Patents by Inventor James Stephens, II

James Stephens, II 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).

  • Patent number: 7634544
    Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for location based messaging. A user at one computer system selects at least on other computer system that is to receive an electronic message. The at least one other computer system is selected based on the location of the at least one other computer system, without having to know an electronic identifier of any users at the at least one other computer system. The computer system refers to a mapping that maps computer systems locations to corresponding electronic addresses. Messages can then be sent to the electronic addresses. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention facilitate at least semi-anonymous electronic communication in a network computing environment and significantly mitigate the perceived need of an immediate response that is often associated with responding to (potentially in person) verbal communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas C. Kramer, Peter O. Vale, Derek Sunday, James Stephens, II, Christian N. Wiswell, Edward N. Price
  • Publication number: 20090003346
    Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for location based messaging. A user at one computer system selects at least on other computer system that is to receive an electronic message. The at least one other computer system is selected based on the location of the at least one other computer system, without having to know an electronic identifier of any users at the at least one other computer system. The computer system refers to a mapping that maps computer systems locations to corresponding electronic addresses. Messages can then be sent to the electronic addresses. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention facilitate at least semi-anonymous electronic communication in a network computing environment and significantly mitigate the perceived need of an immediate response that is often associated with responding to (potentially in person) verbal communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas C. Kramer, Peter O. Vale, Derek Sunday, James Stephens, II, Christian N. Wiswell, Edward N. Price
  • Patent number: 7231553
    Abstract: An automated system for improving the testing of computer devices designed for coupling with docking devices. A plurality of networked computing devices that are individually connected to a compatible docking device through a slave switch. Each slave switch independently connects or disconnects individual computing devices from an attached docking device based on commands obtained from a server. By controlling the electrical connection between the individual computing devices and attached docking devices, the slave switch can simulate the action of docking or undocking one or more selected computers without human intervention. As a result, the present invention provides a system and method that automates the action of docking or undocking a computer. For example, the present invention is suited for use in computer device testing systems wherein a shut down command is sent to a selected computer, after which the selected computer is disconnected from an attached docking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Stephens, James Stephens, II, Brandon Allsop, Adrien Oney, Lonny Dean McMichael
  • Patent number: 7103802
    Abstract: An automated system for improving the testing of computer devices designed for coupling with docking devices. A plurality of networked computing devices that are individually connected to a compatible docking device through a slave switch. Each slave switch independently connects or disconnects individual computing devices from an attached docking device based on commands obtained from a server. By controlling the electrical connection between the individual computing devices and attached docking devices, the slave switch can simulate the action of docking or undocking one or more selected computers without human intervention. As a result, the present invention provides a system and method that automates the action of docking or undocking a computer. For example, the present invention is suited for use in computer device testing systems wherein a shut down command is sent to a selected computer, after which the selected computer is disconnected from an attached docking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Stephens, James Stephens, II, Brandon Allsop, Adrian Oney, Lonny Dean McMichael
  • Patent number: D365287
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Telux Pioneer Inc.
    Inventors: Milton E. Crow, James A. Stephens, II
  • Patent number: D365532
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Telux Pioneer Inc.
    Inventors: Milton E. Crow, James A. Stephens, II