Abstract: A method and system capable of playing different audio signals in different nodes of a small environment. The system is comprised of a number of nodes, which may be rooms of a house or hotel, or offices of a business. Each node has at least one audio speaker. The system further comprises an audio signal distribution device, which is connected to the nodes and delivers audio signals to the nodes. The audio signal distribution device further comprises a storage device for storing the audio signals. At least one of the nodes has a control interface for selecting the audio signals to be transferred to the nodes. In this fashion, each node is capable of playing a different audio signal than any other node is playing concurrently.

Abstract: The present invention enables a traditional analog telephone to be used with VoIP applications. For example, the user could connect their standard 900 MHz telephone to this invention, establish a VoIP call and enjoy the freedom of movement their cordless telephone provides. The preferred embodiment of the present invention minimizes overhead to the host computer via a dual CODEC modem that incorporates a DSP capable of simultaneous communication with the two CODEC modules. This architecture facilitates a latency and communication overhead reduction as the analog voice signals effectively “stream” from the first CODEC to the second CODEC.

Abstract: A computing environment in which a plurality of portable computers use a spread spectrum communications link to wirelessly communicate with and receive input from a plurality of peripheral devices. In a preferred embodiment, one or more portable or laptop computers each have a PCMCIA card. The PCMCIA card has an RF transreceiver that sends and receives spread spectrum signals, where each spread spectrum signal identifies and makes a demand upon a peripheral device. The spread spectrum signals from the transreceiver on each PCMCIA card are received by a transreceiver on a docking station that is interfaced to one or more peripheral devices. The docking station ‘de-spreads’ the spectrum signals and then directs the same to the particular interfaced peripheral device identified in the signal. A similar process is followed in transmitting a spread spectrum signal from one of the interfaced devices to a particular laptop computer.

Abstract: A novel line-current protection circuit for detecting excessive line current from a telephone line and protecting line interface circuitry from the excessive line current is presented. The protection circuit is adapted to detect when an excessive current is present on the tip and ring lines indicative of the misconnection of the modem or other line interface device with a telephone network that presents an incompatible interface standard. The preferred embodiment appreciates the multimode hold current specifications throughout the world and evaluates the connection of the line interface circuit with a telephone line to determine the compatibility therewith. When excessive line current is detected, the line-protection circuit switches the vulnerable line interface out of the circuit. When compatible line current levels are detected, the present invention reconfigures the configurable hold circuit into its original operating (e.g., non-testing) state for call processing.

Abstract: A power management circuit for use in a terminal interface device such as a modem which converts available line side power into usable power for use by the terminal interface device to activate a variety of line status indicators. These line status indicators signaling the off-hook status of the terminal interface device, low line side power, or the presence of excessive line current. The line status indicators draw power from the available line side power without placing a burden on the attached digital device or its power source. Certain line status indicators utilize flasher/oscillator circuits to increase the functionality of the line status indicators by providing a frequency based pulse to more accurately describe the operating environment of the circuit.

Abstract: A retractable antenna system is disclosed that enables electronic devices to engage in wireless communication. A preferred embodiment includes a retractable antenna disposed within a cavity in the electronic device and an actuating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting the antenna from within the cavity. The antenna system is preferably disposed within the housing of a communications card such as a PC Card. The retractable antenna may be rigid or flexible, and may be a single piece design or telescopic. The antenna system may also include two or more retractable antennas, a light source attached to the antenna, a control mechanism used to determine antenna functionality based on the positioning of the antenna, and the retractable antenna may be connected modular portion of the communication card.

Abstract: An integrated modular plug receptacle package is disclosed wherein one or more modular plug receptacles, or jacks, are defined by bringing two or more PC cards into operable communication, such as within the card slot cavity of a portable computer, for instance. Each PC card has formed on a posterior edge thereof one or more modular jack portions. The jack portions on one card coordinate with complimentary jack portions on the other card(s) to form an integrated modular jack to which may be connected a modular plug, such as an RJ series connector. In addition to PC cards, various electronic device components may have formed on a surface thereof modular jack portions enabling them to be operably connected to a similarly equipped component, thereby also defining a modular connector.

Abstract: A retractable platform allows communication to be established with an electronic device, such as a computer expansion card. The retractable platform is preferably slidably attached to the electronic device and retractable platform includes a wireless interface that allows the communication between the platform and the electronic device to be established. The wireless interface may use an optical coupling, inductive coupling, capacitive coupling or other suitable wireless or non-mechanical interface to allow communication between the retractable platform and the electronic device. Advantageously, the retractable platform can be removed and replaced, which virtually eliminates breakage, and it allows the platform to be easily repaired, replaced, upgraded, and the like. The retractable platform can also include electronic circuitry and other suitable components that process or condition the incoming and outgoing signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring and controlling automation equipment. The present invention uses a modem's processing and memory resources to interpret and translate data and commands associated with automation equipment. When receiving data from the automation equipment, the modem interprets the data using its own processing power and stores the interpreted results in its own memory for subsequent retrieval. Commands for control are translated into a compatible format by the modem and then transmitted to the automation equipment. The present invention also allows for remote access through the modem for both monitoring and controlling without requiring any host interaction. A modem according to the present invention further provides for its host to operate in a mode of reduced processing and power consumption while the modem continues to monitor and control automation equipment.

