Patents by Inventor Francis J. Canova
Francis J. Canova 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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Patent number: 6571343Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reserving power in a handheld computer by inducing a sleep mode when the energy supply of the handheld computer reaches a predetermined low level. A software is provided which operates a sleep mode when a device of the handheld computer detects a predetermined low battery voltage. A processor operates the software to place the handheld computer in a low energy-consuming shutdown state in which an interrupt controller operates to mask those interrupt signals thus providing an user with the impression that the device has entered an unresponsive sleep mode. In maintaining the sleep mode, the processor operates such that all input signals that request the handheld computer to power up remain active but so long as the battery voltage remains below a predetermined voltage the interrupt signals to power up selected applications and devices are masked.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: PalmSource, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Johnson, Francis J. Canova, Eric M. Lunsford, Nicholas Twyman, Neal A. Osborne
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Publication number: 20030061525Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for a portable computer that determines whether an accessory device is actively connected to it. In one embodiment, the portable computer may include a signal line accessible through an output of the portable computing device. The signal line may be connected to a communication device such as a communication cradle. The portable computer may detect a signal on the signal line to determine whether the communication device is actively connected to the portable computer. If the communication device is actively connected, the portable computer suspends implementation of a time-out feature that would otherwise reduce power consumption of the portable computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Eric M. Lunsford, Steven C. Lemke, Neal A. Osborn, Francis J. Canova, Scott R. Johnson
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Patent number: 6535199Abstract: An accessory device for a handheld computer includes a peripheral portion to detachably couple to an accessory rail of a handheld computer. The accessory device includes a cover portion dimensioned to extend over a front surface of the handheld computer including a display when the peripheral portion is coupled to the accessory rail. The cover portion houses one or more electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Francis J. Canova, Jr., E. Michael Lunsford
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Patent number: 6523124Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for a portable computer that determines whether an accessory device is actively connected to it. In one embodiment, the portable computer may include a signal line accessible through an output of the portable computing device. The signal line may be connected to a communication device such as a communication cradle. The portable computer may detect a signal on the signal line to determine whether the communication device is actively connected to the portable computer. If the communication device is actively connected, the portable computer suspends implementation of a time-out feature that would otherwise reduce power consumption of the portable computer.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Eric M. Lunsford, Steven C. Lemke, Neal A. Osborn, Francis J. Canova, Jr., Scott R. Johnson
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Publication number: 20010040787Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for coupling an accessory device to a back face of a handheld computer while electrically connecting to the handheld computer through a communications or output port. In one embodiment, the accessory device “piggy-backs” on the handheld computer so that the accessory device and handheld computer form a portable combination. An insertion coupling may be used to detachably secure the accessory device with the handheld computer. The insertion coupling used with embodiments of the invention is preferably a snap-in coupling having one or more biased members. The biased members may be contracted to engage an aperture on a back face of the handled computer. When released, the biased members secure the accessory device to the handheld computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Francis J. Canova, Madeleine Francavilla, Neal Osborn, Alan Urban, David Stowers
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Publication number: 20010038525Abstract: An encasement for a handheld computer is provided. The encasement includes a spine that is slideably engageable with an accessory slot of a handheld computer; and an encasement portion joined to the spine. The encasement portion is dimensioned to encase the handheld computer when the spine is engaged to the handheld computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventors: Alan Urban, Francis J. Canova, Amy A. Han, E. Michael Lunsford, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Jan Musich
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Patent number: 6283777Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for a versatile connector that is capable of receiving any one of two types of connectors. The connector is preferably positioned on a bottom edge of a handheld computer to receive either pogo style or wiping style connectors. As a result, the connector enables the handheld computer to connect with accessory devices that use either style connectors. In particular, the handheld computer can connect with communication cradles using wiping style connectors, or smaller accessory devices that use pogo style connectors.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Francis J. Canova, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Amy A. Han, Traci A. Neist, Robert G. Twiss, Dennis J. Boyle
