Patents by Inventor Dustin L. Hoffman

Dustin L. Hoffman 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).

  • Publication number: 20120306744
    Abstract: An electronic device having a touchpad that illuminates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Dustin L. Hoffman, Michael Delpier, Peter M. On
  • Patent number: 8194399
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to altering the flexibility of a display device. A method for altering the flexibility of a display device may include sending a signal, by a circuit, to alter the temperature of a first section of a display device comprising the first section and a second section. The flexibility of the first section may be changed in response to the temperature alteration of the first section. The method may further include sending a signal, by the circuit, to alter the temperature of the second section of the display device. In one embodiment, the flexibility of the second section is changed in response to the temperature alteration of the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Britt C. Ashcraft, Peter M. On, Dustin L. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20120120022
    Abstract: Gyroscopic input systems and methods are provided. A gyroscopic input apparatus (100) can include a rigid surface (110) having an aperture (120) disposed therein. An input surface (130) can be flexibly attached to the rigid surface via a flexible member (140). The input surface can be disposed proximate at least a portion of the aperture. A gyroscopic sensor (150) can be operatively connected to the input surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Sandie Ning Ning Cheng, Dustin L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8172282
    Abstract: A computing device latching assembly comprises a latching member configured to releasably secure an accessory to a computing device, and a release mechanism actuatable to move the latching member from a locking position to an unlocked position and to cause the latching member to urge the accessory away from the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Lev, Dustin L. Hoffman, Mark S. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20120044624
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a hermetic seal apparatus for a portable electronic device. According to one embodiment, the portable electronic device includes a housing for enclosing processing components. In addition, the portable electronic device includes a handle assembly affixed to the housing and having at least one integrated I/O port electrically coupled to the processing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Dustin L. Hoffman, Memphis-Zhihong Yin, Eric Chen
  • Publication number: 20120020019
    Abstract: A handle attachment including a mounting mechanism configured to couple the handle attachment to a computing machine and a dutch mechanism configured to reposition the handle attachment and lock the handle attachment in at least one position from the computing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Eric Chen, Memphis-Zhihong Yin, Dustin L. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20120014054
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to altering the flexibility of a display device. A method for altering the flexibility of a display device may include sending a signal, by a circuit, to alter the temperature of a first section of a display device comprising the first section and a second section. The flexibility of the first section may be changed in response to the temperature alteration of the first section. The method may further include sending a signal, by the circuit, to alter the temperature of the second section of the display device. In one embodiment, the flexibility of the second section is changed in response to the temperature alteration of the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Britt C. Ashcraft, Peter M. On, Dustin L. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20120006078
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a system for securing a device. The system comprises a securing mechanism with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be inserted through an opening in a device and the second end is configured to be trapped by the opening. The system also comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock to the first end of the securing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Peter M. On, Dustin L. Hoffman, William Adam Gralewski, Eric Chen
  • Patent number: 8079867
    Abstract: A system including a flexible mount that can be coupled to a computing device. A port can be attached to the flexible mount. The flexible mount can conform to the chassis of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Delpier, Dustin L. Hoffman, Peter M. On
  • Publication number: 20110258537
    Abstract: A system and method for document editing. A system includes an operator input device, a processor, gesture recognition program, and an edit mode program. The operator input device that senses gestures and multiple simultaneous touch points. The processor is coupled to the operator input device. The processor executes the gesture recognition program, which recognizes inputs from the input device. The gesture recognition program recognizes a predetermined edit mode gesture and, based only on the gesture, causes the processor to execute the edit mode program. The edit mode program provides a plurality of document editing functions for modifying a currently displayed document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher M. Rives, Craig T. Brown, Dustin L. Hoffman, Peter M. On
  • Publication number: 20110242746
    Abstract: Dilatant enclosure systems and methods are provided. A dilatant enclosure system can include an open framework; an electronic device disposed at least partially within the open framework; and a breathable, dilatant material covering at least a portion of the open framework. A dilatant enclosure method can include at least partially covering an open framework with a breathable, dilatant fabric material. The method can further include disposing an electronic device at least partially within the open framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L. P.
    Inventors: Dustin L. Hoffman, Britt C. Ashcraft, William Adam Gralewski
  • Patent number: 7959449
    Abstract: A pop-out connector port array for provision in a computing device. The array includes an extensible connector port array member that can be transitioned from an initial retracted position in which the array member is contained within the computing device to an extended position in which the array member extends outward from the computing device, the array member comprising multiple integrated connector ports that are accessible when the array member is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Dustin L. Hoffman, Jeffrey A. Lev, Paul J. Doczy
  • Publication number: 20110136355
    Abstract: A system including a flexible mount that can be coupled to a computing device. A port can be attached to the flexible mount. The flexible mount can conform to the chassis of the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Delpier, Dustin L. Hoffman, Peter M. On
  • Publication number: 20110121776
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a support tray that may be used in a notebook computer charging system includes a body adapted to support a power adapter, and a platform extending out from the body, the platform being adapted to support a notebook computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey A Lev, Paul J. Doczy, Dustin L. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20110110031
    Abstract: Heat dissipation apparatus for dissipating heat generated by a heat-generating component mounted to a circuit board. In one embodiment, the heat dissipation apparatus includes a thermally-conductive heat sink adapted to be placed in contact with the heat-generating component, a bracket adapted to hold the heat sink in place relative to the heat-generating component, and a single coil spring mounted to the bracket adapted to urge the heat sink into contact with the heat-generating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Steven S Homer, Dustin L. Hoffman, Jeffrey A. Lev, Mark S. Tracy, Luis C. Armendariz, Mark H. Ruch
  • Publication number: 20110013350
    Abstract: A friction mechanism for use in a computing device having a base portion and a display portion. In one embodiment, the friction mechanism includes a shaft adapted to be supported by the base portion of the computing device and having ends adapted to be fixedly secured to the display portion of the computing device, a brake disk mounted on the shaft, and a brake pad in contact with the brake disk that resists rotation of the brake disk such that the brake disk, the shaft on which the brake disk is mounted, and the display portion to which the shaft is fixedly secured cannot freely pivot relative to the base portion of the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Dustin L. Hoffman, Jeffrey A. Lev, Paul J. Doczy
  • Publication number: 20100321882
    Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a release button, a pivot shaft on which the release button is provided, a locking element fixedly mounted on the pivot shaft, and a stop member that is aligned with the locking element when the locking mechanism is in a locked position, wherein contact between the locking element and the stop member prevents pivoting of the locking element and the pivot shaft but depression of the release button moves the locking element clear of the stop member to enable pivoting of the pivot shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Dustin L. Hoffman, Paul J. Doczy, Jeffrey A. Lev, Earl W. Moore
  • Publication number: 20100317203
    Abstract: A pop-out connector port array for provision in a computing device. The array includes an extensible connector port array member that can be transitioned from an initial retracted position in which the array member is contained within the computing device to an extended position in which the array member extends outward from the computing device, the array member comprising multiple integrated connector ports that are accessible when the array member is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Dustin L. Hoffman, Jeffrey A. Lev, Paul J. Doczy
  • Publication number: 20100238621
    Abstract: A display housing includes an injection-molded enclosure, configured for attachment to a base of a portable computer at a hinge region, and a conductor, insert-molded into the enclosure, extending from the hinge region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Paul J. Doczy, Dustin L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: D662930
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Britt C. Ashcraft, Eric Chen, Dustin L. Hoffman