Patents Assigned to Itronix Corporation
  • Patent number: 7742294
    Abstract: A portable computing device, including a latch apparatus and system, may include a rotatable high wear plastic oversnapping arm, a pivot portion on the portable computing device, and an enclosure door with a geometric mating feature. The oversnapping arm may be configured to rotate 90° about the pivot portion to snap over the geometric mating feature and secure the enclosure door in a closed, latched position. As the oversnapping arm is rotated downward, its progress may be frictionally impeded by the geometric mating feature. Applying downward pressure on the oversnapping arm towards the physical interference may cause the oversnapping arm to bend over the interfering feature and snap into a closed, geometrically interlocked position. In the closed, latched position, the oversnapping arm may apply a positive pressure against the enclosure door. The positive pressure on the enclosure door increases the environmental sealing capabilities by putting additional pressure on the existing environmental seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: General Dynamics Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: William Eugene Gadau, Neal Stanley Clark
  • Patent number: 7717607
    Abstract: A portable computing device, including a keyboard illumination device and system may include a light emitter housing incorporated into the hinge element of a portable computing device. The light emitter housing may include an aperture and a light emitter and may be configured to illuminate a keyboard while keeping the source of the emitted light hidden from the user and others who may be in the vicinity of the portable computing device. The light emitter, which illuminates the keyboard, may be driven by a different light source than the light source that illuminates a display panel of the portable computing device. It follows that the brightness of the light emitter may be adjusted without having any effect on the brightness of the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: General Dynamics Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Harris, Bryan McKeirnan
  • Publication number: 20090256364
    Abstract: A portable computing device, including a latch apparatus and system, may include a rotatable high wear plastic oversnapping arm, a pivot portion on the portable computing device, and an enclosure door with a geometric mating feature. The oversnapping arm may be configured to rotate 90° about the pivot portion to snap over the geometric mating feature and secure the enclosure door in a closed, latched position. As the oversnapping arm is rotated downward, its progress may be frictionally impeded by the geometric mating feature. Applying downward pressure on the oversnapping arm towards the physical interference may cause the oversnapping arm to bend over the interfering feature and snap into a closed, geometrically interlocked position. In the closed, latched position, the oversnapping arm may apply a positive pressure against the enclosure door. The positive pressure on the enclosure door increases the environmental sealing capabilities by putting additional pressure on the existing environmental seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: General Dynamics Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: William Eugene GADAU, Neal Stanley Clark
  • Publication number: 20090109649
    Abstract: A portable computing device, including a keyboard illumination device and system may include a light emitter housing incorporated into the hinge element of a portable computing device. The light emitter housing may include an aperture and a light emitter and may be configured to illuminate a keyboard while keeping the source of the emitted light hidden from the user and others who may be in the vicinity of the portable computing device. The light emitter, which illuminates the keyboard, may be driven by a different light source than the light source that illuminates a display panel of the portable computing device. It follows that the brightness of the light emitter may be adjusted without having any effect on the brightness of the display panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: General Dynamics Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael HARRIS, Bryan MCKEIRNAN
  • Publication number: 20090086420
    Abstract: A portable computing device and a display housing module for a portable computing device is disclosed. The display housing module includes a conductive rear chassis, a display module and a front bezel. The display module is configured to display images and includes a backlight unit, a display panel, and a touch screen. The conductive rear chassis is strong, lightweight, and rigid. It is configured to receive and secure the display module and to protect the display module from shock events, drop events, and vibration. The conductive rear chassis may provide a conductive path to a ground connection. This prevents EMI from affecting an antenna signal by channeling EMI originating from noisy electronics to ground, thereby preventing unwanted EMI leakage outside of the display module. The conductive rear chassis is further configured to receive an environmental sealer around the perimeter of the housing. The conductive rear chassis is further configured for direct attachment to a front bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: General Dynamics Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: David Henry Stockham, Jeffrey Lee Anderson
  • Publication number: 20090015761
