Abstract: A wired modem normally plugs directly into a computer and connects to a telephone system by wired connection to a wall jack. This same modem can be used in a wireless configuration by plugging it into a single-module base station unit located near the wall jack and containing a baseband-to-wireless transceiver. A single module remote station plugs into the computer in place of the modem, and contains another baseband-to-wireless transceiver for communicating wireless data with the base station. The base and remote stations duplicate very little of the functionality performed by the modem, making the modem easily replaceable in either wired or wireless configurations.

Abstract: An external modem providing for the increased throughput of a serial device of a computer by de-multiplexing data over a pair of physical serial channels of the computer in a predetermined manner is disclosed. A communications port allows for communicatively coupling the computer to an external communications system, such as ISDN. A driver de-multiplexes data received from the logical serial device for transmission over the pair of physical serial channels. A controller then receives the data from the pair of serial channels for transmission over an existing communications system. Communication throughput from the computer to the existing communications system therefore exceeds the maximum throughput of a particular serial channel. The controller also is capable of receiving data from the external communications system for transmission over the pair of serial channels, the driver also capable of multiplexing the data received from the pair of serial channels for transmission over the logical serial device.

Abstract: A dual tape drive system is described for accepting either a digital data tape cartridge for data backup or a standard audio cassette tape for audio play and record. A single dual purpose tape head may be utilized for interfacing with both digital data tape cartridges and audio cassette tapes. In an alternative embodiment of the dual tape drive system, separate tape heads may be utilized such that an "audio" head is dedicated to cassette tapes while a "data" head is dedicated to digital tape cartridges. The dual tape drive system may exist as a stand alone device or may be integrated into a computer system whereby the tape drive is controlled through a keyboard operatively coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: A portable computer system having a shutter for protecting a display screen. The shutter device is disposed integrally within the bezel of a portable computer. The shutter device can be disposed proximate the two sides of a display within the bezel. In addition, the shutter device is disposed above the display screen. The device may be fabricated from paper, paper with a plastic coating, plastic, and similarly substantially rigid materials. Alternatively, other non-rigid materials can be used in conjunction with a support member for the shutter. The shutter device has a variety of forms including an accordion type structure, a fan structure. Alternatively, the shutter device comprises a plurality of panels which are hingedly coupled with support panels. The shutter device also can be in the form of a shade which coils around a coiling rod. A fastener is provided with the shutter device to maintain the device in an open and/or closed position.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a computer body. The computer body has speaker panels rotatably coupled to side portion to cover side surfaces of the computer body. Alternatively, the computer body includes a top speaker panel rotatably coupled to a front portion of the portable computer to cover a front surface of the computer body. The speaker panels have a speaker mounted therein. A variety of speakers, including an array of speakers, can also be mounted within the speaker panels. The speaker panels can have a cutout therein, and provide a protective cover to components disposed along the sides or the front surface of the computer body.

Abstract: A multimedia system has multiple media sources switchable under user control to a common set of output presentation devices. A table stores parameter values for each media source separately, so that selection of a source changes the parameters of the displayed media to values appropriate for that source. A user input device has selection keys, and also has keys for modifying the values of the parameters. The modified parameter values are stored in the table, so that they persist when the same media device is selected at a later time.

Abstract: A stabilization assembly is used in computer housings to limit deflection of the I/O panel during handling and transit. The device has a lost motion connection permitting deflection of the I/O panel in one direction and preventing deflection in a second direction, thus both avoiding disconnection problems commonly incurred by I/O cards and their connections to the motherboard during handling or shipping and simplifying assembly.

Abstract: A mass storage device having a transmitter and receiver and a computer having a transmitter and receiver allows for a computer system capable of wireless transmissions of data to and from the computer. The transmitter and receiver of the computer is linked to a data and command bus which is electrically connected to the central processor or microprocessor of the computer. The transmitter and receiver of the mass storage device is electrically connected to the data channel of the mass storage device. A cache memory may also be included to meter the data before transmission or after receiving the transmission. The transmitter and receivers transmit information within a selected range within the full range of electromagnetic radiation. A cradle or nest for holding a mass storage unit and providing power to the mass storage provides stand alone capability to the mass storage unit.

