Abstract: An input pad that is integrated with a touch pad is disclosed. In one embodiment, a portable computer includes an input pad cover slidable from a first position approximately adjacent to the touch pad to a second position over the touch pad. In the first position the touch pad is operable as a pointing device; relative movement actuated on the pad causes a pointer on a screen of the computer to correspondingly move. In the second position the touch pad is operable as an input pad, preferably a numeric input pad; actuation of an absolute position within a given region on the pad registers the depression of a key corresponding to the region with the computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing several applications to share a single video overlay resource via multiplexing are disclosed. The multiplexing is accomplished from the application end through a multiplexing abstraction layer provided to the developers of end applications as an application program interface. Through the application program interface, each applications may, at any time, request, release, or modify the attributes of the video overlay device such as picture quality, tuning, source, etc. The application program interface provides all basic functionality of the hardware as accessible through other means including normal operating system support and device driver services.

Abstract: An image capture device having apparatus for superimposing a cursor onto a recorded image wherein the position and movement of the cursor on the image may be controlled by a user of the image capture device. The image capture device includes a cursor control assembly for controlling the position of the cursor with respect to the image and a cursor generator for generating a cursor which is superimposed onto the image for recording to the storage medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a circuit board within the chassis of an electronic device are disclosed. The chassis of an electronic device includes a mounting panel assembly having at least one slot for receiving a standoff mounted to the circuit board. Each slot includes a first end suitable for allowing insertion and removal of the standoff through the slot and a second end suitable for engaging the standoff to retain the standoff in the slot for securing the circuit board to the mounting panel assembly. A ramp member extends beneath the slot adjacent to the first end for urging the standoff toward the second end when the standoff is inserted in the slot through the first end.

Abstract: Power conservation without performance reduction in a power-managed system is disclosed. A method according to one embodiment of the invention includes three steps. In the first step, it is determined whether a computer program running on a computer is substantially memory-intensive or substantially compute-intensive. In a second step, the clock speed of the computer system is increased, and the number of memory access wait states of the computer system is adjusted incident to determining that the computer program is substantially compute-intensive. In a third step, the clock speed of the computer system is decreased, and the number of memory access wait states of the computer system is adjusted incident to determining that the computer program is substantially memory-intensive.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device retention apparatus. A method of retaining an electronic device in a housing may include engaging a first device side of an information handling system device against a first housing side of a housing suitable for retaining an information handling system device. The housing includes the first housing side, a second housing side, and a third housing side, wherein the second housing side is oriented generally opposing the first housing side, and the third housing side oriented is generally perpendicular to the first housing side and the second housing side. The information handling system device includes a first device side, a second device side, and a third device side. The information handling system device is rotated about the engaged portion of the information handling system device with the housing, so that the information handling system device is secured to the first housing side, second housing side and third housing side.

Abstract: A screwless computer drive assembly is provided wherein a drive mounting bracket or computer chassis is equipped with lock sliders which, when engaged, compress flexible, flanged tabs into corresponding holes located on the computer drive. The lock sliders slide along the outside of the drive mounting bracket causing the flexible tabs to flex inward resulting in the ends of the tabs engaging the holes. Once the tabs have engaged the holes in the drive, the drive is securely held in place.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for protecting a digital information appliance from an environmental influence. The digital information appliance is capable of detecting an environmental influence and determining if the detected environmental influence is potentially harmful. If the detected environmental influence is potentially harmful, the digital information appliance is capable of protecting the digital information appliance.

Abstract: A modular information handling system includes an upper chassis having a display and a power supply, and a lower chassis having a motherboard, memory, a processor, and a number of drive bays. The upper and lower chassis are interdependent, neither capable of functioning without the other. The upper and lower chassis are separately manufacturable, separately serviceable, and separately shippable.

