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browse through the 1993 archive, download the patent specification
PATENTS ARCHIVE BY YEAR
Use the tabbed panel (right) to browse through Elonex's patents year by year. Click on each patent reference number to view a brief description. If available, you can also download the full PDF specification. To view PDF documents, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
PATENT: NO. 5489935
DATE 30.12.1993
A system using a printer with a fuser-heater has control means for turning off the fuser-heater during times when no printing is required, while leaving the rest of the printing system operable.
Time between print requests is monitored, and the fuser-heater is turned off when a preset time is reached without a print request. A next request turns the fuser-heater back on again. Data is accepted at a reduced rate while a heater warms up.
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A system using a printer with a fuser-heater has control means for turning off the fuser-heater during times when no printing is required, while leaving the rest of the printing system operable.
Time between print requests is monitored, and the fuser-heater is turned off when a preset time is reached without a print request. A next request turns the fuser-heater back on again. Data is accepted at a reduced rate while a heater warms up.
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PATENT: NO. 5539616
DATE 29.11.1993
A modular computer has a framework with module bays for receiving CPU modules, power modules, and peripheral function modules such as floppy and hard disk drives. The framework has a built-in compressed bus and a variety of function modules which can be plugged into any one of the module bays.
Function modules include, but are not limited to, CPU, power, floppy disk, hard disk, RAM memory, LAN communication, modem, FAX communication, and data acquisition. In some embodiments function modules are provided for communicating with separate input means, such as voice, keyboards, and pen-pads.
In one aspect the module bays and the function modules are configured according to dimensional and connective standards of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.
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A modular computer has a framework with module bays for receiving CPU modules, power modules, and peripheral function modules such as floppy and hard disk drives. The framework has a built-in compressed bus and a variety of function modules which can be plugged into any one of the module bays.
Function modules include, but are not limited to, CPU, power, floppy disk, hard disk, RAM memory, LAN communication, modem, FAX communication, and data acquisition. In some embodiments function modules are provided for communicating with separate input means, such as voice, keyboards, and pen-pads.
In one aspect the module bays and the function modules are configured according to dimensional and connective standards of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association.
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PATENT: NO. 5473506
DATE 12.11.1993
A modular computer with docking bays for receiving functional modules and connecting the functional modules to internal computer circuitry has translatable heat-sink structures for contacting docked functional modules to extract waste heat generated by operation of the functional modules.
The structures are mechanically actuated to retract to provide clearance for insertion and withdrawal of functional modules, and to advance to contact modules when docked. Heat-sink structures are shaped in some embodiments to securely retain docked modules, and in some instances, the translation of the heat-sink structures is by electrically operable actuators, which may be actuated by signals from a CPU of the modular computer.
In these instances, the computer may be configured to require a security code or special input sequence to retract the heat-sink structures allowing a module to be removed.
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A modular computer with docking bays for receiving functional modules and connecting the functional modules to internal computer circuitry has translatable heat-sink structures for contacting docked functional modules to extract waste heat generated by operation of the functional modules.
The structures are mechanically actuated to retract to provide clearance for insertion and withdrawal of functional modules, and to advance to contact modules when docked. Heat-sink structures are shaped in some embodiments to securely retain docked modules, and in some instances, the translation of the heat-sink structures is by electrically operable actuators, which may be actuated by signals from a CPU of the modular computer.
In these instances, the computer may be configured to require a security code or special input sequence to retract the heat-sink structures allowing a module to be removed.
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PATENT: NO. 5542035
DATE 27.10.1993
A system for managing power levels for a general purpose computer having a standby and a full-power mode of operation provides apparatus and a method for monitoring times of user input and control routines for using the times of user input to calculate optimum times for initiating full power operation and standby mode.
The control routines are configured to provide the optimum times to a real time clock that remains powered in the standby mode, which triggers switching elements to initiate full power and standby mode.
In one embodiment of the system, startup and standby may be initiated either by user input or automatically by the power management system. Startup and standby initiation times may be different for different days and time periods based on both preprogrammed and calculated values.
A system for managing power levels for a general purpose computer having a standby and a full-power mode of operation provides apparatus and a method for monitoring times of user input and control routines for using the times of user input to calculate optimum times for initiating full power operation and standby mode.
The control routines are configured to provide the optimum times to a real time clock that remains powered in the standby mode, which triggers switching elements to initiate full power and standby mode.
In one embodiment of the system, startup and standby may be initiated either by user input or automatically by the power management system. Startup and standby initiation times may be different for different days and time periods based on both preprogrammed and calculated values.
