Combined With Diverse-type Art Device Patents (Class 335/219)
  • Patent number: 12133578
    Abstract: A buckle assembly has a first buckle portion that cooperates with a second buckle portion. Each of the buckle portions has a main buckle body with two lateral sides and a magnet disposed in a magnet housing. A fastening hook is disposed on one lateral side, with a fastening opening and guide surface disposed on the opposite lateral side. Placing the interior surfaces of the buckle portions against each other causes the magnets to engage each other with magnetic attraction, and the fastening hooks of each buckle portion to enter the fastening openings of the other buckle portion, to lock the two buckle portions together. The buckle portions are disengaged by sliding the buckle portions in opposite lateral directions, perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the buckle assembly, so that the fastening hooks slide along the opposing guide surface and force the magnets apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Duraflex Hong Kong Limited
    Inventor: Ming Yen Tseng
  • Patent number: 12045403
    Abstract: An operation knob apparatus includes a base a conductive transmitting member, an operation member that brings the transmitting member near to and away from a display panel, and a stabilizer disposed between the bases and the operation member. The stabilizer includes a main body, a pair of arms connected to respective ends of the main body, and a pair of base portions and connected to the respective arms. One of the base and the operation member has a holding portion configured to rotatably hold the main body, and the other has a pair of holding grooves respectively configured to slidably and rotatably hold the base portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: U-SHIN LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Ito, Akira Nagoshi
  • Patent number: 12027311
    Abstract: An actuating device includes at least one magnetic drive (12) with a solenoid coil (34) accommodated in a housing (10). The solenoid coil generates heat during operation affecting the performance of the device. The heat is dissipated at least partially into the environment as power loss via the housing (10), is disclosed. For improved heat dissipation, parts (40, 42) of the device are formed of at least one special plastic material, which has a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.25 to 1.25 W/(m·K) or W/m/K (i.e., watts per meter per Kelvin).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: HYDAC FLUIDTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Patrik Fuchs, Maurizio Spina
  • Patent number: 11794089
    Abstract: A ski pole holder is provided. The ski pole holder is positioned toward a toe side of a ski footwear, to secure a portion of the ski pole within a channel of the ski pole holder. The ski pole holder includes a housing with the channel that extends towards the skier. When the skier is riding a ski lift, the ski pole is received within the housing to retain the ski pole. Fasteners within the channel secure the ski pole to the ski pole holder. The housing also includes a front sidewall and guides to help ensure that the tip of the ski pole is easily positioned within the channel. A lateral sidewall includes an open slot to provide for removal of snow that accumulates within the channel. The ski pole holder is attachable to the upper side of the ski footwear or is permanently integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Sami Kinetic Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Steve Landess
  • Patent number: 11761810
    Abstract: A fuel storage system has a tank access chamber with improved monitoring, servicing and maintenance capabilities. In particular, the chamber includes a sump monitored by a liquid sensor whose proper function can be automatically checked remotely, e.g., via an electronic controller or remote manual operation. In cases where such a check indicates a need for physical inspection of the sump sensor, the present system provides for sensor removal and installation by service personnel from a location outside the tank access chamber. Thus, the present system facilitates regular inspection and routine or unplanned maintenance without the need for a person to physically enter the tank access chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Lee B. Markham, John R. West, William S. Nelson, Paul Ridge
  • Patent number: 11549639
    Abstract: A magnetic roofing attachment assembly utilizes a magnetic connecting arrangement to support rooftop equipment without mechanically penetrating a waterproof membrane of the roof. First and second members on opposite sides of waterproof barrier are magnetically coupled (connected) through the barrier to secure an external support for rooftop equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Green Link Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Phillip C. Georgeau
  • Patent number: 11543243
    Abstract: A system for determining alignment of a signal includes a light assembly comprising a light source operated by an electronic circuit, a first position sensor configured to measure a geographical direction of the light assembly, a second position sensor configured to measure a tilt angle of the light assembly, and a light communication device configured to receive measurements of the first position sensor and the second position sensor, and wherein the light communication device is configured to evaluate the measurements and determine alignment of the light assembly based on predefined tolerance thresholds for the geographical direction and tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Panuski, Brian Joseph Hogan, Daniel Spencer
