Abstract: A computer, and a hard drive assembly for use in the computer, according to which a mounting member, having a plurality of light sources mounted thereon, is disposed in the chassis of the computer. One or more hard drive assemblies are provided, each including a carrier mounted in the chassis, a plurality of light pipes mounted on the carrier and extending through the carrier, and a hard drive unit mounted in the carrier. One end of each light pipe registers with a corresponding light source to transfer the light from the light sources through the light pipes and the carrier for providing a visual indication at the other end of each of the light pipes.

Abstract: A computer, or electronic device, according to which two fans are mounted on a mounting member which, in turn, is mounted to a wall of the chassis of the computer or component so that the fans establish an air flow in the chassis in a predetermined direction. The fans are mounted to the mounting member, and the mounting member is mounted to the wall, in a manner so that the fans extend at an angle to the wall and so that the space occupied by the fans is less than the space that the fans would occupy when mounted in a side-by-side relation and parallel to the wall. The fans are also positioned so that, if one fails, the other will cool the components normally cooled by the failed fan.

Abstract: A portable computer according to which a processor is disposed in a chassis. A module housing is provided for insertion into and removal from, the chassis and contains a fan for flowing air from the processor, through the module housing and externally of the housing to cool the processor.

Abstract: A system for electrically coupling an electromagnetic shield to a voltage reference such as a ground plane. The system includes a voltage reference and a multi conductor connector having a plurality of conductors. The conductors of the multiconductor connector are electrically coupled to the voltage reference. The system also includes an electromagnetic shield and an extension, such as a tab, electrically coupled to the electromagnetic shield. The extension has a first portion that is inserted into an opening of the multiconductor connector to electrically contact the conductors of the multiconductor connector to electrically couple the electromagnetic shield to the voltage reference.

Abstract: A return device for an electronic system push button. The return device includes a torsion bar for storing torsion energy when a push button is moved from a non actuating position to an actuating position. The return device includes an arm extending from the torsion bar for receiving a user generated force on the push button and for providing a return force for the push button. One end is rotatably coupled to a housing panel and the other end is coupled to the panel to restrict rotation of the end with respect to the housing. In one example of a return device, the push button and an actuator are fixably coupled to the arm. The return device can be used with a variety of push buttons which perform different operations for an electronic system. For example, a return device may be utilized with a push button that actuates a panel retention mechanism of a housing.

Abstract: A basic input output system (BIOS) or equivalently functional circuitry can determine when a power on reset in a computer system is due to an invalid event (e.g. power loss) and subsequently re-enable a computer system wakeup event. Additionally, the computer system is restored to its power state prior to the invalid event, thereby advantageously allowing a computer system configuration to be returned to the desired configuration after an invalid event and without unnecessary computer system activity.

Abstract: A personal computer includes a DC to DC converter which employs a dual function capacitive energy storage device at the output rail of the converter. The energy storage device provides both a transition control function and a bulk or output function. In this manner, the size and expense of a separate bulk capacitor is advantageously avoided. The converter includes a switching transistor coupled to a bulk inductor. The switching transistor exhibits a high frequency switching rate which is sufficiently high to permit the inductor to directly replenish the capacitive energy storage device thus enabling the converter to withstand both major and minor load fluctuations without loss of voltage regulation at the output rail.

Abstract: A fastener temporarily attaches articles through aligned apertures in the articles including a nut plate allowing the articles to be assembled by one assembler. The fastener has a flange, a cylindrical sleeve, and a solid pin. The flange ensures that the fastener does not pass completely through the aligned apertures. The sleeve supports articles and couples with the flange on one end of the sleeve and the solid pin on the other end of the sleeve. The solid pin can support a nut plate and further engages the threads in the nut plate through friction. The juncture between the sleeve and the solid pin is formed to allow the pin to break away from the cylindrical sleeve when pressure is applied. A screw or other threaded fastener is inserted through the cylindrical sleeve and pressed against the solid pin. Once the solid pin breaks away, the threads on the screw engage with the corresponding threads on the nut plate.

Abstract: A multimedia computer monitor simplifying testing and repair includes cavities within the multimedia computer monitor for insertion of speakers. The speakers are interchangeable so that the first speaker can be inserted in the second cavity and the second speaker can be inserted in the first cavity. The multimedia computer monitor may include test buttons for sending audible signals to the first and second speakers. A method of testing the speakers includes interchanging the speakers within the cavities and listening for an audible response. A test signal to generate the audible response can be provided by test buttons within the multimedia computer monitor so that the test signal may be generated without connecting the multimedia computer monitor to a computer system. A method of testing the multimedia computer monitor isolates a defect to the first speaker, the second speaker, or the multimedia computer monitor.

