Patents by Inventor Peter N. Skillman

Peter N. Skillman 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: 8525688
    Abstract: Illustrated is a system and method to activate an alarm where a mobile computing device is no longer proximate to a docking station that provides inductive charging and data transfer capabilities for the mobile computing device. The computer system includes at least one coil to provide inductive charging for a mobile computing device. Further, the computer system includes a processor to control the inductive charging of the mobile computing device. Additionally, the computer system includes a proximity sensor operatively connected to the processor, the proximity sensor to determine that the mobile computing device is proximate to the computer system. Moreover, the computer system includes an alarm logic module to activate an alarm when the mobile computing device is no longer proximate to the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Manjirnath Chatterjee, Peter N. Skillman, Yoshimichi Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20120244915
    Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. HAWKINS, Peter N. Skillman, William B. Rees, Robert Y. Haitani, Michael Alexander Yurochko, Edward Thomas Colligan
  • Patent number: 8254565
    Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone area telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, William B. Rees, Robert Y. Haitani, Michael Alexander Yurochko, Edward Thomas Colligan
  • Publication number: 20120176249
    Abstract: Illustrated is a system and method to activate an alarm where a mobile computing device is no longer proximate to a docking station that provides inductive charging and data transfer capabilities for the mobile computing device. The computer system includes at least one coil to provide inductive charging for a mobile computing device. Further, the computer system includes a processor to control the inductive charging of the mobile computing device. Additionally, the computer system includes a proximity sensor operatively connected to the processor, the proximity sensor to determine that the mobile computing device is proximate to the computer system. Moreover, the computer system includes an alarm logic module to activate an alarm when the mobile computing device is no longer proximate to the computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Manjirnath Chatterjee, Peter N. Skillman, Yoshimichi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8208620
    Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, William B. Rees, Robert Y. Haitani, Michael Alexander Yurochko, Edward Thomas Colligan
  • Publication number: 20100243421
    Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Michael A. Yurochko, Peter N. Skillman
  • Publication number: 20100190516
    Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: PALM, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, William B. Rees, Robert Y. Haitani, Michael Alexander Yurochko, Edward Thomas Colligan
  • Patent number: 7759590
    Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: PALM, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Yurochko, Peter N. Skillman
  • Patent number: 7725127
    Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Hawkins, Peter N Skillman, William B Rees, Robert Y Haitani, Michael A Yurochko, Edward T Colligan
  • Patent number: 7565772
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand
  • Patent number: 7448168
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang, Richard S. Hand
  • Publication number: 20080223707
    Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. YUROCHKO, Peter N. Skillman
  • Patent number: 7375297
    Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Yurochko, Peter N. Skillman
  • Patent number: 7356361
    Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Hawkins, Peter N Skillman, William B Rees, Robert Y Haitani, Michael A Yurochko, Edward T Colligan
  • Patent number: 7164088
    Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Yurochko, Peter N. Skillman
  • Patent number: D518825
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, Phillip Hobson, David Hoenig, Cathal Loughnane
  • Patent number: D519502
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Peter N. Skillman, Phillip Hobson, David Hoenig, Cathal Loughnane
  • Patent number: D525263
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Hawkins, Peter N Skillman, Phillip Hobson, David Hoenig, Cathal Loughnane
  • Patent number: D585890
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Hawkins, Peter N Skillman, Phillip Hobson, David Hoenig, Cathal Loughnane
  • Patent number: D605648
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Hawkins, Peter N Skillman, Phillip Hobson, David Hoenig, Cathal Loughnane