Handheld Computer; E.g., Personal Digital Assistant (pda) Patents (Class 361/679.3)
  • Patent number: 7876550
    Abstract: A cover for an electronic device made of a transparent material and having a form factor that protects function buttons of the device from inadvertent actuation. The cover has an opening of a size, shape and location to afford access to an interface device for multi-way navigation with the cover in place. Protrusions in tabs at the sides of the cover snap into cutouts located midway along the side of the electronic device and may be used to hold the cover in place. The cover may be stored on the back of the device while the device is in use. The transparent nature of the cover affords viewing of a display screen with the cover in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Albertini, Frank Annerino, Ben Dettmann, Troy Hulick, William Webb
  • Patent number: 7869204
    Abstract: A computer with a fully integrated virtual keyboard projector and a display projector. The computer includes a base having a CPU, a video card and memory, a screen pivotally mounted to one side of the base, and a display projector mounted to an opposite side of the base and angled to project a computer generated image onto the screen. Further, the computer includes a keyboard projector mounted to the opposite side of the base to project a keyboard onto a surface adjacent to the opposite side of the base. Further, the computer includes another display projector mounted to the opposite side of the base and digitally synchronized with the first display projector for projecting a superimposed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Courtney S. Bair, Eric R. Kern
  • Publication number: 20100328869
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes a frame, a display and at least one spacing element. The display includes a panel, wherein the panel is disposed in the frame. The spacing element is adhered to the frame, and disposed between the frame and the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: TPO DISPLAYS CORP.
    Inventors: Adjo Poorter, Jan Mathijs Meijers
  • Patent number: 7859830
    Abstract: The present invention relates to making data entry on a handheld device quicker and easier, while still being able to interact with the software/firmware in a familiar way. In particular, we disclose a device and method for text entry that uses a combination of keys on the front and back of a device held in two hands. Keys on the back are utilized in a manner that takes advantage of the muscle memory associated with QWERTY keyboards. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: John J. Morrison
  • Patent number: 7855878
    Abstract: A mobile phone or other electronic device is provided with side keys inside the goalpost compartment at a location offset from the axis of rotation to optimize the use of internal limited space inside the goalpost. In the preferred form, side keys comprise keycaps positioned in the goalpost area, while the switches are located inside the hardware compartment and engaged by the keycaps via a pin providing a cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Rachid Alameh, Thomas Gitzinger
  • Patent number: 7853745
    Abstract: An electronic system is provided including providing a receptacle, inserting a removable computing device into the receptacle, adjusting based on the removable computing device, and operating a feature based on the removable computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yosuke Muraki
  • Patent number: 7846027
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device, the device comprising a housing and a retractable handle, the device being arranged to allow the handle to be retracted into the housing along a sliding axis to provide a retracted handle position and extended out of the housing along the sliding axis to provide an extended handle position, and wherein the handle is arranged to be formable to be held by a user in the extended position such that the holding axis of the handle in the extended position is offset from the sliding axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Axel E. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7848093
    Abstract: Portable devices configured to be worn as a belt buckle are disclosed herein. The portable device includes a housing, a first connector attached to the housing and adapted to slideably receive a belt, and a second connector attached to the housing and adapted to secure the housing to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Winston B. Hardson, Mark Bush
  • Patent number: 7839627
    Abstract: Provided is a portable electronic apparatus. The portable electronic apparatus includes a casing, an operation portion, and a finger placement portion. The casing includes a front surface and a back surface. The operation portion is disposed at a first position on the front surface and is operated with a first finger of a user for an input. The finger placement portion is disposed at a second position on the back surface. The second position corresponds to the first position. The finger placement portion guides a second finger of the user to be capable of being placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Tanaka, Yoshihito Ichiyama, Yasuo Fukui
  • Patent number: 7832056
    Abstract: An opening-closing device includes a fixed gear of a fixed body, a conversion gear engaged with the fixed gear, a movable gear of a movable body, and a relay gear engaged with the conversion gear and with the movable gear, all of which are attached to a locking plate. The movable body can be held at a predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body by making an engaging portion in the locking plate is contacted with a locking portion in the fixed body and by making the conversion gear move to another position when the movable body is opened at the predetermined angle with respect to the fixed body. Moving the conversion gear to another position makes it possible to perform opening and closing operations in a greater angle. Thus, the opening-closing device can have a simple structure and perform a variety of opening and closing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kuwajima, Yasuchika Kudo
  • Patent number: 7827341
    Abstract: A navigation system is disclosed for providing navigational directions. It has a navigation device with a body provided with a receiving part. The receiving part has an inner surface provided with a connecting element of a first connection type. The navigation system further includes a docking system arranged to accommodate the navigation device. The docking system has an extending part provided with a connecting element of a second connection type. The connecting element of the second connection type is arranged for connection to the connecting element of the first connection type. The extending part further includes an outer surface with a shape similar to the inner surface of the receiving part of the navigation device. In at least one embodiment, the receiving part is slideable along a trajectory over the outer surface, the trajectory being determined by the shape of both the inner surface of the receiving part of the navigation device and the outer surface of the extending part of the docking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: TomTom International B.V.
