Abstract: A multi-product fuel dispensing system includes a plurality of reservoir tanks. Each tank has a specific grade of fuel stored therein. Each reservoir tank has a fuel delivery line connected thereto. A fuel delivery conduit has at least two flow channels. One flow channel is connected to receive a first grade of fuel from one of the fuel delivery lines, and another flow channel is connected to receive a second grade of fuel, of a lower grade than the first grade, from another of the fuel delivery lines. A nozzle has a connection to receive fuel from the fuel delivery conduit. A first proportional flow control and blend valve is connected in the system for receiving the first grade of fuel. A second proportional flow control and blend valve is connected in the system for receiving the second grade of fuel. A meter is connected in the system for receiving the second grade of fuel.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base and a cover pivotally connected to the base. The cover includes a substantially planar back plate and peripheral sides overhanging the base. An LCD panel is mounted in the cover and extends in a plane substantially parallel to the back plate. A hinge connection is mounted in an extended portion of one of the peripheral sides and substantially in the plane of the LCD panel. A hinge arm extends from the base and is extended to overhang a peripheral side of the base for pivotal attachment to the hinge connection in the extended portion of the cover.

Abstract: A computer, or other electronic device, according to which a handle is pivotally mounted to a component, such as a power supply, for installing the component supply in the computer chassis. After the component is inserted in the chassis, the handle is pivoted towards the component which establishes a fulcrum for forcing the component into the chassis. To remove the component from the chassis, the handle is pivoted away from the component which establishes a fulcrum to assist in the removal.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a semiconductor device mounted on a substrate. A support member is disposed between the semiconductor device and the substrate. A heat dissipating body has a cavity formed therein. The heat dissipating body is positioned adjacent to the support member with the heat generating device received within the cavity. The cavity is sized to define a gap between the heat dissipating body and the semiconductor device. A flowable thermally conductive material is disposed within a portion of the gap. A sealing member is disposed between the heat dissipating body and the support member. A principal advantage is that the flowable material can be used in mass produced devices such as electronic packages for computers. Preferred interface materials are phase change materials and thermally conductive greases.

Abstract: A monitor stand which allows placement of a computer monitor above or to the side of the base of the docking apparatus. In one embodiment, the monitor stand includes spaced-apart side channel members and adjacent transverse channel members extending between the side members. Each transverse channel member has opposing ends attached to each respective side channel member. A first one of the adjacent transverse channel members is inverted with respect to a second one of the adjacent transverse channel members. A principal advantage of the embodiments presented herein is that the monitor stand can support the sustained loading of even the largest commercially available computer monitors without exhibiting appreciable deflection.

Abstract: An alignment tray for facilitating the docking of a computer to a docking device in which a tray member is adapted to receive the computer and guide the computer into a docking engagement with the docking device. The tray member is pivotal between an extended position in which it receives the computer and a folded position for storage or travel. A second tray member is provided which can either be connected to, or formed integrally with, the first-mentioned tray member and may be pivotally connected to the first-mentioned tray member so that the latter member pivots relative to the additional tray member and the docking device to and from its folded position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the video subsystem of a PC in a manufacturing environment. Hsync and Vsync signals from a VGA connector of the PC are input to first and second trigger inputs, respectively, of a monostable multivibrator (“MM”) of the test device to drive respective outputs thereof. In particular, the presence of Hsync at the first trigger input triggers the MM to output a positive pulse at a first output thereof; similarly, the presence of Vsync at the second trigger input triggers the MM to output a positive pulse at a second output thereof. Each of the first and second outputs is used to drive an LED, such that the presence of Hsync and/or Vsync results in the illumination of a corresponding LED.

Abstract: A dual use belly dumping and end dumping vehicle is provided, including a frame, having left and right side beams connected together to form an opening therebetween. The frame is mounted on rear wheels for transport. A hopper with sides, ends and an openable bottom is carried in the opening between the left and right side beams in the frame. Rollers are mounted to the sides of the hopper for rollingly supporting the hopper on top of the left and right side beams of the frame. Pivot bars are mounted on the frame above the rear wheels. Pivot-engaging sockets are mounted on the hopper for engaging the pivot bars when the hopper is rolled rearward along the side beams, constructed for releasably engaged pivoting of the hopper about the pivot bars to a dumping position at which an end of the hopper dumps the content thereof behind the rear wheels to which the frame is mounted.

Abstract: A computer system includes a microprocessor, an an input coupled to provide signal inputs to the microprocessor, a mass storage coupled to the microprocessor, a video controller for coupling the microprocessor to a display, a memory coupled to provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor, and a multilayer printed circuit board for mounting the microprocessor thereon. The multilayer printed circuit board provides for reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) and includes at least two layers. The multilayer printed circuit board further includes a first conductive segment on a first layer, a second conductive segment on the first layer, the second segment being separated from the first segment by a primary gap, and a conductive interconnect on a second layer, the interconnect for carrying a high frequency signal therein. The second layer is disposed laterally from and substantially parallel to the first layer.

