text:
A multiply pivoted folding computer housing structure is disclosed which may be deployed in a generally Z-shaped configuration ("Z-computer") applicable to portable computers as well as other computer-user interface systems such as laptop, notebook and desktop personal computers, checkout scanners, video and communication devices such as cell phones, TV and digital video players. The preferred embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention comprises at least three separate panels: a low profile keyboard base panel which supports at its back end an upright CPU panel, which in turn supports at its upper edge an elevated flat panel display. These panels are interconnected by two hinge systems and are adjustably securable by means of a lock mechanism to an improved ergonomic deployed configuration with the display at a better viewing angle. The preferred embodiment also includes a novel internal overhead keyboard illumination system, optional stabilizer legs and improved convective and radiative cooling.
1. A computer having a housing pivotally deployable by a user between a first, folded, closed configuration and at least a second, unfolded, deployed configuration for use on a support surface, comprising in operative combination:
a) a base panel housing having a rear edge, a front edge, and including a keyboard;
b) an intermediate panel housing having a lower edge and an upper edge;
c) a display panel housing having a lower edge and including a flat panel display in at least one face thereof;
d) at least one of said base panel housing, said intermediate panel housing and said display panel housing includes a plurality of conventional computer components, component mountings and electrical interconnectors;
e) a lower pivot assembly mounted to said base panel housing and said intermediate panel housing, said lower pivot assembly having a lower hinge axis adjacent to each of said base panel housing rear edge and intermediate panel housing lower edge, to foldably connect said base panel housing and said intermediate panel housing;
f) an upper pivot assembly mounted to said intermediate panel housing and said display panel housing, said upper pivot assembly having an upper hinge axis adjacent each of said intermediate panel housing upper edge and display panel housing lower edge, to foldably connect said intermediate panel housing and said display panel housing;
g) at least one electrical interconnector communicating between said panel housings adjacent said hinges, said at least one electrical interconnector functionally interconnecting selected ones of said plurality of computer components;
h) in said unfolded, deployed configuration:
(i) said base panel housing is supported upon said support surface;
(ii) said intermediate panel housing is deployed above said base panel housing in a generally upwardly directed angle with respect to said support surface; and
(iii) said display panel housing is deployed above said intermediate panel housing in an generally upwardly directed angle with respect to said support surface wherein said flat panel display is viewable by said user;
i) said base panel housing, said intermediate panel housing and said display panel housing fold to lie generally parallel and closely adjacent to one another in said a closed configuration; and
j) in said closed configuration said display panel housing is disposed between said base panel housing and said intermediate panel housing.
2. A computer as in
3. A computer as in
4. A computer as in
5. A computer as in
a) at least one internally-mounted heat-generating component;
b) at least one air inlet vent adjacent said intermediate panel housing lower edge;
c) at least one air outlet vent adjacent said intermediate panel housing upper edge;
d) at least one internal passage for airflow communicating between said inlet vent and said outlet vent; and
e) said passage is configured to bring said airflow into thermal contact with said heat-generating component when said computer is in said deployed configuration to cause said airflow to absorb heat from said component and to convectively cool said component by said airflow between said inlet vent and said outlet vent.
6. A computer as in
7. A computer as in
8. A computer as in
9. A computer as in
10. A computer as in
11. A computer as in
12. A computer as in
13. In a data processing user interface system for computing and communication devices having a multi-part housing which includes a plurality of conventional computer components, component mountings and electrical interconnections, a user input device, and a deployable flat panel display pivotally deployable by a user between a first folded closed configuration and at least a second, unfolded deployed configuration for use on a support surface, the improvement in said system comprising a configuration structure having:
a) a base panel housing having a rear edge, a front edge, and including said manual user input device;
b) an intermediate panel housing having a lower edge and an upper edge;
c) a display panel housing having a lower edge and including at least said flat panel display;
e) a lower pivot assembly mounted to said base panel housing and said intermediate panel housing to foldably connect said base panel housing and said intermediate panel housing; said lower pivot assembly has a hinge axis adjacent and substantially parallel to each of said base panel housing rear edge and intermediate panel housing lower edge; said lower pivot assembly includes at least one electrical interconnector communicating to functionally interconnect at least one of said computer components in each of said base and intermediate panel housings;
f) an upper pivot assembly mounted to said intermediate panel housing and said display panel housing to foldably connect said intermediate panel housing and said display panel housing; said upper pivot assembly has a hinge axis adjacent and substantially parallel to each of said intermediate panel housing upper edge and display panel housing lower edge; said upper pivot assembly includes at least one electrical interconnector communicating to functionally interconnect at least one of said computer components in each of said intermediate and display panel housings;
h) in said unfolded, deployed configuration:
(i) said base panel housing is supported upon said support surface;
(ii) said intermediate panel housing is pivotally deployed above said base panel housing in a generally upwardly directed angle with respect to said support surface; and
(iii) said display panel housing is pivotally deployed from said intermediate panel housing in a generally upwardly directed angle with respect to said support surface directed at an angle with respect to said user wherein said flat panel display is viewable by said user in an elevated, ergonomically improved deployed configuration; and
i) in said closed configuration said display panel housing is disposed between said base panel housing and said intermediate panel housing.
14. A data processing user interface system as in
15. A data processing user interface system as in
16. A data processing user interface system as in
a) at least one internally-mounted component which generates heat from use;
b) at least one air inlet vent adjacent said intermediate panel housing lower edge;
c) at least one air outlet vent adjacent said intermediate panel housing upper edge;
d) at least one internal passage for airflow communicating between said inlet vent and said outlet vent; and
e) said passage is configured to bring said airflow into thermal contact with said heat-generating component when said interface system is in said deployed configuration to cause said airflow to absorb heat from said component and to convectively cool said component by said airflow between said inlet vent and said outlet vent.
17. A data processing user interface system as in
18. A data processing user interface system as in
19. A data processing user interface system as in
20. A data processing user interface system as in
21. A data processing user interface system as in
22. A data processing user interface system as in
23. A data processing user interface system as in
24. A configuration structure for a computing or communication electronics device including a display and a CPU, wherein said device configuration structure is a three-panel housing assembly comprising:
a) a first base panel housing;
b) a second intermediate panel housing which includes:
i) at least one internally-mounted heat-generating component;
ii) at least one air inlet vent adjacent said intermediate panel housing lower edge;
iii) at least one air outlet vent adjacent said intermediate panel housing upper edge;
iv) at least one internal passage for airflow communicating between said inlet vent and said outlet vent; and
v) said passage is configured to bring said airflow into thermal contact with said heat-generating component when said computer is in said deployed configuration to cause said airflow to absorb heat from said component and to convectively cool said component by said airflow between said inlet vent and said outlet vent;
c) an upper display panel housing;
d) said device is movable between a closed position and a deployed, use position;
e) said base and display panel housings being hinged to said intermediate panel housing at opposed adjacent marginal edges of said intermediate panel housing, so that said device, in its deployed, use position is generally Z-shaped viewed in side elevation;
f) in said deployed, use position said panel housings are adjustable horizontally and vertically with respect for each other to provide improved ergonomic viewing; and
g) in said closed position, said display panel housing is folded to be disposed adjacent said intermediate panel housing.
25. An electronics device as in
26. An electronics device as in
27. An electronics device as in
28. An electronics device as in
29. An electronics device as in
30. An electronics device as in
31. An electronics device as in
32. A method of deployably mounting a flat panel display on an electronic device for improved ergonomic viewing by a device user, said electronic device including a plurality of electronic components and a base panel housing for supporting said electronic device on a support surface, said base panel housing having, relative to said viewer, a front edge proximate to said viewer and a rear edge distal to said viewer, said method comprising the steps of:
a) pivotally mounting an intermediate panel housing from said base panel housing at a first pivot, said intermediate panel housing having a lower edge and an upper edge, said first pivot being adjacent said rear edge of said base panel housing and said lower edge of said intermediate panel housing;
b) pivotally mounting a display panel housing from said intermediate panel housing at a second pivot, said display panel housing having a lower edge, said second pivot being adjacent said upper edge of said intermediate panel housing and said lower edge of said display panel housing said display panel being pivotable distally, relative to the viewer, back of the plane defined by said intermediate panel;
c) mounting said flat panel display on said display panel housing and functionally electrically interconnecting said flat panel display with selected ones of said plurality of electronic components; and
d) pivoting said electronic device panels between a first folded closed configuration and at least a second, unfolded deployed configuration upon said support surface; said pivoting to said unfolded, deployed configuration including the steps of:
(i) supporting said base panel housing upon said support surface with the front edge proximate to the viewer;
(ii) pivotally rotating said intermediate panel housing above said base panel housing in a generally upwardly directed angle with respect to said support surface at an angle generally toward said viewer; and
(iii) pivotally rotating said display panel housing from said intermediate panel housing to be directed at an angle with respect to said user wherein said flat panel display is viewable by said user in an elevated, ergonomically improved position, generally Z-shaped in side elevation.
This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional patent application No. 60/108,381, filed Nov. 12, 1998 by the same inventor, pursuant to 35 USC �119.
The Z-configuration folding computer system of the invention (herein generally referred to as "Z-computer") relates to computers, computer configurations and computer-user interfaces, and more particularly to structures, mechanical design, and illumination for display devices, notably laptop, notebook and desktop personal computers, checkout scanners, video and communication devices such as cell phones, TV and digital video players. The preferred embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention comprises a novel "Z" shaped deployment configuration including three separate panels: a low profile keyboard base panel which supports at its back end an upright CPU panel, which in turn supports at its upper edge an elevated flat panel display. These panels are interconnected by two hinge systems and are adjustably securable by means of a lock mechanism to an improved ergonomic deployed configuration with the display at a better viewing angle. The preferred embodiment also includes a novel internal overhead keyboard illumination system, optional stabilizer legs and improved convective and radiative cooling.
Conventional notebook and laptop computers offer constrained, limited, but familiar configuration: a low display hinged to a relatively thick CPU box on which keys are superimposed, with a flat panel-type display hinged to the rear portion of the CPU/Keyboard. All users, whether part time, full time or professional; from word-processors to graphics-designers, await a notebook configuration that is more comfortable, physiologically safer, (ergonomic) and more accurate (with respect to both display clarity and point-click interface).
