Abstract: In a telecommunications device having a memory, a user input device, and a modem for connection to an external network, each controlled by a processor, a dialing apparatus is provided for connection to the external network. The dialing apparatus includes a dialer program operating in the telecommunications device for prioritizing a plurality of different dialing strings, highest to lowest, each associated with the external network for connection of the telecommunications device to the external network based on the location of the telecommunications device.

Abstract: A method has the steps of generating a first control message having a plurality of message symbols and a first audio message to be transmitted from a first radio-communications device to a second radio-communications device. The first audio message is sampled to obtain a first plurality of audio samples, each with an instantaneous signal valve, and a first radio frequency signal which varies in frequency from a first predetermined radio frequency dependent on the instantaneous signal valves of the first plurality of samples is generated. The first radio frequency signal is formatted into a first pulsed radio frequency signal, each pulse having a time duration representative of one of the plurality of message symbols of the first control message, which is transmitted from the first radio-communication device to the second radio-communication device.

Abstract: A recyclable cellular telephone is disclosed having an inner rigid cellular electronics supporting frame member surrounded by a replaceable outer cover. The telephone is acquired having a limited period of use. The electronics of the telephone operate to disable the telephone following expiration of the period of use. Following expiration of the period of use, the telephone is returned for refurbishment where the outer cover is stripped and replaced and the electronics tested before being recycled with a new period of use for an another acquisition. The cellular network supporting telephone operation also monitors the period of use, disabling telephone access to the network following expiration. Directory numbers are selectively assigned to the recyclable telephones from a pool of available numbers, with assigned numbers returned to the pool after expiration of a predetermined period or telephone deactivation for re-use by another recyclable telephone.

Abstract: A recyclable cellular telephone is disclosed having an inner rigid cellular electronics supporting frame member surrounded by a replaceable outer cover. The telephone is acquired having a limited period of use. The electronics of the telephone operate to disable the telephone following expiration of the period of use. Following expiration of the period of use, the telephone is returned for refurbishment where the outer cover is stripped and replaced and the electronics tested before being recycled with a new period of use for an another acquisition. The cellular network supporting telephone operation also monitors the period of use, disabling telephone access to the network following expiration. Directory numbers are selectively assigned to the recyclable telephones from a pool of available numbers, with assigned numbers returned to the pool after expiration of a predetermined period or telephone deactivation for re-use by another recyclable telephone.

Abstract: A recyclable cellular telephone is disclosed having an inner rigid cellular electronics supporting frame member surrounded by a replaceable outer cover. The telephone is acquired having a limited period of use. The electronics of the telephone operate to disable the telephone following expiration of the period of use. Following expiration of the period of use, the telephone is returned for refurbishment where the outer cover is stripped and replaced and the electronics tested before being recycled with a new period of use for an another acquisition. The cellular network supporting telephone operation also monitors the period of use, disabling telephone access to the network following expiration. Directory numbers are selectively assigned to the recyclable telephones from a pool of available numbers, with assigned numbers returned to the pool after expiration of a predetermined period or telephone deactivation for re-use by another recyclable telephone.

Abstract: A recyclable cellular telephone is disclosed having an inner rigid cellular electronics supporting frame member surrounded by a replaceable outer cover. The telephone is acquired having a limited period of use. The electronics of the telephone operate to disable the telephone following expiration of the period of use. Following expiration of the period of use, the telephone is returned for refurbishment where the outer cover is stripped and replaced and the electronics tested before being recycled with a new period of use for an another acquisition. The cellular network supporting telephone operation also monitors the period of use, disabling telephone access to the network following expiration. Directory numbers are selectively assigned to the recyclable telephones from a pool of available numbers, with assigned numbers returned to the pool after expiration of a predetermined period or telephone deactivation for re-use by another recyclable telephone.

Abstract: Remote control of TV receivers, disc players and video cassette recorders (VCRs) involves controlling functions that are continuous, such as volume or brightness control. The selected function is increased or decreased as long as the user continues to depress the appropriate key on the transmitter. Typically, a signal is transmitted for as long as the key remains depressed, but this can significantly shorten transmitter battery life. To increase battery life, a burst of data is transmitted to identify the command when a continuous function key is initially depressed. The remote receiver, upon receiving this command, begins to increase or decrease the appropriate function. After the initial burst of data is issued by the transmitter, no additional signals are transmitted as long as the key remains depressed. During this time, the remote receiver continues to increase or decrease the selected function.