Patents by Inventor Stephen Higham

Stephen Higham 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).

  • Publication number: 20060212627
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methodologies, and other embodiments associated with serial and parallel ports are described. One example system embodiment includes a device for providing serial and parallel ports in a computer. The example device can include a bracket configured to be secured to an expansion slot of the computer where a serial port and a parallel port are mounted to the bracket. The device can further include a serial port cable having a first end connected to the serial port and a second end including a serial port receptacle. The device can further include a parallel port cable having a first end connected to the parallel port and a second end including a parallel port receptacle. The serial port receptacle and the parallel port receptacle can be configured to be operably connected to a motherboard of the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Durham, Louis Hobson, Gregory Ziarnik, Stephen Higham
  • Publication number: 20060089028
    Abstract: A connector assembly for an electronic device saves space and cost. It includes first and second sockets defining first and second insertion paths for receiving mating plugs. A pivoting keep-out member has first and second blocking surfaces and can be pivoted between first and second positions. In the first position, the first blocking member blocks at least a portion of the first insertion path, but the second blocking member clears the second insertion path. In the second position, the second blocking member blocks at least a portion of the second insertion path, but the first blocking member clears the first insertion path. Thus the connector assembly may receive a plug in either the first or the second socket, but not in both simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Higham, Juan Perez
  • Publication number: 20060089025
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second sockets disposed on opposite sides of a housing and defining first and second insertion paths, respectively, for receiving a plug. A sliding keep-out member has first and second blocking surfaces. The keep-out member can move back and forth through the housing between first and second positions. In the first position, the first blocking surface blocks at least a portion of the first insertion path, but the second blocking surface clears the second insertion path. In the second position, the second blocking surface blocks at least a portion of the second insertion path, but the first blocking surface clears the first insertion path. Thus the connector assembly may receive plugs in either the first or the second socket, but not in both sockets simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Higham, Michael Durham
  • Publication number: 20050099172
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for determining when a heat sink is installed. In one embodiment, a system comprises an electrically-conductive heat sink retainer clip that is adapted to maintain contact between a heat sink and a heat-producing component, the retainer clip further being adapted to electrically connect to ground, and a heat sink detection circuit adapted to provide voltage to the retainer clip, the heat sink detection circuit being configured to provide a logic value that indicates one of presence or absence of a heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Durham, Stephen Higham, Mark Tupa, Jim Paikattu