Abstract: A brushless direct-current motor is provided includes an inner stator and an outer rotor. The rotor includes a rotor core disposed around the stator, an inner annular member mounted on a rotor shaft, and a plurality of radial blades extending angularly from the rotor core to the inner annular member forming a fan. A first end cap is provided including a radial back plate proximate the fan and a center opening in the radial back plate through which the rotor shaft extends. A second end cap is provided including a main body disposed adjacent the stator opposite the fan. The radial back plate of the first end cap includes at least one sloped surface forming at least one air gap such that the airflow generated by the fan is centrifugally guided within the first end cap by the sloped surface and caused to exit through the air gap.

Abstract: In a method and system for detachably docking a portable device to a docking device, the docking device is placed on a stable surface. The docking device includes a pair of moveable rear latches and moveable front latches, which are operable to latch on to corresponding matching slots of the portable device when docked. The portable device is aligned vertically on top of the docking device. A vertical force is applied on the portable device. When properly aligned a pair of alignment pins included in the docking device mate with corresponding notches on the portable device when the two devices are docked. A release latch on the docking device is operable to undock the two devices.

Abstract: In a method and system for detachably docking a portable device to a docking device, the docking device is placed on a stable surface. The docking device includes a pair of moveable rear latches and moveable front latches, which are operable to latch on to corresponding matching slots of the portable device when docked. The portable device is aligned vertically on top of the docking device. A vertical force is applied on the portable device. When properly aligned a pair of alignment pins included in the docking device mate with corresponding notches on the portable device when the two devices are docked. A release latch on the docking device is operable to undock the two devices.

Abstract: A method of preventing LCD damage in an information handling system is disclosed. The method includes mounting an LCD in a screen portion of an information handling system. The LCD has a top layer with a particular hardness. Another step in the method is rotatably mounting a base portion of the information handling system to the screen portion such that the portions can assume a proximate position and a separated position. A material is affixed to the base portion such that at least a portion of the material is between the base portion and the LCD in the proximate position. The material has a hardness no greater than the hardness of the top layer of the LCD.

Abstract: A method of preventing LCD damage in an information handling system is disclosed. The method includes mounting an LCD in a screen portion of an information handling system. The LCD has a top layer with a particular hardness. Another step in the method is rotatably mounting a base portion of the information handling system to the screen portion such that the portions can assume a proximate position and a separated position. A material is affixed to the base portion such that at least a portion of the material is between the base portion and the LCD in the proximate position. The material has a hardness no greater than the hardness of the top layer of the LCD.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis having a biased slider device mounted thereon. The slider device includes a plurality of connectors positioned in openings in the chassis. When the slider is in a first position, the connectors are positioned in the openings. The slider is movable to a second position removing the connectors from the openings. A cover is releasably mounted on the chassis so that cover interlock members insert into the openings engaging the connectors in the first position and disengaging from the connectors in the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for mounting a component in a computer chassis. The present embodiment includes an embodiment in which the component is associated with a heat sink. A mounting bracket, including at least one slot, is disposed on a component. At least one fastener affixes the mounting bracket and component to the chassis. In an alternative embodiment, the component can be secured to an interposer plate affixed to the chassis. The plate includes threaded openings for engaging the fasteners. A second supporting means engages the mounting bracket also. In the present embodiment, the second supporting means is a cover including at least one tab. When the cover is coupled with the chassis, the tabs align with and engage the slots of the mounting bracket. A guide is described for aligning an electrical connector of the component with a corresponding connector of the computer, wherein the connectors make the electrical connection as the component is secured to the chassis.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis, a microprocessor mounted in the chassis, an input coupled to provide input to the microprocessor, a mass storage coupled to the microprocessor, a display coupled to the microprocessor by a video controller, and a memory coupled to provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor. The chassis includes an elongated channel guide having openings formed therein. A slider member is movably mounted within the guide on the chassis. The slider member has a plurality of connectors thereon which are movable therewith. The connectors are positioned in the openings in the guide in response to the slider member being in a first position. The connectors are removed from the openings in response to the slider member being in a second position and an engagement member on one end of the slider member engaged with a resilient release device attached to the chassis. A cover is mounted in the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a board in a connected position includes at least a first edge and a second edge, the apparatus including at least a first retention arm capable of holding in a connected position a first edge of the board, wherein the board is chosen from a plurality of circuit board cards, a heatsink thermal plate coupled to a circuit board card, and a heatsink thermal plate. A computer system includes at least one processor; a memory coupled to the processor and an apparatus for securing a board in a connected position, the device having at least a first edge and a second edge, the apparatus having at least a first retention arm capable of holding in a connected position a first edge of the board, wherein the board is chosen from a plurality of circuit board cards, a heatsink thermal plate coupled to a circuit board card, and a heatsink thermal plate.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis having a biased slider device mounted thereon. The slider device includes a plurality of connectors positioned in openings in the chassis. When the slider is in a first position, the connectors are positioned in the openings. The slider is movable to a second position removing the connectors from the openings. A cover is releasably mounted on the chassis so that cover interlock members insert into the openings engaging the connectors in the first position and disengaging from the connectors in the second position.

