Patents by Inventor John Calhoon

John Calhoon 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: 20070128477
    Abstract: A fuel cell or fuel cell stack heater using resistive heat. A resistive conductor (preferably some type of metal wire) is attached to a source of electricity such as a battery. The resistive conductor is in proximity with the fuel cell or stack so that when the resistive conductor is heated, the cell or stack will also become hot. An insulating material surrounds the outside of the fuel cell or stack, so that it encloses the cell or stack and the resistive conductor. The insulating material will capture heat from the resistive conductor and any waste heat given off by the operation of the fuel cell or stack. A means for modifying the amount of electrical current in the resistive conductor is attached to the apparatus. When the fuel cell or stack reaches the desired temperature, the means is employed to reduce or turn off current in the resistive conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: John Calhoon
  • Publication number: 20070019958
    Abstract: Described herein are technologies directed towards IR-to-network conversion. With the described technology, a system may convert an infrared (IR) control signal from an IR remote controller into a network-transmittable message package and transmit that package via a communications network, such as the Internet (or a network compatible therewith). The IR control signal is destined for a to-be-controlled audio/visual (AV) device. The transmitted network message packet is received at the location of the to-be-controlled AV device and converted back into its original IR control signal. The signal is transmitted to the AV device; thereby effecting control of that device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: John Calhoon
  • Publication number: 20060177711
    Abstract: A fuel cell pack having a fuel tank, a smart controller, and a fuel cell provides electrical power and operational data pertaining to the fuel cell pack to a host processor. The fuel cell pack and the host processor control the operation of the fuel cell. Control of the fuel cell includes starting and shutting down the fuel cell, and metering the amount of fuel provided to the fuel cell. Operational data is provided to the fuel cell via an I2C bus formatted in compliance with industry standard specifications such as the Smart Battery Specification and the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) Specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: John Calhoon
  • Publication number: 20060127721
    Abstract: A fuel cell pack having a fuel tank, a smart controller, and a fuel cell provides electrical power and operational data pertaining to the fuel cell pack to a host processor. The fuel cell pack and the host processor control the operation of the fuel cell. Control of the fuel cell includes starting and shutting down the fuel cell, and metering the amount of fuel provided to the fuel cell. Operational data is provided to the fuel cell via an I2C bus formatted in compliance with industry standard specifications such as the Smart Battery Specification and the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) Specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: John Calhoon
  • Publication number: 20050127869
    Abstract: An inductive power systems transfers energy by inductively coupling a source coil on a power source to a receiver coil on a power portion of a power adapter. The source current is received in the power adapter and converted to direct current for transmission to a computer system. Wireless communication between a power source and the power adapter is provided. A wireless communication arrangement provides for authentication of devices that are allowed by a source to be powered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John Calhoon, Leroy Keely, William Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20050127867
    Abstract: An inductive charging systems transfers energy by inductively coupling a source coil on a charging source to a receiver coil on a charging portion of a battery pack. The source current is received in the battery pack and converted to direct current for storage in the battery pack cells. Communication between a charging source and the charging portion is provided. A wireless communication arrangement provides for authentication of devices that are allowed by a source to be charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John Calhoon, Leroy Keely, William Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20050127868
    Abstract: An inductive charging system transfers energy by inductively coupling a source coil on a power source to a receiver coil for a battery charger. Source current may be received in the battery charger and converted for charging a battery pack. A wireless communication arrangement may also provide for authentication of devices that are allowed by the source to be powered or otherwise charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John Calhoon, Leroy Keely, William Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20050123814
    Abstract: A fuel cell or fuel cell stack heater using resistive heat. A resistive conductor (preferably some type of metal wire) is attached to a source of electricity such as a battery. The resistive conductor is in proximity with the fuel cell or stack so that when the resistive conductor is heated, the cell or stack will also become hot. An insulating material surrounds the outside of the fuel cell or stack, so that it encloses the cell or stack and the resistive conductor. The insulating material will capture heat from the resistive conductor and any waste heat given off by the operation of the fuel cell or stack. A means for modifying the amount of electrical current in the resistive conductor is attached to the apparatus. When the fuel cell or stack reaches the desired temperature, the means is employed to reduce or turn off current in the resistive conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventor: John Calhoon