Patents Examined by Hung V. Duong
  • Patent number: 8107230
    Abstract: A display device includes a panel assembly on which an image is formed, a cover member which comprises a front portion having a display window exposing at least a portion of a front side of the panel assembly and a side portion which is bent from the front portion, the cover member having one or more joining regions where a pair of end portions engage with and are joined to each other, the cover member comprising a first joining part and a second joining part which are formed at the pair of end portions, respectively, wherein at least one of the first joining part and the second joining part include a region stepped from a surface of the cover member, and at least a portion of the first joining part and the second joining part overlap each other, and an accommodating member which accommodates the panel assembly and is joined to the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeoung-gwen Lee, Chun-hyun Cho, Sang-min Kang, Jin-soo Shin
  • Patent number: 8089749
    Abstract: A portable electronic device with a first panel and a second panel connected to the first panel. The connection allows the panels to pivot relative to one another between a folded position and an un-folded position. A lock automatically engages and locks the panels when the panels are brought in the folded position and disengages when the panels are displaced relative to one another sidewardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: James Renwick
  • Patent number: 8020220
    Abstract: A helmet system that enables a user of the helmet system to customize the helmet system according to personal taste, a task at hand, responsibilities within a tactical group (e.g., communications, command, etc.), and/or according to other parameters. The customization of the helmet system may include a customization of electronics modules carried on the helmet system that optionally provide communications, environment detection, health or biometrics monitoring, power, information transmission/reception, information processing, and/or other functionalities. The customization of the helmet system may include a customization of structural components that enable the user to balance the structural protection provided to the user against other considerations. The other considerations may include, for example, weight, form factor, comfort, and/or other considerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Land & Armaments
    Inventors: Michael McElroy, Fielder Stanton Lyons
  • Patent number: 8014168
    Abstract: A wire form rail adapter for use in connecting an electrical component to a mounting rail includes a wire form spring clip that is formed to provide both a connection portion and a spring portion. The connection portion is configured to selectively engage the mounting rail and retain the rail against the rail adapter. The spring portion is configured to provide a biasing force that urges the wire form spring clip toward a position in which the connection portion engages the mounting rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Raymond Lanning, Roger William Helms
  • Patent number: 8014140
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing and a hinge arm. The housing has peripheral wall having an opening. The hinge arm is made of metal and secured in the housing, extending along the peripheral wall. The hinge arm has a connector holding part that opposes the opening. An external connector is secured to the connector holding part. The external connector is exposed outside the housing through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomoko Kitamura, Toshikazu Shiroishi, Masataka Tokoro
  • Patent number: 8009411
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and a circuit board contained in the housing. The housing includes a main wall, a side wall, a vertical wall, a first rib, and a second rib. The side wall is integrally formed with the main wall. The vertical wall is integrally formed with the main wall and faces to the side wall. The first rib is integrally formed with the side wall and the main wall. The first rib extends from the side wall toward the vertical wall. The first rib has a first end portion separated from the vertical wall. The second rib is integrally formed with the vertical wall and the main wall. The second rib extends from the vertical wall toward the side wall. The second rib has a second end portion separated from the side wall. The second rib faces to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshio Ooe, Yuji Nakajima, Noriyasu Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8004829
    Abstract: A mechanism for protecting a portable electronic device, e.g., a handheld computer system. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an encasing structure having an opening and configured to receive and have disposed therewithin the handheld computer system. The present invention is further comprised of a lifting device coupled to the encasing structure. The lifting device is adapted to raise the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure and further adapted to lower the handheld computer system to a disposition therewithin the encasing structure. The encasing structure can be used to protect input/output ports or slots, I/Os externally disposed on side surfaces of the handheld computer system when the handheld computer system is disposed within the encasing structure, and the lifting device enables raising the handheld computer system above the confines of the encasing structure to provide access to the I/Os.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Lawrence Lam, Huy Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8000097
