Patents Assigned to Gateway, Inc.
  • Method of powering down a computer system by performing an unconditional shutdown after interrupts of first and second software systems respectively fail following a power button event
    Patent number: 6587951
    Abstract: A method for powering down a computer system is shown. A power button is actuated and an interrupt is generated in response to the actuation of the power button. An unconditional shutdown of the computer system is performed on system software failing to respond to the interrupt. The system software powers down the computer system on the system software responding to the interrupt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward P. Flanigan
  • Two-sided input device for a computer-related apparatus
    Patent number: 6587094
    Abstract: A two-sided keyboard or other input/control device (19) has first and second keyboards (25, 29) mounted so that their respective keys face in substantially opposite directions. Each of the keyboards (25, 29) can correspond to a different need, user preference or computer application, including different language characters, different input controls, and different key configurations. The two keyboards are mounted in a single keyboard module (35) which can be flipped or rotated so that the desired keyboard faces up. In one preferred form, the keyboard module (35) plugs into a base (39). An electrical connector (51a, 51b) is provided for each of the keyboards (25, 29), so that the selected keyboard can be connected to a corresponding connector (49) on the base (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen J. Anderson
  • Virtual device driver and methods employing the same
    Patent number: 6584585
    Abstract: A standalone virtual device driver that is not a mouse driver replacement or a mouse minidriver examines mouse data packets received from the mouse hardware for data packets that are obviously or likely to be faulty. When such a data packet is detected, the virtual device driver also removes the suspected faulty data by returning a null mouse packet to the mouse driver in its place. The virtual device driver may also initiate resynchronization procedures or reset the mouse hardware if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Patterson, Jr.
  • Method and apparatus for removal and assembly of a device within a chassis
    Patent number: 6582150
    Abstract: A device retention mechanism suitable for mounting a device in a chassis includes a chassis suitable for receiving a device. The chassis has a first side and a second side, the first side oriented generally perpendicular to the second side. A retention member is mounted to the first side of the chassis to enable the retention member to exert a force against a device, thereby applying the force from the retention member to the device and to the second side of the chassis, thereby securing the device in the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, David D. Williams, Daniel C. Castillo, Jorge A. Moriel, John J. Daly, James Foster Knutson
  • Remote out-of-box experience
    Publication number: 20030115091
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, and method for remotely determining a user's out-of-box experience with a information handling system or a software program. The present invention discloses providing an information handling system with the capability of detecting data relating to how the user interacts with the information handling system during initialization. User interaction data may include detecting occurrence of event, time intervals, installation of devices. Data may then be compiled and uploaded over a network, such as the Internet to a remote information handling system or web site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Sawyer
  • Control of unintended single-tap actuation of a computer touch pad pointing device
    Publication number: 20030107557
    Abstract: The control of unintended actuation of a touch pad pointing device is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a computerized system comprises a touch pad pointing device capable of actuation by a user, and a pointing device driver. The pointing device driver comprises a disable component, and a censor and re-enable component. The disable component sets a disable function upon detection of a disabling event. The censor and re-enable component ignores the single-tap actuation of the touch pad pointing device upon the setting of the disable function. Finally, the censor and re-enable component resets the disable function upon detection of an enabling event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Liebenow, Dean J. Dykstra
  • Orientation sensor
    Patent number: 6571483
    Abstract: An orientation sensor includes variable resistance elements within the sensor, the variable resistance elements forming an electric circuit with a conductive ball or drop of conductive material. The resistance of the electric circuit uniquely identifies the orientation of the apparatus. A method of determining the orientation of an apparatus includes measuring the resistance of a circuit completed between two conductive members in the apparatus, and determining the position of a freely movable conductive member in the apparatus from the measured resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark M. Mangerson
  • Handheld device having speech-to text conversion functionality
    Publication number: 20030097262
    Abstract: A handheld computing device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), has speech-to-text functionality. The handheld computing device includes a receiver, such as an integrated cellular modem, capable of receiving voice communications. The voice communications are routed to a speech-to-text processor that converts the voice communications to text. The text is then displayed on the handheld computing device. The handheld computing device also includes a speaker for outputting the voice communications as audible speech to the user. Further, the handheld computing device may include an input/output device for inputting text and/or commands. The handheld computing device may also include a text-to-speech processor that converts such input text to speech for transmission to another party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Nelson
  • Vehicle based intelligent network interactivity
    Publication number: 20030097477
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that interactively determine which data is exchanged between two networks or devices operating on the networks and the order in which the data is transferred. One of the networks can be a vehicle area network. The determination is capable of being based on one or more data criteria, including file size, user access, device interaction, user preferences, history of use, and so on. The available time in which to communicate is forecasted so that the appropriate data can be transmitted. It is emphasized that this abstract is being provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow examiners and other searchers to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, as promised by the rules of the Patent Office.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Vossler
  • Multi-mode speaker operating from either digital or analog sources
    Publication number: 20030097501