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated transparent touch panel liquid crystal display device. A liquid crystal display component is made by forming a polarizing film an on underside and a quarter wave plate on an upper side, with the top polarizer removed. A transparent touch panel component is made by forming a pair of facing transparent electrodes on respective transparent substrates. A quarter wave plate is formed above the upper substrate, along with a second polarizer and antireflective layer in that order. The transparent touch panel is placed above the liquid crystal display component to form an integrated device. Improved daylight readability is achieved without increasing luminance or power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Itronix Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Stockham
  • Publication number: 20080184529
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a hinge, a positioning device, and a first component coupleable to the positioning device. The apparatus may further include a second component coupleable to the hinge, and a hinge shaft coupleable to and rotatable about the hinge, wherein manipulation of the positioning device is adapted to selectively move the first component toward the second component in a first direction to increase a level of rotational torque required to rotate the hinge shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Itronix Corporation
    Inventor: Terry Thom
  • Patent number: 7168972
    Abstract: A female electrical connector is provided for receiving a standardized male electrical connector having a movable release tab. The female electrical connector includes an electrical connector body, at least one electrical contact, and at least one lock member. The electrical connector body has an axial cavity configured to receive a male connector. The at least one electrical contact is provided in the cavity. The at least one lock member is carried by the body in load deflecting relation relative to an opposed inner face of the cavity. The at least one lock member is configured to displace relative to the inner face between a loaded position and a released position responsive to a release tab of a male electrical connector applying an overload condition on the at least one tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: Sidney David Autry, David Stockham, Jeff Anderson
  • Patent number: 5903548
    Abstract: A portable computing device has a computer programmed to store and communicate information and a housing configured to house the computer. A communications device, provided in the housing, is controlled by the computer and configured to communicate information between the computing device and a remote computer. An antenna is carried by the housing and is configurable to electrically couple with the communications device for communicating radio frequency information with the remote computer. A signal coupling device is carried by the housing and is configured to removably mate in signal transmitting relation with an external antenna via a complementary mating signal coupling device. A switch provided with the device is constructed and arranged to selectively connect the communications device with one of the dedicated antenna and the external antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff Delamater
  • Patent number: 5828341
    Abstract: A portable computing device has a computer programmed to store and communicate information and a housing configured to house the computer. A communications device, provided in the housing, is controlled by the computer and configured to communicate information between the computing device and a remote computer. An antenna is carried by the housing and is configurable to electrically couple with the communications device for communicating radio frequency information with the remote computer. A signal coupling device is carried by the housing and is configured to removably mate in signal transmitting relation with an external antenna via a complementary mating signal coupling device. A switch provided with the device is constructed and arranged to selectively connect the communications device with one of the dedicated antenna and the external antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff Delamater
  • Patent number: 5751546
    Abstract: This invention comprises a cradle assembly for supporting a portable electronic device. The assembly includes a base constructed and arranged to receive the portable electronic device. The assembly also includes a first mating member pivotally carried on the base and configured to mate with a complementary mating member of the device. A second mating member is also included, and is configured in spaced apart relation with the first mating member and movably carried on the base, the first and second mating members cooperating to releasably retain the device therealong. In another form, the invention comprises a base, a mating member carried in movable relation on the base, and an electrical connector configured to engage with a complementary electrical connector on a device after it is mated with the mating member via a complementary mating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: Jay Clark, Jonathan LaMarche, Robert J. Tuttle, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5751134
    Abstract: A battery management system in the form of a gas gauging system is disclosed for enhancing the monitoring of battery power supply. The battery management system includes a battery powered device and a battery selectively connected to the device for supplying operating power to the device. The system also includes an auxiliary power supply configured for connection with the battery for supplying charging power to the battery. A processor is carried by the device and is configured to enable the battery and the power supply, respectively, for powering the device. The processor is further configurable during connection of the auxiliary power supply to completely discharge the battery from a fully charged state to a fully discharged state via a discharge cycle. The system also includes a detector that is configurable to measure battery capacity during the discharge cycle of the battery. Finally, the system includes an output device for outputting a value based upon the measured battery capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Hoerner, Kam Quan, Frank Smith
