Abstract: The invention relates to a hands-free module (2) for a mobile telephone (1). The hands-free module comprises a housing (11) and a cord (13) extending therefrom. Connected to the end of the cable distal from the housing is an external phone unit (14) and an external microphone (15). Mounted on the module is a connector (12) which connects the module housing (11) mechanically to the telephone housing (3) and which also connects the external phone unit (14) and the external microphone (15) electrically to the respective circuits of the internal loudspeaker and the internal microphone of the mobile telephone. The choice between the external and internal microphones is effected by a switch.

Abstract: A communication system (20) is provided with multiple purpose personal communication devices (50 and 150). Each communication device (50 and 150) includes a touch-sensitive visual display (60 and 160) to communicate text and graphic information to and from the user and for operating the communication device (50 and 150). Voice activation (78) and voice control capabilities (76) are included within communication devices (50 and 150) to perform the same functions as the touch-sensitive visual display (60 and 160). The communication device includes a built-in modem (82), audio input and output (52 and 53), telephone jacks (86), and wireless communication (90). A plurality of application modules (100) are used with personal communication devices (50 and 150) to perform a wide variety of communication functions such as information retrievable, on-line data base services, electronic and voice mail.

Abstract: A battery powered device (100) utilizing a rechargeable battery (135) comprises a ball bearing (300) having a first diameter for receiving a current and a housing (200) having an opening (405) formed therethrough in which the ball bearing (300) is situated, wherein the opening (405) has a second diameter of less than the first diameter. The battery powered device (100) further comprises a spring (305) situated in the opening (405) in contact with the ball bearing (300) and a spring cap (310) fastened to the housing (200) for forcibly holding the spring (305) in contact with the ball bearing (300). A conductive element is coupled between the spring and the rechargeable battery such that the current received by the ball bearing (300) is supplied to the rechargeable battery (135) via the spring (310).

Abstract: The mobile radio system includes a plurality of power amplifier modules having discrete power levels, a common transceiver module and a plurality of control head modules having different control functions. Selected ones of the power amplifiers and control heads are electrically and mechanically coupled to opposite ends of the transceiver. In one form, the control head may be remotely mounted and electrically coupled to the selected power amplifier. A common bracket is used to mount a radio having selected ones of the power amplifiers coupled to the transceiver with a selected control head. In a further embodiment, a receptacle having electrical fittings at its rear end and an opening at its opposite end receives the radio through its open end with the electrical connections being automatically coupled to one another upon final seating of the radio in the receptacle. The radio includes a handle which forms a latch for releasably securing the radio in the receptacle.

Abstract: A wearable audio reception device includes an elongated flexible enclosure removably attachable to an article of clothing and the radio in turn being removably attachable to the flexible enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of modular electronic printed circuit board design for a radio communication transceiver in which the electronic circuitry forming a transmit/receive circuit board of the device is modularized in such a manner as to facilitate independent stand-alone functional testing of modules both on and off the board.

Abstract: A radio alarm clock with removable cassette player/recorder is powered by a rechargeable battery which is recharged when the removable cassette player/recorder is installed on the radio alarm clock. The radio and the cassette player/recorder may be played independent of the clock. Five wakeup modes are disclosed: tone only, radio only, cassette player/recorder only, tone then cassette player/recorder and radio then cassette player/recorder. The cassette player/recorder may be removed from the radio alarm clock so that it may be used as an electronic memo pad; the messages dictated to it during the course of a day may be replayed the following morning when the alarm clock activates the cassette player/recorder. When installed on the radio alarm clock the cassette player/recorder plays back through the larger radio alarm clock amplifier and speaker.

Abstract: A floating sound system for use in a swimming pool or the like has a radio, tape player, power supply, and controls. The power supply unit nests within a toroidal float, being attached thereto by straps. The radio and associated components are located in a domed housing resting upon the float. The sound system is built to disassemble into these three subassemblies. The resultant sound system floats stably in water, and, due to speaker cones arranged parallel to the water surface, projects sound very effectively.

Abstract: A hinged device (100) comprises a first body portion (105) having a first end (115), wherein the first end (115) is substantially cylindrical and curved about a first axis, and wherein the first end (115) has a first plurality of cogs formed thereon substantially parallel to the first axis. The hinged device (100) further comprises a second body portion (110) having a second end (120), wherein the second end (120) is substantially cylindrical and curved about a second axis, and wherein the second end (120) has a second plurality of cogs formed thereon substantially parallel to the second axis. Securing means (125) movably secures the first body portion (105) to the second body portion (110) at the first end (115) and the second end (120), respectively, such that the first plurality of cogs meshes with the second plurality of cogs when the first body portion (105) is secured to the second body portion (110).

