Abstract: A portable or stationary electronic device equipped with a typing keyboard, such as a notebook or desktop personal computer or screen-phone, with a retractable palmrest in accordance with the present invention includes a platform, circuitry, a display, a keyboard, and the retractable palmrest. The palmrest provides ergonomic benefit for typing and a suitable location for a full-size track pad (mouse pad) pointing device, mouse buttons and other low-profile peripheral devices. By retracting, and optionally folding, it reduces the size of the electronic device during storage or transport. The platform includes a front surface, opposing side surfaces, a back surface, and a top surface. The circuitry is connected to the platform. Keys forming a keyboard are connected to the top surface of the platform and are coupled to the circuitry along with the display.

Abstract: An expandable keyboard in accordance with the present invention provides a full-size or expanded keyboard for typing which folds to minimize size during transport or storage, and can be converted to substantially twice its folded length for use. Its use of sliding segments permits a straight hinge line for folding. Its operating mechanism supports a large number of electrical interconnections between the hinged wing section or sections and the central platform, and provides for straight-line engagement as well as environmental and ESD protection of the mating electrical connectors. It permits the operation of removable modules such as PCMCIA cards or fixed circuitry such as speakers or keypads in the wing section or sections in both their open and closed positions. It includes a central keyboard assembly and a first assembly comprising a first segment and a first wing. The central keyboard assembly includes one or more keys and a platform.

Abstract: An electronic product, such as a personal computer or electronic organizer with an open-surfaced receptacle or slot is described. An electronic product incorporating such a receptacle is able to accommodate an insertable electronic module, such as a PCMCIA card, that is thicker than could be incorporated in the receptacle if a portion of the inserted module were not permitted to protrude through the receptacle along the open surface. One embodiment of the invention includes a display, a platform, circuitry, a keyboard, the receptacle, an electrical connector in the receptacle, protective sliding shutters and a door. The platform includes at least two opposing surfaces and at least one side. The inserted card is connected to the circuitry in the platform via the electrical connector located in the receptacle. The keyboard is connected to one of the opposing surfaces and is also coupled to the circuitry.

Abstract: A film flattening apparatus and method of operation for flattening a filmstrip image frame against an aperture in a base operable by applying normal compressing force through longitudinally extending clamping elements to compress the longitudinal edges of said filmstrip image frame against said base surface, applying transversely directed tensioning force through the longitudinally extending clamping elements away from the image frame to press the longitudinal edges of said filmstrip image frame apart, and applying normal compressing force through laterally extending clamping elements to compress the lateral edges of said filmstrip image frame against the base surface, whereby the filmstrip image frame is flattened by pressing contact along with the longitudinal and transverse edges of the filmstrip image frame and tensioned flat by the laterally applied force as the clamping elements are advanced fully into their respective contact positions.

Abstract: A sheet removal apparatus for unloading a sheet from a hollow drum mounted for rotation about its axis and having a vacuum provided to the interior thereof and to first and second sets of vacuum openings through the surface of the drum. The sheet is arranged to overlie and close the first set of vacuum openings with the second set of openings extending substantially parallel with an edge of the sheet and comprising only a small portion of the total number of vacuum openings through the drum. An exit blade is disposed adjacent the drum and has an edge proximate the drum that extends substantially parallel to the edge of the sheet and forms an acute angle with the drum surface with the proximate edge of the blade closely adjacent the apex of the angle and parallel with the edge of the sheet. When the drum is rotated to a sheet removal position, the first set of vacuum openings lies beneath the acute angle when the edge of the sheet is disposed on the opposite side of the apex.