Expansion/docking Station Patents (Class 361/679.41)
  • Patent number: 9036361
    Abstract: Embodiments of an avionic media system are provided, as are embodiments of an actuated media docking station and embodiments of an over-center locking mechanism suitable for usage in an actuated media docking station. In one embodiment, the avionic media system includes an actuated media docking station and an onboard electronic device. The actuated media docking station includes, in turn, a housing assembly, a mass media device (“MMD”) receptacle coupled to the housing assembly, a connector mounted to the MMD receptacle and configured to interface with the MMD when inserted into the MMD receptacle, and an actuator coupled to the housing assembly and to the MMD receptacle. The actuator moves the MMD receptacle between: (i) a loading position in which an MMD can be inserted into the MMD receptacle, and (ii) a retaining position in which removal of an MMD from the MMD receptacle is physically obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Schrock, Manjunath Hadadi, Animesh Mukherjee, Elliott Onstine
  • Patent number: 9036343
    Abstract: A molded external expanding apparatus or “docking station” operable with a portable computer device of a type having a display unit having a display screen on an inner surface thereof and a hard shell backing surface opposite thereof and pivotally mounted on a substantially rigid casing having a pair of locating holes adjacent to opposite corners of a substantially planar bottom surface thereof, and an input/output (I/O) connector positioned on a back plane thereof with a pair of positioning apertures provided on opposite sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: National Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20150131215
    Abstract: An electronic device set includes a tablet computer and a smart watch. The tablet computer includes a computer casing, a computer module and at least one computer terminal. The computer casing has at least one connecting slot. The computer module is located in the computer casing. The computer terminal is located in the connecting slot and electrically connected to the computer module. The smart watch includes a watch casing, a watch module and at least one watch terminal. The watch casing is adapted to at least partially couple with the connecting slot. The watch module is located in the watch casing. The watch terminal is exposed from the watch casing, and electrically connected to the watch module. When the watch casing at least partially couples with the connecting slot, the watch terminal is electrically connected to the computer terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicants: INVENTEC CORPORATION, Inventec (Pudong) Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Shih-Jung HUANG
  • Publication number: 20150124395
    Abstract: A modular docking system for being installed adjacent to an at least one additional electrical component within a gang box. In at least one embodiment, the system provides a docking plate engagable with the gang box and configured for removably receiving an at least one mobile computing device. The docking plate provides an at least one elongate mounting aperture for allowing a screw to pass therethrough and be engaged with an at least one free mounting tab of the gang box while also allowing the docking plate to be selectively offset relative to the gang box. A cover plate is engagable with a front surface of the docking plate. An at least one component adapter is engagable with one of a pair of opposing component tabs of the electrical component for increasing a height of the electrical component so as to substantially approximate a height of the docking plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Switchform, LLC
    Inventors: Brett Logan DeSilva, Bryan Scott Randall
  • Publication number: 20150124396
    Abstract: Additional components or functionality can be provided for a computing device by coupling the device with one or more device skins. Each device skin can include one or more components that can be utilized by the computing device, such that a user of the computing device can obtain desired functionality by selecting an appropriate skin. The components of the skin can be powered by the computing device, such as through wired or wireless power coupling. The computing device can determine an appropriate control scheme for the skin when the skin is coupled with the device, enabling a user to utilize the various components of the skin as if those components were part of the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Volodymyr V. Ivanchenko
  • Patent number: 9025327
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention include a portable tablet folio stand that is designed for use in multiple modes. The stand can allow a user to view the tablet from multiple angles, such as a movie viewing angle and a working angle. In the movie viewing angle, the tablet is optimally positioned for viewing the tablet screen, for instance to watch videos. In the working angle, the tablet is optimally positioned for performing tasks such as typing on the tablet. In some embodiments, the tablet stand can be configured to be portable and detachably coupled to a keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Noguchi, Eiji Shinohara, Hideaki Hasegawa, Hisashi Shima, Tomoyuki Takahashi, Aaron Michael Stewart
  • Publication number: 20150109727
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a connector port embedded in the housing for a peripheral device inserted therein and a switching device. The processor is electrically connected to the connector port and includes a detection pin and a 1-wire pin. The switching device is coupled between the connector port and the processor to selectively connect the connector port to one of the detection pin or the 1-wire pin. When the peripheral device is inserted into the connector port, the processor controls the switching device to connect the connector port to the detection pin to determine whether the connected peripheral device is a 1-wire device. When the processor determines that the connected peripheral device is a 1-wire device, the processor controls the switching device to connect the connector port to the 1-wire pin and the processor executes 1-wire communication with the peripheral device via the 1-wire pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Ching-Chung HUNG, Yu-Peng LAI, Wei-Chih CHANG
  • Patent number: 9003626
    Abstract: A docking station formed of a tray having a clamping portion coupled to a receiver portion for motion along a travel axis therebetween. A lever is coupled for moving the clamping portion between an expanded position spaced away from the receiver portion, and a retracted position adjacent to the receiver portion. The lever includes a preload portion that is adapted for preloading the clamping portion in the retracted position, and a latching portion that is coupled for retaining the clamping portion in the retracted position. The preload portion of the lever is a resiliently bendable member, such as a spring. Optionally, the lever is a second class lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20150077928
    Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device that is contained within a case, in which the case includes a retractable connector access panel at least partially overlying a portion of a connector port of the electronic device, includes a base to support the electronic device. An electrical connector is coupled to the base and configured positioned to receive the connector port of the electronic device. A retraction member is coupled to the base and positioned to contact the connector access panel to retract the panel to at least partially expose the connector port during docking of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20150077926
    Abstract: Docking stations that may facilitate the sharing or transfer of power among a portable computing device, a docking station, and an accessory. One example may provide power from an accessory to a portable computing device. Switches may be used to avoid harm from inadvertent contact with voltages on exposed terminals. Another example may provide power directly from a battery on a portable computing device to an accessory. Another may limit this direct connection to a first type of accessory. Examples may limit a power connection to another type of accessory through a regulator. Another example may power one or more internal circuits either through a portable computing device or an accessory, depending on a mode of operation of the portable computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Gerhard A. Schneider, Scott Krueger, Robert D. Watson, Alexei Kosut
  • Patent number: 8982579
    Abstract: An electrical assembly is assembled by affixing two conductors to a battery block without the use of solder, inserting a PCB into a PCB opening in the battery block and inserting a battery into a battery block opening in the battery block. Each of the two conductors will have a first lead in mechanical and electrical contact with the battery without the use of any solder and a second lead in mechanical and electrical contact with the PCB without any use of solder. As a result of such assembly, the PCB is held within the PCB opening by a mechanical fit without the use of any solder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Carmen Rapisarda
  • Publication number: 20150070834
    Abstract: A tablet computer includes a mobile phone mounting portion which has determined width and length and is formed in the rear of the tablet computer in a recessed manner, guide grooves which are longitudinally formed on both lateral walls of the mounting portion, and a separation prevention member which is fixedly inserted into the guide grooves and has width and length corresponding to those of the mounting portion. The separation prevention member includes wing fixing portions which are fixedly inserted into the guide grooves of the lateral walls, determined width of wings which are extended upwards from the wing fixing portions and formed to bend toward the center of the mounting portion, respectively, and a determined width of cover which is provided in the range between one end of the separation prevention member and the wings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Han Soo KIM
  • Publication number: 20150070835
    Abstract: This invention provides a modular docking station for mobile devices that allow the mobile device to connect to the modular docking station by an interchangeable mount device that are specifically associated with a particular mobile devices. A user can easily swap out the specific mobile device interfaces such that the mobile station can support multiple types of mobile devices. A large display screen on the modular docking station allows users to replicate the screen on the mobile device and allows for capacitive touch such that the gestures used on the mobile device's screen will act the same way when the user touches the screen on the modular docking station. Loudspeakers and a more sensitive microphone integrated into the modular docking station can transform the relatively poor speaker phone capabilities of the mobile device into a commercial grade speaker phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Kirk Ian Mclean
  • Publication number: 20150070833