  • Patent number: 11546697
    Abstract: Provided is a balanced armature type speaker. The balanced armature type speaker includes a housing, a driving assembly and a diaphragm. The housing includes an upper inner cavity and a lower inner cavity, the lower inner cavity and the upper inner cavity are through from top to bottom, the driving assembly is located in the lower inner cavity, and the driving assembly includes a magnet, a coil, an armature and an ejector pin. The armature is inserted into the magnet and the coil sequentially, the ejector pin is fixedly connected to the armature and the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is located in the upper inner cavity. The housing is shaped to be wide at the upper part and narrow at the lower part, and in the horizontal direction, a width of the upper inner cavity is larger than a width of the lower inner cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: LANTO ELECTRONIC LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Zhang, Hongmei Ma
  • Patent number: 11521307
    Abstract: A method and system for propelling and controlling displacement of a microrobot in a space having a wall, includes the steps of: forming the microrobot with a body containing a magnetic field-of-force responsive material, wherein, in response to a magnetic field of force, a force is applied to the material in a direction of the magnetic field of force; positioning the microrobot in the space for displacement in that space; and generating the magnetic field of force with a predetermined gradient and applying the magnetic field of force to the microrobot propelling the microrobot through the space in a direction of a field of force. Then, a sequence of field generating steps are executed, wherein each step includes calculating the direction, amplitude and spatial variation of the net field of force to control displacement of the microrobot in the space and against the wall from one equilibrium point to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: ETH ZÜRICH
    Inventors: Christophe Chautems, Bradley James Nelson
  • Patent number: 11513556
    Abstract: An accessory device for a portable electronic device is described. The accessory device includes a front cover connected to a back cover. The front cover includes multiple segments rotatable with respect to each other. The segments include magnets that allow the segments, through magnetic coupling, to couple with another segment or with the portable electronic device. When the front cover engages the back cover, a user may remove, or pull away, a segment from the back cover, causing the remaining segments to sequentially fall away from the back cover. In some instances, when the front cover at least partially engages the back cover, one of the segments includes magnets designed to couple with magnets in the back cover, but not with magnets in another segment. The accessory device may further include an opening that receives a camera assembly of the portable electronic device and forms a mechanical interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Stryker, Caitlin M. Mclain, Travis C. Pedley, Nicholas A. Treadwell, Hao Zhu, Yang Zhou
  • Patent number: 11516329
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an auxiliary device that implements both free-stop hinge and click hinge and includes a seating member forming a seating area for a mobile terminal to implement a neat appearance and a hinge module rotatably connecting the cover member to the seating member, wherein the hinge module includes a holder, a rotation member including a first rotation member fixed to the seating member to form a first rotation axis between the holder and the seating member, and a second rotation member fixed to the cover member to form a second rotation axis between the holder and the cover member, the second rotation axis being parallel with the first rotation axis, and an elastic member configured to elastically press the rotation member to prevent a rotation due to a predetermined magnitude of force or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Gihwan Kim, Seoungho Baek, Bumseok Shon, Daeyoung Lee, Hyoyeol Lee
  • Patent number: 11249519
    Abstract: A computing device is movable into an airplane mode. A spine on a hinge connects a display to a keyboard. The back surface of the keyboard includes keyboard magnetic material and the spine include spine magnetic material. The spine magnetic material is magnetically attracted to the keyboard. In the airplane mode, the spine is magnetically connected to the keyboard such that the display is secured relative to the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine Margaret Bailey, Karsten Aagaard, Minh Cao Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11216142
