Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a motion assembly, a connector, and an ejector. The second body has a hollow portion, and the first body is movable disposed on the second body to cover the hollow portion. The motion assembly is disposed between the first body and the second body, so that the first body is able to move relatively to the second body. The connector is movably disposed in the hollow portion. The ejector is disposed between the connector and the second body. When the first body moves relatively to the second body to expose the hollow portion of the second body, the ejector is capable of driving the connector to move out of the hollow portion.

Abstract: A docking station for connecting a notebook computer includes a supporting frame, a connector for electrically connecting to the notebook computer, and a handle pivoted to the supporting frame. A first slot is formed on the handle, and the handle includes a pushing part for pushing the connector in a first direction. The docking station includes a first stopper, and one end of the first stopper is disposed inside the first slot of the handle. The first stopper does not stop the connector when the handle is located in a first position. The pushing part pushes the connector in the first direction so that the connector is connected to the notebook computer, and the first slot drives the first stopper in a second direction so that the first stopper stops a side of the connector when the handle rotates from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A computer docking station includes a body having a cradle portion configured to support a portion of a portable computer and having a connector operable to electrically couple with a docking connector of the portable computer. The body further includes an arm portion. A latching member is coupled with the arm portion and movable between a first, retracted position within the arm portion, in which the portable computer can be removed from the docking station, and a second, extended position from the arm portion, in which the portable computer cannot be removed from the docking station. The latching member includes a cam surface and automatically moves from the second position to the first position as the portable computer is inserted into the docking station, and automatically moves from the first position to the second position once the portable computer is fully inserted into the docking station.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a docking station for charging batteries used in portable electronic devices and/or for transferring data to or from portable electronic devices. The docking station is adapted to receive a rechargeable battery either directly and/or through its portable electronic device, which can be fitted with or without a cover case. For example, the docking station has a receiving area configured to receive and hold a portable electronic device including a rechargeable battery and/or a rechargeable battery after being removed from the corresponding portable electronic device. The invention also relates to a removable device adapter for use with a docking station to receive a rechargeable battery directly and/or through its portable electronic device fitted with or without a cover case.

Abstract: A retention assembly for securing an expansion card includes a support plate, a retention seat mounted on the supporting plate, and a holder located on the retention seat. The support plate defines a through hole therein. The retention seat defines a sliding groove therethrough aligning with the through hole of the support plate. The holder includes a clamping portion at one end thereof. The holder extends through the sliding groove of the retention seat and the through hole of the supporting plate. The clamping portion extends beyond the supporting plate for clamping the expansion card.

Abstract: A docking station supports a portable electro-optical reader, such as a moving laser beam reader or an imaging reader. The docking station includes a universal serial bus (USB) socket interface supported by the docking station, and a USB extension cable connected to the USB socket interface. The USB cable extends away from the docking station and terminates in a USB plug interface. A radio frequency (RF) peripheral is inserted into the USB socket interface, for wireless RF communication with the reader when the reader is not supported on the docking station. The USB cable is connected to power contacts on the docking station for mating with charging contacts connected to a rechargeable battery in the reader to charge the battery when the reader is supported by the docking station.

Abstract: A computer docking station is provided for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer that includes a docking connector and an aperture at least partly defining a carrying handle for the computer. The docking station includes a body with a cradle portion configured to support a portion of the computer and having a connector operable to electrically couple with the docking connector of the computer. The body further includes an arm portion sized and configured to be received in the aperture in the computer. A latching member is coupled with the arm portion and is movable between a first position relative to the arm portion, in which the arm portion can be inserted into or removed from the aperture in the portable computer, and a second position relative to the arm portion, in which the arm portion cannot be removed from the aperture in the portable computer.

Abstract: A computer enclosure includes an inner chassis, an input/output (I/O) module defining a number of I/O interfaces, a latching unit attached to the inner chassis, a resilient member connected between the I/O module and the inner chassis, a gear rack attached to the I/O module, and a damping gear assembly attached to the inner chassis and engaging with the gear rack. The I/O module is pivotably mounted to the inner chassis. The latching unit is capable of keeping the I/O module at a closed position where the I/O interfaces of the I/O module are unexposed. A movement of the I/O module is restrained by the damping gear.

Abstract: A computer docking station is provided for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer that includes a docking connector and an aperture at least partly defining a carrying handle for the computer. The docking station includes a body with a cradle portion configured to support a portion of the computer and having a connector operable to electrically couple with the docking connector of the computer. The body further includes an arm portion sized and configured to be received in the aperture in the computer. A latching member is coupled with the arm portion and is movable between a first position relative to the arm portion, in which the arm portion can be inserted into or removed from the aperture in the portable computer, and a second position relative to the arm portion, in which the arm portion cannot be removed from the aperture in the portable computer.

Abstract: An optical disk drive (ODD) disposed in the base of a notebook computer is provided. The front end of the tray of the ODD has a panel having a body with a side edge, a guide member and a fastening member. The guide member is connected to the body, and it can move relatively to the body. The guide member has a guide channel having a first end and a second end. The fastening member has a sheet structure and a guide pillar inserted into the guide channel protruding from the sheet structure. When the guide member is moved to allow the guide pillar to move from the second end to the first end along the guide channel, the sheet structure of the fastening member is driven to protrude from the side edge to be fastened to the base of the notebook computer.

Abstract: A rack-mounted, combined KVM switch with console is described. The combined KVM switch with console is attached to the rack by affixing the switch to two front posts of the rack. The monitor and input module of the console are hinged to the switch so that they can be independently swiveled. The user may easily position the monitor and the input module in various different positions for various purposes. A first locking mechanism releasably locks the input module to a horizontal position, and a second locking mechanism releasably locks the monitor to a vertical position.

Abstract: A modular system comprises an appliance and an adaptive adapter configured to alternately couple two consumer electronic devices to the appliance and to supply a different electrical service between the appliance and the consumer electronic devices depending on the device selected. The adaptive adapter supplies a first category of electrical service to a first consumer electronic device and a second category of electrical service to a second consumer electronic device. The appliance may comprise a refrigeration appliance and the adaptive adapter can couple the consumer electronic devices to the appliance.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism disposed in a body is provided, which includes two axle seats disposed on the body, a spindle, two support parts fixed on the spindle, and a stop component. Each of the support parts has a fitting hole, and the spindle is rotatably disposed in the body, and drives the support parts to rotate simultaneously, the spindle has a positioning part having a plurality of grooves, and each of the two support parts has a plurality of asymmetric end surfaces. Any one of the end surfaces is selectively pressed against a plane, such that different height differences exist between the body and the plane. The stop component is corresponding to the positioning part, and is movably disposed in the body, and the stop component moves between a stop position that is clamped in the grooves and a release position where the spindle is allowed to rotate freely.

Abstract: A docking system for supporting a portable electronic device with a vertical operational orientation and a horizontal operational orientation is disclosed. The docking system includes a base stand unit that has a flat top surface. Additionally, there is a device support platform that is rotatably mounted to the base stand unit. The device support platform defines a cradle portion that is engageable to the portable electronic device. The device support platform has a first position corresponding to the vertical operational orientation, and a second position corresponding to the horizontal operational orientation.

Abstract: A connecting device for detachably holding an electronic apparatus having a housing formed in a plate shape and serving as an interface for a signal input/output between the electronic apparatus and at least one external device. The connecting device includes a base portion and a support plate coupled with the base portion. The device includes a connector that can be provided on the surface of the support plate and to which the signal input/output terminal is connected and a guide member that is supported by the lower end of the support plate so as to freely turn in the direction of moving close to and away from the support plate with the lower end as the axis and that is in contact with both of a part of the lower end surface and a part of the back surface of the electronic apparatus when the electronic apparatus is attached.

Abstract: A light docking station applied to at least one portable electronic device, including: a bottom board module, a casing module, a circuit module, a first input/output module, a second input/output module, and a retaining module. The casing module has a casing mating with the bottom board module. The circuit module is disposed inside the casing of the casing module. The first input/output module is disposed on the casing of the casing module and electrically connected between the circuit module and a plurality of different peripherals. The second input/output module is disposed on the casing of the casing module and electrically connected between the circuit module and an external connector of the portable electronic device. The retaining module is disposed on a top side of the casing in order to mate with two retaining grooves that are disposed on a bottom side of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A portable computing device, including a latch apparatus and system, may include a rotatable high wear plastic oversnapping arm, a pivot portion on the portable computing device, and an enclosure door with a geometric mating feature. The oversnapping arm may be configured to rotate 90° about the pivot portion to snap over the geometric mating feature and secure the enclosure door in a closed, latched position. As the oversnapping arm is rotated downward, its progress may be frictionally impeded by the geometric mating feature. Applying downward pressure on the oversnapping arm towards the physical interference may cause the oversnapping arm to bend over the interfering feature and snap into a closed, geometrically interlocked position. In the closed, latched position, the oversnapping arm may apply a positive pressure against the enclosure door. The positive pressure on the enclosure door increases the environmental sealing capabilities by putting additional pressure on the existing environmental seal.