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a composable thin computing device. An example device may comprise at least a device interface module, a communication module, a processing module, a memory module, a composable computing module and a power module. The device interface module may couple the device to an operational environment via at least one of a physical connector or a wireless connection. The communication module may at least one of transmit or receive data via the device interface module. The processing module may process the data. The memory module may store at least a portion of the data. The composable computing module may cause at least one of the above modules to perform certain functionality related to the operational environment. The power module may power at least one of the above modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony G. LAMARCA, Omesh TICKOO, Maynard C. FALCONER, Shilpa TALWAR, Wen-Ling M. HUANG
  • Publication number: 20150070832
    Abstract: Docking stations that may interface with various types of accessories. One example may physically and electrically support a connection to a portable computing device in either one or two orientations. One or more receptacles or dedicated or tethered cables may provide connections to one or more accessories. Examples may be able to authenticate and identify themselves to portable computing devices such that the devices know how to configure data outputs provided to the docking stations. An audio channel that converts digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal at an audio jack may be included. Multiplexing circuitry that allows reversible connectors to be used may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard A. Schneider, Scott Krueger, Robert D. Watson, Alexei Kosut, Tony Chi Wang Ng
  • Patent number: 8976522
    Abstract: A docking device for connection to a touch display device is provided. The docking device includes a docking body, a pivot unit and a frame. The pivot unit is connected to the docking body. The frame is connected to the pivot unit and pivoted relative to the docking body, wherein the touch display device is detachably disposed on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Lian Yen, Hua-Chung Tseng
  • Patent number: 8971052
    Abstract: A fixing apparatus is used to parallel mount an expansion card to a motherboard. The fixing apparatus includes a mounting bracket fixed to the motherboard, and a retaining member rotatably connected to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a supporting board supporting the expansion card. The retaining member includes an abutting arm and a locking portion. When the retaining member is rotated to a locking position, the abutting arm abuts against a top of the expansion card to sandwich the expansion card with the supporting board, and the locking portion engages with the mounting bracket to prevent a rotation of the retaining member. When the retaining member is rotated to a releasing position, the abutting arm will move away from the expansion card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Zhongshan Innocloud Intellectual Property Services Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Ren Fu
  • Patent number: 8971039
    Abstract: A battery pack is provided for a mobile communication device, comprising a casing defining a cavity that conforms, at least partially, to the outer shape of the mobile communication device and one or more rechargeable power cells housed within the thickness of the casing. An internal interface engages a corresponding interface on the mobile communication device to provide power from the one or more rechargeable cells to the mobile communication device. An external interface is electrically coupled to the internal interface in order to transmit signals from the mobile communication device to an external device and may further serve to recharge the one or more rechargeable power cells. The battery pack may also serve as an extendible platform by providing additional integrated communication interfaces and/or processors that can be utilized by the mobile communication device to extend its communication and/or processing capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Mophie, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Huang, Matthew Brand
  • Publication number: 20150055289
    Abstract: A docking station capable of assembling a portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device has a display screen and a slot. The docking station includes a body and a pressing member. The body has a protrusion. The pressing member is movably arranged in the body, so as to be hidden in the body or moved out of the body. When the portable electronic device is locked with the protrusion through the slot, the pressing member is moved out of the body and presses against the portable electronic device along a pressing direction, so that the portable electronic device is fixed onto the body. The pressing direction is perpendicular to the display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Yi-Mu Chang, Chyun-Nan Liu, Yan-Lin Kuo, Ming-Yen Wu
  • Patent number: 8964372
    Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device that includes a first port and one or both of a second port and a jack. The docking station has a first electrical connector that fits into the first port when the portable electronic device is coupled to the docking station and a second electrical connector that is adapted to be electrically coupled to the second port or the jack when the portable electronic device is coupled to the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel M. Morton
  • Patent number: 8964364
    Abstract: A carrying case for controlling a mobile device is provided, the carrying case comprising: a body enabled to mate with a mobile device to physically protect the mobile device; at least one input device, the body comprising the input device; a processor enabled to control communications with the mobile device; a power interface enabled to receive power from the mobile device to power the processor; and, a data interface enabled for relaying the communications between one or more of the at least one input device and the processor, and the mobile device, for controlling applications at the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Ahmed Abdelsamie, Omar George Joseph Barake, Alan James Deciantis, Peter Mankowski, Steven A. Lill
