International Business Machines Corporation

Joseph Anthony Ho-Lung

Tin-Lup Wong

Vinod Kamath

Mark Evan Cohen

Leo Harold Webster, Jr

Dean Frederick Herring

James Gordon McLean

Timothy Samuel Farrow

Walter Adrian Goodman

William Fred Otto

Jacklin Ann Adams

Jeffrey Jay Miller

Jeffrey Tate

The present invention is a personal computer system and method including a biometric sensor which is protected from environmental forces and which resists certain attacks by sensing whether a living person is providing the biometric identification. A second sensor provides an input as to whether the biometric input is from a living person, through the sensing of a life-indicative parameter such as an appropriate level of blood oxygen in the sensed item, and the sensors are covered by a removal cover which provides electrostatic discharge when the cover is opened.

Personal computer with a biometric sensor having improved resistance to environmental distortions

A cooling apparatus, method and article of manufacture are disclosed which provide for selectively providing power to an attached heat-dissipating apparatus having a cooling probe in thermal contact with a cooling unit, to remove heat generated by a heat-generating source within the computer to an external environment outside of the computer. Power may be conserved, portable battery life extended, higher-speed processors utilized, and overall dimensional characteristics of a personal computer may be slimmed and reduced by utilizing the apparatus with a personal computer. Heat energy is transferred across a thermal connection interface from the heat-generating source of the personal computer to a collection face of the apparatus, and thereafter collected heat energy is dissipated in relation to the available power of the power source and/or the planned operating speed of the processor.

Adaptable heat dissipation device for a personal computer

A system for holding a device in a computer system, the computer system including a drive cage for holding the device, is disclosed. The system comprises a first rail coupled to one side of the device and adapted to fit into the drive cage and a second rail coupled to the device at a side opposite the one side and adapted to fit into the drive cage, wherein the first and second rails are coupled to the device without requiring a tool. Computer systems utilizing the system in accordance with the present invention, will be better equipped to handle the acoustic vibrations created during the operation of different types of drives such as Direct Access and Storage Devices (DASDs). Accordingly, this will enable computer system manufacturers to incorporate faster DASDs without acoustically coupling the DASD to the chassis. Furthermore, by employing a screw-less rail, PC manufacturers and users will no longer be required to use a tool to remove the attached rails. This facilitates the easy removal and reinstallation of DASDs when interchanging computer components.

System for holding a device in a computer system

Growing community of inventors

Wake Forest, NC, United States of America

Joseph Anthony Ho-Lung