the air terminal, the air terminal selects a vacant channel and scans for the pilot signal. The air terminal estimates a distance to the ground station and sets a power level of a seizing transmission based on the estimated distance. The air terminal also estimates a Doppler frequency shift of the selected channel due to the relative movement of the air terminal with respect to the ground station and sets a frequency of the seizing transmission based on the estimated Doppler frequency shift.