Patents by Inventor Andrew William Hill
Andrew William Hill 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: 10732681Abstract: Thermal management devices and systems, and corresponding methods of cooling computing devices are described herein. Such devices, systems, and methods may be advantageous in providing optimal thermal management for the computing device and/or minimizing acoustics in the computing device for a plurality of rotational fan speeds. Additionally, optimal thermal management may provide an increase in system performance and an increase in computing device life expectancy. In one example, a thermal management system includes a fan configured to move air through an outlet opening of the fan and at least one airflow guide positioned adjacent to the outlet opening. The at least one airflow guide is configured to direct movement of the air from the outlet opening to dissipate heat within an electronic device, and the at least one airflow guide is configured to pivot about an axis to move between a first position to a second position based on a change in a rotational speed of the fan.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Bo Dan, Robert Ullman Myers, James Hao-An Chen Lin, Andrew William Hill, Han Li
-
Patent number: 10585518Abstract: Display module support techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes an external enclosure forming a cavity and a touch display module. The touch display module includes a touch panel assembly having one or more touch sensors and a display module to output a display through at least a portion of the touch panel assembly. The apparatus also includes a support that secures the touch display module to the external enclosure. The support is secured to the external enclosure using a reworkable connection.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David J. Huston, James Michael Bonicatto, Kenneth Charles Boman, Andrew William Hill, John Stephen Campbell
-
Patent number: 10551878Abstract: Input device attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a portion (e.g., an input portion or cover) is configured to be positioned over a display device of a computing device to cover the display device. The device also includes a spine (e.g., a mid-spine) that is physically attached to the portion in a manner that supports rotational movement of the portion in relation to the display device. The physical attachment of the spine is configured to be removable using a magnetic coupling between the spine and a surface of the computing device that includes the display device.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
-
Publication number: 20200033919Abstract: Thermal management devices and systems, and corresponding methods of cooling computing devices are described herein. Such devices, systems, and methods may be advantageous in providing optimal thermal management for the computing device and/or minimizing acoustics in the computing device for a plurality of rotational fan speeds. Additionally, optimal thermal management may provide an increase in system performance and an increase in computing device life expectancy. In one example, a thermal management system includes a fan configured to move air through an outlet opening of the fan and at least one airflow guide positioned adjacent to the outlet opening. The at least one airflow guide is configured to direct movement of the air from the outlet opening to dissipate heat within an electronic device, and the at least one airflow guide is configured to pivot about an axis to move between a first position to a second position based on a change in a rotational speed of the fan.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2018Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Bo Dan, Robert Ullman Myers, James Hao-An Chen Lin, Andrew William Hill, Han Li
-
Patent number: 10474199Abstract: Input device attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a portion (e.g., an input portion or cover) is configured to be positioned over a display device of a computing device to cover the display device. The device also includes a spine (e.g., a mid-spine) that is physically attached to the portion in a manner that supports rotational movement of the portion in relation to the display device. The physical attachment of the spine is configured to be removable using a magnetic coupling between the spine and a surface of the computing device that includes the display device.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
-
Patent number: 10120420Abstract: This document describes a lockable display and techniques enabling use of a lockable display. The techniques can enable computing devices to lock and unlock a display using little or no power and with a seamless design. The techniques and apparatuses can also enable integration between a lockable display and various computing devices, including to create a nearly seamless physical and functional design.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Steven Nabil Bathiche, Panos C. Panay, Ralf Groene, Joseph B. Gault, Andrew William Hill
-
Publication number: 20170075391Abstract: Input device attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a portion (e.g., an input portion or cover) is configured to be positioned over a display device of a computing device to cover the display device. The device also includes a spine (e.g., a mid-spine) that is physically attached to the portion in a manner that supports rotational movement of the portion in relation to the display device. The physical attachment of the spine is configured to be removable using a magnetic coupling between the spine and a surface of the computing device that includes the display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
-
Publication number: 20170054834Abstract: Input device attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a portion (e.g., an input portion or cover) is configured to be positioned over a display device of a computing device to cover the display device. The device also includes a spine (e.g., a mid-spine) that is physically attached to the portion in a manner that supports rotational movement of the portion in relation to the display device. The physical attachment of the spine is configured to be removable using a magnetic coupling between the spine and a surface of the computing device that includes the display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
-
Patent number: 9513671Abstract: Peripheral retention device techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a peripheral retention device includes a computing device securing portion and a peripheral securing portion. The computing device securing portion is configured to removably engage a computing device such that the computing device securing portion is securable to and removable from a first side of a housing the computing device using one or more hands of a user. The peripheral securing portion is connected to the computing device securing portion and configured to removably engage a peripheral device via a second side of the housing that opposes the first side of the housing such that the peripheral device is securable to and removable from the peripheral securing portion using one or more hands of a user.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Dave Huston, Joseph B. Gault, Aseem Singla, Jan Raken, Andrew William Hill, Vineet Thuvara
-
Patent number: 9497300Abstract: Input device attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes an input portion configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device and a mid-spine that is physically attached to the input portion and configured to form a removable physical coupling to be secured to a first side of the computing device that includes a display device. The input device also includes a connection portion that is physically attached the mid-spine and is configured to form a removable physical coupling to be secured to a second side of the computing device that is different than the first side and form a communicative coupling to the computing device to communicate the generated signals from the input portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
