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: 10732681
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Bo Dan, Robert Ullman Myers, James Hao-An Chen Lin, Andrew William Hill, Han Li
  • Patent number: 10585518
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Huston, James Michael Bonicatto, Kenneth Charles Boman, Andrew William Hill, John Stephen Campbell
  • Patent number: 10551878
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
  • Publication number: 20200033919
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Bo Dan, Robert Ullman Myers, James Hao-An Chen Lin, Andrew William Hill, Han Li
  • Patent number: 10474199
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
  • Patent number: 10120420
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nabil Bathiche, Panos C. Panay, Ralf Groene, Joseph B. Gault, Andrew William Hill
  • Publication number: 20170075391
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
  • Publication number: 20170054834
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
  • Patent number: 9513671
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Huston, Joseph B. Gault, Aseem Singla, Jan Raken, Andrew William Hill, Vineet Thuvara
  • Patent number: 9497300
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
  • Publication number: 20160273564
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: James Michael BONICATTO, Andrew William HILL, Nathan Michael THOME, John GODFREY, Robyn MCLAUGHLIN, Santosh SHETTY
  • Publication number: 20160110004
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: David J. Huston, James Michael Bonicatto, Kenneth Charles Boman, Andrew William Hill, John Stephen Campbell
  • Patent number: 9306344
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Andrew William Hill, Nathan Thome, Jan Raken, John Stephen Campbell
  • Publication number: 20160034001
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Dave Huston, Joseph B. Gault, Aseem Singla, Jan Raken, Andrew William Hill, Vineet Thuvara
  • Publication number: 20150280371
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Andrew William Hill, Nathan Thome, Jan Raken, John Stephen Campbell
  • Publication number: 20150281413
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Longo, Andrew William Hill, Eugene Lee, James H. Wise
  • Publication number: 20150268699
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Nabil Bathiche, Panos C. Panay, Ralf Groene, Joseph B. Gault, Andrew William Hill
  • Publication number: 20140148938
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Dayong Zhang, Massood Nikkhah, Michael Joseph Lane, Cao Zhiqiang, Andrew William Hill
  • Patent number: 8421753
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Zucker, Eric Davis, Andrew William Hill, Steve Klein, Jeffrey James Heinz
  • Publication number: 20110310015
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Zucker, Eric Davis, Andrew William Hill, Steve Klein, Jeffrey James Heinz