Abstract: A portable computer is provided that has a housing. A battery may be contained within the housing. The housing may have panels such as a fixed housing panel and a removable access panel. A lever actuated latching mechanism may be used to lock the removable access panel and the battery within the portable computer. A lock may be used to block movement of the lever and thereby prevent access to the interior of the computer. Magnetic elements may be used to facilitate operation of the lever and to hold the access panel in place. The latch mechanism may provide mechanical advantage when disengaging the magnets that hold the access panel.

Abstract: A top case assembly for a portable computer is disclosed. The assembly may include an integral unified (e.g., homogenous) top case formed from a single part. The integral top case provides an enclosure, frame and cosmetic exterior of the portable computer. The integral top case also serves as the primary structure of the portable computer. The assembly may include a variety of subassemblies such as keyboards, touchpads, circuit boards, and drives that are carried by the underside of the integral top case. The integral top case may be formed from aluminum slab that has been machined to form walls, openings, attachment areas and cosmetic areas of the top case.

Abstract: Wall portions, such as wall portions of electronic device housing components, are provided with one or more foot assemblies. A foot assembly can be formed by creating an internal cavity in an internal surface of the wall portion, an external cavity in an external surface of the wall portion, and a hollow passageway extending through the wall portion and between the cavities. The foot assembly can be completed by inserting a foot at least partially through the external cavity and hollow passageway and into the internal cavity, such that an external portion of the foot is at least partially contained within and contacting the surfaces of the external cavity, and such that an internal portion of the foot is at least partially contained within the internal cavity. A portion of the foot may be deformable to at least partially conform to the surfaces defining the internal cavity.

Abstract: A touchpad assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The touchpad assembly may include a touchpad frame operative to be placed within an opening in an electronic device frame. The touchpad assembly may include a support plate for supporting a touchpad, and a bracket for receiving a pick button. The support plate and bracket may be manufactured into a same component to increase the rigidity of the touchpad assembly. The pick button may include a varying height to prevent the pick button from deflecting and to make the pick button travel for providing a selection instruction uniform. The pick button may be coupled to the frame using any suitable approach, including using springs connected the ends of the pick button to the frame. The frame may also include pads to muffle the sound of the pick button when it returns to its initial position after having been pressed.

Abstract: An apparatus providing one or more I/O connections to a computer. The apparatus includes a Faraday cage generally about a flex cable, or other computing element, that may translate when the I/O ports to the computer are utilized. The embodiment maintains the Faraday cage for the flex cable or element as the I/O port housing opens or closes.

Abstract: A movable I/O port and housing therefore. The I/O port housing may be hinged to pivot between an open and closed position. The pivot point may be a low- or zero-friction pivot. The I/O port housing may include an opening mechanism to facilitate pivoting the port between the open and closed positions, and/or vice versa. For example, the opening mechanism may take the form of paired magnets of opposing polarities.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first subassembly having a first housing component. The first housing component has an opening. The electronic device also includes a second subassembly having a second housing component. The second housing component cooperates with the first housing component to enclose components of an electronic device. The at least one internal component is also movable relative to the second subassembly so as to properly align with the opening. The at least one internal component is additionally magnetically attracted towards the first housing component near the opening.

Abstract: Wall portions, such as wall portions of electronic device housing components, are provided with one or more foot assemblies. A foot assembly can be formed by creating an internal cavity in an internal surface of the wall portion, an external cavity in an external surface of the wall portion, and a hollow passageway extending through the wall portion and between the cavities. The foot assembly can be completed by inserting a foot at least partially through the external cavity and hollow passageway and into the internal cavity, such that an external portion of the foot is at least partially contained within and contacting the surfaces of the external cavity, and such that an internal portion of the foot is at least partially contained within the internal cavity. A portion of the foot may be deformable to at least partially conform to the surfaces defining the internal cavity.

Abstract: A multi-layered cable consisting of three or more conductive layers separated by layers of dielectric and/or adhesive material. The bottom layer and the top layer may act as return path for the transmitted signals and as a shield to prevent interference between these and external electrical signals. Located between the bottom layer and the top layer, the middle layer may transmit desired signals through the flexible cable. The material selection and specifics of each of the layers should be selected so as to achieve a balance in which the desired electrical impedance and mechanical flexibility requirements are met. The cable may also include one or more vias connecting the bottom layer to the top layer, providing shielding all the way around the flex cable. An additional conductive sock may be used to improve shielding effectiveness of the top and bottom layer and to connect to I/O connector shells and the system Faraday cage.

Abstract: A first communication device configured for communications with a second communications device, and related system and method of operation, are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the first device includes a first transceiver allowing the first device to send and receive electromagnetic communication signals, and a second transceiver allowing the first device to send and receive capacitive communication signals. The first device includes a control device coupled to the first and second transceivers, whereby the first device is configured for achieving both electromagnetic communications and capacitive communications, respectively, with the second device.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine diagnostic sensor system comprises a fuel rail for the engine wherein the fuel rail has a high pressure inlet end, a plurality of injector ports, and a terminating end and wherein a piezoelectric sensor is mounted on the terminating end. The piezoelectric sensor is in open communication with contents in the fuel rail. In addition, the internal combustion engine diagnostic sensor system comprises a fuel rail for the engine wherein the fliel rail has a high pressure inlet end, a plurality of injector ports and a terminating end. There is also a connector disposed at the high pressure inlet end of the fuel rail wherein the connector has a near end that is openly connected to the fuel rail, and a distal end that has mounted thereon, a valve. There is surmounted on the valve, a piezoelectric sensor, wherein the piezoelectric sensor is in open communication with the contents of the fuel rail through the valve.