Transmeta (Semiconductor) (TMTA)

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Xybernaut Patents on Core Computing

Steak, below is the abstract and primary claim for each of the two Xybernaut patents for core computing. The two patents are very closely related. The full text of the patents is available at the US Patent and Trademark site, http://www.uspto.gov. Go the the patent databases, and insert the patent number(s).

As you will see, XYBR claims a core computer unit, which includes the various components of a conventional computer, but which is non-functional until it is electrically connected to one of a number of specially designed enclosures. Once so connected, a funtional computer is realized.

As I understand the MetaPad/Antelope MCC, the core and enclosure(s) seem to be covered by the XBYR patents. Conversely, the OQO is a fully functional computer, one which does not need a connection to an enclosure to be functional. For this reason, such a device and/or its enclsosures seems to be outside the scope of the XYBR patents. It is not clear if patent circumvention was the aim of OQO, or a fortuitous outcome of using a "PDA-like" computer as the base of the system, rather than a core.


US Pat No. 5,999,952; Issued 12/7/99
Core computer unit

Abstract:
This invention provides a core computer unit that contains all of the components of a conventional computer however will not function unless it is positioned in an enclosure. The enclosure dictates the computer function, the core unit supplies the computer components. The core unit remains dormant and non-functional until it is positioned in a compatible enclosure.

Primary claim:
A core computer unit comprising in combination a completely enclosed housing, internal core components in said housing, and an external core connector, said internal core components comprising, except for a display, all of the components of a conventional computer, including internal non-volatile mass storage means, all in electrical connection with said external core connector, said core computer unit having power connection means via said external core connector for electrical connection to an enclosure, without attachment to said enclosure said core computer unit is dormant and non-functional as a computer, said core computer unit not originally a component of a computer but a free standing unit originally not part of a computer, with said electrical connection said core computer unit supplying any desired computer function dictated by a plurality of different enclosures, said core devoid of any peripheral ports but having means to cooperate with said enclosure to supply a computer function to peripherals which are only in direct communication with said enclosure, said core computer unit having means to retain stored information even when separated from said enclosure, said stored information usable in said core computer unit with said plurality of different enclosures, said external core connectors having means adapted to cooperate with a connector in said enclosure to provide said electrical connection between said core computer unit and said enclosure, and wherein all of said internal core components in said core housing are completely enclosed therein and may not be removed, said core computer unit having means to be used interchangeably with a plurality of different type and structured enclosures and not being a removable or replacement portion or component of a computer.

USPat No 6,029,183; Issued 2/22/2000
Transferable core computer

Abstract:
A computer system is disclosed having two structures, a mobile core unit and an enclosure capable of enclosing and cooperating with the core unit. The core unit has all of the components of a general purpose computer except for a display and source of power. This core unit by itself is non-functional as a computer unless it is in electrical contact with the enclosure. The enclosure has several connector ports for attachment of peripherals to the system.

Primary claim:
1. A computer system comprising at least two separate compatible structures, a first structure or core unit and a second structure or enclosure, at least one first structure or core unit being a single completely closed housing having internally therein components of a fully functional conventional general purpose computer including internal non-volatile mass storage means, said first structure not originally being an integral component of a computer but a free standing independent structure, said first structure or core unit not functional as a computer when standing alone, said first structure having means for connection to said second structure or enclosure, said first structure having means to retain stored information, even when separated from said second structure, said first structure devoid of any ports while only said second structure comprises peripheral connector ports to cooperate with said first structure, said first structure having means to be used with totally new and different type structured enclosures than said second structure, neither said first nor second structure operable as a computer without combination or electrical contact with the other, wherein all of said components in said core housing are completely enclosed therein and may not be removed, and wherein said second structure is always a part of another third structure.


regards, wsh