Patents by Inventor Jeffrey M. Reents
Jeffrey M. Reents 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: 8351203Abstract: A housing, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The housing includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the housing can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. The biased latch arm is retained by a latch arm retainer so that the housing is held in place. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the housing and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the housing is installed. When desired, a latch on the housing can be translated where the translation cause the biased latch arm to translate so as to clear the latch arm retainer. Thus the housing can be readily removed from the console. Preferably a portion of the housing extends beyond a wall of the recessed surface so that when installed, the housing alters the profile of the console.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jeffrey M. Reents, Jonathan A. Hayes
-
Patent number: 8264834Abstract: A housing, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The housing includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the housing can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. The biased latch arm is retained by a latch arm retainer so that the housing is held in place. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the housing and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the housing is installed. When desired, a latch on the housing can be translated where the translation cause the biased latch arm to translate so as to clear the latch arm retainer. Thus the housing can be readily removed from the console. Preferably a portion of the housing extends beyond a wall of the recessed surface so that when installed, the housing alters the profile of the console.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jeffrey M. Reents, Jonathan A. Hayes
-
Publication number: 20110194244Abstract: A housing, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The housing includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the housing can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. The biased latch arm is retained by a latch arm retainer so that the housing is held in place. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the housing and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the housing is installed. When desired, a latch on the housing can be translated where the translation cause the biased latch arm to translate so as to clear the latch arm retainer. Thus the housing can be readily removed from the console. Preferably a portion of the housing extends beyond a wall of the recessed surface so that when installed, the housing alters the profile of the console.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jeffrey M. Reents, Jonathan A. Hayes
-
Publication number: 20100328875Abstract: A housing, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The housing includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the housing can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. The biased latch arm is retained by a latch arm retainer so that the housing is held in place. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the housing and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the housing is installed. When desired, a latch on the housing can be translated where the translation cause the biased latch arm to translate so as to clear the latch arm retainer. Thus the housing can be readily removed from the console. Preferably a portion of the housing extends beyond a wall of the recessed surface so that when installed, the housing alters the profile of the console.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jeffrey M. Reents, Jonathan A. Hayes
-
Patent number: 7791874Abstract: A housing, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The housing includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the housing can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. The biased latch arm is retained by a latch arm retainer so that the housing is held in place. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the housing and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the housing is installed. When desired, a latch on the housing can be translated where the translation cause the biased latch arm to translate so as to clear the latch arm retainer. Thus the housing can be readily removed from the console. Preferably a portion of the housing extends beyond a wall of the recessed surface so that when installed, the housing alters the profile of the console.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jeffrey M. Reents, Jonathan A. Hayes
-
Patent number: 7670227Abstract: A console includes a face plate that is removably mounted to a console body by at least one clip. The face plate includes a power button for turning on the console. The face plate further includes a DVD slot that provides access to a DVD tray and a DVD ejection button mounted on the console body. The face plate may include additional features as desired. The ability to readily remove the face plate allows users to switch between a first face plate with a first set of graphics to a second face plate having a second set of graphics. Thus, a console is provided with increased user customizability.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jonathan A. Hayes, Jeffrey M. Reents, William J. Lauby
-
Patent number: 7281935Abstract: An electronic storage unit, which may contain a hard disk drive, is configured to removably mount to a recessed surface of a console. The housing includes a lip and a biased latch arm so that the lip can be inserted into a corresponding feature in the recessed surface and the electronic storage unit can be rotatably mounted to the recessed surface. A cable connector extends from the bottom of the electronic storage unit and is configured to connect to a receptor on the console when the electronic storage unit is installed. The cable connector is configured with asymmetrical guideposts to aid in aligning the electronic storage unit for rotational insertion into the console. The electronic storage unit can be readily removed from the console.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jeffrey M. Reents, Prakash R. Stirret
-
Patent number: 7142427Abstract: A system of mounting a heat sink to a processor in a console is provided. The processor is mounted on a first side of a PCB and the heat sink is mounted to the first side of the PCB so as to be in contact with the processor. A plurality of studs are mounted to the heat sink and extend through passageways in the PCB. A spring element is mounted to the studs on the second side of the PCB. A thrust plate is mounted to the spring element so that the spring element can press the thrust plate against the second side of the PCB. The spring element thus provides a force that aids in ensuring the heat sink and the processor are in tight contact. The studs can be attached to a housing via fasteners so the housing supports the heat sink rather than the PCB.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Jeffrey M. Reents
-
Patent number: 5923870Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. The computer contains a life time counter that counts the amount of time the computer has been used from the time of purchase. The count data is useful in accessing how often a computer has been used if a purchaser return it to the manufacturer. The counter also assists manufacturers to accurately track and resolve field failures in addition to in-house quality testing. This provides a competitive advantage by allowing the computer design to be changed based on actual use conditions and increases field reliability and reduces costs in areas which are over-designed.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Monorail, Inc.Inventors: H. Douglas Johns, Nicholas G. Forlenza, Gregory K. Adams, Jeffrey M. Reents, Michael C. Mayne, Carl R. Spoeth
-
Patent number: 5887837Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Inventors: H. Douglas Johns, Nicholas G. Forlenza, Gregory K. Adams, Jeffrey M. Reents, Michael C. Mayne, Carl R. Spoeth
-
Patent number: 5835343Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit having anterior and posterior housing members for enclosing all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Monorail, Inc.Inventors: H. Douglas Johns, Nicholas G. Forlenza, Gregory K. Adams, Jeffrey M. Reents, Michael C. Mayne, Carl R. Spoeth
-
Patent number: 5831816Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The LCD display is mounted to a support frame with a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of spring members are inserted between the LCD display and the support frame for absorbing pressures exerted on the display.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Monorail, Inc.Inventors: H. Douglas Johns, Nicholas G. Forlenza, Gregory K. Adams, Jeffrey M. Reents, Michael C. Mayne, Carl R. Spoeth
-
Patent number: 5818689Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle. The computer has a unique configuration in which input/output connectors of a typical motherboard are placed on a separate riser board positioned perpendicular to the system board.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Monorail, Inc.Inventors: H. Douglas Johns, Nicholas G. Forlenza, Gregory K. Adams, Jeffrey M. Reents, Michael C. Mayne, Carl R. Spoeth
-
Patent number: D439567Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1997Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Monorail, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas G. Forlenza, Jeffrey M. Reents, Michael C. Mayne
-
Patent number: D540752Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jonathan A. Hayes, Jeffrey M. Reents
-
Patent number: D567297Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Leonardo G. Del Castillo, Wei Guo, Richard L. Lum, Jeffrey M. Reents
-
Patent number: D569917Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Leonardo G. Del Castillo, Wei Guo, Richard L. Lum, Jeffrey M. Reents