Abstract: A computer docking station for a portable computer has an enclosure to mate physically and electrically with the portable computer. The docking station has an anti-slip mechanism to hold the enclosure to a surface. The anti-slip mechanism has at least one suction cup with a stub portion hidden within the enclosure and a cup portion that extends out through an aperture in the enclosure. A shaft with an eccentric cam section is connected to the stub portion to cause the stub portion to move in opposing first and second directions when the shaft is rotated. A knob is connected to the shaft and exposed externally of the enclosure so that a user can turn the knob to rotate the shaft. When the user moves the knob to a lock position, the mechanism moves the stub portion in the first direction, drawing the stub portion inward relative to the enclosure aperture, thereby causing the cup portion to cup and form a cavity between itself and the surface.

Abstract: A molded plastic faceplate and/or a molded plastic backplate are used to form a flat panel display. A faceplate mold is formed by laser etching pixel recesses in the mold. The detail of such pixel recesses is copied onto a plastic faceplate by injection molding or compression molding a clear plastic. Such molding achieves pixel detail and depth detail to a microscopic precision. The borders of the pixel areas serve as spacers which separate the faceplate and backplate while containing liquid crystal or phosphor material. Electrical circuits are formed on the faceplate and/or backplate to define control circuitry for display pixels.

Abstract: A notebook computer has a lower housing with a keyboard and an upper housing with a display, a central processing unit (CPU), and a conductive plate. The CPU is attached directly to the conductive plate to achieve maximum heat transfer. The conductive plate is exposed to the air outside the notebook computer through air vents in the upper housing. Other heat generating elements in the upper housing are directly attached to thermally isolated islands within the conductive plate to allow each element to maintain a separate operating temperature while still conducting heat out of the notebook computer to the outside air. Additionally, the conductive plate is used as part of an electromagnetic interference enclosure to reduce unwanted radiation from leaving the notebook.

Abstract: A component jacket for use in a portable computer to facilitate installation and removal of a component, such as a memory drive, and to mechanically insulate the component. The component jacket has a middle section and two flaps which extend from the middle section. The flaps wrap around opposing ends of the component toward one another to form installation and removal tabs. The user pulls the installation tab to install the component and the removal tab to remove the component. The middle section and flaps encompass the component to mechanically insulate the component when installed.

Abstract: An end-of-travel sensor detects that an object has reached the end of its travel path by sensing a change in vectored force at a single pivot point of the object. The object is linked to and positioned away from the pivot point allowing the object to move within a travel area. During movement within the travel area, little force occurs at the pivot point. As the object reaches an end of travel, however, the object's inertia causes a force to occur at the pivot point. Detection of such force indicates an end-of-travel event. Detection of such force's direction indicates an end-of-travel direction. A elastomeric conductor is mounted about the pivot point within an opening. The conductor and edge contacts at the opening serve as switches. An end-of-travel force acting upon the pivot point closes one or more switches indicating an end-of-travel event. Detection of the affected switch(es) indicates an end-of-travel direction.

Abstract: The position encoder system requires no keyboard surface area and includes a retractable and extendable handle that is stored inside the computer when not in use. The handle is extended for use near the computer keyboard. The movement of the handle is sensed by a high resolution sensing system that consumes relatively little power.

Abstract: The handle is arranged to be expanded from a compact, collapsed configuration, into an expanded configuration for comfortable manipulation by the user. Upon completion of the use of the handle, the handle is collapsed to the compact configuration for stowage in the computer.

Abstract: Information representing the state of switches carried on a pointing device handle is carried to an associated computer via a capacitive coupling technique.

Abstract: A handle-latch mechanism is described for use in a portable carrying case of the type having an openable cover portion (e.g., a portable computer case). The handle is movable between extended and retracted positions. The latch for the case is releasable only when the handle is in its retracted position (e.g., latch actuators are movable only when the handle is in its retracted position). The handle and latch mechanism may be located in eithe the cover portion or the main body of the carrying case.