Patents Assigned to Xircom
  • Patent number: 6351533
    Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for protecting an electronic device connected to a telephone line. The system includes a detector, sensor and protector. The detector determines a resistance built-in to the telephone line, the sensor utilizes the resistance of the telephone line to determine if the telephone line is a digital line and the protector prevents the electronic device from prolonged connection with the telephone line if it is a digital line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Parrott
  • Patent number: 6317452
    Abstract: A wireless spread spectrum communication system comprises a spread spectrum transmitter and spread spectrum receiver which communicate according to an over-the-air protocol. The spread spectrum transmitter transmits a burst comprising a preamble followed by a short gap, followed by a data message. The spread spectrum receiver receives and demodulates the transmitted burst. The receiver detects the preamble using a non-coherent parallel correlator, and from the preamble correlation peak generates a series of integration periods for serial non-coherent correlation. The short gap between the preamble and the data message allows the receiver time to process the preamble and set the timing of the electronics for receiving the data message. The receiver has a plurality of non-coherent correlators operating in parallel to recover the spread spectrum encoded information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph L. Durrant, Mark Burbach
  • Patent number: 6314535
    Abstract: A forward error correction (FEC) method is provided including an FEC dynamic central station and a plurality of FEC dynamic remote stations that transmit bearer data and corresponding error correction data therebetween during a plurality of time frames. The error rate of the communication channel is measured and the amount of error correction data transmitted is accordingly and dynamically adjusted, so that the minimum amount of overhead required to effectively transmit the error correction data is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Morris, Darrell W. Barabash
  • Patent number: 6310584
    Abstract: An antenna system for use in cellular and other wireless communication includes a dual polarized compact antenna array. In one embodiment, the antenna system includes four T-shaped dipole antenna elements mounted on a ground plane, forming a side of a square shaped array. In another embodiment, the antenna system includes seven T-shaped dipole antenna elements mounted on a ground plane to form two side by side square arrays, wherein the square arrays share a common T-shaped dipole antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Reece, John L. Aden
  • Patent number: 6308073
    Abstract: Systems and methods for locating a remote station within an area of a wireless communications network without using a global positioning system. Communications are established between a remote station and a plurality of base stations using separate time slots within at least one over-the-air loop. Propagation delay times associated with signals transmitted or received within the time slots are determined, and one or more possible locations of the remote station are identified based upon the determined propagation delay times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Petty, Sherman L. Gavette
  • Patent number: 6301242
    Abstract: A method and system for conducting rapid control traffic in a time division multiple access (TDMA) communication system comprises a base station communicating with a plurality of user stations in assigned time slots of a time frame. For bearer traffic, time slots are assigned to particular user stations for an extended duration. In unassigned time slots, the base station transmits a general polling message indicating availability of the time slot. A user station desiring to hand off communication from one base station to another uses multiple available time slots at the target base station for exchanging control traffic messages with the target base station. The next available time slot is indicated by a slot pointer in the header of each general polling message to facilitate rapid exchange of control traffic be messages. During handover, the user station may establish a new link with the target base station before relinquishing the existing communication link with the old base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Lindsay, Ryan N. Jensen, Gary B. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20010027055
    Abstract: An electronic device adapted to be coupled to an information transfer system by means of a conductor including a standard connector having a translucent or transparent body insertable into a receptacle defined by the electronic device, the device including a housing, a substrate carrying electronic components, a light source mounted on the substrate and connected to components on the substrate, the light source being energizable in response to electrical signals generated by said components, the signals being indicative of the status and/or activity of the device, and a light guide extending between the light source and the receptacle for transmitting light from the light source to the receptacle, the light transmitted from the source to the receptacle illuminating the connector body thereby providing an indication of the status and/or activity of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. Laity, Joakim Ahlstrom
  • Patent number: 6282228
    Abstract: A technique for modulating and demodulating CPM spread spectrum signals and variations of CPM spread spectrum signals uses a set of codes or multiple sets of codes that reduce cross-correlation interference. A transmitter divides a signal data stream into I and Q data streams, independently modulates the I and Q data streams using CPM or a related technique, and superposes the plurality of resultants for transmission. A receiver receives the superposed spread spectrum signal, simultaneously attempts to correlate for I and Q chip sequences, and interleaves the correlated I and Q data streams into a unified signal data stream. In one embodiment the receiver separates the received spread spectrum signal into real and imaginary parts, attempts to correlate both real and imaginary parts for a plurality of chip sequences, and combines separate correlation signals into a unified signal data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Monroe
