Abstract: A unitary handheld portable module includes a keypad for entering data and a display for displaying data. A base module is configured to be coupled with and communicate through a telephone line and includes a keypad for dialing a telephone number and a display for displaying information. The portable and base modules are configured to have a mounted configuration in which the portable module is removably mounted on the base module and covers the base module's display, and the modules communicate with each other for the portable module's display to display information relating to operation of the base module.

Abstract: A unitary handheld portable module includes a keypad for entering data and a display for displaying data. A base module is configured to be coupled with and communicate through a telephone line and includes a keypad for dialing a telephone number and a display for displaying information. The portable and base modules are configured to have a mounted configuration in which the portable module is removably mounted on the base module and covers the base module's display, and the modules communicate with each other for the portable module's display to display information relating to operation of the base module.

Abstract: A unitary handheld portable module includes a keypad for entering data and a display for displaying data. A base module is configured to be coupled with and communicate through a telephone line and includes a keypad for dialing a telephone number and a display for displaying information. The portable and base modules are configured to have a mounted configuration in which the portable module is removably mounted on the base module and covers the base module's display, and the modules communicate with each other for the portable module's display to display information relating to operation of the base module.

Abstract: Method, system, and device for remote operation of a wireless communication device. The method for remote operation of a wireless communication device using an accessory involves establishing a communication channel between the accessory and the wireless communication device, providing output to a user on the accessory, receiving user input on the accessory, processing the user input and generating control signals for transmission to the wireless communication device to initiate one or more actions on the wireless communication device. The accessory comprises a touchscreen for presenting information to a user and receiving user input. The accessory may optionally be a hinged accessory with a dual touchscreen.

Abstract: UICCs are disclosed herein. An example UICC includes a body a body having a height between approximately 10.9 millimeters and 11.1 millimeters and a width between approximately 8.9 millimeters and 9.1 millimeters.

Abstract: A light-collecting accessory for an electronic device includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. The housing can form an opening adapted to receive the electronic device. A light guide is communicatively coupled to the housing. The light guide can have a first end and a second end. The first end can be communicatively coupled to the outer surface of the housing. The second end can be communicatively coupled to the inner surface of the housing. In the event the electronic device resides in the opening of the housing, light emitted from the electronic device passes from the second end of the light guide to the first end of the light guide.

Abstract: A unitary handheld portable module includes a keypad for entering data and a display for displaying data. A base module is configured to be coupled with and communicate through a telephone line and includes a keypad for dialing a telephone number and a display for displaying information. The portable and base modules are configured to have a mounted configuration in which the portable module is removably mounted on the base module and covers the base module's display, and the modules communicate with each other for the portable module's display to display information relating to operation of the base module.

Abstract: An apparatus secures a cover onto a housing of a portable electronic device. The apparatus has a first latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a first hinge, so that in a first rotational position, the first latch contacts a first catch on the housing and in a second rotational position, the first latch is remote from the first catch. A second latch assembly has a second latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a second hinge, so that in one rotational position, the second latch contacts a second catch on the housing and in another rotational position, the second latch is remote from the second catch. By squeezing the first and second latches between two fingers, a user is able to disengage those latches from the catches and remove the cover from the housing.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The actuator assembly includes a support tray formed of a conductive metal and defining an aperture extending through the support tray. A seat surrounds the aperture and supports an actuator. The actuator includes a piezoelectric element adhered to a metal substrate larger than the piezoelectric element. The metal substrate bends when the piezoelectric element contracts and expands in response to changes in the charge of the piezoelectric element. An insulator is disposed between the metal substrate and the support tray which electrically insulates the substrate from the metal substrate.

Abstract: A unitary handheld portable module includes a keypad for entering data and a display for displaying data. A base module is configured to be coupled with and communicate through a telephone line and includes a keypad for dialing a telephone number and a display for displaying information. The portable and base modules are configured to have a mounted configuration in which the portable module is removably mounted on the base module and covers the base module's display, and the modules communicate with each other for the portable module's display to display information relating to operation of the base module.

