Abstract: A novel paging technology allows a gambler to receive information about an event on which a wager may be placed. The pager may also including an input device for inputting wager information and a transmitter for transmitting the wager information so as to place a wager in response to the input. The pager may be used over an extended area or localized to the track or other event forum where the betting occurs.

Abstract: A microphone art for a cellular telephone has a first tubular member telescoping with a second tubular member secured to a face of the cellular telephone. The tubular members are preferably arcuately-shaped, similar to a face of the telephone, and spring-loaded so that releasing a detent permits the second tubular member to extend from the first under the influence of a spring.

Abstract: A novel pager and paging system provides subscribers with astronomical and meteorological information. A service provider compiles a database of astronomical and meteorological information such as: current and forecast weather conditions; where and when celestial phenomena can be observed; horoscope information; and constellation configurations. Subscribers provide the service provider with a profile detailing what information the subscriber wishes to receive. The service provider will collect information, match the information to the subscriber's profile, and transmit the matching information to the subscriber.

Abstract: A novel pager and paging system assist a traveler, particularly a business traveler, with itinerary reminders and information regarding local services that is coordinated to the place and time of the items on the traveler's schedule. The paging system includes a database of the traveler's itinerary information and a database of information regarding locally available services. Items from the itinerary database are matched with similarly located or related services and transmitted to the traveler's pager in a timely manner to remind the traveler of his or her schedule and commitments.

Abstract: A novel paging technology allows a pager user limited wireless access to the internet via a paging system. The pager user may file an interest profile with the pager system service provider listing internet sites from which the pager user desires information. The service provider may access those sites and provide the information to the subscriber's pager either regularly or when signalled to do so by the pager user. The pager may further include an input device, such as a virtual keyboard, with which e-mail or chat room messages may be entered. The pager then transmits the messages to the paging system which conveys them to the internet.

Abstract: A game can be played using pagers and a paging system. Game participants receive information and clues from the paging system directing them to a particular landmark or location. Once there, the participants signal the system with a response which is dependent on their being at the correct location. The paging system then additionally determines that the participant is transmitting from roughly the correct location. When the participant is thus verified as being at the correct location, the next clue is transmitted to the participant. This continues until a participant correctly deciphers all the clues and arrives at the end of the game.

Abstract: A pager and two-way paging system may be provided which allow the pager user to send a request for movie information. The system identifies the general location of the pager user; compiles theater location, movie and show time information appropriate to the pager user's location; and transmits the information to the pager user. In a more sophisticated system, the pager user may be able to select a theater, movie and show time and transmit the selection from the pager to the paging system. The service provider of the paging system then arranges for tickets to that movie to be purchased in advance for the pager user.

Abstract: A novel pager allows the input and transmission of a virtual unlimited range of messages. The pager has a character dial on the periphery of which are printed the letters of the alphabet and digits 0 to 9. A rotary encoder encodes the movement of the dial. When a selection key is pressed, the character showing through a window in the housing of the pager is selected and entered. When the message is completed, the pager may transmit the message to a paging system by radio transmission to a base station or by emitting a series of sounds in which the message is encoded. In the case of emitted sounds, the sounds are conveyed along an open phone line to the paging system where they are decoded.

Abstract: A wireless telephone unit may be provided with an extension which pivots out from behind the unit or opens and closes over the face of the unit. The extension is used as a place to provide a variety of peripheral devices to supplement or enhance the functionality of the wireless telephone unit. By providing the peripheral device(s) on the extension, the compactness and portability of the wireless telephone unit is not sacrificed.

Abstract: A pager and two-way paging system may be provided which allow the pager user to send a request for tourist information. The system identifies the general location of the pager user and compiles tourist information such as historical data or trivia about the area which is transmitted to the pager user. The transmissions may take the pager user on a walking tour of the area. The pager may also include a language cartridge for translating the tourist information into another language. The pager may also include a map cartridge with which the pager can display a map of the immediate vicinity for the pager user.

Abstract: A combination of a pager with a casing having a first portion releasably secured to a second portion together defining a cavity therein serving as a compartment for storage of articles of convenience for the user. A pager is included within a portion of the cavity defined by the first portion. A coin holder is defined by the second portion of the casing, either on an exterior surface or on an interior major surface of the casing.

Abstract: A novel pager and paging system assist a patient with treatment reminders. A database containing information about the treatment regimen or appointment schedule of a patient is maintained by a paging system service provider. At appropriate times, the paging system transmits reminders to the patient's pager that a treatment is to be taken or an appointment kept. The reminder may further include instructions or information to assist the patient in taking the treatment or keeping the appointment.