Patents by Inventor Kevin Forde
Kevin Forde 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: 20240079169Abstract: An input device comprising a processor(s), an input element, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including: a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field; and a magnetizing assembly configured to set a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, a first ferromagnetic element, and a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element is configured to part and move away from the second ferromagnetic element as the input element is depressed. When the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting that magnetically opposes the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting, and when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a second polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are not magnetically attracted to each other and do not magnetically oppose the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Nuno Miguel Pereira dos Anjos Valverde, Jan Stoeckli, Kevin Forde, Artur Miller
-
Publication number: 20230380684Abstract: An eye-tracking device and associated software together allow a patient to communicate with health-care providers (HCPs), family members, and other individuals via eye gaze technology. The system presents the patient with a hierarchical and intuitive set of graphical menus that, for example, allow the patient, via his or her eye-gaze location, to indicate basic needs (e.g., food, bathroom, bed adjustment), alert the nursing staff to an emergency situation, and/or indicate pain level associated with a specific part of the patient's body. In parallel, an administrator of the system may use traditional touch screen functionality to assist in calibration, select patient preferences, and otherwise configure the system for use. In yet another embodiment, improved systems and methods are provided for performing eye-tracking using a variety of machine learning techniques instead of, or in addition to, traditional geometric methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Robert Chappell, Juan Zoppetti, Araz Vartanian, Caleb Hinton, Jessica Bruny, Kiuanta Canteen, Kevin Forde-Nihipali, Jessica Williams
-
Patent number: 11721463Abstract: An input device comprising a processor(s), an input element, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including: a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field; and a magnetizing assembly configured to set a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, a first ferromagnetic element, and a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element is configured to part and move away from the second ferromagnetic element as the input element is depressed. When the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting that magnetically opposes the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting, and when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a second polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are not magnetically attracted to each other and do not magnetically oppose the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Nuno Miguel Pereira dos Anjos Valverde, Jan Stoeckli, Kevin Forde, Artur Miller
-
Publication number: 20230197323Abstract: An input device comprising a processor(s), an input element, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including: a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field; and a magnetizing assembly configured to set a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, a first ferromagnetic element, and a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element is configured to part and move away from the second ferromagnetic element as the input element is depressed. When the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting that magnetically opposes the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting, and when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a second polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are not magnetically attracted to each other and do not magnetically oppose the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2021Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Nuno Miguel Pereira dos Anjos Valverde, Jan Stoeckli, Kevin Forde, Artur Miller
-
Patent number: 10877579Abstract: In certain embodiments, an input device includes a chassis and a depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a control signal to a processor, where the actuator is coupleable to a removable button cover that provides user-access to activate the actuator, and a removable blank cover to prevent user access to activate the actuator. The button cover and blank cover can be separate from the chassis and may directly attach to the actuator. The input device can further include a second depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a second control signal to the processor, where the second actuator is coupleable to the button cover and the blank cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Davin O'Mahony, Kevin Forde, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel, Christopher Pate
-
Patent number: 10627920Abstract: An input device can include a chassis, a housing coupled to the chassis and forming a top surface of the input device, a depressible key plate integrated with and forming a part of the housing, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) disposed within the housing and coupled to a bottom portion of the key plate to provide a downward force on the key plate, and a force sensor (e.g., switch) disposed in the chassis and in contact with the bottom portion of the key plate to activate in response to receiving a threshold force by the bottom surface of the key plate. The key plate may depress in response to receiving at least a predetermined depression force on the top surface. In some cases, the downward force provided by the biasing mechanism can be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Kevin Forde, Niall White, York Chang, Tony Lai
-
Publication number: 20190310722Abstract: An input device can include a chassis, a housing coupled to the chassis and forming a top surface of the input device, a depressible key plate integrated with and forming a part of the housing, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) disposed within the housing and coupled to a bottom portion of the key plate to provide a downward force on the key plate, and a force sensor (e.g., switch) disposed in the chassis and in contact with the bottom portion of the key plate to activate in response to receiving a threshold force by the bottom surface of the key plate. The key plate may depress in response to receiving at least a predetermined depression force on the top surface. In some cases, the downward force provided by the biasing mechanism can be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Kevin Forde, Niall White, York Chang, Tony Lai
-
Patent number: 10423243Abstract: An input device can include a chassis, a housing coupled to the chassis and forming a top surface of the input device, a depressible key plate integrated with and forming a part of the housing, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) disposed within the housing and coupled to a bottom portion of the key plate to provide a downward force on the key plate, and a force sensor (e.g., switch) disposed in the chassis and in contact with the bottom portion of the key plate to activate in response to receiving a threshold force by the bottom surface of the key plate. The key plate may depress in response to receiving at least a predetermined depression force on the top surface. In some cases, the downward force provided by the biasing mechanism can be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Kevin Forde, Niall White, York Chang, Tony Lai
-
