3com Corporation

Other

23-3178

Thomas A Johnson

David D Oliphant

Tim Urry Price

Ryan A Kunz

Steven Lo Forte

Brent Delbert Madsen

Jeffrey L Jones

Charles Eric Posey

Sy Prestwich

John P Evans

Rick D Giles

Carlos A Rios

Gary H Stout

Donald C Paul

Scott W Rupp

Paul Fulton

Steven LoForte

Patrick A Tucker

Steven C Aldous

Nathan A Mueller

Jeffrey S Terrell

John D Frampton

Troy Garside

W Duane Burge

A communications device and method of operating the communications device are provided. The communications device includes a housing having a first edge portion. A display device is attached to a display device support member. The display support member is slidably attached to the housing to allow the display device to be positioned in an extended position beyond the first edge portion of the housing for viewing the display device when the communications device is in use and a retracted position within the housing when the communications device is not in use.

Communications device having retractable display means

A communications card allows computers to be electrically connected to electronic devices and communications systems. The communications card includes a modular jack with a plurality of contact pins. The contact pins include a plug engaging portion that does not include any sections that are angled more than about 90&deg; in order to minimize the stresses in the contact pins. The contact pins also include a connector portion that allows the contact pins to be electrically connected to a printed circuit board disposed within the communications card. Preferably, the plug engaging portion includes an elongated arm that aids in absorbing stress and deflection of the contact pins. Advantageously, the contact pins are designed to minimize the height of the modular jack such that the modular jack can be used with communications cards that comply with the PCMCIA Type III standards.

Contact pin design for a modular jack

A retractable antenna system is disclosed that enables electronic devices to engage in wireless communication. A preferred embodiment includes a retractable antenna disposed within a cavity in the electronic device and an actuating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting the antenna from within the cavity. The antenna system is preferably disposed within the housing of a communications card such as a PC Card. The retractable antenna may be rigid or flexible, and may be a single piece design or telescopic. The antenna system may also include two or more retractable antennas, a light source attached to the antenna, a control mechanism used to determine antenna functionality based on the positioning of the antenna, and the retractable antenna may be connected modular portion of the communication card.

Retractable antenna for electronic devices

A communication card includes a retractable connector that is smoothly extendable and retractable. A torsion spring is positioned within a slot that receives the retractable connector and the torsion spring assists the extension of the retractable platform and counter forces that may otherwise cause the platform to bind as it extends and retracts. A flexible circuit is attached to the torsion spring and it allows electrical communication between the retractable connectors and the communication card. The flexible circuit is preferably attached to the retractable connector and the communication card by zero insertion force connectors. Because the flexible circuit is bonded to the torsion spring, the movement of the circuit is constrained and that helps protect the circuit from damage.

Retractable connector for use with electronic devices

The modular jack allows a RJ series connector plug to be attached to a communications card that conforms to the PCMCIA requirements for a Type III card. The modular jack includes a main body portion including a top surface, a bottom outer surface and a front surface. The receptacle is disposed entirely within the front surface of the modular jack such that no portion of the plug extends through either the top surface or the bottom surface of the main body portion of the modular jack. Thus, the modular jack allows the communications card to be connected to standard RJ series plugs without deviating from the Type III PCMCIA card height requirement, even when the plug is inserted into the jack. Desirably, the main body portion has a height measured from the top surface to the bottom surface that is generally equal to or less than about 10.5 mm. Additionally, the receptacle preferably includes an upper inner surface and a lower inner surface that are separated by a distance that is generally equal to or less than about 10.1 mm. The modular jack may also include a latching area that securely holds the connector plug within the receptacle, but allows the connector plug to be removed from the receptacle without the user depressing a biased clip of the connector plug if a predetermined force is applied to a body of the connector plug.

Modular jack for type III PCMCIA cards

A hinged or rotatable antenna working in conjunction with a ground plane element which discloses a coaxial cable connection that maintains electrical contact between the ground plane element and the coaxial cable shielding through the use of a compression retainer block or plate. Some embodiments of the present invention also disclose channel geometry for establishing and maintaining an electrical connection between cable shielding and a ground plate element.

Method and apparatus for connection to a rotatable antenna

A media connector assembly with an extended electrical contact capable of non-destructive deflection when various media plugs are placed therein that do not accommodate each contact pin within the media connector. The media connector includes a platform with an arched mid-portion for enlarging the radius of deflection of the contact pins such that the contact pins deflect when a media connector is placed therein at a position further from the aperture receiving the media connector. The arch maintains curved support for the deflected contact pin and assists in the positive contact force applied by the contact pin to the contact of the media plug.

