Abstract: A compact portable terminal for use with a telephone handset and providing a highly stable acoustically isolated mechanical support for the telephone handset when in an opened position. An upper housing member having a keyboard, a visible display and function switches on the upper portion thereof and a bottom portion incorporating an acoustical coupler device for removably receiving a telephone handset is pivotally connected at one end to a lower housing member having a top portion incorporating a spring-loaded telephone handset cradle means for supporting the telephone handset received by the coupler device when the cradle mechanism is in an operative position. The cradle mechanism includes a spring-biased cradle plate pivotally mounted in a central cavity in the lower housing member which is automatically extended to the operative position when the device is opened.

Abstract: A system for enabling securities information to be elicited and transactions to be automatically executed by an investor from a conventional telephone. A portable pocketsized data terminal having a keyboard, a display and status indicator lamps includes an acoustic coupler device for removable attachment to a telephone handset. A centralized computer receives information signals originating with the portable data terminal and specifying information or transaction execution requests, and transmits appropriate responses to the portable data terminal for display. Several levels of security are provided in the system.