    Abstract: An information processing device is provided. The device includes an upper enclosure; a lower enclosure which supports the upper enclosure with a varied attitude and on which the upper enclosure may be superposed; a disk drive device stored in the upper or lower enclosure and having a disk mounting part on which a disk-shaped recording medium is detachably mounted; and an enclosure moving mechanism setting a disk storage region to have a first thickness with the upper enclosure allowed to have a distance from the lower enclosure when the disk drive device is used and setting the disk storage region to have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness with the upper enclosure allowed to come close to the lower enclosure to reduce the disk storage region when the disk drive device is not used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamamoto, Toshio Mamiya, Hidetoshi Kabasawa, Katsuhiko Yamada, Takashi Yamada, Hideaki Kumagai
  • Patent number: 7995332
    Abstract: A support structure for at least two flat panel display devices that permits adjustment of the at least two display devices in or about one or more axes, and a display system including such support structure and display devices while maintaining a constant space between the display devices in various configurations, alignments and orientations of the display devices. Such support structure, as provided in accordance with embodiments of the invention, provides for configuration of the at least two display devices, in a plurality of alignments in which fronts of the two display devices are generally aligned in a plane, for viewing together. Embodiments of the support structure provide for the two display devices to be positioned in a landscape and/or portrait configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Helmars E. Ozolins, Eric Nelson, Masamichi Udagawa, Peter D. Scott
  • Patent number: 7995334
    Abstract: A methodology for connecting device components with circuitry located at different levels and orientations relative to one another is described. First circuitry can be located on a multi-plane rigid circuit board where the multi-plane rigid circuit board can include at least one flexible member sharing a common substrate with the multi-plane rigid circuit board that extends from a body portion of the multi-plane rigid circuit board. The flexible member can include traces used to convey power and/or data and an interface coupled to the power and/or data traces. The flexible member can be deflected or twisted to connect first circuitry on the body portion of the multi-plane rigid circuit board to second circuitry associated with another device component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. McClure, Joshua D. Banko, John P. Ternus
  • Patent number: 7986513
    Abstract: The battery pack holding mechanism according to the present invention Includes: a battery pack housing portion 4 in which a terminal electrode that is connected electrically to an electrode 12b of a connector is disposed and into which a battery pack is housed by being inserted along a pair of side walls 25a and 25b; and a holding member 31 that holds a battery pack 5 housed in the battery pack housing portion 4. The holding member 31 is disposed inside the pair of side walls 25a and 25b in the vicinity of the terminal electrode and has a pair of pinching portions 35a and 35b that are orthogonal to an insertion/removal direction in which the battery pack is inserted/removed and protrude toward opposed surfaces constituting an outer periphery of the battery pack, respectively. According to this configuration, the occurrence of a contact failure in a state where the battery pack is housed can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Masato Murakata
  • Patent number: 7983032
    Abstract: Carrier for the rack mounting of two or more data storage devices into a chassis. The carrier includes support members along the length of the carrier, to receive and retain the two or more data storage devices. The carrier further includes a single electrical communication connector to provide an electrical communication interface for all of the data storage devices in the carrier, to and from a mating connector on a board of the chassis. The carrier further includes an interposer to adapt electrical signals from the single electrical communication connector into a form that is usable by the data storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Jabil Circuit, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert I. Walker, Odie B. Killen, Paul K. Foisy
  • Patent number: 7983053
    Abstract: An electronic plug-in module for accommodation in a module rack with a mounting rail, wherein the plug-in module includes a circuit board, a front plate and a mounting device, the mounting device comprises a bearing part, a tensioning part and a fixation element, the bearing part is fixed on front plate, and the tensioning part is connected frictionally to the fixation element and the bearing part in such a manner that a force, by means of which the plug-in module is held with its front plate in a defined position relative to the module rack, is exerted onto the plug-in module transversely to the insertion direction of the plug-in module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Schroff GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Joist, Rainer Weber, Klaus-Michael Thalau, Paul Rutherford
  • Patent number: 7974087
