Power conservation device for a peripheral interface module

Claim 2

A power conservation device for a peripheral interface module configured for use in an electronic device, said module having a housing, peripheral interface hardware mounted within said housing, a socket, mounted within said housing and electrically coupled to said peripheral interface hardware, for being engaged by a peripheral device plug and electrically coupling the peripheral device plug to said peripheral interface hardware, and a module power terminal for receiving power from an electronic device power terminal associated with said electronic device when said module is coupled to said electronic device, and for providing said power to said peripheral interface hardware, said power conservation device comprising: sensing means for sensing whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket; and switching means, responsive to said sensing means, for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said peripheral device plug does not engage said socket, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said peripheral device plug engages said socket.

Claim 3

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said electronic device is battery-operated, said electronic device power terminal being coupled to a battery and supplying power from said battery.

Claim 4

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said electronic device is a battery-operated computer and said electronic device power terminal is a computer power terminal, said computer power terminal being coupled to a battery and supplying power from said battery.

Claim 5

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said peripheral interface module is a peripheral interface card.

Claim 6

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said switching means comprises a switch-mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said peripheral device plug when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, and wherein said switch includes a switching terminal for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said peripheral device plug does not engage said actuator, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said peripheral device plug engages said actuator.

Claim 7

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said peripheral device plug when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said switch including a switching terminal that is closed by said actuator when said portion of said peripheral device plug engages said actuator, and opened by said actuator when said portion of said peripheral device plug does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode coupled to said switching terminal of said switch, said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is open, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is closed, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 8

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said peripheral device plug when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said switch including a switching terminal that is closed by said actuator when said portion of said peripheral device plug engages said actuator, and opened by said actuator when said portion of said peripheral device plug does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode, said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to an enable signal received by said control electrode, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to a nonenable signal received by said control electrode, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal; and a microprocessor having an input coupled to said switching terminal of said switch and an output coupled to transmit said enable signal and said nonenable signal to said control electrode of said transistor, said microprocessor generating said enable signal at said output when said switching terminal is closed, thereby biasing said transistor to connect said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said microprocessor generating said nonenable signal at said output when said switching terminal is open, thereby biasing said transistor to disconnect said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 9

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said sensing means thereby sensing the retraction and the extension of said socket as an indication of whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket, and wherein said switch includes a switching terminal for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator.

Claim 10

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said sensing means thereby sensing the retraction and the extension of said socket as an indication of whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said switch including a switching terminal that is opened by said actuator when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and closed by said actuator when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode coupled to said switching terminal of said switch, said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is open, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is closed, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 11

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said sensing means thereby sensing the retraction and the extension of said socket as an indication of whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said switch including a switching terminal that is opened by said actuator when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and closed by said actuator when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode, said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to an enable signal received by said control electrode, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to a nonenable signal received by said control electrode, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal; and a microprocessor having an input coupled to said switching terminal of said switch and an output coupled to transmit said enable signal and said nonenable signal to said control electrode of said transistor, said microprocessor generating said enable signal at said output when said switching terminal is closed, thereby biasing said transistor to connect said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said microprocessor generating said nonenable signal at said output when said switching terminal is open, thereby biasing said transistor to disconnect said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 12

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, said switching means includes a module power contact coupled to said module power terminal and an electronic device power contact coupled to said electronic device power terminal, said module power contact and said electronic device power contact being mounted on said housing, and said sensing means includes a contact pad mounted on said socket and positioned to simultaneously engage said module power contact and said electronic device power contact only when said socket is extended from said housing, said contact pad sensing the simultaneous engagement of said contact pad, said module power contact, and said electronic device power contact, said sensing means thereby sensing the extension of said socket as an indication of whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said contact pad connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact and said electronic device power contact when said contact pad simultaneously engages said module power contact and said electronic device power contact, and disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact and said electronic device power contact when said contact pad does not simultaneously engage said module power contact and said electronic device power contact.

Claim 13

The power conservation device of claim 1, wherein said socket includes a module power contact coupled to said module power terminal and an electronic device power contact coupled to said electronic device power terminal, said sensing means includes a module power mating contact housed in said peripheral device plug and an electronic device power mating contact housed in said peripheral device plug, said module power mating contact being coupled to said module power contact of said socket when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, and said electronic device power mating contact being coupled to said electronic device power contact of said socket when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said sensing means sensing coupling of said module power mating contact and said module power contact and coupling of said electronic device power mating contact and said electronic device power contact, and said switching means comprises a coupling link coupled said module power mating contact and said electronic device power mating contact, said coupling link connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact, said module power mating contact, said electronic device power mating contact, and said electronic device power contact when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, and disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact, said module power mating contact, said electronic device power mating contact, and said electronic device power contact when said peripheral device plug does not engage said socket.

