Attached Or Connected To User Patents (Class 455/575.6)
  • Patent number: 7634082
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Michael S. Medhin
  • Patent number: 7629897
    Abstract: A wireless electronic device transcribes spoken words into text for input on an electronic device such as, but not limited to, a computer, cell phone, handheld computer, Blackberry or vehicle navigation system. The wireless transcriber device mounts within the oral cavity, preferably to the back side of a tooth, and detects vibration of the tooth and/or palate bone structure as the wearer of the device speaks. The sensed vibrations are converted to digital signals for wireless transmission to the electronic device. The electronic device receives the signals and captures the digital data containing the sensed vibrations. A software program in the electronic device reads the vibration data and converts the vibration data to text for input on the electronic device. The input text can be used for various purposes such as to create a document, fill in a form, send a text message or to give an operational command to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Reino Koljonen
  • Patent number: 7620431
    Abstract: A mobile device includes at least one application and a user-controllable pivoting input switch. This application has a number of selectable items. This switch has a number of operational modes. Several of these operational modes direct the operation of the application to determine a current item according to an order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Charles Hawkins, Robert Yuji Haitani
  • Patent number: 7613294
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Thought Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Amron
  • Patent number: 7610016
    Abstract: Embodiments include a system and method for adapting a wireless device, such as a Bluetooth-enabled mobile handset or other Bluetooth-enabled device to a car radio and associated speaker system to effect a hands-free car kit or similar system. The adapter module is physically and electrically coupled to the car radio by making electrical contact with a connector on the car radio with a matching connector on one side of the adapter module. The mated connectors provide communications from the adapter module to the car radio. The adapter module includes circuitry for communicating with the Bluetooth-enabled mobile handset and the car radio in order to exchange communications signals between the Bluetooth-enabled mobile handset, and a microphone and the car radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Schmitt, Ibrahim Mohamed, Thomas Edwin East Nelson
  • Patent number: 7610070
    Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a reconfigurable antenna and one or more wireless transceivers coupled to the antenna. The reconfigurable antenna can be dynamically configured to transmit and receive wireless signals at a plurality of frequencies and bandwidths. A processor core is coupled to the reconfigurable antenna and the wireless transceivers. The processor core dynamically controls the configurations of the reconfigurable antenna and processes the wireless signals transmitted and received at the plurality of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Dominik J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7603148
    Abstract: A mobile device integrates a wireless headset with the housing of a mobile terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing of the mobile terminal includes a fastener for mechanically connecting the wireless headset to the housing. When the wireless headset is mechanically disconnected from the housing, a speaker and microphone associated with the wireless headset interfaces with the mobile terminal via a wireless interface. However, when the wireless headset mechanically connects to the housing, the speaker and microphone associated with the wireless headset mechanically and electrically connect to the housing and operate as the speaker and microphone for the mobile terminal. A detector circuit included in the mobile device also determines the position of the wireless headset relative to the mobile terminal, and may automatically select a wireless or electrical interface between the wireless headset and the mobile terminal based on the determined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Gerald P. Michalak
  • Publication number: 20090231960
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wrist watch phone adapted to be worn by a person. The watch (10) comprises a communication module (20) adapted to operate under Global System of Mobile (GSM) telephone networks, to work with quad frequency bands, and to send audio data across said GSM telephone networks. It also has a display adapted to display time, and to provide a graphic interface for showing a status of said communication module. The watch shell encloses the display, and the communication module. The watch has strips for fastening around the wrist of the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Gavin James Hutcheson
  • Patent number: 7587227
    Abstract: A wireless communication system based on a directional speaker is disclosed. The system can include an interface unit and a base unit. The audio signals from the speaker can be generated by transforming ultrasonic signals in air. This allows the production of directional audio signals even when the aperture of the speaker has dimensions in the order of a few centimeters. The audio signals from the speaker can be heard hands-free. Further, privacy protection is enhanced. In one embodiment, the interface unit can be attached or integrated to a piece of clothing at the shoulder of the user, with the audio signals from the speaker directed towards one of the user's ears. The wireless communication system can be applied to a number of different areas, including a communication device, such as a cell phone; a hearing aid; an entertainment system; and a computation system, such as a personal digital assistant or a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Patent number: 7587228
