Packard Bell Nec

Nec Corporation

Zenith Electronics Corporation

Zenith Data Systems Corporation

Eric D Fuhs

Peter A Ojeda

John P Wagner

Elisa E Zappacosta

Wayne L Griffin

Timothy A Bonardi

William C Hallowell

Bruce Wang

William R Cubbage

Robert R Turnbull

Robert A Kohtz

David L Plangger

Larry A Sparling

Russell S Uithoven

Russell M Niedzielski

Daniel R Carter

A flexible multimedia presentation system is configured to be releasably secured to a portable personal computer to provide additional features, such as a PCMCIA interface, a port replicator and other options. The system is configured to enable the unit to be rather easily transported as a unit. A retractable handle is provided which further facilitates transport of the unit. In order to provide enhanced flexibility of the flexible multimedia presentation system, the system includes a PCMCIA interface, as well as replicates the various I/O ports on the rear of the portable personal computer. By replicating the I/O ports on the portable personal computer, external I/O devices, such as an external monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer can be used when the portable personal computer is docked to the flexible multimedia presentation system. In the event that the personal computer is turned off; or the personal is not docked to the system; or the power supply within the system is unavailable, the various data, address and control signals in the flexible multimedia system are disconnected to prevent any loss of data or any damage to the personal computer and the flexible multimedia system.

Apparatus and method for automatically disconnecting address and data

A locking system for a computer or computer accessory housing not only secures the housing but also secures any PCMCIA cards installed in PCMCIA slots in the housing. In particular, the computer or accessory housing is configured with two side-by-side PCMCIA slots. One or more keyhole slots are disposed between the two PCMCIA for receiving a cylindrical lock assembly, such as a Kensington lock assembly. The spacing between the side-by-side PCMCIA slots is selected such that the cylindrical lock assembly is secured to the keyholes, the lock assembly partially blocks the PCMCIA slot openings and thus prevents removal of any PCMCIA cards from the computer or accessory housing. In order to provide additional security, one keyhole may be formed to depend from an interior metal chassis while a corresponding keyhole is formed from the cover which prevents removal of the cards as well as removal of the housing cover. The configuration of the lock assembly enables not only the computer or computer housing to be secured but any PCMCIA cards installed within the slots to be secured as well rather quickly and easily without the need to remove the PCMCIA cards.

Peripheral card locking device

A modular portable personal computer includes one or more flexible bays accessible from the front surface of the computer. One or more of the flexible bays may be configured as a dual functional bay to enable the bay to interchangeably receive different modular devices, such as a modular floppy disk drive or a modular battery pack. With such a configuration, the modular floppy disk drive can be removed for portable operation and an additional battery pack installed to provide increased electrical power to the portable personal computer during portable operation. The portable personal computer is also provided with a plurality of cavities formed in a bottom surface. These cavities allow for various upgrades to be made without opening the computer housing. For example, a modular hard disk drive cavity is provided on the bottom side of the personal computer. The modular hard disk drive cavity is adapted to receive a modular hard disk drive which can be relatively easily removed and installed without opening the computer housing. In addition, a cavity may be provided which is closed by an access cover which includes one or more standard in-line memory module (SIMM) sockets to enable additional SIMMS to be added without opening the computer housing. The CPU in the modular portable personal computer can also be rather easily and quickly replaced. In particular, a cavity is formed in the bottom of the portable personal computer and carries an electrical connector that is electrically connected to the mother board. A CPU mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) is adapted to be received in the cavity. A mating connector is provided on the PCB to enable the CPU to be connected to the motherboard. An access panel provides access to the cavity to enable the CPU to be replaced without the need to open the computer housing.

Modular portable personal computer having bays to receive

A portable presentation system includes a portable personal computer with a removable LCD and a stand assembly for carrying the LCD in a detached position to enable the LCD to be viewed when detached from the portable personal computer. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the LCD display is formed with a hinge which enables the viewing angle of the display to be fully adjustable in both a detached and attached position. The LCD display system also includes a latching mechanism which enables the display to be latched to the computer housing in all positions, thus preventing inadvertent removal and perhaps damage to the display. The stand assembly includes a base for carrying the LCD in a detached position and enabling the LCD display to be latched thereto in all viewing angle positions while enabling the viewing angle to be varied. The stand also includes a connector that is adapted to mate with a connector on the LCD display. The connector on the stand assembly is connected to a cable, which, in turn, is connected to an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly is adapted to be latched to the portable personal computer and includes a connector for mating with a corresponding connector on the portable personal computer.

Removable LCD and stand assembly

A modular portable personal computer includes one or more flexible bays accessible from the front surface of the computer. One or more of the flexible bays may be configured as a dual functional bay to enable the bay to interchangeably receive different modular devices, such as a modular floppy disk drive or a modular battery pack. With such a configuration, the modular floppy disk drive can be removed for portable operation and an additional battery pack installed to provide increased electrical power to the portable personal computer during portable operation. The portable personal computer is also provided with a plurality of cavities formed in a bottom surface. These cavities allow for various upgrades to be made without opening the computer housing. For example, a modular hard disk drive cavity is provided on the bottom side of the personal computer. The modular hard disk drive cavity is adapted to receive a modular hard disk drive which can be relatively easily removed and installed without opening the computer housing. In addition, a cavity may be provided which is closed by an access cover which includes one or more standard in-line memory module (SIMM) sockets to enable additional SIMMs to be added without opening the computer housing. The CPU in the modular portable personal computer can also be rather easily and quickly replaced. In particular, a cavity is formed in the bottom of the portable personal computer and carries an electrical connector that is electrically connected to the mother board. A CPU mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) is adapted to be received in the cavity. A mating connector is provided on the PCB to enable the CPU to be connected to the motherboard. An access panel provides access to the cavity to enable the CPU to be replaced without the need to open the computer housing.

Modular portable personal computer

A portable computer with a base and keyboard with a pivotal lid assembly containing both a visual display panel and a parallel mounted central processing unit circuit board, as well as coplanar memory and visual display driving circuitry. The lid assembly is provided with front and rear clam shell covers with the front cover holding a bezel around the visual display (an LCD), and the front also provides the supports for the circuit boards in spaced, parallel relation to both the LCD and the rear cover, so when the lid is open and generally vertical, air blows by convection through lower vent holes in the covers, over both sides of the boards, and exits through upper vent holes.

Heat-exchange panel for portable computer

A portable computer with a retractable handle and lid latch, where extension of the handle actuates the latch and the handle retracts automatically as the lid is opened.

Retractable handle and latch for portable computers

A pivoting mount for a detachable, low profile keyboard in a computer terminal which includes a video display unit, e.g., a CRT, provides for the secure positioning of the keyboard adjacent to the video display unit in either a lowered, use position or a raised, stored position. In the use position, the keyboard is maintained in a stable horizontal orientation immediately below and forward of the faceplate of the video display unit. In the stored position, the keyboard is securely maintained in a generally vertical orientation immediately forward of the video display unit's faceplate so as to provide protection therefor and enhance the portability of the computer terminal. This mounting arrangement also provides for the remote use of the keyboard by facilitating its removal from the computer terminal to which it remains electrically coupled by means of a cable.

Growing community of inventors

Stevensville, MI, United States of America

Eric D Fuhs