Abstract: A computer docking station has an anti-theft locking mechanism that prevents theft of PC cards and other removable components (removable drives, batteries, etc.) mounted in the docking station and a portable computer docked therein. The locking mechanism is mechanically moveable between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the locking mechanism at least partially covers the removable components to prevent their removal. In the unlocked position, the locking mechanism is withdrawn to allow removal of the components. The locking mechanism is preferably configured for use with an existing tether lock (e.g., a Kensington lock) used to secure the docking station and/or computer. The lock secures the locking mechanism in the locked position to protect the components.

Abstract: A device for securely engaging a display panel with a base in a closed position is provided for use with a portable computer that may be constructed of both a base and a display panel that is pivotally mounted on the base. The base and the display panel combine to form the chassis of the portable computer. The device for engaging the display panel and the base in a closed position prevents the display panel from being damaged when the portable computer is being moved, stored, or shipped. The device consists of a recess for mounting a latching assembly and a latching assembly. The latching assembly supports a latch that secures the display panel to the base when the cover is in a folded down, or closed or recessed, position. The latch assembly comprises a recess that is formed in the display panel that receives the latch assembly. There is also a seat formed on the base that corresponds to the opening on the cover.

Abstract: A compact size, portable audio/display electronic apparatus having a compact mass memory with the capability of entry of user originated inquirable and inquisitorial input relative to currently displayed information and the random access capability relative to the compact mass memory in retrieving data responsive the such input. The apparatus comprises recording and reproducing devices for recording and reproducing data in the form of alphanumeric information, diagram graphics, animation graphics, music, voice and other audio reproducible material. The reproducing device is employed only for the reproduction of the data, retrieving device for only retrieving the data for reproduction on a random access basis. Further, the display and reproducing device is arranged in one compact housing for the synchronized reproduction of at least two kinds of such data, e.g., the display of information and the audio reproduction of information directly associated with the displayed information.

Abstract: A computer monitor housing comprising first and second hemispherical shells having sizes such that one of the shells can nest substantially completely inside the other, a video display panel supported within the first shell, a supporting pedestal secured to the first shell, a powered drive for pivotally moving the first and second shells about a substantially horizontal diametrical axis in such a manner that the shells are relatively movable between a closed position in which the shells are positioned with their concave sides facing so as to conceal the video display panel and an open position in which the shells are nested one inside the other for revealing the video display panel.

Abstract: A chassis assembly for receiving power supply modules therein. The chassis assembly includes: (1) a cabinet, (2) an elongated bus bar assembly configured to be supported within the cabinet from a mount coupled to the cabinet, the bus bar assembly having a pair of conductors capable of receiving a terminal connector of a power supply module received into the cabinet and (3) a shelf, oriented laterally with respect to the bus bar assembly, that supports at least one power supply module received into the cabinet, the bus bar assembly being substantially free of terminal connectors and adapted to eliminate a need for support of a portion of a weight of the bus bar assembly apart from the mount.

Abstract: A flexible printed substrate is connected to an LCD at one end thereof. To the other end, a thermocompression bonding terminal and a repair terminal (thermocompression bonding terminal for use in repairing) are arranged side by side and connected by means of thermocompression bonding with an anisotropic conductive bond interposed between them. On the other hand, a thermocompression bonding terminal of the main substrate is formed on an end of the main substrate so as to face the thermocompression bonding terminal of the flexible substrate. In addition, a repair terminal (a thermocompression bonding terminal for use in repairing) is formed in a close proximity to the thermocompression bonding terminal of the main substrate.

Abstract: A rack console assembly comprises a rack console and a computer console slidably disposed within the rack console. The computer console is connected to the rack console in such a manner so as to enable the computer console to be collapsably disposed inside of the rack console when in its non-operating mode and so as to enable the computer console to be positioned outside of the rack console when in its operating mode. The computer console comprises a frame which is connected to the rack console, a computer monitor mounted on the frame and a computer keyboard mounted on the frame. The frame is connected to the rack console in such a manner so as to enable the frame to be vertically and horizontally displaced relative to the rack console. The computer monitor is mounted on a support member which is fixedly mounted on a bracket arm pivotally mounted on the frame. The computer monitor is capable of both pivotal displacement relative to the frame and vertical displacement along the support member.

Abstract: A portable electronic device including a body, and a display portion which is openably and closably provided with respect to the body, wherein a short battery portion is provided at the back end of the body, and a long battery portion is rotatably provided with respect to the short battery portion; and an electronic device battery. In the electronic device and the electronic device battery, a simple structure for electrically connecting the battery to the body can be used to support the back end of the body of the electronic device above a supporting surface in order to easily tilt the body.

Abstract: A docking station having an electrical connector for mating with the electrical connector of the portable computer when the portable computer is operably coupled to the docking station. The docking station electrical connector is movable with respect to the housing between at least two mating positions to accommodate for variations in location of portable computer electrical connectors of different portable computer types. The docking station electrical connector extends out from a slot in a back wall of the docking station housing. The docking station electrical connector can be manually moved or moved by a motor. With some docking stations according to the present invention, the docking station electrical connector is moveable between mating positions at different elevations. For some docking stations, the slot that the docking station electrical connector extends out from has at least two levels each at a different elevation.

