Abstract: Systems and methods for docking portable electronic devices. A master device may be docked to a slave device to control the operation of the slave device. The slave device may have a form factor different than that of the master device. For example, the slave device may be a tablet and the master device may be a handheld device such as a smart phone. The slave device may include a retention mechanism to retain the master device in a docked position with respect to the slave device. When in the docked position, the master device may be in operative communication with one or more hardware components of the slave device to control the operation thereof. The slave device may lack the ability to exploit the full functionality of the one or more hardware components of the slave device without communication with the master device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for docking portable electronic devices. A master device may be docked to a slave device to control the operation of the slave device. The slave device may have a form factor different than that of the master device. For example, the slave device may be a tablet and the master device may be a handheld device such as a smart phone. The slave device may include a retention mechanism to retain the master device in a docked position with respect to the slave device. When in the docked position, the master device may be in operative communication with one or more hardware components of the slave device to control the operation thereof. The slave device may lack the ability to exploit the full functionality of the one or more hardware components of the slave device without communication with the master device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an actuator (2) comprising material adapted to contract when activated (4) within an inner sleeve assembly (24) contained by an outer sleeve assembly (22) that is cylindrical in shape. The inner sleeve (24) assembly further comprises a slide (16), an overstress spring (14), a sleeve (8), and a rebias spring (12). When the material adapted to contract (4) is activated, the contraction causes a rebias spring (12) to compress and a working end piece (18) moves causing desired movement. When the rebias (spring 12) expands, the actuator (2) returns to its normal resting position. In some embodiments a magnetic latch (44) can be paired with and activated by the actuator (2).

Abstract: An electronic communication system including: (a) a fastener (2) operable to close or open to secure an item such as a seat (20) to a vehicle; (b) electronic communication means (42) linking the fastener (2) to at least one separate device, such as a second fastener (2) or a handheld remote user-controlled device (40), to communicate information to the separate device; and (c) electronic circuitry to detect the status of the fastener and to generate the information to be communicated by the electronic communication means to the separate device, wherein the information, which may be an electrical signal such as electrical pulse, relates to the open or closed status of the fastener.

Abstract: An electronic communication system including: (a) a fastener 2 operable to close or open to secure an item such as a seat 20 to a vehicle; (b) electronic communication means 4 linking the fastener 2 to at least one separate device, such as a second fastener 2 or a handheld remote user-controlled device, to communicate information to the separate device; and (c) electronic circuitry to detect the status of the fastener and to generate the information to be communicated by the electronic communication means to the separate device, wherein the information, which may be an electrical signal such as an electrical pulse, relates to the open or closed status of the fastener.

Abstract: The described embodiments provide mobile electronic devices and associated methods for securely maintaining a connected relationship between device housings. These embodiments include a first housing having at least one first engagement portion and a second housing having at least one second engagement portion, where the second engagement portion is movable between a disconnected state and a connected state relative to the first engagement portion. Further, the second engagement portion is also movable a predetermined engagement distance. Additionally, a limiting structure is positionable adjacent to at least one of the first housing and the second housing such that the limiting structure prevents the second engagement portion from moving the predetermined engagement distance after achieving the connected state.

Abstract: The described embodiments provide devices and methods for securing a lens member in a mobile electronic device. The lens member is positionable between a front housing and a rear housing of the device such that inner surfaces of the housings both exert a biasing force on the lens member such that the lens member is substantially immovable relative to the inner surfaces. As such, the lens member is securely fixed within the housings and cannot be removed or separated from one or both housings without evidence of tampering.

Abstract: A vibrator bracket 224 for mounting a vibrator 226 including a motor 228, a shaft 231 controlled by the motor and weight 232. The bracket has members (260, 261) to engage the motor. The bracket has a shaft support, including an opening 275 for receipt of an end of the shaft remote form the motor whereby the shaft is positioned in the opening and deflection of the shaft is limited by the support.

Abstract: The integrated shielding and mechanical support simultaneously addresses the problems of providing RF shielding for an electronic device such as a radio transceiver and providing a rigid mechanical assembly for the electronic device. Two conductive rails (120, 130) hold together multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs) (140, 160) having conductive layers (145, 165) to produce a four-sided shielding box (180) that protects certain electronic circuits on the PCBs from electromagnetic interference. An internal conductive shield (150) subdivides the inside of the shielding box to provide additional protection for sensitive circuitry. The shielding box inserts into an opening in a five-sided housing section (110) using guides (112, 114, 116, 118), which simplifies assembly of PCBs in the housing and facilitates automated assembly. A second housing section (190) attaches to the shielding box (180) once it is inserted into the five-sided housing section (110).

Abstract: An electrically conductive clip (100) includes a first contact surface (116) facing a first direction, a second contact surface (118) facing a second direction different from the first direction, and a third contact surface (122) facing a third direction different from the first and second directions. The clip is biased to exert a force in the first, second, and third directions.