Abstract: An adapter for receiving a surplus optical storage media drive capable of stand-alone playing of optical storage media is described. The adapter provides at least the minimum level of functionality required, together with the surplus optical storage media drive, to play optical storage media in order to extend the useful life of the surplus drive. The optical storage media may include compact disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs or the like type of storage media. The adapter provides the capability of connecting with external devices that improve the functionality and usefulness of the drive-adapter system.

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. An applet running on the personal computer receives power commands from the remote control devices and issues power mode commands to video and audio cards to emulate on/off functions of standard televisions. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification.

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 component, such as a hard disk drive, is provided with a spring clip assembly. The spring clip has a spring bracket and a plurality of tabs for engaging with a divider panel disposed within a chassis of a computer. The plurality of tabs guide the hard disk drive into place as the hard disk drive is installed. A support bracket coupled with the hard disk drive couples with slots on a power supply housing, and anchors the hard disk drive as the spring bracket assembly engages with the divider panel. A release mechanism is provided with the spring clip assembly, thereby allowing for easy removal and installation of the hard disk drive.

Abstract: The automatic detection of plain-old telephone system (POTS) lines. A line-type detector detects the particular type of communications line and preferably correspondingly configures a communications device, depending on whether POTS was detected or not. The detection is preferably accomplished by detecting the two dial tone frequencies present in a POTS line.

Abstract: Computer systems provide separate ports for USB (Universal Serial Bus) and PS2 peripherals. Unfortunately, this arrangement requires the computer to have two separate wireless transmitters to communicate with wireless USB and PS2 peripherals. Accordingly, the present invention provides a device, a method, and a system for combining PS2 data and USB data into one serial data stream, thereby enabling one wireless transmitter to serve both a PS2 and a USB peripheral. Specifically, one embodiment includes a PS2 port for receiving PS2 data; a USB port for receiving USB data; a data combiner, coupled to the PS2 and USB ports, for combining the PS2 and the USB data; and a wireless transmitter, coupled to the data combiner, for broadcasting a wireless signal carrying combined PS2 and USB data. In one embodiment, the data combiner includes a processor and a memory that stores unique data-combining software.

Abstract: A device is provided for coupling a graphical pointing device with a data input device. A sheath having a cavity therein couples with the data input device, where the sheath has an arm coupled with the sheath. The sheath has a cut out in the top surface so that a user has access to selection devices of the data input device. In addition, the sheath can have at least one cut out in the bottom surface to allow for actuation of an elevation foot coupled with the data input device. The arm has a holding structure which can frictionally engage the graphical pointing device therein. The data input device can alternatively have a recess in which a support arm is received. The support arm is removably disposed within the recess of the data input device and is adapted to couple with the graphical pointing device.

Abstract: A portable tote container is provided with an open box configuration. Divider panels and a work surface are disposed within the container. The divider panels allow for parts to be organized within the tote container. The work surface has an outer layer of anti-static material and is configured to couple with the divider panels. The work surface has an inner layer of alternative, less expensive material, which has a cavity formed inside. The cavity houses complete or partially complete components and creates an additional storage space within the container. The work surface is also movable in that it slides over the divider panel to cover the divider panels and to create additional work surface area.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for reducing and minimizing Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) leakage from electrical devices or assemblies contained in a cabinet or other similar enclosure such as a computer system unit. Spring fingers or arms contained in the enclosure force two adjacent faces of the enclosure components together to create an EMI minimizing seal.

Abstract: A dual modem automatically switches between a wireless and wire-based communication modes using mode selection circuitry that detects when a wire-based communications network, such as a standard land-line telephone network, is coupled to the modem. When the modem selection circuitry detects the presence of the wire-based communications network, it couples modem processing circuitry to a wire-based interface. When the modem selection circuitry fails to detect the presence of the wire-based communications network, it couples the modem processing circuitry to a wireless interface and the wireless interface is also powered for coupling to a wireless communications network, such as a cellular phone network. The wireless interface is not powered when the modem is coupled to the wire-based communications network.

Abstract: A data transfer system that relieves the central processing unit of a personal computer of the burden of controlling data transfers between mass storage devices coupled to a single device controller without utilizing main memory and which also increases the speed of such transfers. The data transfer system works with a computer having a DMA chip by causing the data to be stored in a transfer buffer instead of main memory when the device controller transfers data between the mass storage devices. The data transfer system also enables a data mirroring system for a personal computer by writing the data to the transfer buffer and also to a third mass storage device acting as a backup device. Another aspect of the data transfer system operates in computers having a local bus that couples peripherals to a central processing unit/main memory subsystem through a system controller.