Abstract: An integrated modular plug receptacle package is disclosed wherein one or more modular plug receptacles, or jacks, are defined by bringing two or more PC cards into operable communication, such as within the card slot cavity of a portable computer, for instance. Each PC card has formed on a posterior edge thereof one or more modular jack portions. The jack portions on one card coordinate with complimentary jack portions on the other card(s) to form an integrated modular jack to which may be connected a modular plug, such as an RJ series connector. In addition to PC cards, various electronic device components may have formed on a surface thereof modular jack portions enabling them to be operably connected to a similarly equipped component, thereby also defining a modular connector.

Abstract: A retractable antenna system is disclosed that enables electronic devices to engage in wireless communication. A preferred embodiment includes a retractable antenna disposed within a cavity in the electronic device and an actuating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting the antenna from within the cavity. The antenna system is preferably disposed within the housing of a communications card such as a PC Card. The retractable antenna may be rigid or flexible, and may be a single piece design or telescopic. The antenna system may also include two or more retractable antennas, a light source attached to the antenna, a control mechanism used to determine antenna functionality based on the positioning of the antenna, and the retractable antenna may be connected modular portion of the communication card.

Abstract: A digital access arrangement for (i) isolating downstream components from twisted pair copper wire and (ii) separating upstream and downstream communications channels. The line isolation is performed with relatively small, lightweight components, such as an optical isolation unit for example, and can be operated with signals modulated at relatively high frequencies and having relatively high data rates and amplitudes.

Abstract: A jack for facilitating an electrical communication between a media plug and an electrical apparatus includes a low profile slide plate having an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture is configured to receive a media plug. A contact pin projects from the slide plate into alignment with the aperture and is configured to engage the media plug in electrical communication when the media plus is received within the aperture. Mounted on the slide plate is a pair of spaced apart first and second fuse contacts. The fuse contacts are configured to receive and retain a fuse disposed therebetween. The first fuse contact is disposed in electrical communication with the contact pin. The second fuse contact is configured for electrical coupling with the electrical apparatus. In one embodiment, the first and second fuse contacts are disposed within a fuse slot formed on the slide plate. The slide plate can be configured for either permanent or removable attachment to the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: An extendable/retractable media connector for extending from an electronic device such as a PCMCIA type-III card or other electronic device. The connector includes a slidable extendable/retractable frame having an aperture therein for physically receiving a media plug. The aperture further includes electrical contacts for operably mating with complementary contacts on the media plug. The connector further includes a rotatable electrical interface between the fime, a portion of which may be physically attached to the frame in the form of electrical tracks, which provides commutator-like electrical coupling between the electrical contacts in the aperture and electronic circuitry within the electronic device or card. The connector provides rotational freedom to the media connector and any accompanying cabling while coupled with the connector and further facilitates various angles of insertion of the media plug into the connector for user convenience and ease of attachment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for wireless communication of a computer with a wireless network or a wireless device. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pc card is configured for insertion into a computer pc card slot. Additionally, a sliding assembly is housed within the pc card. This sliding assembly is operable for sliding into a retracted position and a protruded position. When in the retracted position, the sliding assembly is mostly concealed within the pc card. When in the protruded position, the sliding assembly is partly exposed outside of the pc card. Furthermore, an antenna element is fitted inside the sliding assembly. When the sliding assembly is in retracted position, this antenna element enables wireless communication of a computer with a wireless network or a wireless device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminated connector that may be illuminated from a light source that is not immediately adjacent to the connector. The connector is illuminated by projecting a focused beam of light onto a translucent portion of the connector. The focused beam of light may then be redirected so as to illuminate selected sections of the connector in order to indicate diagnostic information or identify the source or model of the electronic device in which the connector is placed.

Abstract: A PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) modem card includes a PCB (printed circuit board) sealed in a slender enclosure, typically the size of a credit card. The PCB contains a hole for receiving a drop-in electronic component, such as a resetting fuse. The fuse comprises a block of positive-temperature-coefficient material sandwiched between a pair of parallel contacts. Each contact includes a tab for surface mounting the fuse to an array of conductive films located on the surface of the PCB. The tabs lie in a common plane and in a plane parallel to the planes of the contacts.

Abstract: A PC card includes a housing bounding a compartment. The housing includes a top cover plate, a bottom cover plate, and a border frame extending therebetween. A circuit board having electrical circuitry formed thereon is disposed within the compartment of the housing. An electrical connector configured for coupling with an electrical apparatus is mounted on the housing in electrical communication with the circuit board. A fuse slot is formed at least partially on the border frame and is configured to removably receive a fuse. The fuse slot communicates with the exterior through an opening. Disposed within the fuse slot are spaced apart first and second fuse contacts. The fuse contacts are each disposed in electrical communication with the circuit board. The fuse contacts are also configured to engage the fuse in electrical communication when the fuse is received within the fuse slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transceiving data across an isolation boundary in a communication network between a user device on a user side of the isolation boundary and a line-side associated with a communication network such as a telephone network. Transmit data on the user side and receive data on the line-side are pulse modulated using known techniques such as pulse position and pulsewidth modulation methods. The resultant pulse modulated data streams then digitally traverse the isolation boundary via an isolation device such as an optocoupler. Upon completion of the traversal of the isolation boundary, the traversed pulse modulated data is integrated to form an approximation of the original transmit and receive data, respectively, without added distortion from a traversal of the isolation boundary by analog data.

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.