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US 6,324,606 B1Granted
Apparatus and method for connecting a computer to a docking station via a cable
AssigneeIntel Corporation
InventorsDaniel J. Lenehan, Ram Bhuma
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cable for coupling a portable computer to a docking station is disclosed. The cable comprises a first end for coupling the cable to the docking station and a second end for coupling the cable to the portable computer. The cable also includes a lock that locks the second end to the portable computer until unlocked by a predetermined sequence.
Claims15
A docking cable comprising:
- a first end coupled to a docking station providing access to multiple devices to be used by a portable computer system;
- a second end to couple to a portable computer system, wherein the docking cable has a plurality of lines to communicate low voltage differential signals between the portable computer system and the docking station;
- and
- a locking mechanism controllable by software to be executed by the portable computer system, the locking mechanism to selectively lock the portable computer system to the docking cable.
1 more element
An apparatus for coupling a portable computer system to a docking station, the apparatus comprising:
- means for providing a low voltage differential signal connection between the docking station and the portable computer system, the low voltage differential signal connection to provide access to multiple devices coupled to the docking station;
- and
- means for locking the portable computer system in connection with the docking station, wherein the means for locking is controllable by software executing on the portable computer system.
A network access device comprising:
- a network interface to access a network;
- and
- a port to receive a docking cable, the docking cable having a plurality of lines to communicate low voltage differential signals between the network access device and multiple external devices through an interface, the docking cable further comprising a locking mechanism controllable by software executing on the network access device, the locking mechanism to selectively lock the network access device to the interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.