Media connector that allows electrical communication to be established with a media plug

A visual feedback system for providing information to a user regarding aspects such as the status and operation of the systems and components of one or more electronic devices. The visual feedback system is preferably employed in the context of a PC card and includes one or more light sources, preferably light emitting diodes, configured for electrical communication with the electronic circuitry by which the functionality of the PC card is implemented so that certain events that occur with respect to the status and operation of the PC card cause the light source to emit light. The emitted light is received by a light reflecting member that, preferably, substantially encloses the light source and reflects the received light in a manner and form consistent with a desired application. The reflected light is then directed, by virtue of the geometry of the light reflecting member, to one or more predetermined locations, one of which is preferably proximate to the receptacle of a connector included in the PC card. Thus, light emitted by the light source is correlated with operations performed by, and/or in conjunction with the PC card, and is then directed to a location visible to a user thereby enabling the user to ascertain information regarding aspects such as the status and operation of various electronic systems and components of, or relating to, PC card ( ).

Visual feedback system for electronic device

A retractable media connector assembly with a compressible electrical contact between a contact pin assembly and a flex circuit. Two plastic posts are molded into a retractable platform of the media connector assembly to align with the flex circuit, which has opposing holes, and is inserted over the tops of the posts. An arch in the retractable platform properly positions the contact pin assembly. When properly seated the contact pins are aligned directly over contact pads on the flex circuit. Proper alignment creates a positive stop and lock for the contact assembly and the flex circuit increasing the reliability and reducing the production cost. Molded locking features on the media connector assembly secure the entire system including a cap cover, the contact pins, the flex circuit, and the platform.

Electrical compression connection for retractable connectors

A media connector including a shield. The media connector includes an arch formed within the media connector. The arch has pin guides that allow the contact pins to be properly positioned within the media connector. The pin guides also keep the contact pins from touching each other. The arch forms an arch channel through which the shield exits the media connector. The shield extends out beneath the media connector beyond the portion of the contact pins that are exposed for contact with contacts of a media plug. When the media plug is inserted in the media connector, the shield covers the electrical connection thus formed to provide both protection and insulation of the electrical connection. The arch also includes a groove that permits the shield to rest within the confines of the media connector when the media connector is retracted.

Connector with an insulation shield

The present invention provides a retractable connector with a guide structure for use with electronic devices. The guide structure minimizes the lateral movement of the retractable connector and helps ensure that the retractable connector moves smoothly between the extended and retracted positions. The retractable connector and guide structure are preferably used in conjunction with multiple receptacles so that the connector can be connected to more than one communication system or network simultaneously. Advantageously, the guide structure allows the retractable connector to have a larger size while permitting smooth and controlled movement of the connector. The large size retractable connector can also include one or more antennas used for wireless communication.

Retractable connector with an alignment mechanism for use with electronic devices

Modular jack for Type III PCMCIA cards

A card edge connector allows a modular jack to be electronically connected to a PCMCIA Type III communications card. The card edge connector includes a modular jack with a main body portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface and a rear surface. A receptacle is disposed entirely within the front surface of the modular jack and the receptacle is sized and configured to receive a RJ series connector plug such that no portion of the plug extends through either the top surface or the bottom surface of the modular jack. A connector attached to the rear surface of the modular jack and the connector includes a socket sized and configured to receive a portion of a printed circuit board disposed within the communications card. Desirably, the card edge connector includes at least one contact pin including a plug engaging portion that extends into the receptacle and a printed circuit board engaging portion that extends into the socket.

Card edge connector for a modular jack

A jack for facilitating an electrical communication between a media plug and an electrical apparatus includes a low profile slide plate having an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture is configured to receive a media plug. A contact pin projects from the slide plate into alignment with the aperture and is configured to engage the media plug in electrical communication when the media plus is received within the aperture. Mounted on the slide plate is a pair of spaced apart first and second fuse contacts. The fuse contacts are configured to receive and retain a fuse disposed therebetween. The first fuse contact is disposed in electrical communication with the contact pin. The second fuse contact is configured for electrical coupling with the electrical apparatus. In one embodiment, the first and second fuse contacts are disposed within a fuse slot formed on the slide plate. The slide plate can be configured for either permanent or removable attachment to the electrical apparatus.

Growing community of inventors

Draper, UT, United States of America

Thomas A Johnson