Patents by Inventor Robert Hanson

Robert Hanson 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: 7613684
    Abstract: An integrated searching/browsing mechanism employs user-constructed information hierarchies that represent a cognitive framework for the organization of information. The hierarchies are independent of the information itself. This feature permits them to be shared among multiple users, and applied to any of a variety of different sources of information. The hierarchical organization that is provided by the framework gives the user the ability to browse around any available document database in a manner that is intuitive to the user. Two or more hierarchies can be combined to locate documents which match the criteria of both hierarchies, and thereby refine search results to an appropriate level. A relevance feedback mechanism further enhances the browsing experience, by concentrating the search results in areas that are most relevant to documents selected as being of particular interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Daniel Borovoy, Michael Graves, Michael Robert Hanson, Nagabhushan Rao Machiraju
  • Publication number: 20090268402
    Abstract: A cover for an opening in the housing of a portable electronic device that provides a function in addition to that of protecting the opening from dirt. The cover can be coupled to the housing so that it can move between a closed position within the housing's surface recess and an open position that allows access to the opening in the housing. In the closed position, the cover becomes part of the housing and the of the device is generally unchanged. The cover can function as an antenna for wireless communication between the device and a network or access point, and it can contain circuitry for devices such as transmitter/receivers. The cover can also function as a display device, a speaker, or an alarm. Thus an existing cover that occupies space within the volume of a handheld device can be utilized for expanding the functionality of the device while generally retaining the current form factor of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: William Robert Hanson, Yoon Kean Wong
  • Publication number: 20090184942
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described herein, which simultaneously promotes a positive computing experience for users of portable computer systems and increases overall durability and longevity thereof. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus enhances the user computing experience, in one embodiment by simplifying operation, and is much more durable and long-lasting than mechanical switch and dial type devices it may replace. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatus, which enables efficient portable computer device function, field, and data selection, gaming, input, interconnection, and other switching-related functions, simplifying operation and enhancing versatility thereof, yet without exposing the portable computer interior to any degree to incursion of environmental contamination. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus obviates openings in a portable computer package which would otherwise be required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: PALM, INC.
    Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, William Robert Hanson
  • Patent number: 7551429
    Abstract: A cover for an opening in the housing of a portable electronic device that provides a function in addition to that of protecting the opening from dirt. The cover can be coupled to the housing so that it can move between a closed position within the housing's surface recess and an open position that allows access to the opening in the housing. In the closed position, the cover becomes part of the housing and the of the device is generally unchanged. The cover can function as an antenna for wireless communication between the device and a network or access point, and it can contain circuitry for devices such as transmitter/receivers. The cover can also function as a display device, a speaker, or an alarm. Thus an existing cover that occupies space within the volume of a handheld device can be utilized for expanding the functionality of the device while generally retaining the current form factor of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: William Robert Hanson, Yoon Kean Wong
  • Publication number: 20090072558
    Abstract: A fully assembled, totally disposable one-piece device for the sanitary collection and disposal of feces from an animal or pet intended to be discarded after one use. The device includes a plastic bag with handles attached to a cardboard shovel blade. The plastic bag is open at the end opposite the shovel blade. The open end of the bag is partially turned inside-out as it slips over the operator's hand and up the wrist and forearm. Once the animal waste is shoveled up, the bag is pulled completely inside-out over the mouth of the shovel completely encapsulating the blade and feces. The open end is tied utilizing the handles providing for easy carrying. The entire device is then discarded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Hanson, William Ilaria
  • Patent number: 7496836
    Abstract: An object comprising a Web document is transferred by a server to a client over a client-server data communications network. Alternatively, the object comprising the Web document can be executed by the server. The object, in turn, causes each object contained therein to execute and output a representation of the object in whatever format is requested by the client. For example, a client can send a request to the server over the data communications network. The requests specifies a particular Web document. The server searches its collection of objects in its object space for the object requested. The server, upon finding the object, and depending upon the nature of the client's request, will transmit the object as is to the client, or execute the object. The object outputs a representation of each object contained within the object in a format specified by the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Hanson, John Lilly
  • Patent number: 7411583
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described herein, which simultaneously promotes a positive computing experience for users of portable computer systems and increases overall durability and longevity thereof. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus enhances the user computing experience, in one embodiment by simplifying operation, and is much more durable and long-lasting than mechanical switch and dial type devices it may replace. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatus, which enables efficient portable computer device function, field, and data selection, gaming, input, interconnection, and other switching-related functions, simplifying operation and enhancing versatility thereof, yet without exposing the portable computer interior to any degree to incursion of environmental contamination. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus obviates openings in a portable computer package which would otherwise be required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, William Robert Hanson
  • Publication number: 20080095834
    Abstract: Mitochondriotropic phospholipid vesicles, i.e., mitochondriotropic liposomes, that comprise a hydrophobized amphiphilic delocalized cation, such as those comprising, e.g., a triphenylphosphonium or a quinolinium moiety, incorporated into the phospholipid membrane of the vesicles, or liposomes, are disclosed. The hydrophobized portion of the amphiphilic delocalized cation, e.g., a fatty acid or other phospholipid derivative, is embedded in the phospholipid membrane of the liposome, and the amphiphilic portion of the cation is exposed on the surface of the liposome. Mitochondriotropic liposomes constitute a mitochondria-targeted drug delivery system, permitting the transport of a high payload of therapeutic water-soluble molecules in their native (i.e., active) state specifically and exclusively to mitochondria in living mammalian cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Volkmar Weissig, Sarathi Boddapati, Robert Hanson, Vladimir Torchilin
  • Publication number: 20070243700
    Abstract: A method of forming an intermediate semiconductor device is disclosed that comprises providing a semiconductor substrate, forming a photoresist layer on the semiconductor substrate, implanting a dopant into the semiconductor substrate, and removing a dopant-containing layer from the photoresist layer. The dopant-containing layer includes dopant residuals and a carbon-rich crust and may be formed during implantation. The dopant-containing layer may be removed from the photoresist layer by exposing the dopant-containing layer to a water rinse, a chlorinated plasma or to a fluorinated plasma. The water rinse may include deionized water that is maintained at a temperature that ranges from approximately 25° C. to approximately 80° C. The fluorinated plasma may be formed from a gaseous precursor selected from the group consisting of nitrogen trifluoride, carbon tetrafluoride, trifluoromethane, hexafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Shu Qin, Allen McTeer, Robert Hanson
  • Patent number: 7280100
    Abstract: An accessory module or accessory display device for a handheld computer is disclosed. The device includes an interface configured to be coupled to a handheld computer through an interface slot. The module may be flexibly hinged to the interconnect interface, permitting the coupling of the module to a variety of host devices. The module includes memory configured to store information customized to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: William Robert Hanson, Yoon Kean Wong
  • Publication number: 20070231995
    Abstract: A process directed to forming a terraced film stack of a semiconductor device, for example, a DRAM memory device, is disclosed. The present invention addresses etch undercut resulting from materials of different etch selectivity used in the film stack, which if not addressed can cause device failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Hanson, Alex Schrinsky, Terry McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20070187737
    Abstract: A process and apparatus directed to forming a terraced film stack of a semiconductor device, for example, a DRAM memory device, is disclosed. The present invention addresses etch undercut resulting from materials of different etch selectivity used in the film stack, which if not addressed can cause device failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Hanson, Alex Schrinsky, Terry McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7256767
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a user-interface feature, a detection mechanism and one or more internal components. The user-interface feature is configurable to have a selected orientation about one or more axes. The detection mechanism can detect orientation information about the electronic device. The one or more components may select the orientation of the user-interface feature based on the detected orientation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: PALM, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, William Robert Hanson, Shawn R. Gettemy
  • Publication number: 20070129440
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to polypharmacophoric compounds. In certain embodiments, the polyphamacophore compounds comprise individual pharmacophore units selected from the group consisting of D-1 agonists, D-2 agonists, D-3 agonists, D-4 agonists, irreversible monoamine inhibitors, reversible monoamine inhibitors, monoamine transporter inhibitors, COMT inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, and dopamine transporter inhibitors. Moreover, the present invention also relates to combinatorial libraries of polypharmacophoric compounds. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a polypharmacophoric compound in a method of treating a mammal in need thereof. For example, a polypharmacophoric compound of the present invention may be used in a method of treating a mammal afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, depression, attention deficit disorder, autism, obesity, or inflammation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Hanson, John Babich
  • Publication number: 20070117347
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming isolation regions. An opening can be formed to extend into a semiconductor material, and an upper periphery of the opening can be protected with a liner while a lower periphery is unlined. The unlined portion can then be etched to form a widened region of the opening. Subsequently, the opening can be filled with insulative material to form an isolation region. Transistor devices can then be formed on opposing sides of the isolation region, and electrically isolated from one another with the isolation region. The invention also includes semiconductor constructions containing an electrically insulative isolation structure extending into a semiconductor material, with the structure having a bulbous bottom region and a stem region extending upwardly from the bottom region to a surface of the semiconductor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Inventors: Hongmei Wang, Fred Fishburn, Janos Fucsko, T. Allen, Richard Lane, Robert Hanson, Kevin Shea
  • Publication number: 20070048942
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming field effect transistors. In one implementation, the invention encompasses a method of forming a field effect transistor on a substrate, where the field effect transistor comprises a pair of conductively doped source/drain regions, a channel region received intermediate the pair of source/drain regions, and a transistor gate received operably proximate the channel region. Such implementation includes conducting a dopant activation anneal of the pair of source/drain regions prior to depositing material from which a conductive portion of the transistor gate is made. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Hanson, Sanh Tang
  • Patent number: 7171659
    Abstract: A system and method for the automated provisioning of software applications onto one or more computers. The provisioning system uses a model of the application, which describes the application in terms of its software features and the actions to manipulate the application. The model preferably describes this information in a general way, such that it is independent of any environmental characteristics associated with the computers. The provisioning system also receives as input a set of references to selected ones of the computers onto which the application is to be provisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Eric Becker, Michael Robert Hanson, Alain Jules Mayer, Michael Todd Schroepfer
  • Publication number: 20070003369
    Abstract: A sediment control wattle including a sheath formed of a geotextile, the sheath containing a filler media. An apron extends from the sheath providing an element that may be pinned or otherwise attached to a terrain in a manner that reduces migration and flow of fluid and sediment underneath the wattles. The sediment control wattle may also include a joint wrap which permits adjacent wattles to be joined to form a sediment control system in a manner that reduces migration and flow of fluid and sediment between wattles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Hanson, William Casey
  • Patent number: 7159194
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a housing, a plurality of modules, a sensor and a selection mechanism. The housing has multiple housing segments, with each segment housing one of the plurality of modules. The sensor detects an orientation of the electronic device. The selection mechanism automatically selects at least one, but nor all, of the plurality of modules to be active, based on the detected orientation of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoon Kean Wong, William Robert Hanson, Shawn R. Gettemy
  • Publication number: 20060292787
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming isolation regions. An opening can be formed to extend into a semiconductor material, and an upper periphery of the opening can be protected with a liner while a lower periphery is unlined. The unlined portion can then be etched to form a widened region of the opening. Subsequently, the opening can be filled with insulative material to form an isolation region. Transistor devices can then be formed on opposing sides of the isolation region, and electrically isolated from one another with the isolation region. The invention also includes semiconductor constructions containing an electrically insulative isolation structure extending into a semiconductor material, with the structure having a bulbous bottom region and a stem region extending upwardly from the bottom region to a surface of the semiconductor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventors: Hongmei Wang, Fred Fishburn, Janos Fucsko, T. Allen, Richard Lane, Robert Hanson, Kevin Shea