US5278730A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular notebook computer having a planar array of module bays
Assignee: PDACO Ltd
•
Filing: 1993-07-26
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Granted: 1994-01-11
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Expires: 2013-07-26
Abstract
Abstract 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.
Inventors
- 👤 Dan Kikinis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 18:49
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0354; G06F3/03541; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1626; G06F1/1632; G06F1/1633; G06F1/1656; G06F1/18; G06F1/183; G06F13/00; G06F13/38; G06F13/40; G06F13/4063; G06F13/409; G06F3/03543; G06F3/03545; G06F3/03549; H; H04; H04M; H04M11/00; H04M11/06; H04M11/066; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/42314; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/00127; H04N1/00204; H04N1/00236; H04N1/00241; H04N1/00326; H04N1/0035; H04N1/00352; H04N1/00392; H04Q; H04Q11/00; H04Q11/04; H04Q11/0428; H05; H05K; H05K5/00; H05K5/02; H05K5/0256; H05K5/026; H05K5/0265; H05K5/0273; H05K5/0286; H05K5/0291; H01; H01H; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/046; H01H2223/052; H04M1/00; H04M1/247; H04M1/2473; H04M1/72; H04M1/725; H04M3/42323; H04N1/00519; H04N1/00538; H04N1/04; H04N1/10; H04N1/107; H04N1/19; H04N1/195; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/0008; H04N2201/0034; H04N2201/0048; H04N2201/0049; H04N2201/0051; H04N2201/0053; H04N2201/0063; H04N2201/0077; H04N2201/0093; H04Q2213/00; H04Q2213/13003; H04Q2213/13034; H04Q2213/1308; H04Q2213/13093; H04Q2213/13096; H04Q2213/13098; H04Q2213/13103; H04Q2213/13106; H04Q2213/13107; H04Q2213/13174; H04Q2213/13175; H04Q2213/13179; H04Q2213/13199; H04Q2213/13209; H04Q2213/1322; H04Q2213/13299; H04Q2213/13322; H04Q2213/13389; H04Q2213/13396
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A modular computer comprising: a flat, rectangular case; a planar array of slot-like module bays opening to one or more edges of the case, the module bays for receiving and docking functional modules; a first multi-path electrical connector at the inboard end of each slot-like module bay, for engaging a mating second electrical connector on one of the functional modules when docked; bus communication means connecting to each multi-path electrical connector in each module bay in a parallel fashion, for providing address, data, control, and power communication between the module bays; a display for displaying output to a user; and substantially planar input means for accepting user input, the input means mounted to the upper surface of and substantially coplanar with the flat, rectangular case, and substantially overlying the planar array of module bays; each of the module bays comprising guide means for guiding one of the functional modules in docking and de-docking, retaining means for holding the functional module when docked, and user-operable expulsion means for disengaging a docked functional module.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
A modular computer comprising: a flat, rectangular case; a planar array of slot-like module bays opening to one or more edges of the case, the module bays for receiving and docking functional modules; a first multi-path electrical connector at the inboard end of each slot-like module bay, for engaging a mating second electrical connector on one of the functional modules when docked; bus communication means connecting to each multi-path electrical connector in each module bay in a parallel fashion, for providing address, data, control, and power communication between the module bays; a display for displaying output to a user; and substantially planar input means for accepting user input, the input means mounted to the upper surface of and substantially coplanar with the flat, rectangular case, and substantially overlying the planar array of module bays; each of the module bays comprising guide means for guiding one of the functional modules in docking and de-docking, retaining means for holding the functional module when docked, and user-operable expulsion means for disengaging a docked functional module.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the display is a flat-panel display pivotally attached to the case of the modular computer, positionable substantially in the plane of the case for storage and transport, and at an angle to the case for viewing in operation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the input means is a physical keyboard with separately operable keys.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the bus communication means is a compressed bus for multiplexing data and addresses on a common set of parallel conductors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the input means is a keyboard, the display is a flat panel display pivotally attached to the case, and the display is closable over the keyboard for storage and transport.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
A modular computer as in claim 1 additionally comprising a power-conversion means for accepting electrical power from one or more of functional modules and a power plug, altering the voltage level of the accepted electrical power, and providing the altered voltage to the bus for distribution to the multi-path electrical connectors at the module bays.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the module bays open to two opposite edges of the case, and the bus is implemented in a central spine between the inboard ends of opposite module bays.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
A modular computer as in claim 1 further comprising a CPU functional module configured to dock in one of the module bays, the CPU functional module having a CPU microprocessor and a state translator means for managing communication between the CPU microprocessor and the bus communication means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
A modular computer as in claim 1 comprising a power module configured to dock in one of the module bays, the power module having an electrical power storage unit connected to a mating electrical connector configured to mate with the multi-path first electrical connector in the module bays.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A modular computer as in claim 1 further comprising an I/O function module for performing an I/O function for the modular computer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A modular computer as in claim 10 wherein the I/O function module is a floppy disk drive module.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
A modular computer as in claim 11 wherein the I/O function module is a hard disk drive module.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A modular computer as in claim 11 wherein the I/O function module is a RAM memory module.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
A modular computer as in claim 11 wherein the I/O function module is a LAN module for providing communication between the modular computer and other digital systems on a local area network.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A modular computer as in claim 11 wherein the I/O function module is a modem module for providing serial communication between the modular computer and other digital systems.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
A modular computer as in claim 11 wherein the I/O function module is a facsimile module for providing facsimile communication over a telephone line.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
A modular computer as in claim 11 wherein the I/O function module is a specialty module for data acquisition from an instrument, the function module configured to transfer commands to the instrument over a communication link and to receive data from the instrument.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-01-10 | 1997-07-12 | 1998-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-10 | 2001-07-12 | 2002-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-10 | 2005-07-12 | 2006-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |