Abstract: A wireless electromechanical lock with one or more of an internal antenna, touch activation, and/or a light communication device that acts as a user interface. In some embodiments, the lock utilizes an antenna near the exterior face of the lockset, designed inside the metal body of the lockset itself. A light communication device is provided in some embodiments to communicate information, visually, to the user via animations and dynamic displays of light. In some embodiments, the lockset includes a touch activation capability, which can be used to lock/unlock the lock and/or otherwise provide input.

Abstract: A wireless electromechanical lock with one or more of an internal antenna, touch activation, and/or a light communication device that acts as a user interface. In some embodiments, the lock utilizes an antenna near the exterior face of the lockset, designed inside the metal body of the lockset itself. A light communication device is provided in some embodiments to communicate information, visually, to the user via animations and dynamic displays of light. In some embodiments, the lockset includes a touch activation capability, which can be used to lock/unlock the lock and/or otherwise provide input.

Abstract: A wireless electromechanical lock with one or more of an internal antenna, touch activation, and/or a light communication device that acts as a user interface. In some embodiments, the lock utilizes an antenna near the exterior face of the lockset, designed inside the metal body of the lockset itself. A light communication device is provided in some embodiments to communicate information, visually, to the user via animations and dynamic displays of light. In some embodiments, the lockset includes a touch activation capability, which can be used to lock/unlock the lock and/or otherwise provide input.

Abstract: A wireless electromechanical lock with one or more of an internal antenna, touch activation, and/or a light communication device that acts as a user interface. In some embodiments, the lock utilizes an antenna near the exterior face of the lockset, designed inside the metal body of the lockset itself. A light communication device is provided in some embodiments to communicate information, visually, to the user via animations and dynamic displays of light. In some embodiments, the lockset includes a touch activation capability, which can be used to lock/unlock the lock and/or otherwise provide input.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes an audio driver movable within an audio driver housing which forms an expandable chamber. The portable communication device includes at least two portions that are moveably connected to each other allowing the device to be in at least a closed position and an open position. The audio driver can be maintained in a compressed position when the portable communication device is in an open position. Accordingly, the volume of the chamber is independent of the relative position between the portions forming the portable communication device.

Abstract: A wireless speaker and mounting system for use with a resonating surface of an automobile includes a wireless speaker mechanism including a vibrator, the wireless speaker mechanism configured to receive and convert a wireless signal representative of sound from a separate wireless electronic device into vibrations transmitted by vibrator to the resonating surface of the automobile for creating sound waves by the resonating surface; and a mounting mechanism configured to directly mount the wireless speaker mechanism to the resonating surface of the automobile.

Abstract: A hinge is configured for routing electrical wiring therein. The hinge includes a pair of opposing bosses aligned along a rotational axis and a hollow portion having ends respectively engaging the bosses. The hollow portion is rotatable about the rotational axis, relative to the bosses. Wiring, such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) has a portion thereof inserted into the hollow portion. A rod is inserted into the hollow portion and aligned along the rotational axis. The rod fixes the inserted portion of the wiring in a neutral position, and thus, reduces wear and tear on the wiring caused by the hinge action.

Abstract: An integrated, switchable receiver module configured for acoustic transmission in an electronic device having an outer surface is provided. The integrated, switchable receiver includes an audio receiver (AR) and a bone conductive receiver (BCR), which is disposed in a spatially overlapping relationship with respect to the AR when viewed from outside the outer surface. The integrated, switchable receiver further includes a retractable mechanism configured at least to switch the integrated, switchable receiver module between (a) a BCR mode in which the BCR is presented in a pop-up position with respect to the outer surface, wherein the BCR is activated in the BCR mode while the AR mode is de-activated, and (b) an AR mode in which the BCR is presented in a retracted position with respect to the outer surface relative to the pop-up position, the AR is activated in the AR mode while the BCR is de-activated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inductive coil comprising a non-conductive substrate, a plurality of insulator layers laminated in a stack over the non-conductive substrate, and a plurality of conductive layers interleaved between the insulator layers. A hole passes through the conductive and insulator layers, and a magnetic core is placed in the hole and over the substrate. Each of the conductive layers includes a single-layer conductive trace coiled around the hole with an isolating gap between each turn of the conductive trace. At least one plated via passes through at least one of the insulator layers to connect traces of at least two conductive layers. The inductive coil may be a Hearing Aid Compliant (HAC) T-coil, includable in a wireless communication device, such as a cellular phone. A method of manufacturing the inductive coil is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes an audio driver movable within an audio driver housing which forms an expandable chamber. The portable communication device includes at least two portions that are moveably connected to each other allowing the device to be in at least a closed position and an open position. The audio driver can be maintained in a compressed position when the portable communication device is in an open position. Accordingly, the volume of the chamber is independent of the relative position between the portions forming the portable communication device.

