Patents Examined by Brian M. Mattison
  • Apparatus for reducing computer system power consumption
    Patent number: 4980836
    Abstract: A battery powered computer system monitors the address bus to determine when selected peripheral devices have not been accessed for a preset amount of time. When the preset amount of time has passed the system powers itself down and stops the system clock, placing it in a standby mode. The system is awakened by depressing a standby switch, unless there is insufficient energy in the batteries, under which circumstances an AC power source must be connected before the system can be awakened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Carter, Paul M. Garner, Darren J. Cepulis, Carrie Boone