    Abstract: An antenna device for a portable terminal, which includes an antenna module disposed in an antenna jack of a terminal capable of TV service, the antenna module receiving broadcasting signals depending on mounting/demounting of an external antenna. The antenna device for a portable terminal includes an antenna module disposed along the outer circumference of the antenna jack, which receives broadcasting signals depending on mounting/demounting of the external antenna; an insulator module; and an antenna switch module. The external antenna provides a broadcast signal to the terminal when connection jack of the external antenna is joined with the antenna jack. The antenna module provides broadcast signals when the connection jack external antenna is separated from the antenna jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 7583938
    Abstract: A mobile communication device is provided that includes a first body, a second body hingedly-coupled to the first body and speaker unit installed in the second body such that sound generated when the first body is folded closed with respect to the second body can be directly transferred outside the mobile communication device. Using the present invention, a user can listen to high-quality reproduced sound without distortion even when the first body is folded closed with respect to the second body and reliability and competitiveness of a product can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hee-Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 7580540
    Abstract: An apparatus (300) and method (500) for receiving inputs from a user (102) is provided. The inputs from the user may be head gestures and/or speech of the user. The head gestures refer to movements of the head of the user. The apparatus includes an accelerometer (303) for receiving inputs from the user. The inputs are in form of nasal bone vibrations of the user, which are caused by the head gestures and/or speech of the user. The accelerometer further generates signals corresponding to the inputs received from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Zurek, Simone Koo
  • Patent number: 7567828
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a mobile communication device are disclosed. The system generally includes a housing such as a headset, a speaker, a microphone, and a wireless communication module. The wireless communications module provides for directional communication links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven F. Burson
  • Patent number: 7567801
    Abstract: A portable communications device (PCD) is coupled to a first network by way of a second network. The PCD is normally in radio communication with the first network, and is coupled to the first network by way of the second network when the PCD is out of radio communication with the first network. In particular, the PCD is coupled to the second network, and is caused to leave a first network mode and enter a second network mode. A network connection is established with the first network by way of the second network, and communication with the first network is entered into by way of the second network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Greg Griffith, Charles M. Link, II
  • Patent number: 7565187
    Abstract: An apparatus for portable communications including a wireless headset, attachment that mechanically and electrically connects to a cellular phone or other electronic device, and a base unit that includes an attachment interface to connect mechanically and electrically with the attachment to allow the base unit to receive electrical signals from the cellular phone. The base unit wirelessly transmits a representation of an electrical signals received from the cellular phone to the wireless headset. The apparatus may also include a clip to attach the integrated base unit to an article of clothing, such as a belt, worn by a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Radeum, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Dynok, Vincent Palermo, Charles M. Marshall, Timothy E. White
  • Patent number: 7555326
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventor: James C. Infanti
  • Patent number: 7555321
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to emit a light in order to brighten a large area by a single light source. The invention provides a communication portable terminal device including a single LED (51) disposed in an upper housing (1) and a light emitting panel (4) disposed on the upper housing (1) for emitting a light like a plane by a light emitted from the LED (51), the light emitting panel (4) including a light transmitting member (40) having an incident plane (42) on which the light emitted from the LED (51) is incident and a light emitting plane (44) for emitting a light like a plane by the light emitted from the LED (51), and a reflecting film (41) and a print film (43) provided on a surface and a back face of the light transmitting member (40) for reflecting the light emitted from the LED (51) and incident on the incident plane (42) of the light transmitting member (40) many times between the surface and the back face, thereby guiding the light to the light emitting plane (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Taku Yamada, Kanta Judai, Yuichi Sawada
  • Patent number: 7555318
    Abstract: Handover of call serviced by modular ear-pience/microphone between servicing base portions is presented. A wireless headset includes wireless interface(s), earpiece, a microphone, processing module, and a user interface. The wireless interface(s) wirelessly couples the wireless headset to a base unit via a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The earpiece renders inbound portions of the service calls audible while the microphone is operable to produce the outbound portion of the call. Both the earpiece and microphone are communicatively coupled to the wireless interface(s). The processing module also coupled to the wireless interface(s) allows the wireless headset to initiate call functions between the wireless headset and a servicing network made available through the base unit, service a call and call control functions, and anchor the call to the wireless headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Nambirajan Seshadri, James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz
  • Publication number: 20090156255
