Patents by Inventor Benjamin Michael Finney
Benjamin Michael Finney 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).
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Patent number: 10561935Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises a tiltable post operable to output a control signal based on its position, with the post comprising external threads and a post anchor feature. An adjustable tensioning mechanism is configured to modify a tilt tension of the post. A cap comprises a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. A base is moveable with the post and comprises a first cylindrical portion extending into the cavity, and a second cylindrical portion comprising internal threads and a base anchor feature. The internal threads mate with the external threads of the post to fasten the post to the base, and the base anchor feature abuts the post anchor feature to prevent displacement of the base toward the proximal end of the post.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Dustin John Tiffany, Benjamin Michael Finney, Aaron Schmitz
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Patent number: 10142448Abstract: The technology provides a mobile communication device having separable components, including a control module configured for only short-range wireless communication and a docking station module configured for both long-range wireless communication and short-range wireless communication. The control module includes a touch-sensitive display, a short-range wireless transceiver and a processor that electrically couples the touch-sensitive display and the short-range wireless transceiver. The docking station module includes a docking area that receives the control module, a docking short-range wireless transceiver configured to communicate with the control module, a long-range wireless transceiver that is configured to communicate with a long-range network and a docking processor that electrically couples the docking short-range wireless transceiver and the long-range wireless transceiver. The technology provides a sleek light-weight control module having full functionality of the docking station module.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Paul John Kudrna, Benjamin Michael Finney, David Kazmierz Szczypinski, Oleg Los
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Publication number: 20180200617Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises a tiltable post operable to output a control signal based on its position, with the post comprising external threads and a post anchor feature. An adjustable tensioning mechanism is configured to modify a tilt tension of the post. A cap comprises a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. A base is moveable with the post and comprises a first cylindrical portion extending into the cavity, and a second cylindrical portion comprising internal threads and a base anchor feature. The internal threads mate with the external threads of the post to fasten the post to the base, and the base anchor feature abuts the post anchor feature to prevent displacement of the base toward the proximal end of the post.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2017Publication date: July 19, 2018Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Dustin John Tiffany, Benjamin Michael Finney, Aaron Schmitz
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Patent number: 9943757Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The tiltable post is operable to output a control signal based on a position of the tiltable post relative to a default position. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. An engagement body is located within the cavity and contacts an engagement surface of the adjustable tensioning mechanism. The engagement body includes a cam surface disposed around an axis of the tiltable post. An adjustment body within the cavity of the stem comprises a follower that contacts the cam surface. The follower is configured to traverse the cam surface when the cap is rotated to thereby translate the engagement body along the axis of the tiltable post and adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Dustin Tiffany, Aaron Schmitz, Benjamin Michael Finney
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Patent number: 9868058Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a user input device, such as a game controller, that includes a thumbstick having adjustable tilt tension. The user input device includes a housing, a joystick assembly, a thumbstick cap, and an adjustment mechanism. The housing defines an internal cavity of the user input device and includes an aperture. The joystick assembly is disposed within the internal cavity. The joystick assembly comprises a tilt-able post and is operable to generate an analog input control signal based on a position of the tilt-able post in relation to a default position. The thumbstick cap is mounted through the aperture to an end of the tilt-able post. The adjustment mechanism is configured to enable a tilt tension of the tilt-able post to be changed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Gabriel Michael Rask Gassoway, Joshua P. Weiher, Eph John Evans, Benjamin Michael Finney, Jason Victor Tsai, Jonathan Shea Robinson, Aaron Schmitz, Dustin Tiffany
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Publication number: 20170368451Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The tiltable post is operable to output a control signal based on a position of the tiltable post relative to a default position. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. An engagement body is located within the cavity and contacts an engagement surface of the adjustable tensioning mechanism. The engagement body includes a cam surface disposed around an axis of the tiltable post. An adjustment body within the cavity of the stem comprises a follower that contacts the cam surface. The follower is configured to traverse the cam surface when the cap is rotated to thereby translate the engagement body along the axis of the tiltable post and adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Dustin Tiffany, Aaron Schmitz, Benjamin Michael Finney
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Publication number: 20170001106Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a user input device, such as a game controller, that includes a thumbstick having adjustable tilt tension. The user input device includes a housing, a joystick assembly, a thumbstick cap, and an adjustment mechanism. The housing defines an internal cavity of the user input device and includes an aperture. The joystick assembly is disposed within the internal cavity. The joystick assembly comprises a tilt-able post and is operable to generate an analog input control signal based on a position of the tilt-able post in relation to a default position. The thumbstick cap is mounted through the aperture to an end of the tilt-able post. The adjustment mechanism is configured to enable a tilt tension of the tilt-able post to be changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2015Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Gabriel Michael Rask Gassoway, Joshua P. Weiher, Eph John Evans, Benjamin Michael Finney, Jason Victor Tsai, Jonathan Shea Robinson, Aaron Schmitz, Dustin Tiffany
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Patent number: 8955995Abstract: The present disclosure describes key lighting assemblies, electronic devices and keycaps. In one aspect, a key lighting assembly comprises a keycap defining at least one key. The keycap has one or more decorations. The assembly comprises a keycap, defining a key. The keycap has a non-opaque portion to identify the key. The assembly further comprises a light guide which is mounted in spaced relation with the keycap and an optical radiation source optically coupled to the light guide. The assembly further comprises a first opaque layer disposed on a first surface of the light guide. The first opaque layer defines a first opaque layer opening for passing optical radiation from the light guide to the keycap. The first opaque layer opening is located to permit optical radiation to be transmitted from the light guide to the non-opaque portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Blackberry LimitedInventors: Michael Thomas Pope, Benjamin Michael Finney, Jimmy Bedolla
