Patents by Inventor Hiroaki Agata

Hiroaki Agata 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: 20100265652
    Abstract: A docking device for portable computers is disclosed. The docking device includes a casing, a connector affixed to the casing, and a support member arranged on the casing. The support member is capable of being moved up and down via an elastic member disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Hiroaki Agata, Eiji Shinohara, Fumio Tamura, Mitsuo Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7817093
    Abstract: An apparatus has an antenna distance setting mechanism that sets a distance between a cosmetic cover and a radio antenna. An upper housing and a radio antenna, which has a ground and a radiating element and is movably attached to the upper housing, are covered by a cosmetic cover formed of a dielectric material. An antenna distance setting mechanism includes a radio antenna supporting member, elastic members, and protrusions. The radio antenna-supporting member is movably attached to the upper housing. When the cosmetic cover is attached to the upper housing, an inner wall of the cosmetic cover pushes the ends of the protrusions against an elastic force of the elastic members to set the distance between the radiating element and the inner wall of the cosmetic cover to a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Agata, Mitsuo Horiuchi, Hirohide Komiyama, Shigeki Mori, Tetsuya Ohtani, Osamu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7755884
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing weight and thickness of portable computers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lower housing, an upper housing and a cosmetic cover. The lower housing is configured to accommodate electronic elements therein. The upper housing, which has an opening inside, includes a periphery connected to the lower housing and a main bridge structure connected from one edge of the periphery to another edge of the periphery for providing structural support to the upper housing in the opening and for accommodating a display module therein. The cosmetic cover is configured to cover the upper housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Horiuchi, Shigeki Mori, Hiroaki Agata, Yasushi Honda, Tetsuya Ohtani
  • Publication number: 20090284222
    Abstract: A docking device for receiving a portable computer is disclosed. The docking device includes a device housing and a charging connector that is provided on a side surface of the device housing and is connected to a battery connector of a battery pack in order to charge the battery pack. The charging connector is connectable to the battery connector in a state where the battery pack and the device housing are disposed on the same plane. When the charging connector and the battery connector are in a connected state and the device housing is being moved to a position within a predetermined height from the plane, the connection state between the charging connector and the battery connector is maintained. When the device housing is being moved to a position that exceeds the predetermined height from the plane, the battery connector will be separated from the charging connector due to the weight of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Fumio Tamura, Hiroaki Agata, Mitsuo Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 7573710
    Abstract: A portable computer having a decorative cover is disclosed. The portable computer includes a main housing and a display side housing. The display side housing is openably and closably attached to the main housing. Several apertures for forced air cooling are formed in a bottom and a side of the main housing. The decorative cover is configured to cover surfaces of the display side housing and the main housing. A tray having a flat plate member and a spacer are attached to the bottom of the main housing. The spacer is configured to secure a predetermined space between the flat plate member and the bottom of the main housing to form an air flow passage for allowing outside air to pass through the apertures. The spacer is arranged between the decorative cover and the bottom of the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Morino, Hiroaki Agata, Fusanobu Nakamura, Kazuo Nakada, Tomoyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20090103257
    Abstract: A protective casing structure of an electronic apparatus capable of keeping the apparatus compact and light is provided. A display-side block includes a display module and a display casing. The display casing is provided with frame edges at a periphery thereof, with projections formed on the frame edges. Grooves engaging with the projections are formed in a system casing. When the display-side block is closed, the projections engage with the grooves to increase rigidity against pressing from the outside in the closed state. The casing structure thereby increases the protective capability of the display module while keeping the apparatus compact and light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Maeda, Hiroaki Agata
  • Publication number: 20080304231
