Patents by Inventor Eric Fuhs
Eric Fuhs 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: 7725607Abstract: A method and system for enabling personal digital assistants (PDAs) and protecting stored private data. Specifically, one embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a removable expansion card about the size of a postage stamp which plugs into a slot of a personal digital assistant. The removable expansion card, referred to as a personality card, is capable of storing all of a user's private information and data which is used within their personal digital assistant. By removing the personality card from the personal digital assistant, all of the user's private information and data may be removed from the personal digital assistant. Furthermore, the personal digital assistant may also be rendered totally or partially useless once the personality card is removed from it. There are several advantages associated with a personality card system in accordance with the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: PalmSource, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
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Patent number: 7659830Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
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Patent number: 7119706Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Palm, IncInventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
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Patent number: 6875039Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: palmOne, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Groebe, Eric Fuhs
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Patent number: 6869304Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: palmOne, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Groebe, Eric Fuhs
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Patent number: 6831568Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: palmOne, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
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Patent number: 6769036Abstract: A method and system for enabling personal digital assistants (PDAs) and protecting stored private data. Specifically, one embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a removable expansion card about the size of a postage stamp which plugs into a slot of a personal digital assistant. The removable expansion card, referred to as a personality card, is capable of storing all of a user's private information and data which is used within their personal digital assistant. By removing the personality card from the personal digital assistant, all of the user's private information and data may be removed from the personal digital assistant. Furthermore, the personal digital assistant may also be rendered totally or partially useless once the personality card is removed from it. There are several advantages associated with a personality card system in accordance with the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Palm Source, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
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Patent number: 6638092Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Groebe, Eric Fuhs
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Patent number: 6618044Abstract: A portable computer system (e.g., a palmtop or hand-held computer system) with a universal interface module containing circuitry needed to connect with and operate a device such as a display device. The interface module is coupled between the display device and a printed circuit board (e.g., a central processing unit). The interface module can be coupled to the display device using a flexible circuit. In that case, the interface module is pivotable about the flexible circuit so that it can be positioned in different locations within the computer system, depending on space availability and the constraints of a particular computer system design. Thus, the combination of the interface module, the device, and/or the flexible circuit and can be universally implemented in different designs of portable computer systems, reducing development time and manufacturing costs.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Palm Inc.Inventors: Shawn Gettemy, Troy Hulick, Eric Fuhs, Frank Canova
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Patent number: 6558189Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. A second connector resides on a cradle and includes a plurality of contact elements that mate with the contact elements on the handheld computer. A coupling structure is configured to extend from the cradle and to couple to the handheld computer. The coupling structure causes a portion of the handheld computer to bias into the cradle so as to direct the first connector to remain in contact with the second connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Daniel P. Groebe, Eric Fuhs
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Publication number: 20020155747Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Daniel P. Groebe, Eric Fuhs
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Patent number: 6462941Abstract: A method and apparatus for backlighting a handwriting input area for a portable computing device. The portable computing device includes a display area for displaying alphanumeric data and other images. Underneath the display area is a digitizer input area by which users enter handwritten information into the portable computing device. The portable computing device contains handwriting recognition software which converts the handwritten information into alphanumeric data. Both the display area and the digitizer input area are both backlit to facilitate usage in poor lighting conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Troy Hulick, Eric Fuhs, John Byrne
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Publication number: 20020132511Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Daniel P. Groebe, Eric Fuhs
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Publication number: 20020132523Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Daniel P. Groebe, Eric Fuhs
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Publication number: 20020132521Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. A second connector resides on a cradle and includes a plurality of contact elements that mate with the contact elements on the handheld computer. A coupling structure is configured to extend from the cradle and to couple to the handheld computer. The coupling structure causes a portion of the handheld computer to bias into the cradle so as to direct the first connector to remain in contact with the second connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Daniel P. Groebe, Eric Fuhs, Thomas Kos, Kevin Urness
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Patent number: 6427918Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for conveniently storing and protecting auxiliary add-in media cards while complying with the form factor of an electronic device such as a palmtop computer. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an auxiliary add-in card storage apparatus disposed within a flip cover that can be removeably attached to the palmtop computer. The auxiliary add-in cards can be of SD (secure digital) or MMC (multi-media card) or memory stick format. The auxiliary add-in card storage apparatus, in one embodiment, is adapted to be attached to the inside of the flip cover of the palmtop computer. In the present embodiment, the apparatus is further comprised of sleeves adapted to receive the auxiliary add-in cards. The sleeves provide pockets, each of which is configured to receive an auxiliary add-in card. The pockets are further adapted to provide secure retention and protection of the auxiliary add-in cards once inserted into the pockets.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Edward Endejan, Eric Fuhs
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Publication number: 20020063162Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for conveniently storing and protecting auxiliary add-in media cards while complying with the form factor of an electronic device such as a palmtop computer. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an auxiliary add-in card storage apparatus disposed within a flip cover that can be removeably attached to the palmtop computer. The auxiliary add-in cards can be of SD (secure digital) or MMC (multi-media card) or memory stick format. The auxiliary add-in card storage apparatus, in one embodiment, is adapted to be attached to the inside of the flip cover of the palmtop computer. In the present embodiment, the apparatus is further comprised of sleeves adapted to receive the auxiliary add-in cards. The sleeves provide pockets, each of which is configured to receive an auxiliary add-in card. The pockets are further adapted to provide secure retention and protection of the auxiliary add-in cards once inserted into the pockets.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2000Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: Edward Endejan, Eric Fuhs
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Patent number: 6198724Abstract: A cell scheduling method and apparatus are described in which cells are efficiently scheduled in four steps. In a first step, a VC is selected for servicing and serviced if necessary. In a second step, cells from the serviced VCs are scheduled for transmission. In a third step, jitter is controlled. In a fourth step, final departure of cells is scheduled.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1997Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Vertex Networks, Inc.Inventors: John Lam, Frank Huang, Eric Fuh, Martin Chen
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Patent number: 5434976Abstract: A high speed data communication controller comprising two independent central processing units, each having its own independent program instruction fetch data path, and instruction execution data path. The data communication controller includes a dual-port serial communication subsystem and a bus interface unit operably associated with a four channel DMA controller. One central processing unit is assigned the task of handling the medium access control (MAC) layer function of a multilayered local area network protocol, while the other central processing unit handles host commands and buffer memory management functions associated with the transmission and reception of packets relating to the higher layer protocol. As a result of the present invention, efficient data communication processing is achieved within a single VSLI chip, thereby improving node and network data throughout.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1992Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Standard Microsystems CorporationInventors: Min P. Tan, Eric Fuh, Philip Chan, deceased, John Ta