Abstract: A withdrawable portable device mounting apparatus is provided in a vehicle audio system, in which a mount capable of mounting a portable electronic device is drawn out using an electromotive force with a very simple manipulation by pressing a drive button or the like. The apparatus may include a case, a front panel provided at a front surface of the case to have a control panel, a mounting unit loading hole, and a loading button, a drive unit configured to drive a mounting unit through a mounting unit loading hole of the front panel in a withdrawable manner, a loading unit mutually operated with the drive unit to allow the mounting unit to be drawn in or out, and a mounting unit inserted into the front panel in a folded state during a drawing-in operation, and unfolded through the mounting unit loading hole during a drawing-out operation.

Abstract: A docking station is used for receiving an electronic device. The docking station includes a housing, a docking port, and a locking mechanism. The housing defines a receiving slot. The docking port is arranged inside the housing and is capable of partly extending into the receiving slot to engage with the electronic device when the electronic device is received in the receiving slot. The locking mechanism is connected to the docking port for locking the docking port in the receiving slot. The locking mechanism is partly exposed outside the housing to allow to be operated to drive the docking port to be retracted from the receiving slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplemental cooling of a docked mobile device that includes a docking module having a docking interface that provides a communication connection for a separable mobile device having several heat generating electronic components that emanate heat when the separable mobile device is in an operating mode. In addition, the separable mobile device has an integrated heat sink structure that spreads the heat emanating from the operating heat generating electronic components across the entire heat sink structure. An air mover is integrated into the docking module to provide a volume of air flow that is directed to the separable mobile device while it is docked to the docking module. Accordingly, an air mover controller receives a first signal from an input sensor and therein controls the air mover to modulate the volume of air flow according to a predetermined tolerance corresponding to the heat generating electronic components.

Abstract: An information handling system component contained within an information handling system housing uses the information handling system housing as at least a portion of a safety enclosure for hazardous functions of the component. A lock out device disables the hazardous function if the information handling system housing is moved relative to the component. For example, an optical disc drive laser is disabled if a Hall effect sensor in the chassis of the optical disc drive no longer senses a magnet placed in a portion of the information handling system housing used to enclose the optical disc drive. Alternatively, the component couples to the information handling system housing to enclose the hazardous function within the interior of the information handling system housing so that the component is inaccessible from the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing electronic equipment. The apparatus includes an electronic device having a first mating portion. The device is removably secured within a shell, which has an open end allowing access to the first mating portion. The apparatus further includes a dock having a second mating portion and an output connector in electrical communication with the second mating portion. The dock removably receives the shell to facilitate electrical communication between the first and second mating portions. The output connector facilitates electrical communication between the electronic device and a device external to the dock. The apparatus also includes a damping mechanism to reduce vibratory forces on the first and second mating portions and relative movement between the portions.

Abstract: An electronic device carrier comprising a base and rolling devices. When an electronic device is removed from a receiving chamber of the base, the rolling devices can reduce friction effectively and resilient force of the rolling device can fix the electronic device in the receiving chamber. The electronic device carrier further includes a transmission unit for transmitting data whenever the electronic device is positioned in the receiving chamber.

Abstract: A docking station for receiving a tablet computer is disclosed. The docking station for a tablet computer comprises a bracket defining a restricting space, a flange mounted on the bracket, the flange defining a cutout above the restricting space; and a sliding member movably mounted on the flange, wherein the sliding member is adapted to move on the flange between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the sliding member is moved into the cutout, the restricting space is separated from an outer space of the docking station; and in the second position, the sliding member is moved out of the cutout, the restricting space is communicating with the outer space of the docking station via the cutout.

Abstract: A docking station used for receiving an electronic device. The docking station includes a housing, a retractable docking port, and a rotating shaft. The housing defines a receiving groove. The docking port can be positioned by manipulation of the rotating shaft to be exposed in the receiving groove or retracted and hidden inside the housing.

Abstract: A computer docking station includes a body having a cradle portion configured to support a portion of a portable computer and having a connector operable to electrically couple with a docking connector of the portable computer. The body further includes an arm portion. A latching member is coupled with the arm portion and movable between a first, retracted position within the arm portion, in which the portable computer can be removed from the docking station, and a second, extended position from the arm portion, in which the portable computer cannot be removed from the docking station. The latching member includes a cam surface and automatically moves from the second position to the first position as the portable computer is inserted into the docking station, and automatically moves from the first position to the second position once the portable computer is fully inserted into the docking station.

