Patents Examined by Yean-Hsi Chang
  • Patent number: 6967834
    Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus which allows an operating panel surface thereof to be precisely finished and coated in a bright color and hence be attractive in appearance. A main case covers a plurality of operators so as to allow the operators to be operated. A first board, which processes signals generated by operations of the operators, is mounted in the main case and has electronic circuitry formed thereon. A second board, which processes signals at least from the first board, is mounted in the main case and has electronic circuitry formed thereon. The second board is disposed under the first board. At least one stay connects between the opposite sides of the main case. The first board is disposed on the stay, and the second board is disposed under the stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Ryotaro Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6967830
    Abstract: An apparatus and network, each including at least one expansion module, and an associated method are provided. The expansion module can be disposed between an aircraft connector and an avionic device connector to provide an electrical circuit for transmissions therebetween. The expansion module generates a signal representative of the transmissions, and the signal can be communicated, for example, via an Ethernet network to a controller, data storage device, or other devices. Further, the expansion module can be received by a tray that is also configured to receive the avionic device, so that the tray secures the avionic device to the aircraft, and the expansion module connects the avionic device and the aircraft when the avionic device is received by the tray. The expansion module can be disposed between corresponding aircraft connectors and avionic device connectors, such that the present invention can be used to retrofit existing aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert B. Cooper, Eugene E. Devereaux, Sharon Y. Kaku
  • Patent number: 6967836
    Abstract: A device for accommodating a tablet computer includes a first sidewall plate and a second sidewall plate that is disposed corresponding to the first sidewall plate. The first sidewall plate and second sidewall plate define a space for accommodating the tablet computer. A supporting mechanism comprises a first pivot piece and a second pivot piece, both of which having one end being pivotally installed at an inner side of the first sidewall plate. The first pivot piece and second pivot piece rotate between a close position and an angled use position with respect to the first sidewall plate. When the first pivot piece and second pivot piece are in the angled use position, the second pivot piece is supported and positioned by the first pivot piece so that the second pivot piece can support the tablet PC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Micro-Star Int'l Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Lin Huang, Ming-Hsun Chou
  • Patent number: 6967831
    Abstract: A foldable keyboard comprises a keyboard body, a circuit, and a plurality of flexible printed circuit. The keyboard body has a plurality of touch panels in serial connection. Each touch panel has a pair of conductive membranes being segmented into a plurality of blocks for generating a panel signal. The adjacent touch panels are connected by the flexible printed circuits so that the touch panels can be folded in a stacked way. The touch panels are segmented into a plurality of blocks. A plurality of legends is formed on the top surface or the bottom surface of the keyboard body. The legends respectively correspond to the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Tsung Jen Chuang
  • Patent number: 6967837
    Abstract: A computer apparatus assembled wirelessly includes electronic base members assembled in the computer apparatus that are coupled with one another to establish electric connection through connectors and connection ports to replace connection cables thereby to shrink the size of the entire computer apparatus and improve the convenience of repairs and replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Evserv Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Shoei-Yuan Shih
  • Patent number: 6967833
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective apparatus for housing and protecting sensitive components disposed therein, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a hard drive. The protective apparatus includes an outer casing, a fan panel, a connector panel, an internal box including the sensitive components and located within the outer casing, an internal housing contained within the internal box, and shock assemblies suspending the internal housing within the internal box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Integrian, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Boykin, Alan Taylor
  • Patent number: 6965513
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process of forming a thermal interface that employs carbon nanotubes to reduce thermal resistance between an electronic device and a cooling solution. Bundles of aligned nanotubes receive injected polymeric material to produce a polymeric/carbon composite which is then placed between the electronic device and a heat sink or other cooling solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Montgomery, Ven R. Holalkere
  • Patent number: 6963486
