Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis having a slot in a side panel. An expansion card carrier is removably mounted in the chassis by being inserted into and removed from the slot. The carrier includes a jumper board which has a first connector and a second connector. An expansion card is mounted on the jumper board. The expansion card has a connector which engages the first connector of the jumper board. The second connector is coupled to the first connector and is positioned at an end of the carrier for being plugged into a connector within the chassis.

Abstract: A flat panel display (FPD) module can be mounted into a peripheral device bay of a computer system. The peripheral device bay of a convertible computer system is rotatable, allowing the FPD module to be mounted in a horizontal orientation regardless of the computer system's orientation. Additionally, the FPD panel of the module is rotatable so that the panel can be pivoted into an orientation convenient for viewing. The FPD module includes a sled having a front panel and a pair of opposing side panels, the front panel and side panels defining an interior portion. An FPD panel, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), is mounted in a frame rotatably coupled to the sled. At least one mounting feature is located on one of the side panels for mounting the module into a peripheral device bay.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel fans are mounted for moving side-by-side columns of air in a chassis. A louver member is provided adjacent each fan. Each louver member is bendable from a closed position to an open position by a flow of air generated by its respective fan, and is restrictedly bendable to a closed position, in engagement with a portion of an air passageway, in response to failure of its respective fan.

Abstract: A portable computer and a docking station and method in which a portable computer is effectively cooled while being docked. The docking station is provided with a heat conductive surface, and the computer is docked in the docking station with a surface of the computer in engagement with the heat conductive surface. The heat conductive surface functions to conduct heat away from the computer.

Abstract: Flexing of a display assembly for a flat panel display can be advantageously minimized or eliminated by a stiffener apparatus that is an adhesive backed thin member attached directly to the front or viewing side of the flat panel display device. The stiffener apparatus is also attached to a mounting bracket of the display assembly, or to another portion of the display assembly, in order to provide the desired stiffness. Additionally, should the display device be removed from the assembly for service, another advantage of the stiffener apparatus is that it remains with the display device and can readily be reattached to the mounting bracket or other portion of the display assembly.

Abstract: A system for dissipating heat from a power supply enclosed within a housing having an air inlet and outlet. The system includes fans disposed in a plenum structure adapted to fit over the housing to thereby establish air communication between the fans and the housing inlet so that operation of the fans causes air to flow through the inlet, the power supply, and out through the outlet, thereby dissipating heat from the power supply. Each fan is operable independent of any other of the fans. The relationship between the fans may be serial, parallel, or a combination of serial and parallel. The fans are monitored to detect failure of any of the fans and, upon such detection, an alert is activated.

Abstract: A power supply system including a power supply providing power to an electronic device through current share circuitry, which includes a second connector for receiving power from an external power supply. The power supply is preferably a fault-tolerant power supply so that the electronic device receives continuous power in the event of partial failure. When the fault-tolerant power supply partially fails, the external power supply is connected to the second connector of the current share circuitry, which is switched to temporarily provide power to the electronic device from the external power supply. The power supply is then replaced while the external power supply provides power, so that power to the electronic device is continuously maintained. The electronic device thus experiences zero down-time. Even in low-end systems with a single power supply, down-time is substantially reduced. The external power supply is connected internally or through an external connector on the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides lap table for a portable computer. The lap table comprises a supple main body that has a top surface joined to a bottom surface and a sealed hollow interior for containing a filling material to give the main body a degree of rigidity sufficient to support the portable computer thereon. The filling material may be either an inflating gas or styrofoam beads. The lap table also includes a securing wall integral with the top surface that is configured to receive a footprint of the portable computer and exert a positive securing force against the portable computer, to thereby secure the portable computer to the top surface when the hollow interior is filled with the filling material. The securing wall may comprise four spaced-apart opposing right angled projections, the projections spaced to receive four opposing bottom corners of the portable computer.

Abstract: A cooling subsystem and method for a chassis of a computer system. The cooling subsystem comprises: (1) first and second cooling fans having first and second motors associated therewith for driving the first and second cooling fans, respectively and (2) a common plenum substantially shrouding and providing a pathway for air communication between the first and second cooling fans, the first and second fans cooperating to provide an optimum rate of air flow from without the chassis to within the chassis to provide air exchange within the chassis, the air flow within the chassis being in a predetermined direction to provide directed cooling of a specified device within the chassis, the common plenum allowing the first and second fans to continue to cooperate to provide a minimum air flow to provide a minimum air exchange within the chassis, the air flow remaining in the predetermined direction to continue the directed cooling of the specified device when a selected one of the first and second motors fails.