Expansion/docking Station Patents (Class 361/679.41)
  • Patent number: 8467182
    Abstract: A docking station including a housing and a linkage mechanism is provided. The housing has a supporting-surface and an inner-surface opposite to each other, in which the supporting-surface is suitable to support an electronic apparatus. The linkage mechanism includes a sliding-member disposed on the inner-surface, at least one latching-member slidably coupled to the sliding-member and a connector disposed on the sliding-member. The sliding-member slides back-and-forth along a sliding-path to bring the latching-member sliding back-and-forth along the sliding-path. The travel distance of the sliding-member on the sliding-path is greater than the travel distance of the latching-member on the sliding-path. The connector slides with the sliding-member and is protruded out of or hidden into the housing. The latching-member locks or unlocks the electronic apparatus and the connector is connected to or separated from the electronic apparatus with the sliding of the sliding-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Hsiao-Chang Chen
  • Publication number: 20130148289
    Abstract: Systems for securing mobile devices such as laptops are provided. Such systems are characterized by two end members, each with a male electrical connector, that engage opposite sides of mobile device, a crossbeam between the two end members that cradles the underside of the mobile device, and a mechanical linkage that is used to release the mobile device. In addition to a slim form factor, systems of the present invention can comprise registration posts to align a top edge of the mobile device to the crossbeam, a receptacle for a power adapter connector, and a locking mechanism to lock an end member to the crossbeam and optionally also lock the power adapter connector to the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: infiniWing, Inc.
    Inventor: infiniWing, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8462494
    Abstract: A panel fixing mechanism includes a supporting component for supporting a side of a panel, a positioning structure passing through the supporting component for engaging inside a hole on the panel so as to guide a connector to insert into a socket of the panel, and a hook structure for supporting another side of the panel and wedging into a slot on the panel in a movable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Ta-Wei Chen, Chia-Hsin Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8456858
    Abstract: A serial advanced technology attachment dual-in-line memory module (SATA DIMM) assembly includes a SATA DIMM module with a circuit board and a cable member. A first edge connector is set on a bottom edge of the circuit board to be connected to a memory slot of a motherboard. A second edge connector is arranged on an end of the circuit board. The cable member includes a cable, a first storage device interface extending from a first end of the cable to be connected to a second storage device interface of the motherboard, and a third edge connector formed on a second end of the cable and soldered to the second edge connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: An-Gang Liang, Hung-Yi Wu, Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Publication number: 20130135512
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device including: a body including an accommodation space; and an aroma capsule that is accommodated in the accommodation space, is removable from the accommodation space, and includes an aroma to diffuse a fragrance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8451623
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a chassis, an expansion piece secured to a first end of an expansion card, a carrier and a supporting device configured to support a second end of the expansion card. The chassis includes a bottom plate, and the carrier is mounted on the bottom plate. The supporting device includes a first supporting member secured to the carrier, and a second supporting member secured to the first supporting member. The first supporting member and the second supporting member sandwich the expansion card when the second supporting member is attached on the first supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Wen Chiu, Zhan-Yang Li
  • Patent number: 8451599
    Abstract: Sleeves for different portable electronic devices (portable media players, wireless telephones, handheld computers, etc.) adapt the outer contours of the devices such that all can fit within the pocket of a standard device dock. Each sleeve situates its portable electronic device within the pocket of the dock such that at least one of its power/communications ports is situated at a standard location. The device dock then also accommodates a connector which fits within the dock pocket, and which has power/communications ports situated at the standard location, such that when the sleeved device is inserted into the pocket, its power/communications ports interface with the power/communications ports of the connector. The connector can incorporate data storage devices, power supplies, interface cables extending to other devices (such as personal computers, stereo systems, etc.) such that it lends the functionality of these devices to the sleeved device situated within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Victor Mohoney
  • Patent number: 8446723
    Abstract: A wall mounted modular workstation system utilizes individually mountable modules, such as a keyboard/monitor module, a CPU module, and a medical supply module, that may be each be selectively positioned, mounted, rearranged, used or not used, and/or added or removed at a later time. The individually mountable modules are formed with mountings and vertically located openings for electrical lines and module to module ventilation, which reduce/prevent creation of dust during mounting or later modification of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Goza