It is apparent that the ever more demanding activity that is being done on notebooks requires a new integrated notebook interface. Furthermore, the conventional laptop/notebook computer has a very limited available range of display adjustment, given that the display is hinged at a fixed axis to the rear of the keyboard/CPU.
In particular, the display is farther from the user's eyes than is optimum for visual resolution and comfort and cannot be raised above keyboard level. In addition, existing laptop/notebook computers have display mountings with are inconvenient and difficult to use in many environments, such as in an aircraft-type seating environment. Typically the display panel cannot be adjusted to a position which permits support and computer display clearance on a aircraft-type fold-down seatback tray while still providing a comfortable viewing profile and compatible hand-access to the keyboard.
What is needed, and is not available in the prior art, is a laptop/notebook computer system which provides a structure, mechanism and configuration with an elevated, highly adjustable display position.
It is an object of the invention to provide a redesign of the personal computer interface, in both desktop and portable (notebook/laptop) embodiments, for ease of use, comfort, safety, efficiency, and accuracy. It is a further object to create an ergonomic mechanism and configuration to minimize fatigue and physical damage, i.e., which mitigates strain and trauma to the neck, back, wrists, and eyes and which makes interaction more accurate, manually and visually, and thereby improve productivity. It is another object of the invention to provide a computer configuration which presents an adjustable display screen at an elevated position closer to the users eyes. By providing a display position closer to the eyes in the Z configuration of the invention, the apparent or equivalent size of the display is greatly increased as compared to conventional display configurations. This increase is on the order of 60-80% larger, e.g., a 14″-15″ diagonal screen closer to the user has an apparent size equivalent to a 20-21″ screen to normal position of present day computers.
The Z-configuration folding computer system of the invention (Z-computer) is an advanced integrated personal computer system and is preferably embodied as a mobile or portable personal computer, such as a laptop or notebook computer. The Z-computer configuration is equally advantageous as embodied in a dedicated desktop personal computer system, both for light duty systems and for high capability workstation systems.
The Z-configuration folding computer system of the invention is also useful in other types of personal data-interface systems, such as palmtop computers, personal digital assistant (PDA), video (TV, DVD players), communication devices, cell-phones, internet-capable devices, and the like.
The highly adjustable and functionally flexible Z-computer configuration also is well suited to a wide variety of other data processing user interface systems, including, for example, industrial, scientific and commercial application-oriented computer systems for mobile, field and fixed-base operation. Such data processing user interfaces may include specialized or application-oriented components and I/O devices, such as checkout or "point-of-sale" scanners, product ID code scanners, process controllers, credit-card readers, customer pin-code input pads, computer vision sensors, and the like. Manual-mechanical-video feedback controls may be included, such as in a user control station for remote scientific or industrial operations.
In this context, the term "data-processing user interface system" broadly includes laptop, notebook, palmtop, desk-top and workstation-type personal computers, and also includes personal data-interface systems and industrial, scientific and commercial application-oriented systems as noted above, wherein the inclusion of the Z-computer type adjustable multi-pivoted, elevated-display structural configuration of the invention adds value and user functionality.
The preferred embodiment of the Z-computer comprises a "triad" of three (or optionally more than three) major sub-components together forming a computer system hinged together: The keyboard; the CPU; and the flat panel display. In a conventional laptop, the CPU/keyboard and display are configured as two panels connected by a single "clamshell" hinge. In the preferred Z-computer these elements comprise three separate panels connected by two hinges, which are deployed from an interleaved folded stowage configuration to a roughly "Z-shaped" deployed configuration. The "Z" shape description is used here loosely, however, as the upper limb (display panel) of the "Z" is typically not deployed close to horizontal, as described below.
The base or keyboard panel supports the Z-computer upon a desk, tabletop, folding tray, user lap or other support surface. The base or keyboard panel preferably includes at least one conventional manual user input device. Most typically, the manual user input device will comprise a conventional computer keyboard module. It may also include a conventional built-in pointing device, such as a track-ball, toggle pointer, or touch sensitive pad. The "keyboard" panel may also include or substitute other types of manual user input devices for particular applications of the Z-computer, such as a CAD drawing-board type input device, a stylus type input device, a product ID code scanner, manual-mechanical manipulators and controllers , and the like. The base or keyboard panel is preferably tapered upwardly from the front edge towards the back edge, so as to be ergonomically shaped to provide a smooth transition for the user's hands and wrists from tabletop to keyboard.
The second or intermediate panel preferably includes the CPU, motherboard (system board), power supply and associated components and is hinged to the rear edge of the keyboard panel. This intermediate panel will generally be referred to herein as "CPU panel" or "CPU", although the Z-computer of the invention includes mounting the CPU, motherboard, power supply and associated components in various combinations within any of the other three panels as the space geometry permits.
The placement of the CPU and other components in the intermediate panel, rather than in the keyboard panel as in conventional laptops, makes the preferred tapering of the keyboard structurally convenient by reducing the required internal volume of the keyboard panel. The intermediate or CPU panel of the preferred embodiment of the Z-computer is hinged adjacent the rear edge of the keyboard panel, and deployed at a generally upwardly directed angle extending above the keyboard panel. Typically the CPU panel is deployed extending upwardly over the keyboard panel and inclined towards the keyboard panel front edge so as to place the center of gravity of the CPU panel over the keyboard or base panel in a stabilized position with respect to the support surface or desktop. Typical included angles between the keyboard and the CPU panels are in the range of from about 45� to about 60�, although the user may adjust to individual preference to suit convenient viewing and keyboard operation.
The upper or display panel comprises the flat panel display, and this panel is hinged adjacent the upper edge of the CPU panel. The display panel is preferably stored folding inward interleaved between the keyboard and CPU panels. The display panel is preferably deployed at a generally upwardly directed angle, so that it lies either nearly vertically or at a slightly over-vertical angle tilted backwards away from the user, and angled so that the screen faces upward towards the user's face. Typical angles of the display panel are from about vertical to about a 30� angle backwards from vertical, although the user may adjust to individual preference to suit convenient viewing. Special operating conditions, such as a standing user, may be accommodated by selecting from a substantially greater range of adjustment angles for the CPU panel and/or the display panel, than are typically for a seated-user desktop deployment.
Each of the three or more panels (base, intermediate and display panel) comprises a structural housing in or on which a plurality of components may be mounted. In general the term "panel" as used herein will include the panel housing and its mounted components.
A plurality of conventional computer components, component mountings, input/output devices, electrical interconnectors (including wiring, connector pairs, board sockets, buses, and the like to provide functional connections between components), printing devices, and other devices which are conventionally included in computers and computer-type systems may be selectively included and mounted in any of the three panels. For special-purpose embodiments of the Z-computer, application-oriented devices such as credit card readers, video/microphone inputs, beam-type display projectors, scanners for product ID, sensors for machine vision, process control sensors, and the like, may be included.
Preferably, a majority of the volume filling and heat generating components are mounted within the intermediate or CPU panel. Optionally, heavier or denser components may be mounted in the base panel or in the lower portion of the intermediate panel, to lower the center of gravity when the inventive computer assembly is in the deployed configuration.
The panels are preferably joined to one another by conventional pivot assemblies such as are typically included in laptop computers. The pivot assemblies preferably include a conventional laptop-type hinge mechanism with a hinge axis adjacent and parallel to the boundary edges of the adjacent panels, and also typically includes an electrical interconnector mechanism to functionally connect components in adjacent panels by transmitting power and signals between panels. The electrical interconnector mechanism preferably is foldable or pivotable to maintain continuous functional connection throughout a broad range of panel angular positions, most preferably from a fully closed Z-computer configuration to a fully deployed configuration, and may be as simple as an appropriate tubular pass through for cable or wires. Alternatively, the electrical interconnection may be independently connectable and disconnectable by the user, to be "plugged in" after angular adjustment of the panels.
The deployed configuration of the Z-computer permits a number of unique advantages not found in conventional laptop/notebook configurations, in addition to greatly enhanced display functionality. The following are among the additional objectives and advantages of the invention:
1. To provide a display mechanism that raises the screen vertically from a head-down display to a heads-up display (with respect to the users), and thereby offer a range of adjustable positions.
2. To provide a display mechanism that moves the screen laterally fore and aft; for optimum eye focus, performance and comfort, and thereby offer a range of adjustable positions for users having differing visual focus distances of greatest comfort.
3. To provide the option of positioning the display within book reading distance, thus increasing the apparent display size in the viewer's field of vision with corresponding increases in productivity. Screen performance is greatly increased by the inventive Z-computer's forward and elevated position capability as compared to conventional notebook screen. With modern flicker free flat panel displays, working at close range to the display, as is obtainable in the Z-computer, is safe, less visually tiring, more efficient and accurate.
4. To provide a keyboard mechanism and configuration that lowers the keyboard and reduces keyboard profile in order to straighten and flatten wrist and finger positions, lower the forearms to a horizontal position, and maintain the upper arms next to the body.
5. To provide a robust and reliable folding/deployment structure, which includes rugged conventional laptop-type hinge mechanisms mounted directly to the sides of solid, integrated system panels. This eliminates stress concentrations points such as elongated extensions, legs, swivels, fragile mounting mechanisms, and the like.
6. To maintain motor and visual familiarity with existing conventional notebook interfaces, including folding to form a simple, robust, compact storage/carrying module.
7. To provide a simple, highly adaptable, mechanism and configuration which will accommodate the constant physical needs of computer users and the evolving hard and soft technologies of the future.
8. Accommodating internal and peripheral functions: The elevated CPU panel of the Z-computer has unobstructed front, back, and sides which provide far more usable area for accessory mounting and access as compared to the conventional notebook/laptop. This greatly increases the area and options for PC card slots, built-in expansion bays, battery bay, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, ZIP or Super drive configurations; as well as speakers, variable controls, networking and communication ports (such as IR and USB). These functions and their access points can be enhanced and repositioned to meet engineering requirements/opportunities and changing technology.
