Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus for grounding and supporting a circuit board such as a motherboard in the chassis of a computer. The apparatus enables use of either a specially manufactured motherboard or an off-the-shelf motherboard in a standardized chassis. Embodiments of the apparatus provided for use with specially manufactured motherboards allow for grounding and support of the motherboard without the use of conventional fasteners such as screws that require tools for installation and removal.

Abstract: A computer system may include a retractable illumination device to illuminate a keyboard in a dimly lit environment. The illumination device may be located proximal to the keyboard or on a display. The illumination device may be activated by raising it to a position above the keyboard or by exposing the device via a slideable cover. The illumination device may be deactivated by retracting it into the computer system or covering it with the slideable cover.

Abstract: A computer system is described having a chassis, a motherboard coupled to the chassis, the motherboard having at least one PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) connector, and a riser board coupled to the at least one PCI connector. When installed, a surface of the riser board having at least one PCI connector is oriented substantially perpendicular to the motherboard. The computer system may also include a bracket connected to the motherboard, that allows the motherboard to be slideably inserted and removed from the chassis.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for securing a printed circuit board to a chassis and electrically coupling the printed circuit board to a reference voltage, such as ground. This is accomplished without using screws, and without requiring contacts to be soldered to the printed circuit board. This embodiment includes a chassis, including conductive material at the reference voltage. A mount extends from the chassis and includes a fastener for fastening to the printed circuit board. This embodiment also includes a contact surface on the printed circuit board, for electrically coupling the printed circuit board to the chassis. Additionally, this embodiment includes a contacting element, including an electrically conductive material, which exerts a restoring force when deformed. This contacting element can be located so that it is compressed between the contact surface and the chassis when the printed circuit board is fastened to the mount.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for securing a printed circuit board to a chassis and electrically coupling the printed circuit board to a reference voltage, such as ground. This is accomplished without using screws, and without requiring contacts to be soldered to the printed circuit board. This embodiment includes a chassis, including conductive material at the reference voltage. A mount extends from the chassis and includes a fastener for fastening to the printed circuit board. This embodiment also includes a contact surface on the printed circuit board, for electrically coupling the printed circuit board to the chassis. Additionally, this embodiment includes a contacting element, including an electrically conductive material, which exerts a restoring force when deformed. This contacting element can be located so that it is compressed between the contact surface and the chassis when the printed circuit board is fastened to the mount.

Abstract: A portable computer is provided with a battery-carrying handle member which is connected to the computer housing by an attachment structure extending between the handle member and the housing. The battery is electrically connectable to various electrical power-consuming devices in the housing, and the handle member is rotatable relative to the attachment structure, about an axis spaced apart from the handle member, between (1) a storage position, (2) a carrying position, and (3) a keyboard tilt orientation. Abutment end portions of the handle member are engageable with the attachment structure in a manner limiting the total rotational arc of the handle member relative to the attachment structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lever apparatus for use in a personal computer that has a chassis with a wall and an interior portion that contains a frame configured to retain an ejectable structure therein. The frame has an ejector mechanism associated therewith for ejecting an ejectable structure therefrom, and the lever apparatus actuates the ejector mechanism to eject the ejectable structure from the frame. The lever apparatus comprises an elongated body pivotally that is coupled to the wall and that has an axis of rotation with respect to the wall. The elongated body may be pivotally coupled to the wall by a pin and hinge member The elongated body has a digit contact end external to the interior portion and an oppositely disposed cam end operable against the ejector mechanism. The cam end exerts a leverage force against the ejector mechanism when the elongated body is pivoted from a non-engaged position to an engaged position, to thereby eject the ejectable structure from the frame.

Abstract: A computer accessory and associated method of manufacturing provides multiple functions for use with a portable computer. In a preferred embodiment, a computer accessory has a keyboard tilt mechanism, an external battery, and a carrying handle in a single unit detachable from the computer. The external battery is contained within the carrying handle, which is pivotably mounted with respect to the computer. Rotation of the handle is limited by external shoulders formed thereon.

Abstract: A docking station for use with a notepad computer is disclosed. The main electronic housing of the docking station is pivotably mounted with a receiving tray to provide a number of positions for the notepad computer between an upright position and a low angle position. The more upright positions are useful when using the internal display of the notepad computer, particularly if an external keyboard and pointing device are used. The low angle position is useful when an external monitor is used and the overlay of the notepad computer is used for input. The receiving tray is removably mounted to the docking station and may be replaced with another receiving tray of a different size for use with a different notepad computer of a different size.