Patents by Inventor Andrew L. Carter

Andrew L. Carter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5556107
    Abstract: The present invention has application to dedicated multimedia game systems and computer game programs executed by personal computers. A central processing unit (CPU) is coupled to a mass storage device, such as for example, a read-only memory game cartridge, CD-ROM, floppy disk or hard disk drive. The mass storage device stores an application game program which is executed by the CPU and further stores a library of sound data. A sound synthesizer circuit is coupled to the CPU for generating digital audio signals from the sound data stored in said mass storage device. Under program control the CPU selectively provides sound data for a player of the game program to the sound synthesizer circuit. A digital to audio converter (DAC) is coupled to receive the digital audio signals from the sound synthesizer circuit and convert the digital audio signals into analog audio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew L. Carter
  • Patent number: 5456542
    Abstract: An integrated adjustable data entry keyboard. A divided keyboard arrangement comprises first key field and second key fields pivotably mounted upon a stationary base. The first and second key fields substantially comprise a keyboard arrangement. A space bar is separately attached to the base and occupies a lower keyboard region centrally disposed between the first and second key fields. The space bar is enlarged so as to remain within the radius of a user's thumb's "strike zone" when a user adjusts the first and second key fields. A synchronizing coupling means may be employed to ensure complimentary movement of the first key field relative to the second key field and thereby relative to the user's hands and wrists, even if only one of the individual key fields is pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Welch, Stephen Peart, Matthew Herron, David Shen, Ray Riley, Andrew L. Carter, Robert A. Howard, Dexter Francis, David Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5362249
    Abstract: An electrical connector system which includes a socket shell member and a plug shell member that mate to establish electrical connection between them. Each shell member has a detent device and these detent devices can engage with each other when the plug shell member is inserted into the socket shell member so as to releasably keep the plug and socket shell members in the electrically connected position. The detent devices have front-ends with sharp points or edges which are capable of attracting electrostatic discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew L. Carter
  • Patent number: 5074796
    Abstract: A stacking and orientation independent multiple contact plug and socket electrical connector has a central connector body with a "plug" extending outward on one face, and a "socket" recessed inward on an opposite face. The plug and socket are aligned along a common axis, but are on opposite faces of the central connector body. The plug is an electrically insulated post extending outward from the central connector body and having multiple electrically conductive circular contact rings encircling the post. The socket is a cylindrical recess into the central connector body designed to accept the plug of another similar connector. The socket has multiple electrical wiper contacts spaced along an electrically insulating inner wall of the recess for contacting to the circular contact rings of a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew L. Carter