Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining device for the purpose of mechanically and electrically connecting a mobile user device, in particular a mobile radio telephone or a PDA, to a vehicle.

Abstract: Free setting of the angle or direction of a camera is available while the camera is being inserted into a cradle. A cradle for a digital camera is provided, which is capable of confirming a display screen of the camera, changing the recording medium or battery, or mounting or demounting a communication cable or the like while the camera is being mounted on the cradle without deteriorating the camera holding. The cradle has a structure such that a tripod screw hole is formed on the bottom surface of the cradle, thereby capable of fixing the cradle to a tripod while the digital camera is being inserted into the cradle. By making the height of rubber pads equal or higher than that of a tripod base, the cradle can be stably placed on a desk or the like.

Abstract: A resizable device stand includes a suction base, an adjusting module mounted on the suction base, and a load-supporting module mounted on the adjusting module. The load-supporting module includes a housing, a pair of clamps, elastic pieces, and a wedge. The housing defines a first channel and a second channel therein. The clamps include vertical parts and horizontal parts. The horizontal parts are received in the first channel. The vertical parts extend upwardly from the housing. The elastic pieces are configured for driving the clamps to clamp the device. The wedge is received in the second channel, configured to press and open the clamps via the interaction of the inclined surfaces when receiving a user operation. The stand is adapted for supporting different types and sizes of devices.

Abstract: A telephone hands-free system for a mobile telephone, having a holder (1) which has electronics, for holding a mobile telephone which is designed for wire-free communication, and having a control arrangement for controlling at least one hands-free function for the mobile telephone can be designed with a universal holder (1) for different mobile telephones in that the control arrangement is accommodated in the holder, in that the holder is designed for wire-free communication with the mobile telephone, and in that the holder can be adjusted for mechanically holding mobile telephones of different size.

Abstract: A portable electronic accessory holder for insertion into an existing vehicle cup holder includes a body having a continuous side wall that is sized to be received within the vehicle cup holder and an upper surface that coincides with at least a portion of the side wall. A pair of spaced sides extend upwardly from the upper surface to thereby define a gap therebetween. The gap is dimensioned to receive and hold a portable accessory, such as a portable phone, with the upper surface defining a support surface for the portable accessory. One or more cavities may also be located in the holder for providing multiple mounting positions for portable accessories.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hands-free holder for hands-free use of a device that is designed to be held up to a user's ear. The holder is connectable to the device and includes a sleeve that includes a transparent elastically stretchable material that defines an opening for receiving a portion of the device. The holder further includes a curved member that includes a first end and second end rotatably coupled to a first side of the sleeve and to an opposite side of the sleeve, respectively. The curved member defines an opening for receiving the top of a user's ear and is configured to rest on and behind the user's ear when the top of the user's ear is received in the opening such that the device connected to the holder is supported by the user's ear, thereby allowing hands-free use of the device.

Abstract: A wearable terminal holder device includes a curved body, a first D-ring and a second D-ring. The curved body has a first side and a second side with a longitudinal axis bisecting the first and second sides. The first D-ring is pivotally coupled to the first side of the body. The second D-ring is pivotally coupled to the second side of the body.

Abstract: A universal cradle apparatus having a telescoping clamping mechanism formed of a drive frame and a cooperating drive shaft that is movable along a common operating axis with first and second mounting surfaces each positioned on a respective one of the drive frame and the drive shaft, and first and second jaw structures each being coupled to a respective one of the drive frame and the drive shaft adjacent to the respective mounting surface thereof, each of the jaw structures having a respective clamping surface thereon and forming mutually opposing interior clamping surfaces arranged adjacent to the mounting surfaces positioned therebetween, and the clamping surface on the second jaw structure being spaced above and inclined toward the respective mounting surface and resiliently flexible relative thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling hands free operation of cell phones and other portable electronic devices is disclosed. The apparatus may include a headset having a housing and a set of extendable links coupled at a base end to the housing and coupled at an opposite end to an end cap. The set of extendable links may fit within an interior of the housing when fully retracted, and the end cap may be latched to the housing. The set of extendable links may be extended by hand, extended by spring force and retracted by hand, or extended and retracted by motorized force. An adjustable swivel arm is coupled at one end to the housing, and at the other end to a gripping device. The gripping device includes a plurality of gripping arms. A portable electronic device may be inserted and secured within the plurality of gripping arms.