    Inventors: Martin Riddiford, Andrew Jackson
  • Publication number: 20100271769
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a display panel connected to a body and able to occupy a first and second position with respect to the body, and an input panel connected to the body and able to occupy a first and second position with respect to the body. When the display panel and the input panel both occupy their respective first position, the input panel hides part of the display panel. When the display panel occupies its first position and the input panel occupies its second position, the display panel hides at least part of the input panel. When the display panel occupies its second position, the input panel is movable from its first position to its second position and/or movable from its second position to its first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Rajeev REMA SHANMUGAM, Mohanraj MANOHARAN
  • Patent number: 7814619
    Abstract: An opening and closing device which includes a roughly cylindrical stator, a concavo-convex stator cam provided at an end of the stator, a ring-like rotor rotatably disposed relative to the stator, a rotor cam opposedly protruding from an inner periphery or outer periphery of the rotor, and a spring pushing the rotor against the stator. The rotor cam slides on the concavo-convex stator cam during the opening and closing operations. In this structure, the opening and closing device is openable roughly up to 180°, and a force in the opening direction is applied to a movable housing even when the movable housing is opened not less than 165°. Accordingly, this opening and closing device eliminates wobbling in the opening and closing direction, and ensures reliable opening and closing operations and retention at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kuwajima, Yasuchika Kudo
  • Patent number: 7813123
    Abstract: An opening and closing device in which a movable gear is movably disposed on a fixed plate, and a fixed gear engaged with the movable gear is secured to a right end of a spring member applying a force to a movable plate in a moving direction. This right end of the spring member is installed in an L-shaped guide hole and a left end of the spring member is attached to the movable plate. With this structure, the opening and closing device offers combined operations in an up-and-down direction and a right-and-left direction orthogonal to the up-and-down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kuwajima, Yasuchika Kudo
  • Publication number: 20100246113
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device 60 comprising a flexible display arranged to be alternated between a collapsed state and an extended state, said flexible display comprising edge portions, the flexible display being further provided with an edge protector cooperating with the edge portions, wherein the edge protector is conceived to be alternated between a collapsed state and an extended state. In the electronic device 60a the flexible display 65 is conceived to be wound about a roller 61. The edge protector comprises rigid segments 63a, 63b, 63c, 62a, 62b, 62c, 62c interconnected by suitable means 64a, 64b, 64c. Wiring, pins, bars may be used for interconnecting means 64a, 64b, 64c. In the embodiment 60a an extended position of the edge protector is shown. In the embodiment 60b a collapsed state of the edge protector is shown comprising aggregations of segments 62?, 62?. The bars 64a, 64b, 64c partly protect the back surface of the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Polymer Vision Limited
    Inventors: Hendrik Dirk Visser, Johannes Cornelis Adriaan Hamers, Michael Johannes Anna Maria Walters, David Johannes Elisabeth Bemelmans
  • Patent number: 7778023
    Abstract: Sleeves for different portable electronic devices (portable media players, wireless telephones, handheld computers, etc.) adapt the outer contours of the devices such that all can fit within the pocket of a standard device dock. Each sleeve situates its portable electronic device within the pocket of the dock such that at least one of its power/communications ports is situated at a standard location. The device dock then also accommodates a connector which fits within the dock pocket, and which has power/communications ports situated at the standard location, such that when the sleeved device is inserted into the pocket, its power/communications ports interface with the power/communications ports of the connector. The connector can incorporate data storage devices, power supplies, interface cables extending to other devices (such as personal computers, stereo systems, etc.) such that it lends the functionality of these devices to the sleeved device situated within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Victor Mohoney
  • Patent number: 7755885
    Abstract: A housing (100) of portable electronic devices includes a main body (10) and a decorative layer (16). The main body defines a through groove (12) therein and a recessed portion (14) sunken from an outer surface thereof. The groove is formed adjacent to the recessed portion. The decorative layer is formed on the outer surface of the main body and extending in the groove and the recessed portion. A method for manufacturing the housing is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Nan-Tsung Huang
  • Publication number: 20100165229
    Abstract: A fastening structure of a display panel includes a base plate, first sidewalls, a frame connected to the base plate and surrounded by the first sidewalls, and stiffeners. The first sidewalls are connected together and connected to the base plate. The frame accommodates the display panel. The stiffeners having a trapezoid-shaped structure or a triangle-shaped structure connect the base plate to the frame. The stiffeners are located between the frame and the first sidewalls. A gap respectively exists between the stiffeners and the first sidewalls. Therefore, the stiffeners enhance the strength between the base plate and the frame accommodating the display panel. Due to the gap respectively existing between the stiffeners and the first sidewalls, when the fastening structure is impacted, a force transmitted to the frame is reduced by the gap to effectively protect the display panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventors: Ding Lu, Shen Zhang, Martin Hsu
  • Patent number: 7742290
    Abstract: A portable computer, such as a tablet personal computer, is provided having a display screen, a transparent input panel, and a hinge. The hinge can secure the input panel over the display screen when in a closed position, or secure the input panel away from the display screen when in an opened position. At least one of the opposed first and second planar surfaces of the input panel are contact-sensitive. At least one of the first and second surfaces can also include a resistive film or a capacitive film. Transceivers can be mounted on the computer near the lateral extents of the input panel for measuring acoustic, magnetic, electromagnetic, or optical signals transmitted across a surface of the input panel to detect where an object is placed upon or near the input panel. The input panel can also accommodate a template containing a QWERTY keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Motion Computing, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Giray Kaya
  • Patent number: 7697275
    Abstract: The display screen unit of a cell phone or PDA is carried in a mounting frame, which is bolted into the casing. The screen unit is sandwiched between cushioning layers of foam. The screen unit can move laterally, relative to the mounting frame, putting the foam in shear, in response to an edge or corner impact. Springy tabs are bent up from the metal backing plate of the screen unit, and these springy tabs serve to cushion the impact of the screen unit against the mounting frame, in response to the edge or corner impact, leading to a marked improvement in drop test performance. As a production-line benefit, the springy tabs also permit the screen unit to rest on the lip of the mounting frame, enabling the screen unit to be accurately positioned in the mounting frame just before the screen unit is finally pressed down into contact with the securing adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Robert William Phillips, Timothy Herbert Kyowski
  • Publication number: 20100085697
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional (3D) multi-foldable device. The three-dimensional (3D) multi-foldable device includes at least four units, each unit including a center panel with two parallel edges and a pair of wing panels, the wing panels being rotatable by 180 degrees about the two parallel edges of their respective center panels, the parallel edges acting as rotation axes for the pair of wing panels. The rotation axes of the first and second units are perpendicular to the rotation axes of the third and fourth units. At least some portions of the pair of third wing panels are combined with the first and second wing panels at one side of the pairs of the first and second wing panels. At least some portions of the pair of the fourth wing panels are combined with the first and second wing panels at the other side of the pairs of the first and second wing panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Jongjin Park, Jeeyoon Lee, Jongmin Kim
  • Patent number: 7688574
    Abstract: A cold worked stainless steel bezel for a portable electronic device is provided. The bezel is secured flush to a housing to form part of the case of the portable electronic device. A brace that includes a slot for receiving a wall extending from the bezel is fixed to the housing. When the bezel engages the housing, the wall of the bezel is inserted in the slot of the brace and releasably held by a spring that engages both the brace and the wall. The bezel can be released by disengaging the spring, (e.g., using a special tool or a magnetic field). Because the bezel is manufactured from cold worked stainless steel, it is hard and resistant to impacts. Cold worked steel also facilitates manufacturing within design constraints and tolerances, and requires very little machining after manufacturing to comply with those constraints. The portable electronic device may include a personal media device, a mobile telephone, or any other suitable device or combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Zadesky, Philip M. Hobson, Tang Yew Tan
  • Patent number: 7684176
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a housing with a top surface and a rear surface, a CPU (central processing unit) provided in the housing, a keyboard placed on the top surface of the housing and including a plurality of keys which input key data to the CPU, a display unit attached to the housing rotatably between a closed position in which the display unit covers the keyboard and an open position in which the keyboard is exposed, and at least one switch provided on the rear surface of the housing and configured to input key data to the CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hajime Shimamoto, Satoshi Araki