    Abstract: A speaker system that detects what type of audio signal is supplied to it and automatically adjusts to reproduce sound from either an analog audio input signal or a digital audio input signal. The speaker system has one or more converters to convert each form of digital audio into analog audio, a detection means to detect whether an analog audio input signal or one of the possible digital audio signals is present and a multiplexer to switch between either the analog audio input signal or one of the outputs of the digital audio converters. Amplifier and speaker drivers are shown for completeness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Young
  • Apparatus and method for stacking cards for a computer
    Patent number: 6567870
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for PCI bus extension, via a PCI bridge circuit, as well as PCI device function, via a PCI device circuit and I/O connector, all on a single I/O card. Further, the present invention provides for stackable, partial-height PCI cards. Further, provided are stackable, partial-height I/O card mounting plates. In yet another embodiment, a functional PCI extension card also provides one or more right-angle connector sockets in order to allow multiple additional PCI cards at right angles to the functional PCI extension card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith C. Thomas, Rix S. Chan, Bruce A. Young
  • System and method utilizing motion input for manipulating a display of data
    Patent number: 6567101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for manipulating a display of data by utilizing motion input. In an exemplary embodiment, a digital information appliance suitable for utilization of motion input and for display of data includes a detector for detecting rotation of the digital information appliance about an axis and a display device for displaying data. Wherein, a display of data is manipulated in response to the detected rotation. In an additional exemplary embodiment, a digital information appliance suitable for utilization of motion input and for display of data includes a detector for detecting translation of a digital information appliance along an axis and a display device for displaying data. Wherein, a display of data is at least one of enlarged and reduced in response to the detected translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith C. Thomas
  • Adjustable user interface
    Publication number: 20030090501
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable user interface. A method of configuring a user interface of an information handling system based on utilization of ports included with the information handling system may include monitoring a plurality of ports included on the information handling system. Utilization by a device of a port of the plurality of ports is monitored, the device communicatively coupled to at least one port of the plurality of ports. A user-interface operating on the information handling system is configured based on the determined utilization by the device of the port of the plurality of ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen J. Anderson, Russell F. McKnight
  • Cell phone having local wireless conference call capabilities
    Publication number: 20030092433
    Abstract: A cellular telephone having a transceiver for making cellular telephone calls is equipped with a second transceiver for establishing communication with other devices having similar capabilities. The cellular telephone uses the second transceiver to establish a local voice channel with another communication device, and combines it with a cellular call to create a multiparty conference call. A mixer mixes voice from the call and local voice channel. The second transceiver implements a local area wireless protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Flannery
  • Adjustable user interface
    Publication number: 20030090517
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable user interface. A method of configuring a user interface of an information handling system based on utilization of ports included with the information handling system may include monitoring a plurality of ports included on the information handling system. Utilization by a device of a port of the plurality of ports is monitored the device communicatively coupled to at least one port of the plurality of ports. A user-interface operating on the information handling system is configured based on the determined utilization by the device of the port of the plurality of ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen J. Anderson, Russell F. McKnight
  • Embedded graphical connection diagram for monitors
    Publication number: 20030090503
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of displaying a graphical depiction on a display device to assist a user in the assembly and use of a product. The apparatus may detect a fault condition and correspondingly provide a graphical depiction of a method for correcting the fault condition. An apparatus of the present invention may also provide a graphical depiction of a procedure to enhance utility of a product and to activate a function of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Leapman
  • Pivoting pressure cover
    Publication number: 20030090881
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for securing a received tab included on a printed circuit board. The apparatus may include a chassis suitable for containing an electrical component, a card retention member disposed on the external surface of the chassis and a securing member pivotally attached to the card retention member. Additionally, the apparatus may contain a locking system for restraining the securing member in a secured orientation and an angled receiving area on the securing member suitable for forcing the received tab inward towards the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, Cesar D. Castillo, Armando Rocha, Richard A. Gibson, Thomas H. Carson, Vernon D. Erickson
  • Display assembly
    Patent number: 6559827
    Abstract: A display assembly is provided with individually actuateable shutter row elements. Selected ones of the shutter row elements are actuated in a predetermined sequence, blocking and allowing pulsed of light transmitted via a light guide assembly. The shutter row elements sequentially illuminate selected groups of display elements so that the display elements provide a true color instead of separate red, green and blue components of that color. In this manner, the display assembly of the present invention is capable of providing a higher fidelity image than is possible using existing display technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark M. Mangerson
  • Tool-less access cover and EMI tight access door
    Publication number: 20030081399
    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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, Cesar Daniel Castillo, Armando Rocha, Richard A. Gibson, Vernon D. Erickson, Thomas H. Carson
  • Method and system for peripheral device user interface construction
    Patent number: 6556219
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the construction of graphical user interface objects representing peripheral devices of a computer-based home entertainment system. The method includes providing a database of device functionality and user interface build elements, retrieving information about specific devices connected to the system, and constructing graphical user interface objects for specific and full functional and featural control of connected peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore D. Wugofski