  • Patent number: 5706168
    Abstract: An improved portable personal computer preferably configured to facilitate outdoor field-use has an impact attenuating case, a sealed keyboard, and a sealed mouse which facilitate use of the computer in harsh environments. The case has a impact attenuating covering in which is housed a hard drive on a shock-isolated mount and a display further mounted in die case in a resilient shock-isolated manner. The case, hard drive mount, and display mount cooperate to attenuate shock-induced damage resulting from impacts and sudden accelerations of the computer caused during rugged use. Furthermore, the sealed keyboard and mouse assemblies prevent any damage which might result from liquids migrating within the case and into the computer components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Erler, Jonathan L. LaMarche, David H. Stockham, Theodore C. Vollmer
  • Patent number: 5704212
    Abstract: An improved cradle assembly has a base with a mounting surface configured to removably receive a portable electronic device. The cradle assembly also has a cooler supported by the base to facilitate use of the portable electronic device in warm, or harsh, thermal environments. The cooler is positioned in thermally conductive relation with a portable electronic device that is received on the mounting surface. The cooler is operable to dissipate heat from the portable electronic device. In an alternative construction, a heat generator is substituted for the cooler to provide thermal heating of the portable electronic device in order to facilitate use of the device in cold, or harsh, thermal environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Erler, Timothy P. O'Hagan, Keith D. Grzelak
  • Patent number: 5697718
    Abstract: An improved portable personal computer preferably configured to facilitate outdoor field-use has an impact attenuating case and a sealed keyboard which facilitate use of the computer in harsh environments. Furthermore, the sealed keyboard assembly prevents any damage which might result from liquids migrating within the case and into the computer components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Erler, Jonathan L. LaMarche, David H. Stockham, Theodore C. Vollmer
  • Patent number: 5602750
    Abstract: An administrative computer and testing apparatus device is provided. The administrative computer is coupled to the testing apparatus so that the test data can be correlated with administrative information such as the location of the equipment tested. The administrative computer can control the testing apparatus to provide testing in accordance with predefined test procedures. The administrative computer is user-programmable to permit user-defined test procedures to be established. In one embodiment test data is provided to the administrative computer by using a memory buffer which can be written into by the test apparatus and can be read by the administrative computer. Test data, preferably test data correlated with the location information, can be communicated to a remote computer for further processing or analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: David Severt, George Siegner, Daren Upchurch, William Erler
  • Patent number: 5511108
    Abstract: An administrative computer and testing apparatus device is provided. The administrative computer is coupled to the testing apparatus so that the test data can be correlated with administrative information such as the location of the equipment tested. The testing apparatus can be configured as a slice for insertion between upper and lower portions of the administrative computer. The administrative computer can control the testing apparatus to provide testing in accordance with predefined test procedures. The administrative computer is user-programmable to permit user-defined test procedures to be established. Test data, e.g. test data correlated with the location information, can be communicated to a remote computer for further processing or analysis. Communication can be implemented through a modem, which can be a land-line modem or an RF or other wireless modem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: David Severt, George Siegner, Daren Upchurch, William Erler, James Anselmo
  • Patent number: 5432705
    Abstract: An administrative computer and testing apparatus device is provided. The administrative computer is coupled to the testing apparatus so that the test data can be correlated with administrative information such as the location of the equipment tested. The administrative computer can control the testing apparatus to provide testing in accordance with predefined test procedures. The administrative computer is user-programmable to permit user-defined test procedures to be established. In one embodiment test data is provided to the administrative computer by using a memory buffer which can be written into by the test apparatus and can be read by the administrative computer. Test data, preferably test data correlated with the location information, can be communicated to a remote computer for further processing or analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: David Severt, George Siegner, Daren Upchurch, William Erler
  • Patent number: D395040
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Erler, Jonathan L. LaMarche, David H. Stockham, Theodore C. Vollmer