Abstract: A method of constructing an antenna of a portable communication device. The method includes wrapping a conductive element around a flexible support, coupling the conductive element and the flexible support to a rigid connector to assemble an antenna core, and coating the antenna core with a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone layer. The method further includes fitting a first half of a silicone rubber sheath and a second half of a silicone rubber sheath around the antenna core, compression molding the first half of the silicone rubber sheath and the second half of the silicone rubber sheath around the antenna core, and bonding, by the RTV silicone layer, the silicone rubber sheath to the antenna core.

Abstract: A method of constructing an antenna of a portable communication device. The method includes wrapping a conductive element around a flexible support, coupling the conductive element and the flexible support to a rigid connector to assemble an antenna core, and coating the antenna core with a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone layer. The method further includes fitting a first half of a silicone rubber sheath and a second half of a silicone rubber sheath around the antenna core, compression molding the first half of the silicone rubber sheath and the second half of the silicone rubber sheath around the antenna core, and bonding, by the RTV silicone layer, the silicone rubber sheath to the antenna core.

Abstract: A device for clearing liquid from an audio transducer is provided. The device comprises an audio transducer and a port from an external surface of the device to the audio transducer. The device further comprises a liquid clearing mechanism for pushing liquid, trapped in the port, out of the port to clear a path for sound between the audio transducer and the external surface, and an actuator for operating the liquid clearing mechanism.

Abstract: A device for clearing liquid from an audio transducer is provided. The device comprises an audio transducer and a port from an external surface of the device to the audio transducer. The device further comprises a liquid clearing mechanism for pushing liquid, trapped in the port, out of the port to clear a path for sound between the audio transducer and the external surface, and an actuator for operating the liquid clearing mechanism.

Abstract: A housing (100) provides electrostatic discharge protection and structural robustness for a portable communication device. A hybrid formation of an inner housing portion (102) composed a non-ESD material provides for robustness and an outer housing portion (104) formed of ESD material provides improved grounding.

Abstract: A communication device such as a cellular telephone (200) includes a heat-generating device (206) that generates heat energy. In thermal proximity to the heat-generating device (206) is a scent package (208) that includes a scented substance that is activated by the heat generated by the heat-generating device (206). In one embodiment of the invention, the heat-generating device (206) is a power amplifier. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of providing a scent in a communication device comprises providing a heat-generating device and placing a scent package in thermal proximity to the heat-generating device. The heat-generating device can be a power amplifier used by the communication device, or other electrical circuit found in the communication device.

Abstract: A communication device such as a cellular telephone (200) includes a heat-generating device (206) that generates heat energy. In thermal proximity to the heat-generating device (206) is a scent package (208) that includes a scented substance that is activated by the heat generated by the heat-generating device (206). In one embodiment of the invention, the heat-generating device (206) is a power amplifier. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of providing a scent in a communication device comprises providing a heat-generating device and placing a scent package in thermal proximity to the heat-generating device. The heat-generating device can be a power amplifier used by the communication device, or other electrical circuit found in the communication device.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonically welding two plastic parts together. One part (30) has a weld joint feature (23) that is covered with a metal layer (27), and the other plastic part (25) has a complimentary weld joint feature. The two parts are joined together by ultrasonically welding the two weld joint features to each other. A force (40) is applied to the first and second plastic parts prior to the step of welding. The force is substantially in excess of that required to cause the two weld joint features to contact each other. This method creates an ultrasonic welded metallized plastic assembly. Each part of the assembly has a weld joint feature, at least one of which was covered with a metal layer prior to welding. Portions of the each of the two weld joint features are deformed to form a plastic weld joint through the metal coating.

Abstract: A method for producing a three dimensional plastic article having an insert. The three dimensional plastic article (20) is formed by exposing a liquid photopolymer or other material (14) capable of selective solidification or curing to a source of energy (10), preferably a laser beam (30). A portion of the three dimensional plastic article is formed by selectively exposing portions of the surface (12) of the liquid photopolymer to the laser beam. The insert (26) is placed onto the partially formed article (20), and the remainder of the article is formed by selectively exposing additional portions of the surface (16) of the liquid polymer to the laser beam, creating successive layers, whereupon a plurality of the layers form the three dimensional article (20). The insert (26) becomes an integral part of the completed three-dimensional article.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a battery pack (50) comprising a plurality of cells (58) within a housing (52), each cell having a positive and negative terminals (57 and 59). The battery pack (50) further comprises molded-in circuitry means (54) on the surface of the housing (52) for providing interconnection between the plurality of cells (58). Optionally, the housing (52) further comprises molded-in or integral spring fingers (56). The spring fingers (56) are preferably biased toward the positive and negative terminals and provide at least some interconnection for the plurality of cells (58).

Abstract: The present invention provides for a battery pack (30) comprising a housing (31) and a plurality of cells (46) within the housing (41), each cell having a positive and negative terminal. A flex circuit (48) is provided for interconnecting between the plurality of cells (46). The battery pack (30) additionally comprises biasing means (38) for providing sufficient contact pressure between the flex circuit (48) and the cell terminals.