Docking Station

• US 20100318710A1
• Filed: 06/15/2009
• Published: 12/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Cawthon, David W., Lev, Jeffrey A., Tracy, Mark S., Downing, Bart M
• Granted Patent: US 8,185,681 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 710/304
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/263 Arrangements for using multiple switchable power supplies, e.g. battery and AC G06F1/30 takes precedence

Abstract

A docking station for a computing device can include an interface for electrically connecting the docking station to a computing device. The interface may supply power from a power supply. The docking station can include a surface for attaching a pin, wherein the location of the pin prevents a computing device from electrically connecting to the docking station if the computing device is not compatible.

Claims

1. A docking station for a computing device comprising:

a connector to electrically connect a power supply to the docking station;

an interface to electrically connect the docking station to the computing device and to supply power from the connector to the computing device; and

a pin at a location on a surface of the docking station, wherein the location identifies a power supply rating of the power supply.

2. The docking station for a computing device of claim 1 further comprising a cavity on the surface of the docking station for receiving an insert including the pin.

3. The docking station for a computing device of claim 2 wherein the insert is not removable from the docking station.

4. The docking station for a computing device of claim 2 wherein the insert is rotatable for changing the location of the pin.

5. The docking station for a computing device of claim 4 further comprising a fastener to prevent the insert from rotating in the cavity.

6. The docking station for a computing device of claim 5 wherein the fastener is a screw.

7. The docking station for a computing device of claim 1 further comprising an opening in the surface for receiving the pin.

8. The docking station for a computing device of claim 7 wherein the pin is not removable from the opening.

9. The docking station for a computing device of claim 1 further comprising a power supply to connect to the docking station, wherein the power supply rating is determined by the location.

10. The computer docking station of claim 1 further comprising a second surface, wherein the interface is attached to the second surface.

11. A docking station comprising:

a cavity in a surface of the docking station to accept an insert; and

the insert includes an insert surface and a pin, wherein the location of the pin permits a computing device to interface with the docking station.

12. The docking station of claim 11 further comprising an interface, attached to the surface, to supply power from a power supply to the computing device.

13. The docking station of claim 11 further comprising a fastener to prevent the removal of the insert.

14. The docking station of claim 11 wherein the insert rotates in the cavity.

15. The docking station of claim 14 further comprising a fastener to prevent the insert from rotating.

16. The docking station of claim 15 further comprising a power supply with a power supply rating identified by the location of the pin.

17. A method comprising:

installing a pin in an opening on a surface of a docking station for identifying a computer compatible with the docking station, wherein the docking station electrically connects to the computer if a location of the pin aligns with an opening on the computer; and

preventing a change to the location.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising rotating an insert for positioning the pin.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising rotating a tool to position the pin on the surface.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising preventing a power supply from supplying power to the computer if the computer is not compatible.