Abstract: An automatic gain control (AGC) for a Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) receiver, a method of automatically controlling gain and a SDARS receiver incorporating the AGC or the method. In one embodiment, the AGC includes: (1) an AGC function selector configured to compare first and second time division multiplexed (TDM) power signals and a nonzero threshold and select an AGC function based thereon and (2) an AGC function applier associated with the AGC function selector and configured to apply the AGC function to the first and second TDM power signals to develop therefrom an AGC control signal.

Abstract: A secondary satellite radio or broadcast channel is used to broadcast advertisement clips (e.g., audio clips) to a receiver for subsequent decoding and playback. The receiver is configured for different tiers of service, e.g., one that delivers substantially advertising-free content and another that delivers content that includes more significant amounts of advertising. The content delivered to both is the same content; however, for the service tier that includes more advertising, the advertisements broadcast on the secondary channel are interleaved into the content, preferably in such a way that the continuity of the content being delivered is not compromised.

Abstract: A secondary satellite radio or broadcast channel is used to broadcast advertisement clips (e.g., audio clips) to a receiver for subsequent decoding and playback. The receiver is configured for different tiers of service, e.g., one that delivers substantially advertising-free content and another that delivers content that includes more significant amounts of advertising. The content delivered to both is the same content; however, for the service tier that includes more advertising, the advertisements broadcast on the secondary channel are interleaved into the content, preferably in such a way that the continuity of the content being delivered is not compromised.

Abstract: An automatic gain control (AGC) for a Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) receiver, a method of automatically controlling gain and a SDARS receiver incorporating the AGC or the method. In one embodiment, the AGC includes: (1) an AGC function selector configured to compare first and second time division multiplexed (TDM) power signals and a nonzero threshold and select an AGC function based thereon and (2) an AGC function applier associated with the AGC function selector and configured to apply the AGC function to the first and second TDM power signals to develop therefrom an AGC control signal.

Abstract: A content channel is periodically or permanently allocated for use as an “update channel” or “firmware-image download” channel. Any firmware images downloaded to receivers in the system are thoroughly tested prior to being distributed among the receivers. Header information is included in the firmware image when it is transmitted to the receivers, and the firmware image is not accepted for use by the receivers until it is verified on the receiver side. Further, rather than overwriting the existing firmware, the new validated firmware updates are stored separately on the receivers and are utilized when the receiver is rebooted during power-up or by the host controller. If, during this reboot process, an error occurs in the new firmware image, the receiver is configured to revert back to the original firmware image so that it will remain operational, albeit without the updated firmware features.

Abstract: A heat pump system is presented having a primary compressor, a booster compressor, a multi-step thermostat, an indoor coil, an outdoor coil, a refrigerant flow conduit connecting these elements is a closed loop system, and at least one pressure sensor positioned to always sense the refrigerant system low side pressure, which is commensurate with outdoor ambient air temperature in all heating modes of operation. The pressure sensor functions as an override and safety control to prevent or permit operation of the compressors, and also other system components, depending on outside air temperature. The primary compressor is preferably a multi-capacity compressor. A defrost energy transfer fluid is used in a defrost cycle.

Abstract: A secondary satellite radio or broadcast channel is used to broadcast advertisement clips (e.g., audio clips) to a receiver for subsequent decoding and playback. The receiver is configured for different tiers of service, e.g., one that delivers substantially advertising-free content and another that delivers content that includes more significant amounts of advertising. The content delivered to both is the same content; however, for the service tier that includes more advertising, the advertisements broadcast on the secondary channel are interleaved into the content, preferably in such a way that the continuity of the content being delivered is not compromised.

Abstract: A user of a telephone terminal with an interactive display is provided complete access to all feature choices in a hierarchical menu through a minimum number of menu keys. These menu keys include a "Next" key, a "Back" key, a "Select" key and a "Home" key. These menu keys occupy minimal space on the housing of the telephone terminal, yet enable the user of the terminal to easily scroll to and select every feature in the interactive display. The user is able to quickly develop a mental model of the feature choices and easily navigate through these menu selections. Context-sensitive functionality also is provided for using the interactive display. As a user completes a command function, the feature choice presented to the user for this function is the one most likely to be accessed by the user, thus advantageously avoiding the necessity of having a dedicated key for allowing the user to select this feature choice.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device that can communicate with a plurality of testing devices that utilize a plurality of communication formats. To accommodate the plurality of testing devices, the electronic device can be configured to communicate with external test equipment using multiple communication path configurations and multiple message protocols. An exemplary method of the present invention is a method of configuring an electronic device for communicating with either of a first or second testing device. The first and second testing devices use, respectively, first and second physical communication path configurations and first and second message protocols. As an initial matter, the method of the present invention includes identifying a presently-used testing device, the presently-used testing device comprising one of the first and second testing devices.

Abstract: A portable telephone includes a telephone body; a circuit mounted in the telephone body for receiving a signal and for supplying a signal for transmission; and a bass reflex speaker connected with the telephone body and the circuit for radiating an audio signal therefrom in response to the transmitted signal, the bass reflex speaker including a housing connected to the telephone body, an opening in the housing, a speaker mounted in the opening of the housing and connected to the circuit for radiating an audio signal outwardly of the housing in response to the received signal, a tuned port in the housing for radiating a back wave audio signal of the speaker therethrough, a tube in the housing and connected with the tuned port for enhancing tuning of the tuned port, a pressure switch for activating the bass reflex speaker to radiate the audio signal when the telephone body is positioned on a surface in an upright position, and a volume control connected to the circuit and which controls a volume of the audio si

Abstract: A portable device operable from batteries employing different cell technologies is disclosed. Through the addition of minimal circuitry, a portable device configured for operation with battery cells having a first type of technology may be configured to accommodate batteries employing alternative cell technologies. Circuitry is also associated with battery cells of the alternative battery technology for configuring output parameters of these battery cells for operation with the portable device. A single battery charger, which connects to the portable device, is usable for recharging each of the battery cell technologies through the portable device.

Abstract: A portable telephone includes a telephone body having a lower recess at the rear side thereof; a flip stand pivotally mounted by a pivot pin to the telephone body for pivotal movement between a first position within the lower recess and a second position out of the lower recess, the flip stand serving to support the telephone body in a slightly inclined vertical orientation on a surface in the second position; an inverted V-shaped acoustic baffle defined between the telephone body, the flip stand and the surface on which the telephone is supported when the flip stand is in the second position; and a speaker mounted to the flip stand and oriented to transmit acoustic energy into the acoustic baffle.

Abstract: A power supply for a portable telephone, includes a battery pack comprised of at least one battery cell providing an unregulated output voltage; a boost/buck switcher connected with the battery pack for boosting/bucking the output voltage to a different level; a first regulator connected with the boost/buck switcher for regulating the boosted/bucked output voltage to produce a first regulated voltage; a second regulator connected with the boost/buck switcher for regulating the boosted/bucked output voltage to produce a second regulated voltage having a voltage value different from the first regulated voltage; an EMI shielded case surrounding the battery pack, the boost/buck switcher, the first regulator and the second regulator; a first output terminal connected to the battery pack and supplied with the output voltage; a second output terminal connected with the first regulator and supplied with the first regulated voltage from the first regulator; and a second output terminal connected with the second regula

Abstract: Reducing the power consumption of loads fed by one or more power supplies is achieved by the use of apparatus which determines the power supply output and, upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, generates a signal to the power-consuming loads. In response to this signal, the loads alter their mode of operation so as to reduce the overall demand on the power supply. Several implementations of this load-shedding technique, which is particularly suitable for use in a communications system, are disclosed.

Abstract: Method of forming shallow fiducial dimples upon a thin flexible electrical circuit having a first deflectable substrate overlaying a second substrate have recesses therein to be aligned with the dimples, including providing a first support member having resilient cylindrical rubber pads affixed thereto, providing a second support member, positioning the flexible electrical circuit between the first and second support members so that the resilient pads are aligned with the recesses within the second substrate; and applying a sufficient opposing force to the first and second members to cause the first substrate to be deflected by the pads into the recesses to form the dimples.