Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a case, a movable portion that has a recording medium accommodating portion for accommodating a recording medium and a portable terminal accommodating portion for accommodating a portable terminal, and that is able to be moved to an outside of the case and to be moved to an inside of the case, the portable terminal accommodating portion having a connector to be connected to the portable terminal, and an accessing portion that accesses the recording medium accommodated in the recording medium accommodating portion, and that accesses the portable terminal which is connected to the connector through the connector in a state that the portable terminal is accommodated in the portable terminal accommodating portion. When the movable portion is moved to the inside of the case so as to be housed in the case, the connector is located in the case.

Abstract: A portable function-expanding device for an electronic device is provided which comprises: a housing with a plurality of accommodating slots provided on an upper surface thereof for accommodating electronic devices respectively, wherein a function-expanding interface is provided in each of the accommodating slots for being connected with a function interface of the electronic device accommodated therein; and a function means located in the housing and connected with the function-expanding interface to fulfill the function-expanding of the corresponding electronic device. The portable function-expanding device for an electronic device fulfills the function-expanding of the corresponding electronic device conveniently. That is, the function-expanding is fulfilled conveniently as required by just inserting the electronic device into the corresponding accommodating slot and connecting the corresponding function-expanding interface in the accommodating with the function interface of the electronic device.

Abstract: A device for use with a portable computer includes a base, a stand having an upper portion and an adjustable linkage, and a connection mechanism. The base is adapted to rest upon a surface and includes a keyboard that is physically integrated with the base. The stand is attached to the base. The upper portion is adapted to provide a surface upon which a portable computer rests. The upper portion includes an attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion to secure the portable computer physically to the upper portion. The adjustable linkage is connected to the base and is connected to the upper portion of the stand on another end. The adjustable linkage is adapted to position the upper portion of the stand. The connection mechanism provides data communication from the integrated keyboard to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion.

Abstract: An electronic device including a case, a covering plate, at least one first fixing unit, at least one second fixing unit, a circuit board disposed in the case, and a plurality of screwing members is provided. The case covered by the covering plate has a first datum surface and a second datum surface, where a distance between the covering plate and the first datum surface is greater than a distance between the covering plate and the second datum surface. The first and the second fixing units are disposed on the first and the second datum surfaces respectively. The first fixing unit includes a first screwing boss and at least one first rib adjacent thereto. The second fixing unit includes a second screwing boss and at least one second rib adjacent thereto. The screwing members pass through the covering plate and are screwed to the corresponding first and second screwing bosses.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charger determines the presence of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in proximity to the charger. Validation of account data associated with the electric vehicle occurs over a network. A docking interface on the charger aligns to a receptacle on the electric vehicle. The docking interface and the receptacle are coupled when the docking interface is within a predetermined distance to the receptacle. The charger supplies power to the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A docking device mounting system (400) is provided. The system can include a display device (100) having a plurality of mounting features (110) disposed thereupon; a docking device (200) including a plurality of universal serial bus (“USB”) interfaces (210, 220), at least one power interface (230), and at least one video interface (240); and at least one mounting member (300) having at least one mounting feature (320) and at least one extension member (330) disposed thereupon. Each of the at least one mounting member mounting features correspond to each of the plurality of display device mounting features and the at least one extension member permits detachable attachment of the docking device to the display device.

Abstract: Docking stations that can include a durable, movable plug connector are provided. For example, the plug connector can rotate and retract into or extend out of an opening of the docking station housing, thereby reducing the likelihood of breakage caused by misuse. A pivoting retraction mechanism can be rotatably coupled to the plug connector to allow the plug connector to be movable. The retraction mechanism can be a compliant mechanism that is formed from a single piece of material. The plug connector can be biased in a first position by a biasing element that also returns the plug connector to the first position after moving. The opening in the docking station that accommodates the plug connector's full range of motion may only be slightly larger than the plug connector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of players, and provides a portable multimedia player includes a housing; an integrated circuit module received in the housing for playing multimedia; a storage device interface electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, and configured to connect to an external storage device; and a male HDMI connector electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, configured to be connected to a female HDMI of an external display device. The multimedia function of the external display device is expanded by connecting the male HDMI 11 to the female HDMI of the external display device. The portable multimedia player is connected to the display device without any corresponding interface cable, such that it affords convenient using to users and beautiful appearance.

