Abstract: A method and apparatus for one-touch recall and dialing of stored telephone or billing account numbers using only the numeric and special keys of a standard 12-key keypad. Upon momentary actuation of a numeric or special key of a standard keypad, the data input is entered into a buffer or directly dialed into a telephone network. If, however, the actuated key is actuated for more than a predetermined amount of time, a previously stored sequence of numbers is retrieved from a memory address location corresponding to the actuated key and is automatically dialed.

Abstract: A method of searching a specified band of frequencies for a plurality of active signal frequency in a scanning receiver is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a range of channel memory storage locations are specified and a controller in the scanning receiver repetitively scans the range of frequencies for active signal frequencies and stores a number corresponding to each active signal frequency in one of the storage locations. Upon filling all of the specified storage locations, the search and store operation is terminated.

Abstract: A low cost antenna assembly is disclosed which is formed from a flexible wire and a pair of suction cups for supporting the wire in a substantially linear fashion. A feed line couples the wire antenna to a receiver. Further, a method for fabricating the antenna is disclosed.

Abstract: A pager has a display and a selectively activated light for illuminating the display. The illumination of the display is accomplished using a minimal number of components thereby reducing the size and cost requirements of the pager. The method of message sequencing and the illumination of the pager display is controlled solely by the pager user through a single switch.

Abstract: An automated pay-per-view activation method is disclosed for use in integrated television receive-only satellite receiver/descramblers. The automated procedure allows for automatic activation of the pay-per-view program event reception from all pay-per-view service providers. Taken in conjunction with a preprogrammed timer function, the present invention provides for the preprogrammed reception of pay-per-view programs in the absence of the operator.

Abstract: A broadcast two-way radio communication system has a plurality of transmit/receive stations which function as repeaters. Each of the stations has a corresponding geographically defined operation zone. A mobile radio transmits a request for use of a communication channel. Along with this request, the mobile radio provides its geographic location, which is derived from equipment located in conjunction with the mobile radio. Upon receipt of the channel request and geographic location for a mobile radio, the control computer system determines the requesting mobile radio is a member of a zone restricted user group. If so, the mobile radio is allocated a channel, if available, in the restricted zone of the mobile radio. Should no channel be available at the restricted zone, the system attempts to allocate a channel from a station which has radio propagation overlap that extends into the restricted zone. If, however, the mobile radio is located outside the zone of the requesting mobile radio, the request is ignored.

Abstract: A mobile radio programmed to analyze idle channel assignments issued by a repeater station and select different channels, if appropriate, which are especially adapted for communicating with other communication facilities, such as a telephone interconnect. Programmed into the mobile radio with each communication channel is an indication of whether or not such channel can be utilized to communicate with the other communication facility. If communications are desired with the other communication facility, and if the present idle channel assigned by the repeater station does not permit such communication, then a processor in the mobile radio consults a data list of appropriate channels, selects one such channel, and then establishes communications to the other communication facility on such channel.

Abstract: An improved phase lock loop frequency synthesizer capable of handling both analog and digital transmission. The synthesizer includes a reference signal source, a phase detector coupled to the reference signal source, a phase lock loop filter coupled to the phase detector, and a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the phase lock loop filter for providing an output and a feedback signal to the phase detector. The phase lock loop filter comprising a charge pump coupled to the phase detector for providing a phase lock signal to a charge pump output node, said phase lock signal being variable in response to a bandwidth control signal; and a filter coupled to the charge pump for filtering the phase lock signal at a given bandwidth, said bandwidth being variable in response to the bandwidth control signal.

Abstract: Self-programming scanning receiver having superheterodyne circuitry, microprocessor controlled synthesized frequency tuning circuitry, frequency validation means, a learn mode to invoke the frequency validation means for all frequencies tunable by the tuning circuitry, listen mode for scanning of frequencies learned in the learn mode, and an ignore mode for erasing frequencies from permanent memory.

Abstract: A high-speed, multi-band scanning radio receiver. A frequency synthesizer loaded with a digital code read from memory performs band switching and supplies tracking signals and a local oscillator signal to multi-band RF amplifier and mixer circuitry. An output of an FM detector in the receiver is connected to a squelch circuit which includes a high-pass filter network and a diode detector, with the diode detector output being connected to an internal A/D converter of a microprocessor which converts multiple samples of the incoming signal to digital values and generates a mute signal when the average value of the converted samples is below a predetermined squelch level. An output line from the FM detector to audio output circuitry in the receiver is grounded in response to the mute signal.

Abstract: A rapid scanning radio with multi-mode local oscillator control. In one embodiment a phase-locked loop is closed for tuning to all frequencies of interest, and each time the loop locks a DAC is loaded with successive digital values until a value corresponding to the steady-state VCO tuning voltage is found for the currently tuned channel. That digital value is stored for later recall as the tuning value for that channel. Once digital values are determined for all the tunable frequencies in the radio, the loop is opened for high-speed scanning under open-loop control of the DAC.

Abstract: A multi-band scanning radio receiver operable without reprogramming in a plurality of geographical regions. Digital codes for public-service-band frequency allocations for each of a plurality of geographical regions are stored in a memory which is sequentially accessed to read the digital codes for the frequency allocations for a selected geographical region. A frequency synthesizer loaded with a digital code read from memory performs band switching and supplies tracking signals and a local oscillator signal to multi-band RF amplifier and mixer circuitry.