3com Corporation

John Wheeler

Brent Delbert Madsen

David Moore

Sy Prestwich

Jeffrey L Jones

Steven Lo Forte

Michael Collins

Kurt Stewart

Brady V Brown

Scott W Rupp

A case for a handheld computer system is described. In an embodiment, the handheld computer system comprises a personal digital assistant. The case has multi-functional capability. The case provides a protective housing for the personal digital assistant and includes a communication module which is integrated into the case for protection against damage, whereas the communication module transmits and receives data for the personal digital assistant. In an embodiment, the communication module comprises a radio frequency (RF) wireless communication device. In an embodiment, the case includes a connector which couples to a communication port located on the back of the personal digital assistant, whereas the connector couples to the personal digital assistant inserted inside the case. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a latching connector which electrically couples to the communication port and which couples to the personal digital assistant. In an embodiment, the latching connector couples to the back cover of the case such that the latching connector can be rotated about a pivot axis to a latched position and to an unlatched position. When the latching connector is rotated to the latched position, the latching connector latches to the back cover and couples (electrically and physically) to the personal digital assistant inserted inside the case. When the latching connector is rotated to the unlatched position, the latching connector unlatches from the back cover, uncouples (electrically and physically) from the personal digital assistant, and rotates through an opening in the back cover to a position outside the case.

Case with communication module having a latching connector for a handheld computer system

An apparatus and method of mounting an antenna in a portable information device (PID) are provided. The PID includes a housing having an elongated slot formed therein. A circuit board is disposed with the housing. An elongated antenna housing including a first end and a second end is received in the elongated slot. A conductive contact member is positioned within the elongated antenna housing, and an antenna member is positioned within the elongated antenna housing. The antenna member is electrically connected with the conductive contact member. A conductive connection clip is attached to the housing for providing an electrical connection between the conductive contact member and the circuit board. The conductive connection clip includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion of the conductive connection clip is operatively connected to the circuit board and the first end portion of the conductive connection clip contacts the conductive contact member positioned within the elongated antenna housing to allow signals to be transmitted from the antenna member to the circuit board and vice versa.

Antenna for a portable information device

A method and apparatus for improving the successful transmission of facsimile data over a wireless communication channel is provided comprising a facsimile machine, a wireless transceiver and a connector interfacing therebetween. The facsimile machine detects an interface with the wireless transceiver and notifies the facsimile machine of a wireless communication channel through which facsimile data will traverse. The facsimile machine, in conjunction with the wireless transceiver, establishes a wireless communication channel according to an initial data transfer rate corresponding with the capability of the wireless transceiver or known communication channel conditions. The facsimile machine then exchanges facsimile data over the wireless communication channel and a receiving facsimile machine evaluates the facsimile data to detect errors injected through the wireless communication channel. When such errors are detected, the facsimile machine may institute retransmission of the previous facsimile data relying upon an anticipated improved condition of the wireless communication channel. When the conditions of this wireless communication channel have not improved, the facsimile machine renegotiates a data transfer rate more conducive with the present capability of the wireless communication channel. A facsimile machine further determines when the wireless transceiver is removed and reverts back to traditional wired communication channel data rates.

Method and system for modification of fax data rate over wireless

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Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

John Wheeler