Abstract: A panel segment is structured to be attachable and detachable from the computing device in order to form a portion of the overall housing for the computing device. The panel segment includes a panel connector, positioned on an interior surface of the panel segment to electrically mate with an interior connector of the computing device when the panel segment is attached. The panel segment includes one or more electrical components that are operable to send an electrical output to, or receive an electrical output from a component of the computing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the electrical and graphic customisation of portable electronic objects, comprising: a loading station; a plurality of treatment stations including at least one laser- or inkjet-marking station and/or an inspection station and/or a label application station; a rejection station; and a customised-object-unloading station. The invention is characterised in that a transfer device comprises a plurality of mobile components, arranged along a closed-loop path, each mobile component being moved along the path and being solidly connected to an encoding head linked to a programming card that is moved by the mobile component. The encoding head is moved successively along the path from a loading station to at least one treatment station, simultaneously performing the electronic customisation of the component, and then either to the outlet or to a rejection station.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a docking station includes: a first support; a second support; a second connector; a cover; and a second mark. The first support supports a second face of an electronic device so that a display screen of the electronic device is positioned in an inclined manner. The second support supports a side portion of the electronic device in the state. The second connector is exposed outward from an area positioned in the second support, and to be connectable to a first connector of the electronic device in the state. The cover covers at least a part of the first face in the state. The second mark is capable of being a guide corresponding to the first mark. The second mark guidably indicates to the operator to move the electronic device to a position at which the electronic device is connected while the display screen is inclined.

Abstract: An apparatus having a plurality of storage slots aids in storing tablet computers, specifically iPad, for charging and/or transmitting data to and/or from. Moreover, the apparatus allows for automatically plugging a tablet computer into either a charging cable and/or a data transmission cable when disposing in the apparatus. Methods of making and using the same are provided.

Abstract: A docking station is provided for a laptop computer that has access to at least one connector and at least one push button. The docking station includes upper and lower portions. The upper portion has an aft bridge, a starboard arm and a port arm, each the arm having a lip, at least one of the arms having at least one cavity through a top surface for correspondently receiving the push button, and at least one of the arms having at least one orifice for correspondently receiving the connector. The lower portion has an aft spine, a starboard side, a front spine and a port side that bound a base. The computer can be disposed on the base. The lower portion includes front plates at corners to the starboard and port sides. The upper portion is disposed on the lower portion such that each lip aligns to the corresponding plate. The upper and lower portions are secured by mechanical fasteners, such as screws.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for providing supplemental functionality to a computer system with an expansion card adaptable for both internal and external coupling to the computer system. An expansion card has a bracket for internally coupling to a host computer and a housing for external coupling to a host computer. The expansion card may receive power from the host computer via an edge connector when internally coupled and through a power adapter via a power port when externally coupled. The expansion card may further receive data from the host computer via the edge connector when internally coupled and through an external bus when externally coupled. When externally coupled, the expansion card is mounted within a housing that may be mounted to an outside surface of a computer rack to preserve space within the rack.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a docking station includes a housing, a connecting part, and a positioning part. The housing includes a placing part on which apparatuses of various types are placed. The connecting part is provided in the placing part, and connected to the apparatuses in common. The positioning part is capable of projecting from the placing part in a first place and a second place. The positioning part in the first place is adjacent to an edge part of one of the apparatuses and guides the apparatus to a position where the apparatus is connected to the connecting part. The positioning part in the second place is adjacent to an edge part of another one of the apparatuses and guides the another apparatus to a position where the another apparatus is connected to the connecting part. The another apparatus has a different size from that of the apparatus.

Abstract: A data transmission base is used to transmit data for a data transmission device. The data transmission device has a data transmission body and a cover. The data transmission body has a first transmission interface. The data transmission base includes a transmission connection body and a cover connection body. The transmission connection body has a second transmission interface for connecting the first transmission interface. The cover connection body, which is connected to the transmission connection body, is used for connecting the cover.

Abstract: A base includes an engaging module, a release button and a code lock module. The release button presses the engaging module to release the host. The code lock module includes a cam assembly, a plurality of dials and a retaining assembly. The cam assembly includes cams arranged along an axis. Each of the dials has a recess for containing one of the cams. The retaining assembly includes a lock head and an elastic element. When one of the dials is rotated to separate one of the cams from the recess, the cam assembly pushes the lock head to be fastened to the release button and make the elastic element deform. When the dials are rotated to allow each recess to contain one cam, the cam assembly moves away from the lock head, and the elastic element restores to drive the lock head to be separated from the release button.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an external device for a mobile communication terminal, which enables non-contact NFC with the outside through a Near Field Communication (NFC) unit, and an NFC method using the external device. The external device for a mobile communication terminal includes a serial communication unit, an NFC unit, a smart card unit and an antenna. The serial communication unit is connected to a mobile communication terminal body through a connector. The NFC unit communicates with the mobile communication terminal body through the serial communication unit and communicates with the outside via non-contact NFC. The smart card unit communicates with the NFC unit. The antenna is configured such that the NFC unit transmits/receives signals via non-contact NFC through the antenna.