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a terminal body having a display unit; a band connected with both ends of the terminal body; and a manipulation unit disposed on the terminal body and moving in multiple directions based on a central shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Man-Soo SHIN, Won-Seok Joo, Kyung-Tae Yang, Jong-Hun Jang
  • Publication number: 20090143117
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes: a terminal body having a display unit; a band connected with both ends of the terminal body; and an antenna radiator installed in the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Man-Soo SHIN, Won-Seok Joo, Kyung-Tae Yang, Young-Min Lee, Jong-Hun Jang
  • Publication number: 20090143116
    Abstract: Described are mobile communication devices with retractable lanyard attachment posts that can be hidden when not in use. Also disclosed are embodiments of lanyard attachment posts that may include push-push or other mechanisms that a user may engage to deploy or hide the attachment post. In this way, by being able to hide the lanyard attachment member, the sleek lines of modern mobile communication devices may be maintained. Several embodiments include a push-push mechanism, for example, an E-clip embodiment, a C-clip embodiment, a stacked internal mechanism embodiment, and a compliant arm mechanism embodiment. Also disclosed is an embodiment of a retractable lanyard attachment post that may be respectively retained or released by turning the attachment post. In this manner, with either a push-push embodiment or a turnable embodiment, the mechanism for concealment and deployment of the lanyard attachment post may better utilize the device volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: MOTOROLA INC
    Inventors: Roger W. Harmon, Christopher A. Arnholt, Jason E. Jordan, Tim J. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7536150
    Abstract: A wireless earpiece assembly configured to physically contact a user substantially exclusively at an outer ear location of a user's ear when in use. For example, the outer ear location may be an ear lobe providing the assembly with an appearance of an earring. The assembly is configured to distribute a significant portion of its bulk away from the isolated location of a user's ear for long term user comfort without sacrifice of audio or communicational integrity. The wireless earpiece assembly simultaneously eliminates extraneous wiring in order to optimize the un-encumbering user-friendly advantages afforded by wireless technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: William Frederick Ryann
  • Patent number: 7536210
    Abstract: Systems and methods that reduce a number of holes that penetrate into a housing of mobile computing device by employing a modular housing with a housing plate(s) attachable thereto. Such housing plates can form a segment of a stylus trough and also facilitate attachment of hand strap and socket cover arrangement to the housing of the mobile computing unit. By reducing number of openings into the housing, a risk of liquid or particulate contaminants entering into the device and degrading performance of the mobile computing unit can be reduced and reliability increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quintin Robert Morris, Katrika Marie Woodcock, Jorg Schlieffers, Christopher N. Crawford, Robert Kowalski
  • Patent number: 7532719
    Abstract: The voice absorber of the present invention includes an absorption member and an attachment member and is adapted for use with portable telephonic devices to enable a user to engage in a more private conversation and limit the disruption to individuals nearby the user during the conversation. The absorption member is formable into a conical shape and may be constructed of multiple layers, including a layer specifically adapted to absorb sound waves. The attachment member enables the voice absorber to be easily affixed and removed from portable telephonic devices and generally positions the absorption member in front of the user's mouth. The voice absorber also functions to isolate the transmitter portion of a portable telephonic device from ambient, background noise and serves as a reminder to a user to speak with a quieter voice. The voice absorber may include words, symbols, drawings, or be colored to provide marketing exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Robert M Snodgrass
  • Publication number: 20090117956
    Abstract: An adjustable holster for a mobile communication device including a housing that stores the mobile communication device received through an opening in the housing, the housing being adjustable in size so that the housing can store one of a plurality of different sized mobile communication devices, and an adjustable clip disposed on the housing and that is capable of attaching to one of a plurality of different sized objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald A. Latz
  • Patent number: 7522930
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing interactive audience participation at live entertainment events. The method includes providing audience members with an interactive device that presents a promotional message and includes a user interface, broadcasting audio programming to the audience member through the interactive device, querying the audience members, wherein answers to the querying may be entered by the audience member via the user interface of the interactive device, transmitting the answers to a central processor, storing the answers as audience data, processing the audience data into results, storing the results of the processing of the audience data and broadcasting the results of the processing of the audience data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Eric Inselberg
  • Patent number: 7519388
