Texas Instruments Corporation

Larry D Mitcham

William E Nelson

Robert R Moore

LaVaughn F Watts, Jr

Gary Joseph Verdun

Kevin D Davis

Thomas R Grimm

Kelsey R Walker

Robert E Tonsing

Samuel L Vinson

Tom Grimm

James S Durkee

Robert E Pitts

The described embodiments of the present invention provide a computer docking system and method for connecting a portable computer to a docking station and method for coupling the docking station to an external monitor and an external keyboard and a technique for customizing the hardware configuration in the docking station for optimum performance. In a preferred embodiment, the technique for customizing the program hardware in the docking station is capable of customizing common hardware in various docking stations.

Computer docking system having means for customizing the hardware configuration in a docking station for optimum performance

An automatic docking station for a portable PC such as a Notebook PC is provided wherein the station includes a housing with external connectors to connect up to a full size monitor and full size keyboard as well as external connectors for connection to a modem and a mouse. The docking station further includes internal connectors coupled to these external connectors and tray for receiving the portable computer. The docking station includes a first drive motor to drive the tray into and out of the docking station so that some of the internal connectors engage and disengage with connectors on the end of a portable PC mounted on the tray. The movement of the tray causes an internal connector mounted on a first side of the docking station to cam into and out of engagement with a connector on a first side of a portable PC mounted on the tray. A second drive motor is provided to drive other internal connectors mounted on a second side of the docking station into and out of engagement with connectors on a second side of a portable PC mounted on the tray. Guide pins which are locked and unlocked in response to the guide pins being in mating holes in the portable PC are provided.

Automatic computer docking station having a motorized tray, cammed side

Plotter pen housing

An improved belt tensioning system 30 includes an improved tensioner 34 mounted on a fixed post 36. The improved tensioner 34 includes the body 37 having a bore 40 extending therethrough. Located in the bore 40 is an elastomeric material 42 having a Shore A durometer of between 30 and 50. Mounted within the bore 48 in the elastomeric material 42 is a bushing 44 that has a bore 46 therethrough sized to closely receive the post or shaft 36. The elastomeric material has damping characteristics capable of substantially eliminating resonant frequencies from the system. Location of the tensioner 34 on the fixed post or shaft 36 permits the appropriate tension to be applied in the system 30 and the driving auxiliary systems by the tensioner while avoiding the use of conventional belt tensioners 20 which may introduce vibrations or oscillations into the belt drive system.

Belt tensioning system and improved belt tensioner

A stereolithographic apparatus is disclosed comprising a vat, a working surface in the vat, an elevating mechanism for controlling the level of liquid within the vat relative to the working surface, an illumination source for emitting radiation, and an area array deformable mirror device. The illumination source emits radiation which is operable to harden a stereolithographic liquid, while the deformable mirror device is operable to reflect the incident radiation onto the surface of the liquid. The deformable mirror device can harden an entire lamina of liquid in one brief exposure interval increasing throughout without sacrificing resolution.

Stereolithographic apparatus and method of use

Spatial light modulator exposure unit for a laser printer

There is disclosed a light energy management system for use in conjunction with, in one embodiment, the exposure unit of a xerographic reproduction system. The light management system serves to funnel the unmodulated light for proper impact on a modulating device and to maintain the dark effect of the device when in the unmodulated mode. Light baffles are used for this purpose, some of which are formed as a series of angular steps designed to eliminate unwanted light along the longitudinal axis of the modulated light path. The angular step, in one embodiment, takes the shape of a semi-circular bee thorax. The modulated light path includes a light focus lens and a pair of mirrors for sending the modulated light pulses to the reproduction process surface.

Light energy control system and method of operation

There is disclosed an exposure unit and method of operation having advantage of deformable mirror device (DMD) technology. The exposure unit is used to provide front end image processing for a xerographic process printing system. The unit, in one embodiment, is constructed as a unitary member having a lamp socket, a support for holding a flat DMD substrate, a set of light focusing lenses, an image focusing lens, a light baffle and an extra light trap chamber. The unit is separated from the xerographic drum by a solid base which contains a slot positioned so that the image from the image lens passes therethrough for supplying the image to the drum. The light bundle is directed to the xerographic drum location along an optical path formed by a system of fold mirrors in the lower body of the unitary member.

Spatial light modulator exposure unit and method of operation

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a cam-operated idler roller assembly maintains tension on a computer printer generated form as it advances through the print station of a computer printer. This invention provides a nip station that disengages on a print medium reversal to allow the form to be run in a reverse direction through the print station by means of a cam design that disengages the idler roller assembly from the drive roller. The cam design further allows the idler roller assembly to reengage on forward print media movement to reestablish tension in the printing station.

Printer having disengageable idler roller assembly

An impact printer has a print ribbon that is divided into horizontal colored strips to enable color printing. A printhead is mounted on a moving carriage that moves across the width of a printing medium upon which the printing is to be deposited. The print ribbon also moves relative to the carriage. A ribbon shift mechanism is configured to include a print ribbon guide, the ribbon shift mechanism being slideably mounted in the carriage to move in a vertical direction relative thereto. A wire matrix printhead is connected to the carriage and has a printing end adjacent the print ribbon. A gear shaft is positioned to engage the gear sections of a pair of racks that are connected to the ribbon shift mechanism and which pass through the carriage. When the gear shaft is turned, the racks are engaged which cause the ribbon shift mechanism, and the print ribbon, to move either up or down thereby presenting a desired color to the printing end of the printhead. Printing is then performed in the desired color until a color change is required.

Printer having ribbon shift mechanism

A paper web-moving system includes a friction-type drive roll mechanism cooperatively operating with a detachable tractor drive mechanism. In one embodiment, the paper first passes over and engages a pair of driven tractors at an angle with respect to the horizontal, then under a driven roller platen and between two spaced apart sets of rollers positioned to force the paper against the roller platen. The drive mechanisms are configured so that the paper drive rate of the roller platen is greater than the drive rate of the tractor, causing paper tension therebetween. The present system permits the use of friction roll paper, tractor fan fold paper, and single sheets with a short tear-off capability.

Growing community of inventors

Temple, TX, United States of America

Larry D Mitcham