Abstract: A computer case having a chassis, a motherboard support plate, a backplane having an edge attachable along an edge of the motherboard support plate to form a unitary motherboard-backplane support structure, and pivotable linkage members coupled between the chassis and the motherboard-backplane support structure for pivotal movement of the motherboard-backplane support structure between a first position in which the motherboard-backplane support structure is located inside the case and, a second position in which the motherboard-backplane support structure is located substantially outside the case.

Abstract: An improved port replicator for sharing peripheral devices between a portable computer and a desktop computer. The improved docking station including a docking station provides the ability to connect the ports of the two computers as well as to share peripherals between the computers. These interconnections are accomplished by means of a switch mechanism on the improved docking station and port replicator. The improved docking station and port replicator is realized by connecting a custom 50-pin cable between a desktop computer and docking station. The docking station includes a custom adapter for transferring the desired electrical signals from the desktop to either a portable computer at the docking station, the peripheral devices connected to the docking station, or to both the portable computer and the peripheral devices.

Abstract: A card rack is provided for removably housing two types of circuit packs in respective first and second portions, e.g., upper and lower portions of the card rack. The card rack includes connectors for interconnecting components on the circuit packs with one another and to input and output cables. The input cables are connected only to circuit packs of one type which are disposed only in one, e.g., the lower, portion of the card rack. The upper card rack portion overhangs the lower card rack portion for, in combination with sides of the card rack, forming a recessed space through which the input cables are routed to the lower portion circuit packs. The passage of the cables through the recessed space isolates the cables from becoming entangled with traffic passing in front of the card rack and thereby avoids the need for a separate door enclosing the front portion of the card rack.

Abstract: Disclosed is a docking unit which includes a mechanical lock having an unlock position and a lock position. A security key is provided for manipulating the mechanical lock to move between the unlock position and the lock position. The security key is (1) detachable from the mechanical lock at the lock position and (2) undetachable from the mechanical lock at the unlock position. The docking unit further includes a latch for securing a portable computer to the unit in response to positioning of the mechanical lock in the lock position and releasing the computer from the unit in response to positioning of the mechanical lock in the unlock position. The unit also includes an inhibitor for selectively inhibiting the mechanical lock from movement to the lock position.

Abstract: A robust optoelectronic transceiver module which provides for static discharge and is quick, easy, and inexpensive to manufacture. The transceiver module has a main housing which consists of a potting box with potting material inserted therein. In addition, a circuit board is encased by the potting material. The circuit board has an optical subassembly mounted thereon. The optical subassembly extends outside of the potting box through a recess. Correspondingly, a recess cover is provided for forming a liquid tight seal between the recess cover, the potting box, and the optical subassembly. Furthermore, the module provides electrically conductive latches which are conductively connected, via tabs for forming an electrical connection, to a grounded structure, such as a computer chassis.

Abstract: A computer system has a data processing unit, an audio speaker assembly apparatus, and at least one computer component mounting structure. The audio speaker assembly apparatus includes one or more speakers and one or more mounting mechanisms for electrically and mechanically connecting each speaker to the computer component mounting structure. Each speaker may be selectively and detachably connected to the computer component mounting structure so both an electrical connection of a speaker to the mounting structure and a physical support of the same speaker to the mounting structure can be readily established or removed. The computer component mounting structure may be, for example, as LCD housing or another type of display housing, or it may be a stationary mounting structure such as a docking station for docking portable notebook computers.

Abstract: A user adjustable switching controller for duty cycle regulating flow of current to an electrical load such as a resistance heater, particularly for cooking appliances. A load current switch, when closed by a user operated cam also energizes a heat motor which includes a resistive strip attached to one active leg of a U-shaped bi-metal member. The load current switch snap spring is attached to the heated leg of the bi-metal. The other leg of the U-shaped bi-metal is anchored to one of the load connecting stationary terminals and serves to provide ambient temperature compensation. User rotation of the cam deflects a bias spring which acts on the portion of the bi-metal attached to the load switch snap spring to effect closing of the load current switch and energization of the heat motor. Heating of the bi-metal causes warpage which overcomes the bias spring to open the load switch and shut off the heat motor. Cooling of the bi-metal allows the load current switch to re-close repeating the cycle.

Abstract: A portable notebook computer assembly having a notebook computer which attaches to an extension module. Both the notebook computer and the extension module are compact, lightweight, and portable. The extension module contains peripheral features that enable the notebook computer to gain access to the peripheral features. A more secure mechanical juncture is formed between the notebook computer and the extension module to allow for a better electrical connection. Three, instead of four contact points are formed between the notebook computer and the extension module. Two of the three junctures are the two buckles while the third is a guide holder, consisting of a continuum of points along one edge of the device opposite from the buckles. With this improved design, the notebook computer can attach better mechanically and electrically to the extension module.

