Abstract: The invention concerns a system (100) and method (200, 300, 400) for creating audio identification messages for a first communication device (102). In one arrangement, the method can include the step of populating a call list. This can be done by associating a recorded audio identification message with a caller identification (106) of a second communication device (104) that calls the first communication device, and storing (210) the recorded audio identification message in a call list. The audio identification message can be recorded by a user of the second communication device. In another arrangement, the method can include the steps of playing (308) the audio identification message and initiating (314) a call to an entry associated with the audio identification message.

Abstract: A device that includes a circuit board (214) and a first electrical contact (100). The first electrical contact can include a jacket (104) and a magnetic member (102) that slideably engages the jacket. The jacket can be soldered, fastened or clamped to the circuit board, or conductively attached to the circuit board in any other suitable manner. A first portion of the jacket can be attached to the circuit board so as to provide electrical continuity between the jacket and a conductive portion of the circuit board. The magnetic member can include a flange (108, 208) and can be translationally moveable between a first position in which the flange does not engage the jacket and a second position in which the flange does engage the jacket.

Abstract: A device that includes a circuit board (214) and a first electrical contact (100). The first electrical contact can include a jacket (104) and a magnetic member (102) that slideably engages the jacket. The jacket can be soldered, fastened or clamped to the circuit board, or conductively attached to the circuit board in any other suitable manner. A first portion of the jacket can be attached to the circuit board so as to provide electrical continuity between the jacket and a conductive portion of the circuit board. The magnetic member can include a flange (108, 208) and can be translationally moveable between a first position in which the flange does not engage the jacket and a second position in which the flange does engage the jacket.

Abstract: Remotely controlled devices (110) are controlled by one or more wireless remote controllers (114). The remotely controlled devices (110) and wireless remote controllers (114) communicate to each other over a two-way wireless link. The system and method provide pre-defined profiles that limit the performance of the remotely controlled devices (110) in order to provide different operating characteristics with the same remotely controlled devices (110). The system and method further provide one or more forms of feedback to a user of the wireless remote controller (114), such as sounds, vibration, and the like. The feedback can be provided in response to detected events associated with the remotely control device (110), such as sharp turns and the like. The performance limits of the remotely controlled devices (110) is also able to be modified with operating time in order to simulate, for example, improved driver skills, fuel depletion and/or pit stops.

Abstract: A method (500) for providing entertainment. The method can include receiving at least one statistical parameter (140) of a first entity (150) that participates in real world events and updating a performance parameter of a toy (110) that moves in real space or of a gaming device (405). The performance parameter can correlate to a performance of the first entity. In one arrangement, the statistical parameter can be received in real time. The statistical parameter can be a statistical rating of the first entity relative to at least a second entity (155) with which the first entity is competing. In one arrangement, the statistical parameter can be received on a remote control unit (120) as a parameter update (170). The parameter update also can be communicated to the toy. Further, the toy can be controlled with the remote control unit.

Abstract: A method (700) and system (100) for remotely controlling a remote controlled vehicle (150) can include a wireless transceiver (154), at least one impact sensor (158, 160, 162, 164, 166 or 168) on the remote-controlled vehicle, and a processor (156) or processor (106) in a remote controller (102) operatively coupled to at least one impact sensor and the wireless transceiver. The processor can be programmed to sense (702) impacts to at least a portion of the remote-controlled vehicle, modify (704) operation of the remote-controlled vehicle in response to the at least one impact sensed, and transmit (706) information to a remote controller with respect to the at least one impact sensed. The system can further include another wireless transceiver (104) in the remote controller for controlling the remote-controlled vehicle and receiving communication from or originating from the remote-controlled vehicle or another remote-controlled vehicle in competition with the remote-controlled vehicle.

Abstract: An inclinometer (600) can include a first housing portion (400) having a sloped surface (402) including plurality of conductive areas or surfaces (401, 415, 430, 445, 460, 416, 431, 446, and 461) on the sloped surface, and a second sloped surface (404) having a common contact (480) separate from the conductive areas. The conductive areas can be a plurality of conductive areas corresponding for example to tilt degrees of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 respectively in a left orientation and 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 respectively in a right orientation. The inclinometer can include a housing (602) that mates with the first housing portion and encloses the first housing portion and a conductive substantially spherical element or ball (700) therein. The ball can traverse the sloped surface and form a connection between the common contact and the at least one conductive portion as it traverses the sloped surface.

Abstract: Nanofibrous articles can be manufactured by a process that includes preparation of a surface of a substrate to provide an adhesion mechanism for securing the nanofibers to the surface. The nanofibers can be dispersed in an area near the substrate for the purpose of being adhered to the surface. If an ordered arrangement of nanofibers is required, an electric field can be provided in the area where the nanofibers are dispersed to selectively control an ordering of the nanofibers as they are adhered to the surface by the adhesion mechanism.

Abstract: Charging systems (10, 70) are disclosed that generally employ forces generated by at least one magnet (16–22) or (76–82) to guide and urge a rechargeable, portable or mobile electronic device (12, 72) toward a charging position with respect to a charging base (14, 74) therefor. By using magnetic forces to guide or urge the device (12, 72) to the charging position, substantially frictionless charging systems (10, 70) can be provided herein for shifting the device (12, 72) to its charging position. Either repulsion or attraction forces can be employed. Accordingly, depending on which magnetic force is used to urge the device (12, 72) to its charging position, an opposite magnetic force is preferably provided to provide the user a tactile indication of improper alignment of the device (12, 72) and charging base (14, 74).

Abstract: A method and apparatus form electrical connections between electronic circuits and conductive threads (102, 104, 106, 108) that are interwoven into textile material (130). Electronic circuits (128), such as semiconductor dies, are connected to a carrier (132) and electrical connections (136) are made to conductive connection areas (110, 112, 114, 116) on the carrier (132). Conductive stitching (202, 204, 206, 208) provides electrical contacts for both the conductive connection areas (110, 112, 114, 116) on the carrier (132) and the conductive threads (102, 104, 106, 108) that are interwoven into the textile material (130). Optionally, a thin, flexible substrate material (132) is perforated during the stitching process.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus (100) for indication of a charging condition. The apparatus includes an indication circuit (126) having at least one electromagnet (120) and a charge control circuit (128) for controlling charging current to a portable device (110). The indication circuit causes the apparatus to electromagnetically engage the portable device and the charge control circuit provides charging current to the portable device during the engagement. The indication circuit also causes the apparatus to electromagnetically decouple the portable device when the portable device is charged to a predetermined level to permit a user to remove the portable device from the apparatus.

Abstract: An antenna coupling assembly (100) includes an stub section (107) for coupling radio frequency (RF) energy from an RF source to a radio antenna. An antenna coupler ground (113) is positioned adjacent to the stub section (107) and is electrically connected to the ground of the RF source (101). In accordance with the invention, a ground extension section (115,115',115") is attached to the antenna coupler ground (113) for electrically extending the physical length of the antenna coupler ground to enhance efficiency and overall performance of the antenna coupler.