  • Publication number: 20150036283
    Abstract: A docking stand for an electronic device. The docking stand can include a bottom support surface configured to support a bottom side of the electronic device. The docking stand also can include a back support surface configured to support a side of the electronic device. The back support surface can be substantially upright when a base of the docking stand is placed on a substantially horizontal surface. The docking stand further can include a docking connector configured to removably attach to a docking port of the electronic device. The docking port can be proximate to the bottom side of the electronic device. The docking stand also can include an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a height of the docking connector relative to the bottom support surface. Other embodiments are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Mitchell Suckle, Eric Beaupre, Eric A. McDonald, Avery Holleman, Steven Lane
  • Publication number: 20150036282
    Abstract: A support includes a device-receiving groove for receiving a portable electronic device. A centre of gravity of the support being selected to bias the support to remain in a device-receiving position when no portable electronic device is received therein and bias the support to remain in an upright position when the portable electronic device is received therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventor: Benjamin William BOOMHOUR
  • Patent number: 8947884
    Abstract: A device includes a printed circuit assembly (PCA) including a printed circuit board and at least one electronic component integrated with the printed circuit board, and a support to which the PCA is securable. At least one of the PCA and the support includes engaging structure elements, and some engaging structure elements are configured to secure the PCA to the support while other engaging structure elements are configured to secure the support to a securing structure within a housing of an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Don Grimm, Edward John Kliewer, Kwok Keung Lee, Sam David Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8941985
    Abstract: An expandable keyboard device for use in connection with an electronic device includes a keyboard module having a keyboard housing, a pivot unit connected to the keyboard housing, and a clamping mechanism including a mounting seat connected to the pivot unit and rotatable relative to the keyboard module, and at least one clamping arm cooperating with the mounting seat to define a receiving slot for receiving the electronic device. The clamping arm is movable relative to the mounting seat for clamping the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Tung-Yang Lee
  • Publication number: 20150022966
    Abstract: A port replicator is applicable to an electronic device having one or more connecting port and includes a shell including an abutting portion and an extending portion connected with each other and a replicating circuit module. The insides of the abutting portion and the extending portion communicate with each other to form a receiving space. The abutting portion includes at least a downstream opening disposed at the front end of the abutting portion, one or more upstream openings disposed at the rear end of the extending portion, and a positioning slot disposed at the upper end of the abutting portion. The replicating module is assembled in the receiving space and includes at least one downstream port disposed corresponding to the downstream opening and one or more upstream port passing through the upstream opening and extended out of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: OZAKI INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsin-Yen CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150022965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an expansion chassis for a laptop computer. Specifically, the expansion chassis provides additional expansion bays for increased functionality, storage and/or battery power for the laptop computer. One or more BUS multipliers are integrated into a native SATA BUS, and one or more multifunction USB interconnect cables are integrated therein to integrate the expansion chassis into the existing laptop functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Lawrence R. O'Connor, Walter James Dresser, Ronald Dritlein, III
  • Patent number: 8937803
    Abstract: A keyboard dock and a computer system are provided. The computer system includes a portable computer and the keyboard dock. The keyboard dock includes a base, a supporting plate, a first bracket, a sleeve and a second bracket. The base has a keyboard module. The supporting plate is used for supporting the portable computer. Ends of the first bracket are pivotally connected to the base and the supporting plate respectively. The sleeve is movably assembled to the first bracket. One end of the second bracket is pivotally connected to the sleeve, and another end of the second bracket is pivotally connected to the base or the supporting plate. The second bracket is shorter than the first bracket. The supporting plate covers the base in a first state. The supporting plate obliquely stands on the base in a second state, and the keyboard module is not covered by the supporting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Hua Hung, Wen-Chin Wu
  • Patent number: 8934239
