Abstract: A multi-way speaker array is disclosed that includes rings of transducers of different types. The rings of transducers may encircle the cabinet of the speaker array such that the speaker array is rotationally symmetric. The distance between rings of transducers may be based on a logarithmic scale. By separating rings of transducers using logarithmic spacing, denser transducer spacing at short wavelengths is achieved while limiting the number of transducers needed for longer wavelengths by spacing them in larger and larger logarithmic increments. Transducers with overlapping frequency ranges may be used in the speaker array to avoid initial dips or shortfalls in directivity for corresponding beam patterns.

Abstract: A device for radiating sound energy into the surroundings and receiving sound energy from the surroundings, where the device comprises a housing having a top portion, a side portion and a bottom portion wherein a loudspeaker unit is provided in the top portion configured to generate sound energy in the surroundings of the device and where the housing is further provided with a microphone having an inlet portion, where the microphone is configured to receive sound energy from a sound reception region that is in acoustic communication with said surroundings of the device, wherein the sound reception region is provided adjacent the bottom portion of the housing, such that the inlet portion of the microphone faces away from the top portion of the device.

Abstract: A multi-way speaker array is disclosed that includes rings of transducers of different types. The rings of transducers may encircle the cabinet of the speaker array such that the speaker array is rotationally symmetric. The distance between rings of transducers may be based on a logarithmic scale. By separating rings of transducers using logarithmic spacing, denser transducer spacing at short wavelengths is achieved while limiting the number of transducers needed for longer wavelengths by spacing them in larger and larger logarithmic increments. Transducers with overlapping frequency ranges may be used in the speaker array to avoid initial dips or shortfalls in directivity for corresponding beam patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for managing wireless transmitting devices in which a wireless transmission from a transmission device is detected within or about a set area and an allowability of the transmission device to continue transmitting is based on an identification information, of the device, a location of the device and a number being called by the device.

Abstract: A laryngoscope includes a laryngoscope blade; a laryngoscope handle coupled to the laryngoscope blade; an electronic display; and an adjustable display mechanism that adjustably couples the electronic display to the laryngoscope handle. The adjustable display mechanism provides relative rotation of the electronic display relative to the laryngoscope handle about a first axis and a separate second axis different than the first axis.

Abstract: A mobile telephone equipped for activation of an emergency mode comprises a housing, a detection circuit triggered, especially interrupted, from outside the housing and a strap member cooperating with the detection circuit for triggering, especially interrupting, the detection circuit upon pulling the strap member off the housing. An electronic control unit of the telephone monitors triggering of the detection circuit, to activate an emergency mode in case of such triggering and to automatically perform emergency operations in the emergency mode. The strap member comprises a strap, a first connector attached to the strap and a bridging circuit portion. The housing comprises a second connector that cooperates with the first connector for fastening the strap member to the housing. The connectors are configured as mating snap-fit connectors, with the connector or of the strap member comprising at least two bridging circuit terminals.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device is movable among a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. Several different exemplary embodiments are described, some having two members, others having more. In one embodiment, certain features or objects are unavailable in a retracted configuration but are available in a deployed configuration or an overtravel configuration. A method of responding to predetermined events comprises detecting a movement of a handheld electronic device away from a first configuration toward a second configuration without reaching the second configuration.

Abstract: Telephone test sets include a telephone test set housing and at least one lead that extends away from the telephone test set housing. The lead is configured to be coupled to a telephone line. A light source, a data port and/or a display are integrated with the telephone test set housing. The light source is configured to project light away from the telephone test set to illuminate an area adjacent the telephone test set. The data port is configured to receive a data jack operatively associated with a communications device. The display is configured to display identification information associated with the telephone line. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A keypad device for a mobile telephone or other device utilizing a keypad or keyboard is comprised of a flexible substrate and a keypad cover. The flexible substrate includes a plurality of keys affixed to the surface as well as a plurality first conductive strips associated with each key. The keypad cover is attached to the flexible substrate. The keypad cover typically includes holes that permit the plurality of keys to protrude through the keypad cover. In addition, the keypad cover further includes a plurality of second conductive strips that selectively contact a corresponding first conductive strip on the flexible substrate. The plurality of first conductive strips is coupled to ground and the plurality of second conductive strips is coupled to logic circuitry. Or, in another embodiment, both sets of conductive strips are coupled with the logic circuitry. The default position of the keypad device has each of the first conductive strips in contact with each of the corresponding second conductive strips.