Abstract: A hideaway integrated docking cradle which may be positioned on a computer or other peripheral device, such as a keyboard, monitor, or printer, includes a docking cradle rotatably attached to a host device, the cradle movable from a first position in which it is closed and substantially flush with the external contour of the host device, and a second, operational position in which the docking cradle rests against the housing so as to allow the connection and retention of a PDA within the cradle. The hideaway integrated docking cradle may be integrated into furniture or other non-computer devices which are linked to a computer in some fashion.

Abstract: A method and system for storing an information signal for subsequent recording are disclosed. An incoming information signal is received, and a starting point in the information signal is identified. At least a portion of the information signal is stored in a memory as it is received, including the identified starting point. A command to record the information signal is received subsequent to the starting point of the information signal, and the information signal is recorded from the memory beginning with the starting point such that the information signal is recorded in its entirety. If the information signal is not recorded, the information signal will continue to be saved until the capacity of the memory is reached at which point the information signal may be recorded over the previously saved information signal. An end point of an information signal may be identified as the starting point of a new information signal desired to be recorded.

Abstract: A power adapter provides electrical power from multiple power sources. The power adapter includes first and second plugs adapted to be electrically coupled to first and second power sources, respectively. The power adapter is configured to provide a first power output from the first power source (e.g., airline power socket), and a second power output from the second power source (e.g., cigarette lighter socket), to the electronic device, depending on which power source to which the power adapter is coupled. The power adapter may also limit the first power output from the first power source to a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to television programming uses a remote control device. The remote control device contains program control data which limits the viewer's access to television programming. The program control data is created and modified by a user with the master control user id assigned to the remote control device. The remote control device is optionally assigned one or more user ids for creating, maintaining, and in one embodiment activating a user-customizable profile which controls programming access according to the users preferences. The program control data, user profile data, and related circuitry is stored in the remote control device, or alternatively in the television receiver or a control device attached to the television receiver.

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: Apparatus and method for PCI bus extension, via a PCI bridge circuit, as well as PCI device function, via a PCI device circuit and I/O connector, all on a single I/O card. Further, the present invention provides for stackable, partial-height PCI cards. Further, provided are stackable, partial-height I/O card mounting plates. In yet another embodiment, a functional PCI extension card also provides one or more right-angle connector sockets in order to allow multiple additional PCI cards at right angles to the functional PCI extension card.

Abstract: A computer system typically includes a central computer and several peripherals, such as a mouse and a printer, which communicate with the computer via a communications channel known as a serial bus. The serial bus may also supply a limited amount of power to some peripherals. Unfortunately, the power limit compels high-power peripherals to include independent power supplies, an arrangement which increase their complexity and cost. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention provides a bus-powered peripheral that includes a controller, a rechargeable battery, and a voltage regulator or recharge circuit. The recharge circuit monitors data on a serial bus, recharges the battery during inactive periods, and allows the battery to supplement bus power during active periods, thereby overcoming the power limit of the serial bus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling heat generating components within a compartment are disclosed. A cooling assembly isolates heat produced by a processor in a personal computer (“PC”) system and exhausts it from the PC prior to adversely affecting other components within the PC. A fan causes air to blow across the processor having an attached heat sink disposed within the cooling assembly, and the air exits the cooling assembly without adversely affecting the other components surrounding the processor. In one example, an alternative passage is provided for the air.

Abstract: A hinge engages a cam such that the hinge first rotates relative to the cam, then linearly engages the cam. Preferably, the hinge includes a guiding post that rides along a raised arched surface on the cam during the rotary motion of the hinge. Linear motion between the hinge and the cam preferably begins when the guiding post rides off the end of the arched surface. The rotary motion of the hinge is constrained by one or more engagement assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, one or more cams are mounted on a receiving structure and one or more hinges are mounted in corresponding locations on a detaching structure, where said detaching structure is physically separable from the receiving structure. Engagement between the one or more cams and the one or more corresponding hinges allows the detaching structure to first rotate relative to, then linearly engage, the receiving structure, providing for reliable blind mating between connectors on the detaching structure and connectors on the receiving structure.