  • Publication number: 20010015707
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an antenna mount including at least a first anchoring portion having an open region formed therethrough wherein the open region is sized to accommodate a mounting structure such as a pole, mast, or other such structure. The antenna mount may include a locking device configured to releasably secure the antenna mount about a mounting structure disposed within the open region of the first anchoring portion. The locking device may comprise a first locking structure adjustably coupled to the anchoring portion, the first locking structure adjustable from a first position peripherally located with respect to a centerline of the open region to a second position adjacent the periphery of the open region, the first locking structure configured to releasably engage a mounting structure accommodated within the open region when the first locking structure is at the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: Xircom Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Oby
  • Publication number: 20010016886
    Abstract: A wallet for a personal information device in the form of a PCMCIA card such as an PCMCIA-card electronic organizer. The wallet includes an input device separate from the input device of the personal information device and two halves that may be folded together in a wallet-like fashion. One of the halves generally includes a touch panel input to allow a user to enter information, commands, instructions, etc., thereto. A personal information device is mounted to the second half of the wallet. When mounted, the wallet supplies via an electrical connection or induction communication the user-supplied information entered into the touch panel input to the personal information device. The wallet display may be powered by the personal information device via the electrical connection or self-powered. Upon coupling the personal information device to the wallet, the personal information device may supply a wake signal to wake up or automatically turn on the input device of the wallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: XIRCOM, INC.
    Inventors: Paul K. Kavanaugh, Mark M. Todorovich, Robert L. Grieb
  • Patent number: 6275704
    Abstract: A multiple access communication system comprising a plurality of cells, each cell comprising a plurality of sectors. A base station is located in each cell and has a plurality of antennas. Each antenna covers a sector of the cell and is associated with a polarization characteristic. In one embodiment, each cell has two sectors, and each sector facing a first direction has an antenna with a first polarization characteristic, while each sector facing a second, opposite direction has an antenna with a second polarization characteristic. In another embodiment, each cell is divided into four sectors generally arranged as quadrants. Two adjacent sectors have antennas with a first polarization characteristic, while the other two adjacent sectors have antennas with a second polarization characteristic. In a preferred embodiment, the first polarization characteristic is left hand circular polarization, and the second polarization characteristic is right hand circular polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Dixon
  • Patent number: 6241550
    Abstract: An electronic device adapted to be coupled to an information transfer system by means of a conductor including a standard connector having a translucent or transparent body insertable into a receptacle defined by the electronic device, the device including a housing, a substrate carrying electronic components, a light source mounted on the substrate and connected to components on the substrate, the light source being energizable in response to electrical signals generated by said components, the signals being indicative of the status and/or activity of the device, and a light guide extending between the light source and the receptacle for transmitting light from the light source to the receptacle, the light transmitted from the source to the receptacle illuminating the connector body thereby providing an indication of the status and/or activity of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. Laity, Joakim Ahlstrom
  • Patent number: 6229792
    Abstract: A simple and flexible over-air protocol for use with a mobile telephone system, having hand-held telephones in a microcell or other type of cellular communication system. A method in which user stations communicate with one or more base stations to place and receive telephone calls, in which the user stations are provided a secure voice or data link and have the ability to handoff calls between base stations while such calls are in progress. Each base station has a set of “air channels” to which it transmits in sequence. The air channels supported by each base station are called that base station's “polling loop”. A user station receives general polling information on an unoccupied air channel, transmits responsive information to the base station, and awaits acknowledgment from the base station. Each base station may therefore simultaneously maintain communication with as many user stations as there are air channels in its polling loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Anderson, Peter O. Peterson, Douglas G. Smith, Robert C. Dixon
  • Patent number: 6223233