Abstract: A molded external expanding apparatus or “docking station” operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a hinge device for installing a tablet computer and disposed at a base having a fixing hole. The hinge device includes a casing, an elastic element, a fixing pin, and a lifting pin. The casing is pivotally connected with the base thus to be capable of rotating relative to the base, and it has a through hole corresponding to the fixing hole. The elastic element and the fixing pin are disposed in the casing. The fixing pin has a first inclined surface. One end of the fixing pin is connected with the elastic element, and the other end corresponds to the through hole. The lifting pin is moveably disposed through and protrudes from the casing, and the lifting pin has a second inclined surface against the first inclined surface. A docking station using the aforementioned hinge device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer includes a motherboard, a chassis to receive the motherboard, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card perpendicularly connected to the motherboard, a fan, and a fixing bracket. The chassis includes a fixing portion in parallel to the motherboard. The fixing bracket includes a base board defining an opening and a fixing element connected to the base board. The fan is mounted to the base board with a first side of the fan facing the opening, the base board is parallel to the PCI card, with a second side of the fan opposite to the first side facing the PCI card. Positions of the fasteners in the corresponding first slots are adjustable, to adjust a position that the fan is located on the base board. The assembly of the fan and the fixing bracket is used to improve cooling efficiency for the PCI card.

Abstract: A connecting structure reduces noise effects on an electronic device when hot docking the electronic device to mitigate against malfunctions. When a first electronic device having a first EMI shield is docked with a second electronic device having a second EMI shield, an ESD contact portion, which is connected to the second EMI shield and has higher in impedance than an EMI connecting portion, comes in contact with the first EMI shield earlier than the EMI connecting portion. Electrostatic charge carried on the first EMI shield moves slowly to the second EMI shield due to the high impedance of the ESD contact portion.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable computer or other portable computing device. The docking station having a docking tray formed of a tray body formed with a bearing surface that is adapted for receiving thereon a body portion of the portable computing device. A device receiver structure is positioned adjacent to an edge of the bearing surface of the tray body, and a device clamping mechanism is coupled opposite from the receiver structure for cooperating therewith. At least one substantially resilient preload mechanism is positioned adjacent to bearing surface with at least a portion thereof being projected thereabove. A floating expansion connector that is connectable with the device I/O connector is projected from the bearing surface and is resiliently movable in three dimensions relative thereto.

Abstract: A repository in the form of a cart, and a method for docking a plurality of portable computers in storage within the cart, are disclosed. The cart has an opening at the top of the cart and each computer is placed within a docking bay, connected electrically to an electrical connector at the docking bay. Each docking bay has an entrance at an upper level and a support member for the computer at a lower level located at a predetermined vertical distance from the upper level. The orientation of the docking bays, and the predetermined vertical distance are such that upon movement of a computer toward a fully seated position within a docking bay, the computer is biased by gravity toward and into retention in the fully seated position and is maintained by gravity assistance in such retention during transport and storage in the cart, connected to the electrical connector at the docking bay.

Abstract: A connecting module includes: a main section in which an electronic circuit is housed; a plate section that is rotatably supported by the main section, and that is adapted to lie in front of the main section, and that is rotatable between a flat position in which an electronic device is laid on a first face representing a top face and a standing position in which the electronic device is leaned against a second face representing a back face opposite to the first face; and a first connector that couples with the electronic device laid on the plate section when the plate section is in the flat position so as to connect the electronic device to the electronic circuit in the main section.

Abstract: A docking station that includes a base and a retention structure. The base is structured to rest on an underlying surface. The retention platform includes a receiving surface that is elevated from and supported by the base. A magnetic coupling mechanism is provided on the retention platform in order to magnetically retain a computing device that is rested on the receiving surface.

Abstract: A connecting module includes: a main section in which an electronic circuit is housed; a plate section that is rotatably supported by the main section, and that is adapted to lie in front of the main section, and that is rotatable between a flat position in which an electronic device is laid on a first face representing a top face and a standing position in which the electronic device is leaned against a second face representing a back face opposite to the first face; and a first connector that couples with the electronic device laid on the plate section when the plate section is in the flat position so as to connect the electronic device to the electronic circuit in the main section.