    Abstract: A base capable of containing a data cable includes a housing, and a winding mechanism. The data cable has a first connector plug, a second connector plug and a transmitting wire connecting between them. The housing defines an opening. The winding mechanism is received in the housing and has a winding member and a driving member. The winding member is rotatably mounted inside the housing, the driving member is fixed on the driving member. The first connector plug is passed through the housing via the opening, the driving member generates an elastic force if the transmitting wire is pulled out to connect to another device. The driving member automatically rewinds the transmitting wire when the external connection is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cong-Bing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8935438
    Abstract: Additional components or functionality can be provided for a computing device by coupling the device with one or more device skins. Each device skin can include one or more components that can be utilized by the computing device, such that a user of the computing device can obtain desired functionality by selecting an appropriate skin. The components of the skin can be powered by the computing device, such as through wired or wireless power coupling. The computing device can determine an appropriate control scheme for the skin when the skin is coupled with the device, enabling a user to utilize the various components of the skin as if those components were part of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Volodymyr V. Ivanchenko
  • Patent number: 8934237
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a body and a support structure. The support structure pivotally connected to the body includes a first structural member and a second structural member, and the first structural member is pivotally connected to the body along a first axis. The second structural member pivotally connected to the first structural member along a second axis includes a first support region and a second support region. The combination of the first structural member and the second structural member rotates around the first axis towards or away from the body, and when it rotates away from the body, the first support region leans against a first support surface. The second structural member rotates around the second axis towards or away from the body, and when it rotates away from the body, the second support region leans against the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Chia-Min Cheng
  • Patent number: 8934234
    Abstract: A portable electronic device stand includes a U-shaped main body having a receiving recess formed on a bottom thereof and defining a front receiving space; and a mating part including a seat portion and a back support, which together giving the mating part a substantially L-shaped configuration. The seat portion is pivotally turnably connected to and located in the front receiving space, and the back support is removably received in the receiving recess on the bottom of the main body. With the mating part pivotally turnably connected to between the U-shaped main body, the portable electronic device stand can be converted from an extended state for use into a folded state having a minimal volume for convenient storage and easy portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Good Way Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Hao Lin
  • Patent number: 8929065
    Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device that is contained within a case, in which the case includes a retractable connector access panel at least partially overlying a portion of a connector port of the electronic device, includes a base at least partially configured to support the electronic device. An electrical connector is coupled to the base and configured to receive the connector port of the electronic device. A retraction member is coupled to the base and configured to retract the connector access panel to at least partially expose the connector port during docking of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 8926414
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and cooling an electronic device and methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus can include a housing for a cooling system and a support cradle for receiving the electronic device and engaging the electronic device with the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Chad Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20150002994
    Abstract: A tablet information handling system has power contacts disposed on an outer surface of a planar housing to accept power from a power connector without affixing the power connector to the power contacts at the planar housing. For example, the power connector is disposed at a support surface of a stand in a position that aligns with power contacts of the planar housing when the planar housing rests on the support surface. The power connector provides power without a port or similar structure so that the planar housing may be place on and taken off the support surface at a variety of orientations rotated about the axis at which the power connector and power contacts meet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Srinivas Kamepalli, John T. Morrison, Travis C. North
  • Patent number: 8920178
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus assembly including an electronic apparatus and a detachable connector is provided. The electronic apparatus has a cavity, a first magnetic element and a set of first terminals. The first magnetic element and the set of first terminals are disposed in the cavity. The detachable connector has an inserting portion, a body portion, a second magnetic element and a set of second terminals. The inserting portion is adapted to be inserted into the cavity. The body portion is connected to the inserting portion. The second magnetic element and the set of second terminals are disposed on the inserting portion. When the inserting portion is inserted into the cavity, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are mutually attracted. The two sets of terminals are mutually contacted, and the body portion is adapted to be supported on a plane to stand the electronic apparatus on the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Sheng Wei, Chin-Chung Shih, Chih-Shan Yeh, Yuan-Hung Chang
