Micro Industries Corporation

Gary A Peck

Michael A Curran

James S Hogan

Kevin L Rahaman

Russell J Diehl

A housing unit for attaching a telephone switch cradle peripheral to an integrated display computer, and an integrated display computer with a telephone switch cradle peripheral attached thereto. Telephone switch cradle componentry is enclosed in a peripheral housing unit that is attached to a side of the computer. The housing unit comprises an end cap, shroud, and holster for holding telephone switch cradle componentry. The housing unit accepts a handset. In addition to accessing information using the computer's touch screen, users may use the handset to interact with the computer or with a person who can provide the user with additional information of interest. Additional information requested via the handset may be accessible using the computer's touch screen or the handset. A single network connection at the computer supports data and voice communications so that information from remote sources and software operational at the computer distinguishes voice and data communications.

Integrated display computer with telephone switch cradle peripheral

A stand with integrated peripherals for an integrated display computer. The peripherals are enclosed in a stand housing unit. Only the portion of the peripheral or peripheral interface with which a user interacts is accessible through the stand housing unit. The remaining components are hidden within the housing unit. Various types of peripherals such a CD-ROM or DVD drive may be installed in the base of the stand. Other types of peripherals such as a printer may be installed in the tower of the stand. The base and tower may be combined to form a complete stand. Power cords and cables may extend through the back or bottom of the stand and are protected by the stand base. The complete stand, which can accommodate an integrated display computer, gives each integrated display computer a similar, finished appearance regardless of which peripherals, if any, are enclosed in the stand.

Integrated display computer stand with integrated peripherals

A housing unit for attaching a peripheral device to an integrated display computer, and an integrated display computer with peripherals attached thereto. The peripherals are enclosed in a peripheral housing unit that is attached to a side of the computer that is adapted to accept the housing unit. The housing unit comprises an end cap and a shroud as well as internal components including an assembly bracket that are assembled to complete the unit. Only the portion of the peripheral or peripheral interface with which a user interacts is accessible through the housing unit. The remaining components are hidden within the housing unit. Various types of peripherals such as media card readers, bar code scanners, and magnetic card readers may be installed in the housing unit. Additionally, a housing unit that has an end cap and shroud but does not contain a peripheral may be attached to the computer. The peripheral housing unit gives each integrated display computer a similar, finished appearance regardless of which peripherals, if any, are enclosed.

Integrated display computer with peripherals

An adjustable bracket assembly for mounting an electronic display device to a shelf, such as, for example, a shelf of a retail store. The adjustable bracket assembly allows for the mounting of an electronic display device to shelving of different width and does not require any alteration of the shelving. The electronic display device may be mounted at different locations with respect to the shelf. The design of the adjustable bracket assembly preferably allows for useable shelf space to exist behind the electronic display device once it is installed to the shelf. The adjustable bracket assembly may also allow for attachment of a printer, or a printer housing.

Adjustable bracket assembly for shelf-mounted electronic display device

The present invention is a fanless computer with an integrated display. Passive cooling design features, including a heat sink, are incorporated into the device so that it is fanless. The heat sink supports the entire computer enclosure and causes heat in the device to dissipate through vents. The PCB assembly may be attached directly to the heat sink to facilitate thermal transfer characteristics so that components are cooled without the need for a fan. A pressure plate may be attached to the back of the PCB provides a tight coupling between the processor and heat sink. The computer is fanless, silent, and compact and therefore, suitable for many applications, including for use in locations where the availability of space is a concern. For example, the computer may be mounted on a retail store shelf to provide product information to consumers shopping at the retail establishment.

Fanless computer with integrated display

The present invention is a virtual product designer that allows a user to provide specifications for a custom board level product and receive an instantaneous cost quotation and feasibility assessment of the product. The user may connect through the Internet to a virtual product designer to obtain a cost quotation and design feasibility assessment for a specified product. Functional modules that serve as building blocks for a custom design are defined and stored in a library. Attributes and design parameters associated with the functional modules are used to calculate a cost quotation and evaluate design feasibility. As the user changes design requirements while interacting with the virtual product designer, the user is continually updated on the relevant functional, electrical, mechanical and cost parameters.

Growing community of inventors

Columbus, OH, United States of America

Gary A Peck