Abstract: A stand apparatus includes a holder, an elastic member, and a displacement operating portion. The holder is configured to hold an electronic apparatus so that the electronic apparatus can be inserted into and pulled out of the holder in a direction orthogonal to a thickness direction, the holder including a pair of wall portions capable of holding the inserted electronic apparatus while pressing the inserted electronic apparatus from both sides in the thickness direction. The elastic member is configured to elastically support the holder. The displacement operating portion is configured to cause the holder to move to a direction opposite to a direction of a repulsion force of the elastic member in response to insertion of the electronic apparatus and to displace at least one of the pair of wall portions to press the electronic apparatus along with the movement.

Abstract: A portable docking station system is designed to mount a portable computing device flush onto a musical instrument. The system features buttons or openings so the user can easily access the controls on the computing device such as volume and power. The system features a housing having a eject system allowing the edge to pivot which provides ease in installing and removing an attached portable computing device. The system is adjustable to receive computing devices of various sizes and thicknesses. Fillers or spacers are added to the system to accommodate various computing devices.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a portable device and a docking station is provided. The portable device has a display surface and a first restricting element. The docking station includes a base and a frame. The base has a supporting surface, wherein the portable device is adapted to be placed on the supporting surface. The frame is disposed around the base and has a second restricting element, wherein the frame is adapted to slide related to the base to drive the second restricting element to be aligned to the first restricting element of the portable device placed on the supporting surface, such that the portable device is fixed to the base by means of a magnetic attraction force between the first restricting element and the second restricting element.

Abstract: Docking stations, portable devices, and methods thereof are provided. The docking station includes an expansion port, a controller, and a transceiver. The expansion port is configured to be attached to a portable device. The controller is coupled to the expansion port and configured to determine whether the portable device is attached to the expansion port, and copy a multimedia data from the portable device to a media storage device upon the attachment. The transceiver is coupled to the controller and configured to receive a command signal from the portable device, wherein the controller is configured to control playback of the copied multimedia data in response to the command signal.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a power system to a mobile work station includes coupling a replacement power system with the mobile work station in place of an existing power system, establishing a power link between a power interface and a docking station for a removable battery, and establishing a communication link between a power control system and a detector configured to detect user interaction with a removable battery docked with the docking station.

Abstract: A peripheral data storage device for IPHONE mobile phone and IPOD media player devices having an encasement containing a system of electronic circuits which communicates with the IPHONE mobile phone or IPOD media player by means of a host software system and a device software system. The device also has a charge pass through connector and optional card slots. Various views of the device are shown in FIGS. 1-5.

Abstract: Docking stations with a moveable connector that is more durable are provided. For example, when a portable electronic device, coupled with the connector, is pushed forward, the connector is designed to move (e.g. rotate), thereby reducing an impact of strain resulting from such a push. The rotatable connector may be biased to keep the portable electronic device in an upright position such that the electronic device is supported by a rear reference surface of the docking station, thereby preventing undue strain on the rotatable connector in the upright position and inhibiting movement forward. The rotatable connector may be partly below an outer shell of the docking station, and pivot at the outer shell, thereby reducing possible damage to parts below the outer shell. The rotatable connector may also retract when rotated, thereby removing a force that can break the connector at a position of full rotation forward.

Abstract: A system includes a first apparatus and a second apparatus. The first apparatus includes a first surface, a depression in the first surface, and a first connector disposed on the first surface. The depression has a bottom with a hole through which a screw for assembling the apparatus is passed and accommodates the head of the screw. The second apparatus includes a second surface facing the first surface when the first apparatus is detachably attached, a second connector disposed on the second surface and engaging with the first connector, and a protrusion fixed into the depression when the first apparatus is attached.

Abstract: A mounting system for quickly attaching and detaching a computer terminal from a mounting station. The mounting station can be semi-permanently attached to an object, such as on forklift or a non-mobile structure, such as a wall. The mounting station can include a power input port for receiving external power for the computer terminal and one or more communication ports for providing data communication between the computer terminal and another device. The computer terminal includes an electrical connector that engages an electrical connector of the mounting station to receive the supply power and facilitate the data communication between the computer terminal and other device. The computer terminal and/or the mounting station can include a locking mechanism that releasably couples the computer terminal to the mounting station such that the electrical connectors maintain proper contact.

