Land vehicles: wheels and axles – Wheel – Compression wheel
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-25
2001-03-27
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)
Land vehicles: wheels and axles
Wheel
Compression wheel
C361S689000, C361S689000, C361S689000, C220S319000, C220S319000, C346S145000, 36, C206S320000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206480
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a mobile modular computing and communication system, consisting of a computer and supporting peripherals integrated in one or more transportable cases or enclosures. The cases include fully integrated data and power systems to support mobile computing and communication applications.
2. Background Art
Portable computing systems and other systems-designed to deploy electronic, medical, data entry, and remote sensing technology in a mobile enclosure are readily available in many forms. Some have even included a power system to support the computer and/or peripherals in the case. However, several problems faced by integrators and end users when deploying and using mobile systems have remain unsolved. For example, the needs of some mobile users of mobile modular computing and communication system are not satisfied by a single portable computer, and in addition have a need to deploy several additional peripherals that need both power supply and data connections to the portable computer. Such devices may include scanners and digital cameras to collect imagery and other data, as well as cellular, satellite, and/or encryption technology to facilitate communications. Terrestrial infrastructure in some field-deployed situations is very limited. In some cases, a single AC or DC source is available, but in many other cases battery power must be used. Therefore, the system with the multiple peripherals must be made operational with either a battery or form a single AC or DC power source connection.
Many field users have no access to a technician or service facilities. Therefore, the integrated case system also needs to be modular, allowing easy and rapid removal and replacement of components in the field.
Mobile system users need to make their system field-operational as quickly and easily as possible. Connecting and disconnecting data and power cables each time the system is used may cause system failure, cable loss, and end user confusion as well as delay during setup. The problems can be severely exacerbated when setting up the system in low light conditions, or in conditions of high stress or time urgency. Mobile systems without an integrated case enclosure and locked-down cable structure present the user with a confusing array of tangled cables and connectors that are difficult to sort out in the field, and may delay setting up the system. Worse yet, many of these loose parts can be lost. At the same time, permanent fasteners are not appropriate, as the user may need to remove the peripheral for use outside the case system, or replace it with a repaired or an upgraded component. Therefore, a new connection technology is needed that gives both a stable support as well as quick and easy release when the mounted object needs removal. The integrated system needs a design and dimension facilitating comfortable ergonomic operation of the system on a desktop surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a mobile computing and communication system that can be made field-operational quickly and easily with little or no cable routing and without need to rely on external power supplies if none are available. Another object of this invention is to provide a method of assembling a modular data processing and communication system that minimizes cost and provides for maximal flexibility in making repairs and installing upgraded components. Still another object of this invention is to provide a process of performing data processing and communication functions, such as digital imaging, scanning, printing, copying, secure and open voice and digital communications and data backup that obviates the need for a mass of external cables.
These and other objects of the invention are attained in a mobile modular computing and communication system having modular components enclosed within one or more cases, and connected by a stable mechanical connection to the main structure of a case, i.e. a modular physical connector system. The mechanical connection provides the capability of quickly and easily installing and later removing these components. This mechanical connection is a universal mount that can be applied to objects of differing shapes and sizes. In general terms, the a dual or single case containing components constituting a mobile computing and communication system. These include a computer and component mounting technology, a mobile computer and peripheral data switching micronetwork, an enclosed modular peripheral power system, and a plug-in modular component card system.
Once the devices are mechanically attached, two categories of connections are provided: a data connection and a power connection. These connections are part of a micronetwork. The micronetwork is a microcosm of the larger network used in the office environment to connect the desktop PC to peripherals and local area network resources, i.e. printers and modems. Several methods of data connection can be used: 1) Serial-9 pin or 25 pin, 2) Parallel 25 pin, 3) Universal Serial Bus (USB), 4) PC Card SCSI, 5) Firewire 1394, and 6) Direct modem or 7) Ethernet interface on the outside of the mobile computer. To facilitate connection between the single serial and parallel port on the laptop to multiple serial and parallel peripherals, data switching of these connections is provided. Although the USB interface does not require switching, a USB hub is integrated to allow the connection of multiple USB devices. Cable connections to either a Firewire 1394 port, a modem port or a direct network connection are provided as part of this micronetwork. These connections are done with cabling that is secured to the system, routed appropriately to support needed connections, reducing cabling congestion and preventing loss or damage to cables.
Power systems are provided to the computer and peripherals in the system. This power source is not standard and thus each device needs its own specific power source, i.e. 14 Volts @ 2.5 Amperes.
The mounting system enables continual updating and upgrading of the components in the system to the most recent technology. The enclosure system support modularity so these upgrades can be accomplished without replacing the entire system. Field replacement of components is possible to allow easy repair of the system.
The universal mounting mechanism holds multiple peripherals in position for immediate use when the cases are opened, and also in such a way that they can be easily and quickly installed and removed from the case configuration. The mechanism locks the peripherals so they do not move during transportation. The mechanism holding the system is also low in profile so it does not obstruct the use of the items being held or raise the elevation too high to make the system difficult to use when placed on a standard height work surface. The support mount has surfaces on two sides that prevent horizontal movement. The third surface is held in place by a small plate that can be unlocked and rotated out of the way when the peripheral needs removal.
This invention offers rapid reaction mobility, by providing a micronetwork that isolates, secures and simplifies the many data and power cables necessary to connect multiple peripherals. The data part of this micronetwork includes data switching to connect the single computer's parallel and serial interface to multiple peripherals. Furthermore, the integrated USB hub allows even more data connectivity and a simple USB bus structure within the system. The power part of the micronetwork directs power cables from the central power source to the peripherals. The power system included in our invention is modular and supports unique power outputs to multiple devices from either a single AC or DC power source.
The universal mounting mechanism and portions of the micronetwork are combined in an integrated fashion in multiple modular component cards which snap together allowing ease of use and quick field exchange of panels for the system.
REFERENCES:
Datskovsky Michael
Neary J. Michael
Picard Leo P.
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