Abstract: To improve the consumer experience with portable electronic devices, a user interface combines the use of capacitive sensors with tactile sensors in an input device. When a user places a finger, stylus, or other input instrument near a given key button, a capacitive sensor causes the display to display temporarily an indication of the function of that key in an enlarged format. The user may then press the associated key button to activate the desired function. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive sensor fixes the functionality to the function indicated in the display. In this embodiment, a tactile input applied to any key, whether the correct key, multiple keys, or a single incorrect key, results in activating the function indicated in the display as a result of the capacitive input.

Abstract: Two-way displays include a transmissive display. A sensor detects an orientation of the transmissive display. A processor modifies a format of characters displayed on the transmissive display responsive to the orientation of the transmissive display. Mobile terminals including two-way displays and methods of operating the same are also provided.

Abstract: Two-way displays include a transmissive display. A sensor detects an orientation of the transmissive display. A processor modifies a format of characters displayed on the transmissive display responsive to the orientation of the transmissive display. Mobile terminals including two-way displays and methods of operating the same are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying batteries of different types is disclosed where each battery includes a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and an identification terminal connected to a tap between two cells of the battery. The apparatus includes a positive contact positioned so as to engage the positive terminal of a battery, a negative contact positioned so as to engage the negative terminal of the battery, an identification contact positioned so as to receive a tap voltage from the identification terminal of the battery indicative of a particular battery type, and a microcomputer connected to the positive, negative, and identification contacts, wherein the microcomputer identifies the particular type of the battery on the basis of where the tap voltage lies with respect to a plurality of specified voltage ranges.

Abstract: A combination beverage and cellular phone holder adapted for insertion into an existing vehicle beverage holder to convert it to a multi-unit holder and firmly position the cellular phone within the vehicle in a convenient and accessible position.

Abstract: An adapter including: a receiver for receiving first and second voltages as an input; a conversion circuit; and first and second connectors on the receiver. The first connector can be releasably coupled to the conversion circuit in a first manner so that the conversion circuit generates a predetermined output voltage with the first input voltage supplied to the receiver. The second connector can also be releasably coupled to the conversion circuit in a second manner so that the conversion circuit generates an output voltage that is substantially the same as the predetermined output voltage with the second input voltage supplied to the receiver.

Abstract: Circuitry is added to charge storage devices including batteries which creates or enhances a minus delta V type of termination signal pattern to trigger a battery charger to terminate the battery charging. Circuitry, which is responsive either to a voltage or to a temperature, causes a switch to connect a load across the terminals of a battery to cause a voltage drop. The voltage drop triggers circuitry within the battery charger to terminate charging. For some applications, additional circuitry is added to cause a second switch to open to remove the load from the terminals upon the occurrence of a second specified event. The second specified event si defined by a specified voltage, temperature, or elapsed time value.

Abstract: An apparatus enabling communication and control between a battery powered device, such as a cellular telephone, and a battery pack through a two-pin interface between the battery pack and the battery powered device is disclosed. A battery powered device includes means for selectively switching a load across the two-pin interface for the device. By selectively switching the load across the terminal of the interface, a voltage varying signal is generated. The creation of the voltage varying signal is controlled in such a manner that alterations in the voltage represent a binary-encoded signal. The voltage changes representing the binary-encoded signal are detected within a battery pack interconnected with the battery powered device and used to provide instructions to a controller controlling an apparatus associated with the battery pack device, such as vibrator alarm.

Abstract: A combination beverage and cellular phone holder adapted for insertion into an existing vehicle beverage holder to convert it to a multi-unit holder and firmly position the cellular phone within the vehicle in a convenient and accessible position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disabling the internal battery charging algorithm of an electric device when connected to a smart battery charger having its own internal controller and charging algorithm. The controller of the external battery charger varies the output of the charger to provide the battery with a current source that predictably varies in voltage or represents a digital signal at a preset data rate. The internal controller of the electronic device recognizes the varying nature of the supplied direct current and disables its own internal battery charging algorithm. The charging algorithm of the external battery charger thus independently controls the charging of the electronic device internal battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging batteries of different types is disclosed as including support means for receiving a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a battery interface for electrically coupling the battery charging apparatus to the received battery, and a circuit for identifying the particular type of the received battery and supplying a charging current to the received battery in accordance with a specified charging algorithm applicable to the particular battery type. The battery interface includes a positive contact positioned within the support means so as to engage the positive terminal of the received battery, a negative contact positioned within the support means so as to engage the negative terminal of the received battery, and at least one sensing contact positioned within the support means which senses a voltage from the received battery indicative of a particular battery type.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging a battery having a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a third terminal is disclosed, where a thermistor is positioned across the negative terminal and the third terminal. The apparatus includes a positive contact positioned so as to engage the positive terminal of the battery, a negative contact positioned so as to engage the negative terminal of the battery, a third contact positioned so as to engage the third terminal of the battery, and a logic circuit connected to the positive, negative and third terminals. In addition, a switching device is provided which receives an input from the logic circuit that dictates whether the switching device is positioned closed so as to connect the third contact to a biasing source. The position of the switching device is determined by comparing the voltage at the third contact to a predetermined threshold voltage.