Claim 14

A peripheral interface module configured for use in an electronic device, said module comprising: a housing; peripheral interface hardware mounted within said housing; a socket, mounted within said housing and electrically coupled to said peripheral interface hardware, for being engaged by a peripheral device plug and electrically coupling the peripheral device plug to said peripheral interface hardware; a module power terminal for receiving power from an electronic device power terminal associated with said electronic device when said module is coupled to said electronic device, and for providing said power to said peripheral interface hardware; sensing means for sensing whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket; and switching means, responsive to said sensing means, for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said peripheral device plug does not engage said socket, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said peripheral device plug engages said socket.

Claim 15

A peripheral interface module configured for use in an electronic device, said module comprising: a housing; peripheral interface hardware mounted within said housing; a socket, mounted within said housing and electrically coupled to said peripheral interface hardware, for being engaged by a peripheral device plug and electrically coupling the peripheral device plug to said peripheral interface hardware; a module power terminal for receiving power from an electronic device power terminal associated with said electronic device when said module is coupled to said electronic device, and for providing said power to said peripheral interface hardware; sensing means for sensing whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket; and switching means, responsive to said sensing means, for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said peripheral device plug does not engage said socket, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said peripheral device plug engages said socket.

Claim 16

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said electronic device is battery-operated, said electronic device power terminal being coupled to a battery and supplying power from said battery.

Claim 17

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said electronic device is a battery-operated computer and said electronic device power terminal is a computer power terminal, said computer power terminal being coupled to a battery and supplying power from said battery.

Claim 18

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said peripheral interface module is a peripheral interface card.

Claim 19

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said peripheral device plug when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, and wherein said switch includes a switching terminal for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said peripheral device plug does not engage said actuator, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said peripheral device plug engages said actuator.

Claim 20

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said peripheral device plug when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said switch including a switching terminal that is closed by said actuator when said portion of said peripheral device plug engages said actuator, and opened by said actuator when said portion of said peripheral device plug does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode coupled to said switching terminal of said switch, said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is open, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is closed, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 21

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said peripheral device plug when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said switch including a switching terminal that is closed by said actuator when said portion of said peripheral device plug engages said actuator, and opened by said actuator when said portion of said peripheral device plug does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode, said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to an enable signal received by said control electrode, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to a nonenable signal received by said control electrode, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal; and a microprocessor having an input coupled to said switching terminal of said switch and an output coupled to transmit said enable signal and said nonenable signal to said control electrode of said transistor, said microprocessor generating said enable signal at said output when said switching terminal is closed, thereby biasing said transistor to connect said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said microprocessor generating said nonenable signal at said output when said switching terminal is open, thereby biasing said transistor to disconnect said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 22

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said sensing means thereby sensing the retraction and the extension of said socket as an indication of whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket, and wherein said switch includes a switching terminal for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator.

Claim 23

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said sensing means thereby sensing the retraction and the extension of said socket as an indication of whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said switch including a switching terminal that is opened by said actuator when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and closed by said actuator when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode coupled to said switching terminal of said switch, said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is open, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is closed, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 24

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said sensing means thereby sensing the retraction and the extension of said socket as an indication of whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said switch including a switching terminal that is opened by said actuator when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and closed by said actuator when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode, said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to an enable signal received by said control electrode, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to a nonenable signal received by said control electrode, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal; and a microprocessor having an input coupled to said switching terminal of said switch and an output coupled to transmit said enable signal and said nonenable signal to said control electrode of said transistor, said microprocessor generating said enable signal at said output when said switching terminal is closed, thereby biasing said transistor to connect said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said microprocessor generating said nonenable signal at said output when said switching terminal is open, thereby biasing said transistor to disconnect said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 25

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, said switching means includes a module power contact coupled to said module power terminal and an electronic device power contact coupled to said electronic device power terminal, said module power contact and said electronic device power contact being mounted on said housing, and said sensing means includes a contact pad mounted on said socket and positioned to simultaneously engage said module power contact and said electronic device power contact only when said socket is extended from said housing, said contact pad sensing the simultaneous engagement of said contact pad, said module power contact, and said electronic device power contact, said sensing means thereby sensing the extension of said socket as an indication of whether said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said contact pad connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact and said electronic device power contact when said contact pad simultaneously engages said module power contact and said electronic device power contact, and disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact and said electronic device power contact when said contact pad does not simultaneously engage said module power contact and said electronic device power contact.

