Patents by Inventor Joseph B. Gault
Joseph B. Gault 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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Publication number: 20230088731Abstract: This patent relates to hinged devices, such as computing devices. One example includes a first portion and a second portion. A dynamic fulcrum hinge includes a flexible material extending between the first portion and the second portion and configured to begin rotation proximate to the first portion and finish rotation proximate to the second portion when the first portion is rotated toward the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2021Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Brian D. BITZ, Whitney Anne REED, Bernard T. SELTING, Michael Gordon OLDANI, Le CHANG, Joseph B. GAULT
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Patent number: 11119535Abstract: A foldable electronic device includes a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge connecting the first portion and the second portion. The hinge is configured to allow pivoting movement of the first portion relative to the second portion, wherein the hinge has a hinge force. One or more magnets are coupled to the first portion, and a plurality of metal members are coupled to the second portion. Each metal member of the plurality of metal members is configured for individual removal from the second portion to define a magnetic force based on the hinge force, thereby allowing the first and second portions to be maintained together when in a closed orientation and allowing for easy one finger opening operation from the closed orientation.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Madeleine M. Haworth, Joseph B. Gault, Brittany Barbara, John C. Meyer, Matthew T. Condon, Anthony G. Picardo, Aseem Singla, Shuanghu Zhang, Melvin R. Greiser, II, Leila Asfari
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Publication number: 20210064085Abstract: A foldable electronic device includes a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge connecting the first portion and the second portion. The hinge is configured to allow pivoting movement of the first portion relative to the second portion, wherein the hinge has a hinge force. One or more magnets are coupled to the first portion, and a plurality of metal members are coupled to the second portion. Each metal member of the plurality of metal members is configured for individual removal from the second portion to define a magnetic force based on the hinge force, thereby allowing the first and second portions to be maintained together when in a closed orientation and allowing for easy one finger opening operation from the closed orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Madeleine M. HAWORTH, Joseph B. GAULT, Brittany BARBARA, John C. MEYER, Matthew T. CONDON, Anthony G. PICARDO, Aseem SINGLA, Shuanghu ZHANG, Melvin R. Greiser, II, Leila Asfari
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Patent number: 10120420Abstract: This document describes a lockable display and techniques enabling use of a lockable display. The techniques can enable computing devices to lock and unlock a display using little or no power and with a seamless design. The techniques and apparatuses can also enable integration between a lockable display and various computing devices, including to create a nearly seamless physical and functional design.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Steven Nabil Bathiche, Panos C. Panay, Ralf Groene, Joseph B. Gault, Andrew William Hill
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Patent number: 10014629Abstract: The described technology includes a connecting apparatus for a computing device including a connector protrusion attached to an input component and a receptor formed in a receiving component of the computing device and configured to attach to the connector protrusion. The connector protrusion includes a center section having a plurality of electrical connectors configured within a plastic overmold and configured to be communicatively coupled to the computing device to communicate the generated signals and two end sections having mechanical support components configured to be physically coupled to the computing device wherein each of the two end sections are contiguous to the center section. The receptor includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably attach to the connector protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Scott D. Bowers, Joseph B. Gault, Ivan McCracken, Andrew W. Hill
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Patent number: 9846438Abstract: In embodiments of electronic compensated pivot control, a computing device includes a device housing that is integrated with a display device, and the device housing tilts for multiple display positions. Pivotable components pivot in coordination to position the display device in a display position, and sensors detect positioning inputs that are received to re-position the display device. Actuators are implemented for electronic actuation to drive the pivotable components to position the display device, and clutches are implemented to limit movement of the pivotable components. A pivot controller is implemented to receive input data corresponding to a user input to change a position of the display device, control the actuators based on the input data to assist with positioning the display device, receive an indication that the user input has stopped, and control the one or more clutches to hold the position of the display device.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Bernard K. Rihn, Avi R. Geiger, Andrew W. Hill, Joseph B. Gault, Stephen C. Klein
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Patent number: 9824808Abstract: This document describes techniques using, and apparatuses including, switchable magnetic locks. These techniques and apparatuses can enable low or no power consumption and a seamless design for locking and unlocking of devices one to the other, such as computing devices and peripherals.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Bernard K. Rihn, Paul Henry Dietz, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Joseph B. Gault
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Patent number: 9766663Abstract: A hinge for component attachment is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Kabir Siddiqui, Ralf Groene, Karsten Aagaard, Anthony Christian Reed, Stephan Alexander Cummings, Darryl I. Jensen, Joseph B. Gault
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Patent number: 9513671Abstract: Peripheral retention device techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a peripheral retention device includes a computing device securing portion and a peripheral securing portion. The computing device securing portion is configured to removably engage a computing device such that the computing device securing portion is securable to and removable from a first side of a housing the computing device using one or more hands of a user. The peripheral securing portion is connected to the computing device securing portion and configured to removably engage a peripheral device via a second side of the housing that opposes the first side of the housing such that the peripheral device is securable to and removable from the peripheral securing portion using one or more hands of a user.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Dave Huston, Joseph B. Gault, Aseem Singla, Jan Raken, Andrew William Hill, Vineet Thuvara
