Abstract: A docking station for a portable computer contains a platform and a movable guide bar connected to the docking station and extending over the platform. The guide bar is capable of guiding the portable computer into proper alignment with the docking station when the portable computer is placed on the guide bar and pressed downwardly into the platform. The guide bar may contain a thermally conductive guide protrusion capable of mating with a heat sink on the portable computer. Heat is transferred from the heat sink on the portable computer to the guide protrusion on the guide bar. The guide bar itself may also be thermally conductive, providing a further avenue for heat to be transferred from the portable computer to the docking station.

Abstract: A computing device having programmable state transitions is disclosed. The device includes a real-time clock that generates a signal in response to the real-time clock attaining a programmed time of day. The device additionally includes a processor, coupled to the real-time clock that receives the signal and transitions from a first state to a second state, such as from a hibernate state to a standby state.

Abstract: A computer that establishes an ad hoc network, and a method performed by the computer are disclosed. The computer comprises an input device such as a keyboard or a graphical pointing device having a selector that generates a signal which indicates that a user has selected an ad hoc networking function. In one embodiment the computer includes a processor, coupled to the input device, which receives the signal and causes the computer to participate in an ad hoc network. The computer can also include a network interface, coupled to the processor, for communicating directly with at least one other computer within wireless communications range of the first computer.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable computer contains a platform and a movable guide bar connected to the docking station and extending over the platform. The guide bar is capable of guiding the portable computer into proper alignment with the docking station when the portable computer is placed on the guide bar and pressed downwardly into the platform. The guide bar may contain a thermally conductive guide protrusion capable of mating with a heat sink on the portable computer. Heat is transferred from the heat sink on the portable computer to the guide protrusion on the guide bar. The guide bar itself may also be thermally conductive, providing a further avenue for heat to be transferred from the portable computer to the docking station.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable computer has a fan and an airflow coupler for adjoining the docking station and an airflow port on the portable computer. The portable computer is adjoined to the docking station in a way that enables air to flow between the portable computer and the docking station, thereby reducing internal heating of the portable computer when docked.

Abstract: A fingerprint reading system includes a guide mechanism that defines the path of a finger across an interrogation region defined by an imaging device and includes a locking mechanism that selectively restricts the guide mechanism. In one embodiment, the guide mechanism is a finger guide that is restricted from following its established slide path, unless there is an applied force in the direction generally perpendicular to the slide path. The finger guide includes a finger-supporting region with an opening configured to expose the finger to the imaging device. Following a fingerprint reading operation, the finger guide is returned to a rest position by at least one spring mechanism. Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to require pressure on opposite sides of the finger guide, with the opposite sides being aligned with the slide path.

Abstract: A fingerprint reading system includes a guide mechanism that defines the path of a finger across an interrogation region defined by an imaging device and includes a locking mechanism that selectively restricts the guide mechanism. In one embodiment, the guide mechanism is a finger guide that is restricted from following its established slide path, unless there is an applied force in the direction generally perpendicular to the slide path. The finger guide includes a finger-supporting region with an opening configured to expose the finger to the imaging device. Following a fingerprint reading operation, the finger guide is returned to a rest position by at least one spring mechanism. Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to require pressure on opposite sides of the finger guide, with the opposite sides being aligned with the slide path.

Abstract: A grip is used to communicate force between a digit, such as a user's finger or thumb, to a receiver. The grip includes a first tab that inserts into a first end portion of the receiver. The grip further includes a second tab that inserts into a second end portion of the receiver. The second end portion may be substantially opposite the first end portion. Further, the grip includes a depression that is formed into an area between the first and second end, wherein the depression is formed to accord with the user's digit.

Abstract: A portable computer system has a screen attached to a base housing having an accessory bay and a first wireless transceiver. The screen has a cursor positioned by a mouse having a second wireless transceiver in contact the first wireless transceiver of the portable computer. A module, capable of insertion and removal from the accessory bay, has a mouse bay and connector for coupling to the mouse. When the mouse is in the mouse bay, a battery in the mouse is recharged.

Abstract: A fingerprint reading system includes a guide mechanism that defines the path of a finger across an interrogation region defined by an imaging device and includes a locking mechanism that selectively restricts the guide mechanism. In one embodiment, the guide mechanism is a finger guide that is restricted from following its established slide path, unless there is an applied force in the direction generally perpendicular to the slide path. The finger guide includes a finger-supporting region with an opening configured to expose the finger to the imaging device. Following a fingerprint reading operation, the finger guide is returned to a rest position by at least one spring mechanism. Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to require pressure on opposite sides of the finger guide, with the opposite sides being aligned with the slide path.

Abstract: A device used to accept an operator input to a computing device is disclosed. The device includes a first layer that includes a translucent, two-dimensional cover. Additionally included is a second layer in which a plurality of surfaces is constructed using a translucent and conductive material. The device further includes a third layer that employs a light-emitting material that generates light in response to the operator input.

Abstract: A computer that includes a computer base, a display and an articulated mechanism formed as modules with mating mechanical connectors. The mating mechanical connectors enable the computer base to be configured with the display either directly or indirectly via the articulated mechanism. The articulated mechanism configuration enables the display to be rotatable about the bottom edge of the display at any of a plurality of viewing angles and also to be oriented above the computer base in a plurality of positions. Preferably, a stabilizer mechanism stabilizes and locks the articulated mechanism to selected angular positions.

Abstract: A computer that includes a computer base a display and an articulated mechanism formed as modules with mating mechanical connectors. The mating mechanical connectors enable the computer base to be configured with the display either directly or indirectly via the articulated mechanism. The articulated mechanism configuration enables the display to be rotatable about the bottom edge of the display at any of a plurality of viewing angles and also to be oriented above the computer base in a plurality of positions. Preferably, a stabilizer mechanism stabilizes and locks the articulated mechanism to selected angular positions.

Abstract: A computer that includes a computer base and a display. The computer base has a user edge and a rear edge and the display has a viewing surface, a back surface, and a bottom edge. The rear edge of the computer base is interconnected to the bottom edge of the display by an articulated mechanism. The articulated mechanism enables the display to rotate about the bottom edge of the display at any of a plurality of viewing angles and also orients the display above the computer base in a plurality of positions. The display and articulated mechanism can be folded to a folded position. Optionally, a pop-up mechanism permits the articulated mechanism to pop-up from the folded position when triggered by the user.

Abstract: A system and a method for expanding the functionality of a computer docking system while also facilitating the use of the docking system with a variety of portable computer models. The present invention adds functionality to the docking system without any duplication of functionality already present, thus providing an efficient and inexpensive alternative to peripherals such as external drives and docking stations. The computer docking system includes a docking platform, a computer and a module tray. The module tray contains a non-redundant functionality module that adds a functional device to the docking system that is missing from the docking platform and computer. In addition, the module tray does not contain a duplication of the plurality of connections contained the docking platform and computer. The present invention also embodied in a method for adding non-redundant functionality to a docking system while providing adaptation of the computer to the system.

Abstract: A computer docking station has an anti-theft locking mechanism that prevents theft of PC cards and other removable components (removable drives, batteries, etc.) mounted in the docking station and a portable computer docked therein. The locking mechanism is mechanically moveable between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the locking mechanism at least partially covers the removable components to prevent their removal. In the unlocked position, the locking mechanism is withdrawn to allow removal of the components. The locking mechanism is preferably configured for use with an existing tether lock (e.g., a Kensington lock) used to secure the docking station and/or computer. The lock secures the locking mechanism in the locked position to protect the components.

Abstract: A computer mouse collapses into a smaller form. In one embodiment a cover slides to hide or reveal buttons and collapse or extend the length of the mouse. In another embodiment a lever is moved in one direction to bow the mouse surface and reveal buttons. Move the lever the other way and the mouse collapses in height and the buttons are hidden. In another embodiment a contoured leaf spring shapes the mouse. When relaxed, the spring is generally convex. Push down on the mouse and a latch captures the spring in an extended position reducing the height for storage and transport. Release the latch and the spring relaxes popping the mouse into an operable configuration. In another embodiment the mouse folds in half.

Abstract: The invention provides a single docking station structure which is usable for a set of different pieces of equipment having essentially similar interfaces, such as a manufacturer's line of portable (“notebook” or “laptop”) computer product models. A common first module supports interfaces with peripheral devices or the like. A model-specific second module, second from a set of second modules that correspond with various models from the line of portable computers, is coupled with the first module to support the portable computer. The second module supports the portable computer, so as to interface it directly with the interface on the first module. The second modules, preferably configured as trays for holding the portable computers, are very simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The trays can be stored next to the docking station (like magazines on a bookshelf).