Patents by Inventor Mark William Podl

Mark William Podl 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).

  • Portable communication device having a fingerprint identification system
    Patent number: 6141436
    Abstract: A portable communication device (100, 300, 400, 500) comprises a fingerprint identification system (709) including a scanner (115) for scanning a fingerprint (123) of a finger (121) to generate an image of the fingerprint (123). In a first embodiment, the scanner (115) is positioned relative to a switch (201) on the device (100, 300, 400, 500) to permit the finger (121) to generate the actuation force for the switch (201) when the fingerprint (123) is positioned on the scanner (115). In a second embodiment, the scanner (115) is ergonomically positioned on a housing (113, 117, 119) of the device (100, 300, 400, 500) where the finger (121) or a thumb naturally rests on the housing (113, 117, 119) when the person holds the housing (113, 117, 119) while the device (100, 300, 400, 500) is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Lena Srey, Mark William Podl, Kevin D. Kaschke