-
Publication number: 20160273564Abstract: Examples of the disclosure enable a printed circuit board to be coupled to a chassis. In some examples, a coupling mechanism includes a first body including a head portion and a shaft portion that has an inner surface defining a channel. The coupling mechanism includes a second body including a head portion and a shaft portion. At least a part of the second body shaft portion is positionable within the channel. An outer surface of the second body shaft portion is sized to enable the second body shaft portion to expand radially or move laterally within the channel when the part of the second shaft portion is positioned within the channel. Examples of the disclosure enable the printed circuit board to be coupled to a chassis in low-profile, reduced-stress manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2015Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventors: James Michael BONICATTO, Andrew William HILL, Nathan Michael THOME, John GODFREY, Robyn MCLAUGHLIN, Santosh SHETTY
-
Publication number: 20160110004Abstract: Display module support techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes an external enclosure forming a cavity and a touch display module. The touch display module includes a touch panel assembly having one or more touch sensors and a display module to output a display through at least a portion of the touch panel assembly. The apparatus also includes a support that secures the touch display module to the external enclosure. The support is secured to the external enclosure using a reworkable connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2014Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: David J. Huston, James Michael Bonicatto, Kenneth Charles Boman, Andrew William Hill, John Stephen Campbell
-
Patent number: 9306344Abstract: Computing device connectors are described. In one or more implementations, a connector includes one or more communication contacts configured to support transmission of data and a receptacle secured within an opening of a printed circuit board. The receptacle having the one or more communication contacts disposed therein to support transmission of data upon contact with one or more communication contacts of a plug disposed within the receptacle, the receptacle having an angled outer edge.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Andrew William Hill, Nathan Thome, Jan Raken, John Stephen Campbell
-
Publication number: 20160034001Abstract: Peripheral retention device techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a peripheral retention device includes a computing device securing portion and a peripheral securing portion. The computing device securing portion is configured to removably engage a computing device such that the computing device securing portion is securable to and removable from a first side of a housing the computing device using one or more hands of a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Dave Huston, Joseph B. Gault, Aseem Singla, Jan Raken, Andrew William Hill, Vineet Thuvara
-
Publication number: 20150280371Abstract: Computing device connectors are described. In one or more implementations, a connector includes one or more communication contacts configured to support transmission of data and a receptacle secured within an opening of a printed circuit board. The receptacle having the one or more communication contacts disposed therein to support transmission of data upon contact with one or more communication contacts of a plug disposed within the receptacle, the receptacle having an angled outer edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Andrew William Hill, Nathan Thome, Jan Raken, John Stephen Campbell
-
Publication number: 20150281413Abstract: Input device attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes an input portion configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device and a mid-spine that is physically attached to the input portion and configured to form a removable physical coupling to be secured to a first side of the computing device that includes a display device. The input device also includes a connection portion that is physically attached the mid-spine and is configured to form a removable physical coupling to be secured to a second side of the computing device that is different than the first side and form a communicative coupling to the computing device to communicate the generated signals from the input portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
-
Publication number: 20150268699Abstract: This document describes a lockable display and techniques enabling use of a lockable display. The techniques can enable computing devices to lock and unlock a display using little or no power and with a seamless design. The techniques and apparatuses can also enable integration between a lockable display and various computing devices, including to create a nearly seamless physical and functional design.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Steven Nabil Bathiche, Panos C. Panay, Ralf Groene, Joseph B. Gault, Andrew William Hill
-
Publication number: 20140148938Abstract: Techniques for object profile for object machining are described. In at least some implementations, an object profile is generated by measuring attributes of an object, such as its dimensions. The object profile can correspond to a data representation of object attributes. The object profile is employed to determine a machining path for machining the object based on a particular design and/or pattern. In at least some implementations, an alignment guide is generated that enables an object to be positioned for machining by a machining device. The alignment guide, for instance, can correspond to a particular position in a coordinate space. Aligning an object with the alignment guide includes moving the object (e.g., rotationally and/or translationally) to align with the alignment guide. When aligned with the alignment guide, the object can be machined according to a specified object profile and/or pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Allen Dayong Zhang, Massood Nikkhah, Michael Joseph Lane, Cao Zhiqiang, Andrew William Hill
-
Patent number: 8421753Abstract: A computer mouse includes a head and a tail. The head is configured to detect movement relative to a reference surface. The head is selectively switchable between an on state and an off state. The tail is connected to the head and is moveable between a curved configuration and a flat configuration. The tail is configured to switch the head to the on state when in the curved configuration and to switch the head to the off state when in the flat configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: David Zucker, Eric Davis, Andrew William Hill, Steve Klein, Jeffrey James Heinz
-
Publication number: 20110310015Abstract: A computer mouse includes a head and a tail. The head is configured to detect movement relative to a reference surface. The head is selectively switchable between an on state and an off state. The tail is connected to the head and is moveable between a curved configuration and a flat configuration. The tail is configured to switch the head to the on state when in the curved configuration and to switch the head to the off state when in the flat configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: David Zucker, Eric Davis, Andrew William Hill, Steve Klein, Jeffrey James Heinz