Patents by Inventor Fred Thomas, III

Fred Thomas, III 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: 20150205343
    Abstract: A computing device includes a non-volatile solid state storage device with a hibernation file. The computing device detects a potential user within proximity of the computing device and transitions the computing device to an intermediate power state from a low power state in response to detecting the potential user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Fred Thomas, III, Stanley Xu, Kenneth Chan
  • Patent number: 6947254
    Abstract: A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held devices, each of which is equipped with a mini-disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Iomega Corporation
    Inventors: Kim B. Edwards, George T. Krieger, Fred Thomas, III, Brent J. Watson
  • Patent number: 6785091
    Abstract: A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held device, each of which is equipped with a mini disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Iomega Corporation
    Inventors: Kim B. Edwards, George T. Krieger, Fred Thomas, III, Brent J. Watson
  • Patent number: 6587304
    Abstract: A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held device, each of which is equipped with a mini disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Iomega Corporation
    Inventors: Kim B. Edwards, George T. Krieger, Fred Thomas, III, Brent J. Watson
  • Patent number: 5943185
    Abstract: A disk insertion and ejection mechanism for use in a mini disk drive. The insertion and ejection mechanism operates by using cooperating cammed surfaces on a mini-cartridge and a movable sled within the mini disk drive. The cams operate to keep the mini-cartridge raised above the drive spindle during cartridge insertion. When the mini-cartridge is fully inserted into the drive, the cams in the drive mate with cam openings on the disk and the cartridge can move down onto the spindle. Additionally, wedges in the drive and wedge cut-outs on the cartridge cooperate to lock a cartridge into the drive during insertion. During cartridge ejection, the cams within the drive cooperate with the cammed surfaces in the cartridge to raise the cartridge above the spindle. At that moment, the cartridge is forced from the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Iomega Corporation
    Inventors: Allen T. Bracken, Doug Mayne, Jay Muse, Brian Schick, Fred Thomas, III
  • Patent number: 5841605
    Abstract: A caddy for adapting a mini-cartridge for use in a full-sized disk drive. The mini-cartridge is designed for use in a mini disk drive, which has dimensions and other characteristics different from a full-size disk drive. The caddy provides a mechanism for translating the size of the min-cartridge to a size suitable for use in the full-size drive. Additionally, the caddy provides a mechanism for translating rotational power from the full-size disk drive to the mini-cartridge such that a magnetic medium contained in the mini-cartridge rotates properly during use in the full-size disk drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Iomega Corporation
    Inventors: David Foster, George T. Krieger, Shane Nowell, Fred Thomas, III, Brent J. Watson
  • Patent number: 5809520
    Abstract: A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held devices, each of which is equipped with a mini-disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Iomega Corporation
    Inventors: Kim B. Edwards, George T. Krieger, Fred Thomas, III, Brent J. Watson