Abstract: A constraint mechanism for receiving an audio plug in an electronic device is provided. The constraint mechanism may include a conductive tube operative to receive the audio plug. In addition, the constraint mechanism may include several features operative to engage corresponding features of the electronic device to prevent the constraint mechanism from moving in any direction (e.g., which could cause damage in the electronic device if the audio jack was forced to move by an impact on the audio plug). For example, the constraint mechanism may include a center wall to prevent yawing, and rear tabs to prevent pitching. As another example, the constraint mechanism may include a side plate operative to be coupled to the electronic device to prevent rolling. In some embodiments, the constraint mechanism may include an asymmetrical tube entrance for ensuring the proper alignment of the constraint mechanism with an electronic device opening.

Abstract: Various embodiments of connectors and connector assemblies provide modified structural features to meet evolving industrial design requirements while maintaining backward compatibility. In one embodiment, alignment posts on the two sides of a plug connector are substantially removed and the remaining connector shell reshaped so as to preserve alignment capability. Other pre-existing features such as alignment grooves and some or all springy raised tabs can be eliminated resulting in a more compact and monolithic structure for the connector without impacting functionality or backward compatibility. In another embodiment, a trim ring is molded to the base of the connector to form an integrated unit. The integrated unit results in a reduced size of the connector when it is incorporated into other devices such as a docking station.

Abstract: Various embodiments of connectors and connector assemblies provide modified structural features to meet evolving industrial design requirements while maintaining backward compatibility. In one embodiment, alignment posts on the two sides of a plug connector are substantially removed and the remaining connector shell reshaped so as to preserve alignment capability. Other pre-existing features such as alignment grooves and some or all springy raised tabs can be eliminated resulting in a more compact and monolithic structure for the connector without impacting functionality or backward compatibility. In another embodiment, a trim ring is molded to the base of the connector to form an integrated unit. The integrated unit results in a reduced size of the connector when it is incorporated into other devices such as a docking station.

Abstract: Electronic devices are provided with a protective housing having one or more housing components. A housing component can be formed from a single sheet of material to appear as if the housing component had been formed from a hollowed out solid block of material. The sheet of material may be deep drawn, forged, and machined to form the housing component. One or more holes may be formed through a portion of the housing component to provide an I/O interface.

Abstract: Various embodiments of connectors and connector assemblies provide modified structural features to meet evolving industrial design requirements while maintaining backward compatibility. In one embodiment, alignment posts on the two sides of a plug connector are substantially removed and the remaining connector shell reshaped so as to preserve alignment capability. Other pre-existing features such as alignment grooves and some or all springy raised tabs can be eliminated resulting in a more compact and monolithic structure for the connector without impacting functionality or backward compatibility. In another embodiment, a trim ring is molded to the base of the connector to form an integrated unit. The integrated unit results in a reduced size of the connector when it is incorporated into other devices such as a docking station.

Abstract: An invisible, light-transmissive display system with a light resistant material is provided. Substantially invisible holes penetrate through at least a portion of the light resistant material in a predetermined light-transmissive display pattern.

Abstract: An improved media delivery apparatus is disclosed. The media delivery apparatus can, for example, be a portable speaker system. In one embodiment, the media delivery apparatus is used with a portable media player. According to one aspect, audio output characteristics of a media delivery apparatus can be controlled based on whether a removable component is attached or detached. Another aspect pertains to improved techniques to attach a removable component to a media delivery apparatus. According to still another aspect a portion of a housing of an electrical device, such as a media delivery apparatus, can be utilized as part of a connector or plug.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.

Abstract: A docking station is disclosed. The docking station has an adjustable opening that accommodates portable electronic devices with differing sizes and shapes. The opening is capable of expanding to accommodate larger devices and retracting to accommodate smaller devices while still supporting the portable electronic device in its proper position within the docking station.

Abstract: A module for controlling the temperature within an enclosed structure is provided. The module comprises a thermoelectric assembly, a platform, and a panel. The thermoelectric assembly comprises a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the device and a second heat sink disposed on the other side of the device. The thermoelectric assembly further comprises an electric motor attached to one of the heat sinks with a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the electrical motor and both heat sinks. A propeller may be attached to each end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink and the second heat sink respectively. The platform may be removably engaged with the enclosed structure. A first fastener may be used to attach the thermoelectric assembly to the platform. A first opening may be provided in the platform adjacent to one of the propellers.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat pump which is resistant against thermal stresses incurred during thermal cycling of Thermal Cyclers or the like between cold and hot temperatures of about 0.degree. C. at a ramping rate up to about 1.degree. C. per second has improved joints between the thermoelements and electrical conductors which have low electrical resistance and which substantially reduce fractures during thermal cycling. The joints include a tin-silver-indium solder containing by weight about 95% tin, 3.5% silver, and 1.5% indium, or a tin-silver-cadmium solder containing by weight about 95.5% tin, 3.5% silver, and 1.0% cadmium. A robust nickel diffusion barrier between the joints and thermoelectric elements ends provides additional improvement against joint fracture.

Abstract: A modular thermoelectric assembly is provided to maintain the temperature within a container or enclosed structure holding water or other liquids at a desired value. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. A layer of insulating material is disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. The hot sink and the insulating material are used to install the thermoelectric assembly into an appropriately sized opening extending through the exterior of the container or enclosed structure. A thermoelectric device, contained within the layer of insulating material, functions as a heat pump to transfer heat between the cold sink and the hot sink. An electrical motor, rotating shaft and propeller are carried by the assembly to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink. Another propeller and/or impeller may be carried by the rotating shaft to assist with circulation of liquids in the container or enclosed structure.

Abstract: A modular thermoelectric assembly is provided to maintain the temperature within a container or enclosed structure at a desired level. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. A layer of insulating material is disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. The hot sink and the insulating material are used to install the thermoelectric assembly into an appropriately sized opening extending through the exterior of the container or enclosed structure. A thermoelectric device, contained within the layer of insulating material, functions as a heat pump to transfer heat between the cold sink and the hot sink. An electrical motor, rotating shaft and propellers are carried by the assembly to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink.