Abstract: An orthopaedic fixator apparatus with a first ring segment and a second ring segment for fixing a first and second bone element, a first post extending from the first ring segment towards the second ring segment, a second post extending from the second ring segment towards the first ring, a plurality of adjustable-length struts extending from the first ring segment and first post to the second ring segment and second post, wherein the lengths of the adjustable-length struts define the orientation of the first ring segment relative to the second ring segment, and wherein the apparatus provides a substantial central region free of x-ray obstruction. An additional embodiment enables convenient adjustment of the vertical compliance of the fixator by selectively disengaging one or more disengageable locking pins in one or more vertically oriented struts.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixator for positioning a first element relative to a second element with precision and with controlled compliance which can be adjusted during the healing process. One embodiment comprises a first frame for attachment to the first element, a second frame attached to the first frame through a plurality of adjustable effective length struts, and a third frame for attachment to the second element, wherein the third frame is compliantly attached to the second frame. A preferred embodiment comprises adjustable length preload elements to apply unidirectional forces between the first and second frames so as preload the adjustable effective length struts and substantially reduce the positional tolerance. An alternative embodiment comprises adjustable spring elements allowing the compliance of the attachment of the third frame to the second frame to be adjusted at various points in the healing process.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for autonomically disposing a computer such as a workstation. The computer's local persistent storage medium is configured with pre-boot image which is configured with a set of functional modules that facilitate disposal or recycling of the computer to the next user. The disposal and recycle methods are automated, require minimal user intervention, and facilitate moving configuration options and data to a different computer. The entire process may execute from the pre-boot image on the computer's local persistent storage medium without ever booting the primary operating system.

Abstract: The disclosed methods provide a reliable and secure method of automatically backing up a client's data on a personal computer by using excess storage capacity on a set of one or more predetermined computers, without the need for dedicated servers, server disks, removable storage media, or intervention by a user to assist with the storage devices. The methods of the present invention permit a user, be it an individual or a large company, to inexpensively and securely back up information without the need to acquire additional expensive hardware.

Abstract: A personal communication device comprising a dual mode display for a user's viewing in both a direct-view mode, wherein sufficiently-sized characters are displayed in a manner visible to the user without further magnification, and in “projection-view” mode, wherein more content can be displayed over that of the direct-view mode.

Abstract: A computing system includes a handwriting input device and a computing device, the handwriting input device including an electronic pen input device having a first tip that emits a signal having a first characteristic and second tip that emits a signal having second characteristic; a detector for detecting the characteristic of the emitted signal; and a controller, interfaced with the computing device, for selectively interpreting the emitted signal as handwriting or as control information for the computing device based on the detected characteristic of the emitted signal.

Abstract: In a network of workstations implementing a grid for sharing workstation resources while maintaining local workstation workloads, grid workloads are assigned to workstations depending on how busy they are with the local workload. CPU utilization is monitored at each workstation and grid workload is only accepted if it can be handled without impacting the interactive performance of the workstation and in alignment with the workstation user's preferences. Also, grid workloads may be categorized by the extent to which they tie up workstation resources and this categorization used as further input to the grid workload assignment process.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a computing system having an input system with local storage interfaced with a computing device, wherein input information is transferred from the digitizer input system to the interfaced computing device based on an adaptive transfer policy that extends the battery life of the interfaced computing device. The interfaced computing device may be a PC. The digitizer input system can support automated, selective transfer policies based on the power management configuration of the PC interfaced with the digitizer input system and user-selected transfer policies.

Abstract: A portable computer includes upper and lower sections that are pivotally attached, together with a hinge assembly extending outwardly from the pivoted edges of the section. When the upper and lower sections are pivoted open, the hinge assembly moves outward and downward to form a handle by which the computer is easily held and a stand for convenient placement of the computer on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an input system for inputting information from a user, the input device system including at least one sheet of a writing medium having a unique identifier located thereon, a stylus input device for writing on the writing medium and emitting one or more signals, a detector for detecting said unique page identifier and stroke information from said emitted signal and local storage for storing said detected stroke information, in association with the unique identifier of said writing medium.

Abstract: A portable computer includes upper and lower sections that are pivotally attached, together with a hinge assembly extending outwardly from the pivoted edges of the section. When the upper and lower sections are pivoted open, the hinge assembly moves outward and downward to form a handle by which the computer is easily held and a stand for convenient placement of the computer on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A keyboard for a small, portable computing device includes a pair of mating sections that can be folded together after they are pulled apart. The sections are releasably held together by a spring and by a sliding attachment structure that holds them in alignment. When the sections are pulled away from one another to release the sliding attachment structure, they are held together by a pivoting sliding attachment structure that allows folding.