Abstract: A computer chassis includes a circuit board. A locating clip is mounted on the circuit board. The clip includes a first planar portion having a first fastener opening. A circuit board gripping leg extends from a terminal end of the first planar portion and is inserted into a receiver slot in the circuit board. A second portion of the clip is connected to extend from the first clip portion at an angular disposition. The second clip portion has a fastener portion including a second fastener opening. A fastener advanced through the first and second fastener openings, through the board and into the chassis, urges the first planar portion and the board to move relative to the second clip portion and the fastener.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis and a support member mounted on the chassis. A heat sink is mounted on the support member. A resilient retainer is captively mounted on the heat sink and a fastener member is captively supported by the resilient retainer and removably secured to the support member. The retainer is a continuous strip of resilient material including fastener guide members and a fastener retention member. The fastener guide members include a first guide member aligned with a second guide member. The fastener retention member includes a slot aligned with the fastener guide members. Gripping members are provided to snap into engagement with the heat sink. The fastener member extends through the guides and the retention member and engages the support member.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis and a rigid support member mounted therein. A heat sink is connected to the support member by a resilient retainer which is movably mounted on the heat sink. The retainer is movable between a first position out of engagement with the support member, and a second position engaged with the support member. The retainer is formed of a continuous strip of resilient material and includes a handle for facilitating manual access to move the retainer between the first and second positions. The retainer is captive to the heat sink in either of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A technique for dissipating heat generated by a chip in a small, inexpensive, quiet, and reliable manner without drawing power from a power source. In a preferred embodiment, the chip resides in a computer housing and a heat dissipator for the chip is made up of a convection component and a conduction component. The convection component is similar to a conventional heat sink. It includes fins that channel a flow of air therethrough releasing heat into the air. The conduction component is a thermal conductor which attaches to a heat spreader. In the preferred embodiment, the heat spreader is part of the computer housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus simultaneously supporting a circuit board and dissipating heat from an electrical device on the circuit board. In a computer including the circuit board and a mother board connected to the circuit board, a heat dissipator not only dissipates any heat produced by the electrical device, but also secures the circuit board to the mother board. The heat dissipator includes three frame plates and two support plates, each made of a thermally conductive material. The first frame plate is directly connected to the electrical device. The first and second frame plates are proximate to and parallel with the front and back faces of the circuit board, respectively and the third frame plate connects the first and second frame plates. The first and second support plates attach the first and second frame plates, respectively, to the mother board.

Abstract: A multi-positionable power supply mounting hinge device includes first and second chassis members. The second chassis member is movably connected to the first chassis member. A bracket is fixedly mounted on the first chassis member. A flexible hinge detent member is connected to the second chassis member and extends to movably engage the bracket. The hinge detent member includes a wavy surface of sequentially variable protrusions and depressions. The wavy surface is in continuous friction engagement with the bracket in response to the hinge member being deflected when the second chassis member is moved relative to the first chassis member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for quickly and easily securing a computer device, such as a floppy disk drive, to a device carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier contains a plurality of dowels that align with pre-existing screw holes on the device. When the device is placed into the carrier, a first dowel attached to a bottom panel of the carrier is inserted into a first screw hole of the device. The device is thereby partially secured to the carrier. The device is further secured to the carrier when both the device and the carrier together are inserted into a computer bay. As the carrier enters the computer bay, a second dowel flexibly attached to a side panel of the carrier is inserted into a second screw hole of the device. Therefore, whenever the device and carrier are in the computer bay, the device is completely secured to the carrier.

Abstract: A weather monitoring device includes a wind force receiving body supported by a support member and a wind velocity and direction measuring arrangement. The wind velocity and direction measuring arrangement, preferably includes strain gauges mounted upon the support member and measures the magnitude and direction of flex in the support caused by wind acting upon the wind receiving body. Wind direction and velocity are calculated from the flex measured in the support. The velocity and direction measuring arrangement also includes features to compensate for strain gauge offsets and temperature drift. Additionally, a rain monitoring arrangement may be included in the weather monitoring device to provide rain measurements in addition to the wind measurements. The rain monitoring arrangement includes a rain collection surface and a rain volume measuring device. The rain collection surface is completely contained within the wind force receiving body and directs water to the rain volume measuring device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a light source positioned behind a liquid crystal display, the output from the liquid crystal being projected onto a projection screen that has random polarization, thereby permitting a wide range of vision. The screen can be a part of the liquid crystal display by providing a frosted surface thereon which permits diffusion of the light emanating from the display.

Abstract: A universal acoustic coupler system includes a pair of flexible muffs for acoustically coupling a telephone handset to transducers (speaker/microphone) of an electronic input/output device. The muffs are formed of an external housing inside which an internal housing is positioned, defining a fluid insulator therebetween. The internal housing has a speaker/microphone cavity for receiving the input/output device speaker or microphone which opens into an earpiece/mouthpiece cavity for receiving the earpiece or mouthpiece of a telephone handset. The fluid insulator is formed to completely insulate the speaker or microphone to eliminate all external noise.