Patents Assigned to Gateway, Inc.
  • Method and system for changing software access level within or outside a host protected area
    Publication number: 20040250055
    Abstract: A method and system divides a media space, such as found in a hard drive or other mass storage device, into a portion directly accessible by all software and a portion inaccessible by all software except host Basic Input Output System (BIOS) code. A special procedure to access media space may include a special instruction or instruction set with or without a password to allow hard drive support for READ ONLY partitions, READ ONLY CD-ROM emulation, and other READ ONLY hard drive access requirements. The special procedure may user an expanded ATA command set, an expanded BIOS command set with System Management Mode, or code to temporarily unprotect at least a portion of the portion normally inaccessible by the software other than host BIOS code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward P. Flanigan
  • Self ejecting cover
    Publication number: 20040242038
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a self-ejecting cover for externally accessible electronic components. The system of the present invention includes a panel with an aperture for accepting an externally accessible component such as a communication connection. A self-ejecting cover with an engaging tab is disposed in the aperture. Upon connecting the panel to a device with a corresponding component the cover is ejected, if an external component is not included the cover remains in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, Vernon D. Erickson, Richard A. Gibson
  • System for identifying the interconnection of peripheral devices
    Patent number: 6826632
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying the interconnection of peripheral devices in an information handling system and generating a model of the interconnection of the devices is disclosed. The system identifies devices in the information handling system, builds device objects in the model representing each identified device, and builds interconnect objects in the model representing the interconnection of the devices with each other and the information handling system. The model may then be used to control operation of the peripheral devices of the information handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore David Wugofski
  • Automatic profiler
    Patent number: 6826574
    Abstract: A method and system for generating and utilizing a profile of a user of a computer-based information handling system is disclosed. The information handling system is searched by a profiler for files stored thereon that have been edited by the user. A located file is searched for words contained in the file, and a list of words contained in the file is compiled and added to a profile database. Descriptive information to be matched is received and compared to words stored in a profile database. If one or more words in the profile database matches the descriptive information, a match is recorded, and a score is calculated and returned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Allan Colbath
  • System and methods for interacting with a supplemental hand-held mouse
    Publication number: 20040233168
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a wireless supplemental mouse interface for interacting with a wireless supplemental mouse are disclosed. The wireless supplemental mouse operates in addition to a primary mouse. In one aspect, the wireless supplemental mouse interface is physically integrated within a computer system such as a personal computer, server, or workstation. In another aspect, the wireless supplemental mouse interface is not physically integrated with a computer system, but instead is a remote interface that is coupled with a plurality of computer systems via a network. The remote wireless supplemental mouse interface receives signals from one or more wireless supplemental mice and determines which system to send the signals to for further processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd M. Christenson
  • Site home navigation control
    Patent number: 6823330
    Abstract: A method is provided for locating and navigating to the site home of a network site in an information network such as the Internet, an Intranet, or the like from a site page within the network site. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of receiving a request to navigate from a site page to the site home of the network site, determining a site home for the network site, and when a site home is found for the network site, navigating to the site home in response to the received request so information provided by the site home may be communicated to a user. The method may be implemented as a program of instructions storable on a medium readable by an information handling system for causing the information handling system to perform the steps of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Calvillo, Joseph G. Richard, Glen J. Anderson, Russell F. McKnight
  • Method and apparatus for modifying and controlling print information
    Patent number: 6817289
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for modifying print colors are described. A subset of printable information units, such as words, text, figures and drawings, which can be located within a document or file on a computer system, are displayed in a first color designation. This first color designation is then changed to a second color designation for printing. The printable information units are then printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank W. Liebenow
  • Tool-less access cover and EMI tight access door
    Patent number: 6816391
    Abstract: An information handling system case is disclosed which has a chassis suitable for containing an electronic component, an access door removably mounted to the chassis, the access door suitable for permitting access to an electronic component contained in the computer chassis, and a release mechanism adjacent to the access door, wherein the release mechanism is manually operable by a single hand of a user to release the access door from the chassis, the access door separating from the chassis upon manipulation of the release mechanism by the user. The quick release mechanism is preferably a squeezable handle. EMI shielding is accomplished through EMI clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, Cesar Daniel Castillo, Armando Rocha, Richard A. Gibson, Vernon D. Erickson, Thomas H. Carson
  • Convenient system, method, and software for online computer users to summon offline computer users
    Patent number: 6816913
    Abstract: Computers are commonly connected in networks which allow interactive communications between two or more computer users. Occasionally, one user tries unsuccessfully to interactively communicate with another user who is unavailable for interactive communications. Accordingly, the inventor devised a system, method, and software to summon the unavailable user through an alternative communications device, for example, a pager, associated with the unavailable user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank W. Liebenow
  • Movable standoff for mounting a circuit board
    Patent number: 6813161
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a circuit board within a computer chassis is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a standoff support mounted in a channel so that the standoff can be positioned along the length of the channel by moving or sliding the standoff within the channel. This movable standoff facilitates the mounting of a variety of circuit boards within the same computer chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao G. Le, Derek T. Nguyen, David R. Davis, Allan L. Klink