    Abstract: A handheld mobile station system capable of automatically answering voice calls is disclosed. The system is comprised of a handheld mobile station, a magnet detection system within the mobile station, a magnet within a mobile station holster located in close proximity to the magnet detection system when the mobile station is stored in the holster wherein the mobile station is operable in a first, second, and third state. The first state occurs when the mobile station is stored in the holster and is ready to receive a voice call. The second state happens when the mobile station is stored in the holster and receiving an incoming voice call. The third state occurs when the mobile station is removed sufficiently out of the holster such that the magnet detection system no longer detects the close proximity of the magnet thereto thereby automatically answering the incoming voice call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Raymond P. Vander Veen, Harry R. Major, Mihal Lazaridis
  • Publication number: 20090088230
    Abstract: An improved cell phone mounted to a wrist strap or bracelet for protecting a combination device, such as a cell phone incorporating a watch function, from becoming lost, and to provide active utility means for re-charging the watch phone batteries and for purifying water for human consumption purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: John Jeong Park
  • Patent number: 7512417
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a wireless electronic device comprising a main body and an earphone assembly being retractably disposed in the main body with two ends provided at one side of the main body capable of being pulled outward and a cable portion between the two ends adapted to extend through the other side of the main body to form an enclosed loop. By utilizing this wireless electronic device, a user may put the loop of the earphone assembly on a hook of wall or on the neck for hanging the electronic device, and may also pull speakers respectively disposed at the ends of the earphone assembly out of the main body and put the speakers into the ears for listening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Miriam Cheng, Beniz Wang
  • Patent number: 7509094
    Abstract: A wireless telecommunication device including a foreground unit, and a background unit that is physically separated from the foreground unit and in local communication with the foreground unit. The foreground unit is provided to support incoming calls independently of the background unit. Furthermore, the foreground unit and the background unit cooperate to support outgoing calls. The scope of the invention also includes a method for doing business by offering the foreground unit for sale in a packaging having a form factor selected from the group consisting of: a pen, a pen cap, a wristwatch, and a necklace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Modu Ltd.
    Inventors: Dov Moran, Itzhak Pomerantz
  • Patent number: 7505793
    Abstract: A wireless earpiece assembly configured to physically contact a user exclusively at an ear support behind a user's ear when in use. The ear support does not exceed about 0.25 inches in width. The assembly is configured to distribute a significant portion of its bulk away from the isolated location of a user's ear for long term user comfort without sacrifice of audio or communicational integrity. The wireless earpiece assembly simultaneously eliminates the use of any conventional extraneous wiring in order to optimize the un-encumbering user-friendly advantages afforded by wireless technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: William Frederick Ryann
  • Publication number: 20090069060
    Abstract: A clip-on wireless device for use with a mobile communications device by an operator wearing an article of upper-body clothing. The device includes a body having a housing and a clip connected to the housing. The body is light-weight so as to permit the body to the carried on the article of clothing by the clip. An integrated circuit is carried within the housing and includes radio communications circuitry for communicating with the mobile communications device. An earpiece is included and a cable connects the earpiece to the circuitry within the body. A spring and reel mechanism inside the housing retracts the cable into the housing when the earpiece is not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Young S. Kim
  • Patent number: 7483728
    Abstract: A rear case and a front case are unified to form a casing. An internal antenna is accommodated in a predetermined space in the rear case, and supported in a state that it is inserted between the rear case and a printed circuit board. An output end of an antenna metal element is connected with a feeding point of the internal antenna, and an input end thereof is connected with a feeding terminal of the printed circuit board via a contacting means. Accordingly, there is no necessity for soldering the antenna metal element to the feeding terminal of the printed circuit board, the number of structural elements can be reduced, and the fabricating process can be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7483679
    Abstract: A portable-terminal holder for holding a portable terminal that has a rechargeable battery and a first radio communication device is constituted by a base and c communication module. The base has a portion on which the portable terminal is placed, and a charging device for charging the rechargeable battery of the portable terminal while said portable terminal is placed on the portion. The communication module has a second radio communication device communicating with the first radio communication device for wireless data transmission between the portable terminal and the communication module, and a cable communication device communicating with an external host computer for cable data transmission between the host computer and the communication module. The communication module is configured to be detachable from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Wave Incorporated
    Inventors: Takahiro Kurobe, Yoshiki Nagai
  • Publication number: 20090023484