Abstract: An aperture in a mounting rail for receiving a retaining pin for securing or locking a carrier that is slid into a carrier bay on the mounting rail. The carrier holds a computer system hard disk drive. The retaining pin extends through the mounting rail aperture and engages a surface on the carrier when the carrier is in a secured position to secure or lock the carrier in the carrier bay. In one example, the mounting rail aperture is located on top of the mounting rail and is formed by an aperture frame that is supported by stiffening ribs. The retaining pin is moved to a secured or locking position by a key actuated cam. The key actuated cam moves a locking bar attached to the retaining pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing heat dissipation and electromagnetic shielding for an integrated circuit, such as a CPU, in a computer system includes a first surface thermally coupling the apparatus to an integrated circuit (IC). The apparatus, including the first surface, is of a material, such as some alloys of beryllium copper, with a yield strength of at least 80,000 pounds per square inch and with a thermal conductivity of at least 220 watts/meter*degree (Kelvin). The material is electrically conductive.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a keyboard movable by a user while her hands are resting on the keyboard actuates a pointing device for a computer system. The movement of the keyboard maneuvers or steers the pointing device, and the user's hands need never be lifted from or leave the keyboard. The apparatus actuating a pointing device includes a first tray and a second tray. The first tray has a surface, and a portion of the pointing device is located on the surface. The second tray is positioned above the first tray whereby motion of the second tray actuates the pointing device.

Abstract: A technique for retrieving data residing on a data server platform using object-oriented programming techniques in a Desktop Management Interface ("DMI") environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a data inquiry Router object brings together the many functions and data sources required to service client requests into a cohesive structure. Based on the concept that all data requests can be visualized as the instantiation of a class derived from a hyper-generic base class, a symbiotic structure is be generated that encapsulates the basic client-server interface functionality along with the otherwise unrelated information gathering techniques required to satisfy the request. The base class and all classes derived from it are accessed through an open-addressed hash table based request Router object that bores down to the appropriate piece of data acquisition code and performs query validation and return the requested data structure in the form desired.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mounting a fan to a power supply in a computer are described. A camming handle pivotally connected to the power supply retains the fan and also provides an electrical connection between the fan and power supply. The fan is removably supported proximate to the power supply by the camming handle. Cooling requirements of the power supply dictate the type of fan selected for supporting within the camming handle. The camming handle pivots between open and closed positions with respect to the power supply. When the camming handle is in the closed position, the fan is disposed proximate, but external, to the power supply. A latch is provided for restraining the camming handle from pivotal movement when the camming handle is in the closed position. The camming handle includes two open slots which engage a ledge of the PC chassis.

Abstract: A keylock assembly including both a keylock device for locking a door to a chassis frame and a securing device for securing the door to the chassis frame so that the door can be secured to the chassis frame without having to lock the door. The chassis may house a computer system that includes a processor and a peripheral device. The keylock device includes a latch member and a keylock wherein the securing device includes a threaded portion screwed into the keylock to attach the latch member to the keylock. One example of a securing device attached to the keylock device is a ball stud. To secure the door to the chassis frame, the ball stud engages a corresponding structure, such as a two pronged clip, when the door is in a closed position with respect to the chassis frame. The door may be removably and pivotally attached to the housing frame via a hinge.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a chassis with attachment features which may interchangeably accept and secure a connector assembly and paralleling board assembly. The connector assembly may be used in a lower cost nonredundant power supply configuration while the paralleling board assembly may be used in multiple power supply configurations. The power supply may be interchangeably connected to the connector assembly and the paralleling board assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for changing partition mappings to logical drives in a memory device of a computer. The computer includes a processor for running operating system code and a hard drive. The hard drive, which can be accessed by the processor, includes at least two partitions, the first partition initially being active and having a type that is recognized by the operating system and the second partition initially being inactive and having a type that is not recognized by the operating system. When the computer boots up, a logical reference value in the operating system code points to the first partition. A reference-changing routine is then run for dynamically switching the logical reference value to the second partition. This is achieved by having the reference-changing routine change certain tables in the operating code. The tables are used by the operating system code to logically map the logical reference to a particular partition.

Abstract: A trackpad or other input/output device is detachable from a computer and adapted with a remote communication functionality using radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) technologies, thereby facilitating the performance of slide presentations and other graphic displays. A remote presentation capability allows a computer user to conveniently address a group from a position at a suitable location, such as a podium, that is removed from the computer system. A remote interface includes a trackpad or other input/output device and activation buttons. The input/output device is housed in a small removable enclosure which is adapted for docking into an aperture in the computer. The input/output device is rechargeable with a charger installed into the computer so that the input/output device is recharged during docking with the computer.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a drive letter used by a RAM disk and communicating that designator to other programs is disclosed. In a computer having a processor for running operating system code, RAM, and a hard drive memory device, the RAM includes a RAM disk configured therein and the hard drive memory device includes at least one partition. The operating system code recognizes both the RAM disk and the hard drive partition as logical drives and therefore contains a series of at least two drive parameter blocks (DPB), one DPB for each logical drive. The computer also includes a software routine for determining a drive letter assigned to the RAM disk and communicating that drive letter to another program. First of all, the routine must ascertain the drive letter assigned to the RAM disk by sequentially performing the following steps: accessing a DPB from the series, examining the logical drive designated by the DPB, and determining if the logical drive is the RAM disk.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel fans are mounted for moving side-by-side columns of air in a chassis. A louver member is provided adjacent each fan. Each louver member is bendable from a closed position to an open position by a flow of air generated by its respective fan, and is restrictedly bendable to a closed position, in engagement with a portion of an air passageway, in response to failure of its respective fan.