Patents by Inventor Todd David Pleake
Todd David Pleake 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).
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Patent number: 11032954Abstract: A shield can assembly is described. In one or more implementations, a frame is installed on a printed circuit board (PCB) by using a cross-bar connected to opposing sides of the frame to place the frame on the PCB. Subsequent to installation of the frame on the PCB, the cross-bar is removed from the frame. Once the cross-bar is removed, one or more flexible printed circuits (FPCs) are installed on the PCB. Then, a lid is connected to the frame to from a shield can over the FPCs.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Klein, Todd David Pleake, Daniel M. Galel, Ivan Andrew McCracken, Mark Mitchell Gloster, Duane Martin Evans, Tony N. Kfoury
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Patent number: 10925196Abstract: The description relates to devices, such as computing devices that can include dimensionally-constrained shielded circuit board assemblies. One example can include a circuit board that includes an upwardly extending fence. The example can also include a heat generating component positioned within the fence and a thermal module defining a major planar surface positioned over the heat generating component. The thermal module can include a downwardly extending frame that overlaps with the fence. The gasket can be compressed between the fence and the frame in a direction parallel to the major planar surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Todd David Pleake, John Terpsma, Ketan Shah, David Carter Vandervoort, Keith Walter Kaatz
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Publication number: 20210045264Abstract: The description relates to devices, such as computing devices that can include dimensionally-constrained shielded circuit board assemblies. One example can include a circuit board that includes an upwardly extending fence. The example can also include a heat generating component positioned within the fence and a thermal module defining a major planar surface positioned over the heat generating component. The thermal module can include a downwardly extending frame that overlaps with the fence. The gasket can be compressed between the fence and the frame in a direction parallel to the major planar surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2019Publication date: February 11, 2021Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Todd David Pleake, John Terpsma, Ketan Shah, David Carter Vandervoort, Keith Walter Kaatz
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Publication number: 20200176903Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to PCB-based connectors and connector frames for a PCB. In one example, a connector frame comprises a cavity configured to house the PCB, the cavity defined at least partially by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and an end wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A support surface is adjacent to the cavity on a top side of the connector frame and extends between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. An aperture on the top side of the connector frame is formed at least partially by an edge of the support surface, with the aperture exposing a portion of the cavity through the top side.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2019Publication date: June 4, 2020Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Joseph Edward FERREIRA, II, Todd David PLEAKE, Mohammed Nadir HAQ, Christopher John ALLEN, Alexander Georges-Norbert WOOD
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Patent number: 10673157Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to PCB-based connectors and connector frames for a PCB. In one example, a connector frame comprises a cavity configured to house the PCB, the cavity defined at least partially by a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and an end wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A support surface is adjacent to the cavity on a top side of the connector frame and extends between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. An aperture on the top side of the connector frame is formed at least partially by an edge of the support surface, with the aperture exposing a portion of the cavity through the top side.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Joseph Edward Ferreira, II, Todd David Pleake, Mohammed Nadir Haq, Christopher John Allen, Alexander Georges-Norbert Wood
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Publication number: 20200113092Abstract: A shield can assembly is described. In one or more implementations, a frame is installed on a printed circuit board (PCB) by using a cross-bar connected to opposing sides of the frame to place the frame on the PCB. Subsequent to installation of the frame on the PCB, the cross-bar is removed from the frame. Once the cross-bar is removed, one or more flexible printed circuits (FPCs) are installed on the PCB. Then, a lid is connected to the frame to from a shield can over the FPCs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Klein, Todd David Pleake, Daniel M. Galel, Ivan Andrew McCracken, Mark Mitchell Gloster, Duane Martin Evans, Tony N. Kfoury
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Patent number: 10542643Abstract: A shield can assembly is described. In one or more implementations, a frame is installed on a printed circuit board (PCB) by using a cross-bar connected to opposing sides of the frame to place the frame on the PCB. Subsequent to installation of the frame on the PCB, the cross-bar is removed from the frame. Once the cross-bar is removed, one or more flexible printed circuits (FPCs) are installed on the PCB. Then, a lid is connected to the frame to from a shield can over the FPCs.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Klein, Todd David Pleake, Daniel M. Galel, Ivan Andrew McCracken, Mark Mitchell Gloster, Duane Martin Evans, Tony N. Kfoury
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Patent number: 10331178Abstract: The trackpad assemblies described herein maintain minimum overall stiffness, weight, and cost requirements of a trackpad assembly, while permitting a decrease in trackpad assembly thickness as compared to conventional trackpad assemblies. The trackpad assemblies may include one or more of a four-layer PCB, structural adhesives, a structural PCB stiffener, and a structural shield assembly. These stiffening features permit increasingly thinner trackpad assemblies and associated computing devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Ketan R. Shah, Todd David Pleake, Benjamin Joseph Carpenter, George Karavaev, Mark Gerard Rice
