Abstract: A handheld computer having a housing with a midframe construction is described. The housing includes a front shell and a back shell coupled to a midframe. The handheld computer also includes two accessory slots for a stylus or other devices on the left and right sides of the housing. The handheld computer also includes an infrared port which is an integral portion of the housing.

Abstract: A handheld computer having a housing with a midframe construction is described. The housing includes a front shell and a back shell coupled to a midframe. The handheld computer also includes two accessory slots for a stylus or other devices on the left and right sides of the housing. The handheld computer also includes an infrared port which is an integral portion of the housing.

Abstract: A frame or similar structure is used for positioning two stacked GBIC connectors within a 1 RU form factor height of a router or similar network device. In one aspect, the frame can be constructed, assembled and/or mounted in the absence of a need for screws or similar connectors and/or tools. Hooks, latches, engaging teeth and the like can engage sections of a chassis base plate, to position the GBIC connectors preferably within a cutout formed in a motherboard. Use of a flex circuit for connecting the GBIC connectors to a motherboard avoids the requirement for high-precision placement for positioning.

Abstract: A repeater, useable for connecting switches in a data communication network, is provided in a distributed and/or modular fashion. The repeater includes a plurality of separate and distinct components or modules connected to or at least partially housed in, the various switches which the repeater modules couple. Preferably, the repeater autodetects and/or autoconfigures some or all aspects of repeater operations, such as detecting and/or configuring in response to appropriate or approved cable-type connections. A conductive, sealing member on a cable connector substantially reduces or eliminates EMI.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided for effectively converting an opening in the chassis or box of a router (or similar device) from an opening which accommodate a power entry component for a first power type to accommodate a power entry component for a second power type. In one aspect, an adaptor fits in a panel opening which is sized and shaped to receive an IEC-compliant AC power entry component. The adaptor has a window or opening which accommodates, e.g. a four-wire DC power entry component. In one aspect, an adaptor couples to screw holes, such as on either side of an RPS coupler and also receives a standard ground wire log, preferably forming a conductive path from the lug to the screw holes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for operating stylus tappable palm sized computer buttons. A method of operating a palm sized computer with a stylus, includes actuating a stylus tappable application or navigation button with the stylus. The systems and methods provide advantages because a user does not need to divert their attention from the tip of the stylus, or reconfigure their hand, when the actuation of one, or more, of the buttons is necessary.

Abstract: GBIC frames are mounted with respect to one or another or with respect to the printed circuit board so as to facilitate space sufficiency, e.g. of a front or other panel. In one aspect two GBIC frames are mounted in back-to-back fashion on opposite surfaces of a mounting plate of preferably minimal thickness. Plate cut-outs are positioned to accommodate frame feet or other mounting structures in a fashion off-set, on opposite faces, to avoid interference between frame legs. In one aspect, portions of GBICs and frames are received in cut-out or other edges of a PCB so that GBICs in frames straddle a major surface of a PCB to reduce height for accommodating 1RU or other form factors while increasing space efficiency.

Abstract: A computer cradle is described that includes a stylus holder that is at least partially light transmissive. The light transmissive material of the stylus holder transmits to a user light generated within the computer cradle. The stylus is seated in a funnel-shaped cavity formed in a stylus holder oriented nonperpendicularly to a cradle housing, so that a stylus supported by the stylus holder is more easily accessible.

Abstract: A docking apparatus for docking selected portable computers which provides coarse and medium alignment between the docking connector of the computer system and the docking connector of a docking station mounted on a docking tray by providing rails having oppositely facing upright flat faces on a docking tray and notches formed in the underside of the chassis, the notches having corresponding oppositely facing upright flat faces and opposing sloping sidewalls for urging the flat face of the rails toward the flat faces of the notches. The notches are preferably wider at the leading edge of the chassis, away from the connector than at the trailing edge, close to the chassis and the rails are preferably spaced further apart at the leading edge of the tray than they are close to the docking station.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for an integral button pivot bar. A palm sized computer that can be held in one hand and operated with a stylus held by another hand, includes: a connecting trunk; a first connecting member coupled to the connecting trunk; an independently actuatable button coupled to the first connecting member; a second connecting member coupled to the connecting trunk; a torsion bar connected to the second connecting member; and an independently actuatable rocking switch coupled to the second connecting member. The connecting trunk, the first connecting member, the independently actuatable button, the second connecting member, the torsion bar, and the independently actuatable rocking switch are all integrally formed and actuating the independently actuatable rocking switch does not affect the independently actuatable button.

Abstract: A docking device includes a latch for secured engagement with a portable notebook computer. A computer release and eject arm is pivotably mounted in the docking device. The arm includes an elongated body having a handle on one end. A single manual movement of the handle causes the arm to move about a pivot mount on the arm. A first cam surface formed on the arm moves the latch to an unlatch position. A second cam surface maintains the latch in position as the arm continues to pivot. An eject finger extending from the arm, engages the notebook computer and urges the computer away from the docking device for separating engagement of the computer connector and the docking device connector.