Computer underside docking method and apparatus

    公开(公告)号:US06264488B1

    公开(公告)日:2001-07-24

    申请号:US09566640

    申请日:2000-05-08

    IPC分类号: H01R13625

    摘要: Docking of a notebook computer having an underside docking connector is facilitated by a depressible ramp at a docking station. The computer is slid onto the ramp and guided into a prescribed position. The user then actuates a lever which lowers the ramp and computer. As the computer and ramp move downward, the computer's docking connector mates to a docking connector in the docking station. The computer includes guide tracks and an alignment member along the undersurface of the computer housing. The docking station includes rails and an alignment member corresponding to the guide tracks and alignment member of the computer. Alternative to moving a ramp, is a rotatable docking connector moved by a lever.

    Computer underside docking method and apparatus
    2.
    发明授权
    Computer underside docking method and apparatus 有权
    计算机底座对接方法和装置

    公开(公告)号:US06220883B1

    公开(公告)日:2001-04-24

    申请号:US09566856

    申请日:2000-05-08

    IPC分类号: H01R450

    摘要: Docking of a notebook computer having an underside docking connector is facilitated by a depressible ramp at a docking station. The computer is slid onto the ramp and guided into a prescribed position. The user then actuates a lever which lowers the ramp and computer. As the computer and ramp move downward, the computer's docking connector mates to a docking connector in the docking station. The computer includes guide tracks and an alignment member along the undersurface of the computer housing. The docking station includes rails and an alignment member corresponding to the guide tracks and alignment member of the computer. Alternative to moving a ramp, is a rotatable docking connector moved by a lever.

    摘要翻译: 具有底面对接连接器的笔记本电脑的对接通过对接站的可压降斜坡来促进。 计算机滑入斜坡并引导到规定的位置。 然后用户致动一个降低斜坡和计算机的杠杆。 当计算机和斜坡向下移动时,计算机的对接连接器与坞站中的对接连接器配合。 计算机包括引导轨道和沿着计算机外壳的下表面的对准构件。 对接站包括轨道和对应于计算机的引导轨道和对准构件的对准构件。 移动斜坡的替代方案是通过杠杆移动的可旋转对接连接器。

    Battery charger with detachable mechanical adapters and fold-out
connectors
    3.
    发明授权
    Battery charger with detachable mechanical adapters and fold-out connectors 有权
    带可拆卸机械适配器和折叠连接器的电池充电器

    公开(公告)号:US6160378A

    公开(公告)日:2000-12-12

    申请号:US368546

    申请日:1999-08-04

    IPC分类号: H02J7/00

    CPC分类号: H02J7/0068 H02J7/0044

    摘要: A battery charger utilizes detachable mechanical adapters, so that the battery charger can operate as a single battery charger or a dual battery charger. The detachable mechanical adapters are battery holders to connect a battery to the battery charger for recharging. Preferably, the battery charger is designed to charge one or two depleted notebook batteries. In the preferred embodiment, the battery charger also operates as an AC/DC converter to provide operating DC from AC, which is derived from AC received from an external source, to a notebook computer that is coupled to the battery charger. The battery charger includes an AC/DC adapter and a charging unit. The charging unit of the battery charger includes a central module and two detachable mechanical adapters. The central module of the charging unit contains battery-charging circuitry that provides the charging current from the received DC to the detachable mechanical adapters. The charging current is used to recharge any notebook batteries that are held by the detachable mechanical adapters. The central module includes two fold-out connectors that can be utilized to physically attach one or both mechanical adapters to the central module. In a first embodiment, the battery compartments of the mechanical adapters are designed to hold a particular type of notebook batteries having a fixed thickness. In a second embodiment, the battery compartments of the mechanical adapters are designed to hold one of two types of notebook batteries having different thicknesses.