Claim 26

The peripheral interface module of claim 13, wherein said socket includes a module power contact coupled to said module power terminal and an electronic device power contact coupled to said electronic device power terminal, said sensing means includes a module power mating contact housed in said peripheral device plug and an electronic device power mating contact housed in said peripheral device plug, said module power mating contact being coupled to said module power contact of said socket when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, and said electronic device power mating contact being coupled to said electronic device power contact of said socket when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, said sensing means sensing coupling of said module power mating contact and said module power contact and coupling of said electronic device power mating contact and said electronic device power contact, and said switching means comprises a coupling link coupled said module power mating contact and said electronic device power mating contact, said coupling link connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact, said module power mating contact, said electronic device power mating contact, and said electronic device power contact when said peripheral device plug engages said socket, and disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact, said module power mating contact, said electronic device power mating contact, and said electronic device power contact when said peripheral device plug does not engage said socket.

Claim 27

A power conservation device for a peripheral interface module configured for use in an electronic device, said module having a housing, peripheral interface hardware mounted within said housing, a socket, mounted within said housing and electrically coupled to said peripheral interface hardware, for being engaged by a peripheral device plug and electrically coupling the peripheral device plug to said peripheral interface hardware, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, and a module power terminal for receiving power from an electronic device power terminal associated with said electronic device when said module is coupled to said electronic device, and for providing said power to said peripheral interface hardware, said power conservation device comprising: sensing means for sensing whether said socket is extended from said housing or retracted into said housing; and switching means, responsive to said sensing means, for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said socket is retracted into said housing, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said socket is extended from said housing.

Claim 28

A power conservation device for a peripheral interface module configured for use in an electronic device, said module having a housing, peripheral interface hardware mounted within said housing, a socket, mounted within said housing and electrically coupled to said peripheral interface hardware, for being engaged by a peripheral device plug and electrically coupling the peripheral device plug to said peripheral interface hardware, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use, and a module power terminal for receiving power from an electronic device power terminal associated with said electronic device when said module is coupled to said electronic device, and for providing said power to said peripheral interface hardware, said power conservation device comprising: sensing means for sensing whether said socket is extended from said housing or retracted into said housing; and switching means, responsive to said sensing means, for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said socket is retracted into said housing, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said socket is extended from said housing.

Claim 29

The power conservation device of claim 25, wherein said electronic device is battery-operated, said electronic device power terminal being coupled to a battery and supplying power from said battery.

Claim 30

The power conservation device of claim 25, wherein said electronic device is a battery-operated computer and said electronic device power terminal is a computer power terminal, said computer power terminal being coupled to a battery and supplying power from said battery.

Claim 31

The power conservation device of claim 25, wherein said peripheral interface module is a peripheral interface card.

Claim 32

The power conservation device of claim 25, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, and wherein said switch includes a switching terminal for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator.

Claim 33

The power conservation device of claim 25, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said switch including a switching terminal that is opened by said actuator when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and closed by said actuator when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode coupled to said switching terminal of said switch, said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is open, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is closed, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 34

The power conservation device of claim 25, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said switch including a switching terminal that is opened by said actuator when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and closed by said actuator when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode, said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to an enable signal received by said control electrode, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to a nonenable signal received by said control electrode, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal; and a microprocessor having an input coupled to said switching terminal of said switch and an output coupled to transmit said enable signal and said nonenable signal to said control electrode of said transistor, said microprocessor generating said enable signal at said output when said switching terminal is closed, thereby biasing said transistor to connect said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said microprocessor generating said nonenable signal at said output when said switching terminal is open, thereby biasing said transistor to disconnect said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 35

The power conservation device of claim 25, wherein said switching means includes a module power contact coupled to said module power terminal and an electronic device power contact coupled to said electronic device power terminal, said module power contact and said electronic device power contact being mounted on said housing, and said sensing means includes a contact pad mounted on said socket and positioned to simultaneously engage said module power contact and said electronic device power contact only when said socket is extended from said housing, said contact pad sensing the simultaneous engagement of said contact pad, said module power contact, and said electronic device power contact, said contact pad connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact and said electronic device power contact when said contact pad simultaneously engages said module power contact and said electronic device power contact, and disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact and said electronic device power contact when said contact pad does not simultaneously engage said module power contact and said electronic device power contact.