9. To provide more ventilation, which results in cooler operation and higher performance, by means of the upwardly deployed CPU section which is open to the air on all sides permitting effective natural vertical convective air flow. With the inclusion of suitable inlet and outlet apertures, and internal flow passages, the upwardly directed orientation of the CPU panel permits greatly enhanced natural convective internal cooling airflow due to the "chimney effect" induced by the natural buoyancy of the airflow as it absorbs heat from internal components.
10. The Z-computer configuration produces a dramatic increase in the range of user-selectable display adjustability and flexibility over a conventional laptop, while still retaining the structural strength, compact stowage and deployment simplicity of a conventional laptop, and while making economical use of conventional laptop/notebook sub-components where appropriate.
11. The Z-computer is stowed in a tri-fold or "letter fold" configuration in which the flat panel display is protectively sandwiched between the keyboard and CPU panels.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are two perspective views of the preferred first embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention in deployed position, FIG. 1 being viewed from the front left hand side and FIG. 2 being viewed from the rear left-hand side.
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the Z-computer of FIGS. 1 and 2 in deployed position, showing the typical angles of adjustment during unfolding and deployment.
FIGS. 4A and B are two cut-away/foreshortened detail side elevation view of the Z-computer of FIGS. 1-3 showing particularly the offset upper and lower hinges and the panel folding configurations, with FIG. 4A being with the Z-computer in unfolded, deployed configuration and FIG. 4B being with the Z-computer in stowed or folded "letter style" configuration.
FIGS. 5A and B are two side elevation views of laptop/notebook type computers being operated by a user in typical aircraft-type seating, with the computer deployed on a seatback fold-down tray and showing typical viewing angles and body posture, with FIG. 5A illustrating a typical prior art laptop and FIG. 5B illustrating the preferred first embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention.
FIG. 6 is an side elevation view comparing the effective viewable display size of the preferred embodiment of the Z-computer with that of a prior art laptop display (shown in phantom lines).
FIG. 7 is an side elevation view comparing a typical deployment configuration (solid lines) and exemplary higher and lower deployment configurations (phantom lines) illustrating the broad range of adjustment available to suit user preferences and needs.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of one alternative embodiment of an offset hinge and clutch lock assembly for the Z-computer of the invention.
FIG. 9 shows a alternative third embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention in side elevation view, including an optional slide-channel type panel lock.
FIG. 10 shows an alternative second embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention in side elevation view, in which the CPU and keyboard are combined in a single lower unit as in a conventional laptop and including a hinged riser panel interconnecting the CPU/keyboard and the display.
FIGS. 11A, B and C show an alternative fourth embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention adapted and sized to include cell-phone and wireless palmtop functionality, FIG. 11A being a frontal elevation in deployed configuration, FIG. 11B being a side elevation in deployed configuration, and FIG. 11C being a side elevation in folded or stowed configuration.
The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example, not by way of limitation of the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what I presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention.
In this regard, the invention is illustrated in the several figures, and is of sufficient complexity that the many parts, interrelationships, and sub-combinations thereof simply cannot be fully illustrated in a single patent-type drawing. For clarity and conciseness, several of the drawings show in schematic, or omit, parts that are not essential in that drawing to a description of a particular feature, aspect or principle of the invention being disclosed. Thus, the best mode embodiment of one feature may be shown in one drawing, and the best mode of another feature will be called out in another drawing.
The present best mode embodiment described below is an example of the z-computer system of the invention, and the specific dimensions and angles described are not limiting or mandatory, but illustrative of the range of preferred values. Since a number of the individual elements included in the assembly are conventional, such as conventional notebook hinges or keyboard modules, etc., the examples shown may have an number of suitable conventional equivalents.
FIGS. 1-7 illustrate the presently preferred first embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention 1. FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7 best show the deployed configuration of the Z-computer 1. The Z-computer 1 comprises three panels pivotally interconnected in a folding/unfolding configuration: The keyboard panel 10, central processor unit (CPU) panel 20, and flat-panel type display panel 30, are adjustable pivotally connected by inter-panel pivot or hinge assemblies, which may be conventional notebook computer offset hinges. The inter-panel pivot assemblies or hinges include a lower hinge 11 and an upper hinge 31. The lower hinge 11 is between the keyboard panel 10 and CPU 20, adjacent and having a hinge axis 41 generally parallel to the keyboard panel rear edge 19 and CPU or intermediate panel lower edge 21. The upper hinge 31 is between the CPU panel 20 and the display panel 30, adjacent and generally parallel to the CPU panel upper edge 27 and display panel lower edge 33.
The pivot or hinge assemblies 11 and 31 may comprise continuous hinges along the panel junctions or may comprise one or more discrete hinges distributed along the junction. In addition, the pivot assemblies 11 and 31 preferably also comprise conventional laptop computer electrical interconnectors to transmit signals and power between components mounted in the adjacent panels. Conventional frictional-resistance hinges may be included to permit the panels to remain fixed in any desired deployed angular position. Alternatively ratchet-type or other lockable hinges may be included to permit the panels to be fixed in adjustable deployed angular positions. Particular alternative types of lockable hinge assemblies are described below with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9.
FIGS. 4A and B show more particularly the hinge arrangement of the Z-computer as seen in side elevation, and the range of motion from stowed (closed) to deployed (unfolded) configuration. In the closed configuration (FIG. 4B), the Z-computer 1 is preferably folded inward in "letter" fashion, with the display panel 30 protectively interleaved between the keyboard 10 and CPU 20. As the Z-computer is opened (FIGS. 1 and 3), the CPU 20 and display 30 rotate outward away from the keyboard panel 10 in the fashion of a letter being opened, the CPU 20 rotating through Angle A about lower hinge 11 and the display 30 rotating through Angle B about upper hinge 31 until the deployed or open configuration is achieved. Thus, the Z-computer 1 unfolds to deploy in a modified "Z shaped" configuration, as shown if FIGS. 1-3 and 4A, with the keyboard 10 being the horizontal base, the CPU 20 being the generally diagonal midportion of the "Z", and the display 30 unfolding generally backwards relative to the CPU 20 to form the upper arm of the "Z".
The typical and preferred deployment procedure for the Z-computer 1 of the invention is as follows: Referring to FIG. 4B, the closed Z-computer 1 is placed on the user-selected support surface (desk, table, lap, or the like) keyboard panel down; the latch 35 is released; the optional stabilizers 12 may be extended; the CPU 20 is over-rotated (generally beyond Angle A) to an angle sufficient to allow the display panel 30 to unfold and clear the keyboard 10; the display 30 is rotated in the direction of Angle B to about vertical; the CPU 20 is readjusted to the user-selected deployment Angle A, the optional clutch lock 40 may be tightened (located adjacent to lower hinge 11 on hinge axis 41), and the display panel 30 is rotated to the user-selected viewing position, Angle C.
As, noted above, the term "Z shaped" for the deployed configuration of the Z-computer 1 is used loosely, since the wide range of user-selectable deployment adjustments (as shown in FIG. &) at hinges 11 and 31 permits the CPU 20 and/or the display 30 to be adjusted to a generally vertical or near-vertical deployed position to suit user comfort and preference. The deployed position of the display 30 may be adjusted independently of the deployed angle of the CPU 20 to a viewing position with respect to the vertical as shown by Angle C in FIG. 3. Typically, the viewing Angle C will be slightly rearward of vertical, so that the display is angled upward towards the users face. However, the inherent flexibility of the Z-computer multi-hinge structure permits embodiments which are adjustable through very large angular ranges for particular use conditions. For example, the display 30 may be deployed to be horizontal or nearly horizontal if desired to face upward towards a user viewing downward from a standing position, such as in a point-of-sale product scanner terminal embodiment.
The CPU panel 20 may typically be the heaviest panel, particularly if a battery pack and power supply are mounted in the CPU 20. With the CPU 20 angled forward as shown in FIG. 3, the center of gravity of the overall deployed system is typically well forward of the rear edge of the keyboard panel 10 and line of lower hinge 11. This deployed configuration of the Z-computer 1 forms a stable cantilever structure with its center of gravity over the platform base, the keyboard panel 10.
The preferred Z-computer also has one or more stability-enhancing extendible supports or rear stabilizer legs 12. The stabilizers 12 are flush-mounted adjacent the rear of the keyboard panel 10 in the stored position, and may be extended rearward from the keyboard panel 10 to a deployed position in the direction shown by Arrow E in FIG. 1 to extend the effective depth of the base formed by the keyboard panel 10. In the event that user preference or needs dictate a more elevated and rearward position of the CPU 20 with a corresponding more rearward position of the center of gravity, the stabilizers 12 assure an adequate margin of stability against rearward tip-over (i.e., the stabilizers 12 support the computer 1 against forces tending to rotate the computer backwards). See, for example, the phantom line upper positions of CPU 20′ and display 30′ in FIG. 7.
The preferred stabilizer is an opposed pair of leg extensions 12, 12′ projecting rearward, one on each side of keyboard 10 (FIG. 1). The legs 12, 12′ may be mounted to telescope from housings within the keyboard panel 10 by means of finger-operated push-pull tabs indented into the keyboard surface, to provide a flush stored configuration. Alternatively the deployment of the stabilizer legs may be by means of pivotal mountings (not shown) which permit the stabilizers to rotate outward from keyboard 10 to lock in extended position. In an additional alternative, similar side stabilizers (not shown) may be included extending sideways to protect against side tip-over.
In yet another alternative sideways spanning cross-member 13 (shown in FIG. 2 in phantom lines) may connect the outboard ends of the pair of stabilizer legs 12, 12′ to form a closed loop, with the cross member 13 providing added stability, for example, in a lap-supported supported mode in which it extends laterally across the users upper legs adjacent to the knees. The cross-member 13 can optionally have a centrally enlarged mid-section which functions as a handle 13 for carrying the Z-computer 1 in the folded configuration. In an additional alternative, the outboard end 125 of stabilizer legs 12 may be made adjustable and lockable vertically downward from the horizontal in its extended position to serve as an angle adjustment for keyboard 2, if user-selected tilt adjustment is desired.