  • Patent number: 8922982
    Abstract: A detachable pivoting chassis includes an accommodating base, a seat, a keyboard, a pivot module and a movable stand, and the accommodating base has an accommodating part for accommodating an electronic device, and the seat has an accommodating part for accommodating a keyboard, and the pivot module has at least two connecting elements and a pivoting element, and the connecting element is disposed on a side of the accommodating base and detachably coupled to the pivoting element, such that the accommodating base can be pivoted by the pivot module, and an end of the movable stand is pivotally coupled to an external side of the accommodating base, so that the electronic device can change its using status according to user requirements, and the detachable pivoting chassis can be combined with other electronic devices to provide the convenience of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Can Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tao-Shen Chen
  • Publication number: 20140376172
    Abstract: An embodiment a device, including: a device sleeve comprising a plurality of ends, each of the plurality of ends terminating in a lip portion configured to fit a screen bezel of an information handling device; the device sleeve including an accessory bay having one or more attachment mechanisms disposed therein, the one or more attachment mechanisms acting to reversibly secure an attachment portion of an accessory; and an element disposed in the device sleeve and positioned to communicate one or more of power and data with the information handling device. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Sharon Love, Vincent A. Steffano, Dennis Jacobus Mos
  • Patent number: 8917506
    Abstract: A case for a smartphone electronic device protects and extends the battery life of the smartphone. The case has a first case portion and a second case portion, which assemble together to protect the top, side, and bottom edges of the smartphone. The lower case portion includes a battery to extend the battery life of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mophie, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Diebel, David Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140368989
    Abstract: A docking station apparatus for portable devices adapted to network with other apparatus such as climate control docking stations, temperature sensors, electrical power switches, etc., over the power line. The docking station has a connector adapted to accept a plurality of portable devices as well as a wireless connection for remote access. The docking station is also adapted to turn off the wireless interface under certain conditions in order to free up the wireless bandwidth for higher data rate applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: HANNI B. LOZANO
  • Patent number: 8913380
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a docking station includes: a first support; a second support; a second connector; a cover; and a second mark. The first support supports a second face of an electronic device so that a display screen of the electronic device is positioned in an inclined manner. The second support supports a side portion of the electronic device in the state. The second connector is exposed outward from an area positioned in the second support, and to be connectable to a first connector of the electronic device in the state. The cover covers at least a part of the first face in the state. The second mark is capable of being a guide corresponding to the first mark. The second mark guidably indicates to the operator to move the electronic device to a position at which the electronic device is connected while the display screen is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Minoru Enomoto, Yoshinori Kohmoto
  • Patent number: 8910863
    Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided. The case includes a battery, an interface to receive electrical power from an external power source, a payment device reader, a product information input device, and a computer processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions. The computer processor executes the instructions to conduct communications with the electronic device, limit an amount of current of the received electrical power consumed by the case, allocate the amount of current among the battery and the electronic device based on the communications, read product information from a product using the product information input device, and read a payment device using the payment device reader, where the payment device is used to pay for the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Wojcik, Adam Benzion, Adam D. Center, Matthew M. Glanzer, Lucas Weller, Abhishek Joshi
  • Publication number: 20140361751
    Abstract: A consumer electronic system for holding and providing power to any number of consumer electronic devices has cradles and each of the cradles has a pair of folding support walls. The pair of folding support walls are separated by a gap, allowing for a device cable to be routed between the two sections so that, when a consumer electronic device is within the cradle and connected to a power port for charging or use (by the cable) the consumer electronic device sits properly. Since the device cable, passes through this gap, the device cable doesn't perturb the consumer electronic device (e.g., allowing for a stable containment of the consumer electronic device at a proper viewing angle).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: DOK SOLUTION LLC