Abstract: In a radio communication apparatus which is capable of using a selected terminal unit selected from a plurality of terminal units, a logic part detects the kind of the selected terminal unit to produce a type signal representative of the selected kind. Responsive to the type signal, the logic part controls an adjusting part which produces an adjusted signal. As a result, the adjusted signal has a selected level which is selected for the selected terminal unit in accordance with the type signal. Responsive to the adjusted signal, the selected terminal unit generates an audible signal having a volume which is adjusted in accordance with the selected level. Additionally, the volume can be manually adjusted by an operator.

Abstract: A latching device (110) for use in a latch system for a housing comprising first and second housing sections (102, 104), comprises a battery compartment (107) and a latch member (112) adjacent to the battery compartment. The latch member (112) is for coupling to the second housing section (104) to latch the first and second housing sections (102, 104) when the latch member (112) is in a first position and to unlatch the first and second housing sections (102, 104) when the latch member (112) is in a second position. The latching device (110) further comprises a movable extender member (114) coupled between the first housing section (102) and the latch member (112) for extending the latch member (112) into the second housing section (104) and for allowing the latch member (112) to move between the first and second positions, the latch member (112) being prevented from moving into the second position when a battery (106) is in the battery compartment (107).

Abstract: A car stereo has a detachable grille attached to a body of the car stereo. A display is provided on the car stereo body for display operating modes of the car stereo. A cover is provided on the car stereo body for covering the display when the grille is detached. The cover is moved to a retracted position so as to expose the display when the grille is attached to the body.

Abstract: An anti-fall structure for preventing the battery cover of a radio communication apparatus or similar apparatus from accidentally coming off the casing of the apparatus. A thumb piece is fitted on the casing in such a manner as to be slidable into and out of locking engagement with a notch formed in the battery cover in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the battery cover is slidable. The thumb piece is held in a locking position due to the engagement of a recess formed in the inner periphery of the casing and a flexible locking member affixed to the thumb piece. The thumb piece does not unlock the battery cover unless operated intentionally by a predetermined force and, therefore, positively retains it. The locking member is long enough to surely mate with the inner periphery of the casing. This, coupled with the fact that the inner periphery of the casing catches lugs provided on the thumb piece in the locked position, the thumb piece itself is prevented from coming off.

Abstract: A radio or speaker-microphone unit includes a housing having first and second portions. A speaker is disposed in one of the portions and a microphone in the other of the portions. The portions are movable between first and second relative positions, with one of the positions providing a handset configuration and the other providing a speaker-microphone configuration. A switch senses the relative position of the housing portions and adjusts the gain of an audio amplifier.

Abstract: A loop antenna (10) for use in a wrist band radio (50) comprises a series of interconnected links (2 and 4) forming a wristband, a flexible conductor (30) retained between the interconnected links forming the loop antenna, and a connector at the end portions of the series of links for electronically coupling the flexible conductor to the radio.

Abstract: A radio or speaker-microphone unit (10) includes a radio housing (11) and a first (17") or second (17') battery housing. A speaker (33) is disposed in the radio housing (11) and two microphones (34" and 34') are disposed respectively, in the radio housing (11) and in the second battery housing (17'). The battery housings (17' and 17") are selectively attachable with the radio housing (11) to provide a selection between first and second relative positions, with one of the positions providing a handset configuration and the other providing a speaker-microphone configuration. A switch (37) senses which of the battery housings (17', 17") is attached and disables (36) the microphone (34") in the radio housing (11) if the second battery housing (17') is attached.

Abstract: A radio telephone apparatus for transmitting and receiving information signals as electrical waves includes a main body section towards one end of which a speaker unit is enclosed. A battery casing accommodating a battery which is adapted for supplying power to the main body section is detachably mounted on the other end of the main body section to reduce the size and the thickness of the apparatus. A ringer device is enclosed within the battery casing so that the acoustic sound emitted by the ringer is prevented from reaching the user's ear which is in the vicinity of the speaker unit. The microphone for the radiotelephone apparatus in also enclosed within the battery casing.

Abstract: The molded key switch shield assembly (100) includes a molded member (104) and a key switch overlay (102). The molded member (104) includes a shield metallization pattern (136) which substantially covers major portions of both the first (138) and second major surfaces (140) of the molded member (104). The molded member also includes a metallization pattern (124) having a plurality of key switch locations (118) which can be shorted by conductive locations (112) on key switch overlay (102).