Abstract: A stand for a handset having a display is provided. The stand consists of a fixed portion and an adjustable portion coupled to the fixed portion. The adjustable portion is operable to receive the handset and operable for adjustment of a viewing angle of the handset.

Abstract: A hands-free aural device holder for hands-free use of an aural device that is designed to be held up to a user's ear is connectable to the device and defines at least a portion of a pocket for receiving the top of a user's ear when the holder is connected to the device. The pocket thus formed is configured to cover a top of the user's ear when the user's ear is received in the pocket such that the holder and the aural device connected to the holder are supported and retained on the user's ear, thereby allowing hands-free use of the aural device connectable to the holder.

Abstract: A multi-handset telephone system includes is a first-base that includes circuitry for communicating with an external telephone line, a ringer for signaling when an incoming call is received, and a cradle for holding a single handset, a first handset, and a handset connection port. A second base has a cradle and a second handset. The interconnection is a flexible hardwired connection, and there is a switch associated with the second base. A port communicates the signal from the incoming call, and an outlet splits the telephone signal from the line into a plurality of handset cords. A first handset is connected with a first handset cord and a second handset is connected with a second handset cord of the plurality of handset cords. The corresponding plurality of handset cords permits a plurality of users in close proximity to speak on the plurality of handsets in a face-to-face situation with a third party. The telephone system is a digital and the second base does not have a ringer.

Abstract: A holder for a handless wireless communication device has triggering means at more than one location interacting with detecting means in the handheld wireless communication device for the handheld wireless communication device to detect whether or not it is present in the holder in any one of several possible orientations therein. The location of each of the triggering means corresponds to a different one of the possible orientations. In a more specific aspect of the invention, magnets are installed in the holder at more than one location, each location corresponding to a location sufficiently close to the detecting means, for example a proximity switch, in one of several orientations of the device in the holder.

Abstract: A holder for a mobile electronic device includes first and second clamping jaws, at least the first clamping jaw being displaceable toward the second clamping jaw to clamp the mobile electronic device. The holder also includes a stop element and an entraining element connected to the first clamping jaw, the entraining element being shaped so that it is displaceable with respect to the stop element, namely jointly with the clamping jaw connected to it, in which case at least one extreme position corresponding to the maximum opening of the clamping jaw is defined in the displacement path by the impact of the stop element against the entraining element. The holder includes a damper element, which is mounted on the stop element and damps the stopping of the stop element against the entraining element.

Abstract: A method (500), a handheld electronic device (102) and an external accessory (402) for controlling at least one function of a plurality of functions of the handheld electronic device is provided. The method includes determining (504) whether the handheld electronic device is docked in an external accessory. Further, the method includes measuring (506) a first magnetic field density when the handheld electronic device is docked in the external accessory. Furthermore, the method includes generating (508) a signal to activate at least one function, based on an electrical parameter.

Abstract: In a modular holder for supporting an apparatus or instrument such as a minicomputer or a cell phone, comprising a support member with a support head and an apparatus holder supported thereby, an intermediate box is releasably mounted with one side thereof by an engagement structure onto the support head and the apparatus holder is releasably mounted by an identical engagement structure onto another side of the intermediate box and the intermediate box includes at least a loud-speaker for transmitting sound generated by an apparatus engaged by the apparatus holder.

Abstract: A cell phone holder headband (1), when placed on the users had, enables the phone to stay in a normal talking position without having to hold it there with one hand. The cell phone is fit into an elastic band (7) that is looped through a plastic plate (5). An elastic strap was chosen to accept difference size ‘Bar’ and ‘Flip’ style cell phones. The plate is fitted to a swivel joint (2), that is connected to one end of the headband. The light weight acrylic band is adjustable (12) for a better fit to the users head and coils up (3) so the user can choose to use the phone still attached to the device, without Wearing the headband. This makes the device easy to store either on or off the phone. This swivel joint feature (2) locks into two positions (21), not only to allow the user to adjust the phone for a more comfortable talking position to the face, but also allows the phone to be worn and adjusted to accommodate either the left or right ear of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus that can secure an electronic device and be inserted into a conventional cup holder is described. The cup holder, for example, is inside of an automobile. The electronic device being held can be a variety of devices that include a digital music player. One embodiment of the invention includes a spool about which connecting cable can be wound. Adapting sleeves that fit around the base of the apparatus can be used to adapt electronic device holder to cup holders of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A user selects a ringtone or other alert pattern that can be played to provide notification of an incoming call and provisions the user-selected alert pattern into a mobile station. The mobile station is communicatively coupled to a docking station. When the mobile station receives an incoming call, the docking station plays the user-selected alert pattern through one or more audio systems associated with the docking station.