The Z-computer 1 is folded for storage by reversing the hinge rotations of deployment, and refolding the panels 10, 20, and 30 in letter fashion. Preferably, the hinges 11 and 31 are disposed as shown in FIG. 4B, so that the lower hinge 11 provides a sufficient offset V between the keyboard panel 10 and the CPU 20 when folded so that the display panel 30 fits between the folded panels 10 and 20, thus protecting the display face 32 from exposure to abrasion or damage. The length of display panel 30 may be selected to provide an horizontal offset W sufficient to clear hinge 11.
The Z-computer 1 may be retained in the stowed configuration by one or more conventional laptop computer button-actuated latch assemblies. For example, as seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 A,B, a spaced pair of latches 35 may be mounted to the back of display panel adjacent hinge 31, so that the latches mate with a corresponding pair of catch slots 17 in the forward upper portion of keyboard panel 10 upon folding of the panels 10, 20 and 30 to the stowed configuration. Alternatively a single latch assembly may be used, preferably disposed adjacent the panel centerlines.
Conventional laptop electrical connectors, leads and wiring (not shown) may be used to interconnect the electronic and electrical functions of the three panels 10, 20, and 30. The connectors may be integral with the structure of hinges 11, 31, or may be separate connectors which provide for folding and unfolding of the Z-computer, such as by flexible ribbon-type wiring.
The Z-computer configuration of the invention 1 is highly adaptable with respect to the placement of accessories. In particular, in addition to the keyboard panel, the conveniently accessible front, sides and back of the CPU panel 20 provide for the placement of a much wider range of bays, ports and auxiliary devices than is the case with a conventional laptop configuration. For example, as seen in FIG. 1, the deployment of the CPU 20 overlooking the keyboard panel 10 allows a centrally-located light fixture 22 to be placed so as to directly and effectively illuminate the keyboard area from above, while only requiring a low power consumption, generally comparable to popular battery powered "book lights". The light 22 may be pivotally mounted including an integral reflector, so as to rotate and retract into the CPU panel 20 as the Z-computer 1 is folded for storage. Additional desk lights 39 may be mounted on the upper left and/or right comers of the CPU panel 20 to illuminate desktop surfaces near the user's sides.
Speakers 34 may be mounted as shown in FIG. 1 on each side of display panel 30, or alternatively may be mounted elsewhere, such as on CPU 20. A CD reader or reader/writer 23 may be housed in the side of CPU 20, to telescope sideways from CPU 20 as shown for loading/unloading. Alternatively, the CD reader may include a door (not shown) folding outward and downward from the forward face of CPU 20 for loading/unloading. Other accessories may include removable-media hard-drives, floppy drives, PCMCIA devices, and the like.
In addition to flexible placement of accessories, the Z-computer configuration of the invention 1 is particularly well suited to provide enhanced cooling for the CPU, power supply and other heat-producing components, as compared to conventional laptops.
In the conventional laptop the heat-producing components are located in a combined keyboard/CPU panel, and are prevented from dissipating heat through the panel bottom which generally rests on an insulating support such as a desktop. The top of the conventional keyboard/CPU panel is also largely covered by keyboard, touchpads and the like, and is not readily available as a site for vents and fan openings. In addition, the conventional keyboard/CPU panel has sides which are typically used for accessory bays and connection ports, and is are situated close to desktop surface, where airflow is often blocked, such as by nearby objects, books and the like resting on the.
In contrast, the heat-producing components of the Z-computer of the invention 1 are preferably chiefly located in CPU panel 20, which as noted, has front, sides and back open, elevated and exposed to the air, providing a large area for vents and fan openings, and also promotes effective, heat dissipation by radiation and convection from the outside surfaces of the CPU panel 20.
In addition, in an important advantage of the Z-computer configuration, the open, elevated, semi-vertical configuration of the CPU 20 permits enhanced internal convective cooling air flow by a "chimney effect". As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the preferred cooling air inlet vents 28 in the lower area adjacent the lower edge of the CPU 20 are open to incoming airflow (Arrow P). The inlet vents 28 communicate with outlet vents 29 adjacent the upper edge of the CPU 20 via internal airflow passages (shown schematically as Arrows AF) within CPU 20 to discharge the airflow (Arrow Q) from the upper portion of CPU 20 (See FIG. 2). The internal airflow passages bring the airflow into thermal contact with internally-mounted heat-generating components, such as the CPU, systemboard, power supply and the like.
The internal airflow passages may comprise communicating clearance spaces between internally-mounted components. The internal airflow passages may also include guide conduits and may also include other elements to enhance thermal contact between the airflow and the heat-generating components, such as heat sinks, cooling fins and the like. Heat absorbed by the internally flowing air through thermal contact within CPU 20 creates buoyancy forces upon the airflow to drive the airflow generally upward to the outlet vents 29. Conventional cooling fans and conventional fan inlet/outlet vents may also be included to assist cooling, for example with respect to such components as high-performance IC processor chips and the like. Conventional cooling mechanisms such as fans may also be included in the keyboard panel, if needed for heat generating components mounted there, and for operation in a closed configuration, such as with a docking station and remote keyboard/monitor combination.
As shown in FIG. 2, The Z-computer 1 preferably includes connector ports 26 mounted on the canted rear edge of the CPU panel 20. This port location permits the ports 26 to be more readily accessible in the Z-computer 1 than the ports of a conventional laptop, and permits a thinner profile of the keyboard panel 10.
The Z-computer may optionally be configured to mate with a "docking station" or port duplicator as in conventional laptops. Conventional connectors included in the docking station (not shown) may be used to mate with conventional connectors of the Z-computer 1 (see connector area 26 in FIG. 2) to create interconnections with power supply, network and/or modem connections, remote accessories, remote and auxiliary displays, keyboards, I/O connections, and the like. The connector area may alternatively be located on the rear of the keyboard panel 10, in the manner of conventional laptops. The docking station (not shown) permits the Z-computer to be stored to the folded position in a desktop installation while retaining such interconnections. The Z-computer may then be deployed as described herein, with such interconnections ready for use. As with existing docking stations for use with conventional laptops, connections may be included to operate a remote monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or other remote device.
Many of the subcomponents of the Z-computer may be conventional laptop/notebook computer components, such as flat-panel display modules, hinges, processors, systemboards, I/O boards, memory devices, power supply, batteries, I/O devices, key modules and the like. Likewise installed components and accessories, such as track/ball, touch pad or other conventional pointing device, and the connectors for external power, network lines, telephone lines, remote accessories and the like, may be conventional laptop/notebook computer components. The panels and component mountings may be constructed by use of conventional computer materials and may be assembled by conventional manufacturing and quality control methods. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to make and use the Z-computer of the invention including the best mode thereof, without undue experimentation, by reference to this disclosure and known art.
As with conventional laptops and notebook computers, the selected overall dimensions and weight of the Z-computer preferably will balance the values of lightweight, compact portability on the one hand, and the values of relatively large display area (note the advantages illustrated in FIG. 7 as discussed below), enhanced accessory, battery and I/O functionality, cooling, illumination and user keyboard ergonomics on the other hand. Thus so: the optimum size and weight of the various elements Z-computer will vary with respect to particular market and user demands, and between desktop or portable embodiments.
The keyboard panel 10 and display panel 30 may generally have lengths and widths typical of conventional laptop and notebook computers. The length and width of the CPU will preferably be selected so as to ensure convenient folding storage in the "letter fold" configuration. As an example, a notebook embodiment of the Z-computer may have dimensions, in its closed or folded configuration, substantially similar to the commercially available laptop/notebook computers, such as the Macintosh G3 Powerbook, the Dell Latitude Cpi notebook, and the like.
Exemplary dimensions of the Z-computer of the invention as an embodiment sized to include about a 14 inch (35 cm) diagonal measure screen (32 in FIGS. 1-7) in the display panel (30); may have typical dimensions, in its closed configuration, as follows: an overall width (in the keyboard side-to-side direction) of about 32 cm (13 in.); and overall depth (keyboard front-to-back direction) of about 28 cm (11 in.); and a overall folded thickness at about 4.5 cm (1.8 in.).
In the open position, the exemplary embodiment may have typical dimensions may as follows:
Keyboard (10): width and depth about 32 cm (13 in.) and about 28 cm (11 in.) respectively, with the thickness tapering from about 1.5 cm (0.6 in.) in the back to nearly flush with desktop in front.
Display height (30): With the CPU (20) deployed at about 45�, and display panel (30) deployed vertically, overall height is about 43 cm (17 in.) with display bottom at about 23 cm (9 in.). With the CPU (20) deployed at a higher angle of about 67�, the overall height is increased to about 48 cm (19 in.) with display bottom at about 28 cm (11 in.).
By contrast, a conventional laptop of the same screen size (14 inch diagonal) the overall deployed height of the display (8 in FIG. 6) would be limited to about 29 cm (11 in.) and would be about twice as far from the user's eye position.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the highly flexible deployment shape of the Z-computer 1 of the invention is particularly advantageous as compared to a conventional laptop 7 for deployment in the physical restrictions of commercial aircraft-type seating S. FIG. 5A shows that when a conventional laptop 7 is deployed on a fold-down seatback tray table T, the conventionally mounted display 8 strikes the seatback at point U as it is opened, preventing the rotation of the display 8 to a normal viewing angle. Efforts to rotate the display 8 further require that the laptop 7 be moved toward the user along the surface of tray table T to leave an offset I between the laptop and the seat S. Inevitably, both the viewing angle is poor, resulting in reflected glare O off display 8, and the keyboard 9 is moved too close to the user so as to require uncomfortably bent elbows K. The wrist position J tends to be uncomfortably high and the user's back L, neck M and head N tend to be tilted forward, for an overall inconvenient and unhealthy working posture. In other words, the conventional laptop 7 typically requires the user to "hunch over".
