Patents by Inventor Madeleine L. Francavilla

Madeleine L. Francavilla 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).

  • Encasement for a handheld computer
    Publication number: 20010038525
    Abstract: An encasement for a handheld computer is provided. The encasement includes a spine that is slideably engageable with an accessory slot of a handheld computer; and an encasement portion joined to the spine. The encasement portion is dimensioned to encase the handheld computer when the spine is engaged to the handheld computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Alan Urban, Francis J. Canova, Amy A. Han, E. Michael Lunsford, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Jan Musich
  • Dual style connector for handheld computer
    Patent number: 6283777
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for a versatile connector that is capable of receiving any one of two types of connectors. The connector is preferably positioned on a bottom edge of a handheld computer to receive either pogo style or wiping style connectors. As a result, the connector enables the handheld computer to connect with accessory devices that use either style connectors. In particular, the handheld computer can connect with communication cradles using wiping style connectors, or smaller accessory devices that use pogo style connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis J. Canova, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Amy A. Han, Traci A. Neist, Robert G. Twiss, Dennis J. Boyle
  • Detachable securement of an accessory device to a handheld computer
    Patent number: 6282088
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for coupling an accessory device to a back face of a handheld computer while electrically connecting to the handheld computer through a communications or output port. In one embodiment, the accessory device “piggy-backs” on the handheld computer so that the accessory device and handheld computer form a portable combination. An insertion coupling may be used to detachably secure the accessory device with the handheld computer. The insertion coupling used with embodiments of the invention is preferably a snap-in coupling having one or more biased members. The biased members may be contracted to engage an aperture on a back face of the handled computer. When released, the biased members secure the accessory device to the handheld computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis J. Canova, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Neal A. Osborn, David C. Stowers, Alan Urban
  • Encasement for a handheld computer
    Patent number: 6266240
    Abstract: An encasement for a handheld computer is provided. The encasement includes a spine that is slideably engageable with an accessory slot of a handheld computer; and an encasement portion joined to the spine. The encasement portion is dimensioned to encase the handheld computer when the spine is engaged to the handheld computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Urban, Francis J. Canova, Amy A. Han, E. Michael Lunsford, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Jan Musich
  • Detachable securement of an accessory device to a handheld computer
    Patent number: 6115248
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide for coupling an accessory device to a back face of a handheld computer while electrically connecting to the handheld computer through a communications or output port. In one embodiment, the accessory device "piggy-backs" on the handheld computer so that the accessory device and handheld computer form a portable combination. An insertion coupling may be used to detachably secure the accessory device with the handheld computer. The insertion coupling used with embodiments of the invention is preferably a snap-in coupling having one or more biased members. The biased members may be contracted to engage an aperture on a back face of the handled computer. When released, the biased members secure the accessory device to the handheld computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis J. Canova, Madeleine L. Francavilla, Neal A. Osborn, David C. Stowers, Alan Urban
  • Communication accessory device for handheld computer
    Patent number: D450707
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Madeleine L. Francavilla, Alan Urban, David C. Stowers, Neal A. Osborn