Abstract: Disclosed is a power system for use with a computer, the power system having incorporated in it circuitry for automatically varying the supply voltage output to the computer system based upon the magnitude of the current being supplied to the computer by the power system. Also included in the computer system is a variable frequency clock circuit, the frequency of which changes based upon the supply voltage produced by the power system. This permits, during computer system operation where low voltage and low clock speeds will be sufficient to provide the performance needed, achievement of a power saving since both the voltage and frequency at which the system operates is reduced, thereby markedly reducing the power consumption.

Abstract: A battery powered disk drive system for a portable computer comprises a disk drive unit, a cable, and a smart connector. The smart connector includes a disk drive controller integrated circuit, a printed circuit board, and an exterior plastic molding. The exterior plastic molding has an upper edge portion which butts against a display section of the portable computer when in use. Since the disk controller is physically located on the outside of a housing of the portable computer, the size of the portable computer is minimized. High frequency signals are converted to low frequency signals by the disk controller and, since the smart connector is located physically close to the computer, electromagnetic interference is minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power system for use with a computer, the power system having incorporated in it circuitry for automatically varying the supply voltage output to the computer system based upon the magnitude of the current being supplied to the computer by the power system. Also included in the computer system is a variable frequency clock circuit, the frequency of which changes based upon the supply voltage produced by the power system. This permits, during computer system operation where low voltage and low clock speeds will be sufficient to provide the performance needed, achievement of a power saving since both the voltage and frequency at which the system operates is reduced, thereby markedly reducing the power consumption.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a liquid crystal display (LCD) in a portable computer and a method for making the mounting structure are described. The mounting structure absorbs the shocks associated with day-to-day handling of the portable computer including occasional dropping or compressing and thereby protects the LCD from damage. The mounting structure consists of resilient shock absorbers mounted along the edges or at the corners of the LCD and glass assembly which are sealed with the LCD glass and circuitry behind a transparent overlay while under compression. The sealed mounting structure acts as a suspension system which allows the LCD glass to float along a single plane only. Any shocks due to dropping, compressing, bending or deflecting are absorbed by the shock absorbers and the LCD remains unaffected. The mounting structure may be evacuated and hermetically sealed, which provides protection to the LCD glass and circuitry from humidity, dust and other contaminates as well.

Abstract: A pocket-type computer encompassed by a two-part hinged casing has a hinge structure in which a lower housing containing a computer keyboard has a pair of spaced hinge elements pin-connected to an elongated hinge element of an upper housing containing a computer display panel. An elongated small leaf spring is captured within a slot on an exterior surface of a rear wall of the lower housing so that the bowed medial portion of the spring rides on a curved cam surface at the rear bottom edge of the upper housing during opening and closing of the respective housings forming the casing.