Abstract: A removable/replaceable docking unit includes a cradle, a dock connector extending through an opening in a bottom portion of the cradle, a circuit board to which the dock connector is integrally attached, a wire connector integrally attached to the circuit board at a side thereof opposite the dock connector and the dock connector and the wire connector communicatively coupled via the circuit board and a removable connector provided in the cradle for removably connecting the docking unit to an electronic device.

Abstract: A digital player interface device with exchangeable adapter is provided to comprise an adapter providing with a through hole for load-on/off of a digital player and a first and a second engaging parts on its both end; an adapter-fixing element having a guiding rib and a concavity with a fixing spring; and a chassis having a guiding groove, a restriction groove and a adapter snapper. When the adapter is sliding on the chassis, the adapter pushes the adapter-fixing element moving along the guiding groove, and the fixing spring is released from the restriction groove to engage the first engaging part of the adapter. When the adapter is removed from the chassis, the adapter-fixing element moves back to a home position.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.

Abstract: A docking station including a housing, a sliding block, a pulling element, a first elastic element, a raising cover, a plurality of first and second hooks, and a linkage is provided. The housing has a first, a second and a third constraining structures, and the sliding block is disposed in the first constraining structure. The pulling element is pivoted on the housing, wherein a pulling portion thereof is exposed out of the housing and a pushing portion thereof contacts the sliding block. The first elastic element is connected between the housing and the sliding block. The first hooks are disposed on the raising cover and driven by the sliding block. The linkage is disposed in the second constraining structure of the housing, wherein a first end thereof is connected to the sliding block. The second hooks are driven by a second end of the linkage.

Abstract: Docking stations and docking methods are provided for use with marking devices used for marking the presence or absence of an underground facility in a dig area. The docking station may serve as a home base for storage of a marking device, for charging the battery of a marking device, for transferring data to and from a marking device, and for securing a marking device against unauthorized use and/or theft. The docking station may be a mobile docking station that is installed in a vehicle or may be a fixed docking station that is installed at a central location in the field, at a central office, at a home base facility, and the like.

Abstract: An external expanding apparatus or “docking station” operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security mechanism of a base, which is substantially a base. One side surface of the base is provided with a plurality of connecting ports for peripheral devices. The base is provided thereon with a trough and a retaining strip. The trough is provided therein with a connecting port. The retaining strip is disposed above one side of the trough so as to form a guard, thereby increasing the safety of the base and the performance of the computer host.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed including a base having a first side on which a first opening is formed, a shaft disposed in the base, and an I/O port device having a plurality of I/O ports and a circuit board on which the I/O ports are disposed. The I/O port device is disposed in the base and rotates about the shaft, and the I/O ports are sequentially revealed by rotation of the I/O port device.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.

Abstract: In a car audio system, a hook part and a projection latches an operation panel with a front bracket and releases the latching of the operation panel when a user operates a lever. A tilt mechanism pulls out the front bracket so that the lower outer edge of the operation panel is pulled out from the state where the operation panel is latched at a standard position with the operation panel latched. The lever is arranged near the panel back face so that the lever cannot be operated by a user when the panel is latched by the front bracket at the standard position, but can be operated by a user when the front bracket is pulled out with the operation panel latched.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for fixing a cover unit to a base unit of a foldable electronic device in a closed position is provided. The cover unit includes two locking portions. The base unit defines two slots. The latch mechanism includes a locking member, and at least one resilient member. The locking member is configured for being slidably received in the base unit. The locking member includes two protrusions. The locking portions of the cover unit extend through the corresponding slots of the base unit, and engage with the corresponding protrusions of the locking member for fixing the cover unit in the closed position. The resilient member is engagable with the locking member, for keeping the locking member in a locked position.