Abstract: Use of a custom insert is obviated when a digital camera is attached to a base (dock). Two movable pins are provided, in such a way that a connector is sandwiched between the movable pins, on a digital camera attachment surface of a base (dock) which provides a digital camera with a recharging function and a printing function. The movable pins fit to holes in a bottom of the digital camera to thus act as guides during the course of attachment of the digital camera. Alternatively, the attachment surface itself may be configured so as to be vertically movable, and the attachment surface may descend during attachment of the digital camera and the attachment surface may be latched in a lower position after attachment of the same.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a battery backup system having a docking connector with reserve battery cells to power a device when a main battery is not present during battery swap out or depletion. In one embodiment, the reserve batteries are high discharge rate batteries to provide power to the device.

Abstract: A multifunctional electronic apparatus includes a casing, a connection port group integrated with the casing, a memory card slot group, an operation interface, a power input element, a wireless antenna, a first storage element, an output element, a second storage element and a control circuit. The multifunctional electronic apparatus is a base station for wirelessly connecting to the Internet, and has reading memory cards, storing data, supplying power, charging and playing data functions.

Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The portable computing device can include a case snap system configured to movably attach two portions of a base of the computing device together. The portable computing device can include a lid portion with a support structure having a shaped profile configured to support a display. The portable computing device can include locating features disposed within the base portion configured to locate internal components.

Abstract: An information processing system includes: a main device including first and second engagement portions in a principal surface and a third engagement portion in a surface on the main-device side reverse from the principal surface; and an extension device including a placement portion on which the main device is placed, a first wall portion provided standing on one edge side of the placement portion, a second wall portion facing the first wall portion across the placement portion, a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion formed in the first wall portion, and a third engaging portion formed in the second wall portion. The first engaging portion engages the first engagement portion, the second engaging portion engages the second engagement portion, and the third engaging portion engages the third engagement portion. In the information processing system, the main device can be prevented from being improperly mounted on the extension device.

Abstract: An electrical connector and combination thereof are provided in the present invention. The electrical connector combination includes a first electrical connector being parallelly mounted on a first circuit board and a second electrical connector being perpendicular mounted on a second circuit board. The first circuit board is perpendicular to the second circuit board. The first electrical connector disposes at least one row vertical power port and one row vertical signal port. The signal port is parallel to the power port. The second electrical connector forms at least one row long power slot and at least one row long signal slot. The signal slot is parallel to the power slot. When docking, there forms an electrical contact between the plug power terminal and the corresponding receptacle power terminal, and forms an electrical connection between the plug signal terminal and the receptacle signal terminal.

Abstract: A system for docking a computer tablet with a docking station. The computer tablet has an asymmetrical edge that is adapted to rest in a cradle portion of the docking station. While resting in the docking station the computer tablet may be rotated to various angles and still maintain electrical connectivity to the docking station.

Abstract: Various computing devices and methods of thermally managing the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of providing air to an interior of a computing device is provided. The method includes docking the computing device to a docking station that includes an air mover operable to deliver air to the interior of the computing device. The docking station is operable to communicate with the computing device to manipulate operation of the air mover in response to cooling requirements of the computing device.

Abstract: An adapter for a ruggedized personal digital assistant (RPDA) may include a generally L-shaped housing with first and second legs. The first leg may have a generally tubular shape and may include a protruding ridge that is slidable in a stylus groove of the RPDA. The first leg may include a connector for a multi-function cable and an opening for a communication cable. The second leg may include a power connector for engaging the power-in port of the RPDA and a serial data connector for engaging the serial data port of the RPDA. A multi-function cable assembly may be disposed in the first leg and may connect to the multi-function cable connector. Inside the first leg, the multi-function cable assembly may split into a plurality of cables for connecting to the RPDA.