    Abstract: A cartridge type HDD unit 20 is mounted on the outside of a back plate panel 2 of an exterior cover rear portion in an image forming apparatus 1. An HDD main body is detachably attachable into a unit case 21. When the HDD main body is attached into the unit case 21, the HDD main body is substantially horizontally inserted from a sideways case opening 22. In the conventional art, there is the problem that the HDD main body is caused to fall carelessly in attachment working in which the HDD main body is mounted to a housing case such that the HDD main body drops into a housing case in a vertical direction. However the problem above described is eliminated, and the attachment working of the HDD main body can be performed easily and safely. With reference to security protection of information stored in the on-board mounted built-in HDD, the information stored in the built-in HDD can be transferred to and stored in the cartridge type HDD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimasu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7969721
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a host, a display portion and a plurality of functional modules. The display portion is pivotally connected with the host and has an accommodation concave space. Each of the functional modules has the same connecting structure to be engaged within the accommodation concave space. Either one of the functional modules is installed within the accommodation concave space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Su-Ching Hsu, Chih-Ho Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7969718
    Abstract: A computer keyboard in one embodiment includes a plurality of keys, each of the keys including a suspension structure and a key body supported by the suspension structure, the key body comprising a color body member, a transparent colorless protective cover formed on the body member, and at least one character formed on the body member by laser engraving through the protective cover onto the body member wherein the body member has a flat top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Sunrex Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Huo-Lu Tsai
  • Patent number: 7969723
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable communication device which comprises a first part, a second part, and one or more electroactive polymer actuators, where the electroactive polymer actuator is connected to the first part and to the second part. The invention also comprise a control unit, where the electroactive polymer actuator is adapted to move the first part in relation to the second part, and that the control unit is adapted to control the electroactive polymer actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Anders Jahge
  • Patent number: 7969729
    Abstract: An assembly mechanism includes a case and a fastening structure disposed at a side of the case. The case includes a lower board, a connecting port, a fixing board, and a lateral board. The connecting port and the fixing board are connected to two ends of the lower board respectively. The lateral board is connected to the lower board, the connecting port, and the fixing board. The lateral board is used for containing an electronic device cooperatively with the lower board, the connecting port, and the fixing board. The fastening structure includes a base board and an elastic fixing part. The base board is connected to the connecting port in a rotatable manner. The elastic fixing part is connected to an end of the base board for inserting into a hole of the fixing board when the base board rotates to a first position relative to the connecting port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Fu-Jen Yang
  • Patent number: 7965498
    Abstract: A display cover to housing interface system includes a display screen fronted by a display cover having front and obverse faces and a distal edge between the faces around a circumference thereof (i.e., edge thickness), and also an outer housing that provides support for the display cover. A portion of the display cover distal edge or thickness is fully exposed to outside, such that the display cover is exposed and substantially visible when viewed directly from the front and at least one side while installed. The display cover can be glass, while the housing is metal. A protective layer located between the housing and display cover protects the display cover from the housing. Various support components hold the display cover in place, and can include magnets and/or a stabilizer assembly affixed along a bottom edge of the display cover and adapted to couple to a bottom chin of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Todd F. Gotham, Shin Nishibori, Christopher J. Stringer, Michael McBroom, Daniel McBroom, Brian Sudderth, John Ternus
  • Patent number: 7961459
    Abstract: An electronic device according to the present invention includes: a substrate; first and second connectors provided on a front surface and a back surface of the substrate, respectively; and first and second storage devices connectable to the first and second connectors, respectively. In the electronic device, the first and second storage devices are connected to the connectors with the largest surfaces of each of the first and second storage devices being substantially parallel to the front surface and the back surface. Moreover, a placement position of the first connector on the front surface is not opposed to a placement position of the second connector on the back surface, with the substrate in between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Buffalo Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoaki Kouyama