Abstract: A hinge is configured for routing electrical wiring therein. The hinge includes a pair of opposing bosses aligned along a rotational axis and a hollow portion having ends respectively engaging the bosses. The hollow portion is rotatable about the rotational axis, relative to the bosses. Wiring, such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) has a portion thereof inserted into the hollow portion. A rod is inserted into the hollow portion and aligned along the rotational axis. The rod fixes the inserted portion of the wiring in a neutral position, and thus, reduces wear and tear on the wiring caused by the hinge action.

Abstract: A wireless speaker and mounting system for use with a resonating surface of an automobile includes a wireless speaker mechanism including a vibrator, the wireless speaker mechanism configured to receive and convert a wireless signal representative of sound from a separate wireless electronic device into vibrations transmitted by vibrator to the resonating surface of the automobile for creating sound waves by the resonating surface; and a mounting mechanism configured to directly mount the wireless speaker mechanism to the resonating surface of the automobile.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing shielding gaps associated with the mounting of peripheral cards in a computer system. A computer system chassis includes a frame mounted thereupon, the frame having at least one opening adjacent to a peripheral card slot. The frame includes a plurality of tabs arranged around the opening, wherein the tabs on one side of the opening are staggered with respect to the tabs on the other side of the opening. A shield bracket configured for coupling to a peripheral card mountable in the slot is slidable to cover the opening. When the shield bracket is slid into position to cover the opening, the shield bracket is retained by the plurality of tabs. The frame and the slot bracket are made of a flexible, electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A thermal control apparatus using heat pipes. The thermal control apparatus includes a heat pipe having a hollow interior at least partially filled with a vaporizable liquid. The heat pipe further includes a threaded outer surface configured for coupling the heat pipe into an aperture having a threaded inner surface. The threaded outer surface maybe an integral portion of the heat pipe, or may be implemented using a separate piece that coupled to the heat pipe. A thermal control apparatus using the heat pipes may be implemented with a heat spreader having one or more apertures, wherein each of the apertures includes a threaded inner surface. A heat pipe having a threaded outer surface may be positioned in one of the apertures. The thermal control apparatus may be mounted on a printed circuit board in the proximity of one or more electronic components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for storing electronic devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a base member attachable to an enclosure and a carrier rotatably coupled to the base member. The base member includes a pivotal member. The carrier includes a mounting mechanism coupled to the pivotal member to facilitate the rotational movement of the carrier with respect to the base member. The carrier is also adapted to attach to at least one peripheral device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for installing printed circuit boards within an electronic assembly. One embodiment is a riser card bracket assembly for an electronic system. The riser card bracket comprises an adjustable card retainer disposed within the riser card bracket assembly; the retainer is capable of movement within the riser card bracket assembly to secure cards of various lengths. Another embodiment of the invention is a method for installing cards within a computer housing having a motherboard. The method comprises providing a riser card bracket assembly having an adjustable card retainer. At least one card is inserted within the riser card bracket assembly. The riser card bracket assembly is inserted within the computer housing whereby the at least one card is positioned parallel to the motherboard.

Abstract: A reflection mechanism for illuminating insignia on a computer system is provided. The reflection mechanism uses one or more angled reflectors that diffuse light through transparent insignia provided in the housing of the computer system. Such use of angled reflectors reduces hot spots typically attributable to direct light projection and provides uniform illumination of the transparent portions of the insignia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fault-tolerant assembly of printed circuit board. In one embodiment of the present invention, an EMI gasket is configured to attach to a mounting bracket by snapping into place. Once attached, the EMI gasket is able to move some distance in every direction. Thus, this embodiment provides greater fault tolerance in PCB assembly. In one embodiment, the slot for the screw used to affix the PCB to the system is elongated. In this embodiment, the elongation of the slot allows the PCB to move some distance in line with the PCB. Thus, the embodiment provides greater fault tolerance in PCB assembly and PCBs are no longer munseated by screwing the mounting bracket to the system. In another embodiment, the slot is enclosed. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket cannot slip free of the screw.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for installing printed circuit boards within an electronic assembly. One embodiment of the present invention is an electro-magnetic interference shielding apparatus for an electronic assembly comprising a shielding partition that separates a first compartment from a second compartment. The apparatus further comprises a top enclosure capable of engaging with the shielding partition to form a plurality of contact seams. The contact seams are capable of restricting electro-magnetic interference from passing through the shielding apparatus. The top enclosure can be capable of tool-free installation and removal to provide access to the interior of the electronic assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for installing printed circuit boards within an electronic assembly. One embodiment of the present invention is an electro-magnetic interference shielding apparatus for an electronic assembly comprising a shielding partition that separates a first compartment from a second compartment. The apparatus further comprises a top enclosure capable of engaging with the shielding partition to form a plurality of contact seams. The contact seams are capable of restricting electro-magnetic interference from passing through the shielding apparatus. The top enclosure can be capable of tool-free installation and removal to provide access to the interior of the electronic assembly.