Abstract: To provide a slide mechanism of a portable device structured to allow slide operation semiautomatically, and a portable telephone provided with the slide mechanism of the portable device, it comprises a base member 5 mounted on either one of the first casing 2 and the second casing 3, a slider 4 slidably engaged with the base member 5 and mounted on the other of the first casing 2 and the second casing 3, and a slide energizing means 6 provided between the slider 4 and the base member 5. The slide energizing means 6 is constituted of a rotary arm 7 rotatably mounted on either one of the base member 5 and the slider 4, and an energizing member 8 mounted on the other of the base member 5 and the slider 4, allowing the first casing 2 and the second casing 3 to automatically open/close from a predetermined opening/closing position by acting on the rotary arm 7 to energize the rotary arm 7 to rotate from a predetermined rotary position to both of right and left directions.

Abstract: A holder for a handless wireless communication device has triggering means at more than one location interacting with detecting means in the handheld wireless communication device for the handheld wireless communication device to detect whether or not it is present in the holder in any one of several possible orientations therein. The location of each of the triggering means corresponds to a different one of the possible orientations. In a more specific aspect of the invention, magnets are installed in the holder at more than one location, each location corresponding to a location sufficiently close to the detecting means, for example a proximity switch, in one of several orientations of the device in the holder.

Abstract: There is provided an accessory (300, 500) for a portable electronic device that conveniently wipes an internal user interface of the device. The accessory (300, 500), is configured for removable attachment to the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device has first and second housings (102, 104) that rotate or otherwise adjust relative to each other. In particular, the portable electronic device may be closed or opened by adjusting the position of the first and second housings (102, 104). The portable electronic device has an internal user interface (106-116) that is exposed in the open position (100) and hidden in the closed position (200). The accessory (300, 500) includes an inner wall 306, 508) capable of placement between the first and second housings (102, 104) while the device is closed.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting platform assembly for removably retaining handheld devices using magnetic attraction. The magnetic mounting platform assembly provides a substantially flat support surface backed by an interface structure that secures the magnetic mounting platform assembly to an external mounting surface. A permanent magnet is disposed within a cavity that positions magnet in close proximity to the flat support surface. According to one embodiment of the invention, the interface structure also captures and secures the magnet between the pad and the mounting surface.

Abstract: The Wrist Clip is made out of both sides of a watchband. The left side has a strap with holes in it, and the right side has a clasp, which fastens together with the left side to hold The Wrist Clip together. The watchbands are made out of white gold, platinum, leather, stainless steel or plastic. The case, which holds the phone, can be any of the available types listed above depending on the consumer. There's a plastic disc, which is screwed into the phone case in the center. The left band is screwed into the left side of the disc located in the center of the case. The right band is screwed into the right side of the disc located in the center of the case. This allows the consumer to wear it on his or her wrist. The phone is placed in the desirable phone case nice and tight so the phone is secure and ready for use.

Abstract: Provided is a clamp for fastening a portable electronic device. The clamp comprises two spring biased sliding arms and a spring biased trigger member. Pushing the trigger member toward the body will move the shuttle member upward to unlock both arms for extending thereafter. In response to sandwiching the device between the arms releasing the trigger member will push the trigger member outward and the shuttle member downward respectively for locking the ridges. In a case of the device having its ports provided at one side or both sides thereof, two central, rectangular openings of the arms are adapted to allow the ports to dispose therein for causing no interference to a normal operation of the fastened device. A distance between both arms can be adjusted by sliding one arm toward or away from the other arm or sliding both arms toward or away from each other.