    Abstract: A laptop computer includes a one-piece, unitary keyboard housing and a monitor. The keyboard housing supports a plurality of keys for manipulation by a user of the computer. The laptop computer includes at least one hand pad selectively secured to the keyboard housing. The at least one hand pad is positioned adjacent the plurality of keys for supporting the hand of a user as the user manipulates the plurality of keys. The hand pad is a substantially flat viscoelastic pad. The pad includes a bottom surface shaped and dimensioned to rest firmly upon the keyboard housing and a top surface contoured to comfortably support a hand of a user. The hand pad also includes an adhesive layer applied to the bottom surface allowing for ready attachment to the laptop housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Kwitek
  • Patent number: 6961235
    Abstract: A computer housing which can prevent an electromagnetic radiation leakage includes a frame, a plurality of ribs installed on the frame, and a plurality of brackets each installed between two adjacent ribs. Two adjacent ribs form an expansion slot for accommodating a bracket. Each of the ribs includes at least one front supporting piece and one rear supporting piece. Each of the brackets is superimposed on the front supporting pieces of the adjacent rib and squeezes the rear supporting pieces thereof to prevent a leakage of electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Tao-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 6958906
    Abstract: A computer system and a method for cooling the system incorporate removable modules within a housing. The housing includes a parallelepiped structure with at least four walls. The four walls include at least two sets of opposing walls. Both walls of one set of opposing walls include opposing first and second openings substantially aligned with each other to allow passage of a cooling medium therethough. The module is receivable through a third opening in the parallelepiped structure and includes an electrical component region. The housing includes a first airflow path in-line with the third opening and a second airflow path between the first opening and the second opening. The first airflow path and the second airflow path are directed across the component region of the module when the module is received within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventors: Shan Ping Wu, Shan Hua Wu
  • Patent number: 6956738
    Abstract: A digital storage arrangement is interfaceable with a host device which defines a cavity. The digital storage arrangement includes a housing receivable in the cavity, with a movement margin between the housing and host device, while a resilient support arrangement is provided for fixed engagement with the host device and for engaging the housing, while extending through the movement margin, to support the housing within the storage device cavity and to subject the storage device to a lesser degree of mechanical shock when the host device receives a given mechanical shock. The resilient support arrangement provides support by extending from each corner region of the housing to the host device. The support arrangement is molded through an opening defined by the housing in each corner region to extend outwardly to the host device. A bumper configuration is provided integral with the support arrangement and including a sealing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Convergent Systems Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis H. Bruner, John F. Fletcher, Frida E. Romauli Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6954356
    Abstract: A keyboard sled adapted to communicatively interact with a portable computer system. In one embodiment, the keyboard sled is comprised of an integral receiving portion adapted to mechanically and electronically receive a portable computer system. An interface connector is disposed within the receiving portion and adapted to provide a communicative link between the keyboard sled and a portable computer system, when a portable computer system has been inserted in the receiving portion. The keyboard sled further has at least one mounting hook disposed within the receiving portion for providing positive retention of a portable computer system when coupled with the keyboard sled. A keyboard portion also present on the keyboard sled and also coupled with the interface connector provides input keys. The keyboard sled is also comprised of an integral data storage access slot which is adapted to provide access to a data storage device receptacle of the portable computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Lam
  • Patent number: 6952343
    Abstract: A functional expansion apparatus for connecting an electronic apparatus having a first connector, to an external apparatus that expands a function of the electronic apparatus includes a frame movable between a first position and a second position, a connector cover including a second connector connectible to the first connector, the connector cover moving with the frame so that the first and second connectors are connected to each other when the frame is located at the first position, and the first and second connectors are disconnected from each other when the frame is located at the second position, and a lock part for locking the electronic apparatus when the frame is located at the first position, and for unlocking the electronic apparatus when the frame is located at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Masahiko Sato
  • Patent number: 6950301
    Abstract: A system for connecting a first electrical connector on a printed circuit card with a second electrical connector. The system includes a support member having the printed circuit board connected thereto; a movement device allowing the support member to move in a first direction relative to the second connector; and a float connection between the movement device and the support member allowing the support member to move in a second direction relative to the second connector. The second direction is angled relative to the first direction. The float connection allows the first connector to align with the second connector as the support member is moved in the first direction and the first and second connectors are being connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Len Bossio
  • Patent number: 6950304
    Abstract: A disk array device comprises: a hard disk drive module including a disk for recording information thereon and having one side that has a length substantially equal to the diameter of the disk; a battery module; an operation module; a fan module having at least one cooling fan; a controller module having a controller; a power supply module provided for supplying power to the modules; a circuit board to which the above-mentioned modules are connected via electrical connectors; and a substantially box-shaped chassis in which the modules and the circuit board are housed. A front surface and a rear surface of the chassis are opened in a rectangular shape. A length of one side of the opened front surface of the chassis is substantially the same length as the one side of the hard disk drive module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Suzuki, Masahiko Sato, Kenichi Tateyama, Naoto Matsunami, Koichi Kimura, Hidehiko Iwasaki, Kenichi Takamoto, Kenji Muraoka, Takamasa Ishikawa, Nobuhiro Yokoyama, Kiyotaka Takahashi, Yoshinori Nagaiwa
  • Patent number: 6944011
    Abstract: The present disclosure addresses a cover for cables extending from an electronic device. The cover may be a one-piece cover having a horizontal top and vertical sides. The top has a width dimension corresponding to the width of an electronic device and the sides have a height dimension corresponding to the height of the electronic device. When positioned adjacent the back of an electronic device, the cover has the appearance of an extension of the device and blocks the view of and access to cables. The cover may be positioned on a supporting surface on which an electronic device is supported. The cover may be sized to slidably fit onto an electronic device and be attached to the device at the factory. The cover may be transported to the user's location as a flat sheet of metal and formed into a cable cover by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Gary T. Krajecki
  • Patent number: 6944017
    Abstract: A computer display screen that functions as an information processing device such as a PALM, PIN or PDA when detached from the computer is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Xia Dai
  • Patent number: 6944014
    Abstract: A detachable personal computer is constructed to include a protective panel, a support arm pivoted to the protective panel and moved in and out of a receiving recess in the base of the protective panel, a keyboard coupled to the protective panel and moved in and out of a keyboard mounting opening in the protective panel, and a tablet PC detachably coupled to the protective panel and adjustably supported on the protective panel in any one of a series of tilted positions by the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Tatung Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Jou Chen, Tzu-Wei Lai, Carl Huang, Eric Wang
  • Patent number: 6934158
    Abstract: A cabinet having a plurality of rack mountable chassis. One portion of such chassis has directors and electrically interconnected memory and another portion of such chassis having a plurality of disk drives. The plurality of chassis are electrically interconnected to provide a data storage system interface. The another portion of the cabinets includes therein a printed circuit board having plugged into a surface thereof a plurality of disk drives. The cabinet includes a plurality of rack mountable chassis. A first one of such chassis has a memory and a plurality of directors for controlling data transfer between a host computer/server and a bank of disk drives as such data passes through the memory. A first plurality of the directors are for coupling to the host computer/server. A second plurality of the directors are for coupling to a bank of disk drives. A second one of such chassis has a plurality of disk drives, such disk drives being plugged into a surface of a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffrey Teachout, Brian Gallagher, Kendell A. Chilton, Natan Vishlitzky
  • Patent number: 6934148
    Abstract: The invention provides a chassis for housing printed circuit boards comprising: a housing having a top, bottom, front, back, left and right side walls, and having a height, measured from the bottom wall to the top wall, that is equal to a 1 rack-unit. The front wall includes an inlet vent, a display module, and a jack and the back side wall includes an exhaust vent. A front wall face plate overlies the inlet vent, display module and jack, with the inlet vent arranged in parallel, overlapping but offset planes. A centrifugal blower is provided inside the chassis housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: General Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: Harold J. Gorenz, Jr., William R. Groves, Roger W. Ady