Abstract: An information handling system component contained within an information handling system housing uses the information handling system housing as at least a portion of a safety enclosure for hazardous functions of the component. A lock out device disables the hazardous function if the information handling system housing is moved relative to the component. For example, an optical disc drive laser is disabled if a Hall effect sensor in the chassis of the optical disc drive no longer senses a magnet placed in a portion of the information handling system housing used to enclose the optical disc drive. Alternatively, the component couples to the information handling system housing to enclose the hazardous function within the interior of the information handling system housing so that the component is inaccessible from the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An information handling system component contained within an information handling system housing uses the information handling system housing as at least a portion of a safety enclosure for hazardous functions of the component. A lock out device disables the hazardous function if the information handling system housing is moved relative to the component. For example, an optical disc drive laser is disabled if a Hall effect sensor in the chassis of the optical disc drive no longer senses a magnet placed in a portion of the information handling system housing used to enclose the optical disc drive.

Abstract: A plug to couple an external device to, and power the external device from, an information handling system includes first contacts conforming to a first industry standard. The first contacts include a first power contact adapted to conduct a first power signal from the information handling system to the external device. The plug also includes second contacts conforming to a second industry standard different from the first industry standard. The second contacts are designed to conduct no more than one second power signal from the information handling system to the external device. In a particular embodiment, the first contacts conform to a USB standard, and the second contacts conform to a non-USB standard.

Abstract: Electrical communication between an information handling system chassis having a non-conductive surface and processing components within the chassis is established through the non-conductive surface with conductive elements extending from a conductive pad. A protruding element extending from a conductive pad engages the conductive elements through the non-conductive surface when the protruding element is coupled to a cavity formed in the chassis. Alternatively, the protruding element extends from the chassis to couple to a cavity in the conductive pad. Processing components have electrical communication with the chassis through the conductive pad.

Abstract: A portable information handling system keyboard cable integrates keyboard and point stick conductors in a common membrane to communicate user inputs from a keyboard and point stick to processing components. The cable terminates at a motherboard end with a ZIF connector to connect with processing components at the motherboard and terminates at keyboard end with a connector for keyboard and point stick conductors. In one embodiment, the keyboard and point stick conductors terminate in a common connector having conductive pads arranged in a V shape to connect with conductors extending from a keyboard membrane. In alternative embodiments, the point stick conductors extend out from the common membrane to align with point stick conductors extending from a keyboard assembly.

Abstract: A combination antenna provides a common structure to combine a first electromagnetic radiation element and a second electromagnetic radiation element. The first electromagnetic radiation element and the second electromagnetic radiation element are tuned to operate independently and simultaneously over a first and second frequency band respectively. The common structure, which includes a common antenna structure, a common mounting structure and a common ground structure, saves space compared to a combined space occupied by the first electromagnetic radiation element and the second electromagnetic radiation element mounted separately as independent antennas.

Abstract: A storage device mounting apparatus includes a modular device casing defining a storage device housing, a shock isolation material coupled to the modular device casing and located in the storage device housing, and a storage device positioned in the storage device housing and engaging the shock isolation material. The apparatus may be interchanged with a standard storage device to provide information handling systems in a build to order fashion depending the strength of the shock and vibration events the information handling system is expected to experience.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a keyboard of an information handling system such as a notebook computer relative to one or more other user interface devices of the information handling system, for example, to improve ergonomic alignment of the user interface devices of the information handling system.

Abstract: A portable computer according to which a processor is disposed in a chassis. A module housing is provided for insertion into and removal from, the chassis and contains a fan for flowing air from the processor, through the module housing and externally of the housing to cool the processor.

Abstract: A portable computer and a docking assembly for the computer according to which improved cooling is provided for the computer. To this end, an air flow path is established in the computer chassis that extends from an inlet formed in the chassis, through the chassis, and out an outlet formed in the chassis. In the undocked mode of the computer, ambient air is passed into the chassis and in the flow path to remove heat from the chassis. When the computer is docked to a docking device, cool air from the docking device is passed into the computer chassis and in the flow path to remove heat from the chassis.