    Abstract: An operation support device supports input operations on a coordinate input device configured to detect change in electrostatic capacitance. The operation support device includes a main shaft support member placed on the coordinate input device, an operation member, a support plate, a first rotating plate, and a first member. When, in conjunction with the operation member, a state in which the support plate and the first rotating plate make contact with each other changes to a state in which the support plate and the first rotating plate are separated from each other, difference between a distance from an end portion of the first member to the coordinate input device and a distance from a detection end portion of the second member to the coordinate input device decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11216031
    Abstract: An accessory device for a portable electronic device is described. The accessory device includes a front cover connected to a back cover. The front cover includes multiple segments rotatable with respect to each other. The segments include magnets that allow the segments, through magnetic coupling, to couple with another segment or with the portable electronic device. When the front cover engages the back cover, a user may remove, or pull away, a segment from the back cover, causing the remaining segments to sequentially fall away from the back cover. In some instances, when the front cover at least partially engages the back cover, one of the segments includes magnets designed to couple with magnets in the back cover, but not with magnets in another segment. The accessory device may further include an opening that receives a camera assembly of the portable electronic device and forms a mechanical interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Stryker, Caitlin M. Mclain, Travis C. Pedley, Nicholas A. Treadwell, Hao Zhu, Yang Zhou
  • Patent number: 11170924
    Abstract: A computing device having an interface surface and one or more attachment features oriented on the interface surface is described. A removable support device with an interface surface and one or more attachment features oriented on the interface surface is described. A support system with a computing device and a removable support device is described. A method of using a support system is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Stephan Alexander Cummings, Jan Raken, Srinivas Reddy Nagampet, Whitney David Seiberlich
  • Patent number: 11106250
    Abstract: Techniques for forming and adjusting a magnetic tension mechanism are described herein. A system includes a first magnetic element in a first component of a computing device. The system includes a second magnetic element in a second component of the computing device, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are to be held in tension by a magnetic force. The system also includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the force required to decouple the magnetic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kristin L. Weldon, Michael S. Brazel, Jered H. Wikander, Lily Kolle, Weibo Chen, Aleksander Magi, Konstantin I. Kouliachev, Ralph V. Miele, Richard P. Crawford
  • Patent number: 11062831
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to each other is disclosed. The electronic device is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The device comprises a magnetically attractable arrangement within or on the second portion and a magnetic arrangement comprising a magnet having a magnetic field and a magnetic shielding element disposed within or on the first portion. At least one of the magnet or the magnetic shielding element is configured to move translationally with respect to the other between a shielded position and an engaging position when the first portion is pivoted with respect to the second portion. In the shielded position, the magnetic shielding element at least partially reduces a portion of the magnetic field extending outside of the first portion. In the engaging position, the magnet engages the magnetically attractable arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Esa Määttä, Otto Huittinen, Juha Järvilinna, Ville Vehkaperä
  • Patent number: 11048304
    Abstract: Various embodiments relating to an electronic device comprising an accessory are described. An electronic device according to one embodiment comprises: a first electronic device forming a first curved surface on at least one side and including at least one first magnet on the first curved surface; a second electronic device forming a second curved surface on at least one side and including at least one second magnet on the second curved surface; and an accessory structure including third and fourth curved surfaces facing the first and second curved surfaces, and including at least one third and fourth magnets on the third and fourth curved surfaces, wherein the accessory structure may attach and detach the at least one first and second magnets and the at least one third and fourth magnets by magnetic force, may rotate the first and second curved surfaces along the third and fourth curved surfaces, and may be bent during rotation so as to mount the first electronic device at various angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam-Hyun Kang, Han Kim, Ik-Sang Kim, Seon-Keun Park, Ji-Su Hwang
  • Patent number: 10843146
    Abstract: A laboratory device, in particular for shaking and/or mixing substances, comprises a base unit, that comprises a drive apparatus, and a pivot unit, that is pivotably connected to the base unit by means of a bearing element about axes oriented perpendicular to a central axis of the base unit. The drive apparatus comprises an arrangement of magnetic elements at an inner side of a roll-off surface of the base unit and a control apparatus that is configured to control the arrangement of magnetic elements for generating a peripheral magnetic field along a closed path at an outer side of the roll-off surface to drive the roll-off section of the pivot unit by means of magnetic attraction and/or repulsion to make a rolling-off along said path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Hans Heidolph GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Seifferth