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electronic component carrying devices, and more particularly to cell phone carrying devices that are worn around a user's neck to provide easy access to the electronic component, for example, a cell phone. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic component holder includes a body portion having a top, a bottom, a front including a left edge and a right edge, and a back including a left edge and a right edge, the left edge of the front being connected to the left edge of the back and the right edge of the front being connected to the right edge of the back. The body portion being tapered downwardly from the top to the bottom and forming an open channel between the top and the bottom and adapted to securely receive and retain an electronic component. The device may further include a fabric strap having a left end and a right end, where the left end and the right end of the fabric strap are each attached to the top end of the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Bonnette Louise Macklin
  • Patent number: 7480522
    Abstract: A rocker includes a stem fabricated from an elastomeric material, having a first end and a second end, the second end being mountable to a base. A cap is secured to the first end of the stem. The elastomeric material of the stem is effective for resiliently urging the cap to an original position subsequent to being moved from the original position to a depressed position. Conductive elements are positioned on the cap for establishing an electrical connection between circuit elements of a printed wire board when the second end of the stem is mounted to the base and the cap is moved to a depressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: John Patrick Wong, Jeff Philip Crampton
  • Patent number: 7471933
    Abstract: A computer host including a casing, an antenna and an antenna holder is provided. More specifically, the antenna holder has an opening perpendicular to one side of the host and is located in the back side of the host and close to the intersection of a top, a side and the back side of the host so that an antenna fixed into the antenna holder can rotate and swing on a higher place relative to the casing of the host. This means that the antenna can be adjusted to any direction to receive the best signals while the host is either straightened up or lay down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Hao Lin
  • Patent number: 7447531
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Amit Eswaraiah
  • Patent number: 7433724
    Abstract: A mobile phone comprises: a casing, a battery cover, a fastener, an elastic member and a ring. The casing has a receiving room and an opening connected to the receiving room. The battery cover is disposed on the casing removably. The fastener is movably disposed in the receiving room along a first direction and a second direction. The elastic member disposed in a bottom of the receiving room is against the fastener to provide a resilient force parallel to the first direction so as to couple the fastener and the battery cover. The ring is fastened on the casing via the opening. When the fastener is pressed, the fastener moves to the first direction to depart the battery cover from the casing. When the fastener is pushed, the fastener moves to the second direction to depart the ring from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Hong Ni, Hsin-Chi Wang
  • Publication number: 20080242382
    Abstract: A holster or carry holder (100) for a mobile device (150) forms an assembly or combination (200) that includes a first housing (102) and a second housing (112) pivotably coupled to the first housing. The second housing can receive and carry the mobile device in at least a first position or closed position (FIG. 2) enabling access to a top mounted interface on the mobile device. The second housing can further pivot about a pivot point (108) to a second position substantially orthogonal to the first position enabling access to both the top interface and to a rear interface of the mobile device. The first housing can include a retention tab (104) on a top portion of the first housing for retaining the mobile device within the carry holder. The carry holder can further include a belt clip (106) coupled to the first housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventor: Scott H. Richards
  • Patent number: 7418281
    Abstract: Described are a method and system for controlling the operation of personal mobile electronic devices disposed about a user. Each device is adapted to receive command according to a common wireless protocol. A voice signal is generated in response to a voice command spoken by the user. Command data are generated for one of the devices in response to the voice signal. The command data are transmitted through a wireless link to the respective device to control an operation of the device. There is no need for each device to have independent voice recognition capability. Instead, the burden of voice recognition is managed by the wearable command module that communicates with all the controlled devices through wireless links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas M. Guyette
  • Patent number: 7415294
    Abstract: A hands-free voice communication apparatus with integrated speakerphone and earpiece is described. The speakerphone includes a loudspeaker and zero, one or multiple microphones. The earpiece includes a small loudspeaker, one or more microphones, a wireless module, and a digital signal processing (DSP) module. The hands-free device support hands-free voice communication via the speakerphone or the earpiece. The earpiece is functional when removed from the speakerphone case and may be used for voice communication with privacy. When the earpiece is placed back in the speakerphone case, the speakerphone is functional and may be used for voice communication with convenience. The DSP module performs digital signal processing for both the earpiece and the speakerphone, e.g., using different sets of parameters. The speakerphone may be a standalone device or may be part of a communication device. The wireless module communicates with the communication device, which provide end-to-end communication with a far-end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Zhang, Yen-Son Paul Huang
  • Patent number: 7412267
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining an attachment and acoustic port on a housing of a mobile device is disclosed herein. The mobile device includes a speaker disposed within the housing. A combined attachment and acoustic port disposed on the housing is configured to project audible sound from the speaker, via an acoustic channel, and includes an attachment member for attaching an external member to the mobile device. The mobile device may comprise any personal electronic device, such as a portable radio, cassette player, CD player, or MP3 player. Further, the mobile device may comprise a mobile communication device, such as a cellular telephone, pager, or PDA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Chris Eaton, Matt Murray
