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A unique method and apparatus effectively routes conductors such as conductors on a flex strip (402) through a hinge of a foldable electronic device (100) such portable cellular radiotelephone or some other wireless communication device. In particular, a cylinder (118) is rotatably mounted within th

A unique method and apparatus effectively routes conductors such as conductors on a flex strip (402) through a hinge of a foldable electronic device (100) such portable cellular radiotelephone or some other wireless communication device. In particular, a cylinder (118) is rotatably mounted within the hinge portion of a housing (104). The cylinder preferably includes a slot for receiving a distal end portion (414) of the flex strip which is also inserted into a slot (310) in the other housing (102) of the foldable electronic device. The method and apparatus of the present invention enables the flex strip to be routed between the two moveable housings and the housing elements to move with respect to one another without being damaged.

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[ We claim:] [1.] A hinge for routing a conductor in an electronic device comprising:a first hinge element having an aperture providing an opening to a first portion of said electronic device for receiving said conductor;a cylinder movably positioned within said aperture of said first hinge element,

[ We claim:] [1.] A hinge for routing a conductor in an electronic device comprising:a first hinge element having an aperture providing an opening to a first portion of said electronic device for receiving said conductor;a cylinder movably positioned within said aperture of said first hinge element, said cylinder having a main cylinder portion and outer cylinder portions on each side of said main cylinder portion and having a first slot extending at least partially therethrough for receiving said conductor wherein said first slot has a first portion extending through one of said outer cylinder portions at an angle with respect to a second portion extending though said main cylinder portion; anda second hinge element having a second slot for receiving said conductor, said conductor retaining said cylinder in a substantially fixed position relative to said second hinge element.