Patents by Inventor Brett Andrew Tomky
Brett Andrew Tomky 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).
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Publication number: 20230393624Abstract: A foldable computing device comprises a first portion, a second portion, a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the first portion to the second portion, and a flexible display. The flexible display extends at least partially across the first portion and at least partially across the second portion, and spans the hinge assembly between the first portion and the second portion. The hinge assembly includes a hinge core, a first linkage component rotatably coupling the hinge core to the first portion and forming a portion of a backing support for the flexible display, and a first hinge guide rotatably coupling the hinge core to the first portion. The hinge assembly further includes a second linkage component rotatably coupling the hinge core to the second portion and forming another portion of the backing support for the flexible display, and a second hinge guide rotatably coupling the hinge core to the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2022Publication date: December 7, 2023Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Devin Samuel Jacob CAPLOW-MUNRO, Daniel Clark PARK, Eric Paul WITT, Karsten AAGAARD, Denys V. YAREMENKO, Brett Andrew TOMKY, Errol Mark TAZBAZ, Tung Yuen LAU
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Publication number: 20230393633Abstract: A foldable computing device comprises a first portion, a second portion, a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the first portion to the second portion, and a flexible display. The hinge assembly includes a hinge core, a timing element, a first linkage component rotatably coupling the hinge core to the first portion, a first hinge guide rotatably coupling the hinge core to the first portion, a second linkage component rotatably coupling the hinge core to the second portion, and a second hinge guide rotatably coupling the hinge core to the second portion. The first linkage component defines one or more helical surfaces that interface with the timing element, and the second linkage component defines one or more helical surfaces that interface with the timing element. The timing element coordinates rotation of the first linkage component with rotation of the second linkage component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2022Publication date: December 7, 2023Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Devin Samuel Jacob CAPLOW-MUNRO, Daniel Clark PARK, Eric Paul WITT, Karsten AAGAARD, Denys V YAREMENKO, Brett Andrew TOMKY, Errol Mark TAZBAZ, Tung Yuen LAU
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Publication number: 20220325847Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to the rotational mounting of a display device to another supporting structure, such as a stand or a wall. One example provides a system comprising a display device, a support structure configured to be mounted to another structure to thereby support the display device on the other structure, and a mechanical interface rotationally connecting the display device and the support structure. The mechanical interface comprises three or more rail segments including a cam rail segment comprising a cam, and for each rail segment, one or more corresponding rollers, a roller for the cam rail segment being a follower and being coupled with a spring configured to bias the follower toward the cam rail segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2020Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Brett Andrew TOMKY, Christina Ashley YEE, Daniel Clark PARK, Nicholas Benjamin WENDT
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Patent number: 11086369Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to locking mechanisms, display assemblies, and methods for modifying a mounting assembly of a display assembly to enable rotation of a display. In one example, a locking mechanism comprises a lock block mounted for rotation with the display. The locking mechanism also comprises a lever rotatably coupled to a plate of the mounting assembly. The lever comprises a lock tab that blocks movement of the lock block when the lever is in a locked position and allows movement of the lock block when the lever is in an unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Daniel Clark Park, David Kazmierz Szczypinski, Brett Andrew Tomky
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Publication number: 20200333854Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to locking mechanisms, display assemblies, and methods for modifying a mounting assembly of a display assembly to enable rotation of a display. In one example, a locking mechanism comprises a lock block mounted for rotation with the display. The locking mechanism also comprises a lever rotatably coupled to a plate of the mounting assembly. The lever comprises a lock tab that blocks movement of the lock block when the lever is in a locked position and allows movement of the lock block when the lever is in an unlocked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2019Publication date: October 22, 2020Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Daniel Clark PARK, David Kazmierz SZCZYPINSKI, Brett Andrew TOMKY
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Patent number: 10358853Abstract: A friction hinge is described. In at least some implementations, the described friction hinge enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. According to various implementations, a friction hinge includes different friction stages where movement of the hinge is based on different activity mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventor: Brett Andrew Tomky