  • Patent number: 8442684
    Abstract: A control system for achieving high-speed torque for a joint of a robot includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a collocated joint processor and high-speed communication bus. The PCBA may also include a power inverter module (PIM) and local sensor conditioning electronics (SCE) for processing sensor data from one or more motor position sensors. Torque control of a motor of the joint is provided via the PCBA as a high-speed torque loop. Each joint processor may be embedded within or collocated with the robotic joint being controlled. Collocation of the joint processor, PIM, and high-speed bus may increase noise immunity of the control system, and the localized processing of sensor data from the joint motor at the joint level may minimize bus cabling to and from each control node. The joint processor may include a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Oceaneeering Space Systems
    Inventors: Donald R. Davis, Nicolaus A. Radford, Frank Noble Permenter, Michael C. Valvo, R. Scott Askew
  • Patent number: 8441787
    Abstract: A portable docking accessory that contains an attachably detachable mechanically rigid means for providing a Tablet Pc user a host of I/O interconnect solutions that allows continuous mobile use in an ergonomic and aesthetically appropriate form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Man & Machine Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrold Scott Pine
  • Patent number: 8442604
    Abstract: A case for portable electronic devices including smartphones includes a feature to prevent glare from a flash from affecting images and video captured by a camera lens. Smartphones have telephony, Internet connectivity, and camera and video features. Photos and video can be uploaded through the Internet or sent to other phones. A case has a hole for a camera flash of the smartphone to pass through. The edging of the hole is colored black or another dark color to prevent glare from appearing in the photos or video taken by the smartphone when using the camera flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Incase Designs Corp.
    Inventor: Markus Diebel
  • Patent number: 8439698
    Abstract: Accessories are attached to an electronic device, such as an electronic book (“eBook”) reader device via one or more low profile accessory connectors configured to provide mechanical and electrical connections. Accessories include covers, reading lights, external power sources, touchpads, diagnostic devices, and so forth. The low profile accessory connector is configured to receive a hook from the accessory and provide a mechanical engagement between the hook and the electronic device. While engaged, at least a portion of the hook engages one or more electrical contacts within the connector. Electrical power, signals, or both may then be sent between the accessory and the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Amrinder Pal Singh Saini, Troy Hulick, Benjamin Rosete
  • Publication number: 20130114203
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatuses for increasing the performance of portable computing devices, such as smart phones, music players, and tablet computers, without risking damage to the device or its components that may result from excess heat generated by the increased performance. A portable computing device may be coupled to a larger device, such as a docking station, for the removal of excess heat. The portable computing device may confirm that it is docked, and request information regarding the docking station's ability to remove heat. The docking station may respond with characteristics, such as an indication that it possesses an operational heat sink. Based on the received information, the portable computing device may increase its performance, e.g. its processor speed, until the maximum safe operating temperature of the portable computing device has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Sergey Ignatchenko, Dmytro Ivanchykhin
  • Patent number: 8437128
    Abstract: A multipurpose computer accessory having a flat base, an under-cushion, and means for connecting any one or more of a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, scroll ball, camera, loudspeaker, USB port, portable device docking station component, video display, or hard drive to an external device such as a laptop or desktop computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Manoj Sinha
  • Publication number: 20130107126
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a supporting device configured to support an external electronic apparatus including a display screen and a first connector, the supporting device including: a first supporter supporting a side of the electronic apparatus; a second supporter supporting a rear of the electronic apparatus; a third supporter joined to the second supporter, at least a part of the third supporter extending in a direction slanted with respect to the second supporter; a fourth supporter arranged inside of an angle between the second supporter and the third supporter, at least a part of the fourth supporter extending in a direction slanted with respect to each of the second and third supporters; and an interface exposed from the fourth supporter and capable of receiving data from outside or outputting data to outside, wherein the supporting device is capable of transmitting power or a magnetic flux to the external electronic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Junichi Nonomura, Nobuyuki Hosoya
  • Publication number: 20130107136
