Abstract: A keypad (102) for entering data in an electronic device (100) is disclosed. The keypad includes a thin circuit (202) with a first side (302) and a second side (304). The keypad also includes a user interface (204) located on the first side of the thin circuit. In addition, the keypad includes a dome array system (206) coupled to the second side of the thin circuit.

Abstract: A mobile communication device having a light accessory port. The mobile communication device can include a housing, a transceiver, a controller coupled to the transceiver, a light generating source coupled to the controller, and an optical transmission port coupled to the light generating source and coupled to the housing. The optical transmission port can be configured to optically and detachably couple a visibly perceptible light-emitting light output device to the mobile communication device.

Abstract: Conductive pads (126) of a first PCB (114) and conductive pads (128) of a second PCB (116) are electrically coupled. An electrical device includes a housing portion (112) which has an inner face (122) including a protrusive element (200). First PCB (114) has a body (203) and a flexible portion (204) which includes conductive pads (126). An elastomeric connector (208), having an elastomeric face (210) and an elastomeric edge (212), is positioned adjacent to protrusive element (200). First PCB (114) is disposed within inner face (122) of housing portion (112) such that flexible portion (204) bends, preferably at an angle perpendicular to body (203) of first PCB (114), by protrusive element (200). Flexible portion (204) is secured to elastomeric face (210), thus securing conductive layers of elastomeric connector (208) to conductive pads (126).

Abstract: A communication device (1600) such as a portable radiotelephone handset features interchangeable faceplates including a first faceplate (1604) and a second faceplate (1804) which are removably attachable to a housing (1602). At least one of the plurality of faceplates includes a movable element (1802) such as a keypad cover. A sensor such as a switch (1574) detects the presence of the movable element (1802) and provides a detection signal to a controller (1560) which varies the operation of the communication device (1600) in response thereto.

Abstract: A unique coupling apparatus of the present invention comprises a substantially hollow cylinder functioning as a coupling member (106) preferably having gaps (126, 141) extending in the axial direction from the ends, leaving attachment members in the center. One end of the cylinder contains an undercut feature in the shape of an annular ring or flange (128) on the interior surface of the cylinder. The opposite end of the cylinder contains an undercut feature in the shape of an annular ring or flange (142) on the exterior surface of the cylinder. The gaps in the center of the cylinder allow the half portions of the cylinder to flex about the attachment members toward or away from one another at each end respectively. The novel coupling apparatus finds particular application in retaining a pivoting wall mount/desk mount conversion bracket (100) in either of two positions of a base (200) such as a cordless telephone base station.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus (100) includes a base (102) and a handset (104) configurable in a desktop mode and a wall mount mode. Spring loaded detents (132, 134) in the base (102) engage recesses in the handset (104) in wall mount mode to securely retain the handset (104) in a pocket (101) in the base. The base includes a switchable detent mechanism (170) for retracting the detents (132, 134) in response to an actuator (150) when the base (102) is switched from wall mount mode to desktop mode. Thus, the detents (132, 134) do not interfere with the handset (104) when the handset (104) is placed in or withdrawn from the pocket (101).

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (100) has a housing (111) that supports the major electrical components of the UPS (100), i.e., a transformer circuit (207), a switching circuit (217), and a battery (209). Furthermore, a connector (107;115;117) affixed to the housing (111 ) is capable of removably affixing the UPS (100) to an alternating-current (AC) outlet (102).

Abstract: A novel conductive contact comprises a dual beam spring (308, 310) which forms a "C" shaped spring and which is used to electrically mate to a contact on a printed circuit board. The open end of the "C" spring preferably fits over a plastic rib (404) in a housing for support. A surface mount contact (504) on the PCB has formed wings which fit into a rectangular slot in the PCB. To make electrical connection, the board is placed over the "C" spring. The "C" spring and plastic support protrude through the rectangular slot in the PCB. The conductive contact is preferably formed from a single piece of metal.

Abstract: An keypad comprises at least first and second actuators formed of a substantially translucent elastomeric material. A barrier (103) disposed within the first actuator (200) permits light, emitted by a first light source (105), present inside the first actuator (200) to substantially illuminate at least a portion of the first actuator (200) without substantially illuminating the second actuator (505) and permitting light, emitted by a second light source (503), present outside the first (200) and second (505) actuators, to substantially illuminate at least a portion of the first actuator (200) and at least a portion of the second actuator (505). A method for making a selectively illuminated keypad is also disclosed.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for a multiunit system includes a portable unit (101) and a base unit (103). The portable unit (101) includes first and second conductive contacts (119, 120) disposed on the portable unit (101) essentially opposite each other, and rechargable energy storage means (311) electrically coupled to the first and second conductive contacts (119, 120). The base unit (103) includes an indentation (124) formed in the base unit (103) and having a receiving surface shaped to receive at least a portion of the portable unit (101), first and second conductive protrusions (127, 129) extending outwardly beyond the receiving surface essentially opposite each other, and energy source means (131) electrically coupled to the first and second conductive protrusions (127, 129). The first and second conductive protrusions (127, 129) contact the first and a second conductive contacts (119, 120), respectively when at least a portion of the portable unit (101) is placed in the indentation (124).

Abstract: A mechanism using a convertible mounting apparatus (103 and 105) for installing a communication device in both a horizontal and vertical configuration is described. The position of a wedge shaped platform (103) on the installation interface of the communications device (105) may be changed without separating the wedge shaped platform (103) from the installation interface of the communication device (105). In a vertical installation configuration, an aperture disposed in the installation interface of the communication device (105) further encompassed by the wedge shaped platform (103) provides a volume of space to store excess electrical cord (205) used for the communication device.