Abstract: In its closed configuration, a portable workstation housing resembles a closed attache case. A lid, having opposed sidewalls and a top, and a planar base, having little or no peripheral lip, are separated by a narrow spine. The lid pivots through a range of up to 180 degrees relative to the base and upper portion of the spine. A lid support element is pivotable between a first position flush to the housing and a second position perpendicular to the lid which supports the weight of the lid when fully open. The base supports a portable computer by means of releasable fasteners. A fastener having a first sex of VELCRO is attached by adhesive to the bottom of the computer and a fastener having a second sex of VELCRO is attached to the base, allowing the computer to be held in place for use and transit. Similarly, a printer, disk drives, modems, ac-converters and other peripherals are held in place. A printer is typically carried by the lid.

Abstract: A linkage between a host computer and a plurality of external devices, such s a simulator system, utilizes a distributed processing network of individual data processors to process, control, and position data for transmission to and from said host computer on a data rate of change basis. A master processor interfaces with the host computer and is connected via a serial data link to a plurality of slave processors located at the external devices. Each processor determines the necessity for a transfer of data from its associated computer or device and controls data transmission therefrom accordingly.