Patents by Inventor Walter J. Rankins

Walter J. Rankins 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: 20110075387
    Abstract: A strain measurement chip including a body, a strain gauge provided within the body, and electrical contacts with which the strain measurement chip can be mounted to a circuit board, at least one of the electrical contacts being in electrical communication with the strain gauge to enable communication of strain data measured by the strain gauge to the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Steven S. Homer, Mark S. Tracy, Kenneth D. Reddix, Walter J. Rankins
  • Patent number: 7505277
    Abstract: A system comprises a chassis and a slot that is externally accessible on the chassis. The slot is configured to receive a first electronic device having a first electrical interface type. The slot is also configured to receive an adapter comprising a second electrical device having a second electrical interface type that is different than the first electrical interface type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Jeffrey A. Lev, Walter J. Rankins, Walter Fry
  • Publication number: 20090027339
    Abstract: A computing device comprising a pointing stick assembly comprising an outer portion and an inner portion, the inner portion comprising a plurality of extensions extending through the outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Paul j. Doczy, Charles A. Sellers, Dustin L. Hoffman, Walter J. Rankins
  • Publication number: 20080182458
    Abstract: A system comprises a chassis and a slot that is externally accessible on the chassis. The slot is configured to receive a first electronic device having a first electrical interface type. The slot is also configured to receive an adapter comprising a second electrical device having a second electrical interface type that is different than the first electrical interface type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Mark S. TRACY, Jeffrey A. Lev, Walter J. Rankins, Walter Fry
  • Patent number: 7382606
    Abstract: A computer device comprising a display member rotatably coupled to a base member to enable variable positioning of the display member relative to the base member about an axis. The computer device further comprises an anti-tip mechanism extending rearwardly from at least a portion of a bottom wall of the base member beyond the axis to resist movement of the base member away from a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Paul J. Doczy, Walter J. Rankins
  • Patent number: 7145778
    Abstract: One embodiment is a system for mounting a component in a computer system comprising a bracket having a plurality of access ports that permit the component to be secured to the bracket, and having a plurality of mounting points that permit the bracket to be secured to the computer system; a cavity in the computer system formed to receive the bracket with the component and having a plurality of mounting posts, each of which corresponds with a respective mounting point of the plurality of the mounting points; and a cover that is formed to fit over the cavity and having a plurality of access points, each of which corresponds with a respective mounting point and a respective mounting post, wherein the plurality of access points permits each respective mounting point to be secured to the respective mounting post through the associated access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald E. DeLuga, Earl Moore, Walter J. Rankins, Jeffrey A. Lev
  • Patent number: D282421
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Medicomp, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lewellen, Walter J. Rankins