    Inventor: Jack Strauser
  • Publication number: 20140361995
    Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure provide a computing device expansion system. According to one implementation, a docking receptacle is coupled to a touch-enabled monitor computing device and is also configured to receive and connect to a portable electronic device. Furthermore, when the portable electronic device is attached to the docking receptacle, a display area of the portable electronic device is cloned on the monitor computing device such that touch input on either the portable electronic device or monitor computing device is replicated on the monitor computing device or portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Irwan Halim, Thomas J. Flynn, Louis R. Jackson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140354881
    Abstract: A driving assistance device includes a housing, a controller, a plug connector, and a power line. The controller is received in the housing and includes a microprocessor, a supply line, a signal line, and a storage module. The storage module is electrically coupled to the microprocessor. The plug connector is assembled within the housing, and electrically coupled to the microprocessor via the supply line and the signal line. The power line is electrically coupled to the supply line. The present disclosure further discloses a driving assistance system and a vehicle employing the driving assistance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: KUANG-YAO LIAO
  • Publication number: 20140355200
    Abstract: A mounting system for an electronic device may include a dock interface assembly and a case assembly. The dock interface assembly may include a dock housing having one or more contacts. The case assembly may include an alignment feature and a case printed circuit board having one or more conductive traces corresponding to the contacts. The dock interface assembly and/or the case assembly may have a metallic element configured complementary to one or more magnets provided with a remaining one of the dock interface assembly and the case assembly for magnetic coupling of the case assembly to the dock interface assembly. The dock housing may be configured to be received by the alignment feature such that at least one of the contacts is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the conductive traces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Thiers
  • Patent number: 8902607
    Abstract: A testing apparatus and method of extending the life of a testing apparatus may comprise a chassis including a case having a testing module receptacle receiving a plurality of testing modules comprising at least one processor module and a plurality of test modules, each having the same physical footprint, including respective racking mechanisms and inter-module interface connectors; and a backplane with connectors connecting with a respective inter-module connector, and bus-work interconnecting the respective modules through the inter-module interface connectors and the backplane connectors. The backplane may comprise a battery and display connector. The chassis may comprise a display mounting receptacle configured to receive a display unit having a display connector configured to interface with the backplane display connector. A battery receptacle may receive a battery unit, such as a rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: VeEX Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Ker Chin Chang, Cyrille Morelle
  • Patent number: 8897004
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an ejection mechanism for ejecting a removable module from a piece of equipment includes a two-part ejection lever including a first lever portion that is snap fit to a second lever portion, wherein the first lever portion can separate from the second portion when a user pulls on the ejection lever in an attempt to eject the removable module when the module has been locked within the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark H. Ruch, Earl W. Moore
  • Patent number: 8896990
    Abstract: An electronic device cover includes a protection member and a support. The protection member includes a protection plate. The support member is rotatably mounted to the protection member and includes a support plate. The support member is rotatable between a protection position and a support position relative to the protection member; when the support member is in the support position, the support member supports the protection plate in a stand position, and the protection plate and the support plate define a corner therebetween; when the support member is in the protection position, the protection plate and the support plate are unfolded and define a receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kang Cho, Ke-Fei Zou
  • Patent number: RE45320
    Abstract: A docking station for a portable media player. The docking station includes a docking connector to physically secure the portable media player and a communication interface to communicatively couple the portable media player to the docking station when the docking connector is physically securing the portable media player. A projection module operably linked to the communication interface and configured to receive video information from the portable media player via the communication interface projects a video image derived from the video information away from the docking station onto a viewing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer Jaffe, Scott Ballantyne, Steve Stark, Joe O'Sullivan, Phillip H. Salvatori, Donald Rhodes