Abstract: A computer card assembly for removeable insertion into a receiving/expansion slot of a host computer is presented. The computer card assembly facilitates the removal and recombination of at least one electronic card in an electronic card interface tray that includes a shared interface. An electronic card interface tray includes an external shared interface that can facilitate larger jacks and opposing sidewalls which together form bays or slots within the computer card assembly. The electronic card is sized to be received within a bay of the card tray to facilitate insertion of the computer card assembly into the host expansion slot. The electronic card supports the standard host interface while sharing and external interface, such as a network interface, with other cards within the computer card assembly.

Abstract: A media connector assembly with an extended electrical contact capable of non-destructive deflection when various media plugs are placed therein that do not accommodate each contact pin within the media connector. The media connector includes a platform with an arched mid-portion for enlarging the radius of deflection of the contact pins such that the contact pins deflect when a media connector is placed therein at a position further from the aperture receiving the media connector. The arch maintains curved support for the deflected contact pin and assists in the positive contact force applied by the contact pin to the contact of the media plug.

Abstract: A visual feedback system for providing information to a user regarding aspects such as the status and operation of the systems and components of one or more electronic devices. The visual feedback system is preferably employed in the context of a PC card and includes one or more light sources, preferably light emitting diodes, configured for electrical communication with the electronic circuitry by which the functionality of the PC card is implemented so that certain events that occur with respect to the status and operation of the PC card cause the light source to emit light. The emitted light is received by a light reflecting member that, preferably, substantially encloses the light source and reflects the received light in a manner and form consistent with a desired application. The reflected light is then directed, by virtue of the geometry of the light reflecting member, to one or more predetermined locations, one of which is preferably proximate to the receptacle of a connector included in the PC card.

Abstract: A chip component assembly is provided that includes a plurality of chip components each having respective first and second terminal elements, the first terminal elements being joined to corresponding solder pads on a printed circuit board, the solder pads being in communication with electronic circuitry of the printed circuit board, and the second terminal elements being joined together by an array ground plane of a grounding device. The grounding device additionally includes a ground path structure which physically and electrically connects the array ground plane, and thus the chip components, to a ground pad located on the printed circuit board so as to provide a ground path from the chip components. Preferably, the array ground plane additionally includes a plurality of resilient contact elements which provide for substantial and continuous contact between the array ground plane and an ancillary ground plane, such as the top cover of a PC card.

Abstract: A retractable media connector assembly with a compressible electrical contact between a contact pin assembly and a flex circuit. Two plastic posts are molded into a retractable platform of the media connector assembly to align with the flex circuit, which has opposing holes, and is inserted over the tops of the posts. An arch in the retractable platform properly positions the contact pin assembly. When properly seated the contact pins are aligned directly over contact pads on the flex circuit. Proper alignment creates a positive stop and lock for the contact assembly and the flex circuit increasing the reliability and reducing the production cost. Molded locking features on the media connector assembly secure the entire system including a cap cover, the contact pins, the flex circuit, and the platform.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multifunction expansion card that facilitates the combination of communication card functionality with the ability to further incorporate a removeable extended device within the expansion card without requiring an additional expansion card slot within the host system. The expansion card of the present invention includes a communication card portion for coupling between the host system and the network. The expansion card also includes an extended device interface portion that provides the appropriate interfacing electronics for coupling the extended device to the host bus system. The expansion card includes a cutout area or slot for physically receiving therein the extended device for inclusion within the expansion card physical standard formfactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna which is physically combined with a physical/electrical media connector. Some embodiments of the present invention may be configured with connectors which can accommodate RJ-11 or RJ-45 plugs allowing devices equipped with these connectors to utilize cable connections as well as wireless connections via the combined antenna. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise antennas which hinge or otherwise deploy from the combined connector/antenna unit and some embodiments include automatic activation of wireless circuitry when the antenna is deployed. Certain embodiments also comprise units with particular antenna and ground plane configurations.

Abstract: A communications card allows computers to be electrically connected to electronic devices and communications systems. The communications card includes a modular jack with a plurality of contact pins. The contact pins include a plug engaging portion that does not include any sections that are angled more than about 90° in order to minimize the stresses in the contact pins. The contact pins also include a connector portion that allows the contact pins to be electrically connected to a printed circuit board disposed within the communications card. Preferably, the plug engaging portion includes an elongated arm that aids in absorbing stress and deflection of the contact pins. Advantageously, the contact pins are designed to minimize the height of the modular jack such that the modular jack can be used with communications cards that comply with the PCMCIA Type III standards.

Abstract: An extendable media connector for coupling a physical/electrical media plug to an electrical apparatus either directly or indirectly via a communications device. The extendable media connector is slidably retractable and has a frame with an aperture extending therethrough and a rocker arm mounted thereon. The rocker arm is configured to capture a retention clip mounted on the media plug to securely latch the media plug to the extendable media connector. The rocker arm also has alignment arms configured to engage the sides of the retention clip so that the connection between the media plug and the extendable media connector is aligned and tight even if the aperture is wider than the body of the media plug. The connection between the extendable media connector and the plug includes biasing electrical contacts connected to internal circuitry of the electrical apparatus against contact pins of the media plug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable connector with a guide structure for use with electronic devices. The guide structure minimizes the lateral movement of the retractable connector and helps ensure that the retractable connector moves smoothly between the extended and retracted positions. The retractable connector and guide structure are preferably used in conjunction with multiple receptacles so that the connector can be connected to more than one communication system or network simultaneously. Advantageously, the guide structure allows the retractable connector to have a larger size while permitting smooth and controlled movement of the connector. The large size retractable connector can also include one or more antennas used for wireless communication.

