Abstract: A clamshell electronic device provided. A first hinge having a first centerline along the axis of rotation of the first hinge can be disposed on a base member. A second hinge having a second centerline along the axis of rotation of the second hinge can be disposed on a keyboard member connecting a display member to the keyboard member. The keyboard member can be slideably connected to the base member. The keyboard member can be continuously reversibly slideable from a first position to a second position. The first and second centerlines can be axially aligned when the keyboard member is in the first position. A rigid support member having a first end and a second end can be pivotably connected to the base member at the first end and pivotably connected to the display member via a third hinge at the second end.

Abstract: A system includes a pointing device with a first and a second mode. The system also includes a pointing device button to generate a primary action and to generate a change mode action. The change mode action is to change the pointing device to a second mode if the pointing device is in the first mode for moving a pointer.

Abstract: A clamshell electronic device provided. A first hinge having a first centerline along the axis of rotation of the first hinge can be disposed on a base member. A second hinge having a second centerline along the axis of rotation of the second hinge can be disposed on a keyboard member connecting a display member to the keyboard member. The keyboard member can be slideably connected to the base member. The keyboard member can be continuously reversibly slideable from a first position to a second position. The first and second centerlines can be axially aligned when the keyboard member is in the first position. A rigid support member having a first end and a second end can be pivotably connected to the base member at the first end and pivotably connected to the display member via a third hinge at the second end.

Abstract: The usability of an electronic device that includes an integrated fingerprint sensor is enhanced by mounting the fingerprint sensor rotatably and pivotably. The fingerprint sensor is prevented from moving during normal use, but the fingerprint sensor may be repositioned to accommodate a user's preferences.

Abstract: A battery pack comprises an event monitoring system at least partially disposed in an event-proof enclosure of the battery pack. The event-proof enclosure is adapted to enable the event monitoring system to retain data acquired by the event monitoring system for analysis after occurrence of a service event of the battery pack.

Abstract: A computing device comprising a pointing stick assembly comprising an outer portion and an inner portion, the inner portion comprising a plurality of extensions extending through the outer portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating a keycap on a keyboard are described. One system comprises a first light source positioned below the keycap on the keyboard and arranged to illuminate a portion of a bottom of the keycap. The system also comprises a second light source, adjacent the first light source, positioned below the keycap and arranged to illuminate a portion of the bottom of the keycap. One method of illuminating a keycap on a keyboard comprises activating a first light source, wherein the first light source and a second light source are positioned below the keycap on the keyboard, and activating the second light source responsive to the first light source operating outside a predetermined threshold parameter.

Abstract: A computer device comprising a keyboard having a lightpipe base plate configured to direct light received from a light source toward at least one keycap of the keyboard.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multiply positionable brush for cleaning the exterior surfaces of roof rain gutter systems. In a preferred embodiment the invention comprises a brush head (A), a plurality of bristles (B), a first pole receptacle (C) for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter downspouts, a second pole receptacle (D) for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutters; and a third pole receptacle (E) for operably securing a first pole end to the brush head for cleaning the exterior surfaces of rain gutter leaf guard systems. Also provided is a working pole (F) capable of being operably secured to the brush head having a first end and a second end with a portion therebetween.

Abstract: A battery pack comprises an event monitoring system at least partially disposed in an event-proof enclosure of the battery pack. The event-proof enclosure is adapted to enable the event monitoring system to retain data acquired by the event monitoring system for analysis after occurrence of a service event of the battery pack.

Abstract: The usability of an electronic device that includes an integrated fingerprint sensor is enhanced by mounting the fingerprint sensor rotatably and pivotably. The fingerprint sensor is prevented from moving during normal use, but the fingerprint sensor may be repositioned to accommodate a user's preferences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game that uses a standard deck of cards and enables play in several poker activities at once. The invention provides a method of playing Poker games that allows a player to have an interest in a current game even after folding his hand. This is achieved in part by a method of playing a card game played with a standard deck of fifty-two cards by two to seven original players, comprising a first step of each player posting a first wager and a second wager.

Abstract: A computer having a base and a display. The display is pivotable relative to the base. The computer has a securing mechanism that pivotably secures the display to the base. The securing mechanism produces a force that opposes pivotal motion of the display. The securing mechanism also has a clutch operator that is operable to prevent the force from opposing the pivotal motion of the display.

Abstract: A portable computer system incorporating a rear projection display. The rear projection display is housed in a display enclosure that is movable between an open and closed position, and incorporates either a pliable or deformable projection surface or a projection surface formed of multiple rigid components. When the display enclosure is open, the projection surface is configured to expand beyond the form factor dimensions of the base portion of the portable computer. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the projection surface is a pliable material that can be safely deformed or collapsed within the display enclosure when it is closed. The rear projection display thereby allows the effective viewing area of a portable computer display to be increased without negatively impacting the form factor dimensions or weight of the portable computer.

Abstract: A computer having a base and a display. The display is pivotable relative to the base. The computer has a securing mechanism that pivotably secures the display to the base. The securing mechanism produces a force that opposes pivotal motion of the display. The securing mechanism also has a clutch operator that is operable to prevent the force from opposing the pivotal motion of the display.

Abstract: A computer having a base and a display. The display is pivotable relative to the base. The computer has a securing mechanism that pivotably secures the display to the base. The securing mechanism produces a force that opposes pivotal motion of the display. The securing mechanism also has a clutch operator that is operable to prevent the force from opposing the pivotal motion of the display.

Abstract: The keyboard portion of a notebook computer has incorporated in its key switch membrane section a liquid detection electrical circuit with a series of normally open detection switch structures positioned be contacted and shorted out by liquid spilled on the keyboard. A spilled liquid short-circuiting of any of these normally open membrane switch structures during operation of the computer automatically creates a liquid spill output signal that is responsively utilized to shut down the computer before its system electronics can be contacted, short-circuited and damaged by liquid spilled on the keyboard and entering the interior of the computer therethrough.

Abstract: A notebook computer has a keyboard including a deflectable base plate on the top side of which a series of parallel rows of depressible key structures are operatively mounted. The base plate is structurally reinforced, without increasing the overall height of the keyboard, using elongated stiffening ribs disposed within the interior of the keyboard. The ribs longitudinally extend parallel to the key rows, are anchored beam-like to the top side of the base plate, and are interdigitated with the key rows.

Abstract: The present technique is associated with modular input devices for a computing device, such as a computer system. The technique allows a user to swap input devices according to the needs of the user, thereby adding functionality without increasing the size, space, or computing requirements of the computing device. In one aspect, the technique provides a biometric analysis device configured to identify the user for access to the computing device.