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Socket Awarded U.S. Patent for Combining Removable Memory and Connectivity Technology in a Single Expansion Adapter
Broad-based patent is applicable to many mobile devices
San Jose, CA
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Monday, March 25, 2002 12:00:00 AM
Socket Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: SCKT; Pacific Stock Exchange SOK), the Mobile Connection™ Company, today announced the award of U.S. Patent 6,353,870 covering Socket's design for combination connectivity and removable memory expansion solutions. With the award of this patent, Socket has the Intellectual Property protection it needs to develop or license combination memory and I/O products such as plug-in cards, plug-on modules, sleeves and jackets for handheld computers and other mobile devices. Socket has already implemented this technology in a new proprietary CompactFlash and PC Card interface ASIC chip, which is available for sale. Socket also plans to license this technology.
The combination of connectivity and removable memory on a single expansion adapter enables mobile professionals to connect handheld devices, such as a Pocket PC, to email and the Internet while simultaneously accessing removable memory for storing email attachments, important documents, or even MP3 files. For example, a combined CompactFlash GPS receiver and removable memory card with maps on it would enable someone using a Pocket PC to navigate using the global positioning system. A combination wireless 802.11b LAN card with removable memory would enable someone to browse the Internet or check email while listening to a "CD" of stored MP3 music files.
"Combination removable memory plus connectivity cards have the potential to become the next generation of connection products for handheld computers and other small devices," said Micheal Gifford, Socket's founder and executive vice president of Business Development, and co-inventor of the patented technology. "This combination technology can greatly enhance ease-of-use and functionality for our customers. By developing techniques to add removable memory to targeted connectivity products, Socket can offer mobile professionals dual functionality in a small form factor."
Potential licensing partners or those interested in purchasing Socket's combination interface ASIC chip should contact Les Lee, Director of Sales for Socket Communications. Mr. Lee can be reached at 510/744-2781. To find out more about Socket's interface technology, visit http://www.socketcom.com/emp/.
About Socket
Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT, PSE: SOK), the Mobile Connection Company, provides the broadest range of connection products for Windows powered handheld computers, including Bluetooth cards, wireless LAN cards, digital phone cards, 56K modem cards, and Ethernet cards. Socket also provides bar code scanning products and peripheral connection serial cards for laptops and other mobile devices. Socket products are Mobility Friendly™, leading the market with the smallest footprint and most Battery Friendly® in their class, while being easy to install, use and maintain. Socket products work with handheld devices made by leading handheld manufacturers, including Compaq, Hewlett Packard, Toshiba, Casio, and Palm. Socket also works closely with Microsoft and with mobile phone manufacturers, including Nokia, Ericsson, and Motorola, to ensure smooth interoperability between the companies' product lines. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California, and can be reached at (510) 744-2700, or on the Internet at www.socketcom.com.
Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company and Mobility Friendly are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. © 2002, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
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