Abstract: A keypad arrangement for an electronic device comprises a keypad comprising activatable keys. It comprises also input signal means (801, 802, 901, 1001, 1601) for bringing an electric input signal to the keypad, and signal conversion means (703, 705, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 812, 813, 818, 1208, 1206) for responding to a key activation by selectively converting the input signal into an electric output signal the value of which depends on the activated key. Additionally there are output signal detection means (902, 903, 904, 1002, 1602) for detecting the value of the electric output signal. The arrangement comprises a first electromagnetic coupling (706, 708, 709, 710, 803) between the input signal means and the signal conversion means, and a second electromagnetic coupling (707, 711, 804) between the signal conversion means and the output signal detection means.

Abstract: A data entry and processing system providing for simple two stroke entry of numerous auxiliary alpha-numeric data in addition to the single stroke entry of numeric data, using conventional data entry keys. The key array includes a set of radial direction indicator keys that are used with the conventional keys to select and enter a given alpha-numeric data item. An LCD display, a pre-programed micro-processor and other electronic components are included to display the data entries, as well as to convert entered data signals to the necessary DTMF tones for telecommunication or ASCII codes for computer data entries. The system is simple for use by ordinary users, and all electronic components are standard, minuscule in size, small in number, low in power need and low in cost. It is particularly adaptable for miniaturized device application.

Abstract: A user interface device for inputting and outputting information. The user interface device includes a plurality of keys slidably retained within a housing, each key being associated with a plurality of alphanumeric characters or functions. The keys are joined together to slide substantially in unison. The user interface device also includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure applied to one or more of the plurality of keys, a direction sensor configured to detect direction of motion of the plurality of keys, a selection component for selecting at least one of an alphanumeric character or function based on the sensed pressure and sensed direction of motion, and an output device for presenting the selected at least one alphanumeric character or function based on the sensed pressure and sensed direction of motion. The selected alphanumeric character or function is associated with the key where the pressure was sensed and with an associated direction closest to the sensed direction of motion.

Abstract: A key button switch structure for use in a handheld mobile phone, comprises an input button 1 having a push-down pressure transmitting projection A1 and a button inclination preventing projection B 3 both projected from a bottom surface of the input button, integrally with the input button. Two electrodes A9 and B 10 are formed on a substrate 8 fixed to a body casing 6. A dome-like switch contact 7 is provided to be pushed down by the push-down pressure transmitting projection A1 of the input button when the input button is depressed, thereby to electrically contact both the two electrodes.

Abstract: A user interface, and an associated method, facilitates operation of a mobile station by a physically-disabled user. In one implementation, concave-shaped face covers are provided for the telephonic keypad of a mobile station to facilitate its usage by a physically-disabled user. In another implementation, the mobile station is provided with a TTY (telecommunications device), also to facilitate operation of the mobile station by a physically-disabled user. And, in another implementation, a location-request signal generator, carriable by a user, generated a location-request signal upon actuation by the user. The mobile station includes a local receiver for receiving the location-request signal and an annunciator for annunciating reception of the location-request signal. If the mobile station becomes misplaced, a user actuates the location-request signal generator, and the annunciation signal generated responsive to detection of such signal at the mobile station facilitates location of the mobile station.