Abstract: A locking device includes a case defining at least one slot therein, a hook module including at least one hook for passing through the at least one slot, a linkage module includes at least one first lever configured for shifting the at least one hook to move between a locking position and a releasing position, and a positioning module for releasably engaging with the first lever. When the at least one hook is shifted to the releasing position, the first lever is blocked by the positioning module, when the at least one hook is shifted to the locking position, the first lever is released by the positioning module.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing having a back, a support tray moveable relative to the back of the housing, a touch-sensitive display supported by the support tray and moveable with the support tray relative to the back of the housing, the touch-sensitive display including a display device and a touch-sensitive overlay disposed on the display device, a locking arrangement cooperating with the support tray for locking the support tray and touch-sensitive display to inhibit movement of the support tray relative to the back of the housing, and operational components housed in the housing and including a touch screen controller connected to the touch-sensitive overlay and a processor connected to the display device and the touch-screen controller.

Abstract: A device and method are provided that generate an early warning disconnect signal from an electrical connector supplying external power to a connected device. The connected device includes an early warning disconnect power management circuit, operational to generate power consumption control information in response to generation of the early warning disconnect signal from the electrical connector. In one example, the electrical connector includes a lock release mechanism and a signaling mechanism, the signaling mechanism is operationally coupled with the lock release mechanism and configured to generate the early warning disconnect signal from the electrical connector to the connected device prior to the lock release mechanism being in an unlocked state.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic system has a tablet type electronic device for ultrasonic diagnosis and a docking station for mounting thereto the electronic device removably. The docking station includes a receptacle section against which one side of the electronic device comes into abutment when mounting the electronic device, and a hold-down section for holding down the electronic device releasably on the side opposite to the one side when mounting the electronic device.

Abstract: A connection assembly, which is suitable to connect a first body of a portable electronic apparatus with a second body thereof, is provided. The connection assembly includes a positioning unit, first electrical connectors and a second electrical connector. The positioning unit is rotatably connected to the first body and removably connected to the second body. The first electrical connectors are connected to the positioning unit, and the second electrical connector is connected to the second body so as to connect to one of the first electrical connectors. Therefore, the connection assembly occupies only a little area of surfaces of the two bodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a holder having a main body, a fixing module and an actuating module. Both the fixing module and the actuating module are positioned on the main body. When the actuating module moves along a first direction, the fixing module is driven from either a release state or a fixed state to another state along a second direction different from the first direction. The invention further provides a holder applied to an electronic apparatus. The holder has a main body and a detachable base. The detachable base is positioned on the main body, and has a base cover and a circuit board. The base cover has a connecting part. The circuit board is covered by the base cover, and has a plurality of pins for connecting to a connecting port of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A computer docking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer that has a docking connector includes a body having a support portion configured to support the portable computer, and a main connector moveable relative to the body between an engaged position in which the main connector is engageable with the docking connector, and a disengaged position. The computer docking station also includes a frame coupled to the body and the main connector. The frame is movable relative to the body between a first position, in which the main connector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in which the main connector is in the engaged position. The computer docking station further includes a subframe coupled to the frame. The subframe is movable with the frame from the first position to the second position and is movable relative to the frame from the second position to a third position to inhibit movement of the main connector away from the engaged position.

Abstract: A module is inserted from an aperture of a parts support apparatus into a part support hole, and further pushed into a cavity innermost the part support hole until a insertion side end portion is engaged in the cavity. After the module is engaged into the part support hole, an effect of force of dropping off upward the module from contact points inside on upper and lower surfaces is suppressed by the cavity, and the module can be supported by the parts support apparatus only. After the attachment of the module, a projection unit provided on the lower surface of a housing of a body device lowers with the housing, touches an end surface opposite the insertion side of the module to protect the module from dropping off the cavity in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security mechanism of a base, which is substantially a base. One side surface of the base is provided with a plurality of connecting ports for peripheral devices. The base is provided thereon with a trough and a retaining strip. The trough is provided therein with a connecting port. The retaining strip is disposed above one side of the trough so as to form a guard, thereby increasing the safety of the base and the performance of the computer host.

Abstract: An electronic device with switch module includes a first body and a second body which pivot together to be closed. The first body has a buckling member. The second body has a catching member, an actuating member, an ejecting member, and a through hole disposed correspondingly. When the first body is closed on the second body, the buckling member passes through the through hole, presses in the ejecting member, and is caught by the catching member, so as to maintain a closed state of the first and the second bodies. When the actuating member is actuated, the actuating member pushes the catching member to release the buckling member and the ejecting member pushes the buckling member out of the through hole, such that a gap is formed between the first and the second bodies.