In contrast, as shown in FIG. 5B, the Z-computer 1 of the invention may be deployed with the keyboard panel 10 placed closely adjacent the rear of the tray table T so that the offset I is essentially eliminated, allowing natural and comfortable positions of elbows K and wrists J. The tapered keyboard panel 10 further permits a more comfortable wrist position J as compared to the raised keyboard 9 of a conventional laptop 7. The user's back L, neck M and head N may be fully erect in a comfortable posture. The display 30 may be adjusted in both vertical direction H and horizontal direction G and angle C to have clearance from seat S while positioned at an optimum distance directly facing the user so as to eliminate glare.
The comparison between the Z-computer 1 and conventional laptop 7 and the advantages noted above with respect to aircraft seating deployment also generally apply to desktop and other conventional user-selected deployment locations. As shown in FIG. 6, the display 30 of the Z-computer 1 of the invention deployed on desktop R may be adjusted to a position much closer to the face of the user as contrasted to the conventional laptop display 8. The user may typically adjust display 30 to be as near to the face as is comfortable for the viewer. A typical comfortable user-selected display position for the Z-computer 1 may have a lateral distance of from about 20 to about 30 cm. (8 to 12 inches) from the eyes, as compared to the present approximately 50 to 60 cm. (20 to 24 inches) viewing distance of conventional laptop 8. The conventional display 8 is illustrated for comparison in phantom lines superimposed as if hinged to the rear of keyboard panel 10, the conventional display 8 being the same size as Z-computer display 30. The conventional display must necessarily remain far from the user's face. regardless of user preference.
Thus, for any given pre-selected display panel size, the display viewing arc X of the Z-computer 1 is much larger than the conventional laptop viewing arc Y (indeed it may by greater than twice as large). In other words, displayed visual features simply look larger and usable resolution is greater on the Z-computer display 30. Flat panel display technology has advanced and continues to advance rapidly, and the optimized display deployed position of the Z-computer permits the user to gain the full advantage of higher resolution and refresh rates, as these are now available and continuing to improve. In effect, a conventional display would have to be of an enormous, inconvenient and expensive large size, as shown by fragment phantom over-sized display 8′, to have an effective image size equal to the Z-computer display 30.
As shown in FIG. 7, the display 30 of the Z-computer 1 of the invention may be deployed, by user selected adjustment of the hinges 11 and 31 permit the Z-computer to be conveniently user-adjusted through an inherently wide range of user-selectable deployment configurations. This allows the display panel 30 to be adjusted vertically and horizontally to suit user preference, comfort, eyesight, corrective eyeware, and the like, as shown by Arrows H and G. The display position 30 shown in solid lines is a typical user-selected example for a seated user at a desktop R. The phantom line image 30′ is exemplary of a higher and more distant user-selected configuration, also employing stabilizers 12 in extended position. The phantom line image 30″ is exemplary of a lower and closer user-selected configuration.
The range of positions shown in FIG. 7 is not limiting for the Z-computer 1 of the invention. With suitable production detailing of the hinges 11 and 31, a much greater range of rotational adjustment is feasible than is shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively permanent, releasable or adjustable stops may be included in hinges 11 and 31 to limit rotation to a preselected range for each hinge. For special use conditions, such as a standing user of a Z-computer deployed at a work-counter, it may be desirable to rotate the display 30 to a nearly horizontal configuration facing upward. In an alternative example, stabilizers 12 of may be of selected length so that the CPU panel 20 may be tilted back into a substantially over vertical position.
The internal friction of conventional laptop hinges which may be included as hinges 11 and 31 may be sufficient to provide a pre-selected degree of deployed stability and rotational resistance for the CPU 20 and display panel 30. In the event that greater pivotal stability is desired at the pivot assembly hinge axis, various forms of conventional user-adjustable or user-releasable hinge-lock mechanisms may be included, such as clutch locks, pin-type locks, rachet locks, detents, lockable inter-panel links, and the like.
For example, FIG. 8 illustrates one alternative of a hinge clutch lock 40 which may be included in one or both of the lower or upper hinge assemblies (11, 31 in FIGS. 1-7) to release, adjust, and secure the hinge at a user-selected angular position. In particular, clutch lock 40, or other equivalent hinge locking device, may be desired to secure the CPU 20, which is typically the heaviest panel, in its deployed and position. Conventional pivot or hinge locks or stops, such as wing nuts or thumb-screw stops used in camera tripod swivel joints, may be alternatively included. The clutch lock 40 may be integrally constructed as a portion of hinge 11 or 31, or may be a separate element aligned with hinge axis 41. In an additional alternative, either/both of the lower hinge 11 and/or the upper hinge 31 can have one or more preset ratchet-like "click-stops" in the hinge mechanism to detain the hinge at a user-selected detent angle.
The conical socket-type clutch lock 40 is shown installed between CPU 20 and keyboard 10, aligned with hinge axis 41 of the lower hinge (not shown in FIG. 8). The lock comprises a cone shaped socket female clutch 43 fixed to one panel (the keyboard 10 in this example), a solid cone male clutch 42 as fixed to the adjacent panel (the CPU 20 in this example), and a threaded tension screw 44. The screw 44 passes through an unthreaded bore 45 in socket 43 into a threaded hole 48 in the solid, cone-shaped male clutch 42. The screw 44 has a turn knob 46 affixed to its head which permits it to turned and tightened (optionally bearing on washer 47) to presses cone socket clutch 43 into mating frictional contact with solid cone 42. Screw 44 may be tightened produce a selectable amount of securing friction between the clutch socket 43 and cone 42 to "lock" the panels 10 and 20 in position. To loosen or unlock the clutch 40, the user backs off the tension screw 44 in the opposite rotational direction. The socket component 43 is may be alternatively mounted to either the keyboard or CPU panel and the cone 42 is mounted to the opposite panel. Upon tightening, pressure and friction applied by the turnscrew 44 to the cone-and socket clutch 42, 43 "locks" the panels 10, 20 in position. The conical faces may be slightly roughened to provide excellent frictional grip, or may have molding ribs and grooves or provide preselected angular orientation.
FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative second embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention 2 including an alternative hinge lock comprising a conventional box-lid type slide-channel type panel lock 50. The slide lock 50 comprises link 52 which engages channel 54 mounted on at least one side of the keyboard panel 10 adjacent to lower hinge 11. The link 52 engages channel 54 by means of pin 55. The link 52 is pivotally mounted to pivot 53 on the side of CPU panel 20, and spans between, the side of CPU 20 and the channel 54 side of keyboard 10. A thumb screw 56 may be threaded about the outside of pin 55 extending pivotally through link 52, may retractably mount pin 55 so as pin 55 pulls link 52 into tight contact with channel 54 so as to lock the link 52 at a user-selected point in the channel 54 as the thumbscrew 56 is tightened, thus fixing the CPU at adjustable Angle A.
In addition to or as an alternative to the thumb-screw 56, a series of detents 58 may be provided in the lower surface of channels 54 so that the user may select a particular detent to fix the CPU 20 at Angle A This slide lock 50 may be used as an alternative to the hinge-axis clutch lock (40 in FIG. 8). The slide lock 50 may be particularly suited to larger and heavier alternative embodiments of the Z-computer sized for permanent desk-top installations, or as special purpose Z-configuration computers, such as scanner/productcode-reader/display units. As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, the upper hinge 31 may be provided with sufficient inherent internal friction to stabilize the deployed position of the display 30, or an additional panel lock (not shown) may be used to lock the display Angle B.
FIG. 10 shows an alternative third embodiment of the Z-computer system of the invention 3 in which the CPU (and associated components) and keyboard are combined in a single lower base panel unit 60 in the manner of a conventional laptop. The intermediate panel comprises riser panel 62, which is pivoted by lower hinge 64 at the rear of Keyboard/CPU panel 60 and spans to pivot by upper hinge 66 at the base of display panel 30. The Z-configuration is adjustable about hinges 64 and 66 in the same manner in which the preferred Z-computer embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 adjusts about hinges 11 and 31 to fix the riser panel 62 at Angle A and the display panel 30 at Angle B. Although this alternative embodiment 3 does not facilitate some of the advantages of the raised CPU, and is not the preferred embodiment, the versatility of display panel deployment due to the Z-configuration is fully obtainable in this alternative. As in the letter-folding manner of the preferred embodiment 1, the hinge offsets are in the alternative embodiment 3 are preselected to permit the display 30 to be folded between riser panel 62 and CPU/keyboard 60 for stowage.
FIGS. 11A, B and C show an alternative fourth embodiment of the Z-computer of the invention 4 adapted and sized to include cell-phone and wireless palmtop functionality (herein "Z-cell"), FIG. 11A is a frontal elevation in deployed configuration, FIG. 11B is a side elevation in deployed configuration, and FIG. 11C is a side elevation in folded or stowed configuration. In this exemplary embodiment 4, a palmtop-type key module 70 and a microphone 71 are mounted on the lower panel 72, the CPU/transceiver 73 and cell-phone type dialing/function key pad 74 are mounted on the middle panel 75 and an earphone speaker 76 is mounted adjacent the screen 77 of the display panel 78. The lower panel 72 is pivoted by lower hinge 79 to middle panel 75, and is user-adjustable to a comfortable mouthpiece Angle A′. The display panel 78 is hinged to the middle panel 75 by upper hinge 80, and is user-adjustable to a comfortable earpiece Angle B′. The Z-cell 4 may be deployed also in desktop configuration by adjustment of Angle A′ and Angle B′ to approximately as described above and shown for the preferred Z-computer embodiment 1 in FIG. 3. In this desktop configuration of Z-cell 4, a speakerphone option may be included to allow hands-free communication, and the keyboard 70 may be used together with display 78 for palmtop computing operation.
Industrial Application
It should be understood that various modifications within the scope of this invention can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit thereof.
The Z-computer system and its Z-shaped deployed configuration may utilize other hinge, strut designs and deployment mechanisms consistent with the inventive principals. The unique movement and variable configuration permitted plurality of inter-functioning panels by multiple hinge interconnections is adaptable to wide variety of applications. The described embodiments of the Z-computer configuration provide efficiency, simplicity, durability, user flexibility and low cost. Other components and designs may be utilized to realize the Z-computer configuration system, without departing from the principles of the invention.