Abstract: A notebook type PC, for easier use by a user, including a liquid crystal monitor unit, a mainframe section, and an arm for connecting the liquid crystal monitor unit to the mainframe section, is provided. One end of the arm is connected to the liquid crystal monitor unit by a rotatable first hinge. The other end of the arm is connected to the mainframe section by a rotatable second hinge. The angle and distance of the liquid crystal monitor unit with respect to the mainframe section can be set freely by the first hinge and the second hinge.

Abstract: A notebook type PC, for easier use by a user, including a liquid crystal monitor unit, a mainframe section, and an arm for connecting the liquid crystal monitor unit to the mainframe section, is provided. One end of the arm is connected to the liquid crystal monitor unit by a rotatable first hinge. The other end of the arm is connected to the mainframe section by a rotatable second hinge. The angle and distance of the liquid crystal monitor unit with respect to the mainframe section can be set freely by the first hinge and the second hinge.

Abstract: A folding keyboard for a data processing system having two or more keyboard sections, keys attached to the keyboard sections, and a keyboard housing for receiving the keyboard sections. The keyboard may be configured to assume an extended position in which each of the keyboard sections is extended, and may be further configured to assume a second position in which each of the keyboard sections are collapsed. The keyboard may be further configured to transmit in response to a change in the extension state of the keyboard, a state signal to the data processing system for directing the data processing system to transition between a wake mode and a sleep mode.

Abstract: A notebook PC is provided with an expansive ten-key pad as a function-expanding pad which can be set to or removed from an accepting portion formed adjacently to a keyboard of a body portion. The notebook PC is also provided with a PDA cradle pad as a function-expanding pad which can be set to or removed from a tray to be taken out from a side portion of the PC. The expansive ten-key pad and the PDA cradle pad are provided with a connection terminal common to the body portion and moreover, a common connection terminal is provided in the accepting portion and the tray. It is possible to change the setting positions of the expansive ten-key pad and the PDA cradle pad which are function-expanding pads in accordance with a user's desires. It is also possible to utilize other funciton-expanding pads with the accepting portions to provide many other types of functions on the PC.

Abstract: A flexibly interfaceable portable computing device includes a display coupled to a processor, which is coupled or selectively coupled to either or both of a keyboard and a recording unit. The display and the keyboard provide a first user interface to the processor. The recording unit is superimposable with a removable markable surface. A stylus allows user marking on the markable surface. The stylus provides a stroke signal and a stroke mark. The recording unit, the markable surface, and the stylus provide a second user interface to the processor. Optionally, the display also contributes to providing the second user interface to the processor. Switching among viewing modes for the display, and synchronization of information between the processor and a processor of the recording unit are also provided. A casing can enfold the display, the keyboard, and the recording unit to form a relatively slim profile.

Abstract: A notebook type PC, for easier use by a user, including a liquid crystal monitor unit, a mainframe section, and an arm for connecting the liquid crystal monitor unit to the mainframe section, is provided. One end of the arm is connected to the liquid crystal monitor unit by a rotatable first hinge. The other end of the arm is connected to the mainframe section by a rotatable second hinge. The angle and distance of the liquid crystal monitor unit with respect to the mainframe section can be set freely by the first hinge and the second hinge.

Abstract: The functions of a palmtop personal computer (PC) with a standard format keyboard (keyboard) are integrated with a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a touch-screen display with PDA control buttons to form a combination computing device. The PDA section is hingedly coupled over the keyboard of the palmtop PC section allowing the PDA display to have two positions. In the PDA position, the PDA section is placed over and latched onto the palmtop PC section. A display position sensor generates a signal indicating that the display is in the PDA display position. The display circuitry formats the display data for a portrait display mode for the PDA mode. If the PDA section is positioned for the palmtop PC mode exposing the keyboard, the display position sensor signals the display circuitry to format the display data for a landscape display mode. A user input may override the display format in the PDA mode.

Abstract: The disclosed methods provide a reliable and secure method of automatically backing up a client's data on a personal computer by using excess storage capacity on a set of one or more predetermined computers, without the need for dedicated servers, server disks, removable storage media, or intervention by a user to assist with the storage devices. The methods of the present invention permit a user, be it an individual or a large company, to inexpensively and securely back up information without the need to acquire additional expensive hardware.