Abstract: This application is directed to a shock sensor mounted in an electronic device. The shock sensor includes both active and passive shock detection methods that allow a technician to determine whether the electronic device was subjected to a shock event that exceeded an impact threshold level. The shock sensor may include shock detection contacts that form an electrical circuit that remains open in the absence of a shock event that exceeds an impact threshold level. In response to a significant shock event, a movable component or substance of the shock sensor may move from a first position to a second position, thereby closing the electrical circuit formed by the shock detection contacts. The change in circuit may be detected and used to provide active indication of whether the electronic device has been subjected to a substantial shock event. In addition, the shock sensor may be observed to passively determine whether the electronic device has been subjected to a substantial shock event.

Abstract: A cold worked stainless steel bezel for a portable electronic device is provided. The bezel is secured flush to a housing to form part of the case of the portable electronic device. A brace that includes a slot for receiving a wall extending from the bezel is fixed to the housing. When the bezel engages the housing, the wall of the bezel is inserted in the slot of the brace and releasably held by a spring that engages both the brace and the wall. The bezel can be released by disengaging the spring, (e.g., using a special tool or a magnetic field). Because the bezel is manufactured from cold worked stainless steel, it is hard and resistant to impacts. Cold worked steel also facilitates manufacturing within design constraints and tolerances, and requires very little machining after manufacturing to comply with those constraints. The portable electronic device may include a personal media device, a mobile telephone, or any other suitable device or combination thereof.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus for adapters and docking stations that include one or more of the following: reradiating antennas to enhance wireless signal integrity, inductive charging circuits, and wireless or optical data links. The adapters may be inserts for use in a docking station, adapters for a cable connection, or other type of device. One example provides an adapter that includes a reradiating antenna. In other examples, passive coupling is used to charge a rechargeable battery in the handheld device. Other examples include wireless or optical circuits for faster data transmission.

Abstract: An electronic device having an enclosure is disclosed. The electronic device includes a hole disposed at least partially through the enclosure. The electronic device also includes a detector configured to provide at least one visual indication after being immersed in water. The detector may include a moisture-indicating portion and a light-permitting moisture-proof membrane. The detector may be disposed inside at least one of the enclosure and the hole such that at least a portion of the detector is visible through the hole from outside of the enclosure without dismantling or opening the electronic device. The distance between the light-permitting moisture-proof membrane and an opening of the hole in the enclosure may be less than the distance between the moisture-indicating portion and the opening of the hole.

Abstract: A hybrid button according to the invention is provided. In one embodiment, the button can be implemented in an electronic device such as a media player. The button can include a metal or other non-plastic portion having a reverse flange and a plastic portion including anti-rotation legs. The legs can prevent rotation at least in part because they are retained by another structure. The plastic portion can be injection-molded onto the reverse flange of the metal or non-plastic portion. As such, the reverse flange fixes the position of the plastic portion with respect to the metal portion. Finally, the metal portion can include an actuator nub that actuates a switch when the button is depressed.

Abstract: A media player comprising a display screen is provided. The media player can include a housing having an opening and an area of reduced thickness around the opening. The media player can also include a transparent wall having a flange. Alternatively, the transparent wall may not require a flange but rather can be a flat, substantially transparent piece of material such as plexiglass or glass. The flange can be adhered to a surface of the area of reduced thickness in order to form a transparent protective cover for the display screen. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided. The method can include forming a transparent wall having a stepped edge for placing in an opening of a media player. The method can also include adhering an adhesive to at least one surface of the stepped edge of the transparent wall. The method can include as well using the cutting tool to cut away a portion of the underside of a housing that surrounds an opening in a media player.

Abstract: A media player according to the invention is provided. The media player may include a scroll wheel and a housing including a retention ledge. The retention ledge may maintain the position of the scroll wheel with respect to the housing. A flexible printed circuit may also be included in the media player. The flexible printed circuit may include a first face and a second face. The first face may contact the scroll wheel. The second face may include tactile dome switches. Compressible shims may also form a portion of the media player and may be adjacent the second face. The compressible shims may control the distance between the scroll wheel and the retention ledge.

Abstract: The present invention can include a mechanical actuator having an interface region and an actuation region that is thicker than the interface region. The interface region can provide an interface for a user to move the actuator. The actuation region can incorporate a feature that mates with an electronic component within an electronic device. When a user moves the interface region, that motion can be translated by the actuation region to actuate the electronic component. The present invention also includes methods of manufacturing the actuator.

Abstract: A method of providing a protective barrier between a plastic casing and a rubber layer molded over the plastic casing. The protective barrier is applied to the plastic casing and then the rubber layer molded onto the plastic casing over the protective barrier. The protective barrier prevents the rubber layer from reacting with the underlying plastic casing. In one embodiment, the plastic casing comprises a polycarbonate resin and the protective barrier comprises a polyurethane coating.

Abstract: An improved hinge mechanism for use with a portable computing device is disclosed. The present invention relates to a hinge mechanism that is suitable for use in a portable computing device. According to one aspect of the present invention, a hinge mechanism that is used with a door in a portable computing device includes a spring coil, a stopper, and a pivot arm. The spring coil has a compressive state, e.g., the spring coil may be compressed or decompressed. The pivot arm is coupled to the stopper, and includes a first section as well as a second section. The first section is arranged to be positioned substantially within the spring coil, and the second section is arranged to be coupled to the door. Translational motion of the pivot arm causes the stopper to cause the compressive state of the spring coil to change. In one embodiment, the translational motion of the pivot arm causes the stopper to cause the spring coil to compress.

Abstract: An improved hinge mechanism for use with a portable computing device is disclosed. The present invention relates to a hinge mechanism that is suitable for use in a portable computing device. According to one aspect of the present invention, a hinge mechanism that is used with a door in a portable computing device includes a spring coil, a stopper, and a pivot arm. The spring coil has a compressive state, e.g., the spring coil may be compressed or decompressed. The pivot arm is coupled to the stopper, and includes a first section as well as a second section. The first section is arranged to be positioned substantially within the spring coil, and the second section is arranged to be coupled to the door. Translational motion of the pivot arm causes the stopper to cause the compressive state of the spring coil to change. In one embodiment, the translational motion of the pivot arm causes the stopper to cause the spring coil to compress.

Abstract: The present invention includes a portable computer having improved resistance to scratching, marring and general abuses that include shock and vibration. The computer has a computer housing that includes a display housing and a main housing. A portion integral to one side of the display housing and that portion being proximal to an operating user has an integral layer of translucent elastomer having elastic properties of materials such that of natural rubber. One side of the main housing includes a location for keyboard placement, a palm rest and a cursor-pointing device. Another side of the main housing makes contact with a generally flat surface when the computer is in use. A portion integral to that side of the main housing also includes a layer of translucent elastomer. The configuration of the translucent elastomers on the computer housing is such they cover at least the corners of the portable computer that are proximal to the operating user.