Abstract: A mobile peripheral adapter has plural data and plural video ports disposed along a perimeter of a circular housing having first and second rotationally coupled portions. One housing portion includes electronic components for adapting USB information into selected of plural outputs protocols, the electronic components interfaced with the data and video ports and a USB cable. The other housing portion includes a cable guide that engages with the USB cable to retract and extend the USB cable at the housing.

Abstract: A mobile peripheral adapter has plural data and plural video ports disposed along a perimeter of a circular housing having first and second rotationally coupled portions. The video ports are coupled to a first video circuit board and the data ports are coupled to a second communications circuit board separate from the video circuit board. A USB cable includes video wirelines that couple to the video circuit board and other wirelines that couple to the communications circuit board, such as data, power and ground wirelines. A flexible cable interfaces control, power and ground between the video and communications circuit boards.

Abstract: A mobile peripheral adapter has plural data and plural video ports disposed along a perimeter of a circular housing having first and second rotationally coupled portions. The video ports are coupled to a first video circuit board and the data ports are coupled to a second communications circuit board separate from the video circuit board. A USB cable includes video wirelines that couple to the video circuit board and other wirelines that couple to the communications circuit board, such as data, power and ground wirelines. A flexible cable interfaces control, power and ground between the video and communications circuit boards.

Abstract: A mobile peripheral adapter has plural data and plural video ports disposed along a perimeter of a circular housing having first and second rotationally coupled portions. One housing portion includes electronic components for adapting USB information into selected of plural outputs protocols, the electronic components interfaced with the data and video ports and a USB cable. The other housing portion includes a cable guide that engages with the USB cable to retract and extend the USB cable at the housing.

Abstract: A computing device having a casing, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a card receptacle moveably supported by the casing for covering an orifice in the casing is disclosed. The card receptacle is spaced apart from the PCB in a closed position of the card receptacle to define a cavity therebetween. The card receptacle supports a connector that is connected to an electronic circuitry on the PCB. The card receptacle can be moved to at least one open position away from the orifice for receiving an electronic card and for allowing an additional module of the computing device to be inserted into the cavity for connection to the PCB.

Abstract: A computing device with an expansion module that may be removed and replaced in an expansion slot is disclosed. The computing device includes computer circuitry to which the expansion module may be electrically connected by means of electrical connectors. The expansion module is coupled to a removable portion of the housing so that when said portion is swung open with assistance of mechanical force, the expansion module is simultaneously disengaged from the computer circuitry. Thereafter, the expansion module can be further removed from said portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable keyboard attachment for a device such as a mobile telephone or personal digital assistant. The removable keyboard attachment is preferably arranged for pivotal connection to the device. The removable keyboard attachment includes a keyboard so as to enable ready input to the device via the keyboard.

Abstract: A computing device having a casing, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a card receptacle moveably supported by the casing for covering an orifice in the casing is disclosed. The card receptacle is spaced apart from the PCB in a closed position of the card receptacle to define a cavity therebetween. The card receptacle supports a connector that is connected to an electronic circuitry on the PCB. The card receptacle can be moved to at least one open position away from the orifice for receiving an electronic card and for allowing an additional module of the computing device to be inserted into the cavity for connection to the PCB.

Abstract: A computing device with an expansion module that may be removed and replaced in an expansion slot is disclosed. The computing device includes computer circuitry to which the expansion module may be electrically connected by means of electrical connectors. The expansion module is coupled to a removable portion of the housing so that when said portion is swung open with assistance of mechanical force, the expansion module is simultaneously disengaged from the computer circuitry. Thereafter, the expansion module can be further removed from said portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hinge device which is adapted to provide pivotal connection between parts of casings, particularly for portable computing devices. The hinge device consists of an outer housing member and an inner shaft. Non-metallic frictional material is disposed about the shaft. The frictional material is rotatable within the housing member. Lateral surfaces of the shaft are either distanced from inner surfaces of housing member or are separated by the frictional material. The housing member and shaft are connected to different parts of a casing such that rotation of the shaft within the housing member causes pivotal motion between the parts. The parts can be releasably fastened in selected pivotal orientations due to friction generated between the frictional material and the inner surfaces of the housing member. The invention also relates to a computing device incorporating such a hinge device.

Abstract: A hinge arrangement having first and second hinges is provided, each hinge being operable upon application of a different torque. The first hinge operates upon application of a first torque to pivot a structure through a first range of motion, beyond which the first hinge is opposed by a relatively high restrictive force. The second hinge operates upon application of a second torque which is greater than the first torque, but insufficient to overcome the restrictive force. Upon applying the second torque, the structure is pivotable through a second range of motion. The hinges thus work cooperatively to pivotally couple first and second panels (or structures) of a clamshell-like device.