Abstract: A communications device and method of operating the communications device are provided. The communications device includes a housing having a first edge portion. A display device is attached to a display device support member. The display support member is slidably attached to the housing to allow the display device to be positioned in an extended position beyond the first edge portion of the housing for viewing the display device when the communications device is in use and a retracted position within the housing when the communications device is not in use.

Abstract: An interface box links a user's cellular telephone with all the standard telephone extensions at the user's home or office. In this way, the portable cellular telephone is the interface between the user's telephone extensions and the telephone company. The interface box connects to the cellular telephone's access connector, for example, whenever the cellular telephone is laid in a cradle of the interface box. Through this connector is sent all power, signal and input/output connections. In addition to the interface circuitry, the interface box preferably recharges the cellular telephone's battery.

Abstract: A power management circuit for use in a terminal interface device such as a modem which converts available line side power into usable power for use by the terminal interface device to activate a variety of line status indicators. These line status indicators signaling the off-hook status of the terminal interface device, low line side power, or the presence of excessive line current. The line status indicators draw power from the available line side power without placing a burden on the attached digital device or its power source. Certain line status indicators utilize flasher/oscillator circuits to increase the functionality of the line status indicators by providing a frequency based pulse to more accurately describe the operating environment of the circuit.

Abstract: An antenna system for a communication card provides wireless or radio frequency (RF) communication with other networks or communication systems. The antenna system includes an antenna attached to a retractable platform that is selectably movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When wireless communication is desired, the retractable platform is located in the extended position and the antenna is substantially disposed outside of the body of the communications card. When wireless communication is not desired, the retractable platform and antenna are stored inside the body of the communications card in the retracted position. Desirably wireless communication is automatically available when the retractable platform is in the extended position, and wireless communication is automatically unavailable when the retractable platform is in the retracted position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wirelessly communicating between a master and slave device with multi-directional infrared transmissions are provided. The master device is equipped with a multi-directional infrared (IR) port in the form of either a PCMCIA communications card, an infrared domed housing or a plurality of IR ports, positioned multi-directionally, about a computing system configuration. The IR port has a plurality of IR pairs, infrared isolated therebetween, comprised of an infrared transmitter and receiver. From the master device, each of the IR transmitters transmit an attention pulse in a wide-angular pattern in a singular plane to attract the attention of the slave device regardless of its physical placement in relation to the master device. In response to the attention pulse, the slave device sends a reply. Thereafter, the reply is evaluated at each of the IR pairs according to various criteria to select the IR pair or pairs best suited for infrared communications with the slave device.

Abstract: A communications card is provided having a plurality of communications ports, capable of receiving and being placed in electrical communication with a media connector, that are pivotably maneuverable from within a housing of the communications card, a closed position, to a position outside of the card, an open position, to reveal the communications ports. In a preferred embodiment, the communications card has an upper and lower planar surface from which an elongate member pivots about a pivot means between the open and closed positions. A rail insertably mated with a channel of the elongate member is provided to guide the elongate member between the open and closed positions. A spring and a cam pin act in apposition against the elongate member to maintain the elongate member in each of the open and closed positions.