Abstract: A sleep system, for providing a bed, includes a frame with cross support members coupled with a first and second panel assembly. A sleep support mechanism operationally engages the first and second panel assemblies with one another and further engages a pad to provide adjusting support to the user. The sleep support mechanism employs a cone coupled with a first and second spring, the first and second spring further coupling with the first and second panel assemblies, and the cone engaging with the pad to provide the adjustable support capability.

Abstract: A sleep system, for providing a bed, includes a frame with cross support members coupled with a first and second panel assembly. A sleep support mechanism operationally engages the first and second panel assemblies with one another and further engages a pad to provide adjusting support to the user. The sleep support mechanism employs a cone coupled with a first and second spring, the first and second spring further coupling with the first and second panel assemblies, and the cone engaging with the pad to provide the adjustable support capability.

Abstract: Safety features for a crib mattress are described. One safety feature is designed to maintain airflow to a fan inlet despite the fan inlet being blocked by a mattress sheet. Another safety feature removes obstructions to airflow within the mattress so that air is dispersed more uniformly across the sleep surface which is formed by a taut sheet of fabric. Yet another safety feature is designed to help retain a fitted sheet on a mattress and make it difficult for the sheet to be inadvertently pulled off the mattress.

Abstract: A sleep system, for providing a bed, includes a frame with cross support members coupled with a first and second panel assembly. A sleep support mechanism operationally engages the first and second panel assemblies with one another and further engages a pad to provide adjusting support to the user. The sleep support mechanism employs a cone coupled with a first and second spring, the first and second spring further coupling with the first and second panel assemblies, and the cone engaging with the pad to provide the adjustable support capability.

Abstract: A blow gun with an extensible wand includes a barrel for receiving and storing the wand. The wand passes through an inner collar and an outer collar, the inner collar mounted to the barrel and the outer collar eccentrically rotatable upon the inner collar. Rotation of the outer collar affects alignment of the bore of the outer collar with the bore of the inner collar. When the misalignment of the bores is increased, the wand is locked in a selected extension from the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable, reliable, and ergonomic computing system that is highly customizable and ungradable. Product flexibility and ease of customization is provided by the ability to employ a wide range of peripherals and accessories. In one embodiment, a docking unit is provided that provides additional functionality and flexibility. Flexibility is further enhanced by a CPU upgrade path as well as easily ungradable main system memory and hard disk drive. In one embodiment, a T-shaped main logic board (MLB) is provided as is a method of positioning or arranging the internal components of a portable computer by employing the same. In this manner, the size and number of components that may be housed internally within the computer are greater than would be possible with a conventional generally rectangular main logic board.

Abstract: A hand-held computer terminal employing a touch screen for the input of handwritten data comprises a contoured surface disposed between a touch screen surface and input keys or buttons, thereby providing improved ergonomics aiding in the entry of handwritten data while preventing unintentional actuation of input keys or button during the entry of handwritten data.

Abstract: A portable hand-held data terminal having a curvilinear cross-sectional keypad capable of operation by one hand. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention the keys may extend to various heights above the keypad depending on their function. For example, a scan trigger key may extend the farthest from the terminal, numeric keys may extend the next farthest, and alphabetic keys may extend the least. The data terminal may also provide a quick release pistol grip to terminal attachment which utilizes, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of removably receivable compressible O-rings, a pair of removably receivable guides, and a lever-type latch mechanism. The invention may also provide an interface between the pistol grip assembly's trigger mechanism and the data terminal which does not require that the housing of the data terminal be pierced.

Abstract: A docking apparatus for docking a portable data collection terminal in a vehicle is disclosed. The docking apparatus comprises a housing having a terminal cup mounted therein. The terminal cup may pivot about a horizontal axis to facilitate insertion and removal of the data collection terminal. A lever arm assembly may be depressed by a user causing the terminal cup to pivot to facilitate removal of a portable data collection terminal. The lever arm assembly may provide guides which position the data collection terminal for insertion into the terminal cup and prevent lateral movement of the portable data collection terminal once it is fully inserted therein. A retention pin assembly may secure the portable data collection terminal within the docking apparatus.

Abstract: A docking apparatus for docking a portable data collection terminal in a vehicle comprises a housing which may be fixed to a surface in the interior of the vehicle, terminal cup mounted in the housing, and a pivoting front panel and a lever arm assembly. The lever, urged by a cam, causes the front panel to pivot and secures the data terminal in the docking apparatus for battery charging or data communication.