Abstract: A mobile device interface platform. The platform is configured to latitudinally receive any of a variety of mobile device sizes and shapes while being integrally associated with a stationary apparatus that is to communicate with the mobile device. Where wireless mobile devices are accommodated by the platform, the latitudinal reception affords a user a degree of imprecise placement and allows any number of wireless device types to be employed without regard to precise pin configurations or other non-wireless communicative coupling features. Nevertheless, a physically secure unitary association of the mobile device and stationary apparatus is present allowing for a functional and user-friendly manner of employing them together.

Abstract: A connector structure includes a base body, a slider, a connector holder, a holder, a slider restriction portion and a connector holder restriction portion. In a state where the slider is not held to the base body by the holder, the slider restriction portion restricts a movement of the slider in one direction of one axis. In a state where the movement of the slider is restricted, the connector holder is separable from the slider in the one direction. The connector holder restriction portion restricts a position and an attitude taken by the connector holder separated from the slider within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A cooling and noise-reduction apparatus for a computing device disposable within a structure having a central air conditioning system is provided. The computing device includes a heat generating component, an enclosure having first and second inlets, a fan configured to drive coolant from the first inlet to the heat generating component, a vent operably interposed between the second inlet and the heat generating component and a controller coupled to the fan and the vent to respectively control operations thereof. The cooling and noise-reduction apparatus includes a ducting element configured to flexibly and fluidly couple the second inlet with the central air conditioning system.

Abstract: An output device which houses a portable device in an internal space and which outputs at least audio or images outputted from the housed portable device to the outside, includes: a case body including a housing portion housing the portable device; a lid body connected to the case body so as to pivot about a hinge portion and pivoted between an opened position in which the housing portion of the case body is opened and a closed position in which the housing portion of the case body is closed; and a pair of buckles pivotally supported at one outer peripheral portion of the case body or the lid body between a locked position and a lock release position as well as pivoted to the locked position when the lid body is pivoted to the closed position to thereby lock the lid body with respect to the case body.

Abstract: A consumer electronic system for holding and providing power to as many as three consumer electronic devices has three cradles in a staggered configuration. One of the cradles is positioned behind and between the remaining two cradles. Thereby the cradle positioned behind the other two cradles is capable of supporting a larger consumer electronic device without blocking the front two cradles. The support walls of the front two cradles provide a surface that supports the larger consumer electronic device.

Abstract: A handheld device docking station has a base, two supporting arms and a pillow. The base has a socket. The socket has a flat bottom. Each supporting arm is formed on the base and has a first assembling part and a supporting plane. The supporting plane is in front of the supporting arm. The pillow is pivotally connected to the first assembling parts of the supporting arms. The pillow has a first surface and a second surface. By rotating the pillow to make the first surface face forward or make the second surface face forward to protrude from the supporting plane, the docking station is adapted for multiple handheld devices in different thicknesses.

Abstract: Use of a custom insert is obviated when a digital camera is attached to a base (dock). Two movable pins are provided, in such a way that a connector is sandwiched between the movable pins, on a digital camera attachment surface of a base (dock) which provides a digital camera with a recharging function and a printing function. The movable pins fit to holes in a bottom of the digital camera to thus act as guides during the course of attachment of the digital camera. Alternatively, the attachment surface itself may be configured so as to be vertically movable, and the attachment surface may descend during attachment of the digital camera and the attachment surface may be latched in a lower position after attachment of the same.

