Abstract: A compact and unitary cellular/pager. The cellular/pager includes a cellular antenna for receiving UHF cellular and paging signals. The cellular/pager also includes a VHF paging antenna. Every paging signal is sent to a paging receiver. The paging receiver uses the same circuitry to process either the UHF or VHF page. This is accomplished by setting a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to one of two frequency ranges. The chosen frequency is either added or subtracted to the incoming signal in order to match a constant intermediate frequency. The resultant signal is demodulated and a bit rate is selected by a decoder, under the control of a microprocessor. Therefore, the paging receiver can choose a band, a channel and a bit rate. Cellular signals are sent to a cellular block. Cellular location information is utilized by the cellular/pager to form an internally updated roaming pager.

Abstract: A soft case which encloses a portable device such as a hand held computer has a top cover portion which overlies a large screen at the front or top of the computer. This cover portion has a flat, soft foam pad which engages against the glass screen to cushion the screen and spread the force of any impact against the closed case at the screen. Further, there may be included in the screen cover a rigid member captured within the injection molded foam and spanning across the screen, providing further protection against impact to the screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expansion device to permit the conductor to be extended beyond its normal operational length without breaking the electrical connection between the objects. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a spring maintains the conductor at a predetermined length. The spring permits the conductor to be moved away from one of the objects for a predetermined distance without breaking the electrical connection between the objects. Preferably, the spring itself is conductive and connects two portions of the conductor which are relatively non-expandable. Alternatively, the spring in its relaxed state may merely maintain some slack in the conductor, the slack being taken up when the spring is compressed. In either embodiment, the spring tensioning mechanism may be contained entirely within one of the objects.