Abstract: An automatic ejection system includes a loading device. The automatic ejection system has a grille detector for detecting the removing of a grille from a car stereo and for producing a detachment signal, a tape detector for detecting existence of a tape in the car stereo and for producing a tape signal, and ejection controller responsive to the detachment signal and the tape signal for operating the loading device so as to automatically eject the tape from the car stereo.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes electrical circuits (208) and a power source (101) having at least one terminal for providing power to the electrical circuits (208). A housing has first and second members (302,304) constructed to cooperatively interconnect to substantially enclose the electrical circuits (208), the housing further being adapted to receive and mechanically couple with the power source (101). An electrical contact strip (220) electrically couples the electrical circuits (208) and the power source (101), and fastens the first and second members (302,304) of the housing together. The electrical contact strip (220) includes a spring indentation (314) mechanically coupled to the at least one terminal of the power source (101) to provide mechanical securing force between the power source (101) and the housing. The electrical contact strip (220) also includes a first opening. The first and second members (302,304) of the housing include second and third openings.

Abstract: An electronic device has an operating section having a plurality of input keys. The operating section is detachably connected to a body of the device in such a manner that the contacts of the operating section are electrically connected to the contacts of the body when the operating section is connected to the body. The body includes a connection detecting section for detecting the connection of the operating section to the body to output a connection detection signal; and a control section for making the connection of the contacts of the body and the contacts of the operating section effective a predetermined period of time after provision of the connection detection signal.

Abstract: A portable radio assembly comprises a radio housing (12), a battery housing (14), and a sliding clamp (40) for interconnecting the housings (12 and 14).

Abstract: A knob for operating a fader as an electronic device of a car stereo is rotatably and axially slidably mounted on a grille detachably attached to a car stereo body. A wall of the car stereo body facing the grille when attached thereto, has an opening through which the knob passes. A manually rotated operating shaft of the fader is disposed inside the body of the car stereo behind the opening. When the knob is pushed into the body through the opening, the knob is connected with the operating shaft of the fader.

Abstract: A selective call receiver includes first and second housing portions forming a chamber therebetween which houses the electronic circuitry for receiving messages, a display for displaying the messages, and an annunciator for alerting a user that a message has been received. The first housing portion has an opening therein through which keys of an elastomeric keypad are accessible to the user. The keypad also includes a base portion for forming a seal between the first and second housing portions and a rim which extends into an additional opening in the first housing portion proximate the periphery thereof for sealingly receiving a lens therein.

Abstract: An apparatus including a main housing, with a first and second detachable speaker mounted thereto, each speaker includes a positive and common connection for selective association with an automotive speaker wiring harness. The apparatus includes a cavity for reception of a vehicular radio therewithin and selectively removable forward panels to receive an additional booster amplifier in an upper section and storage, wherein the storage includes an aligned series of "T" shaped recesses to selectively receive audio cassette members or compact disk plates selectively within each "T" shaped slot.

Abstract: An onboard package for fixing a portable telephone unit within the passenger compartment of an automobile including a lower tray which is fixed within the passanger compartment, and an upper cover engaged to the lower tray so that the upper cover is operable and closable. Guides for fixing the portable telephone unit are disposed in the lower tray. A slide section for supporting an antenna cable connector is provided in the lower tray. This connector is located at a position facing a connector corresponding thereto on the telephone unit. Further, the slide section is movable in a direction in which the connector is inserted and removed. The upper cover is secured to the slide section with arms engaged with the slide section. The arms are moved in association with the opening and closing operations of the upper cover so as to move the slide section in the above-mentioned direction, whereby the connector is inserted and removed.

Abstract: A portable two-way radio includes a radio portion and a battery removably attached to the radio portion. The radio portion includes an opening that is accessible when the battery is removed. An electronic card is received by the radio portion through the opening. When reassembled, the battery retains the electronic card in the radio portion.

Abstract: A portable radio device in which a radio telephone device body and a receiver unit are separately constructed and connected together by a pair of adjustable supporting rods. As a result, the distance between the radio telephone device body and the receiver unit can be adjusted according to whether the device is being used as a telephone unit or a pager unit. While being used as a telephone, the distance between a receiver and a microphone can be easily adjusted to the distance between an ear and a mouth of a user. When the device is used as a paper, it can be miniaturized so as to be conveniently carried.

