Gateway, Inc.

John Love

Glen J Anderson

Paul Holder

A system is disclosed for reducing power drain of a component when the component is in a powered down state. The system comprises a power input configured to receive power, a power output to the component, monitor logic configured to monitor a level of power moving between the input and output, and control logic configured to control power transfer between the input and output. The control logic may be in communication with the monitor logic and configured to selectively restrict power flow between the input and output when the monitor logic senses that power flow between the input and output falls below a threshold level. A method comprises checking a power level between the input and output, and if the power level exceeds a threshold, then permitting substantially unrestricted power flow. If the power level is less than the threshold, then restricting the power level between the input and output.

System for minimizing the power consumption of a device in a power down mode

A computer subassembly aspect is disclosed comprising a case defining an interior, a primary circuit board located in the interior of the case, and a BIOS chip socket mounted on the primary circuit board. The case has an opening formed therein that is aligned with a position of the BIOS chip socket on the primary circuit board to permit insertion of a BIOS chip into the BIOS chip socket through the opening. A method of assembling a computer is also disclosed that comprises assembling a subassembly of a laptop computer in a first location, with the subassembly including a BIOS chip socket for receiving a BIOS chip but lacking a BIOS chip, transporting the subassembly from the first location to a second location, and installing a BIOS chip into the BIOS chip socket of the subassembly when the subassembly is in the second location.

System for assembling computers to provide a favorable import classification

A system that includes an electronic device (such as a portable computer), a writing instrument, and a receptacle located on the device for removably receiving the writing instrument. The receptacle includes an opening on the device and a channel in communication with the opening and extending inwardly with respect to the device. The system further includes an adapter structure configured to change an effective width of the channel between at least two widths to thereby hold writing instruments of different widths in the receptacle.

System for housing writing instruments of different sizes in a portable computer

A multiaxial hinge assembly that enables rotation about a first axis between a clockwise limit and a counterclockwise limit and also enables rotation about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first includes a rotational direction indicator to provide an indication of a direction of rotation about the first axis to reduce the likelihood of rotation against the clockwise or counterclockwise limits and possible damage to the hinge assembly, or connected apparatus, or both. In one example, the multiaxial hinge assembly may be used for mounting the display of a hybrid notebook/tablet PC to provide an indication to a user of the direction in which the display may be counter-rotated when the hinge is positioned at either the clockwise or counterclockwise limits.

Multiaxial hinge assembly with rotational direction indicator

When a user wants to display application program status information or invoke a help function (either manually or automatically), a context-sensitive status or help display is provided that is either physically or virtually separate from the application program display. That is, the status or help display does not conceal or otherwise interfere with the main output of the application program. With this arrangement, the user is not inconvenienced by invoking a status request or help functions, nor is the user distracted by its display. The status or help information may be displayed in a portion of a single screen that does not overlap with the active window of the application program (a virtually separate display). Alternatively, a physically separate auxiliary display may be provided for display of the status or help information.

Method and system for displaying non-overlapping program and auxiliary windows

A joystick designed to be used primarily in a mobile computing environment. The joystick is designed to attach to the side of a notebook computer in such a way that the support of the notebook computer becomes the support of the joystick. The interface the joystick uses to communicate with the computer is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. A pass-through port has also been included to allow the joystick to participate in the daisy chain capabilities of USB technology.

&ldquo;Mini-stick&rdquo; module&mdash;new mobiles joystick input device

A computer having one or more components is assembled utilizing a friction fastener that is formed by use of a screw that bears on a surface attached to a cage adjacent a component to create a friction fit to retain the component in a secure manner within the cage in the computer. The surface is a substantially flat portion of a shim or finger tab that is attached to the cage. The surface fits into an opening in the cage having a backed-off portion screw support having a threaded opening opposite the surface from the component. The screw is installed in the screw support to provide force against the surface of the tab to press it into the component in a friction fit manner to prevent movement of the component relative to the cage.

Growing community of inventors

Sioux City, IA, United States of America

John Love