Abstract: An easily and conveniently attachable/detachable carrying handle and insert is disclosed which may be used with a portable computer. The insert has a retention member and is engageable by a latch mechanism of the computer housing and may be attached to the computer housing or substituted for a removeable device bay unit.

Abstract: A light conductor and restore spring assembly is made of molded light translucent material which exhibits a significant degree of deflectability and the further ability to rebound or restore to its original shape when released. The framework of the spring forms a light conductor. If the light path needs to be deviated from a straight path the framework of the spring may have reflective surfaces formed into the body of the assembly to reflect the light rays from the input end to the diffusing end of the light path. The external surfaces of the spring/light conductor assembly constrain the light loss by reflecting the light back into the assembly and redirecting it along its path and toward the reflective surfaces or the diffusing end of the light pipe.

Abstract: A portable computer is provided with retractable ear phones. The ear phones can include ear buds with an outer cushion. The ear buds are retractably coupled with the portable computer by an audio cable. A retraction mechanism retracts the audio cable and ear buds into the computer. The portable computer has a cut out sized to receive the ear buds therein, which creates a place to store the ear buds during periods of non-use. To use the ear buds, a user removes the buds from the storage position, and pulls the audio cable from the computer. Pulling the audio cable activates the ear buds and disables an audio output device on the portable computer. To return the ear buds to a storage position, a retraction actuator is depressed which retracts the audio cable into the portable computer. Alternatively, the ear buds can be replaced or used in addition to an audio input device. The ear buds and/or audio input device can be provided on other devices, such as a portable keyboard.

Abstract: A computer system is provided having a door which hinges about an axis. The door provides a cover for the computer ports, which also seals the ports from the environment. The door has a plurality of detents which allows the door to adjustably elevate the computer system. Alternatively, the door can be stowed under the computer system, where it does not interfere with other cables or cords proximately located.

Abstract: A computer system has a large number of media input sources selectively coupled to a single presentation device. A device database tracks characteristics and connections of the input sources. Multiple, possibly conflicting, channels are assigned to a set of mutually distinct logical channel designations in a channel-map database. Program events occurring on the channels reside in a guide database.

Abstract: A support apparatus is disclosed including a support structure for holding a printed circuit board module, a heat sink thermally coupled with the printed circuit board module, and a capture bar secured to the support structure. The support apparatus includes a holding member with extension members for securing the holding member to the main printed circuit board. The heat sink has a projection extending from one surface, and the capture bar frictionally engages with the projection. Standoffs are disposed between the main printed circuit board and a chassis surrounding the main printed circuit board. A method for cooling the printed circuit board module is also disclosed. The method comprises coupling the printed circuit board module with the holding member, and thermally coupling the heat sink with the printed circuit board module. The capture bar is coupled with the projection of the heat sink and is secured to the holding member. Standoffs are disposed under the main printed circuit board.

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 computerized system for keyboard control of a pointing device of a computer. The computer has a computer keyboard, a controller and a basic input/output system (BIOS). 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 sequence corresponding to a control instruction of the pointing device. The controller detects entry of the sequences by the user on the keyboard, and furthermore processes signals received from the pointing device. The BIOS is operatively coupled to the controller, and in response to the controller detecting a predetermined sequence of keystrokes entered by the user on the keyboard operating sends the controller a corresponding instruction as to whether the controller should listen to or ignore signals received from the pointing device. Alternatively, the functionality of the BIOS as to the pointing device is incorporated within the keyboard.

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: 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 computer system having a monitor, disk drive, and central controller is disclosed. The computer manufacturer uses a method for expanding the reserve area of a disk drive to allow computer systems manufacturers to change the storage capacity of the reserve area. The method includes setting up a password with the disk drive manufacturer to enable two commands. One command reads the maximum address or largest track number that the user has access to. The second command allows for setting a new maximum address to which the user has access. The firmware of the disc drive is updated with the new maximum address. Once the two commands have been used to expand the reserve area, the computer system manufacturer can add critical data, and critical program instructions to the expanded or new reserve area.