Texas Instruments Corporation

James E Altic

Rex A Karl

Carrie D Bader

Thomas R Grimm

Erik A Treszoks

Samuel L Vinson

Paily T Varghese

Jose I Rodriquez

A heat frame (10) incorporates a mounting frame for mounting multiple circuit boards (38), a heat sink (24), a connector bracket (34), and hinge mounts (12) into one integral component. Heat removed by the heat sink (24) is transferred over the entire heat frame (10) with the aid of a heat pipe (44). Fins 17 dissipate heat through the housing of computer (50) under the display assembly (74). The integral nature of the heat frame (10) reduces assembly and testing costs, as well as providing superior heat transfer and EMI/RFI grounding.

Heat frame for portable computer

A latch apparatus for a docking station includes a first member connected to a pivot connection on a base portion of the docking station and a second member connected to the first member. The second member is substantially curved so as to form a mechanical moment. A third member is connected to the second member and to a lever. the latch apparatus is operable to decrease an initial rest angle between the first member and the base portion of the docking station and thereby substantially reduce lateral friction forces which develop when the base portion of the docking station is moving laterally. The latch apparatus is further provides mechanical advantage via the mechanical moment which decreases the amount of force required to be applied to the lever to accomplish a given amount of work.

Latch apparatus and attachment system

A latch apparatus and attachment system for a docking station, with improved ease of closure and a connection lock capability, includes multiple connected latch members; a first of which is connected to a moveable base portion of the docking station; a second of which is substantially curved to form a mechanical moment; and a third of which is connected to a lever separate from the base portion. The multiple member latch apparatus and attachment system decreases an initial rest angle between the first member and the base portion of the docking station, which reduces lateral friction forces as the base portion of the docking station moves laterally. The curved member of the latch apparatus and attachment system improves efficiency of operation via the mechanical moment which decreases an amount of necessary force applied to the lever to accomplish a given amount of work. Additionally, the latch apparatus and attachment system provides a capability to lock the latch apparatus in place which secures the base portion and a positional relationship between the docking station and a portable computer.

Docking station latch apparatus and attachment system

A non-impact printer has a movable printhead carriage for traversing a print medium and has a bracket, also serving as a heat sink, pivotally connected to the printhead carriage. A non-impact printhead is secured to the bracket and positioned to contact the print medium. A spring is positioned between the bracket and the printhead carriage to move the bracket and consequently the attached printhead into contact with the print medium. A printhead adjusting eccentric, causing relative motion between the printhead carriage and the bracket, enables vertical positioning of the printhead with respect to the print medium.

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Belton, TX, United States of America

James E Altic