Abstract: Retractable speakers for use in a housing coupled to a computer, such as a portable computer or docking bar, which allow for sound quality optimization by being positionally adjustable relative to the computer housing. Retractable speaker locations relative to the computer housing include the top surface, side surfaces or front surface. Speakers are rotatable about a hinge relative to the housing surface, or emerge from the surface, such that the speaker is rotatable about an axis in order to direct the sound output toward a user. Alternatively, speakers disengage from the computer housing for placement on a surface in an optimum sound quality arrangement. Retracted speakers are substantially internal to the computer housing allowing for ease of transport and use in remote locations.

Abstract: The performance of a computer system which use reduction of clock speed to conserve power is enhanced by dynamically adjusting the minimum number of clock cycles required for memory access ("wait states"). When the computer system decreases its clock speed, the minimum number of wait states is decreased to account for the longer cycle time. Likewise, when the computer system increases its clock speed, this invention determines whether any increase in the minimum number of wait states is required, and if so, implements such an increase.

Abstract: A computer system is provided having elevating members which are coupled to a front portion of a lap top computer. The elevating members may be placed and retained in several different positions, creating varying heights of elevation for the computer. The elevating members can be retained, among other methods, by frictional engagement or mechanical stops. Additionally, the members adjustably elevate the computer system, or may alternatively be stowed underneath the computer system. When in storage or in an open position, the elevating members have a slip resistant surface for maintaining the computer in a desired location. The elevating members provide a comfortable adjustment for the portable computer, without adding significant weight to the computer. The elevating members could be used in conjunction with other types of electronic components.

Abstract: A lap top computer system is provided having a light emitting device for illuminating a keyboard, and the surrounding work area. The apparatus operates to convey light from the liquid crystal display backlighting light source to the keyboard and work area utilizing light pipes. The light pipes transmit light from the backlighting system light source to lenses located on a surface of the computer body. The lenses are provided with adjustable doors covering the light source for varying the level of illumination.

Abstract: An electronic device housing is constructed of multiple connecting panels. The panels are provided with deformations where they contact other panels. The deformations are spaced a distance which is a function of the frequency of the primary electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electronic device to provide positive grounding at that frequency. The housing may be a personal computer housing.

Abstract: A portable computer has a main body section, a display screen and an adjustable camera assembly. The camera assembly is carried by the portable computer and has a limited field of view and a discernable viewing direction. The camera assembly is moveable relative to the portable computer so that the viewing direction may be adjusted without moving the main body section or display screen.

Abstract: The capability of a peripheral bus to provide an alternative low power source is combined with existing power management software that controls a computer's main power supply unit to provide stand-by power to logic in the computer that remains active to monitor the system environment for predetermined wake-up events. A self-powered Universal Serial Bus device supplies the minimal power needed by the active logic without the inefficiencies of a dual-stage power supply unit or the expense of incorporating both low-power and a full-power units.

Abstract: A position sensor comprises two curved surfaces concentrically aligned to form a container which is filled with a viscous fluid and a bubble of a lighter-weight fluid and placed between a radiation source and a radiation detector. The bubble changes position within the container when the sensor is moved, transmitting a beam of radiation from the radiation source through the bubble to activate a section of the radiation detector while the remainder of the radiation is blocked by the fluid. Position sensing circuitry translates a signal from the activated section of the radiation detector into position coordinates for point in space corresponding to the position of the bubble in the container.

Abstract: An adjustably mounted infrared device for an electronic device is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a computer. The computer has a housing and an integral infrared device. The housing has a plurality of surfaces to protect at least a processor within the housing. The integral infrared device is mounted adjustably to the housing to permit positioning of the device in a desired direction independent of movement of the housing. Other embodiments of the invention include a computer keyboard, a computer printer, and a computer monitor, each having such an integral infrared device mounted adjustably thereto to permit position of the device in a desired direction without movement of the keyboard, the printer or the monitor, respectively. The infrared device is contained within a casing. The casing is rotatably mounted by a pair of pegs which fit into a pair of holes located within the housing.

Abstract: A heat sink that utilizes a chimney effect to create its own airflow provides heat dissipation without requiring a fan or an air flow passageway between the heat sink and the electronic component. By removing material from each one of a plurality of pipes attached to a base of the heat sink, air flow inlets are formed. Heat is dissipated from the heat sink by drawing air in through the air flow inlets, passing the air over a base heated by conduction and heating the air so that the air rises and exits out through an outlet in each of a plurality of pipes attached to the base. Heat is dissipated because of the pulling in and directing of air flow. Thus, the heat sink utilizes the cooling benefits of the chimney effect when the heat sink is placed directly on an electronic component and no air flow passageway exists below the heat sink.

Abstract: A shipping container which inhibits improper orientation by its shape and also provides protection for its contents. The container has a number of side panels, a top end and a bottom end. A top closure covers the top end and a bottom closure covers the bottom end. The top closure projects above the top end to a preselected height and by it shape inhibits placing the container on the top closure. The bottom closure is recessed within the container to a depth at least as deep as the height of the top closure so that a plurality of containers may be nested together. The container may also include a crush resistant structure as an integral part of the top closure or a separate insert. The structure has outer walls and inner load-bearing walls which inhibit the structure from collapsing when a compressive force is applied.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a portable monitor riser shaped in a modified triangle configuration to use in a corner workstation location, with a turntable thereon. The monitor riser provides convenient component storage capabilities, convenient access to electronic peripheral devices, and a professional appearance.