Abstract: An extended cooling unit (“ECU”) for a portable PC is described. The ECU is connected to the portable PC having an MPP processor via a docking connector of the PC, thereby allowing the presence of the ECU to be detected by the processor. The ECU is connected to the portable PC via a docking connector of the PC, thereby allowing the presence of the ECU to be detected by the MPP processor of the PC. The ECU includes a horizontally projecting, thermally-conductive plate positioned such that, when the ECU is connected to the PC, the plate projects under the bottom of the PC to allow extension of a passive cooling solution. The ECU also includes a fan attached to a heat exchanger. Connection of the ECU to the PC results in a portion of the thermally conductive path of the ECU being brought into direct contact with the conductive path of the processor of the PC, thereby increasing the cooling capacity in the critical portion of the PC.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described herein for mounting a power supply within a PC chassis such that it is ratchetably rotatable. The chassis includes a pivot receptacle, a hook, and a dimple. The power supply is received by a mounting bracket which includes a corresponding pivot point, a curved slot having a relatively wide portion disposed at one end for engaging the hook of the chassis and a relatively narrow portion for retaining the hook during rotation of the power supply, and a plurality of shorter slots oriented in a curve for engaging the dimple of the chassis thereby providing the ratcheting action and preventing the rotation of the power supply until force is applied. In an alterative embodiment, the power supply is mounted to be translatable and rotatable. The chassis includes two cams, and a hook.

Abstract: A computer system is disclosed which includes at least one microprocessor having an L2 cache, at least one memory, and basic input output system (BIOS) firmware. The L2 cache includes error checking and correcting capability (ECC). The at least one memory includes either all ECC capable memory or any combination of ECC capable and non-ECC capable memory. Lastly, the basic input output system (BIOS) firmware includes an L2 cache support feature. The L2 cache support feature includes three user-selectable options, the three options including i) L2 cache ECC ON, ii) L2 cache ECC OFF, and iii) L2 cache AUTO. Selection of L2 cache ECC ON is for enabling L2 cache ECC. Selection of L2 cache ECC OFF is for not enabling L2 cache ECC. Lastly, selection of L2 cache ECC AUTO is for automatically enabling or not enabling L2 cache ECC in response to a detection of the presence of a) all ECC capable memory or b) any combination of ECC and non-ECC capable memory, respectively.

Abstract: A computer or component system according to which a first cover is attached to a chassis, and a second cover is adapted to replace the first cover. Rack mount hardware is mounted on one of the covers for engaging a corresponding member in a rack system when the chassis is mounted in the rack system, and the other cover is free of any rack mount hardware, so that it can be used on a desktop.

Abstract: A multi-layer circuit board includes several metallic layers. Each metallic layer includes a metallic ring surrounding a component pin hole formed through each layer of the board. The ring is isolated from its respective metallic layer by a concentric gap formed of non-metallic material. A plurality of metallic traces interconnect each ring with its respective metallic layer. The traces extend radially outwardly from the ring and segment the gap. Each trace has a width of about 0.010 mils and a length of about 0.050 mils.

Abstract: A system for specifying, ordering, and building a build-to-order computer system. After initiating an ordering session, a user such as a purchaser or designer is presented with a list of options such as a list of operating systems offered by a computer system vendor or manufacturer that may be implemented on a targeted computer system. After receiving an indication of a selection from a first list of options, the system accesses a computer system readable master data base to generate a second list of options such as software programs wherein each option of the second list is compatible with the selection from the first list. The master data base includes entries for every option offered by the computer system vendor or manufacturer and includes at least one tag indicating compatibly with other entries in the master data base. The system can be used to present to the user a plurality of lists wherein all of the options presented are compatible with the previous selections.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a removable component in a computer system includes a chassis for receiving the removable component. A resilient member is connected to the component and a handle is also connected to the component. The handle is movable to an open position and to a closed position. A catch is formed on the handle and the catch is engaged by the resilient member on the chassis to retain the handle in the closed position. A release member is connected to the handle. The release member is movable to deflect the resilient member so that the resilient member is disengaged from the catch to permit the handle to be moved to the open position.

Abstract: A computer chassis includes a hook extending from a chassis surface. A component board is mounted in the chassis so that the hook extends through a slot in the board. A pair of grounding clips are surface mounted on the board on opposite sides of the slot so that a retainer portion of each clip engages opposite surfaces of the hook. The retainer portions have an opening for surface mounting the clips on the board by a pick-and-place vacuum workpiece.

Abstract: A universal fixture for a pre-assembly of computer components includes a base and a support plate adjustably mounted on the base for movement to various inclined positions. At least one support arm interconnects the base and the support plate for securing the support plate in an inclined position. A fixture is rotatably mounted on the support plate and includes various positioning stops and an adjustable slide for properly positioning various computer components for attaching chassis mounting devices to the components. The adjustment of the support plate and rotation of the fixture provide ergonomic advantages to the assembler performing the pre-assembly operations.

Abstract: A computer system includes a portable computer having a base portion and a lid portion connected to pivotally open relative to the base portion. A heat generating component is mounted in the base portion. A first heat transfer system is mounted in the base portion adjacent the heat generating component. A second heat transfer system is mounted in the lid portion. A thermal hinge pivotally interconnects the first heat transfer system with the second heat transfer system, so that heat is dissipated from the base portion to the lid portion. A fan mounted in the lid portion actively dissipates heat from the lid portion.

Abstract: A computer system operable on a DC voltage is provided. The computer system includes a microprocessor, a system memory coupled to the microprocessor, a bus coupled to the microprocessor, an input device coupled to the bus, and a voltage adapter system for providing a DC voltage to the computer system. The voltage adapter system includes a voltage modifying device adapted for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage. A first cable assembly is electrically connected to supply the AC voltage from an AC power supply to the voltage modifying device. A second cable assembly is provided for selectively supplying the DC voltage to the system from the voltage modifying device or from a remote DC voltage power supply. The second cable assembly is connectable at a first end to the system and connectable at a second end to the voltage modifying device and to the remote DC voltage power supply.