Abstract: A multicomponent network may be added to a transmission line in a high-frequency circuit to transform a first impedance of a downstream circuit element to second impedance that better matches the impedance of an upstream circuit element. The multicomponent network may be added at a distance more than one-quarter wavelength from the downstream circuit element, and can tighten a frequency response of the impedance-transforming circuit to maintain low Q values and low VSWR values over a broad range of frequencies.

Abstract: A facility for transferring configuration information to a target media device is described. The facility receives in the target media device a copy of media device settings stored in a source media device distinct from the target media device in a first form in which they are used in the source media device. This copy of media device settings is received by the target media device via a route other than its visual user interface. The facility causes the received copy of media device settings to be transformed into a second form in which they can be used in the target media device. The facility then stores the media receiver settings in the second form in the target media device for use by the target media device.

Abstract: A facility for transferring configuration information to a target media device is described. The facility receives in the target media device a copy of media device settings stored in a source media device distinct from the target media device in a first form in which they are used in the source media device. This copy of media device settings is received by the target media device via a route other than its visual user interface. The facility causes the received copy of media device settings to be transformed into a second form in which they can be used in the target media device. The facility then stores the media receiver settings in the second form in the target media device for use by the target media device.

Abstract: A facility for transferring configuration information to a target media device is described. The facility receives in the target media device a copy of media device settings stored in a source media device distinct from the target media device in a first form in which they are used in the source media device. This copy of media device settings is received by the target media device via a route other than its visual user interface. The facility causes the received copy of media device settings to be transformed into a second form in which they can be used in the target media device. The facility then stores the media receiver settings in the second form in the target media device for use by the target media device.

Abstract: A multicomponent network may be added to a transmission line in a high-frequency circuit to transform a first impedance of a downstream circuit element to second impedance that better matches the impedance of an upstream circuit element. The multicomponent network may be added at a distance more than one-quarter wavelength from the downstream circuit element, and can tighten a frequency response of the impedance-transforming circuit to maintain low Q values and low VSWR values over a broad range of frequencies.

Abstract: A multicomponent network may be added to a transmission line in a high-frequency circuit to transform a first impedance of a downstream circuit element to second impedance that better matches the impedance of an upstream circuit element. The multicomponent network may be added at a distance more than one-quarter wavelength from the downstream circuit element, and can tighten a frequency response of the impedance-transforming circuit to maintain low Q values and low VSWR values over a broad range of frequencies.

Abstract: An antenna for a radio communications device includes a ground plane and a conductor loop overlying the ground plane. A monopole extends off the ground plane, and the monopole and the conductor loop are coupled at a common feedpoint. In some embodiments, the conductor loop is rectangular. In further embodiments, the antenna may further include a helical element arranged coaxial with the monopole and coupled to the common feedpoint. The ground plane, the conductor loop, the monopole and the helical element may be configured to provide a desirable voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) over a wide frequency range of frequencies used for cellular telephony, global positioning services, and ad hoc wireless networking. Radio communications devices incorporating such antennas are also described.

Abstract: A self-checkout terminal system includes a self-checkout core application module for controlling a self-checkout terminal, the self-checkout core application module controlling peripheral input and output devices at the self-checkout terminal for receiving inputs from, and providing outputs to, a retail customer. An emulator module connected to the self-checkout core application module emulates, independent from the self-checkout core application, a native vendor software application in a network of cashier-operated checkout terminals administered by a vendor server computer, the emulator module passing commands and data to, and receiving commands and data from, the vendor server. The self-checkout core application converts inputs received at the peripheral input devices into inputs expected by the emulated native vendor software application, and converts device update outputs from. the emulated native vendor software application into updates to the peripheral output devices.

Abstract: A communications device includes a cover member, a circuit board having a lowest point of potential, and an antenna to transmit and receive RF signals. The antenna is electrically connected to the circuit board. A carrier is interposed between the circuit board and the cover member. The carrier includes an electrically conductive layer electrically connected to the point of lowest potential of the circuit board.

Abstract: Multi-band, Inverted-F Antenna with capacitively created resonance, and radio terminal using same. The present invention creates an additional resonance frequency in a planar-style, inverted-F antenna (PIFA), such as that typically used in mobile radiotelephone or other types of radio terminals. A first radiating branch of the antenna is connected to the signal feed conductor and the ground feed conductor. A second radiating branch is connected to the signal feed conductor and the ground feed conductor at one end and is capacitively coupled to the first radiating branch at the other end so that the antenna resonates at an additional resonance frequency. The additional resonance frequency can be used for, among other things, adding GPS or Bluetooth functionality to a radiotelephone terminal that otherwise operates on GSM (Global System for Mobile) or other mobile radiotelephone terminal frequencies.

Abstract: A conductive element with a primary branch and a secondary branch are separated by a bend segment and the signal and ground feeds are positioned adjacent each other on a common portion of the conductive element. The frequencies in the high band may be at least about twice that of the frequencies in the low band. The branches and bend segment are constructed such that the primary branch radiates at both high and low band operation. The two branches combine to form a more efficient high band radiator.