    摘要翻译: 电池充电器使用可拆卸的机械适配器,以便电池充电器可以作为单个电池充电器或双电池充电器工作。 可拆卸机械适配器是将电池连接到电池充电器以进行充电的电池座。 优选地,电池充电器设计成对一个或两个耗尽的笔记本电池充电。 在优选实施例中,电池充电器还作为AC / DC转换器工作,以将AC从外部源接收的AC提供的操作DC提供给耦合到电池充电器的笔记本计算机。 电池充电器包括一个AC / DC适配器和一个充电单元。 电池充电器的充电单元包括中央模块和两个可拆卸机械适配器。 充电单元的中央模块包含电池充电电路,其提供从接收到的DC到可拆卸的机械适配器的充电电流。 充电电流用于对由可拆卸机械适配器保持的任何笔记本电池进行充电。 中央模块包括两个折叠连接器,可用于将一个或两个机械适配器物理连接到中央模块。 在第一实施例中,机械适配器的电池隔间被设计成保持具有固定厚度的特定类型的笔记本电池。 在第二实施例中,机械适配器的电池隔室被设计成保持具有不同厚度的两种类型的笔记本电池之一。

    Display adapter for overhead projector presentation
    4.
    发明授权
    Display adapter for overhead projector presentation 失效
    用于高架投影机演示的显示适配器

    公开(公告)号:US5823651A

    公开(公告)日:1998-10-20

    申请号:US726598

    申请日:1996-10-07

    摘要: A display adapter adapts a display, such as a laptop display, to a projector display panel for use with an overhead projector. The laptop display is detached from a laptop CPU and physically and electronically connected to the adapter. The display adapter has a parallel conductor and electronic interfacing circuitry to interface the display with the computer CPU via the parallel port of the laptop. The adapter has an enclosure with a central body and two extendible sleeves slidably mounted to the body to move between an expanded position and a collapsed position. In the expanded position, the sleeves project outward from the body in opposing directions. In the collapsed position, the sleeves are slid inward relative to the body toward each other to an abutting relationship. The enclosure also has two support arms movably mounted to the first and second sleeves, respectively, to move between an opened position and a closed position. When the adapter is arranged with the sleeves in their expanded position and the arms in their opened position, the display mounts to the adapter and is supported horizontally by the support arms a safe distance from the projector light surface to prevent overheating. The extended sleeves cover one entire side area of the projector light surface adjacent to the display to block all peripheral bright spots left uncovered by the display. The adapter body has a recess sized to hold a remote control handset, such as an IR device. When the sleeves are extended to the expanded position, the recess is exposed to permit removal and replacement of the IR device. An IR port is formed in the body and exposed when the sleeves are extended to receive IR signals from the IR device.

    摘要翻译: 显示适配器将诸如笔记本电脑显示器的显示器适配到投影仪显示面板以用于高架投影仪。 膝上型计算机显示器与笔记本电脑CPU分离,物理和电子连接到适配器。 显示适配器具有并联导体和电子接口电路,用于通过笔记本电脑的并行端口将显示器与计算机CPU接口。 适配器具有带有中心体的外壳,两个可伸缩套筒可滑动地安装到主体以在扩张位置和折叠位置之间移动。 在扩展位置,袖子从身体向外突出相反的方向。 在折叠位置,袖子相对于身体相对于彼此向内滑动到邻接关系。 外壳还具有可移动地安装到第一和第二套筒的两个支撑臂,以分别在打开位置和关闭位置之间移动。 当适配器布置成袖子处于其展开位置并且臂处于其打开位置时,显示器安装到适配器,并且由支撑臂水平支撑,与投影仪光表面安全距离以防止过热。 延长的袖子覆盖与显示器相邻的投影仪光表面的整个侧面区域,以阻挡显示器未覆盖的所有外围亮点。 适配器主体具有用于保持诸如IR设备的遥控手持机的凹部。 当套筒延伸到扩展位置时,凹部被暴露以允许移除和更换IR装置。 IR端口形成在主体中,并且当套筒被延伸以从IR装置接收IR信号时露出。

    System for promoting correct finger placement in a fingerprint reader
    5.
    发明授权
    System for promoting correct finger placement in a fingerprint reader 失效
    用于在指纹读取器中促进正确手指放置的系统

