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: The present invention is directed to a novel system and method for connecting and interfacing a communications device, such as a modem, to a two-wire telephone line via a telephone base set (e.g., PBX or PBX-like), thereby allowing for data communications on the telephone line. The modem and the telephone base are interconnected by way of an interface adapter. Interface circuitry present within the interface adapter converts the digital interface (e.g., a wireless or cellular interface) into a PBX-compatible interface for interaction with a PBX phone base set. The interface adapter allows a modem that has a digital peripheral interface such as a cellular interface to communicate with a PBX base using the existing cellular interface. In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes a cable detector circuit that allows the modem to automatically detect when it is connected to a telephone base by way of the interface adapter.

Abstract: A visual feedback system for providing information to a user regarding aspects such as the status and operation of the systems and components of one or more electronic devices. The visual feedback system is preferably employed in the context of a PC card and includes one or more light sources, preferably light emitting diodes, configured for electrical communication with the electronic circuitry by which the functionality of the PC card is implemented so that certain events that occur with respect to the status and operation of the PC card cause the light source to emit light. The emitted light is received by a light reflecting member that, preferably, substantially encloses the light source and reflects the received light in a manner and form consistent with a desired application. The reflected light is then directed, by virtue of the geometry of the light reflecting member, to one or more predetermined locations, one of which is preferably proximate to the receptacle of a connector included in the PC card.

Abstract: A visual feedback system for providing information to a user regarding aspects such as the status and operation of the systems and components of one or more electronic devices. The visual feedback system is preferably employed in the context of a PC card and includes one or more light sources, preferably light emitting diodes, configured for electrical communication with the electronic circuitry by which the functionality of the PC card is implemented so that certain events that occur with respect to the status and operation of the PC card cause the light source to emit light. The emitted light is received by a light reflecting member that, preferably, substantially encloses the light source and reflects the received light in a manner and form consistent with a desired application. The reflected light is then directed, by virtue of the geometry of the light reflecting member, to one or more predetermined locations, one of which is preferably proximate to the receptacle of a connector included in the PC card.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel system and method for connecting and interfacing a communications device, such as a modem, to a two-wire telephone line via a telephone base set, thereby allowing for data or voice communications on the telephone line. The modem and the telephone base are interconnected by way of an interface adapter, which also provides a connector for connecting the telephone's handset. Relay circuitry present within the interface adapter automatically switches between a data mode state and a voice mode state, depending upon what kind of communication is desired over the telephone line. In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes a cable detector circuit that allows the modem to automatically detect when it is connected to a telephone base by way of the interface adapter. Also disclosed, is a novel method for programming the host computer connected to the modem, and the communication processor located on the modem.

Abstract: A novel line-current protection circuit that is useable with a PCMCIA modem card is disclosed. The protection circuit is adapted to detect when an excessive voltage is present across the tip and the ring leads of a telephone subscriber loop by sensing the amount of line-current being supplied to line interface circuitry disposed on the PCMCIA modem card. The protection circuit includes a current sensing circuit portion that is placed in series with the tip lead and which detects when the line current exceeds a predetermined maximum amount. In the event the line current exceeds the maximum amount, the current sensing circuit asserts an excessive line current signal which is being monitored by a digital processor. The digital processor responds by causing a relay circuit to be opened, thereby causing the PCMCIA modem to be in an "on-hook" state.