Abstract: An antenna for a radio communications device includes a ground plane and a conductor loop overlying the ground plane. A monopole extends off the ground plane, and the monopole and the conductor loop are coupled at a common feedpoint. In some embodiments, the conductor loop is rectangular. In further embodiments, the antenna may further include a helical element arranged coaxial with the monopole and coupled to the common feedpoint. The ground plane, the conductor loop, the monopole and the helical element may be configured to provide a desirable voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) over a wide frequency range of frequencies used for cellular telephony, global positioning services, and ad hoc wireless networking. Radio communications devices incorporating such antennas are also described.

Abstract: Multi-band, Inverted-F Antenna with capacitively created resonance, and radio terminal using same. The present invention creates an additional resonance frequency in a planar-style, inverted-F antenna (PIFA), such as that typically used in mobile radiotelephone or other types of radio terminals. A first radiating branch of the antenna is connected to the signal feed conductor and the ground feed conductor. A second radiating branch is connected to the signal feed conductor and the ground feed conductor at one end and is capacitively coupled to the first radiating branch at the other end so that the antenna resonates at an additional resonance frequency. The additional resonance frequency can be used for, among other things, adding GPS or Bluetooth functionality to a radiotelephone terminal that otherwise operates on GSM (Global System for Mobile) or other mobile radiotelephone terminal frequencies.

Abstract: A conductive element with a primary branch and a secondary branch are separated by a bend segment and the signal and ground feeds are positioned adjacent each other on a common portion of the conductive element. The frequencies in the high band may be at least about twice that of the frequencies in the low band. The branches and bend segment are constructed such that the primary branch radiates at both high and low band operation. The two branches combine to form a more efficient high band radiator.

Abstract: Compact, planar inverted-F antennas are provided that radiate within multiple frequency bands for use within communications devices, such as radiotelephones. Multiple signal feeds extend from a conductive element in respective spaced-apart locations. A respective plurality of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are electrically connected to the signal feeds and are configured to selectively connect the respective signal feeds to ground or RF circuitry. In addition, each MEMS switch can be opened to electrically isolate a respective signal feed.

Abstract: Multi-frequency band antennas for use within wireless communicators, such as radiotelephones, are provided and include a first conductive branch configured to radiate in a first frequency band and a second conductive branch configured to radiate in a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band. The first conductive branch includes opposite first and second end portions and opposite first and second edge portions that extend between the first and second end portions. A notch is formed in the second edge portion adjacent the second end portion. The second conductive branch includes opposite third and fourth end portions and opposite third and fourth edge portions that extend between the third and fourth end portions. The first and second conductive branches are connected together at the first and third end portions and are configured to electrically couple at the respective second and fourth end portions.

Abstract: A communications device includes a cover member, a circuit board having a lowest point of potential, and an antenna to transmit and receive RF signals. The antenna is electrically connected to the circuit board. A carrier is interposed between the circuit board and the cover member. The carrier includes an electrically conductive layer electrically connected to the point of lowest potential of the circuit board.

Abstract: Multi-frequency band antennas for use within wireless communicators, such as radiotelephones, are provided and include a first conductive branch configured to radiate in a first frequency band and a second conductive branch configured to radiate in a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band. The first conductive branch includes opposite first and second end portions and opposite first and second edge portions that extend between the first and second end portions. A notch is formed in the second edge portion adjacent the second end portion. The second conductive branch includes opposite third and fourth end portions and opposite third and fourth edge portions that extend between the third and fourth end portions. The first and second conductive branches are connected together at the first and third end portions and are configured to electrically couple at the respective second and fourth end portions.

Abstract: Multiple frequency band antennas having first and second conductive branches are provided for use within wireless communications devices, such as radiotelephones. First and second conductive branches are in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship. First and second signal feeds extend from the first conductive branch and terminate at respective first and second switches. Third and fourth signal feeds extend from the second conductive branch and terminate at respective third and fourth switches. The first and second conductive branches can jointly radiate as a dipole antenna in a first frequency band when the first and fourth switches are open, and when the second and third switches electrically connect the second and third feeds to a first receiver/transmitter. Antenna structure may be changed by reconfiguring the various switches. For example, the first and second conductive branches may radiate separately as respective inverted-F antennas, or may radiate independently as monopole antennas.

Abstract: Antenna systems for use with wireless communication devices such as radiotelephones are provided and include a first antenna configured to be internally mounted within a wireless communicator and a second antenna configured to be mounted external to the wireless communicator. The first antenna is resonant within a frequency band and the second antenna is configured to electrically couple with the first antenna so as to enhance the resonant frequency band of the first antenna. The second antenna may be parasitically coupled with the first antenna or directly connected to the first antenna. Alternatively, the second antenna may be directly connected to a ground plane adjacent to a signal feed of the first antenna.