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Patent number: 10228732Abstract: A friction hinge is described. Generally, the friction hinge provides a variable torque profile for a movable component. In an example, the friction hinge includes a hinge frame; a pivot member pivotably engaged with the hinge frame, the pivot member being attached to a support component movably attached to a device; an elongated member attached to the to hinge frame, the elongated member having a ramped surface on at least a first portion of the elongated member; and an engagement member slidably engaged with the elongated member, the engagement member configured to slide along the elongated member during pivoting of the pivot member relative to the hinge frame, the sliding of the engagement member along the taped surface of the elongated member causing variations in a sliding friction based on an amount of change in surface height over longitudinal distance of the ramped surface and contributing to a torque profile of the hinge.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Brett Andrew Tomky, Liang Zhang, Bonggwon Ji
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Publication number: 20180335808Abstract: A friction hinge is described. Generally, the friction hinge provides a variable torque profile for a movable component. In an example, the friction hinge includes a hinge frame; a pivot member pivotably engaged with the hinge frame, the pivot member being attached to a support component movably attached to a device; an elongated member attached to the to hinge frame, the elongated member having a ramped surface on at least a first portion of the elongated member; and an engagement member slidably engaged with the elongated member, the engagement member configured to slide along the elongated member during pivoting of the pivot member relative to the hinge frame, the sliding of the engagement member along the taped surface of the elongated member causing variations in a sliding friction based on an amount of change in surface height over longitudinal distance of the ramped surface and contributing to a torque profile of the hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2017Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: Brett Andrew TOMKY, Liang ZHANG, Bonggwon JI
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Patent number: 10066429Abstract: Disclosed herein are hinge devices having reduced or minimized free play. Specifically, disclosed herein are hinge devices having surface elements positioned on a surface of a hinge component to reduce or eliminate any free play present between interacting hinge components. In one or more embodiments, the hinge includes a first hinge component having a first guide and a second hinge component having a second guide, wherein the second hinge component is rotatably mounted on at least one surface of the first hinge component such that the first guide is positioned within the second guide or the second guide is positioned within the first guide. At least one surface element is disposed on a surface of the first guide or the second guide to provide a reduction in free play at a location of the at least one surface element.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Daniel Clark Park, Brian Bitz, Brett Andrew Tomky
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Patent number: 10037057Abstract: A friction hinge is described. Generally, the friction hinge provides a variable torque profile for a movable component.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Christopher A. Schafer, Daniel C. Park, Brett Andrew Tomky, Nicholas B. Wendt
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Publication number: 20180113491Abstract: Disclosed herein are hinge devices having reduced or minimized free play. Specifically, disclosed herein are hinge devices having surface elements positioned on a surface of a hinge component to reduce or eliminate any free play present between interacting hinge components. In one or more embodiments, the hinge includes a first hinge component having a first guide and a second hinge component having a second guide, wherein the second hinge component is rotatably mounted on at least one surface of the first hinge component such that the first guide is positioned within the second guide or the second guide is positioned within the first guide. At least one surface element is disposed on a surface of the first guide or the second guide to provide a reduction in free play at a location of the at least one surface element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Daniel Clark Park, Brian Bitz, Brett Andrew Tomky
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Publication number: 20180081404Abstract: A friction hinge is described. Generally, the friction hinge provides a variable torque profile for a movable component.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2016Publication date: March 22, 2018Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Christopher A. Schafer, Daniel C. Park, Brett Andrew Tomky, Nicholas B. Wendt
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Patent number: 9831621Abstract: Extendable connector ports are described herein that may be implemented in thin computing devices. An extendable connector port includes a floor, tongue, and roof that expand from a closed position stored within a computing device to an open position that extends away from the computing device. An extension mechanism of the extendable connector port maintains a parallel orientation of the floor, tongue, and roof and gaps in the extendable connector port when the port extends to the open position. The extendable connector port may then be collapsed into the closed position by reducing or eliminating gaps between the floor, tongue, and roof, so that the connector port is thinner in its closed position than it is in its open position. This collapsibility of the extendable connector port allows thin computing devices to include ports that are thicker than a housing of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Neil O'Connell, Ivan Andrew McCracken, Kabir Siddiqui, Brett Andrew Tomky, Errol Mark Tazbaz