Abstract: A multi-function keyboard in which at least some of the individual keys are actuable in a first mode in which a single character is displayed, and a second mode in which a first, a second or a third character is displayed. A switch permits selection of the desired mode which activates different key press click sounds depending on mode of operation..

Abstract: There is disclosed a telephone keypad apparatus having a dual-switch button in which each of switch contacts can be individually operated depending on the locations at which the buttons are pushed, by mounting two switches for every button in the telephone keypad. In accordance with the present invention, in a telephone keypad in which twelve push buttons are arranged in a grid shape, each of the buttons has two switches for connecting/disconnecting an electrical flow and the buttons are pushed freely right and left. If the left of the button key cap is pushed the left switch is connected, if the right of the button key cap is pushed the right switch is connected and if the middle of the button key cap is pushed both the switches are connected.

Abstract: A telephone that has dual keypads, wherein one of the keypads is a standard 12 number (1-9, 0, #, and *) keypad and the other keypad comprises a plurality of keys having a single character on each key. When a character key is pressed, it generates a DTMF pair corresponding to one of the 12 standard DTMF pairs.

Abstract: A pushbutton arrangement includes a pushbutton switch mounted on a substrate and the pushbutton switch has an actuating position. The pushbutton arrangement further includes a supporting member fixed to the substrate and a button operation member for pushing the actuating portion of the pushbutton switch. An elastic connection member is fixed to the supporting member at one end thereof and has the button operation member fixed at the other end thereof so that the button operation member is placed on the actuating portion of the pushbutton switch.

Abstract: A data entry device is provided, having as its primary function the entry of numeric data. A secondary function is the entry of alphabetic characters. The device is operated with a single hand and requires no shift or function keys. The number of keys of the device is kept to a minimum to avoid visual clutter and to facilitate its use with one hand. The keys are designed to be easy to access and to be operated while wearing a glove.

Abstract: An interface device, such as a mouse input device, is used to provide input to a computer system or alternatively to a telephone system. The motion of the mouse input device over a first surface is detected. Selections made by a user on a mouse selection key are also detected. Numeric entry is received from numeric entry keys on a top surface of the mouse input device. In the preferred embodiment, the numeric keys are arranged as a dialpad for a telephone.

Abstract: Unwanted acoustic noise and environmental degradation associated with the use of a highly sensitive microphone in a telephone test set are eliminated by a microphone-integrated keypad laminate architecture, in which a microphone is snugly captured within a microphone holder molded into a pliable keypad unit and its leads sealed against the environment and case vibration. The keypad unit is supported by a keypad support structure adjacent to the test set's keypad face, so that the microphone holder is retained adjacent to an acoustic coupling port, and the keypad's keys are accessible by way of keypad apertures in the keypad face. A printed circuit board urges the keypad unit into engagement with the keypad support structure. The keypad unit and the printed circuit board have sealed aperture arrangements through which electrical leads of the microphone pass for connection to the circuit board.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus having a speech input module arranged movable from a position adjacent to a main shell to a position distanced from the main shell for calling. The communication terminal apparatus includes a transmitter/receiver circuit for modulating and transmitting an output signal from the speech input module, and demodulating and reproducing an input signal, an input control mechanism composed of a plurality of operating keys, a detector mechanism for detecting the position of the speech input module; and a controller device responsive to a detection signal from the detector mechanism for controlling the action of the input control module as well as conducting the transmission and receiving actions of the transmitter/receiver circuit. The controller device is arranged to enable the action of the input control mechanism when a particular one of the operating keys of the input control mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: A serial data generating circuit and a key input signal generating circuit are provided at a panel substrate side, and input key data are transmitted in series to a main substrate side of a telephone apparatus. The number of signal lines connected between the panel substrate and the main substrate are reduced. Further, on the main substrate side downstream of a selection circuit, a data converting and producing circuit which converts the serial input key data into parallel dial data is provided to permit switching of the signal source between a processor and the panel substrate to thereby enable a dial call origination even during a power failure condition.

Abstract: A telephone having a plurality of key tops and a small number of light sources for illuminating the key tops with a thin construction. A switch panel formed of a transparent material is mounted on a case of the telephone. The switch panel has a plurality of holes through which the key tops of a key top sheet are respectively inserted. An opaque film is formed on an outer surface of the switch panel. A plurality of conductive contracts are formed on a lower surface of the key top sheet at positions corresponding to the respective key tops. A plurality of switch patterns are formed on a printed circuit board so as to respectively face the conductive contacts. With this construction, the switch panel functions as a light guiding board, thereby efficiently illuminating the plurality of key tops by means of the small number of light sources such as LEDs.

Abstract: Multi-status data entry key and keyboard capable of a one-to-one correspondence between each key status and a pre-assigned signal or state, with the neutral position or status being one of the states. Each non-neutral key status is associated with a unique pre-determined signal and corresponds uniquely to a specific symbol function or operation. The implementation of this keypad in telephones, computers, cash registers and other devices is shown. Its implementation in telephones is extensively covered.

Abstract: A telephone is secured against vandalism by a double layer face plate or assemblage of tough materials. The assemblage consists of an outer plate covering most of the front of a telephone upper housing or casing, and a second layer covering the housing casing in areas not covered by the outer layer. Two such areas are those which involve openings in the outer or first layer for mounting the standard information pads above and below the dial push buttons. The second layer is open in the area of the push buttons, but the outer layer is provided with a grid thereat for preventing the housing or casing pushbutton grid from being pried out. The outer plate may be provided with wings to also secure the sides and top of the housing or casing against drilling and the insertion of a wire to pin the coin switch vane or to ground the coin switch relay to hold up deposited coins. The outer plate may also be provided with depending portions to cover the telephone coin box and coin return bucket.

Abstract: A locator aid for identifying and permitting the actuation of the number "9" and "1" keys of a rotary or touch telephone keyboard. Each locator includes a base which is fixedly positioned with respect to the telephone, an elongated guide strip, and an intermediate hinge connection between the base and the guide strip. Each base is positioned with respect to the telephone so its guide strip will lie in spaced relation to a finger hole of a rotary dial or in overlying relation to one of the keys of a keyboard. In a preferred construction the locator is constructed of a die cut plastic strip and includes multiple, bendable hinge joints and an adhesive fastener, which permits selective attachment of the locator to a phone body. In other constructions, the locator is integrally molded as an selectively attachable member or is molded as part of the keyboard.

Abstract: A telephone visual signaling device is provided which consists of a telephone connected to an incoming signal line and a mechanism for producing an identifiable beam of light when the telephone receives a telephone call on the incoming signal line.

Abstract: Emergency radio telephone apparatus includes a housing, a radio transceiver for receiving and transmitting modulated radio signals, an actuator connected to the housing for actuating the transceiver and initiating the process of making connection to a predetermined emergency phone number. The actuator may alternately be of modular construct, not permanently connected to the housing allowing easy replacement of the emergency call actuator with a modular construction telephone keypad and display, thereby converting the emergency-only radio telephone into a full-functioned radio telephone. A cover can be attached to the transceiver allowing access only to the emergency call actuator thereby restricting calls to only the emergency number. Cover, modular keypad, modular actuator, or transceiver can have a lock to prevent removal of modular components.

Abstract: A weighted telephone base assembly and a method of providing a weighted telephone assembly. The telephone base assembly comprises a telephone housing having a base member, first and second printed circuit boards, and a weight having first and second parts. The base assembly is provided by locating and supporting the first part of the weight and the first circuit board upon the base member with the first circuit board overlying the first part of the weight in a space defined between the first and second parts of the weight; retaining the first circuit board upon the base member by latch means whereby the first part of the weight is removably retained upon the base member; and positioning the second circuit board on a support surface provided by a second part of the weight, so that the second circuit board is supported by the weight.

