Abstract: A plug-in module adds functionality to a portable electronic device. The module includes a housing that is accepted by a housing port of the portable electronic device. The module includes at least one latch to secure the module to the electronic device. Each latch includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The housing includes at least one receptacle corresponding to each latch. The receptacles are sized and positioned to accept a member of the latch and direct the latch to a groove located on the portable electronic device. Optionally, the latch includes a slip-resistant surface sized to accept a human finger or thumb. The module also preferably includes a hardware interface connector sized and positioned within the housing to engage a 120-pin hardware interface port on the portable electronic device when the module housing is positioned on the housing port of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable analyzer is provided. At least one component of the analyzer is made from a lightweight material, such as ABS. A manifold can have a plate and gas passages ultrasonically welded together. By having at least one component made from a lightweight material, the analyzer is lighter.

Abstract: A plug-in module adds functionality to a portable electronic device. The module includes a housing that is accepted by a housing port of the portable electronic device. The module includes at least one latch to secure the module to the electronic device. Each latch includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The housing includes at least one receptacle corresponding to each latch. The receptacles are sized and positioned to accept a member of the latch and direct the latch to a groove located on the portable electronic device. Optionally, the latch includes a slip-resistant surface sized to accept a human finger or thumb. The module also preferably includes a hardware interface connector sized and positioned within the housing to engage a 120-pin hardware interface port on the portable electronic device when the module housing is positioned on the housing port of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purging and zeroing an analyzer. At times, for good analysis of a gas sample or taking a live reading, the analyzer needs to be zero out and/or purge of contaminants. The analyzer can take a live reading, purge and/or zero in any order. The purge function and zero function can automatically be done before, during or after taking a live reading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the vibration and noise from a pump that is located in an analyzer. Vibration and noise dampening materials are used to secure the pump so that the vibration and noise are kept to a minimum, thereby, making it more comfortable for an operator to hold the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulate and condensation are provided. The filter is a multi-state filter that reduces contamination from sources other than the desired source by having its filtering components encased and compacted together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purging and zeroing an analyzer. At times, for good analysis of a gas sample or taking a live reading, the analyzer needs to be zero out and/or purge of contaminants. The analyzer can take a live reading, purge and/or zero in any order. The purge function and zero function can automatically be done before, during or after taking a live reading.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable analyzer is provided. At least one component of the analyzer is made from a lightweight material, such as ABS. A manifold can have a plate and gas passages ultrasonically welded together. By having at least one component made from a lightweight material, the analyzer is lighter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the vibration and noise from a pump that is located in an analyzer. Vibration and noise dampening materials are used to secure the pump so that the vibration and noise are kept to a minimum, thereby, making it more comfortable for an operator to hold the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulate and condensation are provided. The filter is a multi-state filter that reduces contamination from sources other than the desired source by having its filtering components encased and compacted together.

Abstract: A connector for joining items such as electronic circuit boards in a spaced relation within a housing of an electronic device includes an elongated post, a plurality of wings, and a raised surface or a plurality of fingers. The wings are arranged around the post in a substantially symmetrical manner and have a length that is shorter than the length of the post. The raised surface or fingers are mounted near the tips of the post, between the wings and the ends of the post. The raised surface or fingers engage the circuit board and/or the housing when inserted into openings or receptacles in the circuit board and housing.

Abstract: A door detent mechanism for use with a computing apparatus that secures a door in one or more predetermined positions, and which can be used in a closed position as a secure door that covers a port, receptacle, pin, or other opening in the case of the computing apparatus to protect the interior of the computing apparatus from exposure to the environment, and which surmountably hinders rotation of the hinge of the door when the door reaches a predetermined degree of rotation of said hinge.

Abstract: A plug for covering an opening of an electronic device includes an elongated member and either one protruding member containing two tabs or two protruding members, each containing one tab. The elongated member and protruding members are sized and positioned to substantially fill or cover an opening of an electronic device. Preferably, the plug also includes two gripping wings to facilitate insertion of the plug into the opening and removal of the plug from the opening.

Abstract: A connector for joining items such as electronic circuit boards in a spaced relation within a housing of an electronic device includes an elongated post, a plurality of wings, and a raised surface or a plurality of fingers. The wings are arranged around the post in a substantially symmetrical manner and have a length that is shorter than the length of the post. The raised surface or fingers are mounted near the tips of the post, between the wings and the ends of the post. The raised surface or fingers engage the circuit board and/or the housing when inserted into openings or receptacles in the circuit board and housing.

Abstract: A plug for covering an opening of an electronic device includes an elongated member and either one protruding member containing two tabs or two protruding members, each containing one tab. The elongated member and protruding members are sized and positioned to substantially fill or cover an opening of an electronic device. Preferably, the plug also includes two gripping wings to facilitate insertion of the plug into the opening and removal of the plug from the opening.

Abstract: A connector for joining items such as electronic circuit boards in a spaced relation within a housing of an electronic device includes an elongated post, a plurality of wings, and a raised surface or a plurality of fingers. The wings are arranged around the post in a substantially symmetrical manner and have a length that is shorter than the length of the post. The raised surface or fingers are mounted near the tips of the post, between the wings and the ends of the post. The raised surface or fingers engage the circuit board and/or the housing when inserted into openings or receptacles in the circuit board and housing.

Abstract: A push button assembly for a portable electronic apparatus includes an upper surface having a translucent portion, a stem positioned substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and an actuating switch. The switch is located within the interior of the electronic apparatus and is positioned to be actuated by the stem when the upper surface is pressed by a user. A spring maintains the upper surface in a relaxed position when the spring is undepressed. At least one light source is positioned within the electronic apparatus such that emissions from the light source extend through the translucent portion of the upper surface when the light source is actuated. The push button assembly may also include at least three ribs positioned along the stem. Each rib has a locking rib sized and positioned to engage at least one link of the spring so that the spring may remain attached to the stem during assembly of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A shock absorbing keypad and shock absorbing gasket for use in connection with a portable computing device.