    Abstract: A portable computer having a decorative cover is disclosed. The portable computer includes a main housing and a display side housing. The display side housing is openably and closably attached to the main housing. Several apertures for forced air cooling are formed in a bottom and a side of the main housing. The decorative cover is configured to cover surfaces of the display side housing and the main housing. A tray having a flat plate member and a spacer are attached to the bottom of the main housing. The spacer is configured to secure a predetermined space between the flat plate member and the bottom of the main housing to form an air flow passage for allowing outside air to pass through the apertures. The spacer is arranged between the decorative cover and the bottom of the main housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Takayuki Morino, Hiroaki Agata, Fusanobu Nakamura, Kazuo Nakada, Tomoyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080238788
    Abstract: An apparatus has an antenna distance setting mechanism that sets a distance between a cosmetic cover and a radio antenna. An upper housing and a radio antenna, which has a ground and a radiating element and is movably attached to the upper housing, are covered by a cosmetic cover formed of a dielectric material. An antenna distance setting mechanism includes a radio antenna supporting member, elastic members, and protrusions. The radio antenna-supporting member is movably attached to the upper housing. When the cosmetic cover is attached to the upper housing, an inner wall of the cosmetic cover pushes the ends of the protrusions against an elastic force of the elastic members to set the distance between the radiating element and the inner wall of the cosmetic cover to a predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Agata, Mitsuo Horiuchi, Hirohide Komiyama, Shigeki Mori, Tetsuya Ohtani, Osamu Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20080232058
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing weight and thickness of portable computers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lower housing, an upper housing and a cosmetic cover. The lower housing is configured to accommodate electronic elements therein. The upper housing, which has an opening inside, includes a periphery connected to the lower housing and a main bridge structure connected from one edge of the periphery to another edge of the periphery for providing structural support to the upper housing in the opening and for accommodating a display module therein. The cosmetic cover is configured to cover the upper housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Mitsuo Horiuchi, Shigeki Mori, Hiroaki Agata, Yasushi Honda, Tetsuya Ohtani
  • Patent number: 7417852
    Abstract: A unitary magnesium frame for a notebook computer includes a planar card support that isolates the planar card from external stresses applied to a base cover assembly that is engaged with the frame. A keyboard bezel assembly can cover the frame opposite to the base cover assembly. Various component-supporting structures of the frame are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tin-Lup Wong, Seita Horikoshi, Tetsuya Ohtani, Hiroaki Agata, Noboru Kodama
  • Publication number: 20080188125
    Abstract: A connecting structure reduces noise effects on an electronic device when hot docking the electronic device to mitigate against malfunctions. When a first electronic device having a first EMI shield is docked with a second electronic device having a second EMI shield, an ESD contact portion, which is connected to the second EMI shield and has higher in impedance than an EMI connecting portion, comes in contact with the first EMI shield earlier than the EMI connecting portion. Electrostatic charge carried on the first EMI shield moves slowly to the second EMI shield due to the high impedance of the ESD contact portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Mitsuo Horiuchi, Fumio Tamura, Hiroaki Agata
  • Patent number: 7379026
    Abstract: The electronic device includes a device body, a radiation element for performing reception and/or radiation of electromagnetic wave as an antenna to be equipped with the device body, and a dielectric member placed close to or in contact with the radiation element within the device body, the dielectric member being movable from the outside of the device body to shift the resonance frequency of the antenna. According to the present invention, it is possible, for an electronic device such as a notebook PC having a wireless communication function, to compensate the deviations of resonance frequency of antennas caused by errors in mounting of the antennas for individual devices, the difference in the dimension of structures or the like, to match the resonance frequency to the specified central frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Lenovo Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Usui, Hiroaki Agata
  • Patent number: 7298335
    Abstract: A portable information terminal with communication capabilities according to the present invention comprises a conductive housing, a display, and a planar antenna. The display is attached to the inside of the housing. The planar antenna is attached to the outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Usui, Hiroaki Agata
  • Patent number: 7261142
    Abstract: A heat pipe wherein a condensable liquid phase working fluid is encapsulated in a container sealed in air-tight condition; wherein the wick composed of the porous body for refluxing the liquid phase working fluid by a capillary pressure is provided in the container; wherein a part of the container functions as an evaporating part for evaporating the working fluid by means of inputting the heat from outside; and wherein another part of the container functions as a condensing part for condensing a vapor of the working fluid by means of radiating the heat to the outside; comprises a direct reflux flow passage for flowing the liquid phase working fluid to the evaporating part, which has a flow cross-sectional area greater than that of a cavity formed in the porous body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignees: Fujikura, Ltd., International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Youji Kawahara, Masataka Mochizuki, Koichi Mashiko, Fumitoshi Kiyooka, Hiroaki Agata
  • Patent number: 7170000
    Abstract: Apparatus having a cooling device capable of both power generation using heat from a heat-generating component and cooling of the heat-generating component is provided. The cooling device has a heat-receiving part which receives heat conducted from a CPU, which is an external heat-generating component, a thermoelectric conversion part arranged to absorb heat from the heat-receiving part and having operating modes including a mode of cooling the heat-receiving part by being supplied with a current and a power generation mode of converting heat received from the heat-receiving part into a current and outputting the current, and a selecting part which makes a selection according to a temperature condition of the CPU as to in which one of the modes the thermoelectric conversion part should be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lenovo Singapore Pte, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Maeda, Hiroaki Agata
  • Publication number: 20070019372
    Abstract: A unitary magnesium frame for a notebook computer includes a planar card support that isolates the planar card from external stresses applied to a base cover assembly that is engaged with the frame. A keyboard bezel assembly can cover the frame opposite to the base cover assembly. Various component-supporting structures of the frame are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Publication date: January 25, 2007
    Inventors: Tin-Lup Wong, Seita Horikoshi, Tetsuya Ohtani, Hiroaki Agata, Noboru Kodama
  • Patent number: 7137442
    Abstract: A vapor chamber, in which a condensable fluid, which evaporates and condenses depending on a state of input and radiation of a heat, is encapsulated in a hollow and flat sealed receptacle as a liquid phase working fluid; and in which the wick for creating the capillary pressure by moistening by the working fluid is arranged in said sealed receptacle, comprising: a wick for creating a great capillary pressure by being moistened by said working fluid, which is arranged on the evaporating part side where the heat is input from outside; and a wick having a small flow resistance against the moistening working fluid, which is arranged on the condensing part side where the heat is radiated to outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Youji Kawahara, Noriyuki Takada, Masataka Mochizuki, Koichi Mashiko, Yuji Saito, Tetsuya Kobayashi, Akihiro Takamiya, Tadashi Sano, Fumitoshi Kiyooka, Hiroaki Agata
  • Publication number: 20060001580
    Abstract: Electronic device with antenna, antenna structure, and a method for adjusting antenna of electronic device is disclosed. To achieve the above objects, the present invention is an electronic device such as a notebook PC or cellular phone, comprising: a device body, a radiation element for performing reception and/or radiation of electromagnetic wave as an antenna to be equipped with the device body; and a dielectric member placed close to or in contact with the radiation element within the device body, the dielectric member being movable from the outside of the device body to shift the resonance frequency of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Hideyuki Usui, Hiroaki Agata
  • Publication number: 20050285804
    Abstract: A portable information terminal with communication capabilities according to the present invention comprises a conductive housing, a display, and a planar antenna. The display is attached to the inside of the housing. The planar antenna is attached to the outside of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Usui, Hiroaki Agata
  • Publication number: 20050155745
    Abstract: A vapor chamber, in which a condensable fluid, which evaporates and condenses depending on a state of input and radiation of a heat, is encapsulated in a hollow and flat sealed receptacle as a liquid phase working fluid; and in which the wick for creating the capillary pressure by moistening by the working fluid is arranged in said sealed receptacle, comprising: a wick for creating a great capillary pressure by being moistened by said working fluid, which is arranged on the evaporating part side where the heat is input from outside; and a wick having a small flow resistance against the moistening working fluid, which is arranged on the condensing part side where the heat is radiated to outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: July 21, 2005
    Inventors: Yuji Kawahara, Noriyuki Takada, Masataka Mochizuki, Koichi Mashiko, Yuji Saito, Tetsuya Kobayashi, Akihiro Takamiya, Tadashi Sano, Fumitoshi Kiyooka, Hiroaki Agata