Abstract: A digitally controller radio transceiver includes a housing including a front cover provided with a display port; a main controller board mounted within the housing; an optional display board attached to an interior surface of the front cover adjacent said display port, said display board electrically connected to said main controller board by a pressure fit connection; a removable display escutcheon plate mounted on an exterior surface of the cover, overlying the display port; and fastening means extending through the cover and connecting the display board to the display escutcheon plate. Removal or omission of the display board is automatically sensed by the radio transceiver's internal microprocessor which operates accordingly. In one embodiment the transceiver program store may be loaded via an external connector to customize the microprocessor instruction code for the presence or absence of a display.

Abstract: Box-shaped frame (10) to carry removeable car radio sets (50) in motor vehicles, in which the position of the rear end (30), on which there are electric connections (41), is adjustable to adapt the frame to car radios (50) of different lengths, by means of a series (22), (23) of notches (24), (25) placed on the windows (21), (22) in the opposite sides of said frame (10), which notches (24) (25) can be penetrated by strip-like projections (36), (37), fixed to the edges of the short elastic sides (32) (33) of the above rear end (30).

Abstract: According to the invention, a carry holder for carrying a portable two-way radio provides the interconnections between the portable radio and a accessory device. The carry holder provides the interconnection between the portable radio's universal connector and the accessory device's accessory connector. When the radio is placed in the carry holder, the radio's universal connector engages the carry holder, which is coupled to the accessory device. Therefore, a quick engagement and disengagement mechanism for the radio and the accessory device is provided.

Abstract: A combination battery pack and low profile antenna arrangement for use in conjunction with a two-way portable transceiver includes an enclosure containing an electrical battery with positive and negative electrodes. A pair of terminals are attached to the outer surface of the enclosure and are coupled to the positive and negative electrodes. A low profile antenna structure is disposed within the enclosure and includes a feed point for coupling RF energy to and from the antenna structure. An antenna coupling arrangement is electrically coupled to the feed point for coupling RF energy into and out of the enclosure.

Abstract: A separable car audio set for antitheft includes a control box, a face plate, a frame and a contact block assembly between the face plate and the frame. The face plate has a concave well in and from which the control box is easily received and separated. When it is desired top protect the audio set from theft during parking the control box will be easily removed from the concave well of the face plate without separating the whole audio set from a vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is equipment for wireless transmitting and receiving audio signals in a confined area which comprises a transmitter receiver and battery pack. The receiver including a bracket with which the receiver may be detachably secured to a surface such as a table or chair arm and whereby access to the fasteners with which the bracket means is secured to the surface is restricted. The receiver and battery pack have complementary dovetail means by which the battery pack and the receiver may be operatively secured together in electrical communication, the battery pack being detachable by the use of the receiver. Preferably, the bracket and receiver have a latchable dovetail connection means whereby the receiver can be hooked to the bracket and removed only by authorized people using an appropriate key.

Abstract: A public address amplifier comprises a housing which contains an output amplifier connected to loudspeakers. A microphone containing a microphone transducer and an input amplifier is connected to the input of the output amplifier and to connectors on the housing by a cable. A second such public address amplifier can be connected to the first by connecting its cable to one of the connectors so as to provide a public address system of increased power.

Abstract: A FM mobile radio is disclosed which is capable of future functional expansion due to a unique microprocessor hardware/software control system. The radio includes a control microprocessor which is capable of performing all the basic radio control functions. In addition, options are added via a plug-on board that includes an option microprocessor which interfaces with the control microprocessor over a data bus and with the radio's audio circuits through audio processing circuitry. The software of the system allows control to be passed to the option board. The radio operates in a standard control mode and an option control mode. In the standard mode, in which no option board is present, the control processor performs all basic radio control functions. In the option mode, where the option control microprocessor is present, the main control processor typically receives commands from the option board.

Abstract: A satellite TV system including a plurality of channel strips each including a tuner and a modulator matched to each other. The tuner selects the particular satellite signal and the modulator selects the particular channel on the TV. Both tuner and modulator circuits include a divide-by-two component which permits use of lower cost electronic components while producing high quality TV pictures or other outputs. Each channel strip is in the form of a plug-in module. A control box houses all of the plug-in channel strips and the other electronics.

Abstract: The modular pocketknife system is assembled from a number of modules. Each of these modules consists at least of a tool element (12, 13) and of at least one connecting element (8, 11). The modules can be ranged side by side in any desired number and sequence, the connecting elements being provided with an electronic contact element (1) for data transmission, a locking element (2, 4, 5), and a sealing element, so that the modules are fashioned splash-proofly mechanically and electronically interconnectible and lockable and detachable from one another again.

