Abstract: An electronic device comprising a latch mechanism configured to securely fasten a first member to a second member and a dampening system configured to reduce acoustical noise generated in response to actuation of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A portable computing system docking security system comprises a security module disposed in the portable computing system and configured to detect an undocking of the portable computing system from a docking station, the security module configured to automatically determine whether the undocking is an unauthorized undocking event.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided, the electronic device having an anti-theft interface. If damage to the anti-theft interface is detected, the electronic device enters a user authentication mode.

Abstract: An electronic device locking system comprises a locking element removably coupleable to an electronic device and a locking cable coupled to the locking element to enable at least three degrees of freedom of movement of the locking cable relative to the locking element.

Abstract: An electronic device docking system comprises a docking station configured to receive docking of an electronic device with an external battery coupled thereto, the docking station comprising at least one mechanism actuatable to cause detachment of the electronic device from both the external battery and the docking station.

Abstract: A computer system is provided, the computer system having a chassis that encloses a processor and a system memory. The computer system further comprises a reader/writer selectively positionable between a storage position inside the chassis and an operational position outside the chassis.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for locking a movable appendage (e.g., a display) of an electronic device (e.g., a tablet computer) comprising a rotational lock interfaced with a display hinge assembly of the display, and a docking member disposed to engage at least a portion of the rotational lock when the electronic device is interfaced with an external device.

Abstract: A card connector dampening assembly comprises a connector coupled to a printed circuit board and configured to receive an electronic card connected therewith and a dampening member disposed at least partially between the printed circuit board and the electronic card.

Abstract: A latching mechanism comprising a bar hook moveably connected to a first component. The bar hook has a first position recessed within the first component and a second position projecting from the first component. A receptacle is disposed within a second component and engages the hook when the hook is in the second position. A magnet is disposed within the second component. The magnet moves the hook from the first position to the second position as the second component is disposed in close proximity to the first component. A sliding release mechanism is disposed within the second component and disengages the bar hook from the receptacle.

Abstract: A system comprises an electronic device, a peripheral component and a cable. The cable couples the peripheral component to the electronic device. The cable further comprises a connector end for connection to a standard port on the electronic device. The connector end has an abutment feature designed to prevent engagement of the connector end with certain ports.

Abstract: A system comprises an electronic device, a peripheral component and a cable. The cable couples the peripheral component to the electronic device. The cable further comprises a connector end for connection to a standard port on the electronic device. The connector end has an abutment feature designed to prevent engagement of the connector end with certain ports.

Abstract: An electronic device having a flexible door attached to a housing. The flexible door comprises a plurality of panels coupled by sequential hinge members. The combination of hinge members with relatively stiffer door panels allows the door to conform to a variety of arcuate profiles while permitting substantial flattening of the door when opened.

Abstract: The present technique provides a multistage security system and method for physically securing a portable computing device and an attachable expansion device together or separately to an external fixture, such as a desk. A security structure, such as an internal lock structure, is disposed in one of the portable computing device and the attachable expansion device. An external device-to-fixture fastener is interlockable with the security structure in one of a plurality interlock stages, which facilitate separate or joint security of the portable computing device and the attachable expansion device using the one security structure. For example, the security structure may have first and second lock slots to lock the attachable expansion device to the external fixture, while the second lock slot also has an internal trigger mechanism to interlock the portable computing device to the attachable expansion device.

Abstract: An electronic device having a flexible door attached to a housing. The flexible door comprises a plurality of panels coupled by sequential hinge members. The combination of hinge members with relatively stiffer door panels allows the door to conform to a variety of arcuate profiles while permitting substantial flattening of the door when opened.

Abstract: The present technique provides a multistage security system and method for physically securing a portable computing device and an attachable expansion device together or separately to an external fixture, such as a desk. A security structure, such as an internal lock structure, is disposed in one of the portable computing device and the attachable expansion device. An external device-to-fixture fastener is interlockable with the security structure in one of a plurality interlock stages, which facilitate separate or joint security of the portable computing device and the attachable expansion device using the one security structure. For example, the security structure may have first and second lock slots to lock the attachable expansion device to the external fixture, while the second lock slot also has an internal trigger mechanism to interlock the portable computing device to the attachable expansion device.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a computer component into, and removing the computer component from, a bay of a computer, includes a first frame member adapted for movement between retracted and extended positions. The first frame member has a pull bar adapted for grasping by a user for moving the first frame member to at least the extended position. A first locking member is adapted for movement with the computer component and a second locking member is stationary with respect to the first frame member. The first and second locking members are mutually engageable when the first frame member is in the retracted position for preventing movement of the computer component out of the bay. Movement of the first frame member from the retracted position toward the extended position causes the first and second locking members to disengage and release the computer component from the bay.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a computer component into, and removing the computer component from, a bay of a computer, includes a first frame member adapted for movement between retracted and extended positions. The first frame member has a pull bar adapted for grasping by a user for moving the first frame member to at least the extended position. A first locking member is adapted for movement with the computer component and a second locking member is stationary with respect to the first frame member. The first and second locking members are mutually engageable when the first frame member is in the retracted position for preventing movement of the computer component out of the bay. Movement of the first frame member from the retracted position toward the extended position causes the first and second locking members to disengage and release the computer component from the bay.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling removal of gaseous cryogen from a continuous tunnel type freezer wherein the cryogen and product to be frozen travel in counterflow heat exchange relation to minimize ambient atmosphere moving into the tunnel and out of the exhaust system with the exhausted gaseous cryogen.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rapidly crust or through freezing a particle by simultaneously moving the particle through a bath of cryogenic liquid and exposing the particle or portions of the particle not submerged in the liquid to a spray of the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: Several unique features of a key switch housing and plunger are disclosed which may be employed to provide a keyboard having improved noise and feel characteristics. A system of key plunger up-stops is used to reduce the noise produced by key return while preventing removal of the plunger from the chimney of the switch housing. The system comprises a pair of relatively weak and resilient up-stops which have a relatively small contact area which act to restrict upward movement of the keycap/plunger combination during normal operation and a pair of relatively strong and rigid up-stops which do not contact the switch housing during normal keyboard use, but which prevent the pull-out of the key switch plunger from the chimney of the key switch housing. An additional feature disclosed is a unique key switch housing and plunger design which minimizes key wobble while providing smooth key action.