Abstract: Various aspects of a portable satellite earth station to facilitate reception of satellite signals and to display audio and video corresponding to the satellite signals are described. According to one example, a portable satellite earth station includes a housing including a base hingably connected to an antenna containing portion, wherein the base includes a compartment; and a receiver/display configured to fit into the compartment in the housing, the receiver/display including a video display portion hingably connected to a receiver portion and movable between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein the receiver/display may be moved to the unfolded position when the receiver/display is located in the compartment in the housing and the antenna containing portion can be closed into contact with the base over the receiver/display when the receiver/display is in the folded position.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an electronic device to a cover. The apparatus is in the form of a clip that uses a 3-point system to provide a secure hold on a device without requiring any holes in the device. Three contact points radiate from a main body in a triangular fashion in plan view. Two of the contact points are formed as cups that couple with two respective corners of the electronic device. The third contact point is an elastically deformable clip that engages a side or top of the electronic device.

Abstract: A rotary encoder of a control surface has a display. The display includes a ring of light emitting elements, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), in the control surface around the shaft and knob of the rotary encoder. The rotary encoder has a shaft that rotates about an axis under control of an operator. The rotary encode has an output providing a signal indicative of the rotational movement of the shaft. A knob engages the shaft and is used by the operator to rotate the shaft. The knob, in general, has a narrow stem that engages the shaft of the rotary encoder and extends away from the control surface, and a top portion which the operator manipulates to turn the knob. The stem has a substantially circular cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft of the rotary encoder, with a narrow diameter.

Abstract: A wireless handheld device having a retractable keypad is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device comprises a housing having an opening and a display coupled to the housing. A keypad is coupled to the housing open. A spring mechanism is coupled to the housing and the keypad, and extends the keypad from the housing open. The keypad and a microphone are positioned in a keypad housing having a first opening and an end for closing the device housing opening. A zigzag spring is positioned in the device housing and the keypad housing for extending the keypad responsive to pressing a button. A first member is coupled to a second member for guiding the keypad housing. The first member has a lock surface and the keypad housing has a lock surface for engaging with the first member lock surface responsive to the keypad housing being inserted into the device housing.