Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling a fan in an electronic system are disclosed. One example method includes obtaining a control setting of the fan and current speed of the fan. The example method further includes determining a fan speed threshold associated with the obtained control setting. The example method further includes comparing the fan speed threshold to the current speed. The example method further includes generating an alert based on the comparison.

Abstract: Heat dissipation apparatus for dissipating heat generated by a heat-generating component mounted to a circuit board. In one embodiment, the heat dissipation apparatus includes a thermally-conductive heat sink adapted to be placed in contact with the heat-generating component, a bracket adapted to hold the heat sink in place relative to the heat-generating component, and a single coil spring mounted to the bracket adapted to urge the heat sink into contact with the heat-generating component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer display includes a display screen, an outer housing that surrounds the display screen, and a light integrated into the outer housing.

Abstract: A display for a notebook computer can include a display panel and a frame configured to house the display panel. The frame can have a one-piece construction from a rear surface of the frame to a front surface of the frame. A method of making a display for a notebook computer is also provided. The method can include the steps of providing a frame and inserting a display panel into the frame. The frame can have a one-piece construction from a rear surface of the frame to a front surface of the frame.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided, the electronic device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a mounting point. The computer system also includes a chassis having a mounting post. The mounting point and the mounting post are flexibly connected.

Abstract: Coupling an outer covering to a frame of an appliance. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are devices including a frame member of an appliance (the frame member defines an outer portion and a first ridge feature on the outer portion, the first ridge feature has a length along the frame member, a height, and a flat contact portion that defines a width), an outer covering member in contact with the contact portion of the first ridge feature, and an adhesive disposed between the frame member and the outer covering member proximate to the first ridge feature (the adhesive adhered to the frame member and the outer covering member). For at least a portion of the length of the first ridge feature, a thickness of the adhesive is the same as a height of the first ridge feature.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating wireless communication system for a computer device comprises an antenna configured for wireless communications, the antenna configured to dissipate heat generated by the computer device.

Abstract: A docking station comprises a sliding member accessible to a user of the docking station and coupled to a post. The station also comprises a locking mechanism configured to couple to a lock and comprising a stop surface and an apparatus capable of physically restraining an electronic device to the docking station. When the locking mechanism and the lock are locked together, and when the sliding member is adjusted from an unlocked status to a locked status, the stop surface is fixed in a locked state, the stop surface thereby fixing the post in a locked position, the post thereby fixing the sliding member in the locked status. When the sliding member is fixed in the locked status, the apparatus physically restrains the electronic device to the docking station.

Abstract: A computing device and method have a thermal module (60, 161, 460) in a bay (54, 354) for a component so as to occupy space otherwise occupied by the component.

Abstract: A device mounting system is provided. The device 720 can include a plurality of device mounting posts 730, 740. The system can further include a transition member 100 including an transition mounting feature 150 and at least one receiver 140 adapted to accommodate a first portion of the device mounting features 730. The system can also include a backing member 100 comprising at least one receiver 140 adapted to accommodate the remaining portion of the device mounting features 740 and a transition mounting receiver 240 adapted to accommodate, the transition mounting feature 150.

Abstract: A docking station for a computing device can include an interface for electrically connecting the docking station to a computing device. The interface may supply power from a power supply. The docking station can include a surface for attaching a pin, wherein the location of the pin prevents a computing device from electrically connecting to the docking station if the computing device is not compatible.

Abstract: Heat transfer apparatuses and systems are provided. A heat transfer apparatus (100) can include a thermal conduit (110) having a first end (120) and a second end (130). The thermal conduit can be disposed at least partially within an electronic device enclosure (140). A non-heat conductive material (150) can be disposed at least partially about at least a portion of the thermal conduit.

Abstract: A computing device latching assembly comprises a latching member configured to releasably secure an accessory to a computing device, and a release mechanism actuatable to move the latching member from a locking position to an unlocked position and to cause the latching member to urge the accessory away from the computing device.

Abstract: A lighted display device that includes a display device, a backlight device and an electrical delay circuit. The backlight device is disposed proximate the display device and configured to emit light directed to the display device. The ambient light sensor is configured to generate a signal to adjust a brightness level of the light from the backlight device based on a change in input ambient light. The electrical delay circuit is configured to apply a fixed, non-user configurable time delay to delay the adjustment of the brightness level of the light from the backlight.

Abstract: Carrier device for placement of thermal interface materials. At least some embodiments are systems including a first electrical component that defines a first surface at a first elevation relative to an underlying structure, a second electrical component that defines a second surface at a second elevation relative to the underlying structure, a metallic member configured to conduct heat from the electrical components, and a carrier between the electrical components and the metallic member. The carrier includes a third and fourth surface configured to mate with the first and second surfaces, respectively, a first aperture through the third surface, and a second aperture through the fourth surface. The system further includes a first thermal interface material coupled between the first electrical component and the metallic member through the first aperture, and a second thermal interface material coupled between the second electrical component and the metallic member through the second aperture.

Abstract: A laptop computer user thermal isolation apparatus is provided for inhibiting the transfer of waste heat from internal heat generating components to a user. The thermal isolation apparatus includes a casing substantially enclosing the heat generating components, the casing including at least one panel having a sealed enclosed cavity disposed between the heat generating components and an outer surface of the casing.

Abstract: Clamping apparatus and methods are provided. The apparatus can include a rigid backing member having a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough. The apparatus can further include a spring member having a plurality of radial members each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the radial members can be connected at a hub. The second end of each radial member can be connected to a flange. A plurality of apertures, corresponding to the plurality of apertures in the backing member, can be disposed about the flange. The radial members can be fabricated using two or more plies of resin-impregnated carbon fiber. The spring member can be affixed to the backing member using one or more fasteners disposed in the backing member apertures and corresponding aperture disposed in the flange.

Abstract: A configurable portable computing device having a first display panel and a second display panel, a first user input device and a second user input device. Where the second user input device is incorporated into the second display panel and the first user input device being selectively mountable over the second display panel or detached from the computing device.

Abstract: A display for a notebook computer can include a display panel and a frame configured to house the display panel. The frame can have a one-piece construction from a rear surface of the frame to a front surface of the frame. A method of making a display for a notebook computer is also provided. The method can include the steps of providing a frame and inserting a display panel into the frame. The frame can have a one-piece construction from a rear surface of the frame to a front surface of the frame.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a sub-assembly including a semiconductor package coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB). The assembly also comprises multiple rigid connectors that couple the sub-assembly to a support structure. The assembly further comprises a spring, coupled to the support structure and positioned between the multiple rigid connectors, that supports at least some of the sub-assembly.