Abstract: An adaptor for quickly connecting a computer cable connection to a receiving member including a body, a first and second port connector, and a biasing member. The biasing member maintains ratchet like teeth particularly useful in grasping internal threading such as that found in computer port housing. The connection apparatus securingly connects a traditional jack screw-type receiving member cable connection to a receiving member via actuation of the biasing member. The biasing member may preferably be a resilient member such as a spring or spring-like mechanism.

Abstract: A clasp mechanism connector for quickly connecting a computer cable to a receiving member includes a body, a port connector and a biasing member. The biasing member maintains ratchet like teeth particularly useful in grasping internal threading such as that found in computer port housing. The connection apparatus securingly connects the cable connector to a traditional jack screw-type receiving member via actuation of the biasing member. The biasing member may preferably be a resilient member such as a spring or spring-like mechanism.

Abstract: A universal docking station for coupling a portable computer to a plurality of peripheral devices via a PCMCIA interface is provided, wherein at least one of the peripheral devices is a user input device. The docking station comprises a PCMCIA interface adapted to be coupled to the portable computer, peripheral control units adapted to be coupled to the plurality of peripheral devices, and a docking station control unit coupled to the PCMCIA interface and the peripheral control units, wherein the docking station control unit selectively transfers data between the PCMCIA interface and one of the peripheral control units, and wherein the docking station control unit extends the period of time data written by the computer remains stable on the PCMCIA interface. A computer system including the universal docking station is also provided. A method for interfacing a standard peripheral device to a computer via a PCMCIA bus is also provided.

Abstract: A docking device can electrically connect to a computer connector located underneath a portable computer in order to communicate with one or more ancillary support devices. The docking device has a case and a docking connector mounted at the case. The case has a housing, and a top panel attached to the housing. The top panel has one or more openings. The top panel is positioned to subjacently support at least a portion of the portable computer. The docking connector is mounted at the case at one of the openings in the top panel. The docking connector is adapted to connect to the computer connector in the portable computer. The docking connector can be located at that one of the panel openings that will be closest to the computer connector when the portable computer lies atop the top panel. The docking device also has an engagement device mounted at the case for engaging the portable computer.

Abstract: A docking system can give a portable computer access over a first bus in the portable computer to a second bus in a docking station. The first bus and the second bus are each adapted to separately connect to respective ones of a plurality of bus-compatible devices. The docking system has a serial link cooperating with a first and a second interface to act as a single bridge. The first interface is coupled between the first bus and the link. The second interface is coupled between the second bus and the link. The first interface and the second interface are operable to (a) send bus-related information through the link in a format different from that of the first bus and the second bus, and (b) allow the portable computer, communicating through the first bus, to individually address one or more of the bus-compatible devices on the second bus using on the first bus substantially the same type of addressing as is used to access devices on the first bus.

Abstract: A bridge accessible by a host processor can expand access over a first bus to a second bus. The first bus and the second bus are each adapted to separately connect to respective ones of a plurality of bus-compatible devices. Allowable ones of the devices include memory devices and input/output devices. The bridge has a link, together with a first and a second interface. The first interface is coupled between the first bus and the link. The second interface is coupled between the second bus and the link.