Claim 36

A peripheral interface module configured for use in an electronic device, said peripheral interface module comprising: a housing; peripheral interface hardware mounted within said housing; a socket, mounted within said housing and electrically coupled to said peripheral interface hardware, for being engaged by a peripheral device plug and electrically coupling the peripheral device plug to said peripheral interface hardware, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use; a module power terminal for receiving power from an electronic device power terminal associated with said electronic device when said module is coupled to said electronic device, and for providing said power to said peripheral interface hardware; sensing means for sensing whether said socket is extended from said housing or retracted into said housing; and switching means, responsive to said sensing means, for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said socket is retracted into said housing, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said socket is extended from said housing.

Claim 37

A peripheral interface module configured for use in an electronic device, said peripheral interface module comprising: a housing; peripheral interface hardware mounted within said housing; a socket, mounted within said housing and electrically coupled to said peripheral interface hardware, for being engaged by a peripheral device plug and electrically coupling the peripheral device plug to said peripheral interface hardware, wherein said socket is extendable from said housing to receive said peripheral device plug and retractable into said housing when said module is not in use; a module power terminal for receiving power from an electronic device power terminal associated with said electronic device when said module is coupled to said electronic device, and for providing said power to said peripheral interface hardware; sensing means for sensing whether said socket is extended from said housing or retracted into said housing; and switching means, responsive to said sensing means, for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said socket is retracted into said housing, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said socket is extended from said housing.

Claim 38

The peripheral interface module of claim 33, wherein said electronic device is battery-operated, said electronic device power terminal being coupled to a battery and supplying power from said battery.

Claim 39

The peripheral interface module of claim 33, wherein said electronic device is a battery-operated computer and said electronic device power terminal is a computer power terminal, said computer power terminal being coupled to a battery and supplying power from said battery.

Claim 40

The peripheral interface module of claim 33, wherein said peripheral interface module is a peripheral interface card.

Claim 41

The peripheral interface module of claim 33, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, and wherein said switch includes a switching terminal for disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator.

Claim 42

The peripheral interface module of claim 33, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said switch including a switching terminal that is opened by said actuator when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and closed by said actuator when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode coupled to said switching terminal of said switch, said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is open, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode when said switching terminal is closed, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 43

The peripheral interface module of claim 33, wherein said switching means comprises a switch mounted within said housing, and said sensing means comprises an actuator of said switch, said actuator being engaged by a portion of said socket when said socket is retracted into said housing and disengaged by said portion of said socket when said socket is extended from said housing, said switch including a switching terminal that is opened by said actuator when said portion of said socket engages said actuator, and closed by said actuator when said portion of said socket does not engage said actuator, and wherein said switching means further comprises: a transistor having a first electrode coupled to said electronic device power terminal, a second electrode coupled to said module power terminal, and a control electrode, said transistor conducting current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to an enable signal received by said control electrode, thereby connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said transistor conducting substantially no current from said first electrode to said second electrode in response to a nonenable signal received by said control electrode, thereby disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal; and a microprocessor having an input coupled to said switching terminal of said switch and an output coupled to transmit said enable signal and said nonenable signal to said control electrode of said transistor, said microprocessor generating said enable signal at said output when said switching terminal is closed, thereby biasing said transistor to connect said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal, and said microprocessor generating said nonenable signal at said output when said switching terminal is open, thereby biasing said transistor to disconnect said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal.

Claim 44

The peripheral interface module of claim 33, wherein said switching means includes a module power contact coupled to said module power terminal and an electronic device power contact coupled to said electronic device power terminal, said module power contact and said electronic device power contact being mounted on said housing, and said sensing means includes a contact pad mounted on said socket and positioned to simultaneously engage said module power contact and said electronic device power contact only when said socket is extended from said housing, said contact pad sensing the simultaneous engagement of said contact pad, said module power contact, and said electronic device power contact, said contact pad connecting said module power terminal to said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact and said electronic device power contact when said contact pad simultaneously engages said module power contact and said electronic device .power contact, and disconnecting said module power terminal from said electronic device power terminal via said module power contact and said electronic device power contact when said contact pad does not simultaneously engage said module power contact and said electronic device power contact.