Abstract: The selection of electrical power supplied to a load, between a first power source such as the electric utility grid, and a second power source such as a solar-charged battery-inverter system, is made at the granularity of individual electrical outlets (or junction boxes for appliances directly connected or loads installed as fixtures). A central controller determines the power source for each outlet, based on numerous factors including the current consumed by that outlet's load(s). The controller addresses power selection commands to each outlet. Each outlet includes a SPDT functionality switch that operates in response to the controller to connect loads to a line conductor from the first power source or a line conductor from the second power source. A common neutral conductor connects to both sources. The outlets include current monitoring, and may include GFCI and/or AFCI protection. A variety of power distribution panel configurations and wiring options are disclosed.

Abstract: A device includes a housing having a front surface, a rear surface and first and second side surfaces; the rear surface configured engage a user's palm. The device includes a radiotelephone communications transceiver and a contact-sensitive display, supported by the housing. The contact sensitive display is configured to display an image at the front surface of the housing, and produce an output signal in response to moving contact of an object along a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive display. The device also includes a controller configured to control at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver and to scroll displayed rows along an axis of the display based upon the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller has a mode that is unresponsive to contact with the contact-sensitive transducer, the second mode being entered in response to an input from a user.

Abstract: A device includes a housing having a front surface, a rear surface and first and second side surfaces; the rear surface configured engage a user's palm. The device includes a radiotelephone communications transceiver and a contact-sensitive display, supported by the housing. The contact sensitive display is configured to display an image at the front surface of the housing, and produce an output signal in response to moving contact of an object along a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive display. The device also includes a controller configured to control at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver and to scroll displayed rows along an axis of the display based upon the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller has a mode that is unresponsive to contact with the contact-sensitive transducer, the second mode being entered in response to an input from a user.

Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus (USB) modem device includes a body member and a flip member. The flip member includes an antenna element and is rotatably coupled to the body member for movement about a hinge axis between a closed position and an open position. A USB connector is movably mounted in the body member for movement between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body member. A linkage mechanism in the body member couples the flip member and the USB connector so that movement of the flip member between the open position and the closed position moves the USB connector between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: An antenna structure is comprised of a body, an antenna element coupled with the body, and an arm support coupled with the body and the antenna element. The arm support also includes a recessed portion on one side adapted to receive a two-sided customizable plate. The customizable plate is made of a non-metallic material. The customizable plate is further adapted to fit within the recess and can be adhered to the recessed portion of the arm support. The customizable plate can also be graphically customized to display a viewable image. In addition, the customizable plate can be imprinted with a metallized pattern on the side that faces the recessed portion when seated in the arm support. The imprinted metallized pattern can beneficially affect the performance characteristics of the antenna element.

Abstract: A radiotelephone includes a housing, and a radiotelephone communications transceiver and display are attached to the housing. A contact-sensitive transducer such as a resistive transducer, a capacitive transducer or a semiconductive transducer, is attached to the housing and produces an output signal that characterizes contact with a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive transducer. A controller is responsive to the output signal and operatively associated with the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver, and controls at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver according to the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller, responsive to the contact-sensitive transducer, may determine a position of contact along an axis of the contact-sensitive transducer. A graphical object is selectively displayed based on the determined position of contact to thereby identify the graphical object, e.g.

Abstract: A radiotelephone includes a housing, and a radiotelephone communications transceiver and display are attached to the housing. A contact-sensitive transducer such as a resistive transducer, a capacitive transducer or a semiconductive transducer, is attached to the housing and produces an output signal that characterizes contact with a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive transducer. A controller is responsive to the output signal and operatively associated with the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver, and controls at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver according to the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller, responsive to the contact-sensitive transducer, may determine a position of contact along an axis of the contact-sensitive transducer. A graphical object is selectively displayed based on the determined position of contact to thereby identify the graphical object, e.g.

Abstract: An acoustical passageway is provided between a flip cover and a body member of a radiotelephone, such as a cellular telephone, by directing a portion of the passageway through the hinge connecting the two components in a direction coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation of the cover with respect to the body. The internal passageway extends from an aperture provided at a predetermined position in the cover, through a hinge pin connecting the cover to the body member, and thence through an internally extending passageway in the body member to a microphone disposed in the body member. The acoustical path between the apertures in the cover and the microphone remains sealed irrespective of the open or closed position of the cover. The interconnection between the passageway disposed in the cover and the passageway disposed in the body member is maintained in biased abutment as a result of an interference fit between the respective components.

Abstract: Light-emitting diodes are positioned directly under each key of a multi-key flexible pad of a keypad assembly. Each of the light-emitting diodes is disposed within a cavity formed in the lower surface of a respective key whereby all of the light emitted by the diode is transmitted directly into the key. In one embodiment, the light-emitting diodes are mounted on a flexible film disposed between the flexible pad containing the keys and a flexible sheet having a plurality of raised domes. In a second embodiment, the light emitting diodes are mounted on the upper surface of a printed circuit board. The keypad assembly addresses the problem of low light transmission efficiency through light guides, or the use of individual optic fibers to illuminate each of the keys. Furthermore, the keypad assembly, by the elimination of light transmitting structures within the keypad assembly, enables the design of thin-section telecommunication instruments.

Abstract: Separate electromechanical and electronic modules are detachably electrically interconnected to provide a telecommunication instrument, such as a cellular telephone, which can be mechanically redesigned to a variety of configurations without changing the basic electronic circuits of the instrument. The electronic module is enclosed within a canister providing RF shielding for electrical circuits in the electronic module. If desired, the electromechanical and electronic modules may be enclosed within a disposable cover that conveniently provides recycling of the instrument after a period of limited use.

Abstract: A radiotelephone includes a housing, and a radiotelephone communications transceiver and display are attached to the housing. A contact-sensitive transducer such as a resistive transducer, a capacitive transducer or a semiconductive transducer, is attached to the housing and produces an output signal that characterizes contact with a contact-sensitive surface of the contact-sensitive transducer. A controller is responsive to the output signal and operatively associated with the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver, and controls at least one of the display and the radiotelephone communications transceiver according to the output signal of the contact-sensitive transducer. The controller, responsive to the contact-sensitive transducer, may determine a position of contact along an axis of the contact-sensitive transducer. A graphical object is selectively displayed based on the determined position of contact to thereby identify the graphical object, e.g.