Abstract: A peripheral input device capable of carrying a tabular electronic device is disclosed. The peripheral input device includes a base, an inputting module, a supporting mechanism, and a retaining structure. The inputting module, the supporting mechanism, and the retaining structure are disposed on the base. The retaining structure is disposed between the inputting module and the supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism can provide a plurality of supporting angles for supporting the tabular electronic device stably with the retaining structure. Therefore, the peripheral input device according to the invention can provide functions of supporting and inputting simultaneously, provide a plurality of supporting angles for satisfying view demand of a user to the tabular electronic device during operation, and further can be regarded as a protection cover for the tabular electronic device.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments include a wireless connector and devices and/or systems utilizing one or more wireless connectors. For example, a device may include a wireless connector to be coupled to another device for communicating data with the other device, the wireless connector including a wireless communication unit to communicate the data over a wireless communication link, for example, a short-range wireless communication link, e.g. at a multi-gigabit-per second (MGbs) rate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of digital signage systems and docking stations are described. In one embodiment, a digital signage system includes an electronic device having a rear surface and an opposing front surface at which a display of the electronic device may be viewed. The system also includes a body for supporting the electronic device. A recessed region is formed in the body from a top surface of the body, and the electronic device is positioned within the recessed region such that the rear surface of the electronic device fits entirely within the recessed region and the front surface of the electronic device is substantially flush with a portion of a top surface of the body that surrounds the recessed region. An aperture may be formed at least partially through the recessed region for receiving a cable assembly operable to connect to the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and system for adaptively docking with computers of different designs are provided. In one version, an electrical communications connector (hereinafter, “docking connector”) is coupled with a docking station frame, wherein the docking connector may be positioned relative to the frame. A computer having a native connector may be positioned relative to the frame, and the docking connector may be positioned relative to both the frame and the computer to permit communicative coupling of the docking connector and the native connector of the computer.

Abstract: A support device includes a base, a fitting portion, a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The fitting portion, to which a portable device is fitted, is provided in the base, the fitting portion includes a support surface that supports the portable device and a side surface continuous with the support surface. The first holding portion is provided at a first distance from the support surface and fixed to the side surface. The second holding portion is provided at a second distance from the support surface and is projected from and retracted into the side surface, the second distance being smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: A laptop computer docking station and cooling device is provided. The device comprises a first cooling platform having an upper surface to support the base of a laptop computer and a plurality of airflow apertures therealong. Within the platform are several high efficiency electric fans that draw heat from the laptop through the airflow apertures and expel the same from the lateral sides of the cooling platform. Attached to the rear of the cooling platform is a docking station housing supporting a plurality of electrical ports for peripheral devices and an internal electrical board for processing signals between an attached laptop computer and the ports. The cooling platform further supports a SCSI port connection for the laptop, which is adapted to connect to the laptop and allow the computer to connect to peripheral devices while being cooled, thereby combining the qualities of a computer cooling station with a docking station.

Abstract: Systems for securing mobile devices such as laptops are provided. Such systems are characterized by two end members, each with a male electrical connector, that engage opposite sides of mobile device, a crossbeam between the two end members that cradles the underside of the mobile device, and a mechanical linkage that is used to release the mobile device. In addition to a slim form factor, systems of the present invention can comprise registration posts to align a top edge of the mobile device to the crossbeam, a receptacle for a power adapter connector, and a locking mechanism to lock an end member to the crossbeam and optionally also lock the power adapter connector to the system.

Abstract: An assembly includes a tablet computer and a docking station. The tablet computer includes a first connection hole defined on a bottom edge of the tablet computer. The docking station includes a base and a supporting seat. The base includes a base body and a control module. The supporting seat is pivotally mounted on the base body. The supporting seat includes a supporting portion. A connecting post is formed on the supporting portion. The connecting post is electrically connected to the control module. The supporting portion supports the tablet computer thereon with the connecting post inserted in the first connecting hole. The connecting post is electrically connected to the tablet computer via the first connecting hole, and the control module is configured to control the tablet computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide power to a device via a dock. A mounting base may include a mounting component, including a receiving area configured to removably receive a mating device at a plurality of orientations within a plane, wherein the mounting component comprises one or more indexing members and the mating device comprises one or more indexing elements, or the mating device comprises one or more indexing members and the mounting component comprises one or more indexing elements, the indexing members and elements configured to engage each other to align the mating device with the mounting component in one or more rotational orientations on said plane. A detector, configured to detect the presence of the mating device, and a driver circuit may be included. A device may be configured to control power sourced to the mating device by the driver circuit after the detector detects the mating device.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a hinge device for installing a tablet computer and disposed at a base having a fixing hole. The hinge device includes a casing, an elastic element, a fixing pin, and a lifting pin. The casing is pivotally connected with the base thus to be capable of rotating relative to the base, and it has a through hole corresponding to the fixing hole. The elastic element and the fixing pin are disposed in the casing. The fixing pin has a first inclined surface. One end of the fixing pin is connected with the elastic element, and the other end corresponds to the through hole. The lifting pin is moveably disposed through and protrudes from the casing, and the lifting pin has a second inclined surface against the first inclined surface. A docking station using the aforementioned hinge device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and devices for carrying a storage device and adapting it to a slot for a storage device having a different form factor. The system comprises an opening means for elastically deforming a shape of the system from an original shape so that the carrier may receive the storage device. The system also comprises restraining means for constraining the motion of the storage device within the system when the system returns to the original shape. Furthermore, the system comprises a spacing means for aligning the storage device with the slot while the storage device is restrained within the system.

Abstract: A docking station for a Macintosh laptop computer having a receiving sleeve and a base plate, the receiving sleeve including a spring lever to guide the inserted laptop to interconnect with a series of specifically arranged connecting heads, said connecting heads configurable to a specific Macintosh laptop computer upon a parallelepiped contact plate disposed within the receiving sleeve. The spring lever is a cylindrical member having a first and second finger projected radially therefrom that rotate the cylindrical member when a laptop is inserted into the receiving sleeve, in turn rotating a third finger upward which engages an eject button. A Macintosh laptop computer is thus rapidly and easily interconnected with peripheral devices by placement into the receiving sleeve.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing and a chip card holding mechanism assembled within the housing. The housing defines a mounting slot and an unlocking hole adjacent to the mounting slot. The chip card holding mechanism includes a support base assembled adjacent to the mounting slot, a receiving tray and an unlocking assembly. The receiving tray is slidably mounted on the support base and includes a tray body and an operating portion formed at one end of the tray body. The operating portion has a resisting surface. The unlocking assembly includes a cam body rotatably assembled to the housing and a driving member. The cam body forms a cam resisting portion resisting against the resisting surface of the receiving tray. The driving portion is inserted into the unlocking hole for driving the cam body to rotate thereby ejecting the receiving tray.

Abstract: A docking station for supporting a notebook computer. In one embodiment, an docking station includes a base, a platform on which the notebook computer can be placed, and a platform support armature that extends up from the base and supports the platform, wherein the armature can be pivoted to change the height of the platform and the platform can be pivoted independent of the armature to change an angle of inclination of the platform.

Abstract: An exemplary portable electronic device includes a bottom cover, a top cover, an electronic module, and elastic washers. The top cover engages with the bottom cover to define a space therebetween. The electronic module is received in the space. Poles protrude up from the bottom cover. The elastic washers are fixed on the electronic module. A through hole is defined in each of the washers. The poles respectively extend through the through holes of the washers, and opposite ends of each of the washers respectively elastically abut the top cover and the bottom cover.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body and a port connector. The main body includes a printed circuit board, a bottom plate and a side plate cooperatively defining a opening. The printed circuit board is fixed parallelly to the bottom plate. The port connector includes an outer angled plate having a first wall, a second wall, and first pins and second pins. The first wall is attached to the bottom plate and defines first ports. The second wall is attached to the side plate and defines second ports. Each of the first pins is retained within one of the first ports and contacting the printed circuit board. Each of the second pins is retained within one of the second ports and contacting the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A portable electronic device capable of signal or power transmission and standing on a surface in a vertical or near-vertical orientation at the same time is provided in the present invention. The portable electronic device includes a flat body having a front surface, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a through hole passing through the flat body, and the through hole extending from the front surface to the rear surface. Herein the through hole is adapted to couple with an external docking element for signal or power transmission. Thus, the portable electronic device is capable of signal or power transmission and standing on the supporting surface at the same time via the external docking element coupling with the through hole.

Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device includes a main body, and a connector mechanism. The main body defines a receiving space at a sidewall thereof. The connector mechanism is rotatably mounted to the main body and is capable of being received in the receiving space when in a closed position relative to the main body. The connector mechanism includes an interface for supporting the electronic device. When the connector mechanism is received in the receiving space, the interface is hidden in receiving space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a dual-orientation docking apparatus for a mobile computing device. According to one embodiment, the docking apparatus includes a main body having a first side and a second side perpendicular to the first side. A docking connector is disposed on the first side of the main body, and a locking member formed on the second side of the main body. Furthermore, the locking member is configured to automatically engage and maintain a mobile computing device in a docked state when the mobile device is moved from a first orientation to a second orientation.

