Abstract: A computer anti-theft system for use with various lock devices includes a docking device and a computer engaged with the docking device by an interconnecting lock. A handle is provided for moving the latch to disengage the computer and the docking device. A first lock receiver is provided adjacent the handle for receiving a first type of lock for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer. A second lock receiver is also provided adjacent the handle for receiving a second type of lock, different from the first type, for limiting movement of the handle to prevent disengagement of the docking device and the computer.

Abstract: A technique for minimizing the height of a portable PC comprising a lid and a base when the lid is in a closed position is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the lid of the PC is rotatably connected to the base in such a manner that, when the lid is in a closed position, a bezel for retaining a display within the lid depresses one or more keys positioned along the periphery of a keyboard disposed on the base, thereby reducing the height of the PC in an amount equal to the distance the keys are depressed. In one embodiment, the keys depressed by the bezel are only depressed so far as to leave a slight gap between the top surfaces of the nondepressed keys and the surface of the display, thereby preventing the nondepressed keys from scratching the surface of the display. In an alternative embodiment, the display is fabricated from or coated with a scratch-resistant material.

Abstract: A computer system includes a housing having a docking connector. A combined height adjustment and cover member is mounted on the housing and is movable from a first position wherein the connector is covered, to a second position wherein the connector is uncovered and the member is in abutment with an external surface of the housing and positioned to be engagable with a docking tray for elevating the housing above the tray surface. This provides a variable height adjustment capability between the docking connector of the computer and the mating connector on the docking tray.

Abstract: An integrated palm rest and battery pack in a portable computer system includes a base member of the portable computer having a keyboard. The base member has a multi-level surface adjacent the keyboard. A first portion of the multi-level surface defines a palm rest surface. A second portion of the multi-level surface simultaneously defines an extended palm rest area and a battery housing. The two portions define a pair of adjacent arcuate cascading surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a personal computer comprising a main chassis having an exterior wall forming, in part, an interior portion of the personal computer. The exterior wall has a data card slot formed therein and is configured to receive a data card therethrough. The interior portion contains data processing circuitry for processing data recorded on a data card. A data card reader is positioned within the interior portion and has a reading head positioned adjacent a first end of the data card reader for linearly reading the data when the data card is received through the slot. Further, the data card reader has a second end electrically connectable to the data processing circuitry for transmitting the data to the data processing circuitry when the data card is passed through the data card reader. The data card reader may be incorporated into a PCMCIA structure such as a PCMCIA card housing or guide/socket frame.

Abstract: A data input keyboard apportioned between two demi-boards, the splay and pronation of which may be adjusted. Each of the demi-boards include a plurality of user activated keys extending therefrom, and define a distal side for orientation away from the user and a proximate side for orientation adjacent the user. The distal and proximate sides of the demi-boards are joined by inwardly facing sides and outwardly facing sides. A universal joint rotatably couples the inwardly facing sides of the demi-boards. Pivot point selectors are slidably mounted to the demi-boards for selecting pivot points along the outwardly facing sides, about which points the demi-boards are pivotably connected to the base member and are constrained for pivotal movement about the selected pivot points between a retracted position in which the demi-boards are co-planar and the inwardly facing sides are parallel and an extended position in which the demi-boards are splayed and pronated.

Abstract: An improved latch hook mechanism for portable PCs and the like is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a portable PC latch mechanism of the present invention comprises a latch assembly including a latch hook disposed on the exterior of the bezel portion of the lid of the PC and connected to an arm of approximately the same length as the latch hook via a longitudinally disposed spring member, both of which are disposed within the interior of the lid. The spring member defines an axis about which the latch hook and the arm may be caused to rotate relative to one another when force is applied to the free end of the arm. One end of a ribbon cable is connected to the free end of the arm. The remainder of the cable is arranged such that it extends down the interior of the lid of the PC through one of the hinges connecting the lid to the base of the PC and is secured to the rear interior of the base via a hook or screw.