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Publication number: 20160034001Abstract: Peripheral retention device techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a peripheral retention device includes a computing device securing portion and a peripheral securing portion. The computing device securing portion is configured to removably engage a computing device such that the computing device securing portion is securable to and removable from a first side of a housing the computing device using one or more hands of a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Dave Huston, Joseph B. Gault, Aseem Singla, Jan Raken, Andrew William Hill, Vineet Thuvara
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Publication number: 20150378392Abstract: A hinge for component attachment is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Kabir Siddiqui, Ralf Groene, Karsten Aagaard, Anthony Christian Reed, Stephan Alexander Cummings, Darryl I. Jensen, Joseph B. Gault
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Publication number: 20150277500Abstract: A peripheral retention device and related techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a computing device includes a housing having a display device secured thereto, the housing configured to be held by one or more hands of a user, one or more computing components are disposed within the housing, and a peripheral retention device secured to the housing. The peripheral retention device includes a flexible retractable portion that is configured to retract toward a surface of the housing and extend away from the surface of the housing to receive and retain a peripheral device between the retractable portion and the housing. The peripheral device is configured to support user interaction with a user interface output by the display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Daniel J. Turowski, Joseph B. Gault
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Publication number: 20150268699Abstract: This document describes a lockable display and techniques enabling use of a lockable display. The techniques can enable computing devices to lock and unlock a display using little or no power and with a seamless design. The techniques and apparatuses can also enable integration between a lockable display and various computing devices, including to create a nearly seamless physical and functional design.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Steven Nabil Bathiche, Panos C. Panay, Ralf Groene, Joseph B. Gault, Andrew William Hill
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Patent number: 9134808Abstract: A device kickstand is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Kabir Siddiqui, Ralf Groene, Karsten Aagaard, Anthony Christian Reed, Stephan Alexander Cummings, Darryl I. Jensen, Joseph B. Gault
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Patent number: 9116670Abstract: A surface contact for a support component is described. The support component, for example, can serve as a “kickstand” that can be positioned to support the apparatus in a variety of orientations relative to an adjacent surface. A surface contact disposed on the support component can serve as an interface (e.g., a “foot”) for the support component on the adjacent surface. For instance, the surface contact can be formed from a slip-resistant material such that slippage of the support component on an adjacent surface is reduced or eliminated. In at least some embodiments, the surface contact is embedded with a material that responds to a magnetic field, e.g., a ferromagnetic material. The surface contact is attracted to magnets on an adjacent edge of the attached apparatus, thus stabilizing the support component in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Kurt Allen Jenkins, Joseph B. Gault
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Patent number: 9116550Abstract: A device kickstand is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Kabir Siddiqui, Ralf Groene, Karsten Aagaard, Anthony Christian Reed, Stephan Alexander Cummings, Darryl I. Jensen, Joseph B. Gault
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Publication number: 20150192929Abstract: In embodiments of electronic compensated pivot control, a computing device includes a device housing that is integrated with a display device, and the device housing tilts for multiple display positions. Pivotable components pivot in coordination to position the display device in a display position, and sensors detect positioning inputs that are received to re-position the display device. Actuators are implemented for electronic actuation to drive the pivotable components to position the display device, and clutches are implemented to limit movement of the pivotable components. A pivot controller is implemented to receive input data corresponding to a user input to change a position of the display device, control the actuators based on the input data to assist with positioning the display device, receive an indication that the user input has stopped, and control the one or more clutches to hold the position of the display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: Bernard K. Rihn, Avi R. Geiger, Andrew W. Hill, Joseph B. Gault, Stephen C. Klein
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Patent number: 9035742Abstract: In embodiments of electronic compensated pivot control, a computing device includes a device housing that is integrated with a display device, and the device housing tilts for multiple display positions. Pivotable components pivot in coordination to position the device housing in a display position, and sensors detect positioning inputs that are received to re-position the device housing of the computing device. Actuators are implemented for electronic actuation to limit movement of the pivotable components, and alternatively, to drive the pivotable components to re-position the device housing. A pivot controller is implemented to control the actuators based on sensor data to position the device housing in a display position.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Bernard K. Rihn, Avi R. Geiger, Andrew W. Hill, Joseph B. Gault, Stephen C. Klein
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Patent number: 9020615Abstract: In embodiments of a stability control system, a computing device includes a device housing that is integrated with a display device, and the device housing tilts for multiple display positions. Pivotable components are mechanically-linked and pivot in coordination to position the device housing in a display position, and sensors detect positioning inputs that are received to re-position the device housing. Clutch mechanisms are implemented to limit and/or resist movement of the pivotable components based on the positioning inputs. A stability controller can be implemented to control the clutch mechanisms based on sensor data from the sensors to position the device housing in a display position.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Bernard K. Rihn, Avi R. Geiger, Andrew W. Hill, Joseph B. Gault, Stephen C. Klein
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Publication number: 20150070119Abstract: This document describes techniques using, and apparatuses including, switchable magnetic locks. These techniques and apparatuses can enable low or no power consumption and a seamless design for locking and unlocking of devices one to the other, such as computing devices and peripherals.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Bernard K. Rihn, Paul Henry Dietz, Steven Nabil Bathiche, Joseph B. Gault