The Z-computer Mechanism and Configuration have at least the following product application and uses:
1. Notebook, laptop, portable computers;
2. Desktop computers with flat panel displays;
3. All tactile-display systems, including cash registers, point of sale, inventory, information terminals, product-identification code scanners and display units, CAD or design systems, interactive games, Internet television, CD, and DVD players;
4. Instructional, entertainment and audio-visual platforms; and
5. Communications equipment including cell phones and personal digital assistant devices.
It is therefore wished that this invention to be defined by the scope of the appended claims as broadly as the prior art will permit, and in view of the specification if need be.
A CPU unfolding rotation angle
B display unfolding rotation angle
C display viewing angle
D light reflector rotation
E stabilizer telescoping direction
F CD drive telescoping motion
G display horizontal adjustment
H display vertical adjustment
I keyboard offset from seat
J wrist position
K elbow position
L back position
M neck position
N head position
O reflected glare from display
P cooling air inflow
Q cooling air outflow
R desktop
S aircraft type seat
T folddown tray table
U seatback contact point
V lower hinge vertical offset when closed
W lower hinge horizontal offset/clearance
X Z-computer viewing arc
Y conventional laptop viewing arc
AF internal airflow path(s)
1 Z-computer (preferred first embodiment)
2 Z-computer with slide channel lock (second embodiment)
3 Z-computer with combined keyboard and CPU (third embodiment)
4 Z-computer cell phone/palm top (fourth embodiment)
7 conventional laptop
8 conventional laptop display panel
10 keyboard or base panel
11 lower hinge
12 rear stabilizer
13 stabilizer cross-member/handle
14 user interface device, e.g. trackball, etc.
16 key module
17 latch slot
18 keyboard panel front edge
19 keyboard panel rear edge
20 CPU or intermediate panel
21 CPU panel lower edge
22 light (for keyboard illumination)
23 CD player/writer
24 battery compartment
25 accessory bays (floppy, PCMCIA, removable harddrive, etc.)
26 port and connector area
27 CPU panel upper edge
28 cooling airflow inlet
29 cooling airflow outlet
30 display panel
31 upper hinge
32 flat panel display screen
33 display panel lower edge
34 speaker
35 button released spring latch
36 display panel upper edge
39 side-mounted desk lights
40 clutch lock
41 hinge axis
42 solid cone
43 cone socket
44 tension screw
45 socket bore
46 turn knob
47 washer
48 threaded hole
50 slide-channel panel lock
52 link
53 pivot
54 channel
55 pin
56 thumb screw
58 detent
60 combined keyboard/CPU
62 riser panel
64 lower hinge
66 upper hinge
70 palmtop key module
71 microphone
72 lower panel
73 CPU/transceiver
74 phone pad
75 middle panel
76 earphone
77 screen
78 display panel
79 lower hinge
80 upper hinge
125 rotatable grips on stabilizers
130 handle grip
Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
This spring and fall, enjoy a luxurious mountain retreat at this resort -- ranked one of the Best Resorts in the Northeast by Condé Nast Traveler.
Sun-Thurs through June 30; Oct. 15 - Nov. 30
A variety of activities as well as pure relaxation awaits guests in the Green Mountains
Through Sept. 24, 2015
Take in views of the harbor from the floor-to-ceiling windows of an upgraded room at this AAA 4-Diamond Boston Seaport District Hotel.
Select Thursdays-Sundays through Sept. 6
Unwind in the comforts of this downtown Portland hotel just steps from the Arts District while saving on spring rates.
Most dates, May-June; select dates in July
Explore the White Mountains, just two hours outside of Boston
Deals into December
Save up to 35% at a 4-star hotel attached to Boston Logan International Airport.
Weekends in June
Please go to your email and confirm your subscription.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If you are looking for a gunsmith in the Nottingham area then Nottingham Post can help! Read reviews from our local users and find a gunsmiths near you.
Why not list your Nottingham business on Nottingham Post?
Address: School House, Main Street, Mattersey, , Doncaster, DN10 5DZ
Address: 10 Chesterfield Road North, , MANSFIELD, NG19 7HH
Address: 119 Main Street, Sutton Bonington, LOUGHBOROUGH, LE12 5PE
Address: 124-128, Hartley Road, NOTTINGHAM, NG7 3AJ
Address: School House, Darlton Road, Dunham-On-Trent, NEWARK, NG22 0UJ
Address: Unit 3, Lenton Lane, NOTTINGHAM, NG7 2PX


text:
Strengthen the Arm of Liberty Monument (Pine Bluff, Arkansas)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
|This article relies entirely upon a single source, the National Register Information System (NRIS) database or one of its mirrors. Articles based solely on the NRIS may contain errors. (May 2014)
Strengthen the Arm of Liberty Monument - Pine Bluff
|10th Avenue between Georgia and State Streets, Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas, USA
|34°12′2″N 92°0′22″W / 34.20056°N 92.00611°WCoordinates: 34°12′2″N 92°0′22″W / 34.20056°N 92.00611°W
|c. 1950
|NRHP Reference #
|Added to NRHP
The Strengthen the Arm of Liberty Monument in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is a replica of the Statue of Liberty. It was placed by the Boy Scouts of America as part of its 1950's era campaign, "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty."
It is in the Pine Bluff Memorial Gardens.
See also[edit]
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2010-07-09.
External links[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Strengthen the Arm of Liberty.
|This article about a property in Arkansas on the National Register of Historic Places is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
- Boy Scouts of America
- Buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Arkansas
- Outdoor sculptures in Arkansas
- Buildings and structures in Pine Bluff, Arkansas
- Scale modeling
- Statue of Liberty
- Monuments and memorials in Arkansas
- Statues in Arkansas
- 1950 sculptures
- Arkansas Registered Historic Place stubs


text:
> World
> MiddleEast&NorthAfrica
Remember me on this computer
Sign in
"Remember me" uses a cookie. View our Cookie Policy.
December 16, 2010 4:13 am
By Najmeh Bozorgmehr in Tehran
You have viewed your allowance of free articles. If you wish to view more, click the button below.
© The Financial Times Ltd 2015
FT and 'Financial Times' are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd.
Printed from: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ff461bda-087a-11e0-80d9-00144feabdc0.html
Print a single copy of this article for personal use. Contact us if you wish to print more to
distribute to others.
© The Financial Times Ltd 2015 FT
and 'Financial Times' are trademarks of The Financial Times Ltd.
Privacy policy |
Terms |


text:
Bruins recall Jamie Arniel on emergency basis
|11.27.10 at 2:39 pm ET
With Jordan Caron and David Krejci missing Saturday's practice with the flu, the Bruins announced Saturday that they have recalled Jamie Arniel from Providence on an emergency basis. It's the second time this month that Arniel has been called up, as he was summoned in early November when Michael Ryder missed practice. Here's the press release:
BOSTON, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has recalled forward Jamie Arniel from the Providence Bruins on an emergency basis (American Hockey League). Arniel will join the club on the trip to Atlanta and be available for the Bruins game against the Thrashers on Sunday, November 28.
This is Arniel's second recall to Boston, he was recalled on Tuesday, November 9 and was a healthy scratch in the team's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, November 10.
The 21-year-old Arniel has appeared in 19 games this season for Providence, and leads the team in points and goals with 9-7=16 totals.
Arniel completed his first full pro season with the Providence Bruins in 2009-10, with 12-16=28 totals in 67 games. He won the club's Rookie of the Year award and led all P-Bruins first-year players in scoring and
The Kingston, Ontario native was drafted by Boston in the fourth round (97th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Latest from Bleacher Report
- Brad Marchand's Hot Streak a Big Reason for the Boston Bruins' Recent...
- Prospect Depth Allows BOS to Not Rush Pastrnak
- Seth Griffith Fitting in on the First Line with the Boston Bruins
- Bruins' Depleted Defense Returns to Reality in Loss to Wild
- Bruins' Patrice Bergeron Records 500th Career Point
- Bruins Players Dress Up as 'Frozen' Characters
- Looking at Bruins Defensive Pairings Without Chara


text:
Michelin Starsby Kelsey Vala in View All Posts, October 7th, 2010
Highly coveted Michelin Stars for 2011 were recently awarded to a group of amazing New York City restaurants, including the highest three-star rating for Daniel, Le Bernardin, Masa, Per Se, and Jean-Georges. Originally started in France in 1900, the Michelin Guide sets the worldwide restaurant standards. The 2011 Michelin Guides covers U.S. restaurants in New York, San Francisco and, for the first time, Chicago.


text:
Skip to main content
The whole site
Blog posts
News & features
All Technology
Practice Development
Practice Management
Wealth Management
Advisory Board
FiNetrics Offers Solutions for Small, Medium Businesses
CHICAGO - December 13, 2000 - FiNetrics Inc., a business service provider (BSP) developing an integrated and comprehensive suite of online financial applications and services for emerging and medium-sized businesses, today announced the availability FiNetrics OutNumber(tm) 2.0 Internet accounting application.
Dec 13 2000
How to Add $8,000 a Month to Your Practice in 90 Days
How to add $8,000 a month to your practice in 90 days by providing Internet-based CFO & Outsourced Bookkeeping servicesPresented by: KC Truby, "The Lonesome Cowboy," President and Founder of Bridge21Tuesday, December 12, 2000Topics for this workshop included: Learn how to set up a real time - full time link to your clients with ASP technology Three reasons clients are paying an average monthly fee of $1
Dec 13 2000
Searching for a Zip Code or Zip+4 Code? Look no Further
Are you preparing to send out your holiday cards to business associates, customers, and vendors, but don't know the zip code? Go to Zipcode.com to find the answers.Whether you are looking for a zip code, the United States Postal Service abbreviations, postal zip code + 4 codes or even the weather by zip code, you can find it here. They even have the zip codes of United States Naval Vessels.
Dec 13 2000
Best Site for the Perfect Quote, Synonym, Definition
Many CPAs and accounting professionals search for ways to enhance their writing, speeches and public presentations, letters and other communication.Here's a Web site that takes the guesswork out of the process: www.bartleby.com. This site has numerous references for all types of needs, from Roget's Thesaurus to Bartlett's Quotations and the American Heritage Encyclopedia.The site also includes the King James Bible, a copy of Gray's Anatomy and even Strunk's Elements of Style.