    公开(公告)号:US06501847B2

    公开(公告)日:2002-12-31

    申请号:US10163445

    申请日:2002-06-05

    IPC分类号: G06K920

    CPC分类号: G06K9/00013

    摘要: A fingerprint reading system includes a guide mechanism that defines the path of a finger across an interrogation region defined by an imaging device and includes a locking mechanism that selectively restricts the guide mechanism. In one embodiment, the guide mechanism is a finger guide that is restricted from following its established slide path, unless there is an applied force in the direction generally perpendicular to the slide path. The finger guide includes a finger-supporting region with an opening configured to expose the finger to the imaging device. Following a fingerprint reading operation, the finger guide is returned to a rest position by at least one spring mechanism. Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to require pressure on opposite sides of the finger guide, with the opposite sides being aligned with the slide path. This alignment is intended to provide proper finger placement, since it requires finger contact at both the forward and rearward sides of the finger-supporting region. In another embodiment, the guide mechanism is a pair of rollers that are restricted from rotation by at least one locking mechanism having a release member. The rollers are on the forward and rearward sides of an imaging window, while the release members are on the lateral sides, but are sufficiently close to the rollers that a single finger is in contact with the rollers and the release members during a fingerprint reading operation. The release members are depressable actuators that restrict roller rotation when the release members are in a relaxed condition.

    摘要翻译: 指纹读取系统包括引导机构,该引导机构限定手指跨越由成像装置限定的询问区域的路径,并且包括选择性地限制引导机构的锁定机构。 在一个实施例中,引导机构是手指引导件,其不受遵循其已建立的滑动路径的限制,除非在大致垂直于滑动路径的方向上存在施加的力。 手指引导件包括手指支撑区域,其具有被配置为将手指暴露于成像装置的开口。 在指纹读取操作之后,手指引导件通过至少一个弹簧机构返回至休止位置。 优选地,锁定机构构造成在手指引导件的相对侧上需要压力,其中相对侧与滑动路径对齐。 该对准旨在提供适当的手指放置,因为它需要手指支撑区域的前侧和后侧的手指接触。 在另一个实施例中,引导机构是通过具有释放构件的至少一个锁定机构限制旋转的一对辊。 辊子位于成像窗口的前侧和后侧,而释放构件位于侧面,但是在指纹读取操作期间,单个手指与辊和释放构件接触的辊足够靠近 。 释放构件是当释放构件处于松弛状态时限制辊旋转的可按压致动器。

    Docking station having a plurality of adapter trays for a plurality of portable computers
    6.
    发明授权
    Docking station having a plurality of adapter trays for a plurality of portable computers 失效
    坞站具有用于多个便携式计算机的多个适配器托盘

    公开(公告)号:US06301106B1

    公开(公告)日:2001-10-09

    申请号:US09179241

    申请日:1998-10-26

    IPC分类号: G06F116

    CPC分类号: G06F1/1632

    摘要: The invention provides a single docking station structure which is usable for a set of different pieces of equipment having essentially similar interfaces, such as a manufacturer's line of portable (“notebook” or “laptop”) computer product models. A common first module supports interfaces with peripheral devices or the like. A model-specific second module, second from a set of second modules that correspond with various models from the line of portable computers, is coupled with the first module to support the portable computer. The second module supports the portable computer, so as to interface it directly with the interface on the first module. The second modules, preferably configured as trays for holding the portable computers, are very simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The trays can be stored next to the docking station (like magazines on a bookshelf). An identification system, which labels the different trays and cross-references them to the corresponding portable computers, allows for future changes in the manufacturer's product line, in which a new model of portable computer requires either a new tray or one of the previously existing trays. The invention is advantageous to manufacturers because it reduces the number and variety of docking station products required for use with the manufacturer's portable computers.

