US5121291A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ventilation system in a portable computer
Assignee: Mentor Systems Inc
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Filing: 1991-02-13
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Granted: 1992-06-09
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Expires: 2011-02-13
Abstract
Abstract A portable computer having a cooling system with an intake fan and exhaust openings, one of which is provided with an exhaust fan which is located so that it diverts some of the air-flow to increase the flow of air over the power supply, the fans are activated whenever the temperature in any thermal area rises and the speed of the intake fan increases to meet the challenge of the highest temperature of any one of the thermal areas.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth W. Cope
- 👤 Leslie W. Kent
- 👤 Christopher W. Gardner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 11:45
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/20; G06F1/206
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus comprising: a housing and a chassis having an air inlet opening provided with a fan and at least two outlet openings one of which is provided with an exhaust fan, wherein the air exits through all the outlet openings an electronic circuit and a power supply which generate heat thus creating thermal areas; a heat sensing means in each thermal area, control means which in response to anyone of the heat sensing means activates the fans, and wherein the exhaust fan is located so that it draws and diverts air flow within the housing over the power source to increase the amount of cooling air passing through the power source area to ensure sufficient cooling.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus comprising: a housing and a chassis having an air inlet opening provided with a fan and at least two outlet openings one of which is provided with an exhaust fan, wherein the air exits through all the outlet openings an electronic circuit and a power supply which generate heat thus creating thermal areas; a heat sensing means in each thermal area, control means which in response to anyone of the heat sensing means activates the fans, and wherein the exhaust fan is located so that it draws and diverts air flow within the housing over the power source to increase the amount of cooling air passing through the power source area to ensure sufficient cooling.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the control means activate the fans whenever any one thermal area requires cooling.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat-sensing means provides analog voltage levels which the control means employ to activate the fans.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a deflector is located so as to increase the flow of air through the thermal area of the power supply and also prevents the recycling of warmed air.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the chassis is provided with a partition and shelves which are perforated to permit free flow of air and to lighten the weight of the apparatus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein some of the perforations are covered with light plastic so as to direct air flow to the thermal areas.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
146 words
Apparatus comprising: a housing and a chassis having an air inlet opening provided with a variable speed fan and at least two outlet openings, one of which is provided with a constant speed exhaust fan, wherein air exits through all the outlet openings, an electronic circuit and a power supply which generate heat thus creating thermal areas, heat sensing means in each of the thermal areas, control means which in response to the heat sensing means activates the constant speed fan and regulates the speed of the variable speed fan in accordance with the rate of air flow required to maintain the temperature of the components at optimum level, and the exhaust fan is located so that it draws and diverts air flow over the power source to increase the amount of air passing through the power source area to ensure sufficient cooling of this area.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
146 words
Apparatus comprising: a housing and a chassis having an air inlet opening provided with a variable speed fan and at least two outlet openings, one of which is provided with a constant speed exhaust fan, wherein air exits through all the outlet openings, an electronic circuit and a power supply which generate heat thus creating thermal areas, heat sensing means in each of the thermal areas, control means which in response to the heat sensing means activates the constant speed fan and regulates the speed of the variable speed fan in accordance with the rate of air flow required to maintain the temperature of the components at optimum level, and the exhaust fan is located so that it draws and diverts air flow over the power source to increase the amount of air passing through the power source area to ensure sufficient cooling of this area.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the chassis is provided with a partition and shelves which are perforated to permit free flow of air and to lighten the weight of the apparatus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein some of the perforations are covered with light plastic so as to direct air flow to the thermal areas.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the speed of the variable speed fan increases progressively in response as the temperature increases over the range of temperatures.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-06-09 | 1995-12-09 | 1996-06-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-06-09 | 1999-12-09 | 2000-06-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-06-09 | 2003-12-09 | 2004-06-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |