Patents by Inventor Scott D. Bowers

Scott D. Bowers 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: 10558266
    Abstract: Aspects described herein generally relate to a haptic feedback mechanism including a shape memory alloy (SMA) material coupled to a mass and a surface, where contraction of the SMA material causes the mass to move from a first position to a second position causing one of compression or decompression of a spring element coupled to the mass, and where loosening of the SMA material causes the mass the move from the second position toward the first position by the other one of compression or decompression of the spring element. The haptic feedback mechanism also includes a heat source configured to selectively apply heat to, and remove heat from, the SMA material to achieve a modulation of contracting and loosening of the SMA material to cause a vibration of the mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Longo, Scott D. Bowers, Yazan Aldehayyat
  • Patent number: 10014629
    Abstract: The described technology includes a connecting apparatus for a computing device including a connector protrusion attached to an input component and a receptor formed in a receiving component of the computing device and configured to attach to the connector protrusion. The connector protrusion includes a center section having a plurality of electrical connectors configured within a plastic overmold and configured to be communicatively coupled to the computing device to communicate the generated signals and two end sections having mechanical support components configured to be physically coupled to the computing device wherein each of the two end sections are contiguous to the center section. The receptor includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably attach to the connector protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Bowers, Joseph B. Gault, Ivan McCracken, Andrew W. Hill
  • Publication number: 20030154639
    Abstract: A display frame apparatus for displaying a custom sign insert. The display frame apparatus comprises a sign body, a transparent front cover lens and at least one frame element. The sign body includes front and back faces; upper, lower and opposite side edges; and at least two connector receiving members located adjacent to and at spaced locations along a single side edge. The transparent front cover lens is releasably attached to the front face of the sign body. The frame element includes at least two connector members adapted to mate with the connector receiving members for releasably attaching the frame element to the sign body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Scott D. Bowers, Ronald L. Fogle