Patents by Inventor Christopher C. L. Tham

Christopher C. L. Tham 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).

  • Device interfaces with non-mechanical securement mechanisms
    Patent number: 7963774
    Abstract: A number of device interfaces that may use magnetic forces to secure different devices together are disclosed. The device interfaces may include magnetic material positioned in between parallel rows of electrical contact elements in the devices. Magnetic forces may be exerted on and from the electrical contact elements to cause mutually cooperating elements from the devices to be substantially attracted and drawn towards each other. Once the contact elements make contact and are engaged, their mutual attractive forces may cause them to resist being separated. Additionally, the distal ends of the contact elements may have mutually cooperating male and female engagement surface configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Victor E. Shiff, Jonathan D. Friedman, Christopher C. L. Tham
  • Device Interfaces With Non-Mechanical Securement Mechanisms
    Publication number: 20100267250
    Abstract: A number of device interfaces that may use magnetic forces to secure different devices together are disclosed. The device interfaces may include magnetic material positioned in between parallel rows of electrical contact elements in the devices. Magnetic forces may be exerted on and from the electrical contact elements to cause mutually cooperating elements from the devices to be substantially attracted and drawn towards each other. Once the contact elements make contact and are engaged, their mutual attractive forces may cause them to resist being separated. Additionally, the distal ends of the contact elements may have mutually cooperating male and female engagement surface configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Victor E. Schiff, Jonathan D. Friedman, Christopher C.L. Tham
  • Device interfaces with non-mechanical securement mechanisms
    Patent number: 7775801
    Abstract: A number of device interfaces that may use magnetic forces to secure different devices together are disclosed. The device interfaces may include magnetic material positioned in between parallel rows of electrical contact elements in the devices. Magnetic forces may be exerted on and from the electrical contact elements to cause mutually cooperating elements from the devices to be substantially attracted and drawn towards each other. Once the contact elements make contact and are engaged, their mutual attractive forces may cause them to resist being separated. Additionally, the distal ends of the contact elements may have mutually cooperating male and female engagement surface configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Victor E. Shiff, Jonathan D. Friedman, Christopher C. L. Tham