Apple has applied for a patent (number 20120145841) is for a flat panel display including a hinge assembly, such as that in the current generation iMac and the Apple Cinema Display. An apparatus for a flat panel is disclosed.

The apparatus comprises a flat panel assembly and a hinge mechanism coupled to the flat panel assembly. The hinge mechanism is adaptable to an industry standard mount and a non-industry standard mount. A system and method in accordance with the present invention allows for the replacement of a non-VESA standard compatible display mount with a display mount that is compatible with the VESA standard. Utilizing the system and method in accordance with the present invention, such a replacement can be accomplished with minimal effort, and in an efficient manner.

The inventors are John Ternus, Eric Knopf, Sean Corbin, Brett Degner, Danielle De Iuliis, Shin Nishibori, Amy Aimei Han, Michael David Hillman, Daniel Lynn McBroom, Michael David MacBroom and Brian Thomas Sudderth.

Also appearing today at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office are the following patents:

Patent number 20120147011 is for a system for optimizing graphics operations.

Patent number 20120151120 is for systems and methods for handling non-volatile memory operating at a substantially full capacity.

Patent number 20120148308 involves systems and methods for providing a network status to facilitate communications. In particular, in some embodiments, a method of operating an electronic communication device is provided that includes retrieving a network status of another communication device.

Patent number 20120151466 is for improved techniques for interaction between a host device (e.g., host computer) and a portable media device (e.g., media player).