    摘要翻译: 本发明提供了一种单一的对接站结构,其可用于具有基本相似的接口的一组不同的设备,例如制造商的便携式(“笔记本”或“笔记本”)计算机产品型号的生产线。 常见的第一模块支持与外围设备等的接口。 与来自便携式计算机系列的各种型号相对应的一组第二模块的第二模型与第一模块耦合以支持便携式计算机。 第二个模块支持便携式计算机,以便将其直接与第一个模块上的接口进行接口。 优选地配置为用于容纳便携式计算机的托盘的第二模块非常简单且制造成本低廉。 托盘可以放在对接站旁边(如书架上的杂志)。 标识不同托盘并将其交叉引用到相应的便携式计算机的识别系统允许制造商的产品线中的未来变化,其中便携式计算机的新型号需要新的托盘或之前存在的托盘之一 。 本发明对制造商是有利的,因为它减少了与制造商的便携式计算机一起使用所需的对接站产品的数量和种类。

    Computer docking station with retractable release lever
    7.
    发明授权
    Computer docking station with retractable release lever 有权
    带伸缩释放杆的电脑对接站

    公开(公告)号:US06185095B2

    公开(公告)日:2001-02-06

    申请号:US09141942

    申请日:1998-08-28

    IPC分类号: H05K500

    CPC分类号: G06F1/1632

    摘要: A computer docking station for a portable computer has an enclosure to mate physically and electrically with the portable computer. The enclosure has a docking tray upon which the portable computer rests when docked. One or more slideable engagement members are mounted to slide on the docking tray to engage the portable computer when the computer is being docked. The engagement members slide as the computer is moved to the docked position to securely hold the portable computer in the docking station. A link mechanism internal of the enclosure is connected to move the engagement members between the undocked and docked positions. A lever is provided to allow a user to actuate the link mechanism. The lever is movable between an exposed position in which the lever is accessible to the user for actuating the mechanism and an unexposed position in which the lever is inaccessible to the user. In the unexposed position, the lever is retracted into the enclosure. A lever release mechanism is provided to transition the lever from the unexposed position to the exposed position. Upon actuation, the docking station informs the portable computer of an impending undocking action to give the portable computer adequate time to prepare for undocking. The lever release mechanism delays movement of the lever until receiving a message from the portable computer indicating readiness for undocking. Once the portable computer is ready, the lever release mechanism moves the lever to the exposed position for accessibility by the user.

    摘要翻译: 用于便携式计算机的计算机对接站具有与便携式计算机物理和电气配合的外壳。 外壳具有对接托盘,便携式计算机在对接托盘时停靠在其上。 安装一个或多个可滑动接合构件以在对接托盘上滑动以在计算机对接时与便携式计算机接合。 当计算机移动到对接位置时,接合构件滑动以将便携式计算机牢固地保持在坞站中。 连接外壳的内部的连杆机构,以使接合件在离开和停靠位置之间移动。 提供杠杆以允许使用者致动连杆机构。 杠杆可在暴露位置之间移动,在暴露位置中,使用者可操纵杆来致动该机构,而在该暴露位置中该杆不能被用户操作。 在未曝光位置时,杆被缩回到外壳内。 杠杆释放机构被设置成将杠杆从未曝光位置转移到暴露位置。 在启动时,对接站通知便携式计算机即将出现的脱离动作,以给便携式计算机足够的时间准备脱离。 杠杆释放机构延迟杠杆的移动,直到从便携式计算机接收到指示就绪以脱离的消息。 一旦便携式计算机准备就绪,杠杆释放机构将杠杆移动到暴露位置以供用户访问。

