Abstract: A portable computer with a base (22) containing media, batteries, and keyboard, with the a CPU and motherboard located in a planar CPU module (28) separate from and behind the flat-panel display module (26), mechanically connected to the display module (26) with a deployment mechanism, and functionally connected to the display module (26) and base (22) by a base flexible circuit (78). The translating mechanism operates such that when the display module (26) is closed, the CPU module (28) is adjacent to the display module (26), and when the display module (26) is open, the CPU module (28) is positioned with a gap between the it and the display module (26).

Abstract: A portable computer with a base (22) containing media, batteries, and keyboard, with the a CPU 52 and main PCB 50 located in a planar CPU module (28) separate from and behind the flat-panel display module (26), mechanically connected to the display module (26) with a deployment mechanism, and functionally connected to the display module (26) and base (22) by a base flexible circuit (78). The CPU module contains a heat-spreading front cover 46 facing the display module 26, and thermally connected to hot components on the main PCB 50. The translating mechanism operates such that when the display module (26) is closed, the CPU module (28) is adjacent to the display module (26), and when the display module (26) is open, the CPU module (28) is positioned with a gap between the it and the display module (26).

Abstract: A portable computer is disclosed with a base, a display module containing a flat-panel display, a heat-spreader positioned to the rear of the display module, an insulating rear cover on the opposite side of the heat-spreader from the display module and serving at least in part as the rear outer surface of the portable computer for maintaining cool temperatures on the rear outer surface of the portable computer, and means for moving the heat-spreader and the insulating rear cover close to the display module when the portable computer is not being used, and for moving the heat-spreader and insulating rear cover a distance away from the display module when the portable computer is being used, and preventing touch access to the heat-spreader. Many structures are disclosed for the efficient cooling of the heat-spreader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for monitoring and controlling the temperature at the heat producing portion of an electrical current carrying device without direct measurement at the heat producing site. An integrated circuit 22 is thermally attached to a plurality of heat dissipating paths; top side heat conduction path 24, bottom side heat conduction path 26, and board level heat conduction path 28. On one of the heat conduction paths exists a heat flow sensor. This sensor is comprised of an inner thermistor 32 and an outer thermistor 34. The measured heat flow is combined with a single point temperature measurement and the thermal conductivity between the heat source and the temperature measurement point to produce the temperature at the heat source. This temperature is monitored in order to keep the temperature of the electrical current carrying device below critical levels or within a specified range.

Abstract: A removable storage media case is described with a series of base segments each with a fin separation or an end-fin and with plastic flexures permitting segments to rotate with respect to each other and a retaining band. The base segments become successively shorter moving away from the center of the case.

Abstract: A portable computer with a base (22) containing media, batteries, and keyboard, with the a CPU and motherboard located in a planar CPU module (28) separate from and behind the flat-panel display module (26), mechanically connected to the display module (26) with a deployment mechanism, and functionally connected to the display module (26) and base (22) by a base flexible circuit (78). The translating mechanism operates such that when the display module (26) is closed, the CPU module (28) is adjacent to the display module (26), and when the display module (26) is open, the CPU module (28) is positioned with a gap between the it and the display module (26).