Abstract: A communication device holder for vehicles includes an upper cover and a lower cover cooperating with the upper cover; a left wing member and a right wing member, which are horizontally displaceable, are disposed in between the upper cover and the lower cover; one end of the left wing member is formed with at least one clamping jaw, and the other end of the left wing member is formed with a horizontal rack; one end of the right wing member is formed with at least one clamping jaw, and the other end of the right wing member is formed with the horizontal rack and at least one raised portion, and the raised portion is connected with a post formed on the upper cover through a spring; the spring pushes the right wing member to displace towards the outside of the upper cover.

Abstract: A holder device includes a base having an opening formed in a board, a seat received in the base and having a bracket attached to a panel, to form a channel between the bracket and the panel. The channel of the bracket is aligned with the opening of the board. A retainer is rotatably secured to a stand with a pivot shaft, and adjustable relative to the stand, and a housing is attached onto the retainer, and including a chamber formed therein for receiving an object therein. The stand is engageable into the channel that is formed or defined between the bracket and the panel, via the opening of the board. The board includes a front bag to receive a receiver device.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a dual-purpose position structure used as a hook and a dock comprising a base and another base, wherein the base is sheathed into the another base along a guiding track and two sides of a sliding trench of the base by using a guiding trench and two sides of a sliding plate of the another base, the another base is adjusted by engaging between a saw-toothed part of an elastic arm and a saw-toothed surface of the guiding track to form a dock with a size-adjustable containing space for setting an electronic apparatus therein or being hanged inversely on an office partition as a hook. At least one buckling device located on the supporting plate of the another base can be assembled with at least another buckling device located on a surface of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosure for a speaker for a communication device. The enclosure comprises: a surface; a speaker grill located in the surface, the grill having an opening therein providing an air channel to the speaker; and at least one structure located in a first region in the surface and protruding from the surface. The enclosure is shaped such that when the enclosure is placed on a flat surface with the surface facing the flat surface, the structure causes the surface to be canted from the flat surface to expose the speaker grill to ambient air.

Abstract: The holster has one or more magnets positioned so that a Hall effect sensor in the handheld device detects a magnet both when partially inserted in the holster and when fully holstered, thereby enabling desired elements of the device to be disabled from the beginning of the holstering process, to avoid accidental keystrokes or triggering of other input elements such as a trackball. The holster may have separate magnets to accomplish this, or an elongated single magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holder for a clamshell-type mobile phone with two parts connected to each other and foldable onto each other by a hinge. The holder includes a holding structure having two opposing sidewalls for releasably holding one part of the mobile phone. The holder includes a lower sidewall with a connector configured to connect to a corresponding connector of the mobile phone. The two opposing sidewalls and the lower sidewall together define an inside portion of the holding structure. The two opposing sidewalls respectively include a protruding element protruding towards the inside portion of the holding structure and configured to engage into respective apertures of the hinge of the mobile phone.

Abstract: A mobile telephone handset includes an elongated housing having a carabiner latch pivotally attached at a battery door on the rear side of the housing. The carabiner latch includes a hook portion having a spring-biased latch pivotally attached thereto for attaching the latch to a support element, such as a strap, loop or ring attached to a back-pack or other article of wearing apparel. The latch is stored within a door recess that receives the latch for storage purposes. The latch can be swung outwardly away from the housing to a variety of positions. A cylindrical projection is disposed within the door recess for frictionally receiving a central opening of the latch. A finger grip recess disposed within the door facilitates the grasping of the latch when it is disposed within the recess to facilitate swinging it away from the housing and out of the recess.