    System for promoting correct finger placement in a fingerprint reader

    公开(公告)号:US06504945B1

    公开(公告)日:2003-01-07

    申请号:US09351661

    申请日:1999-07-13

    IPC分类号: G06K920

    CPC分类号: G06K9/00013

    摘要: A fingerprint reading system includes a guide mechanism that defines the path of a finger across an interrogation region defined by an imaging device and includes a locking mechanism that selectively restricts the guide mechanism. In one embodiment, the guide mechanism is a finger guide that is restricted from following its established slide path, unless there is an applied force in the direction generally perpendicular to the slide path. The finger guide includes a finger-supporting region with an opening configured to expose the finger to the imaging device. Following a fingerprint reading operation, the finger guide is returned to a rest position by at least one spring mechanism. Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to require pressure on opposite sides of the finger guide, with the opposite sides being aligned with the slide path. This alignment is intended to provide proper finger placement, since it requires finger contact at both the forward and rearward sides of the finger-supporting region. In another embodiment, the guide mechanism is a pair of rollers that are restricted from rotation by at least one locking mechanism having a release member. The rollers are on the forward and rearward sides of an imaging window, while the release members are on the lateral sides, but are sufficiently close to the rollers that a single finger is in contact with the rollers and the release members during a fingerprint reading operation. The release members are depressable actuators that restrict roller rotation when the release members are in a relaxed condition.

    Computer docking station with anti-theft locking mechanisms for removable components
    9.
    发明授权
    Computer docking station with anti-theft locking mechanisms for removable components 失效
    电脑对接站带防盗锁机构,用于可移动部件

    公开(公告)号:US06331934B1

    公开(公告)日:2001-12-18

    申请号:US09071429

    申请日:1998-05-01

    IPC分类号: H05K500

    CPC分类号: G06F1/1632 H05K5/0208

    摘要: A computer docking station has an anti-theft locking mechanism that prevents theft of PC cards and other removable components (removable drives, batteries, etc.) mounted in the docking station and a portable computer docked therein. The locking mechanism is mechanically moveable between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the locking mechanism at least partially covers the removable components to prevent their removal. In the unlocked position, the locking mechanism is withdrawn to allow removal of the components. The locking mechanism is preferably configured for use with an existing tether lock (e.g., a Kensington lock) used to secure the docking station and/or computer. The lock secures the locking mechanism in the locked position to protect the components.

    摘要翻译: 计算机对接站具有防盗锁定机构,防止将PC卡和安装在对接站中的其它可移除部件(可移动驱动器,电池等)和与其对接的便携式计算机的盗窃。 锁定机构可在锁定位置和未锁定位置之间机械移动。 在锁定位置,锁定机构至少部分地覆盖可移除部件以防止其移除。 在解锁位置,锁定机构被拉出以允许部件的移除。 锁定机构优选地被配置为与现有的用于固定对接站和/或计算机的系绳锁(例如,Kensington锁)配合使用。 锁定将锁定机构固定在锁定位置以保护部件。

    Combined high-speed and low-speed infrared transceiver on computer
display panel housing
    10.
    发明授权
    Combined high-speed and low-speed infrared transceiver on computer display panel housing 失效
    在计算机显示面板外壳上组合高速和低速红外收发器

    公开(公告)号:US5781177A

    公开(公告)日:1998-07-14

    申请号:US739335

    申请日:1996-10-29

    IPC分类号: G06F3/00 G06F1/16 G09G5/00

    摘要: A high-speed infrared ("IR") port and a low-speed IR port are co-located at a notebook computer display panel housing. Both IR ports are directional with a different sensing direction. The high-speed IR port is located along an upper side edge of the display panel housing. The low-speed IR port is located above the display panel along the viewing face of the display panel housing adjacent to the high-speed IR port. The low-speed IR port is disabled while the notebook computer display panel is in the closed position, and is enabled when out of the closed position. Conversely, the high-speed IR port is enabled while the notebook computer display panel is in the closed position and is disabled when out of the closed position. Collocating the ports allows convenient access to each port. The ports share a common electrical interface thereby reducing circuitry.

    摘要翻译: 高速红外(“IR”)端口和低速IR端口位于笔记本电脑显示面板外壳上。 两个IR端口都是具有不同感应方向的方向。 高速IR端口位于显示面板外壳的上侧边缘。 低速IR端口位于与显示面板外壳相邻的高速红外线端口的显示面板的上方。 当笔记本电脑显示面板处于关闭位置时,低速IR端口被禁用,并且在关闭位置时使能。 相反,当笔记本电脑显示面板处于关闭位置时,高速红外线端口启用,并且在关闭位置时被禁用。 配置端口可方便地访问每个端口。 端口共享一个通用的电接口,从而减少电路。