Abstract: Locking mechanisms and electronic devices having locking mechanisms are described herein. In one example, a locking mechanism includes a latch configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein a component of the electronic device is secured in the locked position and removable in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism further includes a memory wire in communication with the latch, wherein the memory wire is configured to contract in length to move the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position to release the component of the electronic device.

Abstract: Locking mechanisms and electronic devices having locking mechanisms are described herein. In one example, a locking mechanism includes a latch configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein a component of the electronic device is secured in the locked position and removable in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism further includes a memory wire in communication with the latch, wherein the memory wire is configured to contract in length to move the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position to release the component of the electronic device.

Abstract: A battery-operated, hand-held disc drive for an optical data storage disc contains a radio transceiver. Data read from the disc, for example a game or movie, are delivered to the transceiver and transmitted, preferably using a WiFi protocol, to a host device, such as a smartphone, PDA, ultra-light tablet or notebook computer, or digital TV. Preferably, the compression factor of the data on the disc and the transfer rate of the data from the disc drive to the host device are set such that that disc drive has a low duty cycle, thereby conserving battery power while providing the user with an extended usage period. To provide a high-quality experience, the data on the disc are compressed using a highly efficient data compression algorithm such as MPEG-4.

Abstract: A user-removable optical data storage system is provided. A rotatable first-surface medium is enveloped in a cartridge. The cartridge provides relatively large data capacity such as about 0.25 Gbytes or more despite a relatively small size such as about 35 mm×35 mm×3 mm. Preferably the cartridge substantially seals the data surfaces of the medium when the cartridge is withdrawn from a drive and at least a portion of one surface is automatically exposed to the objective of an optics arm when said cartridge is inserted in the drive. Tracking involves rotating an optic arm about an axis parallel to the disk rotation axis. Focus can involve pivoting the arm about an axis parallel to the disk surface.

Abstract: A microminiature optical disc drive is mounted in a cell phone or other handheld portable device to provide a large data source for playing games, movies and other digital content on the device. The optical disc drive is manufactured to an extremely small form factor by, among other things, employing a blue laser beam and a high numerical aperture lens in the optics assembly.

Abstract: A cartridge for an optical data storage disc includes a monolithic shell and a sheet metal cover plate. The shell includes lateral walls and a floor that together define a cavity that holds an optical data storage disc. The cover plate is attached to the shell, with the cover plate abutting the top surfaces of the lateral walls of the shell. The optical disc is housed in the disc cavity, with the data side of the disc facing the cover plate. A sheet metal shutter is wrapped around an edge of the cartridge and is slideable between an open position, wherein a portion of the optical disc is exposed through a shutter window in the cover plate and a closed position wherein the shutter overlies the shutter window. The cartridge is very strong and is easy to fabricate. The use of sheet metal next to the data side of the optical disc allows the data on the disc to be read or recorded with a very short wavelength laser.

Abstract: A battery-operated, hand-held disc drive for an optical data storage disc contains a radio transceiver. Data read from the disc, for example a game or movie, are delivered to the transceiver and transmitted, preferably using a WiFi protocol, to a host device, such as a smartphone, PDA, ultra-light tablet or notebook computer, or digital TV. Preferably, the compression factor of the data on the disc and the transfer rate of the data from the disc drive to the host device are set such that that disc drive has a low duty cycle, thereby conserving battery power while providing the user with an extended usage period. To provide a high-quality experience, the data on the disc are compressed using a highly efficient data compression algorithm such as MPEG-4.

Abstract: A disc drive designed to hold a cartridge containing an optical data storage disk is compatible with a memory card slot in a host digital electronics device such as a PDA, for example a slot designed for a Type I CompactFlash card. The disc drive contains a body assembly which is inserted into the memory card slot and which has a compatible connector at one end. The disc drive also includes a drive mechanism which contains the spindle motor and optics systems and which is located outside the memory card slot when the drive is in operation. The drive mechanism is lifted from the body assembly to form an opening to a tray into which a cartridge is loaded. The drive mechanism is then pressed against the body assembly to close the cartridge tray and to cause the spindle motor assembly to engage the optical disc within the cartridge. To minimize the extent to which the disc drive protrudes from the host device, part of the cartridge extends into the memory card slot when the disc drive is connected to the host.

Abstract: Disclosed is a set of communications documents, each of which includes an integrated envelope and return coupon with intelligently imaged variable and non-variable information. Alpha/numeric characters are provided on the document and scannable by character recognition machines. The envelopes may be plow- or buckle-folded and each has an attached coupon and flap whereby the coupon can be removed from the envelope, inserted into the envelope and the flap sealed to the envelope. Each document is arranged in a set or collection of documents in serial order and packaged such that orderly use of the documents can be effected, with each document so used being unique unto itself.