Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a display for presenting information to a user; a housing connected to the display for supporting the display; and a keyboard assembly deployable through a sliding connection to the housing, the keyboard assembly deployable in multiple directions, the information presented to the user through the display is oriented based on deployment of the keyboard assembly, direction of deployment of the keyboard assembly, and input from an application resident on the device. The application prescribes the orientation of the information presented on the display to the user in relation to the direction of keyboard assembly deployment.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a display for presenting information to a user; a housing connected to the display for supporting the display; and a keyboard deployable through a sliding connection to the housing, the keyboard deployable in multiple directions, the information presented to the user through the display is oriented based on deployment of the keyboard, direction of deployment of the keyboard, and input from an application resident on the device. The application prescribes the orientation of the information presented on the display to the user in relation to the direction of keyboard deployment.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a display for presenting information to a user; a housing connected to the display for supporting the display; and a keyboard assembly deployable through a sliding connection to the housing, the keyboard assembly deployable in multiple directions, the information presented to the user through the display is oriented based on deployment of the keyboard assembly, direction of deployment of the keyboard assembly, and input from an application resident on the device. The application prescribes the orientation of the information presented on the display to the user in relation to the direction of keyboard assembly deployment.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide devices and methods for movably connecting module layers of an electronic device to actuate one operational mode while limiting actuation of other modes. In one embodiment, an electronic device includes a first module layer movable in a first direction and a second module layer movably connected relative to the first module layer. Further, a third module layer is movably connected relative to the second module layer and movable in a second direction. Additionally, a limiting member is movably positioned relative to the module layers to be engageable with the third module layer to prevent movement in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction, or to be engageable with the first module layer to prevent movement in the first direction during movement of the third module layer in the second direction.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide devices and methods for movably connecting module layers of an electronic device to discretely actuate a first predetermined operational mode while locking out other predetermined operational modes. In one embodiment, for example, an electronic device includes a first module layer movable in a first direction and a second module layer movably connected relative to the first module layer. Further, a third module layer is movably connected relative to the second module layer and movable in a second direction. Additionally, a locking member is engageable with the third module layer to prevent movement in the second direction during movement of the first module layer in the first direction. The locking member may also be engageable with the first module layer to prevent movement in the first direction during movement of the third module layer in the second direction.

Abstract: A space efficient and cost effective hinge clutch mechanism for facilitating the rotational positioning of a lid member of a portable electronic device relative to the housing the device. The clutch mechanism includes an elongated cam-shaft extending through a plurality of aligned components including a face cam member, a cam follower, and a compression spring and partially through a hollow retaining member. Rotation of the retaining member prevents the cam-shaft from being inadvertently with drawn. The clutch mechanism may be manually or automatically pre-assembled before insertion into the housing. An idler positioned adjacent to the retaining member serves as conduit for wires extending from the rotating lid member and the housing of the portable electronic device. The interaction of the cam and cam follower retains the lid in its fully open or fully closed positions until sufficient rotational force is exerted on the lid to overcome the tangential force of the spring.

Abstract: A space efficient and cost effective hinge clutch mechanism for facilitating the rotational positioning of a lid member of a portable electronic device relative to the housing the device. The clutch mechanism includes an elongated cam-shaft extending through a plurality of aligned components including a face cam member, a cam follower, and a compression spring and partially through a hollow retaining member. Rotation of the retaining member prevents the cam-shaft from being inadvertently with drawn. The clutch mechanism may be manually or automatically pre-assembled before insertion into the housing. An idler positioned adjacent to the retaining member serves as conduit for wires extending from the rotating lid member and the housing of the portable electronic device. The interaction of the cam and cam follower retains the lid in its fully open or fully closed positions until sufficient rotational force is exerted on the lid to overcome the tangential force of the spring.

Abstract: A cradle can be mounted in a vehicle, or other suitable location, for supporting a wireless dual-frequency telephone that includes an antenna. The cradle includes a plastic housing and a ground plane disposed in the housing. A trough-shaped feed coupler element is electrically connected to matching circuits and an input/output connector. A first parasitic coupler element is aligned with the feed coupler element, and connected to the ground plane, and electromagnetically couples signals having a first frequency to and from the antenna. Together, the elements hold the antenna of the telephone. Also, a second parasitic element is disposed adjacent the feed coupler element for electromagnetically coupling signals to and from the antenna, that have a second frequency. If desired, the ground plane is established by a first conductive board and a second conductive board elevated above the first board.

Abstract: A cooling system for electronic component cases is disclosed. The system includes a fan diffuser located between the exhaust fan and the exhaust grill formed in an exterior wall of the case. The diffuser allows the grill to vary in both size and shape from the fan, thus allowing the grill footprint to differ from that of the fan. This arrangement allows the grill size to be optimized, taking advantage of the available space on the case wall. The diffuser also allows components to be located between the fan and the case wall portion where the grill is located.