  • Warranty extension through additional sales and warranty reminders in download
    Publication number: 20040215484
    Abstract: A method for extending the warranty on a first good by purchasing additional, related goods, involves a determination of the cost per unit time of the warranty extension for the first good based on information received about such first good. Information about at least one good which is related to the first good is received, and in a dollar amount corresponding to such related good is determined based on such information. The method can be incorporated into a computer-implemented system or a software program, and is particularly suitable for use when the goods are computer systems, and the additional goods relate to such computer systems. Still another purchased goods about extended warranty offers. Such a warranty reminder is presented to a customer without the customer having to actively seek out information that would otherwise trigger a warranty offer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell F. McKnight, Glen J. Anderson
  • “Mini-stick” module—new mobiles joystick input device
    Patent number: 6809721
    Abstract: A joystick designed to be used primarily in a mobile computing environment. The joystick is designed to attach to the side of a notebook computer in such a way that the support of the notebook computer becomes the support of the joystick. The interface the joystick uses to communicate with the computer is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. A pass-through port has also been included to allow the joystick to participate in the daisy chain capabilities of USB technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: John Stephen Love
  • Configurable bracket for mounting electronic devices
    Patent number: 6807052
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a configurable bracket. A configurable bracket for mounting an electronic device within a chassis of an information handling system may include a bracket adapted for mounting in a first chassis configuration, the bracket including at least one connection portion suitable for connecting an electronic device to the bracket. An extension is also included, the extension suitable for extending said bracket for mounting in a second chassis configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon D. Erickson, David R. Davis
  • System and method for communication of streaming data
    Publication number: 20040205223
    Abstract: A system and method for the communication of streaming data is disclosed. In an exemplary method of the present invention, a first set of data is received by an information handling system. A second set of data is received via a network wherein the second set of data is continuously streaming. During times when a sufficient amount of streaming data of the second set of data is available for communication, the second set of data is communicated to a user. Otherwise, the first set of data is communicated to the user. In one embodiment, the second set of data may include a video stream viewable by a user. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first data set and the second data set may be transmitted from a first source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Allan Colbath
  • System and method for communication of streaming data
    Publication number: 20040205222
    Abstract: A system and method for the communication of streaming data is disclosed. In an exemplary method of the present invention, a first set of data is received by an information handling system. A second set of data is received via a network wherein the second set of data is continuously streaming. During times when a sufficient amount of streaming data of the second set of data is available for communication, the second set of data is communicated to a user. Otherwise, the first set of data is communicated to the user. In one embodiment, the second set of data may include a video stream viewable by a user. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first data set and the second data set may be transmitted from a first source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Allan Colbath
  • Tray cover for vertically mounted optical disc drives
    Patent number: 6804821
    Abstract: A tray cover for retaining optical discs within an optical disc drive capable of being vertically oriented is comprised of a cover attachable to the tray of the optical disc drive. The cover forms a pocket against the tray for receiving the optical disc so that the optical disc is generally retained against the tray as the tray is extended and retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Reed
  • Robust intuitive latching mechanism
    Publication number: 20040196623
    Abstract: A robust intuitive latching mechanism for securing an access panel to a chassis of an electronic device comprises a hook engagement member for engaging a hook coupled to the chassis to secure the access panel to the chassis. A spring member couples the hook engagement member to the access panel. The spring member is capable of flexing between a first position wherein the hook engagement member is engaged with the hook and a second position wherein the hook engagement member is disengaged from the hook. A handle assembly is mounted to at least one of the hook engagement member and the spring member for flexing the spring member. The handle assembly is actuated for flexing the spring member from the first position to the second position for disengaging the hook engagement member from the hook to allow the access panel to be removed from the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon D. Erickson, David R. Davis, Derek T. Nguyen, Cesar Daniel Castillo, Armando Rocha, Richard A. Gibson
  • Method and apparatus for interaction with broadcast content based upon position
    Patent number: 6801779
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of interacting with broadcast content based upon position. By providing a method and apparatus suitable for interacting with broadcast content based upon position, a user has a dynamic and flexible way of interacting with broadcast content. A method for determining availability of broadcast content to a broadcast content receiver may include determining position of a broadcast content receiver. The broadcast content receiver is suitable for obtaining broadcast content. A broadcast data is queried by the broadcast content receiver for broadcast transmittal data corresponding to the determined position of the broadcast content receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Liebenow
  • On-demand data streaming parceling
    Patent number: 6799196
    Abstract: A client device, or information appliance such as a personal digital assistant, is capable of receiving multimedia data streams from a server. However, due to processing and display capabilities, the client device may not be able to present the complete data stream, or a user may elect to configure the client device not to process data that will unduly reduce the client device's performance. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for allowing a server to determine the native, or user selected, capabilities of a client device, such that the server can filter and parse the data into meaningfully presentable data and non-meaningfully presentable data, and then transmit only the meaningfully presentable data to the client device for processing and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Kim C. Smith
  • Personal computer enclosure and stand
    Patent number: D497908
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton Poole, Daniel K. Harden, Hirotomi Teranishi