Abstract: A portable apparatus such as a portable computer comprises a box-shaped housing, a functional element contained within the housing, and a bracket for supporting the housing. The bracket has a coupling portion situated within the housing. The housing includes a wall for supporting the functional element and a peripheral wall formed to be continuous with a peripheral edge portion of the wall and to surround the functional element. The coupling portion of the bracket is fixed to the peripheral wall of the housing.

Abstract: An anti-shock and water-resistant housing for enclosing the internal structure of a portable electronic apparatus comprising a hard housing body molded of plastic material whose mechanical strength is sturdy when shaped and finished, and resilient layer on said hard housing body in conformity with the shape of the outer surface of the housing body. The resilient layer is molded of synthetic resin which shows resilient characteristic like rubber when shaped and finished.

Abstract: A first electrical connector 30 and a second electrical connector 40 are installed on opposed ends of a two-sided flexible printed circuit 50, and the connectors are connected by two layers of conductive patterns. In the intermediate parts 22a and 22b, the conductors 20a of the upper-side circuit pattern and the conductors 20b of the lower-side circuit pattern are arranged so that they extend substantially parallel to each other and are shifted in a pitch direction. Accordingly, electrical connections can be realized in which crosstalk is prevented while a relatively high impedance is maintained; furthermore, the resistance of the FPC 50 to bending is also strengthened.

Abstract: A compact electronic apparatus includes a base unit having a bottom wall and a side wall, an attachment recess having a bottom opening portion formed in the bottom wall of the base unit, and a battery pack to be fitted in the attachment recess from the bottom opening portion. The battery pack has a size slightly shorter than the attachment recess and is slidable in the attachment recess by a predetermined distance substantially equal to the difference between those lengths. A side opening portion continuous to the bottom opening portion and open to the side wall is formed in one end of the attachment recess. First engaging portions are provided at the side opening portion, and second engaging portions at the far end portion of the attachment recess. The battery pack is provided with third engaging portions and fourth engaging portions, which engage with the first and second engaging portions, respectively, when the battery pack is slid in the attachment recess by the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A display device includes a display portion and a tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism can be rotated around a rotation center and the display device can be installed on and removed from an external device such as a keyboard, bar code reader and a POS terminal. The display device may include a fixing member, used for fixing the display device to the external device, provided with the tilt mechanism.

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: A computer system including a chassis having a number of PCB support structures affixed thereon is disclosed. The PCB support structures are configured to support a PCB of one of a number of pre-determined lengths, employing one of a number of subset combinations of the PCB support structures. However, a constant predefined total number of fasteners is employed regardless of the length of the PCB.

Abstract: A modular electronic assembly comprises an electronic circuit module package having electrical contacts and a carrier having a socket for receiving the package. Lever arms pivotally mounted on the carrier retain the module in the socket in their closed position and eject the module from the socket in their open position. The lever arms also carry electrical contacts for engaging corresponding contacts on the module so as to provide electrical connection thereto. The assembly may be mounted in a housing comprising first and slidably engaging portions such that the size of the housing is adjustable.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit having anterior and posterior housing members for enclosing all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.

Abstract: The power supply module equips an assembly pc board, whereby the individual elements are arranged on a module pc board. In order to manufacture such a power supply module with little outlay and for reliably solving the heat elimination problems, the active components of the module are mounted in open structure on a ceramic plate manufactured in thick-film technology. The module is thereby mounted either with the components side toward the assembly pc board or within a clearance in the assembly pc board in order to achieve a reliable heat elimination given low structural height.

Abstract: A portable computer is housed in an integral multi-purpose carrying case. The case protects the portable computer against damage when closed, yet the case is easily opened for use of the computer while in the case. Ergonomic wrist and arm support are provided to a user of the computer when by the case when it is opened. The case also furnishes dissipation of heat from the computer during use while it is resting on a user's lap.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the present invention comprises a fully functional portable computer with central processing unit, hard disk drive data storage, and liquid crystal display and a docking station having at least a floppy disk drive, video random access memory and video controller. A motorized docking/undocking mechanism automatically docks and undocks the portable computer and docking station after the user has inserted the portable computer into the docking station or after the user has requested that the units be undocked. Numerous mechanical and electrical safeguards prevent the docking or undocking of the units if such docking or undocking is likely to lead to the loss of data or damage to the components of either unit. The internal mechanical construction of the docking station allows the user to place a large cathode ray tube display monitor directly atop the docking station without hindering the docking or undocking of the portable computer.