Patents by Inventor Anthony E. Hillyerd

Anthony E. Hillyerd has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230084038
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. A torque-optional hinge connects the third portion to the second portion, and a support hinge connects the third portion to the first portion. The torque-optional hinge has a hinge axis and a means for selectively generating a torque around the hinge axis. The means for selectively generating the torque has a high-torque state and a low-torque state. The high-torque state provides a greater rotational resistance around the hinge axis than the low-torque state. The support hinge rotatably connects the first portion and the third portion and provides a torque around a support axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Christina Ashley YEE, Brian David BITZ, Beau SQUIRE, Ryan BEHN, Michael Gordon OLDANI, Anthony E. HILLYERD, Joseph Benjamin GAULT
  • Publication number: 20230049295
    Abstract: A hinge of a computing device includes a primary support connecting a display to a stand. As the display rotates about the stand, the primary support slides along a friction strip, which stabilizes the display with respect to the stand. A stabilizer may connect the stand to the base or the stand to the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventor: Anthony E. HILLYERD
  • Publication number: 20230034612
    Abstract: A hinge system has a first body and a second body rotatably connected to one another around a first pivot point. The second body has a top surface and bottom surface positioned opposite one another in a vertical direction of the second body. A translation mechanism is connected to the second body and the first pivot point to displace the first pivot point in the vertical direction relative to the second body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2020
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Anthony E. HILLYERD, Christina Ashley YEE, Aseem SINGLA, Robyn Rebecca Reed MCLAUGHLIN, Kaitlyn Marley SCHOECK, Hua WANG, Daniel DHONDT, Brian David BITZ, Joseph Benjamin GAULT
  • Patent number: 11054862
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device includes a first portion with a protrusion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. The second portion has a receptacle. An undocking assist mechanism is configured to separate the first portion from the second portion when the protrusion is at least partially inserted into the receptacle. An actuator is configured to actuate the undocking assist mechanism. Methods of use are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony E. Hillyerd, Scott Douglas Bowers, Justin Carl Lind, John Stephen Campbell, Joseph Benjamin Gault
  • Patent number: 10942547
    Abstract: A lock for actively locking an electronic device includes an engagement member that is movable by an actuator. The actuator moves the engagement member to the locked position with a first amount of power from the power source and from the locked position to an unlocked position with a second amount of power from the power source. The engagement member will passively remain in the unlocked position or the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Duane Martin Evans
  • Patent number: 10613582
    Abstract: A docking mechanism is described. The docking mechanism may include a locking protrusion and a locking receptacle configured to receive the locking protrusion and having an inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a wedging member abutting the inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a locking detent. The locking detent may have a spring configured to bias the locking detent towards the locking protrusion. Computing devices that include docking mechanisms are also described. Methods of use of the docking mechanisms are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Ian Rosen, Joseph Benjamin Gault, Cesar Ambriz Rios, Anthony E. Hillyerd
  • Patent number: 10571974
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device may include a first portion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. A locking mechanism may be configured to lock the first portion to the second portion. The locking mechanism may include a locking receptacle connected to the first portion and a locking protrusion connected to the second portion. The locking receptacle may include a rotating lock and may have an aperture through which the locking protrusion is insertable. The computing device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, John Stephen Campbell, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Karsten Aagaard, Eric Paul Witt
  • Publication number: 20190235573
    Abstract: A docking mechanism is described. The docking mechanism may include a locking protrusion and a locking receptacle configured to receive the locking protrusion and having an inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a wedging member abutting the inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a locking detent. The locking detent may have a spring configured to bias the locking detent towards the locking protrusion. Computing devices that include docking mechanisms are also described. Methods of use of the docking mechanisms are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: David Ian ROSEN, Joseph Benjamin GAULT, Cesar AMBRIZ RIOS, Anthony E. HILLYERD
  • Patent number: 10331175
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device may include a first portion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. A locking mechanism may be configured to lock the first portion to the second portion. The locking mechanism may include a locking receptacle connected to the first portion and a locking protrusion connected to the second portion. The locking receptacle may include a rotating lock and may have an aperture through which the locking protrusion is insertable. The computing device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, John Stephen Campbell, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Karsten Aagaard, Eric Paul Witt
  • Patent number: 10303214
    Abstract: A docking mechanism is described. The docking mechanism may include a locking protrusion and a locking receptacle configured to receive the locking protrusion and having an inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a wedging member abutting the inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a locking detent. The locking detent may have a spring configured to bias the locking detent towards the locking protrusion. Computing devices that include docking mechanisms are also described. Methods of use of the docking mechanisms are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Ian Rosen, Joseph Benjamin Gault, Cesar Ambriz Rios, Anthony E. Hillyerd
  • Publication number: 20190113950