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Publication number: 20140044298Abstract: A module for containing an earpiece for an audio device, the earpiece having at least one protruding electrical contact. The module comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being opposable and forming a cavity sized to accommodate an earpiece. The module further comprises at least one electrical contact within the cavity, on one of the first portion and the second portion. The electrical contact is positioned to engage a protruding electrical contact of the earpiece positioned within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: BLACKBERRY LIMITEDInventors: Cody Allen Balk, David Kazmierz Szczypinski, Benjamin Michael Finney
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Patent number: 8588454Abstract: A module for containing an earpiece for an audio device, the earpiece having at least one protruding electrical contact. The module comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being opposable and forming a cavity sized to accommodate an earpiece. The module further comprises at least one electrical contact within the cavity, on one of the first portion and the second portion. The electrical contact is positioned to engage a protruding electrical contact of the earpiece positioned within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Cody Allen Balk, David Kazmierz Szczypinski, Benjamin Michael Finney
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Publication number: 20130039018Abstract: A device, system and process for fabricating a three-dimensional electronic substrate are disclosed. A substrate may be molded in three-dimensions to fit the form factor of an exterior device frame. Electronics and conductors may be placed onto the three-dimensional surface of the molded substrate, thereby creating a three-dimensional electronic substrate. The three dimensional substrate may then be connected to an exterior frame to allow for electronic functionalities across frame form factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Erik Alan HOLVERSON, Benjamin Michael FINNEY, Cody Allen BALK
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Publication number: 20130034672Abstract: A translucent or transparent cover plate has an inner side and an outer side. A decoration portion bearing a decoration or art work is attached to the inner side of the cover plate. The decoration or art work is visible through the outer side of cover plate. Retention features can be attached or joined to the cover plate to enable the cover plate to be attached to an electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventors: James Nelson Aldrich, III, Benjamin Michael Finney, Paul John Kudrna, Peter P. Kosanovich
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Publication number: 20120314396Abstract: The present disclosure describes key lighting assemblies, electronic devices and keycaps. In one aspect, a key lighting assembly comprises a keycap defining at least one key. The keycap has one or more decorations. The assembly comprises a keycap, defining a key. The keycap has a non-opaque portion to identify the key. The assembly further comprises a light guide which is mounted in spaced relation with the keycap and an optical radiation source optically coupled to the light guide. The assembly further comprises a first opaque layer disposed on a first surface of the light guide. The first opaque layer defines a first opaque layer opening for passing optical radiation from the light guide to the keycap. The first opaque layer opening is located to permit optical radiation to be transmitted from the light guide to the non-opaque portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Michael Thomas POPE, Benjamin Michael FINNEY, Jimmy BEDOLLA
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Publication number: 20120225622Abstract: The technology provides a mobile communication device having separable components, including a control module configured for only short-range wireless communication and a docking station module configured for both long-range wireless communication and short-range wireless communication. The control module includes a touch-sensitive display, a short-range wireless transceiver and a processor that electrically couples the touch-sensitive display and the short-range wireless transceiver. The docking station module includes a docking area that receives the control module, a docking short-range wireless transceiver configured to communicate with the control module, a long-range wireless transceiver that is configured to communicate with a. long-range network and a docking processor that electrically couples the docking short-range wireless transceiver and the long-range wireless transceiver. The technology provides a sleek light-weight control module having full functionality of the docking station module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Paul John Kudrna, Benjamin Michael Finney, David Kazmierz Szczypinski, Oleg Los
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Publication number: 20120208590Abstract: An electronic mobile device includes a plurality of keys. Each of the plurality of keys is defined by a corresponding one of a plurality of deflectable portions of a film layer, a corresponding one of a plurality of actuators, and a corresponding one of a plurality of switches. Each of the plurality of keys is actuatable by deflecting the corresponding one of the plurality of deflectable portions and a flexible frame to displace the corresponding one of the actuators and thereby actuate the corresponding one of the plurality of switches.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Patrick James Markan, Paul John Kudrna, Benjamin Michael Finney
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Publication number: 20120201413Abstract: A module for containing an earpiece for an audio device, the earpiece having at least one protruding electrical contact. The module comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being opposable and forming a cavity sized to accommodate an earpiece. The module further comprises at least one electrical contact within the cavity, on one of the first portion and the second portion. The electrical contact is positioned to engage a protruding electrical contact of the earpiece positioned within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Cody Allen Balk, David Kazmierz Szczypinski, Benjamin Michael Finney
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Patent number: 8029300Abstract: A connector and a system for connectors of a mobile device wherein the connector is angled, that is, wherein the connector includes an external interface for receiving an external connection and an internal interface configured for connection to a printed circuit board, wherein the internal interface is connected to the external interface and the internal interface is at a predetermined angle with respect to the external interface. In a mobile device, the external interface is at an angle to a main printed circuit board of the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Benjamin Michael Finney, Paul John Kudrna, Markus Thrien
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Publication number: 20110081790Abstract: A connector and a system for connectors of a mobile device wherein the connector is angled, that is, wherein the connector includes an external interface for receiving an external connection and an internal interface configured for connection to a printed circuit board, wherein the internal interface is connected to the external interface and the internal interface is at a predetermined angle with respect to the external interface. In a mobile device, the external interface is at an angle to a main printed circuit board of the mobile device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Research in Motion LimitedInventors: Benjamin Michael FINNEY, Paul John KUDRNA, Markus THRIEN
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Patent number: D644988Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Benjamin Michael Finney, Matthew Michael Ignor, James Abraham Keane