Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing communication between and among multiple keyboards and a common host. The keyboards can be peers, transmitting to the host either independently (without provision for controlling interference) or cooperatively (communicating with each other prior to communicating with the common host). Alternatively, the keyboards can be prioritized, with lower-priority keyboards transmit to the host only when higher-priority keyboards are not, thereby avoiding interference with the higher-priority keyboards. Also, the keyboards can be prioritized with lower-priority keyboards communicating with the host only through the higher-priority keyboards, the higher-priority keyboards storing and forwarding data from the lower priority keyboards to higher-priority keyboards and/or the host. A method for organizing data from multiple keyboards for transmission to the host is also disclosed, in which the intended message is received by the host in the presence of interference.

Abstract: A cradle unit for use in transmitting radiocommunication signals from within a vehicle between a portable phone unit inside a vehicle and an external antenna connected to an exterior of the vehicle is provided with a heat sink for dissipating heat generated at the cradle unit, wherein the heat sink also functions as a dipole antenna for communicating with the portable phone. In addition, the cradle unit can be provided with circuitry for charging a battery of the portable phone, along with a hands-free unit, including a speaker and microphone. The heat sink antenna allows the portable phone to receive and transmit radio frequency signals as if it were directly RF-coupled to the external antenna, thereby avoiding a 10 dB attenuation loss normally associated with using a portable phone inside a vehicle due to the RF shielding of the metal vehicle body.

Abstract: A portable RF telephone for use in a vehicle may be coupled to an external antenna to overcome the shielding effects of the metallic enclosure of the automobile. While coupled to the external antenna, the portable RF telephone increases the amount of power used to transmit an RF signal. Preferably, the transmit power increases to a maximum level allowed within a defined power classification. Increasing the transmit power overcomes cabling and connector losses associated with using an external antenna and further increases the effective transmitting power without exceeding power levels defined by the telephones power classification.

Abstract: A protocol processor functionality and a data pump functionality are included in a modem which is configurable in a number of modes of operation to effectuate both analog and digital data communications. When configured for analog data communications either over a telephone line of the wireline telephone network or using an analog capable mobile station of the cellular telephone network, data signals are routed through both the protocol processor functionality and the data pump functionality. The protocol processor is also connected to the mobile station to transmit and receive call supervision signals. When configured for digital data communications using a digital capable mobile station of the cellular telephone network, the data signals by-pass the data pump functionality and are transmitted by the protocol processor functionality along with the call supervision signals.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating to a user that an operable-connection or non-operable connection has been made between a portable radio and a vehicle kit forming a mobile communication system. The system determines if an operable-connection has been made by determining if a hands-free-request signal, an external power signal, and an external antenna signal are present. Detection of the hands-free-request signal, external power signal, and external antenna signal are indicative that the portable radio and vehicle kit are operably connected such that the mobile communication system is fully operational. An operable-connection alert indicative of an operable connection between the portable radio and vehicle kit is generated by a radio display and an external speaker in response to a determination that the hands-free signal, external power signal and external antenna signal are present.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disabling the internal battery charging algorithm of an electric device when connected to a smart battery charger having its own internal controller and charging algorithm. The controller of the external battery charger varies the output of the charger to provide the battery with a current source that predictably varies in voltage or represents a digital signal at a preset data rate. The internal controller of the electronic device recognizes the varying nature of the supplied direct current and disables its own internal battery charging algorithm. The charging algorithm of the external battery charger thus independently controls the charging of the electronic device internal battery.