Abstract: A collapsible keyboard and display mechanism for a computer system includes a collapsible keyboard having at least two independent keyboard sections and a first hinge device for enabling at least two of the keyboard sections to fold together in face to face relationship; and an independent display section disposed between the two keyboard sections in the collapsed condition.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard and display mechanism for a computer system includes a collapsible keyboard having at least two independent keyboard sections and a first hinge device for enabling at least two of the keyboard sections to fold together in face to face relationship; and an independent display section disposed between the two keyboard sections in the collapsed condition.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard and display mechanism for a computer system includes a collapsible keyboard having at least two independent keyboard sections and a first hinge device for enabling at least two of the keyboard sections to fold together in face to face relationship; and an independent display section disposed between the two keyboard sections in the collapsed condition.

Abstract: A cursor control device for computers includes a ball whose surface is marked with a regular pattern based on the Platonic solids. The ball surface is illuminated and the rotations are measured precisely from the observed motions of the Platonic solids. The precision of measurement enables the rotation to be measured about other axes and transformed to the desired coordinates without undue deterioration of accuracy. In one embodiment, a nonplanar retainer exposes adjacent faces of a trackball for three components of rotation. In another embodiment, the ball rotation is measured inside a mouse, and the high accuracy of detection of rotation enables collection of transformed rotations from a sensor mounted to the side for a more compact design.

Abstract: A video telephone headset device includes a foundation which supports an image capture device, a support arm, and a convex mirror. When the foundation is held adjacent to a user's head, the support arm positions the convex mirror in a fixed position in front of the user's face. The mirror reflects the full facial image to the image capture device. This arrangement makes it possible to construct a video telephone headset which is simple and small in size yet able to capture the full face and facial expressions using very little bandwidth.

Abstract: A vacuum device (10) has a collapsible cover (18) capable of maintaining a seal with a flexible surface (64) such as human tissue. A set of shaping members (20) support the cover (18) against collapse into the evacuated region in the interior, yet readily flex to maintain the seal with the deforming tissue without the need for an excessive sealing force.

Abstract: A cursor control device for computers includes a ball whose surface is marked with a regular pattern based on the Platonic solids. The ball surface is illuminated and the rotations are measured precisely from the observed motions of the Platonic solids. The precision of measurement enables the rotation to be measured about other axes and transformed to the desired coordinates without undue deterioration of accuracy.In one embodiment, a nonplanar retainer exposes adjacent faces of a trackball for three components of rotation. In another embodiment, the ball rotation is measured inside a mouse, and the high accuracy of detection of rotation enables collection of transformed rotations from a sensor mounted to the side for a more compact design.

Abstract: An improved trackball includes a nonplanar retainer and tapered sensors. A method is given to measure trackball rotations about nonorthogonal axes and transform these to rotations about standard Cartesian coordinates. The large area of the ball exposed by the nonplanar retainer and the flexibility afforded in locating the sensors facilitate a trackball which can respond to both two- and three-dimensional ball rotations.

Abstract: A connector with two mating surfaces is configured within a computer housing to accept removable PC cards. These connector surfaces are capable of mating with PC cards mounted both internally and externally to the housing. The bottom surfaces of the externally mounted PC cards are flush with a lower external surface of the computer housing. This configuration allows external cards to be supported by any flat surface upon which the computer rests without the requirement for the space of an additional internal slot. The connector is offset between opposing sides of the housing. When a PC card is connected to the connector from a first side a maximum of 25% of the length of the PC card fits within the housing and when connected to the connector from a second opposing side a minimum of 75% of the length of the PC card fits within the housing.