PATENT: NO. 5389952
DATE 22.10.1993
A system for lowering the power output of a video display monitor for a computer during periods of operator inactivity senses the presence or absence of horizontal synchronization (HSYNC) and vertical synchronization (VSYNC) signals, which are normally supplied by the host computer to synchronize data transfer to the video monitor with horizontal and vertical sweep circuitry.
Time sensing means at the host senses inactivity, and suspends one or another of the HSYNC and VSYNC signals. Sync sensing and control means in the monitor senses the absence of one or both of the HSYNC and VSYNC signals, and controls power-using circuitry in the monitor in response.
In an embodiment applicable to monitors having a microprocessor, the system may be incorporated entirely in software at the host and the monitor. In dumb monitors, the system requires add-in and/or add-on devices cooperating with software.
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A system for lowering the power output of a video display monitor for a computer during periods of operator inactivity senses the presence or absence of horizontal synchronization (HSYNC) and vertical synchronization (VSYNC) signals, which are normally supplied by the host computer to synchronize data transfer to the video monitor with horizontal and vertical sweep circuitry.
Time sensing means at the host senses inactivity, and suspends one or another of the HSYNC and VSYNC signals. Sync sensing and control means in the monitor senses the absence of one or both of the HSYNC and VSYNC signals, and controls power-using circuitry in the monitor in response.
In an embodiment applicable to monitors having a microprocessor, the system may be incorporated entirely in software at the host and the monitor. In dumb monitors, the system requires add-in and/or add-on devices cooperating with software.
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PATENT: NO. 5430609
DATE 02.09.1993
A CPU IC package for a computer system is cooled by a layer of compressible, heat-conducting material compressed between the IC package and a heat sink plate.
In one embodiment the heat sink plate is a wall element of an access panel providing access to the interior of the computer system. Closing the access panel compresses the heat-conducting material between the IC package and the heat sink plate. To provide mechanical stability, the heat-conducting material is fastened to one of the heat sink plate and the IC package.
In alternative embodiments the plate may be mounted outside the enclosure of the system with the heat-conducting material extending through an opening in a wall of the enclosure.
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A CPU IC package for a computer system is cooled by a layer of compressible, heat-conducting material compressed between the IC package and a heat sink plate.
In one embodiment the heat sink plate is a wall element of an access panel providing access to the interior of the computer system. Closing the access panel compresses the heat-conducting material between the IC package and the heat sink plate. To provide mechanical stability, the heat-conducting material is fastened to one of the heat sink plate and the IC package.
In alternative embodiments the plate may be mounted outside the enclosure of the system with the heat-conducting material extending through an opening in a wall of the enclosure.
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PATENT: NO. 5424866
DATE 16.08.1993
A dynamic holographic display has an array of reflective surfaces formed on cantilever structures substantially parallel to the surface of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer.
A holographic image is formed by controlling electrical currents passed through the cantilever structures to position the reflective surfaces of the cells in the array so the topography forms a hologram, and reflected light interferes to form a holographic image.
In a preferred embodiment, control is by computer and positions of reflective surfaces are determined by calculation from dimensional data available to the control computer.
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A dynamic holographic display has an array of reflective surfaces formed on cantilever structures substantially parallel to the surface of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer.
A holographic image is formed by controlling electrical currents passed through the cantilever structures to position the reflective surfaces of the cells in the array so the topography forms a hologram, and reflected light interferes to form a holographic image.
In a preferred embodiment, control is by computer and positions of reflective surfaces are determined by calculation from dimensional data available to the control computer.
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PATENT: NO. 5546098
DATE 26.07.1993
A portable computer is configured to accept removable modular display panels of different types that plug into a structure hinged to the body of the computer.
Each display panel has a sliding engagement means fixed along a lower edge, and the hinged structure has a mating sliding engagement means along an upper edge and parallel to the axis of the hinge, allowing a display panel to engage and disengage in the direction of the axis of the hinge.
In an embodiment of the invention, display modules adaptable to the computer have a code stored in a memory device that is accessible on start-up by the computer, to identify and load a display driver routine capable of driving the display module assembled to the computer.
A portable computer is configured to accept removable modular display panels of different types that plug into a structure hinged to the body of the computer.
Each display panel has a sliding engagement means fixed along a lower edge, and the hinged structure has a mating sliding engagement means along an upper edge and parallel to the axis of the hinge, allowing a display panel to engage and disengage in the direction of the axis of the hinge.
In an embodiment of the invention, display modules adaptable to the computer have a code stored in a memory device that is accessible on start-up by the computer, to identify and load a display driver routine capable of driving the display module assembled to the computer.
PATENT: NO. 5278730
DATE 26.07.1993
A modular notebook computer has a framework with module bays for receiving CPU modules, power modules, and peripheral function modules such as floppy and hard disk drives.