Abstract: UICCs are disclosed herein. An example UICC includes a body a body having a height between approximately 10.9 millimeters and 11.1 millimeters and a width between approximately 8.9 millimeters and 9.1 millimeters.

Abstract: A wireless communication device has a docking cavity, a short-range transceiver, and a long-range transceiver for long-range wireless communication with a wireless network. A wireless communication module includes a speaker and a microphone, and a short-range transceiver for short-range wireless communication with the device's short-range transceiver. The module is configured to operate in first and second modes. In the first mode, the module is separated from the communication device. In the second mode, the module is mounted in the cavity. In both modes, communication between a user and the network is conducted through the module's microphone and speaker, both short-range transceivers and the long-range transceiver.

Abstract: A light-collecting accessory for an electronic device includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. The housing can form an opening adapted to receive the electronic device. A light guide is communicatively coupled to the housing. The light guide can have a first end and a second end. The first end can be communicatively coupled to the outer surface of the housing. The second end can be communicatively coupled to the inner surface of the housing. In the event the electronic device resides in the opening of the housing, light emitted from the electronic device passes from the second end of the light guide to the first end of the light guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cover over an opening defined in a housing of a portable electronic device includes a pair of latches along opposite edges of the cover. Each latch assembly has a cap affixed to the cover and partially housing a latch that is slideable therein. Each latch is biased by a separate spring into a first position, at which a tab on that latch projects from the cap and engages the housing. An actuator on each latch extends outside the respective cap for engagement by a user to slide the latch into a second position in which the associated tab is retracted from engaging the housing.

Abstract: A spring component used in an electronic device provides a preload force used to urge a touch input component against a force transducer. The spring also provides an electrostatic grounding between the touch input component and other components of the electronic device. The use of the spring in an electronic device achieves both grounding and preloading and provides improvements in touch sensitive electronic devices.

Abstract: A wireless communication device has a docking cavity, a short-range transceiver, and a long-range transceiver for long-range wireless communication with a wireless network. A wireless communication module includes a speaker and a microphone, and a short-range transceiver for short-range wireless communication with the device's short-range transceiver. The module is configured to operate in first and second modes. In the first mode, the module is separated from the communication device. In the second mode, the module is mounted in the cavity. In both modes, communication between a user and the network is conducted through the module's microphone and speaker, both short-range transceivers and the long-range transceiver.

Abstract: Method, system, and device for remote operation of a wireless communication device. The method for remote operation of a wireless communication device using an accessory involves establishing a communication channel between the accessory and the wireless communication device, providing output to a user on the accessory, receiving user input on the accessory, processing the user input and generating control signals for transmission to the wireless communication device to initiate one or more actions on the wireless communication device. The accessory comprises a touchscreen for presenting information to a user and receiving user input. The accessory may optionally be a hinged accessory with a dual touchscreen.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The actuator assembly includes a support tray formed of a conductive metal and defining an aperture extending through the support tray. A seat surrounds the aperture and supports an actuator. The actuator includes a piezoelectric element adhered to a metal substrate larger than the piezoelectric element. The metal substrate bends when the piezoelectric element contracts and expands in response to changes in the charge of the piezoelectric element. An insulator is disposed between the metal substrate and the support tray which electrically insulates the substrate from the metal substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus secures a cover onto a housing of a portable electronic device. The apparatus has a first latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a first hinge, so that in a first rotational position, the first latch contacts a first catch on the housing and in a second rotational position, the first latch is remote from the first catch. A second latch assembly has a second latch that is pivotally connected to the cover by a second hinge, so that in one rotational position, the second latch contacts a second catch on the housing and in another rotational position, the second latch is remote from the second catch. By squeezing the first and second latches between two fingers, a user is able to disengage those latches from the catches and remove the cover from the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cover over an opening defined in a housing of a portable electronic device includes a pair of latches along opposite edges of the cover. Each latch assembly has a cap affixed to the cover and partially housing a latch that is slideable therein. Each latch is biased by a separate spring into a first position, at which a tab on that latch projects from the cap and engages the housing. An actuator on each latch extends outside the respective cap for engagement by a user to slide the latch into a second position in which the associated tab is retracted from engaging the housing.