Abstract: A hardware system data retrieval arrangement includes a printed circuit board having a memory device connected to a microcontroller. The memory device stores historical information about the printed circuit board. A connecting device is connected to the microcontroller. The connecting device includes a Universal Serial Bus connector or an edge card connector. An electrical communication conduit interconnects the personal computer and the connecting device. The personal computer retrieves the historical information form the memory device via the electrical communication conduit.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hand-held wireless telephone having a housing and operating in a first operational state of a plurality of sequential operational states. The control apparatus changes the operational state of the wireless telephone from the first operational state to a second operational state. The control apparatus itself comprises a detector that produces a signal responsive to a user grasping the housing of the wireless telephone and a controller responsive to receiving the signal produced by the detector and configured to select another operational state following the first operational state in a predetermined sequence of operational states.

Abstract: A socket assembly for releasably mating with an electrical connector plug utilizes a plurality of fixed leads, and optionally a moveable retainer frame. The fixed leads are in direct electrical communication with an electrical circuit, such as the modem portion of a computing device. At least a portion of each lead remains anchored in a position fixed relative to the electrical circuit and are directly connected to the circuit traces of the electrical circuit. The optional retainer frame is preferably movable between a storage position and a ready position. In the ready position, the retainer frame is adapted to receive and retain the connector plug in a mated position such that the contacts of the connector plug are brought into contact with the fixed leads. In other embodiments, the housing of the electrical circuit includes a socket cavity which is adapted to receive the connector plug.

Abstract: An electrical circuit changes function based on the physical orientation of an indexible chip that can assume any one of a plurality of physical orientations. The indexible chip forms a portion of the electrical circuit and is operable between a plurality of physical orientations with respect to the balance of the electrical circuit. The function of the electrical circuit is dependent upon the physical orientation of the indexible chip. For instance, when the indexible chip is in a first orientation, the electrical circuit performs a first function and when the indexible chip is in a second orientation, the electrical circuit performs a second function, and so forth. The number of possible physical orientations of the indexible chip is at least two, but may be three, four, eight or more. The indexible chip includes a plurality of I/O ports and typically surrounded by a main housing. The I/O ports are preferably disposed symmetrically with respect to the center-point of the housing.