  • Patent number: 10340969
    Abstract: A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments. The cover includes a number of magnets formed into a number of magnetic arrangements that provide a number of useful features associated with the cover and the tablet device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel G. Smith, Taylor Harrison Gilbert
  • Patent number: 10236106
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lauder, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 10218831
    Abstract: A composite protective case for a mobile phone comprises a back panel, into which the phone snugly fits, and a trifold cover panel hingeably attached to the back panel. When folded backward over the rear wall of the back panel, the cover panel forms an arch with an elevated medial section that can support the phone on the shoulder of a user. Multiple attachment points for the cover panel on the rear wall of the back panel enable the arched elevation of the phone to be adjusted based on the user's physical size and proportions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Roger A. Caruba
  • Patent number: 10164468
    Abstract: A protective cover for a portable electronic device includes a protective shell for receiving and at least partially covering the portable electronic device. The protective cover includes a rechargeable power storage device and an electrical coil proximate a back surface of the shell. The protective cover also includes electrical circuitry configured to transfer first electrical power from the rechargeable power storage device to the installed portable electronic device. The electrical circuitry is also configured to transfer second electrical power from the rechargeable power storage device to the electrical coil. The electrical coil is configured to wirelessly transfer at least a portion of the second electrical power to a second portable electronic device. The protective cover may also include a visual indicator for indicating a status of the wireless transfer of the second electrical power to the second portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Fitzgerald, Carlton R. Lay
  • Patent number: 10068692
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to each other is disclosed. The electronic device is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The device comprises a magnetically attractable arrangement within or on the second portion and a magnetic arrangement comprising a magnet having a magnetic field and a magnetic shielding element disposed within or on the first portion. At least one of the magnet or the magnetic shielding element is configured to move translationally with respect to the other between a shielded position and an engaging position when the first portion is pivoted with respect to the second portion. In the shielded position, the magnetic shielding element at least partially reduces a portion of the magnetic field extending outside of the first portion. In the engaging position, the magnet engages the magnetically attractable arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Esa Määttä, Otto Huittinen, Juha Järvilinna, Ville Vehkaperä
  • Patent number: 10024689
    Abstract: This application relates to devices that utilize magnets and associated magnetic sensors. A magnetic sensor can be positioned and oriented with respect to a magnetic element such that the magnetic sensor is capable of detecting a horizontal magnetic field component in contrast to the conventional paradigm of detecting a vertical magnetic field component. This can be accomplished by orienting a magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic sensor about ninety degrees with respect to a magnetic vector of the magnetic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Hao Zhu, John C. DiFonzo, Guangtao Zhang, Rizal Johari, Samuel Gilkison Smith, Sean S. Corbin, Erik A. Uttermann
  • Patent number: 9808053
    Abstract: A magnetic clasp for jewelry has a first and a second coupling part each having a magnet and an abutment surface which are pulled against one another by a magnetic force of attraction when closed. The two coupling parts each have a fastening element for fastening jewelry and predefine a pulling direction when closed. The first coupling part defines a receptacle for the second coupling part to engage when the clasp is closed. The second coupling part has an undercut which forms an interlock acting against the pulling direction. The abutment surfaces are at an incline to the pulling direction and the first coupling part forms a sliding surface which, when the clasp is closed and pressure acts on the second coupling part oppositely to the pulling direction, allows a displacement of the second coupling part relative to the first coupling part, thus opening the clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Vilmas GmbH
    Inventor: Antonio Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 9773598
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lauder, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 9661202
    Abstract: A mobile terminal assembly is provided. The mobile terminal assembly includes: a terminal case; and a mobile terminal detachable from the terminal case, wherein the terminal case comprises: a case body; and a lens cover openably disposed in the case body, wherein the mobile terminal comprises: a display unit; a camera module including a camera lens disposed at a position corresponding to the lens cover; a lens cover sensing unit sensing whether the lens cover is opened or closed; and a control unit configured to execute a camera application on the basis of whether the lens cover is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jungin Oh, Sanghyun Eim, Daiki Min, Julie Park, Myungsoo Choi, Jisun Yang
  • Patent number: 9419669
    Abstract: An accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a lip that extends about an opening of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the lip is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein. The rear cover can include a shell formed from glass fiber reinforced plastics and a lip formed from a thermoplastic. The front flap may include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap hingedly couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations. Methods of manufacturing the accessory unit are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Gilkison Smith, Santhana Krishnan Balaji, Jared A. Sartee, Amy Qian, Pinida J. Moolsintong
  • Patent number: 9377807
    Abstract: An apparatus has a first housing and a second housing. By one approach at least the second housing has at least one exterior edge configured as a pivot surface. The first housing includes at least a first magnet and the second housing includes at least a second magnet that is disposed proximal to the aforementioned pivot surface. So configured, the first and second magnet interact with one another and thereby serve as a magnetic connector such that the first housing pivots with respect to the second housing about the pivot surface. By one approach, the first and second housing do not pivotally connect to one another via a mechanical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Jason Tyler Griffin
  • Patent number: 9326404
    Abstract: A cover for an electronic device includes back cover, such as a tray, to receive the electronic device. The cover may also include a foldable flap that is foldable into a stand to support an electronic device held by the cover at one or more viewing angles oblique to a surface on which the cover is placed. The back cover and/or the foldable flap may include one or more activation mechanisms that, when moved relative to the electronic device, activate one or more functions of the electronic device (e.g., camera functions, display of information, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
  • Patent number: 9312709
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a main body having an opening and a movable member configured to hold a plug capable of transmitting an electrical current to an external device. At least one of the movable member and the plug include a magnet. The movable member and the plug are arranged such that at least one connector of the plug extends beyond a plane parallel to the opening when the movable member is in a first state, the first state corresponding to a magnetic force between a ferromagnetic material and the magnet above a predetermined magnitude. The movable member transitions from the first state to a second state when the magnetic force is below the predetermined magnitude. When the movable member is in the second state, the at least one connector of the plug remains below the plane parallel to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Takahashi, Taro Takamoto, Koichi Izawa, Shintaro Nonaka, Tamio Nishino
  • Patent number: 9307129
    Abstract: A mobile terminal assembly is provided. The mobile terminal assembly includes: a terminal case; and a mobile terminal detachable from the terminal case, wherein the terminal case comprises: a case body; and a lens cover openably disposed in the case body, wherein the mobile terminal comprises: a display unit; a camera module including a camera lens disposed at a position corresponding to the lens cover; a lens cover sensing unit sensing whether the lens cover is opened or closed; and a control unit configured to execute a camera application on the basis of whether the lens cover is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jungin Oh, Sanghyun Eim, Daiki Min, Julie Park, Myungsoo Choi, Jisun Yang
  • Patent number: 9298216
    Abstract: A cover for an electronic device includes back cover, such as a tray, to receive the electronic device. The cover may also include a foldable flap that is foldable into a stand to support an electronic device held by the cover at one or more viewing angles oblique to a surface on which the cover is placed. The back cover and/or the foldable flap may include one or more activation mechanisms that, when moved relative to the electronic device, activate one or more functions of the electronic device (e.g., camera functions, display of information, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
  • Patent number: 9235230