The framework has a built-in compressed bus and a variety of function modules which can be plugged into any one of the module bays. Function modules include, but are not limited to, CPU, power, floppy disk, hard disk, RAM memory, LAN communication, modem, FAX communication, and data acquisition.
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A modular notebook computer has a framework with module bays for receiving CPU modules, power modules, and peripheral function modules such as floppy and hard disk drives.
The framework has a built-in compressed bus and a variety of function modules which can be plugged into any one of the module bays. Function modules include, but are not limited to, CPU, power, floppy disk, hard disk, RAM memory, LAN communication, modem, FAX communication, and data acquisition.
Download PDF specification (850kb)
PATENT: NO. 5412538
DATE 19.07.1993
A low-profile printed circuit board has discrete components mounted within openings provided in a rigid substrate forming art of the board. The components are mounted with leads soldered to mounting pads on the surface of the board, and arranged around the periphery of the openings.
The stand-off design of discrete components for mounting to the surfaces of boards allows such components to be mounted within openings simply by reversing the orientation of the components relative to the board.
In a preferred embodiment a DRAM card is a four-level board with circuitry on each side of a thin, flexible substrate and each side of a rigid substrate, the two substrates spaced apart by a thin, insulating layer. The rigid substrate has openings with DRAM modules mounted within the openings, and further modules are mounted on the opposite surface in the conventional manner.
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A low-profile printed circuit board has discrete components mounted within openings provided in a rigid substrate forming art of the board. The components are mounted with leads soldered to mounting pads on the surface of the board, and arranged around the periphery of the openings.
The stand-off design of discrete components for mounting to the surfaces of boards allows such components to be mounted within openings simply by reversing the orientation of the components relative to the board.
In a preferred embodiment a DRAM card is a four-level board with circuitry on each side of a thin, flexible substrate and each side of a rigid substrate, the two substrates spaced apart by a thin, insulating layer. The rigid substrate has openings with DRAM modules mounted within the openings, and further modules are mounted on the opposite surface in the conventional manner.
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PATENT: NO. 5365230
DATE 15.03.1993
A self-contained keyboard for computer transmits keystroke data to a host computer via scan codes encoded in a variable magnetic field.
In a preferred embodiment the keyboard generates magnetic bursts by electrical current bursts in a loop of a electrical conductor. A receiving loop connected to demodulator circuitry in the body of the computer produces emf spikes according to the magnetic bursts transmitted from the keyboard.
The demodulator circuitry reproduces digital scan codes in a register for communication to the computer CPU according to the emf spikes monitored from the receiving loop.
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A self-contained keyboard for computer transmits keystroke data to a host computer via scan codes encoded in a variable magnetic field.
In a preferred embodiment the keyboard generates magnetic bursts by electrical current bursts in a loop of a electrical conductor. A receiving loop connected to demodulator circuitry in the body of the computer produces emf spikes according to the magnetic bursts transmitted from the keyboard.
The demodulator circuitry reproduces digital scan codes in a register for communication to the computer CPU according to the emf spikes monitored from the receiving loop.
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PATENT: NO. 5457785
DATE 10.02.1993
A bus interface system for expanding the I/O capability of a portable computer utilizes a parallel port connector with master interface circuitry connected to the internal ISA I/O bus of the portable computer and driving a 25- conductor Centronics-type cable as an intermediate bus.
The master interface circuitry is device-driver-transparent, and multiplexes address, data, and control information over a byte-wide avenue of the intermediate bus according to premapped state translation tables.
In a preferred embodiment a single peripheral I/O device comprising a slave circuitry may be connected to the 25-pin port, and the slave circuitry demultiplexes the intermediate bus states, providing a synthesized sub-set of ISA states to drive the peripheral device.
In another embodiment a docking box comprises a bus with multiple I/O ports, such as a network port, a COM serial port, and additional floppy and hard disk drives. Power circuitry is provided for driving a single connected peripheral device, and for recharging a docked portable computer.
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A bus interface system for expanding the I/O capability of a portable computer utilizes a parallel port connector with master interface circuitry connected to the internal ISA I/O bus of the portable computer and driving a 25- conductor Centronics-type cable as an intermediate bus.
The master interface circuitry is device-driver-transparent, and multiplexes address, data, and control information over a byte-wide avenue of the intermediate bus according to premapped state translation tables.
In a preferred embodiment a single peripheral I/O device comprising a slave circuitry may be connected to the 25-pin port, and the slave circuitry demultiplexes the intermediate bus states, providing a synthesized sub-set of ISA states to drive the peripheral device.
In another embodiment a docking box comprises a bus with multiple I/O ports, such as a network port, a COM serial port, and additional floppy and hard disk drives. Power circuitry is provided for driving a single connected peripheral device, and for recharging a docked portable computer.
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