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, electronic equipment configured to support an external apparatus including a display screen and a housing comprising an opening disposed on a side opposite the display screen, the electronic equipment includes: a first supporter electrically connected to the external apparatus, a connector being exposed from the first connector, the connector detachably being connected to the external apparatus; and a second supporter configured to support an area of the housing from the side opposite the display screen, the area excluding a portion on which the opening is disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tomoaki Tamura, Yasuyuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130107445
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for robustly transferring power and data between a portable computing device, such as a ruggedized tablet, and a docking station is provided. The tablet and the docking station may each have a docking connector and a wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the docking station may transfer power to the tablet through electrical contacts of the docking connectors and may communicate data through the wireless communication devices. The docking station's docking connector may mount electrical contacts for transferring power and may mount few or no electrical contacts for transferring data. The tablet's docking connector may retain electrical contacts for transferring power and electrical contacts for transferring data. In some embodiments, all the electrical contacts for transferring data may be unused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Xplore Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: David Reber, Bryan Bell
  • Patent number: 8432684
    Abstract: A data storage device bracket includes a board, a mounting bracket, a fixing tab, and first and second connectors. The mounting bracket is fixed on the board to receive a data storage device. A number of golden fingers are set on a first side of the board. The fixing tab defines an opening and is fixed on a second side of the board. The first connector is set on the board, adjacent to the mounting bracket and away from the fixing tab. The second connector is set on the board. The first connector is electrically connected to the second connector and the golden fingers. The golden fingers are inserted into a connection slot of a motherboard. The fixing tab is fixed on a rear wall of a shell of a computer enclosure enclosing the motherboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Yi Wu, Lei Liu
  • Patent number: 8432667
    Abstract: An audio device supports a variety of digital music players and includes a cradle that physically holds any of a plurality of digital music players. A power port on the audio device provides power to a selected one of the digital music players, through a cable that is specific to the selected digital music player through a cable that connects between the power port and the selected digital music player while the selected digital music player is held within the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Jack Strauser
  • Publication number: 20130100605
    Abstract: An apparatus including a support configured to receive a portable electronic device including a door and a first electrical connector; and a member, moveable relative to the support and configured to provide force to the door to open the door and expose the first electrical connector, the apparatus defining a cavity configured to receive the opened door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Hiroshi HORII
  • Patent number: 8427825
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes: a housing, a processor provided in the housing, a rechargeable power pack provided in the housing in communication with the processor, apertures extending through the housing, insulating portions of the housing being provided between the apertures, a location of the apertures being selected to map out a graphical element, electrical contacts in communication with the battery for charging the battery, the electrical contacts being sized to be received in the apertures and wherein the insulating portions are provided for insulating the electrical contacts from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: David Kazmierz Szczypinski
  • Patent number: 8422209
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a base, a locking mechanism, and a battery. The base includes a receiving bay and a battery bay. The receiving bay includes a through slot defined thereon. The battery is selectively restrained in the battery bay by the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking member and an elastic element received in the receiving bay. The locking member is movable and includes a clutching end extending into the battery bay. The elastic element is joined to the receiving bay and the locking member. The locking member further includes an operation portion defined thereon for a user to operate the locking mechanism. The operation portion is located within the receiving bay and is exposed to outside of the receiving bay through slot. The battery includes a connecting end defined thereon for engaging with the clutching end so as to be restrained in the battery bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Kai-Teng Cheng, Wen-Chieh Tai, Wu-Chen Lee, Ker-We Lin, Tsan-Sheng Chen, Hsueh-Chih Peng
  • Patent number: 8422217
    Abstract: A hard disk drive includes a housing module configured to accommodate one of many different types of hard disk modules. Each hard disk module includes a number of connectors. The housing module includes a connecting board, and different types of connectors protruding from the connecting board, corresponding to the connectors of the different types of hard disk modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gao-Liang Xia, Xin-Hu Gong, Wen-Tang Peng
  • Patent number: 8422206
