Rugged modular portable computer including modules hinged along an edge
First Claim
1. A portable computer having a processor, processor associated memory and control circuitry, and a memory disk drive assembly for storing software programs, forming an integral computer unit, comprising:
- a CPU module including;
a) a plurality of circuit boards, said boards having said processor, said processor associated memory and control circuitry mounted thereon;
b) a chassis, said chassis including means for receiving and transmitting electrical communication signals between said plurality of circuit boards; and
c) means for interfacing said CPU module with external devices;
a display module including a display device, said display module separately housed and removably interconnected with said CPU module;
a user control module having a user control interface, said interface including a keyboard and said control module being separately housed and removably interconnected with said display module;
means for connecting each of said modules to form said integral computer unit, said connecting means including hinges disposed along at least one interconnecting edge of each of said modules to permit separation of said modules at non-hinged edges and pivotal movement about said hinged edge for improved accessibility therebetween;
environment barrier means, including gaskets, for blocking the entry of EMI and moisture into said computer unit, said gaskets disposed around areas exposed to said environment including between said connected modules; and
a vibration isolator for energy absorbingly mounting said integral computer unit, including said disk drive assembly, to said chassis.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A portable computer includes a processor, processor associated memory and control circuitry, and a memory disk drive assembly for storing software programs to form an integral computer unit. The integral computer unit has a CPU module, a display module, a user control module with a user control interface, module connectors, environmental protective barriers for blocking entry of EMI and moisture into the computer unit and a vibration isolator for energy absorbingly mounting the unit to the drive assembly. The display module includes a display device that is separately housed and removably interconnected with the CPU module. The modules are connected by hinges along at least one interconnecting edge of each module. The module connectors are disposed along at least one interconnecting edge of each of the modules to permit separation of the modules at non-hinged edges and pivotal movement about the hinged edges for improved accessibility. The connecting hardware may include a protrusion and groove in each module. Preferably, a gasket is included between the protrusion and groove. The computer preferably includes a fan assembly with an air sensor for sensing airflow through the fan assembly.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A portable computer having a processor, processor associated memory and control circuitry, and a memory disk drive assembly for storing software programs, forming an integral computer unit, comprising:
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a CPU module including; a) a plurality of circuit boards, said boards having said processor, said processor associated memory and control circuitry mounted thereon; b) a chassis, said chassis including means for receiving and transmitting electrical communication signals between said plurality of circuit boards; and c) means for interfacing said CPU module with external devices; a display module including a display device, said display module separately housed and removably interconnected with said CPU module; a user control module having a user control interface, said interface including a keyboard and said control module being separately housed and removably interconnected with said display module; means for connecting each of said modules to form said integral computer unit, said connecting means including hinges disposed along at least one interconnecting edge of each of said modules to permit separation of said modules at non-hinged edges and pivotal movement about said hinged edge for improved accessibility therebetween; environment barrier means, including gaskets, for blocking the entry of EMI and moisture into said computer unit, said gaskets disposed around areas exposed to said environment including between said connected modules; and a vibration isolator for energy absorbingly mounting said integral computer unit, including said disk drive assembly, to said chassis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A light weight and compact computer comprising:
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a CPU module for housing processor components including a processor, processor associated memory and control circuitry; a display module separately housed and interconnected with said CPU module, said display module for housing a display device and a display window, said window including shielding means for preventing entry and exit of EMI through said window; an expansion module separately housed and interconnected with said display module, said expansion module for housing additional computer apparatus for connection to said CPU module; and means for forming each said module into an integral computer unit, said means for forming including shielding means for shielding EMI and moisture from entering between said modules; and hinging means disposed along at least one interconnecting edge of each of said modules to facilitate pivotal movement of said modules about said edge for improved accessibility. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification