Abstract: In a sectored cell of a cellular communication network, channels are dynamically reassigned from a first sector in the cell to a second sector in the same cell when the loading in the first sector reaches a predetermined threshold. The channels allocated to the cell are further subdivided into subgroups and assigned initially to respective sectors in the cell. During normal operation, the channels in each sector are allocated to users in that sector in the usual manner. When the number of channels allocated in a first sector of the cell reaches a predetermined threshold, the base station controller polls the remaining sectors for unused channels. If an unused channel is found, that channel may be reassigned to the first sector. In one embodiment, the base station controller polls the controller in the nearest co-channel cells before reassigning the channel to prevent co-channel interference.

Abstract: An electric charging system includes an electrical charger that generates a magnetic force and a device with an electric current generator that receives a portion of the magnetic force in a non-galvanic manner. The electric current generator generates an electric current in response to receiving the portion of the magnetic force and the electric current is received by a battery.

Abstract: An electric charging system includes an electrical charger that generates a magnetic force and a device with an electric current generator that receives a portion of the magnetic force in a non-galvanic manner. The electric current generator generates an electric current in response to receiving the portion of the magnetic force and the electric current is received by a battery.

Abstract: An improved SIM card reader with at least one reader data contact that is connected, typically through a control unit, to a memory, through which reader data contact predetermined software update data may be transmitted for storage in the memory of a mobile telecommunication device. The SIM card reader may be integral to the mobile communication device. In a preferred embodiment, the SIM card reader receives an improved SIM card having a card data contact that cooperatively engages with the reader data contact to electrically couple the reader data contact and the card data contact, thereby to provide a data path through which software update data may be transmitted for storage in the memory of a mobile telecommunication device. The at least one reader data contact may be used to “flash” the memory of a mobile telecommunication device with software updates, for instance.

Abstract: An electric charging system includes an electrical charger that generates a magnetic force and a device with an electric current generator that receives a portion of the magnetic force in a non-galvanic manner. The electric current generator generates an electric current in response to receiving the portion of the magnetic force and the electric current is received by a battery.

Abstract: A releasable holder for a portable communication device including a base clip adapted to secure to a carrier such as a belt and an article clip adapted to secure to the portable communication device. The base clip includes a channel having a bottom and side walls extending between open opposite ends with overlying flanges on both side walls spaced a selected distance from the channel bottom, and a locking tab extending into an opening in the channel bottom, a biasing member biasing the locking tab into the channel bottom opening. The base clip is securable to the carrier with the channel in a generally horizontal orientation. Two user engageable release tabs adjacent the channel opposite ends are adapted to move the locking tab against the biasing of the biasing member responsive to movement of one release tab toward the other.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a radiotelephone, has a magnetic latch that maintains a flip cover in a closed position and an electromagnetic release conveniently positioned for one-handed operation by a user. A first magnetic object is disposed within the housing and a second magnetic object is disposed within the flip cover so as to be magnetically attracted to the first magnetic object when the flip cover is in the closed position. The first and second magnetic objects are configured such that the magnetic attraction force therebetween is greater than the biasing force of the spring member to maintain the flip cover in the closed position. A user-activated magnetic field generator is disposed adjacent to at least one of the first and second magnetic objects and reduces the magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic objects relative to the biasing force of the spring member such that the flip cover is urged to the open position.