    Abstract: A consumer electronic product assembly includes a consumer electronic product and a bracket holding the consumer electronic product. The bracket includes a supporting seat, a holding member and a connecting bar. The holding member holds the consumer electronic product. Opposite ends of the connecting bar hinge on the holding member and the supporting seat, respectively. The connecting bar is rotatable with respect to the supporting seat, and the holding member is rotatable with respect to the connecting bar, whereby the consumer electronic product held by the holding member can be adjusted to various positions with respect to the supporting seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng Fu, Bang-Jie Xie, Chun-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 8416564
    Abstract: An expansion interface module having a signal gain circuit is disposed on a case panel of a computer and electrically connected to a main board which is disposed within the computer. The expansion interface module includes a circuit board, a connecting port, a signal gain circuit and a plurality of connectors. The connecting port, the signal gain circuit and the connectors are located at the circuit board and electrically connected thereto. The main board delivers signal to the circuit board through a cable which is connected to the connecting port located on the circuit board, the signal gain circuit amplifies and enhances the signal, and then the connectors output the amplified and enhanced signal to external devices, thus, the signal will not be attenuated, damaged or lost during over transmission distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Nai-Chien Chang
  • Publication number: 20130083477
    Abstract: A handheld computing device may include a housing having a base and a sidewall connected to a periphery of the base, the sidewall having an input/output port configured to accommodate connection to a peripheral device, and a retainer bracket connected to the housing and positioned proximate to the port. The retainer bracket includes a frame having a top plate and opposing side plates and being configured to secure a dock connector between the frame, the base, and the sidewall having the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Z124
    Inventor: Z124
  • Publication number: 20130083476
    Abstract: A computer system may include a connecting hub having a plurality of docking regions and be configured to provide to each docking region electrical power, a data network interface, a cooling fluid supply and a cooling fluid return; and a plurality of shipping containers that each enclose a modular computing environment that incrementally adds computing power to the system. Each shipping container may include a) a plurality of processing units coupled to the data network interface, each of which include a microprocessor; b) a heat exchanger configured to remove heat generated by the plurality of processing units by circulating cooling fluid from the supply through the heat exchanger and discharging it into the return; and c) docking members configured to releaseably couple to the connecting hub at one of the docking regions to receive electrical power, connect to the data network interface, and receive and discharge cooling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Jimmy Clidaras, William Whitted, William Hamburgen, Montgomery Sykora, Winnie Leung, Gerald Aigner, Donald L. Beaty
  • Publication number: 20130080713
    Abstract: A docking station for receiving a cartridge includes a housing having a receiving space configured to receive the cartridge. A movable carriage is disposed in the receiving space and configured to transport the cartridge into the receiving space. A movable mouth piece is configured to at least partially surround a multipoint connector of a non-tape storage medium of the cartridge through a horizontal access side opening of the cartridge so as to fix the multipoint connector. A fixing slider is configured to move the mouth piece through the horizontal access side opening so as to fix the multipoint connector within the receiving space. A connector slider is configured to move a connector within the docking station through a vertical access bottom opening of the cartridge against the electrical multipoint connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: BDT MEDIA AUTOMATION GMBH
    Inventor: Friedhelm Steinhilber
  • Patent number: 8405973
    Abstract: The present invention provides a notebook cooling pad, fan seat, docking station, and/or card reading station combination device. The combination device enables a notebook cooling pad to be coupled with a cooling fan, a port, and/or a card reader. The combination device is characterized in that paired symmetric cooling pads can be combined with or separated from a fan seat, a docking station, and/or a card reading station for operational purpose, such that the compact combination device is characterized by multiple purposes, multiple functions, and multiple ways of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Cheng Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 8405974
    Abstract: A docking cradle is configured to seat a mobile computer. The docking cradle comprises a docking interface configured to electrically couple the docking cradle to the mobile computer and a latch for latching the mobile computer within the docking cradle. The latch comprises a pair of latching arms and a locking plate. Each latching arm comprises at least one tooth configured to engage a corresponding recess in the mobile computer, an arm pivot point on a lower portion of the latching arm, and an offset portion below the arm pivot point. Each latching arm is rotationally mounted to opposing sides of the docking cradle at the arm pivot point so as to rotate towards and away from each other. Each latching arm is shaped so that a distance between the offset portions is less than the distance between arm pivot points when the latching arms are upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Psion Inc.