  • Patent number: 7412264
    Abstract: A system has a monitor attached to and monitoring sound and vision around the user and using cellular telephone communications to convey monitored information. The monitor calls a primary server which alerts a secondary server of call receipt. The secondary server calls the monitor which drops the call to the primary server after a predetermined time, and remains in contact with the secondary server only if the monitor has successfully received the call from the secondary server, thereby preventing introduction of a false monitor. The monitor has options alterable only when on a battery charging cradle. The monitor has amber and red alert modes involving further servers, providing means to monitor and record the sounds and vision. The monitor has satellite position reporting. The system employs cell phone inter base station signal strength interpolation to find the monitor's position. A vibration motor silently alerts the user to calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Connexion2 Limited
    Inventor: Craig Swallow
  • Publication number: 20080176611
    Abstract: A mobile device for securing to a garment of a user thereof. Such a garment securable mobile device may be of a clamshell configuration with mating portions hinged to one another such that when closed toward one another a garment space is defined therebetween. A portion of a garment may be retained in the garment space thereby securing the mobile device to the garment. Retention of the garment portion may be enhanced by the use of gripping elements at the inner surfaces of one or both of the mating portions. A garment particularly configured for securing such a garment securable mobile device may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: William Frederick Ryann
  • Patent number: 7373174
    Abstract: A mobile communication device (100) includes a camera module (102) which provides an image stream when the camera module is active. The image stream is used to display images on a display (114) to provide a viewfinder function so that a user of the mobile communication device can see to what the camera is aimed. While the mobile communication device is operating in camera mode, the mobile communication device receives a signal at a radio receiver (104) during a time slot of a time division multiple access frame (110). To prevent the camera module from interfering with the receiver operation, the camera module operation is suspended during the receiver time slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Martinez Perez, Jose F. Rodriguez, Philip A. Schentrup
  • Publication number: 20080102906
    Abstract: There is provided a communication system, comprising a transmission unit to be worn at a user's body at or below the user's neck for transmitting audio signals via an inductive link; and an earpiece to be worn at least in part in the user's ear canal including a receiver unit for receiving audio signals via said inductive link from the transmission unit, an audio signal processing unit for processing audio signals received by the receiver unit, and a loudspeaker stimulating the user's hearing according to the processed audio signals; wherein said inductive link is an amplitude modulation inductive link having a carrier frequency of from 100 kHz to 30 MHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Evert DIJKSTRA, Francois MARQUIS
  • Patent number: 7352996
    Abstract: A system reduces the risk of eavesdropping on data used to access an establishment's computer network. In one embodiment, a system includes a personal area network (PAN) access device that couples a low power, low frequency modulated signal to a wearer, the PAN access device including a data storage unit for storing personal identification data including biometric data and a modulator for modulating a low power, low frequency signal with the personal identification data, a personal area network (PAN) receiver for receiving the modulated signal, a database for storing purchasing data for a plurality of customers, a memory including instructions which, when executed, associate the received personal identification data with the stored shopping data for one of the plurality of customers and a microprocessor for executing the stored instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Alok Kumar
  • Publication number: 20080061058
    Abstract: A strap holding structure (200) for an electronic device (100), which includes a body (20), a cover (10). The body has a knuckle (22) formed at one end thereof. The knuckle has a middle board (226) formed therein. The cover has a barrel (12) formed at one end. The strap holding structure includes a latching element (30) and a strap holder (40). The latching element is attached to the cover at one end. The strap holder has a pole (424) at a first end of the strap holder. A groove (444) is circumferentially defined in an outer wall of the strap holder and two notches (442) are axially defined in the outer wall thereof. The strap holder is engaged in the knuckle and the barrel. The latching element is received in the groove and the middle board is received in the notches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CO,.LTD., SUTECH TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: JUN WANG, HSIAO-HUA TU, PENG-JIN GE, GANG YANG, YONG-HUI SUN
  • Patent number: 7343184
    Abstract: A protective cover for handheld devices. The protective cover containing a hardened plastic protective inner layer and a soft outer layer. The protective cover containing at least one cavity for mounting the associated segment of the handheld device therein and at least one fitted notch to secure the piece to the associated segment. The protective cover further containing at least one window for providing exposure to the surface of the associated segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Ramin Rostami