    Abstract: A docking mechanism is described. The docking mechanism may include a locking protrusion and a locking receptacle configured to receive the locking protrusion and having an inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a wedging member abutting the inclined surface. The docking mechanism may include a locking detent. The locking detent may have a spring configured to bias the locking detent towards the locking protrusion. Computing devices that include docking mechanisms are also described. Methods of use of the docking mechanisms are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: David Ian ROSEN, Joseph Benjamin GAULT, Cesar AMBRIZ RIOS, Anthony E. Hillyerd
  • Publication number: 20190025890
    Abstract: A lock for actively locking an electronic device includes an engagement member that is movable by an actuator. The actuator moves the engagement member to the locked position with a first amount of power from the power source and from the locked position to an unlocked position with a second amount of power from the power source. The engagement member will passively remain in the unlocked position or the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Duane Martin Evans
  • Patent number: 10133315
    Abstract: A lock for actively locking an electronic device includes an engagement member that is movable by an actuator. The actuator moves the engagement member to the locked position with a first amount of power from the power source and from the locked position to an unlocked position with a second amount of power from the power source. The engagement member will passively remain in the unlocked position or the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Duane Martin Evans
  • Publication number: 20180129251
    Abstract: A lock for actively locking an electronic device includes an engagement member that is movable by an actuator. The actuator moves the engagement member to the locked position with a first amount of power from the power source and from the locked position to an unlocked position with a second amount of power from the power source. The engagement member will passively remain in the unlocked position or the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Duane Martin Evans
  • Publication number: 20180059733
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device may include a first portion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. A locking mechanism may be configured to lock the first portion to the second portion. The locking mechanism may include a locking receptacle connected to the first portion and a locking protrusion connected to the second portion. The locking receptacle may include a rotating lock and may have an aperture through which the locking protrusion is insertable. The computing device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin GAULT, Scott Douglas BOWERS, John Stephen CAMPBELL, Anthony E. HILLYERD, Yazan ALDEHAYYAT, Karsten AAGAARD, Eric Paul WITT
  • Publication number: 20170315592
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device may include a first portion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. A locking mechanism may be configured to lock the first portion to the second portion. The locking mechanism may include a locking receptacle connected to the first portion and a locking protrusion connected to the second portion. The locking receptacle may include a rotating lock and may have an aperture through which the locking protrusion is insertable. The computing device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin GAULT, Scott Douglas BOWERS, John Stephen CAMPBELL, Anthony E. HILLYERD, Yazan ALDEHAYYAT, Karsten AAGAARD, Eric Paul WITT
  • Publication number: 20170308127
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device includes a first portion with a protrusion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. The second portion has a receptacle. An undocking assist mechanism is configured to separate the first portion from the second portion when the protrusion is at least partially inserted into the receptacle. An actuator is configured to actuate the undocking assist mechanism. Methods of use are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Anthony E. Hillyerd, Scott Douglas Bowers, Justin Carl Lind, John Stephen Campbell, Joseph Benjamin Gault
  • Patent number: 9740245
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device may include a first portion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. A locking mechanism may be configured to lock the first portion to the second portion. The locking mechanism may include a locking receptacle connected to the first portion and a locking protrusion connected to the second portion. The locking receptacle may include a rotating lock and may have an aperture through which the locking protrusion is insertable. The computing device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, John Stephen Campbell, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Karsten Aagaard, Eric Paul Witt
  • Publication number: 20170097663
    Abstract: A computing device is described. The computing device may include a first portion and a second portion separably connected to the first portion. A locking mechanism may be configured to lock the first portion to the second portion. The locking mechanism may include a locking receptacle connected to the first portion and a locking protrusion connected to the second portion. The locking receptacle may include a rotating lock and may have an aperture through which the locking protrusion is insertable. The computing device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the first portion from the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Gault, Scott Douglas Bowers, John Stephen Campbell, Anthony E. Hillyerd, Yazan Aldehayyat, Karsten Aagaard, Eric Paul Witt
  • Patent number: 7465088
    Abstract: A thermal sensing system includes a one-piece clip formed of a thermally conductive material. The clip includes a flat, substantially enclosed portion with tabs extending upward from it for connecting the clip to a printed circuit board. The clip also includes a contact portion that is configured to contact a thermally emitting object along a substantial portion of its surface. The thermal sensing system also includes a thermistor. The thermistor may be mounted to the printed circuit board or directly mounted to the clip. Heat is transferred from the thermal object to the thermistor via the clip. This system may be used in various arrangements in which temperature of an object is monitored or maintained within a given range. For example, the system may be used with a rechargeable mouse to monitor the temperature of the replaceable battery during charging and discontinue charging should the temperature reach a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gino S. Garcia, Anthony E. Hillyerd, James C. Marshall, Michael Schwager