Patents by Inventor Kevin Franklin Casey

Kevin Franklin Casey 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: 7719807
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling internal circuitry associated with a device to be efficiently replaced in an operating environment for the device are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a device includes an enclosure that defines an interior of the device, and a circuit arrangement that is located in the interior. A data port interface is located in the interior, and the device also includes a receptacle and a protection circuitry arrangement. The receptacle is coupled to the circuit arrangement, and the protection circuitry arrangement provides protection to the circuit arrangement. The protection circuitry arrangement has an interface that is removably coupled to the receptacle such that at least a portion of the protection circuitry arrangement is contained in the interior of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Michael Kozak, Kevin Franklin Casey, Mark Allen Rosen, Milton Palmer Hilliard
  • Patent number: 7485823
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a switch that includes multiple parts, and is arranged to function after extended periods of being in a depressed state are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-part switch includes a first contact, a second contact, and a plate. The first contact is electrically coupled to a first lead on a circuit board, and a second contact is electrically coupled to a second lead on the circuit board. The plate includes an electrically conductive area that contacts the first contact and the second contact to allow a signal to flow from the first contact to the second contact through the plate. In contacting the first contact and the second contact, the plate applies a compressive force to the first contact and to the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Franklin Casey, Mark Cameron Cassada, Frederic Michael Kozak, Kevin Craig Redmon
  • Publication number: 20080251367
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a switch that includes multiple parts, and is arranged to function after extended periods of being in a depressed state are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-part switch includes a first contact, a second contact, and a plate. The first contact is electrically coupled to a first lead on a circuit board, and a second contact is electrically coupled to a second lead on the circuit board. The plate includes an electrically conductive area that contacts the first contact and the second contact to allow a signal to flow from the first contact to the second contact through the plate. In contacting the first contact and the second contact, the plate applies a compressive force to the first contact and to the second contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Franklin Casey, Mark Cameron Cassada, Frederic Michael Kozak, Kevin Craig Redmon
  • Patent number: 7431600
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for discharging cables that are to be coupled to a connector are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes at least one signal contact, a housing, and a ground arrangement. The housing defines a receptacle configured to receive a part of a cable assembly. The signal contact is disposed within the receptacle, and is configured to contact a first contact of the cable assembly when the cable assembly is received in the receptacle such that a signal may pass between the signal contact and the first contact. The ground arrangement is at least partially disposed on the housing, and is arranged to contact and to ground the first contact before the first contact contacts the at least one signal contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Michael Kozak, Kevin Franklin Casey, Milton Palmer Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20080182437
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for discharging cables that are to be coupled to a connector are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes at least one signal contact, a housing, and a ground arrangement. The housing defines a receptacle configured to receive a part of a cable assembly. The signal contact is disposed within the receptacle, and is configured to contact a first contact of the cable assembly when the cable assembly is received in the receptacle such that a signal may pass between the signal contact and the first contact. The ground arrangement is at least partially disposed on the housing, and is arranged to contact and to ground the first contact before the first contact contacts the at least one signal contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Frederic Michael Kozak, Kevin Franklin Casey, Milton Palmer Hilliard