Grid Systems Corporation

Ast Research, Inc.

Jeff C Hawkins

John J Daly

James F Cole

James H McNamara

Ken L Dulaney

A portable lightweight combination laptop and pad computer has a display mounted on a main housing for movement between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, a keyboard is covered by the undersurface of the display and the display viewing surface remains visible so that the computer may be used in the pad mode with a conductive stylus for data and command entry. In the open position, the keyboard is exposed so that the computer may be used in a laptop or desk top mode, or in a combined mode including the pad mode. The display is mounted to the housing by a four bar hinge mechanism, and a pair of latches are provided approximately mid-way between the front and rear portions of the housing along the side margins to securely latch the display in the closed position for storage, transit or use in the pad mode. A removable power pack, which attaches to the rear of the housing, carries battery power and a charging circuit for supplying power to the computer elements contained within the housing.

Combination laptop and pad computer

A hand held computer of a type used for such activities as taking inventory, recording signatures on delivery, keeping a route agenda, etc. has a large screen and preferably is without a built in keyboard. The tablet type computer is thin in profile, light in weight and is easily carried and used. Programming in the computer enables an operator to select from various forms available for display on the screen, enables character recognition for items printed on the screen using a conductive stylus, enables the recording in memory of signatures, graphics or any other material entered on the screen, and enables other convenient functions. Certain preferred features of the computer enable it easily to be converted into a full function desk top computer with a keyboard, expansion module and stand.

Hand held computer

A portable computer, which may be a hand held computer useful for field work, has an attachment which can serve as both a carrying handle for the computer and a stand for holding the computer in a convenient position for use on a desk, at an appropriate angle for viewing the screen. The stand and handle has two plate-like arms connected by a hinge which serves as the handle and with one of the arms securable by a snap-in arrangement to the back or underside of the computer. The computer may have an expansion module secured to its backside, in which case the arm of the stand/handle is secured to the back of the expansion module. In one embodiment the stand and handle device is permanently second to the computer, rather than detachable.

Growing community of inventors

Redwood City, CA, United States of America

Jeff C Hawkins