Abstract: A holder that is detachably attachable to a casing of a communication apparatus, including: a placement surface on which a handset can be placed; a first side surface; a displacement unit that is displaced in response to an act of placing the handset on the placement surface; a lever that is displaced according to a displacement of the displacement unit, the lever being projected in a first direction by a first distance from the first side surface; and an engagement portion being projected substantially in the first direction by a second distance, which is longer than the first distance, from the first side surface, the engagement portion engaging the holder with the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder (1) for an electronic device (6), in particular a mobile telephone (6), having a mount (3), which is hinged on a base element (2) such that it can pivot, for the mobile telephone (6). In this case, an adapter (4) is arranged between the mount (3) and the mobile telephone (6) and is designed for electrical, electronic and/or mechanical matching of the mobile telephone (6) to the mount (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for holding and making contact with a radio telephone, having an elongate, cuboidal housing with a contact unit which is located at one housing end and has contact-making and/or connecting elements, the contact unit of the radio telephone interacting with a pivotable mating contact unit (29) of a holder (20) for the radio telephone, and it being possible for the radio telephone to be positioned and/or plugged, by way of its contact unit, on the mating contact unit (29) of the holder (20) and to be pivoted therewith through a pivot angle. Provision is made here for the holder (20) to be adapted, in particular, to the longitudinal dimension of the housing of the radio telephone.

Abstract: An improved rearview mirror mounted telephone system mounted in a vehicle comprises a rearview mirror assembly having a housing and a reflective member associated with the housing in such a manner as to enable said reflective member to properly function as a rearview mirror; and an RF transceiver mounted to, within or on the rearview mirror assembly for providing a communication link with the rearview mirror assembly. The RF transceiver may be in communication with a portable telephone when the portable telephone is connected to the RF transceiver. The RF transceiver may be a cellular telephone transceiver.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fixed base assembly of mobile phone, which comprises a base having a cylinder at its center, a hollow at its bottom being connected to the cylinder such that the base is sheathed into a pillar at the center of a sucking disc, a spring surrounding the periphery of the pillar such that the base can expand and contract along the pillar and allowing a rotary member to be disposed on the cylinder and an extended position of the base, a flange substantially having a wave-shaped height and being symmetrical along the periphery, such that the two flanges respectively having a wave valley and a wave peak, a peg being used to be inserted into a pair of corresponding rectangular apertures of the cylinder to pivotally couple the sucking disc pillar, rotary member, and base, and both ends of the peg being exposed from the flange.

Abstract: An adapter in which a portable telephone having a socket including terminals connected to electric terminals therein is receivable includes an adapter body having a concave portion in which the portable telephone is receivable, a connector provided in the adapter body so as to be exposed to the concave portion, the connector having terminals connected to predetermined electric units including at least an antenna, the connector being connectable the socket of the portable telephone, and a clamping mechanism for clamping the portable telephone received in the concave portion of the adapter body in a state where the connector is connected to the socket of the portable telephone so that the terminals of the connector are in contact with the terminals of the socket of the portable telephone.

Abstract: A mobile device contains a case to rigidly secure and protect components of the mobile device, especially against large shock forces that can occur when the mobile device is dropped. The case is typically formed using a material that is generally rigid, lightweight (i.e., less dense), and relatively inexpensive, such as magnesium. The case further comprises rigid sidewalls that surround the peripheral edges of the device display. The sidewalls are arranged to protect the display by absorbing incidental shock forces. The case further comprises a surface is configured as a platform to receive a keypad. The surface is arranged to prevent forces from being transmitted from the keypad to an internal print circuit board, which provides protection against the internal printed circuit board from being flexed to the point of failure. The mobile device may further comprise a boot that is slidably coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A phone holding assembly adapted to hold a mobile telephone and including an outer member and an inner member. The outer member includes a series of mounting tabs that are adapted to releasably secure the phone holding assembly to a panel. The inner member includes mounting ears that extend through openings in the outer member to releasably secure the inner member to the outer member. When the inner member is secured within the outer member, a phone of a first size can be received therein, while when the inner member is removed from the outer member, a phone of a second, larger size can be held.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foldable base with a main body comprising a long groove, a latching section, a latched section and an insert slot; wherein the main body can be folded along the long groove to connect the latching section with the latched section to define a three-dimensional shape or unfolded to separate the latching section and the latched section and then spread the main body open along the long groove to define a sheet. The insert slot is coupled to a fixed base being coupled to a main system such as a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital assistant (PDA) by a transmission line, enabling a user to insert an electronic device such as a flash drive or a MP3 player through the insert slot into the fixed base.

