Abstract: A unique method and apparatus automatically switches between a voice mode and a data mode in a wireless communication device. In particular, a communication device (200) adapted to voice and data signals monitors a data network for data traffic for a first predetermined period of time (506), then monitors a cellular control channel (516) for cellular traffic during a sleep mode of the data network before establishing normal cellular operation. The method and apparatus increases efficient use of channel capacity by selectively switching between systems during periods of nonuse. Finally, according to other novel aspects of the present invention, user prompts (606, 618) enable efficient use of a communication device capable of transmitting and receiving both voice and data.

Abstract: A terminal insertion machine (10) includes a feed unit (14) for feeding a strip (16) of terminals into a workstation (12) for inserting a terminal into a housing. The feed unit (14) includes a feed finger (56) for intermittently feeding the strip and an anti-backup finger (84) for preventing movement of the strip while the feed finger (56) is retracted preparatory to feeding the next terminal. A single release member (100) is arranged to pivot into first, second, and third positions (140, 142, 144) for moving the feed and anti-backup fingers into and out of engagement with the strip of terminals when loading the strip, when operating the insertion machine, and when removing the strip from the insertion machine, respectively.

Abstract: An ergonomic computer mouse workstation includes a base operable to rest on a surface defining a reference plane having a normal surface axis extending perpendicular thereto and a platform secured to the base. The platform has a work surface operable to support a computer mouse, the work surface being disposed at an angle to the reference plane, the base being moveable relative to the platform to position the work surface at an angular orientation relative to the reference plane, to provide a slope to the work surface. The ergonomic computer mouse workstation may further include a counterbalance for providing a force to the computer mouse to oppose the tendency of the computer mouse to move down the inclined surface.

Abstract: A hand support apparatus has a mechanism for positioning it adjacent a computer input device on a work surface. The apparatus includes a first connector connectable to the computer input device, the hand support itself and a coupler connected between the first connector and the hand support. The coupler couples the first connector to the hand support while permitting extension and retraction of the first connector relative to the hand support, in an operating space adjacent to the hand support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering packet data with unknown delays and error transients is disclosed that includes a received waveform containing a desired information signal relative to a fixed reference, for eliminating an undesired error in the received waveform where the error is localized in time relative to the received waveform to a transient interval, and recovering the desired information signal. Included also is a sampler, responsive to the received waveform, providing a series of time samples representative of the received waveform. A buffer, responsive to the time samples, for providing a plurality of representations of the received waveform at different instants of time, where the length of time is an appreciable duration of a transient interval. A reference slicker, responsive to the plurality of representations, for providing an estimate of a fixed reference.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering data in the presence of error transients is disclosed that includes a received waveform containing an information signal encoded at periodic time instants of a known period for eliminating an undesired amplitude error in the received waveform, where the error is slowly varying with respect to the known periods and recovering the desired periodic time instants. A delay element for delaying the received waveform by an amount equal to the period is included and a subtracting element for comparing the received waveform with the delayed waveform, and providing a timing recovery signal with zero crossing substantially less corrupted by the undesired amplitude error, and an averaging circuitry operating on the timing recovery signal for purposes of recovering the desired periodic time instants aids in recovering data in the presence of error transients.

Abstract: A spark ignition system for a vehicle produces pulses representing the engine crankshaft angle. These pulses are counted, and compared with a datum signal which varies in accordance with engine conditions. When the two signals compared are equalled, then a spark is produced.