    Inventor: Rajmy Sayavong
  • Patent number: 8398408
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which establishes physically fixed charger stations that work in conjunction with a medical cart, such as an ultrasound cart. The medial cart contains a power supply, such as a large battery, with the capacity to keep the system going for a full day's use. Each docking station provides a fixed location for one or more carts and allows each cart to plug directly into a source of premises power. The docking stations allow the plugged-in cart to recharge while the cart is not in use. In one embodiment, a large Class C battery capable of powering not only the medical device but its associated peripherals as well. Thus, when the cart is removed from the docking station and taken to a patient's location, the equipment on the cart can be operated without the need for plugging the cart into a wall outlet thereby eliminating the need for a long power cord. The fixed locations of the docking station also eliminates the need for hunting “misplaced” carts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Hansen, Daniel Davidson, Richard A. Fine
  • Patent number: 8395887
    Abstract: A cover mechanism is for protecting an interface of an electronic device. The cover mechanism includes a housing and a protective cover. The housing forms an extending plate. The protective cover includes a plug and a latching post. The plug is for covering the interface, and the latching post is rotatably attached to the extending plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Xiao Zhang, Yong-Gang Zhang, Kuan-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8390255
    Abstract: A battery case for a mobile device is provided comprising a case, electrical components, a port, and an aperture size to contain at least one rechargeable battery. Also provided is a charger including a mount to receiving a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be configured to fit inside of the battery case. The charger may be figured to fit inside of the battery case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Incipio Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andy Fathollahi
  • Patent number: 8391014
    Abstract: An expandable computer system and a fastening device are disclosed in this invention. The expandable computer system includes a computer, an expansion device and a rigid component. The expansion device includes a first holding portion disposed at a first side of the expansion device, and a first interface socket disposed at a second side of the expansion device. The computer includes a second holding portion and a second interface socket. The rigid component has two transmission plugs and a transmission circuit. The two transmission plugs are coupled with two terminals of the transmission circuit. When the first holding portion is connected with the second holding portion, the two transmission plugs are detachably connected with the first interface socket and the second interface socket to fasten the expansion device to the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Han Sung, Tsung-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20130050934
    Abstract: A docking station includes a housing, and an extending mechanism slidably received in the housing. The extending mechanism includes a connecting part. The extending mechanism moves from a first position exposed out of the housing to a second position received in the housing. When the extending mechanism moves to the first position, the connecting part is exposed out of the housing. When the extending mechanism moves to the second position, the connecting part is received in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CONG-BING ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20130050932
    Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device includes a base at least partially configured to support the electronic device. The base includes a front face and a substantially orthogonal adjacent face. A guide rib extends normally between the front face and the adjacent face. An electrical connector is pivotally coupled to the base and configured to receive a mating connector of the electronic device. An edge portion of the guide rib engages a surface of the electronic device to facilitate alignment of the electrical connector with the mating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20130052956
    Abstract: A mobile device dock is provided. The dock is a hand-held mobile device that receives a mobile phone, tablet, or other mobile device. The dock improves a user's grip of a mobile device, allows for hands-free use of the mobile device, and/or may improve sound quality of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: James W. McKell
  • Publication number: 20130050933
    Abstract: A dock includes a moveable connector to allow connection to a handheld electronic device. Generally, the connector moves between a closed position and an open position where the connector is placed in at least one substantially upright position for receiving a handheld electronic device. The connector may be hidden from view or lie flush relative to the body of the dock, thereby making the dock more portable and easily organized with other objects, e.g. in stacking. Various motions can be used to move the connector. Examples include one or more rotations, translations, and/or the like. Various retention mechanisms may be employed to retain the connector in an open position when connected to the media player. Also, various electrical mechanisms can be used to couple the movable connector to a fixed printed circuit board (PCB) contained inside the body of the dock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Apple Inc.