Abstract: An electronic device having a display is disclosed which comprises contacts for electrically coupling the display to the circuitry of the electronic device, and a mounting arrangement for removable attachment of the display to the electronic device, such that the display may be removed from the electronic device to be read. The electronic device may be a radio transceiver, and the display may be adapted to display a paging message from a paging receiver associated therewith.

Abstract: A telecommunications system including a mobile unit is protected from operator-induced disruption by disabling the operator-adjustable controls of the mobile unit and fixing the operating parameters of the mobile unit. A supervisory apparatus incorporating supervisory circuit elements replacing the adjustable circuit elements associated with the operator-adjustable controls may be plug-connected between the main chassis and the control head of the mobile unit.

Abstract: A programmable signal receiver for use in a computer system. The signal receiver is located inside the computer's chassis and has an interface directly coupled to the computer's bus for receiving instruction signals which specify one or more channels to be selected from a broadband input signal. Each selected channel of the broadband signal is amplified using amplifying circuitry of sufficiently low impedance that the RF radiation produced does not interfere with the operation of the computer system. In one embodiment the signal receiver's input port is d.c. coupled to the computer's d.c. power supply so that the computer's d.c. power supply can be used to provide power to apparatus external to said computer system--such as a satellite dish's feed horn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting a portable radio transceiver (10) for configuration in electronic communication with a main console of a fixed or mobile communication system. The apparatus employs a bracket (36) which serves to extend, by cables 52, 54, various functional input terminals at the console to function contacts (44, 46) at the bracket (36). The transceiver (10) includes apparatus (34) for mating the transceiver (10) to the bracket (36). The bracket (36) carries a track (50) for accepting the track rider mating apparatus (34) of the transceiver (10).

Abstract: In a tuning circuit for AM receiver, tuning coils, oscillation coils and capacitance elements of an antenna tuning circuit, a radio frequency amplifier circuit, and a local oscillator circuit are accommodated in discrete shield casings for high frequency coils; and the discrete shield casings are disposed in a row and united with each other in the form of blocks, thereby eliminating the necessity to effect tracking adjustment.

Abstract: An improved portable two-way radio comprises a systems module and a removably connected, shielded RF module. Split universal device connector apparatus is provided having an RF connector portion associated entirely with the shielded RF module and a control connector portion associated entirely with the control module, the RF and control connector portions being located physically proximate to each other so that a single multi-pronged universal device connector can be electrically and mechanically connected to both the RF connector circuitry through the control systems module.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for powering a two-way portable radio or the like comprises rechargable battery cells and sets of power input and output contacts interconnected to each other and the battery cells in such a way that the output contacts may be electrically connected to the battery cells for powering the radio, or to the input contacts for receiving power directly from a battery charger for dead battery operation while simultaneously recharging the battery cells, all battery pack contacts being electrically isolated from the battery cells in the latter mode of operation.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display module with self contained display decoder circuitry is attached to a radio frame with a minimum of electrical interconnections. Module assembly and attachment are both accomplished without the use of tools. Attaching the module to the frame interlocks the module to prevent accidental disassembly and places a preload force on the electrical interconnections to insure good electrical continuity. Ambient light reflection provides primary display illumination while lamps, controlled by an integral switch, provide secondary illumination.

Abstract: A modular video switching system for switching a video signal from one of many video cameras to a video monitor. The system includes one or more individual modules each containing a limited set of input channels. The modules can be cascaded with each other to permit scanning of the video signals from all modules on to a single video monitor. Also provision is made for modular camera controls, requiring only a single control for all cameras, using modular circuitry to rout the control signals to the appropriate camera.

Abstract: A radar warning receiver for detecting and analyzing radar signals comprises a plurality of RF heads each tuned to a predetermined frequency band and connected to an antenna covering a preselected sector of reception of radar signals. Each of the heads includes a frequency converter converting the received signals to a common frequency base-band and producing an output signal in the base-band corresponding to the signal received by its antenna.

Abstract: A fixed site station for cellular systems is disclosed. A plurality of radio transceivers are removably disposed in apertures of the common equipment housing and are provided unique parameters of operation by the system controller dependent upon the aperture in which the transceiver is located and the antenna configuration of the cell being served.

Abstract: A tuner for a television receiver is designed for minimal size and to have a series of external terminals placed along one side thereof. An electronic tuning section including several local oscillator circuits is located within a common shielding case and a phase locked loop channel selection circuit is also located within the case in an isolated compartment thereof. The channel selection circuit and the local oscillator circuits all lie along a straight line parallel to and adjacent one end of the case.