Abstract: A mouse structure includes a housing and a sliding apparatus slidably engaged with the housing. The sliding apparatus includes a reacting portion having a cover and a bottom board, wherein the cover is provided with a first magnet group and at least two engaging portions, and the bottom board is provided with a second magnet group and at least two position portions. The first and second magnet groups are in polar opposition to and spaced from each other. When the sliding apparatus is in a closed state, the cover is propped against an upper wall of the housing by a repelling magnetic force, while the reacting portion moves out of the housing, the cover is being automatically pushed outwards by the repelling magnetic force and is retained by the engaging portions engaged with the position portions so as to position the cover in place.

Abstract: The docking station (10) comprises a casing (11) presenting an air inlet (12) and a cooled air outlet (13) and housing a refrigeration system (30) for cooling an air flow which is caused to pass through the interior of the casing (11), from the air inlet (12) to the cooled air outlet (13). The refrigeration system (30) comprises: a compressor (31) pumping refrigerant fluid through a refrigeration circuit comprising a condenser (32) and an evaporator (33) and, preferably, a ventilation means (34) producing said air flow which is conducted through the evaporator (33) to be cooled thereby and released, through said cooled air outlet (13), to the interior of a computer (20) seated against the docking station (10).

Abstract: A computer docking station is provided having an enclosure unit, a cable-to-panel connector, a dock cover, an electrical connector that includes an open box configuration; and a cable-to-panel component. The enclosure unit connects to the docking station. The dock cover is disposed inside the enclosure unit. The electrical connector is also disposed inside the enclosure unit and connects to the dock cover. The electrical connector comprises connectors to enable electrical connections to peripheral devices, a mounting plate positioned over the enclosure unit, a docking connector operatively connected to the dock cover and extending through the mounting plate, and a plurality of gaskets connected to the mounting plate.

Abstract: The stand for converting a laptop computer to a desktop computer includes a base having a support column attached thereto. The support column has an attachment head that includes hanger devices for attachment to a rear surface of a computer cover that has been modified to receive the hanger devices. Thus, the laptop computer may optionally be used with or without the stand.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that is adapted to reside in a bay of an electronic device having an interface adapted to engage a suitable structure. In an embodiment, the apparatus lacks the suitable connector to engage the device bay interface. Alternatively, the apparatus is adapted to reside in the bay of the electronic device and is configured to couple to only a portion of an electrical interface in the device bay such that the apparatus is charged when it resides in the device bay. In an additional embodiment, a game controller comprises first and second portions comprising respective interfaces and a hinge configured to enable the portions to move with respect to one another.

Abstract: A docking station for docking of a plurality of portable media devices includes a main body, a plurality of accommodation units to accommodate the plurality of portable media devices, the plurality of accommodation units being provided in one side of the main body, and a plurality of docking ports to provide electrical connection between the plurality of portable media devices and the docking station, the plurality of docking ports being installed in the plurality of accommodation units, wherein each of the plurality of docking ports supports electrical connection between the docking station and any one of the plurality of portable media devices belonging to different product groups. Accordingly, a plurality of portable media devices belonging to different product groups is freely connected to one docking station to reproduce a sound signal, thereby improving user convenience.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable terminal includes: a body configured with a connection member to allow the portable terminal to be removably mounted to the body; and the connection member is installed to be movable on the body, the connection member comprising connection terminals, wherein when the portable terminal is mounted on the docking station, the connection member approaches the portable terminal to connect the connection terminals to the portable terminal. The connection body, in which the connection terminals are arranged, can be moved together with a portable terminal on the body of the docking station while being connected with the portable terminal using a point contact structure. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk of damage of the connection body due to the movement of the portable terminal Further, the connection body may approach to a portable terminal by the attractive force of one or more magnetic bodies or the like to connect the connection terminals with the portable terminal.