Patents by Inventor Stephen L. Coffman

Stephen L. Coffman 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: 11989410
    Abstract: A method of providing additional keyboard options for a virtual keyboard. The method occurring at an electronic device with a touch-sensitive display. The method includes, displaying the virtual keyboard comprising alphanumeric keys and a row of one or more keyboard options disposed above or below the alphanumeric keys. The method includes, determining whether additional keyboard options are available, and in accordance with a determination that additional keyboard options are available, displaying an additional keyboard options affordance within the row. The method also includes that upon detection of a selection of the additional keyboard options affordance, ceasing to display at least some of the one or more keyboard options and displaying at least some of the additional keyboard options in the row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Stephen O. Lemay, Patrick L Coffman, Tiffany S. Jon
  • Patent number: 4782432
    Abstract: A multi-function portable illuminating device in which plural lamps, such as a spotlight, a fluorescent light and a strobe light, are disposed within a housing and are selectively connected to a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charged by conventional charging current generators which may be connected to a charging circuit within the housing or, alternatively, solar cells disposed within the housing may be used to supply a charging current to the battery. Advantageously, the housing is waterproof; and a remote switching device is used to select one of the lights for illumination. Preferably, the remote switching device is formed of plural magnetic reed switches and one or more magnets which may be moved to proximity with a selected one of the switches, thereby completing a circuit to a respective light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: ME Generations Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Coffman