Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling heat generating components within a compartment are disclosed. A cooling assembly isolates heat produced by a processor in a personal computer (“PC”) system and exhausts it from the PC prior to adversely affecting other components within the PC. A fan causes air to blow across the processor having an attached heat sink disposed within the cooling assembly, and the air exits the cooling assembly without adversely affecting the other components surrounding the processor. In one example, an alternative passage is provided for the air.

Abstract: An adapter for receiving a surplus optical storage media drive capable of stand-alone playing of optical storage media is described. The adapter provides at least the minimum level of functionality required, together with the surplus optical storage media drive, to play optical storage media in order to extend the useful life of the surplus drive. The optical storage media may include compact disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs or the like type of storage media. The adapter provides the capability of connecting with external devices that improve the functionality and usefulness of the drive-adapter system.

Abstract: A cursor is provided which has a cursor body and a lens holding portion. The lens holding portion has a liquid crystal display screen therein, adapted for use as a lens. Multiple cross-hairs can be displayed on the lens using the liquid crystal display screen, and can also be modified to display supplemental information on the liquid crystal display. At least two sensors can also be coupled with the cursor for re-orienting the cursor, and adjusting the displayed cross-hairs on the liquid crystal display relative to the orientation.

Abstract: A computer having an emergency protection program is disclosed. The emergency protection program turns off the computer in response to receiving a notification of an impending potential local emergency. In one embodiment, the program receives the notification from an external network site over an external network connection. In one embodiment, the program waits a predetermined amount of time prior to shutting down the computer, and also is responsive to an abort-shut down input to not shut down the computer, or an immediate-shut down input to immediately shut down the computer.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided having a back light generated by waste heat of a system. A thermally illuminated strip is disposed on a surface of the display apparatus. The system has heat generating components, such as a CPU, which produce excess waste heat. A heat pipe conveys the heat from the heat generating components to the thermally illuminated strip. Once the heat generating component warms up, the thermally illuminated strip is illuminated by the conveyed heat and provides back lighting for the display apparatus. Although several other applications are appropriate, one particular application for the display apparatus is for a status LCD within a computer.

Abstract: A pointing device for a computer, having switching mechanisms with perceptively differing actuation forces, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pointing device comprises a housing, a sensor, a first switching mechanism and a second switching mechanism. The sensor is disposed within the housing and translates movement into an electrical signal. The first switching mechanism is also disposed within the housing and has a first predetermined actuation force. The second switching mechanism is also disposed within the housing and has a second predetermined actuation force. The second predetermined actuation force is perceptively different than the first predetermined actuation force.

Abstract: The performance of a computer system which use reduction of clock speed to conserve power is enhanced by dynamically adjusting the minimum number of clock cycles required for memory access ("wait states"). When the computer system decreases its clock speed, the minimum number of wait states is decreased to account for the longer cycle time. Likewise, when the computer system increases its clock speed, this invention determines whether any increase in the minimum number of wait states is required, and if so, implements such an increase.

Abstract: The capability of a peripheral bus to provide an alternative low power source is combined with existing power management software that controls a computer's main power supply unit to provide stand-by power to logic in the computer that remains active to monitor the system environment for predetermined wake-up events. A self-powered Universal Serial Bus device supplies the minimal power needed by the active logic without the inefficiencies of a dual-stage power supply unit or the expense of incorporating both low-power and a full-power units.

Abstract: A computer system having a removable component, such as a removable hard disk drive, and an electromechanical switch that mechanically locks and releases the component. The switch also generates an electrical signal when the component is released. At this point, before the component is physically removed, the central processing unit ("CPU") of the computer executes software that causes the computer system to save what information is necessary for recovery and suspend the system. When the system resumes, the CPU determines whether the component was replaced and, if so, causes an appropriate message to be displayed. The user then may select whether to reset the system or to resume.

Abstract: A computer pointing device is disclosed for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on the display screen of a computer. A manually manipulatable member in the form of a stubby button-like joystick is permanently and ergonomically located within the area defined by the rows of computer keyboard keys and is immediately adjacent the last key in one row of keys, so that the computer operator can move or apply a force to the member to position the cursor in a manner which is very comfortable and similar to the movement from home position that is required when using a mouse as a pointing device. Operational click or "mouse" buttons are located on the front face of the computer case in position for pressing by the right thumb of the computer operator with a normal thumb contraction motion, which is natural and comfortable as opposed to pressing sideways with the side of the thumb.