Abstract: A portable computer having a standby power mode of operation has a bay for receiving a portable removable disk drive. The drive has a pair of slots engageable with parallel guide rails in the receiver, and a notch engageable with a retractable latch normally biased in the direction of the notch. A switch adjacent one of the rails generates a standby signal for the computer whenever the drive is inserted into the bay or moved in the ejection direction after installation. An ejector mechanism retracts the latch and an auxiliary locking pivot to release the drive for removal. The ejector also provides an ejection force which moves the drive a sufficient distance externally of the bay to permit the drive to be grasped by the user for complete removal. A grounding contact engageable with a similar contact on the drive provides a static discharge path for the drive prior to electrical interconnection with the computer.

Abstract: A method for entering data into a computer utilizing a pop-up keyboard includes the steps of popping-up a keyboard associated with a selected field area displayed by the computer in response to a predetermined series of strokes formed by a pointer and modifying the symbols in the selected field area either in response to the selection of key field areas displayed on the popped-up keyboard or to the forming of handwritten symbols in a display field area of the popped-up keyboard with the pointer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a computer in a low-power mode are provided. In the low-power mode, dynamic random access memory is refreshed by a battery powered system in order to maintain the memory contents. Low-power mode is entered by saving an interrupt mask and by disabling interrupts, followed by saving the DMA status, finishing DMA operations, and disabling DMA. After these steps, the I/O state of the machine is saved by saving various I/O registers and ports. A refresh of the memory is forced before the system refresh operations are discontinued.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for password protecting a personal, laptop or single user computer. The user's password entry is compared to the value of a secondary password retained by the computer as well as the value of the user's stored primary password. The user may thus access the computer when his primary password is corrupted or forgotten by obtaining an alternate password from the computer manufacturer which matches the secondary password generated or stored by the computer. The operation of the method and the organization of the apparatus make the secondary and alternate passwords valid for a limited time, thereby preserving the overall integrity of the password protection system. The primary, secondary and alternate passwords may be encrypted for added security.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a computer in a low-power mode are provided. In the low-power mode, dynamic random access memory is refreshed by a battery powered system in order to maintain the memory contents. Low-power mode is entered by saving an interrupt mask and by disabling interrupts, followed by saving the DMA status, finishing DMA operations, and disabling DMA. After these steps, the I/O state of the machine is saved by saving various I/O registers and ports. A refresh of the memory is forced before the system refresh operations are discontinued.

Abstract: A keyboardless entry computer system includes a transparent input screen that generates positional information when contacted by a stylus, and a display screen mounted physically below the input screen such that a character that is displayed can be seen below the input screen. The system includes a computer that has been programmed to compile the positional information into Strokes, to calculate Stroke characteristics, and then compare the Stroke characteristics with those stored in a database in order to recognize the symbol drawn by the stylus. Key features of the system are: (1) transparent position sensing sybsystem; (2) underlying display on which to mimic drawing of sensed positions and to show characters or symbols; (3) means to convert sensed positions first into plotted Points and then into recognized characters or symbols; and (4) means to "learn" to associate sensed input positions with a character or symbol.

Abstract: A hand held computer of a type used for such activities as taking inventory, recording signatures on delivery, keeping a route agenda, etc. has a large screen and preferably is without a built in keyboard. The tablet type computer is thin in profile, light in weight and is easily carried and used. Programming in the computer enables an operator to select from various forms available for display on the screen, enables character recognition for items printed on the screen using a conductive stylus, enables the recording in memory of signatures, graphics or any other material entered on the screen, and enables other convenient functions. Certain preferred features of the computer enable it easily to be converted into a full function desk top computer with a keyboard, expansion module and stand.

Abstract: A system for causing a computer solid state memory to emulate a magnetic disk mounted in a disk drive. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes two removable RAM cards and two ROM's. Program instructions encoded in firmware in the system BIOS translate disk service requests from software running on the computer into appropriate commands and addresses on the RAM cards or on the ROM. The system permits software written for use with floppy disks to be used with solid state memory devices such as RAM cards or ROM without modification of the software.

Abstract: A portable computer, which may be a hand held computer useful for field work, has an attachment which can serve as both a carrying handle for the computer and a stand for holding the computer in a convenient position for use on a desk, at an appropriate angle for viewing the screen. The stand and handle has two plate-like arms connected by a hinge which serves as the handle and with one of the arms securable by a snap-in arrangement to the back or underside of the computer. The computer may have an expansion module secured to its backside, in which case the arm of the stand/handle is secured to the back of the expansion module. In one embodiment the stand and handle device is permanently second to the computer, rather than detachable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a computer in a low-power mode are provided. In the low-power mode, dynamic random access memory is refreshed by a battery powered system in order to maintain the memory contents. Low-power mode is entered by saving an interrupt mask and by disabling interrupts, followed by saving the DMA status, finishing DMA operations, and disabling DMA. After these steps, the I/O state of the machine is saved by saving various I/O registers and ports. A referesh of the memory is forced before the system refresh operations are discontinued.

Abstract: A battery compartment for portable electrical equipment such as computers, tape recorders, VCR recorders, camera flash equipment and other such devices has an internal configuration and appropriate electrical connections to receive at least two different types of battery cells which may be of different dimensions. These can include standard dry cell batteries and rechargeable NiCad batteries, for example. The power pickup from the two types of cells is different, so that non-rechargeable dry cells can be isolated from charge when external power is attached to the portable device, while rechargeable cells are not isolated from the charge. The different dimensions are accommodated by orientation of the one type of cell-receiving spaces at right angles to the other type of cell-receiving spaces so that incorrect placement of the cell types is prevented.

Abstract: A soft case which encloses a portable device such as a hand held computer has a top cover portion which overlies a large screen at the front or top of the computer. This cover portion has a flat, soft foam pad which engages against the glass screen to cushion the screen and spread the force of any impact against the closed case at the screen. Further, there may be included in the screen cover a rigid member captured within the injection molded foam and spanning across the screen, providing further protection against impact to the screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a component door assembly for an electronic device which hides and protects removable electronic components. The door has separate locking and moving mechanisms so that two operations must be performed before the door can be opened. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment a resilient sliding door is mounted on tracks or grooves in the housing of an electronic device. The door has a button on one end and a handle on the other end. To open the door, the button is pressed inward while the handle is pulled in the direction of the button.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack for a portable computer or other battery-powered device permits recharging of the battery while it is in the computer, or removal of the entire battery pack and recharging of the battery external to the computer by connecting an AC-DC converter directly to the battery pack. This permits removal of a battery pack and replacement with a charged battery pack, so that the portable computer is not occupied with battery charging and can be taken into the field while another battery pack is being charged. In the battery pack of the invention a DC power jack is located on the battery pack, identical to the DC jack on the exterior of the computer.

Abstract: A card housing attachment for adding industry standard add-on cards to a portable computer includes a card housing which is positioned on the top of the computer behind a tiltable display. A battery compartment slide-in structure slides into and out of a battery tray compartment opening in the back side of the computer and contains interconnect-card structure for developing the power and any clock required for the add-in card and for transmitting all necessary control signals and data lines between the add-on card and the computer bus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a housing assembly design which reduces the number of screws required to attach the housing parts together. According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, the housing of a hand-held computer is assembled and held together by a combination of hooks, screws, and tabs. Preferably, the tabs mate with slots or grooves formed on the perimeter of apertures such as input/output ports in the housing. Once the housing is assembled, each tab forms part of the perimeter of the aperture into which it is inserted. The hooks and screws mate with corresponding hooks and screw holes, respectively, formed in the housing.