    Abstract: A wallet for a personal information device in the form of a PCMCIA card such as an PCMCIA-card electronic organizer. The wallet includes an input device separate from the input device of the personal information device and two halves that may be folded together in a wallet-like fashion. One of the halves generally includes a touch panel input to allow a user to enter information, commands, instructions, etc., thereto. A personal information device is mounted to the second half of the wallet. When mounted, the wallet supplies via an electrical connection or induction communication the user-supplied information entered into the touch panel input to the personal information device. The wallet display may be powered by the personal information device via the electrical connection or self-powered. Upon coupling the personal information device to the wallet, the personal information device may supply a wake signal to wake up or automatically turn on the input device of the wallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom
    Inventors: Paul K. Kavanaugh, Mark M. Todorovich, Robert L. Grieb
  • Publication number: 20010000161
    Abstract: A Type III PCMCIA communications card for insertion in a slot in a host computer comprises a housing including a top wall and longitudinal, parallel side walls depending from the top wall, the longitudinal side walls and top wall defining an internal cavity enclosed by a bottom cover panel. The housing further has a forward end, a rear margin and a rear end surface, the rear margin of the housing defining at least one substantially longitudinally oriented receptacle extending forwardly from the rear end surface and sized and configured to receive a standard RJ-type modular plug. A substrate, mounted within the cavity of the housing, supports electronic components for carrying out the communications function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: April 5, 2001
    Applicant: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian A. Laity
  • Patent number: 6208627
    Abstract: A communication system having a wireless trunk for connecting multiple phone lines over wireless communication links to a cellular network comprises a central telephone switch, such as a private branch exchange or key system, connected through one or more trunk lines to a wireless access communication unit. The wireless access communication unit preferably comprises a separate subscriber interface for each trunk line from the central telephone switch. The wireless access communication unit collects data from each of the subscriber interfaces, formats the data into a format compatible with an over-the-air protocol, and transmits the information over one or more wireless channels to a cellular base station. The wireless access communication unit thereby connects calls received from the central telephone switch's trunk lines over a wireless trunk to a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventors: Narayan P. Menon, Konrad G. R. Roeder
  • Patent number: 6208311
    Abstract: Improved antennas and antenna systems for use in cellular and other wireless communications systems. A folded mono-bow antenna element is provided which has a substantially omnidirectional radiation pattern in a horizontal plane and shows variation in gain in an elevation plane depending upon the size of an associated ground plane. The folded mono-bow antenna element comprises a main bowtie radiating element and parasitic element wherein the main bowtie radiating element and parasitic element are separated by a dielectric material having a dielectric constant preferably less than 4.5 and, in some cases, less than or equal to 3.3. Various antenna arrays and methods of making the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kenneth Reece, John L. Aden
  • Patent number: 6202209
    Abstract: A personal information device is provided in the form of a PCMCIA card and includes a PCMCIA I/O port that is adapted to be coupled to a PCMCIA port of a computer, a first memory that is directly accessible by the computer via the PCMCIA I/O port, second and third memories that are not directly accessible to the computer, and a controller. When the personal information device is inserted into the computer's PCMCIA port, the first memory directly receives and stores therein reprogramming data supplied by the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Bartholomew, Mark M. Todorovich
  • Patent number: 6183308
    Abstract: A Type III PCMCIA communications card for insertion in a slot in a host computer comprises a housing including a top wall and longitudinal, parallel side walls depending from the top wall, the longitudinal side walls and top wall defining an internal cavity enclosed by a bottom cover panel. The housing further has a forward end, a rear margin and a rear end surface, the rear margin of the housing defining at least one substantially longitudinally oriented receptacle extending forwardly from the rear end surface and sized and configured to receive a standard RJ-type modular plug. A substrate, mounted within the cavity of the housing, supports electronic components for carrying out the communications function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian A. Laity
  • Patent number: 6183307
    Abstract: A PC Card is provided which can be inserted in the PCMCIA slot of a host system either right side up or inverted. The card includes a front portion conforming to the PCMCIA Type II thickness standard and a rear portion conforming to the PCMCIA Type III thickness standard. The card is so configured that two cards can be stacked in complementary fashion and inserted in a host system Type III slot, one card thus being connected to one of the 68-pin slot connectors and the other card being connected to the other 68-pin slot connector. Circuitry is provided for use in an invertible PC Card for electronically detecting the presence, type and orientation of the card, for managing power supply voltages and for directing, or, if the card is inverted, for redirecting the signals appearing at the various pins of the card connector as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Xircom, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. Laity, Gerald Pepper, James G. Hughes, Donald C. Barrett, Frank McLinn