    Abstract: A mobile device accessory can function as a cord organizer, a case for accessories and a stand for the device. The accessory is sized to conform to the size and perimeter of the mobile device. The accessory has a case frame and a foldable flat panel that can form a triangular tube having a triangular profile. The panel includes outer layers of material and a central layer of panel members that is constructed with magnets along the perimeter. The outer material is a natural, synthetic or composite elastomeric polymer and can be provided with a textured finish. In other embodiments, the tube describes a square or other polygonal shape in profile. The triangular tube can be used to store and/or organize mobile device cords. The triangular tube can become a support prop to hold the mobile device upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Derek Tarnow, Zahra Tashakorinia
  • Patent number: 9224562
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay, in particular a motor vehicle relay, contains a magnet yoke, a relay coil, a hinged armature which is pivotable about an axis of rotation and on which a moving contact, as working or switchover contact, is retained relative to at least one fixed contact. A piezo actuator is provided, which keeps the working or switchover contact closed when the relay coil is de-energized as a result of the actuation of the piezo actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignees: ELLENBERGER & POENSGEN GMBH, CERAM TEC GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Naumann, Reiner Bindig, Alfons Kelnberger, Hans-Juergen Schreiner, Peter Stingl, Peter Meckler, Markus Birner
  • Patent number: 9197794
    Abstract: An electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device with a flat-type device body having a front surface provided with an imaging section, which includes a first flat section which is located on a back surface side of the device body, a second flat section which openably and closably covers the front surface of the device body, a coupling section which couples the first flat section and the second flat section together such that the first flat section and the second flat section are foldable, and a pause section which pauses a closing movement of the second flat section when the second flat section is tilted to a predetermined angle with respect to the first flat section so as to cover the front surface of the device body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ohtaka, Hiromasu Meguro
  • Publication number: 20150114749
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a retainer assembly for a power steering assist system is provided. The retainer assembly includes a retainer having an inner wall defining an opening, at least one permanent magnet coupled to the retainer, and at least one spiral channel formed in the inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Jason A. Dutsky, Sheri L. Bachynski, John W. Kalmar
  • Patent number: 9000871
    Abstract: A case for a tablet-type electronic device, in particular a tablet computer, comprises a casing shaped so as to at least partially cover a rear surface of the device and equipped with fastener members for fastening it to the device; the casing is equipped with a magnetic coupler element, acting from a rear surface of the casing and able to cooperate with a corresponding fastener element carried by a protective cover for the screen of the device, so as to magnetically fasten the cover to the casing on the rear of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Tucano S.r.l.
    Inventor: Fabio Cencioni
  • Publication number: 20150070115
    Abstract: A retention mechanism according to an embodiment includes a fixed part including a magnet, and a movable part opposed to the fixed part. A plurality of rolling elements are provided between the fixed part and the movable part, and the movable part is movable in a plane direction. A magnetic material which forms, in combination with the magnet, a magnetic spring is provided on the movable part. The magnetic spring generates a magnetic attraction force which attracts the movable part to the fixed part. The magnetic material is extended along a direction in which magnetic poles of the magnet are arrayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Takashi OKAMURA, Shuichi YOSHIDA, Naoyuki SHIBATA
  • Patent number: 8975991
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lauder, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8968185
    Abstract: A magnetically guiding system includes: a capsule medical device that has a magnet provided therein; an information acquiring unit that acquires physical information about magnetic guiding of the capsule medical device; a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field for magnetically guiding the capsule medical device; and a control unit that sets a magnetic field condition based on the physical information acquired by the information acquiring unit and controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field corresponding to the magnetic field condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hidetake Segawa, Atsushi Chiba, Atsushi Kimura
  • Publication number: 20150048912
    Abstract: Use energy resource from gravity (magnetic force) of permanent magnet and apply the principle of “Magnetic field, magnetic force of permanent magnet was holding (stopped), can not get out of the closed environment of a metal with very high magnetic permeability”, along with applying laws of physics and the physical-chemical properties different types of material in nature. Eternal Engine invented in the form of a cylinder system, operated by the innovative method that closed-open automatically the fixed magnetic force of permanent magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Anh Tai Do