Patent number: 10365731Abstract: An input device including a housing and a depressible key plate disposed thereon. The key plate includes a front user-accessible portion, a pivot support portion, and a rear portion. A shaft is disposed in the pivot support portion, where the key plate rotates with respect to the shaft. A force sensor is disposed in the housing and in contact with a bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, and activates in response to receiving a predetermined force by the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate. The depressible key plate depresses in response to receiving a predetermined depression force on the top surface. A biasing mechanism is disposed in the housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate to provide an upward force tuned to be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Kevin Forde, Davin O'Mahony, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel
-
Publication number: 20180307328Abstract: In certain embodiments, an input device includes a chassis and a depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a control signal to a processor, where the actuator is coupleable to a removable button cover that provides user-access to activate the actuator, and a removable blank cover to prevent user access to activate the actuator. The button cover and blank cover can be separate from the chassis and may directly attach to the actuator. The input device can further include a second depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a second control signal to the processor, where the second actuator is coupleable to the button cover and the blank cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Davin O'Mahony, Kevin Forde, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel, Christopher Pate
-
Publication number: 20180299974Abstract: An input device including a housing and a depressible key plate disposed thereon. The key plate includes a front user-accessible portion, a pivot support portion, and a rear portion. A shaft is disposed in the pivot support portion, where the key plate rotates with respect to the shaft. A force sensor is disposed in the housing and in contact with a bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, and activates in response to receiving a predetermined force by the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate. The depressible key plate depresses in response to receiving a predetermined depression force on the top surface. A biasing mechanism is disposed in the housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate to provide an upward force tuned to be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Kevin Forde, Davin O'Mahony, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel
-
Publication number: 20180260043Abstract: An input device can include a chassis, a housing coupled to the chassis and forming a top surface of the input device, a depressible key plate integrated with and forming a part of the housing, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) disposed within the housing and coupled to a bottom portion of the key plate to provide a downward force on the key plate, and a force sensor (e.g., switch) disposed in the chassis and in contact with the bottom portion of the key plate to activate in response to receiving a threshold force by the bottom surface of the key plate. The key plate may depress in response to receiving at least a predetermined depression force on the top surface. In some cases, the downward force provided by the biasing mechanism can be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2017Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: Kevin Forde, Niall White, York Chang, Tony Lai
-
Patent number: 10042441Abstract: In certain embodiments, an input device includes a chassis and a depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a control signal to a processor, where the actuator is coupleable to a removable button cover that provides user-access to activate the actuator, and a removable blank cover to prevent user access to activate the actuator. The button cover and blank cover can be separate from the chassis and may directly attach to the actuator. The input device can further include a second depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a second control signal to the processor, where the second actuator is coupleable to the button cover and the blank cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Davin O'Mahony, Kevin Forde, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel, Christopher Pate
-
Patent number: 9939927Abstract: An input device including a housing and a depressible key plate disposed thereon. The key plate includes a front user-accessible portion, a pivot support portion, and a rear portion. A shaft is disposed in the pivot support portion, where the key plate rotates with respect to the shaft. A force sensor is disposed in the housing and in contact with a bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, and activates in response to receiving a predetermined force by the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate. The depressible key plate depresses in response to receiving a predetermined depression force on the top surface. A biasing mechanism is disposed in the housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate to provide an upward force tuned to be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Kevin Forde, Davin O'Mahony, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel
-
Publication number: 20170220139Abstract: An input device including a housing and a depressible key plate disposed thereon. The key plate includes a front user-accessible portion, a pivot support portion, and a rear portion. A shaft is disposed in the pivot support portion, where the key plate rotates with respect to the shaft. A force sensor is disposed in the housing and in contact with a bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, and activates in response to receiving a predetermined force by the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate. The depressible key plate depresses in response to receiving a predetermined depression force on the top surface. A biasing mechanism is disposed in the housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate to provide an upward force tuned to be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2016Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Kevin Forde, Davin O'Mahony, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel
-
Publication number: 20170220132Abstract: In certain embodiments, an input device includes a chassis and a depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a control signal to a processor, where the actuator is coupleable to a removable button cover that provides user-access to activate the actuator, and a removable blank cover to prevent user access to activate the actuator. The button cover and blank cover can be separate from the chassis and may directly attach to the actuator. The input device can further include a second depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a second control signal to the processor, where the second actuator is coupleable to the button cover and the blank cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2016Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Davin O'Mahony, Kevin Forde, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel, Christopher Pate
-
Patent number: 8334843Abstract: An electronic pointing device for a computer comprising a housing and an electronic module to detect the relative displacement over an external surface and transmit it to the computer wherein the housing comprises means to adjust the total weight of the device. According to the invention, the user can freely (within certain limits) adjust the weight depending on his wishes. In one embodiment, the pointing device is a mouse.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Erik Charlton, Fergal Corcoran, Kevin Forde
-
Patent number: D697498Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Kevin Forde, Jose Arcellana, Ranjit Sidhu, Mathew Bates, David Fleming
-
Patent number: D833436Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Christopher Pate, George Barrett, Cormac O'Conaire, Andreas Connellan, Kevin Forde, Davin O'Mahony, Niall White, Noirin Curran, Fancois Morier, Fabrice Sauterel
-
Patent number: D858524Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Christopher Pate, George Barrett, Cormac O'Conaire, Andreas Connellan, Kevin Forde, Davin O'Mahony, Niall White, Noirin Curran, Fancois Morier, Fabrice Sauterel