Dec 12 2000
Free Online Training on Microsoft Basics
Have you ever felt you could use a simple structured introduction to some of the basics of Microsoft's software? If so, this might just fit the bill. The Microsoft Insider Learning Center is offering free online, self-paced training on Microsoft's most popular software programs and Web technologies.There is a rotating selection of free courses. The subjects currently offered are Windows Millennium Edition, Internet Explorer 5.5: Introduction, Word 2000: Level 1, and Excel 2000: worksheet.
Dec 12 2000
HR Law Index - Website for Small to Medium Sized Businesses
Everyone turns to the Internet as a link to a fundamental source of information. However, there is so much information out there that it is very easy to get lost amidst the endless pages of information. A site dedicated to helping small to medium sized business with Human Resources issues has arrived. HR Law Index is promoted as a clearinghouse Website exclusively devoted to workplace legal information.
Dec 12 2000
Excel Tip: Quick Word and Excel Tips
Create an Excel Chart with the Push of a Button.To quickly create a chart, using only your keyboard, select the data range you want to create a chart for and then press F11. Excel automatically creates the chart for you. Select an Entire Range of Cells in Excel.In Excel, if you want to quickly select the entire range of cells you're working on, press CTRL+SHIFT+ASTERISK(*).
Dec 11 2000
Pay Taxes Online
The IRS has authorized online payments of amounts due with federal 1040 tax returns, 1040ES Estimated Payments, and Form 4868 extensions of time to file tax returns, effective January 12, 2001.
Dec 11 2000
How Fast Will Computers Get?
What's the fastest speed imaginable for your computer's microprocessor?
Dec 11 2000
More Great Shopping Sites! Don't Miss This!
Check out the updated AccountingWEB Top Shopping Sites. We have scoured the Web to come up with a collection of sites that will help you with your holiday shopping. Whether you are buying for family, friends or co-workers, don't miss these favorite sites!Here are more Top Shopping Sites that we have chosen as excellent online shopping locations. We will be adding to this list weekly, so check back to view new sites and ideas. We have every shopping opportunity covered: wine, toys, jewelry, pets, co-workers and friends.
Dec 7 2000
Hibernation Feature Saves Computer Files
Have you ever had to leave your office in a hurry while you were buried in figures on your Excel spreadsheet? Did you forget to shut your computer down? If this happens to you, and you worry later that all your time and effort may be lost, try this computer tip.The Hibernation feature allows you the freedom to leave your computer and information for an extended period of time without the worry of a system shutdown. You will return to your computer and information just as you left it. When you restart your computer, your desktop will be restored exactly as you left it.
Dec 7 2000
Is Free Internet Access a Thing of the Past?
Do you pay for your Internet/email service? If you're a customer of Alta Vista and enjoyed free Internet access, you'll soon find out that the days for no-cost e-mail and access to the Web are numbered.As of Sunday, Dec. 10, Alta Vista will cut off more than 3 million customers due to increased cost and lagging support of its advertisers.
Dec 7 2000
Practice Management
Intuit Expands Web Presence
Intuit, Inc., has unveiled a new Web site, IntuitAdvisor, offering a host of online solutions to help tax, accounting and financial professionals move from the physical world to the electronic world. Included in the new site's offerings is the WorkSpace Pro feature, a subscription-based service allowing professionals to establish a customized online working environment in which private client sites may be created, information may be shared, and security will be maintained.
Dec 6 2000
QuickBooks Now Available Online
Intuit is making its QuickBooks accounting software available online as a business service.QuickBooks for the Web is designed for "the emerging segment of entrepreneurs who want remote Internet access to simple and easy accounting" and is claimed to be "the easiest accounting software on the Web."QuickBooks for the Web, Basic Edition is available immediately for $14.95 per month, per company, for up to 20 users from www.quickbooks.com.
Dec 6 2000
Need Last Minute CPE? Let AccountingWEB Help You!
Are you scrambling to get all your needed CPE hours before 2000 ends? Check out these inexpensive on-line CPE resources. If you need assistance or have questions about CPE requirements and more, check out the AccountingWEB CPE Page. On-line training is booming in corporate America. On-line CPE costs less, and is increasingly becoming more sophisticated. There are plenty of companies providing on-line training that is cost effective and interactive at the same time.
Dec 5 2000
Opera Goes Head-to-Head in Browser Monopolies
Ever heard of Opera? No, it's not the latest version of Wagner's Ring Cycle or a Mozart romance ...
Dec 1 2000
Business Model Key to E-Commerce Survival
As anyone knows who follows the demise of Internet-based businesses, more often then not, these failed companies did not have a solid infrastructure, hired too many people too quickly or generally lacked customer service skills to get the job done right.A solid business model should be the number one objective, according to CFO Paul Williams of Cyberian Outpost, a vendor of software, hardware and electronics.
Nov 30 2000
PowerPoint Tip: Improving Overall Design
This is the first in a series of PowerPoint tips written by Scott Stein, PowerPoint consultant.Consistently, I get questions about how to make a presentation look better. A trainer recently commented to me that her PowerPoint backgrounds "look like a 3rd grader made them." To create attractive presentations, PowerPoint users must have a good sense of font use/selection, color compatibility, and art and animation use.
Nov 28 2000
New Domain Names May Cost $75,000 to Maintain
The addition of new high-level domains (.biz, .info, .name, .co-op, .pro, .museum, .aero), and the ongoing exploitation of over 150 existing domains, will force the average Global 2000 organization to register at least 300 name variants by 2001. These findings by Gartner Group are particularly relevant since the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers recently announced seven new top-level domains. "Organizations have mistakenly assumed that having a domain name with 'dot-com' was enough.
Nov 28 2000
Notebook Computers are Popular Holiday Gifts
While retailers expect sales of desktop PCs to once again surge during the holiday season, more and more consumers will be looking at notebook computers, instead, as a more-than-viable option to the desktop unit.After all, notebooks have come down in price over the last several years, and their portability cannot be matched by a desktop unit. They have all the bells and whistles associated with larger units, and are tight and compact in size and weight.MSNBC has analyzed several notebooks for consideration, including brands from IBM, Compaq, Dell, Toshiba and HP. Check it out!
Nov 28 2000
« first
‹ previous
next ›
last »
Premium content is currently locked
Log in
for access


text:
News Lobby
Now Showing:
Filter By Date:
JVP Funds
29 Jul 2014
ThetaRay Closes 10M$ Series B Funding Round
Read More
General Electric, JVP and Poalim Capital Markets continue to support the company's growth, together with new financial investors
JVP Media Quarter
15 Jul 2014
AnyClip CEO Oren Nauman on VideoAdNews
Read More
What does AnyClip bring to Hollywood and how to deal with the movie industry. All in this interview
JVP Funds
16 Jun 2014
4 spots in BusinessInsider's hottest Israeli startups list
Read More
BusinessInsider asked the Israeli tech scene for the hottest names in Technology. JVP's Cyactive, Reduxio, CyberArk and Altair Semiconductor came up in their answers
JVP Funds
JVP Media Quarter


text:
Eyelash tint, eyebrow shape and tint.
Day Spa
For luxury spa days in Glasgow, our day spa and beauty salon in Silverburn Glasgow is a leading spa in Scotland. PURE Spa & Beauty Silverburn can cater for all of your beauty treatment and spa therapy needs, including Elemis facials, spa massage, hot stone massage, couples massage, manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions, nail extensions, waxing, tanning, slimming wraps and more.
PURE Spa & Beauty are proud to hold several industry awards including Spa of the Year and Boutique Spa of the Year in 2011, as well as Day Spa of the Year in 2012 and 2013. We are committed to delivering the very best service, spa and beauty treatments and beauty products. Elemis is used throughout our spas and salon alongside other products like Leighton Denny nail products.
|Mon - Fri
|10:00 am
|9:00 pm
|9:00 am
|7:00 pm
|10:00 am
|6:00 pm
Online bookings let you pick date/time for your visit.
If you purchase an eVoucher you will need to book with the venue directly.
Our old Wahanda Gift Vouchers can still be redeemed at over 3,000 locations. Use them to pay as you would with cash. Please note, the Wahanda Gift Voucher's successor – the Wahanda Gift Card – can only be used for online purchases.


text:
Killa Kyleon - ESE
Artist: Killa Kyleon
Producer: Chinky P
Album: T.R.I.L.L
Avg Rating: 2.7 ( 6 votes )
It's been a minute—over a year, in fact—since we last heard a new solo feature from Killa Kyleon. What's the H-Town veteran been up to since July 2011, when he dropped off You're the One? Running the streets, naturally. On new single ESE, Kyleon reminds us why his homies on the block call him el jefe. Over Chinky P.'s trunk-rattling trap production, the former Boss Hogg Outlaw boasts about the masterful fashion in which he conducts his dope hustle, taking special enjoyment as he describes his merciless methods of dealing with snitches. Now that Killa's made his official return to our pages, are you fiending for more fresh tunes? Then keep your browsers locked for further fresh song releases leading up to the January 22, arrival of the artist's latest street album, T.R.I.L.L.
Killa Kyleon DownloadsIndieStreet Banger
Written by richard on Dec 19, 2012
More from Killa Kyleon
Submit your Rating
You Might Like...
Featured Video
Commentsblog comments powered by Disqus
DJBooth TV
Discover the best new songs, videos, and albums added to the Booth.


text:
With the departures of Bobby Valentino (which DJBooth exclusively broke) and Steph Jones, Disturbing tha Peace was lacking in the male R&B singer department. That is, until Atlanta's Jarvis arrived; on the heels of his introductory single Pretty Girl with boss Ludacris, the young singer figures now is the right time to drop another potential single from his debut, tentatively titled Dream Girls. With his unique brand of swagger-filled music, fellow ATLien and Swagg Team coach Yung Joc provides sampled vocals and a brand-new guest verse on Everybody Luv Me. Not to give Jarvis short shrift; he brilliantly penned and produced the entire record. Impressed by his ability to take charge of his music? Look for Dream Girls early next year.
