Abstract: The gap between the bottom of a center gas vent pipe in a battery cell and the bottom of the cell can is established to be at least a minimum distance to reduce the risk of battery damage from inadequate gas venting.

Abstract: Devices and their subassemblies typically undergo stresses during manufacturing and testing processes and during general use. To provide visual indication of stress or strain levels endured, a preferred embodiment includes frangible material deposited on particular isolated areas of devices and/or their subassemblies. The frangible material, when applied according to one methodical embodiment, provides visible indication of overstrain as cracks in the frangible material deposits, and of non overstrain when cracks are not visible.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly includes an arm and an extension link that rotate about a pivot point, a yoke, and a force generating device. The yoke includes a first slot in which a pin of the link resides. The yoke translates in a plane responsive to rotation of the counterbalance extension link pin about the pivot point. The force generating device is connected between the counterbalance extension link pin and a fixed point on the yoke to exert a force on the counterbalance extension link pin. The orientation and magnitude of the force produced by the force generating device remains constant as the yoke translates. The force generating device and extension link produce a torque that is equal and opposing to the torque produced by the force of gravity acting on the arm so that the arm is in static equilibrium. The static equilibrium condition is independent of the rotational position of the arm.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly includes an arm and an extension link that rotate about a pivot point, a yoke, and a force generating device. The yoke includes a first slot in which a pin of the link resides. The yoke translates in a plane responsive to rotation of the counterbalance extension link pin about the pivot point. The force generating device is connected between the counterbalance extension link pin and a fixed point on the yoke to exert a force on the counterbalance extension link pin. The orientation and magnitude of the force produced by the force generating device remains constant as the yoke translates. The force generating device and extension link produce a torque that is equal and opposing to the torque produced by the force of gravity acting on the arm so that the arm is in static equilibrium. The static equilibrium condition is independent of the rotational position of the arm.

Abstract: A heat sink retention assembly including a spring, a spring retainer, and a spring displacement limiter. The spring retainer maintains the spring in a compressed state in which a contact portion of the spring applies a force to the heat sink. The compressed state is characterized by a predetermined spring displacement and exerted force. The spring displacement limiting mechanism prevents displacement of the compressed spring substantially beyond the predetermined spring displacement. The displacement limiting mechanism may comprise a separate component such as a spacer structure or may be integrated into the configuration of the spring itself. In one spacer structure embodiment, the spacer has a vertical dimension that is determined by the difference between the total spring displacement possible and the predetermined spring displacement required to deliver the predetermined force to the heat sink.

Abstract: A heat sink retention assembly including a spring, a spring retainer, and a spring displacement limiter. The spring retainer maintains the spring in a compressed state in which a contact portion of the spring applies a force to the heat sink. The compressed state is characterized by a predetermined spring displacement and exerted force. The spring displacement limiting mechanism prevents displacement of the compressed spring substantially beyond the predetermined spring displacement. The displacement limiting mechanism may comprise a separate component such as a spacer structure or may be integrated into the configuration of the spring itself. In one spacer structure embodiment, the spacer has a vertical dimension that is determined by the difference between the total spring displacement possible and the predetermined spring displacement required to deliver the predetermined force to the heat sink.

Abstract: A computer processor socket has a base with grounding and signal holes. Each hole contains a pin for electrical interconnection with a circuit board. The socket also contains a grounding device around its perimeter. The grounding device has a continuous ring of wiping members on its upper end. When a processor is mounted to the top of the socket, the wiping members extend slightly above the processor. The heatsink mounted on top of the processor engages the wiping members which are spring-biased against its lower surface. Since the wiping members extend completely around the perimeter of the socket, a continuous electrical ground interface is formed between the heatsink and the socket. The lower ends of the grounding device are electrically interconnected with the socket grounding pins which are grounded to the board.

Abstract: A portable data processing system and method are disclosed for improving cooling of a microprocessor included within the system. The portable data processing system includes a base housing for housing a CPU and a display housing for housing a display. A heat sink is established within the base housing. The heat sink is formed from a highly conductive composite material. A heat dissipater is established within the display housing. The heat dissipater is comprised of a highly conductive composite material. The heat dissipater and heat sink are capable of receiving a heat pipe. Heat is transferred from the heat sink to the heat dissipator utilizing the heat pipe. In a second embodiment, the portable system is docked with a docking station, and a heat probe is included which is utilized to dissipate additional heat from the microprocessor to a large fan sink included within the docking station.

Abstract: A notebook computer has a base and a cover that is pivotally mounted to the base with a hinge. An integrated circuit chip is mounted to the base and has one end of a heat pipe attached to it or to an associated heat dissipation device. The other end of the heat pipe lies along the hinge. A spreader plate is mounted in the cover and attached to the other end of the heat pipe to form a nested, rotational joint. One end of the plate is located along the hinge and formed into a slotted cylinder. The heat pipe is pressed into the slot to form the joint which is tight around the heat pipe, but still allows it to rotate to accommodate the pivot motion of the cover. A retainer may be incorporated into the design to further enhance the strength of the joint and assure thermal continuity. The retainer is a hollow cylinder with an axial slit through which the plate extends.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for enhancing the cooling capacity of portable personal computers. More particularly, the arrangement is employed for increasing the cooling capacity of portable personal computers, particularly such as laptop or notebook computers, wherein the computer possesses a keyboard housing having the rear edge thereof hingedly connected with the bottom of an openable display unit or panel, and containing heat-generating computer electronics, from which heat is removed through the intermediary of heat pipes which are hingedly connected with at least one heat dissipator located in the display unit.