Abstract: A removable, EMI-shielding hard disk drive module for a notebook computer is pivotally insertable into the computer through an opening in the computer's base plate. Connectors fixedly mounted on the module and computer, respectively, mate when the module is fully inserted. A pin on the module cooperates with a movable cam on the computer to automatically lock the module in position when it is fully inserted, and to positively but smoothly disengage the connectors when the lock is released for removal of the module. To facilitate removal, the cam may lightly hold the module, after the connectors are disengaged, in a position where the module is easy to grasp and remove.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cabinet, a keyboard assembly, and a switchbox. The cabinet has mounting rails. The keyboard assembly includes a keyboard tray and a keyboard slide. The keyboard slide has fixed and moveable portions. The fixed portion is mounted to the mounting rails, and the moveable portion is mounted to the keyboard tray. A switchbox is mounted to the fixed portion of the keyboard slide.

Abstract: A computer docking station for a portable computer has an enclosure to mate physically and electrically with the portable computer. The enclosure has a docking tray upon which the portable computer rests when docked. One or more slideable engagement members are mounted to slide on the docking tray to engage the portable computer when the computer is being docked. The engagement members slide as the computer is moved to the docked position to securely hold the portable computer in the docking station. A link mechanism internal of the enclosure is connected to move the engagement members between the undocked and docked positions. A lever is provided to allow a user to actuate the link mechanism. The lever is movable between an exposed position in which the lever is accessible to the user for actuating the mechanism and an unexposed position in which the lever is inaccessible to the user. In the unexposed position, the lever is retracted into the enclosure.

Abstract: A device for mounting a speaker on a portable computer is provided that hingably secures a speaker housing to the side of the display unit. The device and speaker housing move between a recessed and folded position and an unfolded and extended position. A channel shaped groove is formed in the side portion of the main body to allow the speaker housing to be folded into a recessed and flush position. The device may also be constructed with a latch that is attached to the speaker housing to secure the display unit to the main body in its folded position. To allow the distance between the speakers to be adjusted the device is constructed with an extendable bar that can slide in and out of the display unit.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for enhancing the cooling capacity of portable personal computers. More particularly, there is provided to the provision of an arrangement for increasing the cooling capacity of portable personal computers, particularly such as laptop or notebook computers. The computer possesses a keyboard having the rear edge thereof hingedly connected with the bottom of an openable display unit or panel, and containing heat-generating computer electronics, from which heat is removed through a heat pipe terminating in a coupling arrangement possessing elements which connect to and disconnect from each other when, respectively, docking and undocking the portable personal computer in a docking station so as to facilitate the transference of heat from the portable personal computer through the coupling arrangement into the docking station from whence the heat is dissipated to the surroundings through the intermediary of a heat sink.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multimedia apparatus in which a user is enabled to use the portable computer more readily by mounting or dismounting various kinds of multimedia apparatus. The portable computer is designed so as to enable the user to use the portable computer detached from or mounted on a stand. The portable computer has a first connection part in a lower part thereof and a stand having a second connection part to which the first connection part of the portable computer is mounted or dismounted. Further features include the ability to mount or dismount an electrophotographic pen, a printer connector with cover, a rotatable battery, a light receiving part, and an auxiliary peripheral device.

Abstract: A stereo speaker system for portable computers which maximizes spatial impression by using rearward-firing speakers, mounted in the back of the display, in combination with forward-firing speakers mounted on the chassis or in the front side of the display.

Abstract: A computer system includes a portable computer having a base portion and a lid portion connected to pivotally open relative to the base portion. A heat generating component is mounted in the base portion. A first heat transfer system is mounted in the base portion adjacent the heat generating component. A second heat transfer system is mounted in the lid portion. A thermal hinge pivotally interconnects the first heat transfer system with the second heat transfer system, so that heat is dissipated from the base portion to the lid portion. A fan mounted in the lid portion actively dissipates heat from the lid portion.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a receptacle for removably receiving a functional component, and an opening portion for insertion/removal of the functional component into/from the receptacle, and a cover attached to the housing to cover the opening portion. The cover is movable between a first position where the cover covers the opening portion and a second position where the cover is-shifted away from the opening portion. The cover is coupled to the housing by means of a flexible coupling member.

Abstract: A unique cabinet mounted I/O assembly adapted for integration into a control system which allows a block I/O assembly to be mounted in both sides of the cabinet allowing a blind fit of power and signal connections insuring that power will be provided to the block I/O assembly before any application of signals thereto and preventing any mismatching of I/O units to wrong processor blocks in the cabinet by a color matching scheme.

Abstract: A portable computer is docked within a drawer concealing the computer from view and minimizing use of scarce desktop space. The drawer includes a docking platform with a docking connector. The computer is positioned on the platform at a desired alignment position. The computer includes a docking connector for mating to the drawer's docking connector. The action of closing the drawer causes the computer docking connector and drawer docking connector to mate. The drawer docking connector is electrically coupled to an expansion unit which has ports or other interfaces for coupling to a display, full-size keyboard, network resources and peripheral devices, such as a printer, CD-ROM, and floppy disk drive.