Abstract: A system and method is described that includes a laptop style portable dock design referred to as the terminal system. The terminal system includes a user interface and provides a flip type dock located behind the terminal system display, and more particularly, but not exclusively, provides a flip type dock that when a mobile device is docked in the flip type dock. The terminal system provides power to the smart device, displays the smart device user interface on the terminal system display, and enables the user to use peripherals connected to the terminal system and interact with the smart device through the user interface of the terminal system. The terminal system provides a way to detachably mate a plurality of portable processor based devices to provide the combined functionality of the terminal system and smart device in an integrated structure.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system includes a tablet unit and a cradle. The tablet unit includes a display and a touch screen input device disposed on a front surface, a first electrical connection, a first mounting mechanism, and a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is configured to receive media data from a wireless network and the touch screen input device is configured to receive input from a user. The cradle is disposed in a headrest in a vehicle and includes a second electrical connection and a second mounting mechanism. The tablet unit is electrically connected to the cradle via the first and second electrical connections, and is physically coupled to the cradle via the first and second mounting mechanisms upon mounting the tablet unit to the cradle.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device includes a housing, an interface, and a disengagement mechanism. The housing defines a receiving portion for accommodating the electronic device. The interface is disposed in the receiving portion so as to be engageable with the electronic device. The disengagement mechanism is disposed in the housing and configured for applying spring pressure to disengage the electronic device from the interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a notebook cooling pad, fan seat, docking station, and/or card reading station combination device. The combination device enables a notebook cooling pad to be coupled with a cooling fan, a port, and/or a card reader. The combination device is characterized in that paired symmetric cooling pads can be combined with or separated from a fan seat, a docking station, and/or a card reading station for operational purpose, such that the compact combination device is characterized by multiple purposes, multiple functions, and multiple ways of use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a function expanding apparatus, including: a mounting base section adapted to receive an information processing apparatus placed thereon solely or together with a battery mounted on a bottom face of the information processing apparatus; and a first connector movable in response to presence or absence of the battery until the first connector is connected to the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: The support system of the present invention provides an enhanced mounting system for electronic devices which makes portable use of the electronic devices simpler and more efficient. One exemplary application for which this system is very useful is photography. The system preferably, but not necessarily, includes a support platform that may be secured to a tripod, rolling stand, quick release plate, or to any other suitable support structure.

Abstract: A docking station for connecting a notebook computer includes a supporting frame, a connector for electrically connecting to the notebook computer, and a handle pivoted to the supporting frame. A first slot is formed on the handle, and the handle includes a pushing part for pushing the connector in a first direction. The docking station includes a first stopper, and one end of the first stopper is disposed inside the first slot of the handle. The first stopper does not stop the connector when the handle is located in a first position. The pushing part pushes the connector in the first direction so that the connector is connected to the notebook computer, and the first slot drives the first stopper in a second direction so that the first stopper stops a side of the connector when the handle rotates from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic system has a tablet type electronic device for ultrasonic diagnosis and a docking station for mounting thereto the electronic device removably. The docking station includes a receptacle section against which one side of the electronic device comes into abutment when mounting the electronic device, and a hold-down section for holding down the electronic device releasably on the side opposite to the one side when mounting the electronic device.

Abstract: A molded external expanding apparatus or “docking station” operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: An adapter may couple an electronic device to a host such as a computer. When coupled in this way, the host may transfer media files to the device. The host may also supply power to the electronic device using power lines in the adapter. The electronic device may have a status indicator such as a light-emitting diode status indicator. The adapter may also have a status indicator. During operation, the electronic device may transmit coded information on the current state of the status indicator in the electronic device by modulating the status indicator or other load in the device at a selected frequency. Control circuitry in the adapter may detect the transmitted state information by monitoring the power lines. The control circuitry may control the status indicator in the adapter so that the status indicator in the adapter replicates the current state of the status indicator in the electronic device.

Abstract: A portable electronic device capable of signal or power transmission and standing on a surface in a vertical or near-vertical orientation at the same time is provided in the present invention. The portable electronic device includes a flat body having a front surface, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a through hole passing through the flat body, and the through hole extending from the front surface to the rear surface. Herein the through hole is adapted to couple with an external docking element for signal or power transmission. Thus, the portable electronic device is capable of signal or power transmission and standing on the supporting surface at the same time via the external docking element coupling with the through hole.

Abstract: A consumer electronic system for holding and providing power to as many as three consumer electronic devices has three cradles in a staggered configuration. One of the cradles is positioned behind and between the remaining two cradles. Thereby the cradle positioned behind the other two cradles is capable of supporting a larger consumer electronic device without blocking the front two cradles. The support walls of the front two cradles provide a surface that supports the larger consumer electronic device.

Abstract: Use cases for portable electronic media devices as connected to other media systems, such as room-scale audiovisual systems. In some aspects, a hard shell case is adapted for securing a portable media device to a wall mount, or a stand, or providing access through wireless networking. In other aspects, use cases integrate these devices with other systems.