Novation, Inc.

Bayard F Kessler

Neil F Nagy

Pocket sized telephone line data communication devices which include acoustic coupling capabilities are disclosed. The couplers have a primary body member housing a microphone (or speaker) adjacent one face surface thereof for disposition flat against the ear piece (or microphone) of a conventional telephone handset. A flexible slide structure having a speaker (or microphone) therein is coupled to the body member and is slideable with respect thereto to extend outward to cover the microphone (or earpiece) of the handset, the flexibility of the flexible member together with the slide allowing varying amounts of extension and angularity between the flexible member and the body to accommodate handsets of different spans between and angularity of the earpiece and mouthpiece thereof. With the flexible member at its extreme retracted position, the entire assembly is quite small, readily fitting within a man's shirt pocket. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Pocket sized telephone line data communication systems

Modem cartridges and connection for program cartridge type computers are disclosed whereby a modem cartridge may be used in place of a program cartridge to provide the modem function between the computer and a telephone line. The modem cartridge is constructed to be interchangeable with an ordinary program cartridge whereby the modem may be electrically connected to the computer bus in the same manner as the read-only memory in a conventional program cartridge. The modem cartridge however, is provided with additional connection points which are accessible when the cartridge is in place in the computer to provide connection to a conventional phone line modular connector. The connection between the modem cartridge and the modular phone line connector may be provided by cooperatively disposed wiper-type contacts operative between the modem cartridge and contacts supported on the computer chassis positioned so as to not interfere with conventional program cartridges, with further connection being made between the contacts supported on the computer chassis and the modular phone line connector being made in computers having the manually operable cover over the program cartridge region by a thin, flat cable extending out from under the cover. Operating software or firmware for the modem may be contained in the modem cartridge or separately loaded into the computer from tape or disk.

Modem cartridge and connection for program cartridge type computers

A microprocessor based telephone like device which includes all of the functions of any ordinary telephone, the functions of a data terminal and many additional functions to provide a highly useful voice and data communications and control device for both professional and personal use. The system generally includes a provision for direct connection and acoustic coupling to a phone line for ordinary voice communications or for data communications through a modem. A full alphanumeric keyboard coupled with a significant buffer memory and a one line display in the terminal provide for buffering of incoming and outgoing data as well as the display thereof. Inasmuch as the microprocessor based system is a bus oriented system, a great variety of controllers and communications devices and interfaces may be coupled thereto to provide a large array of data and voice communications and control capabilities.

Intelligent telephone

An acoustic coupler such as commonly used to receive and transmit data between computer terminals over telephone lines. The acoustic coupler is constructed in two halves joined by a flexible hinge which permits the two halves to move laterally and rotationally (about the hinge) with respect to each other. Each half of the acoustic coupler is also provided with a strap for securing the telephone handset portion in place upon the acoustic coupler halves. Once secured in place the telephone handset portion can be used as a 'handle' to pick up and move the acoustic coupler from place to place. One half of the acoustic coupler contains a speaker, the other half contains a microphone, which may be electrically coupled to one another by electrical paths passing through, or forming a part of, the flexible hinge member.

Flexible acoustic coupler

Acoustic coupler

Electronic package

Acoustic modem

An Electronics Package for providing a low cost enclosure of good esthetic and functional character. The package is formed from an extrusion, preferably a plastic extrusion, having one or more pairs of slots on the inner surface thereof for receiving and supporting the edges of a printed circuit board. End caps on each end of the extrusion complete the enclosure with the end caps being retained in place by any of a variety of techniques. By fastening the printed circuit board or printed circuit boards to at least one of the end caps, no other circuit board retention within the central extruded section is required. The end caps may be configured so as to have openings to expose or make accessible switches, connectors and the like mounted on the printed circuit board or boards, or to provide access for an edge connector for connecting directly to the printed circuit board. Various embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments for packaging of modems and further including modem packages having adjustable muff spacing.

Growing community of inventors

Woodland Hills, CA, United States of America

Bayard F Kessler