Abstract: A media connector assembly with an extended electrical contact capable of non-destructive deflection when various media plugs are placed therein that do not accommodate each contact pin within the media connector. The media connector includes a platform with an arched mid-portion for enlarging the radius of deflection of the contact pins such that the contact pins deflect when a media connector is placed therein at a position further from the aperture receiving the media connector. The arch maintains curved support for the deflected contact pin and assists in the positive contact force applied by the contact pin to the contact of the media plug.

Abstract: The modular jack allows a RJ series connector plug to be attached to a communications card that conforms to the PCMCIA requirements for a Type III card. The modular jack includes a main body portion including a top surface, a bottom outer surface and a front surface. The receptacle is disposed entirely within the front surface of the modular jack such that no portion of the plug extends through either the top surface or the bottom surface of the main body portion of the modular jack. Thus, the modular jack allows the communications card to be connected to standard RJ series plugs without deviating from the Type III PCMCIA card height requirement, even when the plug is inserted into the jack. Desirably, the main body portion has a height measured from the top surface to the bottom surface that is generally equal to or less than about 10.5 mm.

Abstract: A visual feedback system for providing information to a user regarding aspects such as the status and operation of the systems and components of one or more electronic devices. The visual feedback system is preferably employed in the context of a PC card and includes one or more light sources, preferably light emitting diodes, configured for electrical communication with the electronic circuitry by which the functionality of the PC card is implemented so that certain events that occur with respect to the status and operation of the PC card cause the light source to emit light. The emitted light is received by a light reflecting member that, preferably, substantially encloses the light source and reflects the received light in a manner and form consistent with a desired application. The reflected light is then directed, by virtue of the geometry of the light reflecting member, to one or more predetermined locations, one of which is preferably proximate to the receptacle of a connector included in the PC card.

Abstract: The modular jack allows a RJ series connector plug to be attached to a communications card that conforms to the PCMCIA requirements for a Type III card. The modular jack includes a main body portion including a top surface, a bottom outer surface and a front surface. The receptacle is disposed entirely within the front surface of the modular jack such that no portion of the plug extends through either the top surface or the bottom surface of the main body portion of the modular jack. Thus, the modular jack allows the communications card to be connected to standard RJ series plugs without deviating from the Type III PCMCIA card height requirement, even when the plug is inserted into the jack. Desirably, the main body portion has a height measured from the top surface to the bottom surface that is generally equal to or less than about 10.5 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna which is configured to plug into a retractable connector on an electronic apparatus. Some embodiments of the present invention may be configured to plug into common RJ-11 or RJ-45 jacks allowing devices equipped with these jack to utilize external antennas to increase range and functionality. Further, some embodiments of the present invention comprise at least a partial ground plane located in the antenna plug which connects to a jack. The present invention also comprises connectors such as RJ jacks which comprise ground plane elements which may be used to improve antenna range and efficiency.

Abstract: A communications card includes a housing formed by a top cover and a lower cover panel. The top cover is constructed from a generally non-conductive material and the lower cover panel is constructed from a conductive material. A substrate is disposed within the housing and a conductive panel is positioned between the substrate and the top cover. The conductive panel overlies at least a portion of the substrate, and the conductive panel and lower cover panel are electrically connected to ground when the communications card is inserted into a host device in order to decrease the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the communications card. Preferably, the communications card conforms to the standards established for a PCMCIA Type III card. Additionally, the communications card may include a modular jack with a main body portion having a top surface, a bottom outer surface and a front surface.

Abstract: A communications card, which preferably conforms to the PCMCIA requirements for a Type III PC card, includes a housing formed by a top cover and a bottom cover. An opening is formed in the housing of the communications card sized and the opening is sized and configured to receive a RJ series connector plug such that no portion of the plug extends through either the top surface or the bottom surface of the communications card. In particular, a portion of the top cover defines an upper portion of the opening and a portion of the bottom cover defines a lower portion of the opening. Preferably, the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface of the communications card is generally equal to or less than about 10.5 mm. Additionally, a distance that is generally equal to or less than about 10.1 mm separates the inner upper surface of the opening from the lower inner surface of the opening.

Abstract: A card edge connector allows a modular jack to be electronically connected to a PCMCIA Type III communications card. The card edge connector includes a modular jack with a main body portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface and a rear surface. A receptacle is disposed entirely within the front surface of the modular jack and the receptacle is sized and configured to receive a RJ series connector plug such that no portion of the plug extends through either the top surface or the bottom surface of the modular jack. A connector attached to the rear surface of the modular jack and the connector includes a socket sized and configured to receive a portion of a printed circuit board disposed within the communications card. Desirably, the card edge connector includes at least one contact pin including a plug engaging portion that extends into the receptacle and a printed circuit board engaging portion that extends into the socket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna which is physically combined with a physical/electrical media connector. Some embodiments of the present invention may be configured with connectors which can accommodate RJ-11 or RJ-45 plugs allowing devices equipped with these connectors to utilize cable connections as well as wireless connections via the combined antenna. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise antennas which hinge or otherwise deploy from the combined connector/antenna unit and some embodiments include automatic activation of wireless circuitry when the antenna is deployed. Certain embodiments also comprise units with particular antenna and ground plane configurations.