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Patent number: 6282088Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for coupling an accessory device to a back face of a handheld computer while electrically connecting to the handheld computer through a communications or output port. In one embodiment, the accessory device “piggy-backs” on the handheld computer so that the accessory device and handheld computer form a portable combination. An insertion coupling may be used to detachably secure the accessory device with the handheld computer. The insertion coupling used with embodiments of the invention is preferably a snap-in coupling having one or more biased members. The biased members may be contracted to engage an aperture on a back face of the handled computer. When released, the biased members secure the accessory device to the handheld computer.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Francis J. Canova, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Neal A. Osborn, David C. Stowers, Alan Urban
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Patent number: 6266240Abstract: An encasement for a handheld computer is provided. The encasement includes a spine that is slideably engageable with an accessory slot of a handheld computer; and an encasement portion joined to the spine. The encasement portion is dimensioned to encase the handheld computer when the spine is engaged to the handheld computer.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Alan Urban, Francis J. Canova, Amy A. Han, E. Michael Lunsford, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Jan Musich
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Patent number: 6184796Abstract: A personal communication device which includes the ability to generate dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals to provide automatic telephone dialing of a numbers received in messages. A message which includes a number is received, decoded, and displayed on a display device. The user may then select to have a number which is included as part of the message encoded into an audible DTMF, series of signals which can be coupled to a conventional “touch-tone” telephone (i.e. a telephone that supports tone dialing) through speaker in the personal communication device and the microphone of the conventional telephone. The user may select all or any part of the message to be encoded into DTMF signals. Accordingly, if the message includes other information in addition to a telephone number, the user can parse the message to indicate which portion of the message includes the number to be dialed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1996Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Pacific Communication Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Jose L. Rivero, Brent Beatty, Bryon K. Tiller, David J. Allard, Francis J. Canova, Jr., Neal A. Osborn
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Patent number: 6115248Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for coupling an accessory device to a back face of a handheld computer while electrically connecting to the handheld computer through a communications or output port. In one embodiment, the accessory device "piggy-backs" on the handheld computer so that the accessory device and handheld computer form a portable combination. An insertion coupling may be used to detachably secure the accessory device with the handheld computer. The insertion coupling used with embodiments of the invention is preferably a snap-in coupling having one or more biased members. The biased members may be contracted to engage an aperture on a back face of the handled computer. When released, the biased members secure the accessory device to the handheld computer.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Francis J. Canova, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Neal A. Osborn, David C. Stowers, Alan Urban
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Patent number: 5615384Abstract: A mobile, hand-held personal communicator includes a casing for housing a cellular phone, modem, and data processing system. Graphics image files are stored and can be selectively displayed on a touchscreen display. A zoom function magnifies areas of a graphics image, such as a fax image, that has been received and stored in the PC. When the zoom function is selected, the user touches the screen, and a magnification frame or window appears. When the user removes his/her finger, the area within the frame is magnified. The user can also drag the frame around the screen, while still touching the screen, to select a specific area to be magnified when the user releases the screen. A pan function allows the user to shift the image within a viewing area. The user can pan the image by touching the display at an initial touch point, and moving his/her finger keeping it in contact with the screen, to shift the touch point to a new touch point.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1995Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David J. Allard, Francis J. Canova, Jr., Debra A. G. Johnson, Charles S. Lanier, James R. Lewis, Byron K. Tiller, William Villafana, Raymond L. Yee
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Patent number: 5590373Abstract: A field programming tool for a personal communications device, provides an automatic, capability to update computer programs stored in the device. The personal communications device includes an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), that stores the operating system programs and the applications programs to be loaded into a random access memory (RAM) for executed by a central processing unit (CPU) in the device. A reprogramming card is provided for the device, containing pre-stored new programs that are to be loaded into the EPROM of the device. A method is provided for automatically loading the new programs from the reprogramming card into the EPROM, in an accurate, foolproof manner. This is accomplished using a sequencing program stored on the reprogramming card and loaded into the RAM of the device, where it is executed. An option attach connector alerts the device that the reprogramming card is connected to the PCMCIA slot of the device.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Wayne P. Whitley, Randall S. Springfield, Harold D. Hudson, Byron K. Tiller, David J. Allard, Daniel Ming-Te Hsieh, Julie F. Goodwin, Thomas T. Murakami, Francis J. Canova, Jr.
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Patent number: 5568536Abstract: An option attach connector has a first indicator bit combination that alerts the device that a public switched telephone network connection has been made to it. The presence of the first indicator bit combination is a signal to the device that telephone, FAX, and E-MAIL communications applications are to be conducted over a PSTN link. The presence of the first indicator bit combination invokes a stored computer program to provide appropriate connections between the PSTN link and the telephone, FAX, and modem hardware in the device. The connections are made by an audio multiplexer that receives control signals from the system CPU, while executing the stored computer program. The program determines the communications application selected by the user and selectively configures the PSTN link to be connected to the either the ear piece and microphone for voice communications, or to the FAX/modem for FAX communications, or to the modem alone for E-MAIL communications.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Byron K. Tiller, David J. Allard, Connie Y. Au, Francis J. Canova, Jr., Daniel M. Hsieh, Julie F. Goodwin, Debra A. G. Johnson, Charles S. Lanier, James R. Lewis, Jean L. Stout, William Villafana, Raymond L. Yee, Russell S. Padgett, Robert B. Ferrier, Anthony F. Corkell, Thomas T. Murakami, Bradley J. DeBauche, Wayne P. Whitley, Neal A. Osborn, Brent A. Beatty, Roger L. Cox, James C. Wulf, Jose L. Rivero
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Patent number: 5537608Abstract: A personal communication apparatus includes a digital processor, a memory coupled to the processor, an operating system, stored in the memory and executable by the processor, a touch-screen user interface coupled to the processor and the memory and responsive to file execution commands from the user, and a navigation utility file, executable by the processor, for initiating execution of files and for monitoring the sequence in which file executions occur. The Navigation utility maintains a stack in the memory into which the calling sequences of files are stored according to the order in which files were executed. In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a modem and RF transceiver coupled to the processor for receiving and transmitting data. In another embodiment, the communicator further includes a port for receiving an external memory medium containing a plurality of executable files.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brent A. Beatty, Francis J. Canova, Jr., Charles S. Lanier, Wayne P. Whitley, Debra A. G. Johnson
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Personal communicator having improved contrast control for a liquid crystal, touch sensitive display
Patent number: 5422656Abstract: A personal communicator has a touch sensitive overlay coupled with a liquid crystal display (LCD). The communicator has two external (non-screen) up/down buttons for adjusting the volume of a cellular phone speaker. These volume buttons are also used to allow the user to adjust contrast. In accordance with one operation, contrast is adjusted in response to the user touching a predetermined area of the screen at the same time as one of the up or down buttons is actuated. In accordance with another operation, contrast is adjusted in response to the user first pressing both speaker volume buttons to enter a contrast adjustment mode, and thereafter pressing one or the other of such buttons, to increase or decrease contrast as desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.Inventors: David J. Allard, Brent A. Beatty, Francis J. Canova, Jr., Bradley J. DeBauche, Danile M. Hsieh, Debra A. G. Johnson, Charles S. Lanier, James R. Lewis, Byron K. Tiller, William Villafana, Raymond L. Yee -
Patent number: 5414860Abstract: Power management interrupt enabling is done after completion of POST by loading either DOS or OS/2 operating systems in accordance with whichever operating system the computer is setup to operate under. After being loaded, the operating system then enables the PMIs. This provides a very simple solution that allows the PMIs to be used in a computer operable under a plurality of operating systems.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1991Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: International Business Machines IncorporatedInventors: Francis J. Canova, Jr., Sivagnanam Parthasarathy
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Patent number: 5265238Abstract: Apparatus and a method for automatically configuring communication port assignments in dockable portable computer systems wherein a portable computer unit is operable both on a stand-alone basis and attached (docked) to a generally stationary expansion (docking) unit providing extended connectivity and power sourcing facilities. The portable computer unit may contain integral connectors (RS232, telephone jacks, parallel port connectors, etc.) and internal circuit devices operating through the connectors (modems, circuits supporting RS232 signalling, etc.). The docking unit may also have such connectors and associated circuits. The computer user may assign internal logical communication paths com x (x=1, 2, . . . ) to these connectors and their associated circuits. When the portable unit is in a docked mode, care must be taken that duplicate paths are not concurrently active in the portable and docking units leading to potentially conflicting signal processes in the units.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1991Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francis J. Canova, Jr., Neil A. Katz, Shaun Astarabadi, Robert L. Horton
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Patent number: 5230074Abstract: A computer has two processors. A main processor operates under the control of an operating system and provides overall control of the computer for executing application programs. The main processor also assists in power management by executing certain interrupts and controlling a power control register to turn power on and off to various devices. A power management processor monitors ambient temperature and humidity, and battery conditions, and generates interrupts as a result of predetermined changes. Such processor also controls charging of the battery. Logic means are responsive to predetermined conditions to also generate interrupts.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1991Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francis J. Canova, Jr., Neil A. Katz, Richard F. Pollitt, Leopoldo L. Suarez, Shaun Astarabadi, C. William Frank
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Patent number: D449283Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: 3Com CorporationInventors: Joseph K. Sipher, Dallas Grove, Steven O. Elliott, Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Scott D. Lincke, Edward J. Vertatschitsch, Hamid Giuseppe-Maria Arjomand, Livius Dumitru Chebeleu, Kulbir S. Sandhu, Francis J. Canova, Jr.