Jon P Nelson

US Patent:

6361357, Mar 26, 2002

Filed:

Apr 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/548412

Inventors:

Kaylene C. Stillwell - Magna UT
Jon A. Nelson - Magna UT

Assignee:

3Com Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H01R 300

US Classification:

439490, 362 26

Abstract:

This is a system and method by which the light from a light source on a selectively attached portable expansion device, such as a PCMCIA card, is more visible to a user. It is accomplished by using a light transfer medium, such as transparent plastic, in the plug of a media cable. The light transfer medium is molded in such a way to continue the path of light from the connector interface into the plug of the media cable. Inside the plug the light reflects off of a molded reflector in an upward and outward direction. The light can then be viewed through a transparent opening or viewing window, which may be bubbled or rounded to increase the overall viewing angle. Thus, it is an overall object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector that has a low physical profile but a high optical profile and is particularly useful in devices and peripherals implemented in reduced-size form factors, such as PC cards, compact flash cards or other removable media.

US Patent:

6529589, Mar 4, 2003

Filed:

May 20, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/314990

Inventors:

Jon A. Nelson - Magna UT
Tim Urry Price - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

3Com Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H04M 1100

US Classification:

37910201, 34031001

Abstract:

Methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring and controlling automation equipment. The present invention uses a modems processing and memory resources to interpret and translate data and commands associated with automation equipment. When receiving data from the automation equipment, the modem interprets the data using its own processing power and stores the interpreted results in its own memory for subsequent retrieval. Commands for control are translated into a compatible format by the modem and then transmitted to the automation equipment. The present invention also allows for remote access through the modem for both monitoring and controlling without requiring any host interaction. A modem according to the present invention further provides for its host to operate in a mode of reduced processing and power consumption while the modem continues to monitor and control automation equipment.