Abstract: A numeric keypad may be shared between first and second electronic devices, the second electronic device being integrated with the first electronic device or a keyboard connected with the first electronic device. The second electronic device may be activated and the numeric keypad may be interfaced with the second electronic device, when a first input condition is present. The numeric keypad may be interfaced with the first electronic device, when a second input condition is present. The second electronic device may provide convenient functions such as a calculator, clock/calendar, alarm clock, timer, or a combination thereof independently of the power state of the first electronic device. The first electronic device may be any electronic device that uses a keyboard, such as a desktop computer or a portable computing device.

Abstract: Pads placed in an interior region of the inner surface of a first enclosure of an electronic device protect a display on the inner surface of a second, hingeably attached enclosure against scratching or scuffing, when the first and second enclosures are closed upon each other and the closed device is subjected to a compressive force. The technique may be applied to a wide variety of electronic devices that have a “clam shell” design.

Abstract: An accessory for a computer provides both an auxiliary battery and a port replicator in an integrated unit. In one embodiment, the accessory includes a docking connector, a battery, and at least one communication port, with the battery and communication port connected to the docking connector so that power from the battery and communication signals to the communication port can pass through the docking connector.

Abstract: A computing device comprises a base, a lid, and a hinge structure coupling the base and the lid. The hinge structure has a variable height operable to enable the lid to close over at least one removable center module disposed on and coupled to the base.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a base portion; an electronic display rotatably connected to the base portion; a keyboard in communication with the display, rotatably connected to the base portion, and movable between a closed position and an open position; and a first optical data drive formed in the base portion under the keyboard with access to the first optical data drive provided when the keyboard is rotated to the open position.

Abstract: An electronic device is formed with a housing having a perimeter edge. A controller is located within the housing. Additionally, a display surface extends in a smooth manner outwardly to the perimeter edge.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a base section and a display mounted about the base with first and second axes of rotation relative to the base, the first axis of rotation being proximate to and substantially parallel to an edge of the display and pivoting the display between pivoted positions, and the second axis of rotation being proximate to and substantially parallel to a centerline of the display regardless of the pivoted position of the display.

Abstract: A computing system comprises a docking station having a base, a carrier separate from the base, and a nonlinear rigid mounting arm mechanically connecting the base to the carrier, wherein the mounting arm has a first end that pivotally connects to the base and a second end that pivotally connects to the carrier; an electronic display removably connectable to the carrier; and a keyboard in communication with the display.

Abstract: A beverage container has a straw-dispensing mechanism that is disposed within the container and is responsive to appropriate manipulation of the container to bring the straw into alignment with the orifice in the top end of the container. In one embodiment, the straw is supported by a weighted member that responds to the manipulation of the container to move the straw. A buoyant member is attached to the straw to elevate the straw through the orifice when the straw is aligned with the orifice. Several alternative embodiments of the invention incorporating the weighted member are disclosed. In another embodiment, the straw is supported by a buoyant member that responds to the manipulation of the container to move the straw. The buoyant member is attached to the straw to elevate the straw through the orifice when the straw is aligned with the orifice as well as to align the straw with the orifice due to the manipulation of the can.

Abstract: A beverage container has a straw-dispensing mechanism that is disposed within the container and is responsive to appropriate manipulation of the container to bring the straw into alignment with the orifice in the top end of the container. In one embodiment, the straw is supported by a weighted member that responds to the manipulation of the container to move the straw. A buoyant member is attached to the straw to elevate the straw through the orifice when the straw is aligned with the orifice. Several alternative embodiments of the invention incorporating the weighted member are disclosed. In another embodiment, the straw is supported by a buoyant member that responds to the manipulation of the container to move the straw. The buoyant member is attached to the straw to elevate the straw through the orifice when the straw is aligned with the orifice as well as to align the straw with the orifice due to the manipulation of the can.

Abstract: A device for containing and delivering a payload from a container which has a closed end and an open end and at least one side wall extending between the closed end and open end, a lid secured to the open end having an orifice, a closure tab pivotally connected to the lid and closing the orifice, and an actuating member pivotally secured to the lid and being manually actuated for moving the closure tab into the interior of the container to open the orifice. The device includes a capsule disposed within the container for containing the payload. The device also includes a support structure disposed within the container and contacting the closed end, the device being held under compression solely between the closed end and the lid in response to a compressive force against the support structure by the container for securing alignment of the capsule with the orifice of the lid.

Abstract: A beverage container has a straw-dispensing mechanism that is disposed within the container to bring the straw into alignment with the orifice in the top of the container. When the orifice is opened, the straw elevates through the orifice to become accessible to the user. In one embodiment, the straw is attached to a buoyant member which urges the straw into contact with a contoured surface on the can lid. The contoured surface is angled towards the orifice. In a second embodiment, the straw engages a floating member which is urged against the lid of the container. When the container is opened by deflecting a closure tab into the container, the closure tab engages a cam surface on the floating member and imparts rotational motion to the floating member. The floating member rotates until the straw is aligned with the open orifice and a buoyant member associate with on the straw elevates the straw through the orifice.