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 system and method for performing a single-pass color quantization for graphic images on a computer. The computer includes a processor capable of running operating code, an input device accessible by the processor for providing a source image, and an output device for displaying a target image. Both the source image and target image include a plurality of pixels, each having red-green-blue components. However, there are fewer available colors for the target image than for the source image. A program instructs the processor to reduce the source image to the target image by reading a pixel from the target image and comparing the color of the pixel to mappings stored in a table. If the pixel color does not correspond to a mapping in the table, then the program instructs the processor to convert the pixel color into hue-whiteness-blackness (HWB) components, map the HWB components to a color of the target image, and store the mapping in the table.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively isolating in a computer system a local battery in a system component from its associated load. Controls signals are provided to the circuit. In a shipment mode, the control signals prevent the local battery from being coupled to the load of the associated system component. The control signals of the circuit are set to shipment mode at the time the computer system leaves the manufacturing facility for shipment to the customer. When the computer system arrives at the customer's site, the control signals of the circuit are reset from shipment. At the customer's site, the control signals of the circuit control the circuit in such a manner that the circuit will couple the local battery to the load of its associated system element upon the loss of main power to the computer system.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus, computer system and method provide current from a single power line to charge either a first battery or multiple batteries in an independent mode or a simultaneous mode. The apparatus includes an AC-to-DC adapter, the power line, and a battery charging control system that measures the charge of the individual batteries and compares the measured charge. If the charging system detects a difference in charge between the batteries, the lowest or the lower charged batteries are charged until the charging system detects no difference in charge, and then resumes simultaneous charging. The battery charging control system also includes a comparator circuit that determines whether to enable charging in the independent mode or the simultaneous mode based on input from a user or input from a computer system. The computer system includes a processor, a memory, a bus, a power line, and a battery charging apparatus coupled to the power line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a processor bracket to a system board. The apparatus includes: a) a driver base, b) a plurality of air drivers secured to the driver base, c) a screwdriver rod, with a screwdriver head, extending from each air driver, and d) a positioning guide attached to the driver base. The method includes the steps of: a) positioning a processor bracket, having a processor bracket slot and having multiple bracket nuts, on a system board, b) positioning a positioning guide of a multiple nut driver within the processor bracket slot, c) contacting the bracket nuts with the corresponding screwdriver heads of the multiple nut driver, and d) exerting downward pressure on all the screwdriver heads.

Abstract: A computer, or other electrical component, having an electrical switch adapted to open when the cover of the chassis of the component covers the chassis and close when the cover is removed from the chassis. A mechanism is provided that turns on, and stays turned on, in response to the closing of the switch for providing an output. An indication device is connected to the mechanism and is adapted to provide a corresponding indication when the mechanism turns on.

Abstract: An external universal battery charging apparatus which can include external universal battery charger circuitry having at least one universal battery charger circuitry input and at least one universal battery charger circuitry output. The universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one battery charger output, which itself can include at least one universal battery connector and at least one universal battery charger cable. The at least one universal battery charger circuitry output can include at least one adapter pass through output, which itself can include at least one connector adapted to operably connect to an electronic device. The external universal battery charger circuitry can include at least one battery recognition and parameter adjustment circuit, battery current parameter adjustment circuit, charged voltage parameter adjustment circuit, and maximum power draw parameter adjustment circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing locked-down flash memory in a computer system that utilizes a general purpose input/output port coupled to the flash memory, and includes program instructions that generate a reset signal, output the reset signal to the general purpose input/output port, sense the reset signal, unlock the flash memory to allow write access to the flash memory, update the flash memory, and lock the flash memory to locked down mode. The present invention allows flash memory to be updated during normal operation of the computer system.

Abstract: A docking station having an electrical connector for mating with the electrical connector of the portable computer when the portable computer is operably coupled to the docking station. The docking station electrical connector is movable with respect to the housing between at least two mating positions to accommodate for variations in location of portable computer electrical connectors of different portable computer types. The docking station electrical connector extends out from a slot in a back wall of the docking station housing. The docking station electrical connector can be manually moved or moved by a motor. With some docking stations according to the present invention, the docking station electrical connector is moveable between mating positions at different elevations. For some docking stations, the slot that the docking station electrical connector extends out from has at least two levels each at a different elevation.

Abstract: A computer system includes a chassis having a slot in a side panel. An expansion card carrier is removably mounted in the chassis by being inserted into and removed from the slot. The carrier includes a jumper board which has a first connector and a second connector. An expansion card is mounted on the jumper board. The expansion card has a connector which engages the first connector of the jumper board. The second connector is coupled to the first connector and is positioned at an end of the carrier for being plugged into a connector within the chassis.

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 computer including a guiding and latching device for mounting expansion cards in the chassis of the computer. The device includes a body member defining a slot and comprising a latch movable between a non-latching position in which the slot can receive the board and a latching position in which the board is latched in the slot. The device is formed of one piece and includes a flexible arm that pivots between a latching and a non-latching position.

Abstract: A circuit including bridge rectifier, switches across one or more of the diodes of the bridge rectifier, and a comparator providing control signals to the switch or switches can be constructed to apply a constant polarity voltage to an electrical load, regardless of the polarity of the input power applied to the circuit. The comparator produces a control signal depending upon a comparison of the input power voltages, and the control signal activates one or more of the switches to allow current flow through an appropriate path in the circuit to yield the constant polarity across the electrical load. Thus, the circuit can protect the electrical load from an inappropriately applied voltage by switching the applied voltage's polarity. Because an activated switch can short a diode in the bridge rectifier, power loss associated with current flow through the diode is reduced. Additionally, the circuit can provide constant polarity across the electrical load with either AC or DC input power.

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: 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: 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 signal communication structure for communicating signals between a base and a display of an electronic device, the base and display being connected in an axially hinged connection includes an axial member formed from a flexible material and includes a communication line for signal communication with the axial member adapted to flex about the axially hinged connection between the base and the display. The axial member also includes a plurality of appendage members connected to and extending from the axial member. The appendage members include a communication line coupled to the communication line of the axial member for signal communication between the plurality of appendage members via the axial member.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base and a top pivotally mounted on the base for movement between an open position and a closed position. An LCD panel is mounted in the top and the top includes opposed sides having fastener access openings for securing the LCD panel. A bezel includes snap tabs for attaching the bezel to the top, and for covering the fastener access openings. A releasable latch is mounted in the top adjacent the LCD panel for securing the top to the base in the closed position, and for releasing the top from the base for movement to the open position. A spring member is molded into the latch for resiliently mounting a latch in the top.

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.