Written by Burmy on Sep 21, 2008
More from Jarvis
Submit your Rating
You Might Like...
Featured Video
Commentsblog comments powered by Disqus
DJBooth TV
Discover the best new songs, videos, and albums added to the Booth.


text:
Capital District's Most Preferred Yellow Pages - The Capital District Verizon Yellow Pages - Now Arriving.
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Third-party research shows that two out of three people in and around Albany, Schenectady and Troy prefer one or more of the Capital District Area Verizon Yellow Pages, which are now hitting doorsteps across the region. But, there's another reason to look inside the 2007 edition of the area's most used1 and most preferred2 yellow pages when it arrives: It could mean a chance to win $2 million.
Idearc Media Corp., publisher of the Verizon Yellow Pages and provider of SuperPages.com, is delivering the three editions of the 2007 Capital District Area Verizon Yellow Pages to residents and businesses across the area. A game piece for the $2 Million Capital District Spending Spree can be found inside the new directories.
In addition to market-leading consumer preference, research also showed that forty-five percent of respondents confirmed using the Verizon Yellow Pages within the past week.3
By playing the scratch-and-win $2 Million Capital District Spending Spree, local residents can instantly win a shot at $2 million - or one of 64 $25,000 spending sprees or 10,000 other prizes. Full details on the sweepstakes can be found at www.superpages.com/rules.
In addition to comprehensive white and yellow pages, the Verizon Yellow Pages Capital District Area editions for Albany, Schenectady and Troy feature:
* valuable coupons from many local businesses;
* menus from area restaurants; and
* guides to popular attractions, including museums and recreational activities.
* an easy to reference government section for local city, town and village office listings, as well as listings for county, state and federal offices
For residents who choose to access business listings via the Internet, SuperPages.com (www.superpages.com), the expert in local search, enables consumers to find local and national businesses and compare goods and services of merchants when they are ready to buy.
Residents and businesses who don't receive their new 2007 Capital District Area Verizon Yellow Pages by late February can call 1-800-888-8448 to order a copy.
(1) Research conducted by the Gallup Organization in April 2006 with adults (age 18 and over) in the Verizon Capital District Area. Results projected to the adult population of 540,415. Verizon Capital District directories include directory numbers 049046, 052089 and 052431; results weighted by population.
(2) Of those indicating a preference.
(3) Usage and usage share patterns based on past seven-day use at the time research was conducted.
About Idearc Inc.
Idearc Inc. (NYSE:IAR) connects buyers with sellers with its multi-platform of advertising solutions including Verizon Yellow Pages and smaller-sized portable Verizon Yellow Pages Companion Directories, SuperPages.com[R] (www.superpages.com), SuperPages Mobile[TM], Solutions At Hand[TM] and Solutions Direct[TM] direct mail packages. Idearc provides sales, publishing and other related services for more than 1,200 distinct directory titles in 35 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, Idearc is the largest publisher of Hispanic directories in the United States. SuperPages.com, the expert in local search with more than two billion searches for two consecutive years, includes a comprehensive list of businesses in the United States - a total of more than 19 million. SuperPages Mobile provides local search functionality for wireless subscribers. For more information, visit www.idearc.com.
Reader Opinion
|Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback
|Business Wire
|Feb 15, 2007
|Previous Article:
|Understand The Idea Of Authorship In Copyright.
|Next Article:
|UpSNAP Releases First Quarter Results to December 31, 2006.


text:
Fertility Health CRC
The Major Challenge
Australia has one of the highest rates of assisted reproductive technology (ART) usage in the world. One in every 25 children born in Australia are conceived using some form of ART.
The peri-conceptual period (when the embryo is formed and implantation occurs) is crucial not just for establishing pregnancy, but also for setting the life-course health of the child. Many later onset diseases and conditions of the metabolic, immune and neurological system in children and adults are now understood to originate in early life, and to be linked to events around the time of conception.
The incidence of chlamydial sexually transmitted infections (STI) has increased more than four-fold in Australia in the last decade and currently there are 10 new cases each hour. The cost of this to the Australian community is significant with chlamydial infections costing in excess of $140 million per annum. Apart from the financial cost, chlamydial infection increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) by 25-250%, and directly affects both female and male fertility. Alarmingly, treatment failure rates are increasing.
Optimal reproductive and sexual health is a fundamental aspect of both positive self-identity and of the key component to quality of life, the enjoyment of social relationships. Australia's abortion rates are higher than in comparable high-income countries. Unplanned pregnancy can be effectively prevented by contraception yet Australian women are amongst the lowest users worldwide of the most efficacious and cost-effective long acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods.
Fertility and reproductive health are at the centre of Australia's social and economic future. Increasingly governments are looking to find efficiencies in budgets, especially health budgets, while Australians are looking for optimal reproductive and sexual health.
The Fertility Health CRC will provide a coordinated approach to understanding the complexity inter-relationships between sexually transmitted infections (STIs), peri-conception health and pregnancy planning, infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) and contraception and fertility management will place Australia at the forefront of innovation, commercial opportunities, clinical practice, health promotion, and workforce development, as well as deliver efficiencies for both governments and the private sector.
Areas of Research Expertise
Fertility Regulation; Gamete Biology; Infertility; Reproductive Science; Reproductive Biology; Reproductive Immunology; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Vaccines; Andrology; Genetics/epigenetics
Research Themes
Proposed Research Themes
- Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology
- Peri-conception Health and Pregnancy Planning
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Reproductive Health
- Contraception and Fertility Management
Anticipated Bid Round
18th Selection Round (2015).
|Laureate Professor John Aitken
Pro Vice Chancellor, Health and Medicine
E: firstname.lastname@example.com
|Belinda Peden
Research Development Officer
Research Development Unit
E: email@example.com


text:
Furry -
Just be yourself. :thumbup:
I'd also like to add that I haven't seen as much crazy stuff in 15 years as you have in one game. Sorry for your luck bro.
Printable View
EPL games are pretty tame now. Gone are the days of regular rioting. It still happens, but not in the seats (no more terraces in England.) All the EPL games I have been to have been beer free - your beverage choices are hot tea and hot beef broth. There is, however, in-stadium gambling, which you would never see in the United States. I have taken my English brother in law to Ravens games and he has always said it's about the most boring game he's ever watched. Then again, he likes Formula One auto racing....
Your post and reference to your BIL made me laugh!
Side note, I was in Brittany, France, maybe 5 years or so ago with friends and enjoyed being able to stay in a "real" neighborhood and experience how "real" locals and life were, not what the tourist traps were. We went to a Sunday afternoon local soccer league game, and they served wine and beer at the concession stand, and I chatted with what little French I can speak with some of the locals. It was pretty cool in that I had no sense of tension or conflict off the pitch. Totally different from what I would predict when I was officiating in Columbia/Ellicott City, and Howard, Montgomery and PG counties as far as fan behavior.
Beau, mon beau--
You were in Brittany? ZOMGZOMGZOMG! Did she like scream out or what when she c--
Oh. Wait. :embarassed: Speling knot my strong sute...;)
You guys been to Brittany lol? That's a nice place. Some of the people are a bit odd, but really it's a nice place, probably the most laid back place I ever been to. Where abouts may I ask Beau and Loba?
Sorry for going off topic there. I remember when I was watching Wrestlemania this year in Miami, and there were some drunk idiots shouting at each other in the stands, and they were taken away pretty quickly. Me and my brother were laughing, it was quite funny.
These stadiums are so big, it is just frankly too hard to spot everything going on, and shit can happen, just the way life is these days.
lob, leach--
Flew over to Chuck DeG. with a couple from there who are now USA citizens, but still have family there, own a small house in the country, visit yearly or so. It was eye-opening and reaffirming to get to stay where "real" people live and see for myself how the French regard Americans (which is not at all like the media would have you believe). Drove to Epernay and toured Perrier Jouet, visited the cemetery at Normandy, stayed in Cherbourg, visited Mont St. Michel, then stayed at a little house in the middle of farm country near Gourin. Visited family in Concarneau, bought SWMBO some kitschy/cool stuff in Quimper, drove to watch Rennes play Auxerre (sp?) and was treated like royalty (takes a whole post on its own!), went to a local neigborhood league football game where they served beer and wine in lieu of sodas and watched the goalie get red-carded, ate some fantastic food, and generally enjoyed life! It was fun to chat with folks who asked about American football and some of the Ravens emblems and clothing I wore, and I think I may have created a fan or two for us!
And lob, I would NEVER be "in" that hosebag! Pop Petard always told me, "Son, ya just never know where that thing's been..."
And Normandy and the way they feel about Americans is totally misrepresented, they honor the Americans and our sacrifice. I am down right hostile to people when they say the French hate Americans. Unless you spent a goodly amount of time over there and met the people, you KNOW NOTHING. Damn the media and politicians, it is the biggest problem with this country.
As for sporting events, I went to 6 Nation Rugby in Edinburgh a few years back, South Africa v. Scotland. Damn were the people fun, cool, and it was a blast.
Cap'n -
Funny (not ha-ha, more like interesting) that you mention your Normandy experience.
We arrived at the cemetery late in the afternoon just before/as they were getting ready to close for the day. When my friends explained to the officials what our plight was (we needed to drive afterwards to our hotel which was a good distance away), they said "pas de probleme!", had us pull up into their reserved parking area, and let us in to roam around as long as we wished.
As we walked around, I will admit it was beyond emotional - I had tears in my eyes. IMHO, no USA citizen who has a conscience and a soul can behold the rows upon rows of small white headstones and not feel incredibly intense emotion, or understand that there are events in life and the world from which we need to learn as human beings.
We ran into some French soldiers who were there after some type of maneuever and I think were touring as well, and ended up in a conversation - well, at least my friend conversed! - with one of them. From what I could interpret and what my friend told me, the soldiers were extremely proud of what the Americans did for them in WWII, that they shared the tremendous sorrow and loss for the deaths of so many Americans, and that they are eternally grateful for the friendship between the two countries. Not exactly the wine-swilling, cheese-eating, "Americans Go Home!" portrait many would have you believe.
All in all, a poignant moment in my life...
Beau, agreed!