Abstract: The present invention includes a user-replaceable components assembly which permits rapid and intuitively obvious replacement of components in devices such as portable electronic devices. An environmental seal is provided around the components to protect the inner circuitry of the electronic device. Shock-resistant mounting of a display panel beneath the keypad and accommodation for the electrical connection between the keypad and the portable electronic device's inner circuitry are also provided. An environmental seal is provided around a touch sensitive panel to protect the inner circuitry of the electronic device. Shock-resistant mounting of a display panel beneath a touch sensitive panel and accommodation for the electrical connection between the touch sensitive panel and the inner circuitry of an electronic device are further provided.

Abstract: A multi-function fastening apparatus for removably attaching an accessory device to a portable data collection terminal and for joining together two or more sections of the accessory device's housing. The multi-function fastening apparatus may include a seal or the like to provide environmental protection to the accessory device's internal electronic components.

Abstract: A portable hand-held data terminal having a curvilinear cross-sectional keypad capable of operation by one hand. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention the keys may extend to various heights above the keypad depending on their function. For example, a scan trigger key may extend the farthest from the terminal, numeric keys may extend the next farthest, and alphabetic keys may extend the least. The data terminal may also provide a quick release pistol grip to terminal attachment which utilizes, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of removably receivable compressible O-rings, a pair of removably receivable guides, and a lever-type latch mechanism. The invention may also provide an interface between the pistol grip assembly's trigger mechanism and the data terminal which does not require that the housing of the data terminal be pierced.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport, fork lift or delivery route operations, for example, includes on-board peripherals which are coupled through a Local Area Network (LAN) into a data system. A LAN data bus provides selective access to the peripherals or data devices such as, for example, a large area display, a keyboard, a printer and a data terminal. The data system controls or provides data on tasks executed by or in connection with the operation of the vehicle. To increase the versatility of the vehicle, the data terminal, multiple data terminals, or any of the other data devices may be removably coupled to the LAN to be operable externally of the vehicle. A mobile mount adapter provides a secure electrical connection of a respective data terminal to the LAN to removably incorporate the data terminal into the data system, and provide a common supply of both data and power to the data device.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport, fork lift or delivery route operations, for example, includes on-board peripherals which are coupled through a Local Area Network (LAN) into a data system. A LAN data bus provides selective access to the peripherals or data devices such as, for example, a large area display, a keyboard, a printer and a data terminal. The data system controls or provides data on tasks executed by or in connection with the operation of the vehicle. To increase the versatility of the vehicle, the data terminal, multiple data terminals, or any of the other data devices may be removably coupled to the LAN to be operable externally of the vehicle. A mobile mount adapter provides a secure electrical connection of a respective data terminal to the LAN to removably incorporate the data terminal into the data system, and provide a common supply of both data and power to the data device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect the imminent removal of the battery from a portable electronic device and to automatically shut off said device before electrical power from the battery is lost.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport, fork lift or delivery route operations, for example, includes on-board peripherals which are coupled through a Local Area Network (LAN) into a data system. A LAN data bus provides selective access to the peripherals or data devices such as, for example, a large area display, a keyboard, a printer and a data terminal. The data system controls or provides data on tasks executed by or in connection with the operation of the vehicle. To increase the versatility of the vehicle, the data terminal, multiple data terminals, or any of the other data devices may be removably coupled to the LAN to be operable externally of the vehicle. A mobile mount adapter provides a secure electrical connection of a respective data terminal to the LAN to removably incorporate the data terminal into the data system, and provide a common supply of both data and power to the data device.

Abstract: A PCMCIA type module provides multiple grounding point to the internal circuit board. The internal circuit board is grounded to an electrically conductive outer housing at a plurality of contact points on the internal frame. The internal frame is electrically conductive and is specially constructed to have multiple ribs which provide multiple contacts from the circuit board to the outer housing.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport, fork lift or delivery route operations, for example, includes on-board peripherals which are coupled through a Local Area Network (LAN) into a data system. A LAN data bus provides selective access to the peripherals or data devices such as, for example, a large area display, a keyboard, a printer and a data terminal. The data system controls or provides data on tasks executed by or in connection with the operation of the vehicle. To increase the versatility of the vehicle, the data terminal, multiple data terminals, or any of the other data devices may be removably coupled to the LAN to be operable externally of the vehicle. A mobile mount adapter provides a secure electrical connection of a respective data terminal to the LAN to removably incorporate the data terminal into the data system. The data terminal includes base contact areas which are contacted by spring contacts of the adapter.