Abstract: An adaptor unit is designed to fit over the touch tone telephone pad of a cellular car phone. The adaptor unit has an electronic voice quality chip module in it so that when push buttons having numbers on them on the adaptor unit corresponding to the numbers on the touch tone pad are pressed, the voice module says the number. The adaptor unit has a built in speaker and battery supply so that it can be snapped over and attached to an existing telephone touch tone pad and does not require any wiring.

Abstract: A telephone terminal base having a front plate holding dialing buttons in a set and a barrier layer behind the plate to protect a printed circuit board from environmental conditions. Ribs are provided on the front plate at each side of the set of buttons to seal against the barrier layer and screws disposed outwardly of the ribs from the set of buttons compress the barrier layer against the ribs to provide a sealing action.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a telephone structure that eliminates the need for fasteners to assemble a keypad and secure the keypad in place in the telephone. This is accomplished by a telephone that comprises a hollow housing (100) having a face portion (120) that includes an array of holes (122) and a keypad assembly (400) that comprises a sandwich of a static shield (430), button member (410), and switch contact member (450). The keypad assembly is assembled on the underside of the housing by means of a locating member (300) which has upstanding collar portions (325) that register in the holes of the face portion and depending pins (328) that register in holes in the members of the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly is held in place by a base member (200) that is joined to the housing and supports a raised pedestal (210) that extends into close proximity with the underside of the face portion and presses the keypad assembly against the face portion (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A sub-assembly (20) of a housing for electronic equipment and which is capable of carrying electronic components. The sub-assembly (20) comprises an injection moulded plastics body having an area (21) in which a regular array of apertures (22) are formed, pushbuttons (23) being mounted in each aperture of the regular array of apertures. The pushbuttons (23) are shaped and dimensioned so that they cover the whole of the first area (21), the gaps between the pushbuttons (23) being limited to those required to allow clearance for operation of individual pushbuttons (23). Some of the pushbuttons are replaced by cover plates (24,25) which are mounted in appropriate apertures of the array of apertures.The pushbuttons (23) operate on dome shape elastomeric switching elements (45) arranged between the pushbutton plungers (43) and the printed circuit board (40). The domes have an electrically conductive portion which bridges conductive tracks on the printed circuit board when the corresponding pushbutton is depressed.

Abstract: A pushbutton keyboard assembly has a plurality of pushbuttons mounted over a circuit board. A circuit pattern on the circuit board has a plurality of switch positions and a pushbutton is aligned with each switch position. A cap fits over each pushbutton, each cap having a clear top for viewing of an indicia printed on the top of the pushbutton. Each cap has a laterally extending flange by which it is held in position by a dial cover extending over the circuit board and having apertures for the pushbuttons and caps. By the provision of caps, the indicia can be printed using material having suitable characteristics matching the pushbutton material, without the need of also withstanding wear during use.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement for computer equipment in which the full set of keys is utilized for computing functions has a restricted set of the full set of keys used for operating a telephony function. The equipment is normally mainspowered, but in the event of mains failure, only the restricted set of keys is scanned by means envisaged from standby battery power, thereby reducing the power required from the battery.

Abstract: A control surface is positioned on the top horizontal surface of the case of a personal radio. A flexible printed circuit connects the control surface to the internal electronic circuits of the personal radio. A printed circuit board is connected to the flexible printed circuit by a connector soldered to both the flexible printed circuit and the printed circuit board. Some of a plurality of electrical pathways disposed on the printed circuit board are grouped into conductive pairs, while other pathways connect the conductive pairs to the connector. A keypad formed of a sheet of resilient material encases a surface of the printed circuit board. Molded into the keypad are resilient hollow keys, the hollow of each of which contains a conductive pad. When a key of the keypad is depressed, the conductive pad associated with that key makes contact with predetermined ones of the conductive pairs of the printed circuit board, completing an electrical circuit.