  • Patent number: 8953310
    Abstract: A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments where the first segment includes a first plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and where a second segment includes a second plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a second edge of the flap opposite the first edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventors: Samuel G. Smith, Jared A. Sartee, Florence W. Ow, Andrew D. Lauder, Jeremy C. Franklin
  • Patent number: 8951364
    Abstract: The invention relates to an Fe—Co alloy, the composition of which comprises in % by weight: 6?Co+Ni?22 Si?0.2 0.5?Cr?8 Ni?4 0.10?Mn?0.90 Al?4 Ti?1 C?1 Mo?3 V+W?3 Nb+Ta?1 Si+Al?6 O+N+S+P+B?0.1 the balance of the composition consisting of iron and inevitable impurities due to the smelting, it being furthermore understood that the contents thereof satisfy the following relationships: Co+Si?Cr?27 Si+Al+Cr+V+Mo+Ti?3.5 1.23(Al+Mo)+0.84(Si+Cr+V)?1.3 14.5(Al+Cr)+12(V+Mo)+25 Si?50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Aperam Alloys Imphy
    Inventors: Thierry Waeckerle, Herve Fraisse
  • Publication number: 20150034842
    Abstract: A driving apparatus includes an electromagnetic actuator configured to generate a motive power by an electromagnetic force; a movable portion configured to be movable by the electromagnetic actuator; a magnetic shield unit that surrounds the electromagnetic actuator, wherein the magnetic shield unit includes a first magnetic shield having an opening and a second magnetic shield having an opening arranged in this order from a side closer to electromagnetic actuator. The opening opposes the second magnetic shield at least part of an area of the opening, and the movable portion is bent so as to penetrate through the openings of the first and the second magnetic shields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Shinji Uchida
  • Publication number: 20150033546
    Abstract: A driving apparatus includes an electromagnetic actuator configured to generate a motive power by an electromagnetic force; movable portions configured to be moved by the electromagnetic actuator, and a magnetic shield unit including a first magnetic shield and a second magnetic shield that surround the electromagnetic actuator in this order, and from a side closer to a magnetic field generating portion of the electromagnetic actuator. An opening through which a demagnetizing coil penetrates provided on at least one of the magnetic shields is opposite to the first magnetic shield or the second magnetic shield in a part of the area of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Shinji Uchida
  • Patent number: 8946936
    Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling device electromagnetically connects a door handle side circuit of a door handle with a door main body side circuit of a door main body. This electromagnetic coupling device includes a door handle side coupling unit, a door main body side coupling unit, a door handle side coupling unit, a handle side support unit that supports the door handle, and a connector body that supports the door main body side coupling unit in a vehicle door main body. The door handle side coupling unit is electromagnetically coupled with the door main body side coupling unit without making contact therewith. At least one of the handle side support unit and the connector body restricts the relative movement, caused by rotation of the door handle, of the door handle side coupling unit and the door main body side coupling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Okada, Kiyokazu Ieda, Yuichi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20150029609
    Abstract: A spin valve element according to an embodiment includes: a nonmagnetic base layer; a first terminal including a first magnetic layer connecting to a portion near one of opposing end faces of the nonmagnetic base layer; a second terminal including a second magnetic layer disposed and connecting to the nonmagnetic base layer so as to be at a distance from the first terminal; a third terminal including a third magnetic layer disposed and connecting to the nonmagnetic base layer so as to be at distances from the first and second terminals, the second terminal and the third terminal connecting to a current source that passes a sense current, and the first terminal and one of the second terminal and the third terminal connecting to a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Yuuzo KAMIGUCHI, Satoshi SHIROTORI, Shinobu SUGIMURA, Masayuki TAKAGISHI, Hitoshi IWASAKI
  • Patent number: 8933770
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a frame and a magnet. The frame includes a main frame body, a stopping piece, a blocking piece, and a hook. The stopping piece and the blocking piece protrude from the main frame body. The hook is located on the blocking piece facing the main frame body. The main frame body, the stopping piece, and the blocking piece cooperatively define a receiving space. The magnet is engaged in the receiving space, and the hook is engaged with the magnet for preventing the magnet from disengaging from the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: ScienBiziP Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Kuang Liang, Chun Tang