Abstract: Systems and methods provide power to a device via a dock. A mounting base may include a mounting component, including a receiving area configured to removably receive a mating device at a plurality of orientations within a plane, wherein the mounting component comprises one or more indexing members and the mating device comprises one or more indexing elements, or the mating device comprises one or more indexing members and the mounting component comprises one or more indexing elements, the indexing members and elements configured to engage each other to align the mating device with the mounting component in one or more rotational orientations on said plane. A detector, configured to detect the presence of the mating device, and a driver circuit may be included. A device may be configured to control power sourced to the mating device by the driver circuit after the detector detects the mating device.

Abstract: A panel with multiple openings and brackets can be used to flush-mount multiple components in a wallboard. The panel is installed flush with the wallboard and the junction between the panel and the wallboard is plastered or drywalled to create a uniform appearance. Wall-mounted components can then be installed into the brackets into openings that have been pre-measured and cut to ensure that the components are aligned with precision relative to one another before installation even begins.

Abstract: A wall-mounted docking station for a portable computer connects the portable computer to a media entertainment system. The media entertainment system can have multiple zones throughout a room and/or a building, and can play audio, video, images, or other media stored on the portable computer to any zone or a combination of zones. Preferably, the docking station also provides power to the portable computer, and could optionally provide both power and data connectivity over a power line.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide power to a device via a dock. A mounting base may include a mounting component, including a receiving area configured to removably receive a mating device at a plurality of orientations within a plane, wherein the mounting component comprises one or more indexing members and the mating device comprises one or more indexing elements, or the mating device comprises one or more indexing members and the mounting component comprises one or more indexing elements, the indexing members and elements configured to engage each other to align the mating device with the mounting component in one or more rotational orientations on said plane. A detector, configured to detect the presence of the mating device, and a driver circuit may be included. A device may be configured to control power sourced to the mating device by the driver circuit after the detector detects the mating device.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide power to a device via a dock. A mounting base may include a mounting component, including a receiving area configured to removably receive a mating device at a plurality of orientations within a plane, wherein the mounting component comprises one or more indexing members and the mating device comprises one or more indexing elements, or the mating device comprises one or more indexing members and the mounting component comprises one or more indexing elements, the indexing members and elements configured to engage each other to align the mating device with the mounting component in one or more rotational orientations on said plane. A detector, configured to detect the presence of the mating device, and a driver circuit may be included. A device may be configured to control power sourced to the mating device by the driver circuit after the detector detects the mating device.

Abstract: A wall-mounted docking station for a portable computer connects the portable computer to a media entertainment system. The media entertainment system can have multiple zones throughout a room and/or a building, and can play audio, video, images, or other media stored on the portable computer to any zone or a combination of zones. Preferably, the docking station also provides power to the portable computer, and could optionally provide both power and data connectivity over a power line.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide power to a device via a dock. A mounting base may include a mounting component, including a receiving area configured to removably receive a mating device at a plurality of orientations within a plane, wherein the mounting component comprises one or more indexing members and the mating device comprises one or more indexing elements, or the mating device comprises one or more indexing members and the mounting component comprises one or more indexing elements, the indexing members and elements configured to engage each other to align the mating device with the mounting component in one or more rotational orientations on said plane. A detector, configured to detect the presence of the mating device, and a driver circuit may be included. A device may be configured to control power sourced to the mating device by the driver circuit after the detector detects the mating device.

Abstract: A wall-mounted component can be flush-mounted into a wallboard by first installing a panel with a receiver bracket flush into a wallboard. Once the panel is installed, the component can be inserted into the receiver bracket at which point a locking mechanism automatically or manually engages to lock the component into the wall. The locking mechanism is concealed from view so that a casual observer does not see how the component is affixed to the wall, yet is accessible from the waifs exterior for routine service and maintenance, as well as reinstallation of updated components.

Abstract: A panel with multiple openings and brackets can be used to flush-mount multiple components in a wallboard. The panel is installed flush with the wallboard and the junction between the panel and the wallboard is plastered or drywalled to create a uniform appearance. Wall-mounted components can then be installed into the brackets into openings that have been pre-measured and cut to ensure that the components are aligned with precision relative to one another before installation even begins.

Abstract: A wall-mounted component can be flush-mounted into a wallboard by first installing a panel with a receiver bracket flush into a wallboard. Once the panel is installed, the component can be inserted into the receiver bracket at which point a locking mechanism automatically or manually engages to lock the component into the wall. The locking mechanism is concealed from view so that a casual observer does not see how the component is affixed to the wall, yet is accessible from the wall's exterior for routine service and maintenance, as well as reinstallation of updated components.

Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other components, includes a panel that is finished to provide at least a superficially continuous junction between the edges of the panel and the surrounding wall, ceiling, or other structure. A rim advantageously extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a small distance, which in currently preferred embodiments is about 1/16th inch to ?th inch,. A collar is preferably installed about the inner edge of the opening, and a receiver is attached to the collar or directly to the panel. Magnetic, threaded, detent, and frictional means are contemplated for maintaining the component in position relative to the receiver.

Abstract: A panel with a bracket is used to install a component to a wallboard. The panel is inserted into an opening to a wallboard, and the junction between the panel and the wallboard is taped and spackled so that the wallboard and panel appear to be a single object. When the component is fully coupled to the bracket, the front of the component is slightly recessed from the front of the panel. A component cover could then be inserted into the newly created recess so that the component appears to be completely flush with the wallboard.

Abstract: A wall-mounted docking station for a portable computer connects the portable computer to a media entertainment system. The media entertainment system can have multiple zones throughout a room and/or a building, and can play audio, video, images, or other media stored on the portable computer to any zone or a combination of zones. Preferably, the docking station also provides power to the portable computer, and could optionally provide both power and data connectivity over a power line.

Abstract: A panel with multiple openings and brackets can be used to flush-mount multiple components in a wallboard. The panel is installed flush with the wallboard and the junction between the panel and the wallboard is plastered or drywalled to create a uniform appearance. Wall-mounted components can then be installed into the brackets into openings that have been pre-measured and cut to ensure that the components are aligned with precision relative to one another before installation even begins.

Abstract: An installation mount for an in-wall component has a sloped spackle rim around a recessed opening. The recessed opening is shaped to accept either a sanding shield or a component cover. While the sanding shield is in the recessed opening, an installer could spackle the front surface of the installation mount and can then sand the spackle away until the sanding shield is exposed, creating a surface that is flush with the rest of the wall. The sanding shield could then be so that the sanding shield could be used to protect the interior of the installation mount during sanding, while the component cover could be used while the component cover is in use to protect the component and provide a flush-mount look and feel.

Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other objects, includes a panel that replaces a substantial section of wallboard instead of being installed behind the wallboard. In preferred embodiments a rim extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a distance of less than ½ inch, and preferably by only ? inch or even 1/16 inch. The face of the object can be quite large, up to 40 in2 or more, and still be relatively small with respect to the panel. Panels are contemplated that have a width at least two, three or more times that of the face of the object, and along with optional wings are wider than the stud separation in the wall.

Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other components, includes a panel that is finished to provide at least a superficially continuous junction between the edges of the panel and the surrounding wall, ceiling, or other structure. A rim advantageously extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a small distance, which in currently preferred embodiments is about 1/16th inch to ?th inch,. A collar is preferably installed about the inner edge of the opening, and a receiver is attached to the collar or directly to the panel. Magnetic, threaded, detent, and frictional means are contemplated for maintaining the component in position relative to the receiver.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device.

Abstract: An installation mount for an in-wall component has a sloped spackle rim around a recessed opening. The recessed opening is shaped to accept either a sanding shield or a component cover. While the sanding shield is in the recessed opening, an installer could spackle the front surface of the installation mount and can then sand the spackle away until the sanding shield is exposed, creating a surface that is flush with the rest of the wall. The sanding shield could then be so that the sanding shield could be used to protect the interior of the installation mount during sanding, while the component cover could be used while the component cover is in use to protect the component and provide a flush-mount look and feel.

Abstract: A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device.