  • Patent number: 8385074
    Abstract: A display unit for displaying information including a housing having an opening and a display unit with a display, moveable between a rest position in which the display unit is completely retracted into the housing and a display position in which the display unit is extended from the housing. A cover is moveably driven between a cover position that covers the housing opening and a release position releasing the housing opening. The display unit and the cover can be moveably driven by way of a coupling assembly by a rotary drive. The coupling assembly couples the motion of the display unit and the cover. The coupling assembly includes a first coupler that can rotate about a fixed first axis of rotation with a free end of hinged to the cover. The display unit is hinged to a free end of a second coupler by a second linkage at the cover and at distances from the first linkage and the second linkage by a third linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Karl, Robert Wolfgang Kissel, Georg Nehm
  • Patent number: 8376303
    Abstract: A support includes a base, an upper cover connected to the base, a support plate, and a base. The upper cover includes a recess for receiving a bottom of an electronic device, and two openings defined in a bottom of the recess at two opposite ends of the recess for movably receiving pressing members. A pair of pressing members are respectively moveably received in the two openings. Each of the pair of pressing members includes a protruding post rotatably connected to the base. Two elastic members arrange in the base to respectively apply a recoiling, spring force to the pressing members when compressing and releasing. When urged by an electronic device, the pressing members deflect downward to form a first receiving space; and when the electronic device is removed, the pressing members are recoiled by the elastic members and forms a second receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhi-Gang Yang, Hui Yuan, Ping Yu
  • Patent number: 8379382
    Abstract: A holder for an oblong-shaped device is provided. The holder can be a docking station for a media device and a keyboard. The holder can include a mounting tray and a mounting bracket assembly arranged on the mounting tray. The mounting bracket assembly can be configured such that the oblong-shaped device is securable to the mounting tray in both (i) a first position where a longitudinal axis of the oblong-shaped device extends substantially horizontally, and (ii) a second position where the longitudinal axis of the oblong-shaped device extends substantially vertically while the mounting tray is kept in a substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: inNuevo, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lewis Marshall, Yenny Paola Moya, Paul Daniel Alston
  • Publication number: 20130039000
    Abstract: A docking station and an electronic device using the same are provided. The electronic device includes a portable computer and a docking station. The docking station includes a body, a holder and a pivot mechanism. The holder is disposed on the body for containing the portable computer. The pivot mechanism connecting the body and the holder includes a first part and a second part. The first part connects to the body. The second part connects to the holder and pivotly coupled with the first part. The first part includes a first locating portion facing the second part. The second part includes a second locating portion corresponding to the first locating portion. The second locating portion being adapted to engage with the first locating portion for fixing the holder at a desired angle relative to the body as the holder rotating relatively to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: Cal-Comp Electronics & Communications Company Limited., AVAPLAS LTD.
    Inventors: Domingo A. Vicente, JR., Michael Medrano Recinto
  • Publication number: 20130039521
    Abstract: A docking station includes a main body, a supporting arm projecting from the main body, and a rotating member rotatably coupled to the supporting arm and retaining the electronic device. The rotating member is capable of rotating from a first position to a second position different from the first position, when the rotating member rotates to the first position, the electronic device is supported in a first orientation, and when the rotating member rotates to the second position, the electronic device is supported in a second orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CONG-BING ZHOU, CHIA-TE YU, LIN-LIN PAN, QUAN-CHANG CHENG
  • Publication number: 20130038999
    Abstract: A motherboard assembly includes a motherboard and an expansion apparatus. The motherboard includes a first expansion slot. An edge connector is set on a bottom side of the expansion apparatus to be detachably engaged in the first expansion slot. A number of SATA interfaces and a number of second expansion slots are arranged on the expansion apparatus, and are connected to signal pins and power pins of the edge connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD .
    Inventors: BO TIAN, KANG WU
  • Patent number: 8373984
    Abstract: A docking station includes a connector, a first sliding component whereon a first incline and at least one incline are formed, and a second sliding component whereon a third incline is formed. When the second sliding component moves in a first direction so that the third incline slides relative to the first incline, the second sliding component pushes the first sliding component in a second direction for driving the connector to electrically connect with a notebook computer. The second sliding component further includes at least one protrusion. When the second sliding component moves in a third direction opposite to the first direction so that the protrusion slides relative to the second incline, the protrusion drives the first sliding component to move in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction so as to drive the connector to separate from the notebook computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Wang Lin, Yu-Han Tsai
  • Patent number: 8369082
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-wall dock for a tablet computer includes a rotatable receiving tray to which a tablet computer is secured. A housing of the in-wall dock is at least partially disposed within a wall cavity of a wall. The receiving tray is rotatably mounted to the housing. The receiving tray is configured to rotate from a first orientation disposed at an acute angle to a front face of the housing to permit engagement of the tablet computer with the receiving tray, to a second orientation that is substantially parallel to the front face of the housing and that prevents removal of the tablet computer from the receiving tray. A lock down mechanism retains the receiving tray in the second orientation. A removable bezel covers at least a portion of a front face of the housing and a front face of the tablet computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Savant Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Madonna, Kathleen M. Lacey, Peter H. Corsini, Michael E. Noonan
  • Publication number: 20130027871
    Abstract: A handheld device docking station has a base, two supporting arms and a pillow. The base has a socket. The socket has a flat bottom. Each supporting arm is formed on the base and has a first assembling part and a supporting plane. The supporting plane is in front of the supporting arm. The pillow is pivotally connected to the first assembling parts of the supporting arms. The pillow has a first surface and a second surface. By rotating the pillow to make the first surface face forward or make the second surface face forward to protrude from the supporting plane, the docking station is adapted for multiple handheld devices in different thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Chin-Hung CHENG
  • Publication number: 20130027872
    Abstract: An assembled detachable electronic device includes a portable device having a display interface and a docking station is provided. The portable device includes at least one first sliding portion. The docking station includes a docking station main body and a supporting assembly assembled to the docking station main body to support the portable device. The supporting assembly includes a flexible element and a sliding element. The sliding element is wrapped by the flexible element. When the sliding element is slidably disposed to the first sliding portion, the flexible element provides a supporting force to support the portable device on the docking station main body. When the sliding element slides along the first sliding portion and the flexible element is bent, the portable device rotates relative to the docking station main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chien-I Lin, Hsiao-Ling Chan, Chih-Chien Lin, Ting-Kang Ou, Hsin Lu, Yung-Hsiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20130021745
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for securing a media or audio player to a support and the related methods of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffry C. Voorhees
  • Publication number: 20130016850
    Abstract: A withdrawable portable device mounting apparatus is provided in a vehicle audio system, in which a mount capable of mounting a portable electronic device is drawn out using an electromotive force with a very simple manipulation by pressing a drive button or the like. The apparatus may include a case, a front panel provided at a front surface of the case to have a control panel, a mounting unit loading hole, and a loading button, a drive unit configured to drive a mounting unit through a mounting unit loading hole of the front panel in a withdrawable manner, a loading unit mutually operated with the drive unit to allow the mounting unit to be drawn in or out, and a mounting unit inserted into the front panel in a folded state during a drawing-in operation, and unfolded through the mounting unit loading hole during a drawing-out operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Byungmu HUH, Kyoungjoung Kim, Yuonui Chong