Abstract: An optical disc player for a computer is disclosed. The player is operable in a CD-ROM mode in which the player is inserted into a computer, as well as a stand-alone mode in which the player plays audio compact discs while removed from the computer. The player in one embodiment comprises a housing, an optical disc mechanism, a power source component, and one or more audio controls. The power source component provides power to the optical disc mechanism when the player is operating in the stand-alone mode. Each audio control corresponds to an audio function for when an audio compact disc is being played in the player.

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: A pointing device for a computer, having switching mechanisms with perceptively differing actuation forces, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pointing device comprises a housing, a sensor, a first switching mechanism and a second switching mechanism. The sensor is disposed within the housing and translates movement into an electrical signal. The first switching mechanism is also disposed within the housing and has a first predetermined actuation force. The second switching mechanism is also disposed within the housing and has a second predetermined actuation force. The second predetermined actuation force is perceptively different than the first predetermined actuation force.

Abstract: A heat sink conduit, for use in cooling electronic devices, made of an elongate strip of thermally conductive material that is repeatedly folded onto itself in an accordion, sinusoidal or serpentine like manner. The elongate strip is compressed between a heat producing component and a heat sink. This compression causes each of the two end segments of the elongate strip to be in positive contact with either the heat producing component or the heat sink. This positive contact allows the heat to be conducted away from the heat producing component to the heat sink and the large surface area of the conduit provides for the transfer of heat through convection and radiation, thereby cooling the heat producing component and the electronic device.

Abstract: A computerized system for keyboard control of compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM) audio of a computer. The computer has a CD-ROM player, a, computer keyboard and a basic input/output system (BIOS). The CD-ROM player is receptive to an audio compact disc (CD). The keyboard has a plurality of keys for entry of one or more predetermined sequences of one or more keystrokes by a user of the computer, each predetermined sequence corresponding to an audio function of the CD-ROM player. The BIOS is operatively coupled to the CD-ROM player and the keyboard, and in response to detecting a predetermined sequence of keystrokes entered by the user on the keyboard operatively signals the CD-ROM player to execute a corresponding audio function. In a further embodiment, the system also comprises an operating system and a CD-ROM control application. The operating system receives a command sent by the BIOS in response to detecting a predetermined sequence of keystrokes entered by the user on the keyboard.

Abstract: An expansion device is provided having two expansion cards interconnected. While the first expansion card of the expansion device conforms to the footprint requirements of the PCMCIA, the second expansion card ranges in size. The expansion device integrates into the overall configuration that conforms with PCMCIA card architecture. A connector releasably attaches the two expansion cards together. Once attached, the expansion card acts as a slave card to the master PC card. Alternatively, the first expansion card can be used by itself as an expansion device. Guide pins are provided for guiding the attachment of the expansion cards. The guide pins, in addition, provide an electrical ground from the PC card to the expansion card. An adaptor is also provided with the expansion device for providing an electronic interface between a host computer and a transmission media line.

Abstract: A computer peripheral combines an electro-magnetic transceiver and a computer pointing device in the same housing, The pointing device cable provides the electrical connection between the electro-magnetic transceiver and the computer's data bus. The transceiver receives information in the form of electro-magnetic pulses from an appropriately-equipped remote device, converts the pulses to electrical signals, and relays the electrical signals to the computer. The transceiver receives electrical signals addressed to the device from the computer, converts the electrical signals to electro-magnetic pulses, and relays the pulses to the remote device.

Abstract: A home entertainment and information system is provided which assigns and transmits audio programming to audio output devices. Digital and analog signals from a variety of program sources are received by the home entertainment and information system. The system assigns and transmits to an audio output device a program that is distinct from programs assigned and transmitted to other audio output devices within the same system, and thus where two users are viewing different programs visually displayed on the same or different monitors, they hear the audio portion of the respective program they are viewing through individual audio output devices. An audio output device is also assignable to a remote control device such that when a program is selected using the remote control device, the audio portion of the program is transmitted to the assigned audio output device.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removal and installation of computer disk drive connectors of various sizes. The tool is a useful, easy to use, inexpensive device. The same device is a useful tool for removing hex head screws commonly used in computers. The apparatus is also lightweight and compact thereby making it easy to transport and store within the computer, and to use with one hand.

Abstract: A computer system combines a portable computer and a detachable palm rest containing a backup battery. When the palm rest is attached to the portable computer, power control circuitry within the computer provides automatic switching between the primary battery in the computer and the backup battery in the palm rest when the active battery becomes low. The power control circuitry also recharges the standby battery whenever the computer is plugged into external power. Power monitoring circuity displays the status of the standby battery on an indicator built into the palm rest.

Abstract: A bi-directional presentation display device for displaying an image visible to an audience on both sides of the display device. The display device has a pair of screens, each defining an image surface which face in generally opposite directions relative to one another. The display includes a power means for providing power to the pair of screens. A reflective element is disposed between the screens for aiding in illuminating the screens. A single light source concurrently illuminates the screens for displaying an image on the pair of image surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for rapidly collecting aerosols containing solid particles and micro organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, from relatively large volumes of air and concentrating these particulates as samples in water. This apparatus operates under conditions conducive to preserving the integrity and viability of the collected micro organisms. Ambient air containing aerosols drawn into and through the collector's interior by an air mover, is mixed with very warm air saturated with moisture and then with cold air, to cause the resulting vapor mixture to become supersaturated. This supersaturated water vapor rapidly condenses onto the incoming aerosol particles to form droplets with particles at their centers. The airstream carrying these droplets enters a cloud of air ions produced by a corona generator or, alternately, by a radioactive source emitting alpha particles.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a pair of gripping handles between which a planar elastic band is supported. The coupling between each handle and the elastic band prevents inadvertent disengagement of the handle from the end of the elastic band and provides means for adjusting the distance between the handles and the force exerted. The end of the elastic band is directly supported by the end flange of the handle. A suspension clip having a bracing member extending parallel to the end flange is adapted to be removably disposed upon the end flange of the handle. A locking link having a central slot is adapted to be disposed adjacent the end flange in juxtaposition to the suspension clip. The end of the elastic band is threaded through the central slot of the locking link disposed about the bracing member of the suspension clip and threaded back through the central slot of the locking link.

Abstract: A polynomial expansion network of a plurality of nodes, each node capable of communicating with the other nodes through a communications system. The network has an originating node that sends a message for ultimate receipt by a subset of nodes in a polynomial expansion manner. The network also has a first and a second receiving node, each of which receives the message from the originating node. The first and second receiving nodes also receive a unique list of other nodes to which the message has not yet been sent. The polynomial expansion manner can be optimized such that each node sends the message to no more than a predetermined number of other nodes to which the message has not yet been sent, or such that, before each node receives the message, the message passes through no more than a predetermined number of other nodes.

Abstract: For producing controlled precipitation in fluid flowing through a pipe, a coil of electric wire is applied to the pipe segment in which this controlled precipitation is to be produced. This coil may be in the form of an induction coil wrapped around the pipe. Or the coil may be of a flat, rectangular spiral form. In any case, the coil is applied in such a way that the center of its curvature does not coincide with the pipe axis. Instead, this center of coil curvature is offset from the pipe axis. Preferably, this offset is approximately equal to the radius of the pipe.