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Patent number: 10312611Abstract: A floating connector assembly device is provided. An electronic component is mounted directly or indirectly to a chassis of an electronic device. At least one conductive contact spring is mounted to the electronic component and configured to electrically couple to the electronic component. A printed circuit board having a fixed end and a free end with an electrical contact positioned between the two ends is positioned against the conductive contact spring, the contact spring being biased so that a contacting portion of the contact spring contacts the electrical contact to form an electrical connection. The electrical connection is maintained during relative movement of the conductive contact spring and the electrical contact of the printed circuit board by a bias force of the conductive contact spring.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Akash Atul Shah, Kurt David Wrisley, Hua Wang, Todd David Pleake
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Publication number: 20190041903Abstract: The trackpad assemblies described herein maintain minimum overall stiffness, weight, and cost requirements of a trackpad assembly, while permitting a decrease in trackpad assembly thickness as compared to conventional trackpad assemblies. The trackpad assemblies may include one or more of a four-layer PCB, structural adhesives, a structural PCB stiffener, and a structural shield assembly. These stiffening features permit increasingly thinner trackpad assemblies and associated computing devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2017Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Ketan R. SHAH, Todd David PLEAKE, Benjamin Joseph CARPENTER, George KARAVAEV, Mark Gerard RICE
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Publication number: 20180287278Abstract: A floating connector assembly device is provided. An electronic component is mounted directly or indirectly to a chassis of an electronic device. At least one conductive contact spring is mounted to the electronic component and configured to electrically couple to the electronic component. A printed circuit board having a fixed end and a free end with an electrical contact positioned between the two ends is positioned against the conductive contact spring, the contact spring being biased so that a contacting portion of the contact spring contacts the electrical contact to form an electrical connection. The electrical connection is maintained during relative movement of the conductive contact spring and the electrical contact of the printed circuit board by a bias force of the conductive contact spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Akash Atul SHAH, Kurt David WRISLEY, Hua WANG, Todd David PLEAKE
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Patent number: 10013030Abstract: Flexible hinge spine techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy Caryle Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
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Patent number: 9904327Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
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Publication number: 20170177038Abstract: Flexible hinge spine techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy Caryle Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
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Patent number: 9678542Abstract: Flexible hinge spine techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
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Publication number: 20170147084Abstract: Input device adhesive techniques are described. A pressure sensitive key includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors, a spacer layer, and a flexible contact layer. The spacer layer is disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and has at least one opening. The flexible contact layer is spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the opening in response to an applied pressure to initiate an input. The flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer such that at first edge, the flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer at an approximate midpoint of the first edge and is not secured to the spacer along another portion of the first edge and at a second edge, the flexible contact layer is not secured to the spacer layer along an approximate midpoint of the second edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Timothy C. Shaw, Rob Huala, David C. Vandervoort, Matthew David Mickelson, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Todd David Pleake, Hua Wang
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Patent number: 9618977Abstract: Input device adhesive techniques are described. A pressure sensitive key includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors, a spacer layer, and a flexible contact layer. The spacer layer is disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and has at least one opening. The flexible contact layer is spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the opening in response to an applied pressure to initiate an input. The flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer such that at first edge, the flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer at an approximate midpoint of the first edge and is not secured to the spacer along another portion of the first edge and at a second edge, the flexible contact layer is not secured to the spacer layer along an approximate midpoint of the second edge.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Timothy C. Shaw, Rob Huala, David C. Vandervoort, Matthew David Mickelson, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Todd David Pleake, Hua Wang
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Publication number: 20170071081Abstract: A shield can assembly is described. In one or more implementations, a frame is installed on a printed circuit board (PCB) by using a cross-bar connected to opposing sides of the frame to place the frame on the PCB. Subsequent to installation of the frame on the PCB, the cross-bar is removed from the frame. Once the cross-bar is removed, one or more flexible printed circuits (FPCs) are installed on the PCB. Then, a lid is connected to the frame to from a shield can over the FPCs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2016Publication date: March 9, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Klein, Todd David Pleake, Daniel M. Galel, Ivan Andrew McCracken, Mark Mitchell Gloster, Duane Martin Evans, Tony N. Kfoury
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Publication number: 20160299537Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: October 13, 2016Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy Carlyle Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
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Publication number: 20160209884Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy Carlyle Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard