Patents by Inventor Stephen Fisher

Stephen Fisher 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: 5784619
    Abstract: A notebook component of an extensible and replaceable network-oriented component system records locations of resources coupled to a computer network. The network-oriented system includes a novel application programming interface for the notebook component that facilitates integration with an underlying software component architecture. Such a highly-modular cooperating layered-arrangement between the network component system and the component architecture allows the notebook component to be replaced, extended or modified by other notebook-type components, while ensuring that these latter components "seamlessly" interact with existing components and component editors of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Evans, Michael A. Cleron, Stephen Fisher, Patrick A. Holleran, Timo Bruck
  • Patent number: 5781189
    Abstract: A network-oriented component system facilitates development of customized user interfaces to computer networks by embedding entities that reference resources located on the networks into components of the system. The embedded entities are preferably manifested as visual objects displayed on a graphical user interface of a computer screen that a user may manipulate to effectuate the embedding process. The "container" components are preferably compound documents having contents that include different data types and formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Holleran, John S. Evans, Michael A. Cleron, Stephen Fisher, Timo Bruck
  • Patent number: 5754178
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved user interaction and feedback on a computer system display. Interapplication dragging upon a user interface display is provided allowing a user to select a first item in a first window and move that first item to a second window which is under control of second process. Feedback is provided in the second window under control of the second process if the second application program can accept the data. In addition, other improved user interface actions are described, such as improved selection feedback, improved navigation, and improved completion feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert George Johnston, Jr., David Lawrence Evans, David H. Owens, Nick G. Kledzik, Mark Ludwig Stern, Herman Jesus Camarena, Bruce Bartholomew Gaya, John R. Meier, Stephen Fisher, Eric Mathew Trehus
  • Patent number: 5752059
    Abstract: In a computer system, an apparatus for depicting an electronic mail address in either a field format or a string format. In a field format, the components of the electronic mail address is parsed into a plurality of fields. Each field represents a particular attribute of the electronic mail address. In a string format, the electronic mail address is comprised of a string of characters in a syntax specified by the protocol of the corresponding electronic mail system. A template having syntax information corresponding to the protocol is used to convert an electronic mail address from a field format to a string format and vice versa. Hence, a user has the option of entering an electronic mail address and having it displayed or edited in either a field format or a string format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Holleran, Yan Arrouye, Cordell R. Ratzlaff, Stephen Fisher, John S. Evans
  • Patent number: 5734901
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for providing the functions of electronic mail in a computer system which is integrated within a display or a window under control of a first application program which does not support electronic mail functionality. A set if mail routines displays a mailer on a first portion of the application program's display with application program data displayed in a second portion of the application program's display. The mail routines allow the user to modify the data in the application program via functionality of the application program and modify the mailer via the functionality of the mail routines. The mail routines further allow the user to perform electronic mail functions provided by the mail routines, wherein the electronic mail functions include using the application program data as content of mail messages processed by the mail routines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Gursharan S. Sidhu, Stephen Fisher, Patrick A. Holleran, Michael Andrew Cleron
  • Patent number: 5724506
    Abstract: A connection dialog component of an extensible and replaceable network-oriented component system enables a user to specify address information of a particular resource coupled to a computer network. The network-oriented system includes novel application programming interfaces for the connection dialog component that facilitates integration with an underlying software component architecture. Such a highly-modular cooperating layered-arrangement between the network component system and the component architecture allows the connection dialog component to be replaced, extended or modified by other connection dialog-type components, while ensuring that these latter components "seamlessly" interact with existing components and component editors of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Cleron, John S. Evans, Stephen Fisher, Patrick A. Holleran, Richard Ford, Richard J. Donnelly, Timo Bruck
  • Patent number: 5621878
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting data in an application which is not a currently active context. The method comprises a user selecting information within a window under control of a first application program and moving the information to a second window under control of an active application program. This operation is performed providing a simple select, drag-and-drop operation. The active application program can arbitrate and communicate with a handler installed for the first application program to cause data from the first application program to be provided without activating the first application program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Owens, Herman J. Camarena, Stephen Fisher, Bruce B. Gaya
  • Patent number: 5530865
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring control between application programs. A messaging means is provided which allows a first application program to indicate to the messaging means that a second application program should assume control. The messaging means receives the message and performs an orderly shutdown of the first application program and messages the second application program that it should commence operation. Upon valid and proper operation of the second application program, the first application program is caused to be suspended, and the second application program is invoked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Owens, Stephen Fisher
  • Patent number: 5437348
    Abstract: A vehicle bonnet assembly includes a bonnet hinged to the vehicle body adjacent one edge and having a releasable catch adjacent an opposite edge, the bonnet being hinged to the vehicle body in a manner which will permit rearward movement of the bonnet when an impact is applied to the leading edge thereof, a lifting mechanism being provided to lift the trailing edge of the bonnet in response to rearward movement of the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: John B. Cady, Mark S. Howard, Stephen A. Fisher, Robert C. W. Lloyd, Alan V. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5385212
    Abstract: A vehicle bonnet assembly includes a bonnet hinged to the vehicle body adjacent one edge and having releasable catch means adjacent an opposite edge, the bonnet being hinged to the vehicle body in a manner which will permit rearward movement of the bonnet when an impact is applied to the leading edge thereof, a lifting mechanism being provided to lift the trailing edge of the bonnet in response to rearward movement of the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: John B. Cady, Mark S. Howard, Stephen A. Fisher, Robert C. W. Lloyd, Alan V. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5263546
    Abstract: A vehicle bonnet assembly includes a bonnet hinged to the vehicle body adjacent one edge and having a releasable catch adjacent an opposite edge, the bonnet being hinged to the vehicle body in a manner which will permit rearward movement of the bonnet when an impact is applied to the leading edge thereof, a lifting mechanism being provided to lift the trailing edge of the bonnet in response to rearward movement of the bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: John B. Cady, Mark S. Howard, Stephen A. Fisher, Robert C. W. Lloyd, Alan V. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4718248
    Abstract: A heating and cooling system with a single compressor and first and second compressor reversing valves for connecting a refrigerant fluid to more than one heat exchanger in a system. Said second compressor reversing valve permits the compressor to function as the primary compressor for different operating modes. A reversible heat pump means is operably connected to a plurality of heat exchange devices in indirect heat exchange with external thermal storage media common to the home such as room airspace, domestic hot water and pool or spa. Combinations of heating and cooling of the various external thermal storage media are realized by arranging valving and conduit means using appropriate control and switching apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: Stephen Fisher
  • Patent number: 4693077
    Abstract: A closed-loop engine control system is disclosed in which an engine is controlled to provide power to a load as a function of measured feedback torque. A programmable digital controller modifies the feedback torque by adding to it a synthesized correction torque provided by the product of the engine polar moment of inertia and the engine acceleration. The modified feedback torque is used for either closed-loop torque or horsepower engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A. Skarvan, Stephen A. Fisher