Abstract: A webpad and method for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, information is determined about primary content being played on an audiovisual device using a computer system. Ancillary data is obtained relating to the primary content based on the information about the primary content. The ancillary data is automatically sent to the webpad for access therefrom as the primary content is being played on the audiovisual device.

Abstract: A webpad and method for using the same are provided. The webpad includes an adapter module attached to a personal digital assistant. The adapter module includes a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving data via a wireless communication protocol.

Abstract: A system including a wall switch device, a system including a power outlet device, and methods for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one wall switch device and a wireless transceiver base. The wall switch device is fastened to a wall switch module and communicates with a network.

Abstract: A device docking apparatus and method for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the device docking apparatus includes a wall switch plate, a receptacle, a control charging module, and an AC power input. The wall switch plate is fastened to a light switch module on a wall. The receptacle is capable of holding a portable electronic device. The control charging module includes electrical contacts corresponding to electrical contacts on the portable electronic device. The control charging module also includes a printed circuit board and an integrated circuit. The AC power input supplies power to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is docked in the device docking apparatus. Power from the AC power input is converted to DC power by the control charging module.

Abstract: A wall switch device and a power outlet device are described. In one embodiment, the wall switch device includes a wall switch plate, a component integral to a receptacle on the wall switch plate, a control charging module, and an AC power input. The wall switch plate is fastened to a light switch module on a wall. The control charging module includes electrical contacts corresponding to electrical contacts on the component. The control charging module also includes a circuit board and an integrated circuit board. The AC power input supplies power to the component. Power from the AC power input is converted to DC power by the control charging module so that the power may be used to charge the component.

Abstract: A support assembly including first and second mounting brackets each having a mounting surface for attachment to a bottom surface of a desktop, first and second support arms pivotally attached to the first and second mounting brackets respectively to define first and second pivot axes, and a computer keyboard platform having a top support surface and a bottom surface. The first and second support arms rotate in a single plane about the first and second pivot axes respectively. The first and second support arms are pivotally attached to the bottom surface of the platform to define third and fourth pivot axes respectively. The support arms are rotatable relative to the platform in the single plane about the third and fourth pivot axes respectively.

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 positioning device for supporting a portable computer that includes a base member for placing on a horizontal surface, a support plate for supporting the portable computer at an inclined position relative to the base member, a hinge that rotatably connects the base member to the support plate so that the support plate can be rotated between multiple angular positions relative to the base member, and a lock mechanism for selectively fixing the angular position between the base member and the support plate.

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 wearable computing device includes computing-device component modules and flexible circuitry passing into the modules. The modules can include a top module portion and a bottom module portion, the flexible circuitry passing between the top and bottom portions. Wireless communication, e.g. by radio frequency, with a peripheral and/or a local area network is also contemplated.

Abstract: A wearable computing device includes at least one computing-device component module and flexible circuitry operably connected to the module. The module includes a top module portion, a bottom module portion, and at least one protrusion for holding the top module portion in substantially fixed relationship with the bottom module portion. The protrusion passes into and/or through the flexible circuitry. A plurality of such modules are also contemplated.

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 flexible wearable computer in the form of a belt comprising in combination, elements for computing comprising a microprocessor module, a RAM-I/O module, a plurality of mass memory modules, a power supply module, and a plurality of bus termination modules operationally associated with a plurality of flexible signal relaying means. The computing elements are mechanically associated with a flexible non-stretchable member, and a protective covering means. The flexible non-stretchable wearable member is secured around various parts of the body. An input and output device is connected to the flexible wearable computer by the I/O bus attached to the output and input ports.

Abstract: A flexible wearable computer in the form of a belt comprising in combination, elements for computing comprising a microprocessor module, a RAM-I/O module, a plurality of mass memory modules, a power supply module, and a plurality of bus termination modules operationally associated with a plurality of flexible signal relaying means. The computing elements are mechanically associated with a flexible non-stretchable member, and a protective covering means. The flexible non-stretchable wearable member is secured around various parts of the body. An input and output device is connected to the flexible wearable computer by the I/O bus attached to the output and input ports.

Abstract: A flexible wearable computer in the form of a belt comprising in combination, elements for computing comprising a microprocessor module (200), a RAM-I/O module (300), a plurality of mass memory modules (400), a power supply module (500), and a plurality of bus termination modules (100) operationally associated with a plurality of flexible signal relaying circuit (002a, 002b, 002c, 002d, 002e, 002f). The computing elements are mechanically associated with a flexible nonstretchable member (004), and a protective covering device (006). The flexible nonstretchable wearable member (004) is secured around the waist by belt latches (005a, 005b). An input and output device (060) is connected to the flexible wearable computer by the I/O bus (061) attached to the output and input ports (326), and (327) respectively.