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Publication number: 20170292302Abstract: A friction hinge is described. In at least some implementations, the described friction hinge enables a support component to be adjustably attached to an apparatus, such as a computing device. According to various implementations, a friction hinge includes different friction stages where movement of the hinge is based on different activity mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2016Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventor: Brett Andrew Tomky
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Publication number: 20170070017Abstract: Extendable connector ports are described herein that may be implemented in thin computing devices. An extendable connector port includes a floor, tongue, and roof that expand from a closed position stored within a computing device to an open position that extends away from the computing device. An extension mechanism of the extendable connector port maintains a parallel orientation of the floor, tongue, and roof and gaps in the extendable connector port when the port extends to the open position. The extendable connector port may then be collapsed into the closed position by reducing or eliminating gaps between the floor, tongue, and roof, so that the connector port is thinner in its closed position than it is in its open position. This collapsibility of the extendable connector port allows thin computing devices to include ports that are thicker than a housing of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Neil O'Connell, Ivan Andrew McCracken, Kabir Siddiqui, Brett Andrew Tomky, Errol Mark Tazbaz
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Patent number: 9416916Abstract: A support component for an apparatus is described. In at least some implementations, a support component is attached to an apparatus (e.g., a computing device) via a hinge mechanism. The support component can serve as a “kickstand” that can be positioned via the hinge mechanism to support the apparatus in a variety of orientations relative to an adjacent surface. In at least some embodiments, a support component includes hinge mounts via which the support component is attached to hinges of an associated apparatus. The support component and associated hinge mounts, for instance, can be manufactured separately and/or via different manufacturing processes, and attached during a production process.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Kurt Allen Jenkins, Brett Andrew Tomky, Timothy Jerome Coomes
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Publication number: 20160169444Abstract: A support component for an apparatus is described. In at least some implementations, a support component is attached to an apparatus (e.g., a computing device) via a hinge mechanism. The support component can serve as a “kickstand” that can be positioned via the hinge mechanism to support the apparatus in a variety of orientations relative to an adjacent surface. In at least some embodiments, a support component includes hinge mounts via which the support component is attached to hinges of an associated apparatus. The support component and associated hinge mounts, for instance, can be manufactured separately and/or via different manufacturing processes, and attached during a production process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2015Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Kurt Allen Jenkins, Brett Andrew Tomky, Timothy Jerome Coomes
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Patent number: 9189019Abstract: A support component for an apparatus is described. In at least some implementations, a support component is attached to an apparatus (e.g., a computing device) via a hinge mechanism. The support component can serve as a “kickstand” that can be positioned via the hinge mechanism to support the apparatus in a variety of orientations relative to an adjacent surface. In at least some embodiments, a support component includes hinge mounts via which the support component is attached to hinges of an associated apparatus. The support component and associated hinge mounts, for instance, can be manufactured separately and/or via different manufacturing processes, and attached during a production process.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Kurt Allen Jenkins, Brett Andrew Tomky, Timothy Jerome Coomes
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Publication number: 20150022961Abstract: A support component for an apparatus is described. In at least some implementations, a support component is attached to an apparatus (e.g., a computing device) via a hinge mechanism. The support component can serve as a “kickstand” that can be positioned via the hinge mechanism to support the apparatus in a variety of orientations relative to an adjacent surface. In at least some embodiments, a support component includes hinge mounts via which the support component is attached to hinges of an associated apparatus. The support component and associated hinge mounts, for instance, can be manufactured separately and/or via different manufacturing processes, and attached during a production process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Kurt Allen Jenkins, Brett Andrew Tomky, Timothy Jerome Coomes