Abstract: An adjustably mounted infrared device for an electronic device is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a computer. The computer has a housing and an integral infrared device. The housing has a plurality of surfaces to protect at least a processor within the housing. The integral infrared device is mounted adjustably to the housing to permit positioning of the device in a desired direction independent of movement of the housing. Other embodiments of the invention include a computer keyboard, a computer printer, and a computer monitor, each having such an integral infrared device mounted adjustably thereto to permit position of the device in a desired direction without movement of the keyboard, the printer or the monitor, respectively.

Abstract: A modular keyboard is provided which can be repeatedly and conveniently transferred between a portable computer or a desktop computer without damage to the modular keyboard. Both the portable computer and the keyboard base for the desktop computer have a cavity therein for receiving the modular keyboard. The keyboard base has a numerical keypad and arrow keys adjacent the cavity. The modular keyboard is small enough so that the portable computer can be closed and carried in the conventional manner without interference from the modular keyboard. A removal mechanism is provided on each the portable computer and the keyboard base to facilitate removal of the modular keyboard.

Abstract: An audio transmission apparatus has a primary speaker and a secondary speaker apparatus. Two primary speakers are provided to correspond with the left channel and the right channel. The secondary speaker apparatus is placed on a first surface of the primary speaker. A switching mechanism, such as a micro switch or a proximity sensor, is disposed between the primary speaker and the secondary speaker apparatus such that removal of the secondary speaker apparatus enables the secondary speaker apparatus and disables the primary speaker. Connected by wire or a wireless medium, the secondary speaker apparatus is an earphone, a head set, or an ear bud, depending on the application. The audio transmission apparatus is used in conjunction with any type of audio output device, such as a television, computer, stereo, and the like.

Abstract: A shipping container which inhibits improper orientation by its shape and also provides protection for its contents. The container has a number of side panels, a top end and a bottom end. A top closure covers the top end and a bottom closure covers the bottom end. The top closure projects above the top end to a preselected height and by it shape inhibits placing the container on the top closure. The bottom closure is recessed within the container to a depth at least as deep as the height of the top closure so that a plurality of containers may be nested together. The container may also include a crush resistant structure as an integral part of the top closure or a separate insert. The structure has outer walls and inner load-bearing walls which inhibit the structure from collapsing when a compressive force is applied.

Abstract: A computerized system and a method for generating a custom software configuration for a hard drive of a computer system according to desired software configuration defined by a purchasing customer. The computerized system and method utilizes an image builder for creating a disk image of the desired software configuration and transferring the image to a storage device. The storage device is connected to an image server that transfers the disk image directly to the hard drive during a manufacturing and assembly process of the computer system. Once the computer system is assembled, the image server broadcasts the disk image to the computer system via a wired or wireless connection.

Abstract: The automatic linking to program-specific computer chat rooms is disclosed. A computer detects the channel selected on a corresponding tuner. By referencing the channel and the time and date in which the computer is operating against an electronic program guide, the computer is able to determine the specific program currently on the channel. A unique identification code for the program is sent to a central server. The server links the computer to a computer chat room specific to the program for the unique identification code. This enables computer users viewing the same program to automatically enter the same chat room and chat to one another.

Abstract: A pointing device of a computer having absolute and relative positioning capability is disclosed. In a mouse pointing device embodiment, the mouse is movable over a mouse pad having a surface having a plurality of uniquely coded positions. The mouse includes a mechanism to detect the position over which it has been moved, and conveys this information to the computer to which it is coupled. Specifically, the surface having a plurality of uniquely coded positions in one embodiment is a two-color gradient in which each color goes from maximum to minimum intensity level over an axis perpendicular to that of the other. The mechanism includes sensors to detect the intensity levels of the colors. In another embodiment, a joystick pointing device having absolute and relative positioning capability is disclosed.

Abstract: A pointing device provides a rotating member for rotatably adjusting a location of a cursor, a volume level, display settings, or other variables. The pointing device includes a control arm which a user can manipulate to make a button selection. The pointing device combines the button selection and rotational adjustment into a single apparatus. The device is sized to be comfortably used by one hand, and can be mounted within a mouse, a keyboard, or a monitor. The pointing device can be used alone, or can be used to augment a mouse, a trackball, or a touchpad.