Abstract: A hand carriable container for a portable personal audio device of the type which is normally listened to with earphones. The container includes: structure for holding the portable personal audio device; a device, separate from the personal audio device, for amplifying sound from said personal audio device; a source of power separate from the personal audio device, for the amplifying mechanism; a pair of speakers; and wiring for electrically connecting the personal audio device, the speakers, and the power supply to the amplifying mechanism. The speakers are mounted in compartments which are detachable and remotely positionable from the main portion of the container. The main portion of the container includes structure for storing pre-recorded audio material. The wires to the speaker are supported by a take-up reel supported in the main portion of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus to mount a mobile device having a main body with a receiving recess to receive the mobile device, a first locker to support and secure a lower part of the mobile device, a second locker for elastically supporting and securing an upper part of the mobile device to lock up or release the upper part of the mobile device, a lock/release disposed to be movable between a locking position of locking up the mobile device and a releasing position to release the mobile device from the lock-up state, an ejector to lift the mobile device in a given distance when the lock/release is moved to the releasing position, and a mounting fixture including position adjusting units to adjust an angle and a height of the main body and fixing units to fix the position adjusting unit in the vehicle.

Abstract: A telephone handset restraining and release mechanism comprises a cup-shaped enclosure for receiving and restraining the transmitter end of a telephone handset. This cup-shaped enclosure is mounted to the top surface of a housing that also supports a receiver end restraining mechanism. The receiving end restraining mechanism comprises a roller mounted to a slidable bracket biased into a telephone handset restraining position by means of cushioning spring pads.

Abstract: A portable telephone or cell phone holder fits in a conventional cup holder of an automobile or other vehicle. It has an arcuate sidewall that is less than 360° and is resiliently deformable to be squeezed down to less than the diameter of the cup holder and then, when released, to grip the inside surface of the cup holder. A tongue extends upwardly and radially inwardly from the sidewall to a distal end to provide a support telephone platform and has a concave slanted surface to accommodate and center a telephone belt clip.

Abstract: An apparatus that can secure an electronic device and be inserted into a conventional cup holder is described. The cup holder, for example, is inside of an automobile. The electronic device being held can be a variety of devices that include a digital music player. One embodiment of the invention includes a spool about which connecting cable can be wound. Adapting sleeves that fit around the base of the apparatus can be used to adapt electronic device holder to cup holders of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fixed base assembly of mobile phone comprising a base, a cylinder extended upward from the center of the top of the base having one end coupled to a connecting rod, and the other end of the connecting rod able to clamp a mobile phone, wherein the bottom of the base is hollow and connected to the inside of the cylinder, such that the base can be slid, expanded, or contracted up and down along the cylinder. In addition, a clicking member is extended from the cylinder and the base, and the pivotal end of the clicking member symmetrically has a circular protruded head section such that when the clicking end of the clicking member is pressed, the head section of the clicking member presses against the surface of the base to lift the sucking disc of the cylinder, and make the bottom of the sucking disc vacuum and attached onto a fixed object.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a portable object includes a support platform (210), a first arm (120) coupled to the support platform, a second arm (130) coupled to the support platform, a biasing member (140) located between the first and second arms, a locking mechanism (150) capable of maintaining the first arm and the second arm in any one of a plurality of discrete positions with respect to each other, and a release button (260) capable of releasing the locking mechanism adjacent to the support platform. The biasing member is capable of urging at least a portion of the first arm and at least a portion of the second arm toward each other.

Abstract: A telephone assembly including a handset containing a microphone and/or a receiver. The handset is equipped with a space designed to hold a hand-held cordless telephone that can be removed from the handset, and for electrical coupling of the cordless telephone.

Abstract: In a vehicle, means of mounting a cell phone on the vehicle dashboard with minimal wiring and external connections, using manufacturer power connections made available on the dashboard. The mounting means is either an after market accessory addition to the vehicle or a option available at the time of purchase to render easy and convenient mounting of the cell phone without loose wires and providing proper positioning of a video camera built into the cell phone. The cell phone is positioned for viewing either through the windshield or backward onto the occupants enabling monitoring accidents between vehicles, the result of an accident on the occupants of the vehicle or for security monitoring of the trespassers within the vehicle. This is accomplished by mounting the camera at the dashboard. Another advantage is to improve the power output of the cell phone by positioning the antenna (part of the hand held cell phone device) near the windshield.