  • Publication number: 20100067181
    Abstract: A computer with a fully integrated virtual keyboard projector and a display projector. The computer includes a base having a CPU, a video card and memory, a screen pivotally mounted to one side of the base, and a display projector mounted to an opposite side of the base and angled to project a computer generated image onto the screen. Further, the computer includes a keyboard projector mounted to the opposite side of the base to project a keyboard onto a surface adjacent to the opposite side of the base. Further, the computer includes another display projector mounted to the opposite side of the base and digitally synchronized with the first display projector for projecting a superimposed image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Courtney S. Bair, Eric R. Kern
  • Publication number: 20100053866
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display, a main body, a rotating member, and a hinge. The display is slidably mounted to the rotating member. The hinge is mounted between the rotating member and the main body to pivotably mount the rotating member to the main body. The hinge includes a shaft, a first interfering member and a second interfering member retained around the shaft. The first interfering member is fixed on the rotating member, and the second interfering member is fixed on the main body. The first interfering member includes a first side facing the second interfering member. The first side forms a positioning tab. The second interfering member includes a second side facing the first interfering member. The second side defines a recess, configured to allow the positioning tab to be positioned therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: WEN-BIN SHEN
  • Patent number: 7667962
    Abstract: A portable device (e.g., a wireless device such as a cell phone) is provided with a flexible keyboard and a flexible display screen. Such flexible components may be stored in the housing of the portable device when not in use. The flexible display screen and flexible keyboard may be expanded from the housing when the flexible components are utilized by a user. Non-flexible display and input components may be provided on the exterior of the portable device such that the device may be used, in some form, while the flexible components are stored. In one embodiment, a portion of the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) may be utilized when the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) is stored in said first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Mullen
  • Patent number: 7663878
    Abstract: A peripherals device for coupling with a handheld communication device includes an interface to the handheld communication device and a processor for performing functions complementary to the communications device. According to another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a conformal cavity for receiving a handheld communications device in a secure fashion. According to yet another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a data collection device for collecting data and using the interface for sending the collected data to a remote processor for further processing. The data collection device can include an image reader, a barcode reader, a signature capture device, an optical character recognition. In yet another embodiment, there is a power subsystem that powers the peripherals device and the handheld communications device. The power system has a low power state to conserve energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Harris Kent Swan, Kirk Little
  • Patent number: 7663879
    Abstract: There is provided by this invention a protective enclosure for a personal electronic device that is generally comprised of a shell that is capable of enclosing and substantially surrounding the electronic device disposed to make the shell substantially watertight, substantially rigid and substantially crush-resistant. The enclosure has a transparent flexible protective membrane that is integrally fixed on the shell so that the flexible protective membrane is positioned over the touch screen of the electronic device when the electronic device is enclosed in the shell. The flexible protective membrane having a back side that has a substantially planar smooth surface that is adjacent to the touch screen of the electronic device wherein tactile inputs on a front side of the flexible protective membrane are communicated to the touch screen through the transparent flexible protective membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Douglas Kempel
  • Patent number: 7663069
    Abstract: A switch structure of an automatic external defibrillator including a housing member and a flap member for covering the housing member, open and closed states of the flap member and ON and OFF of a switch of the automatic external defibrillator which are associated with each other, the switch structure includes a movable unit for turning ON the switch when the flap member is in the open state and turning OFF the switch when the flap member is in the closed state and an operator performs further operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ishino, Kazunori Yoshifuku
  • Publication number: 20100014232
    Abstract: A housing case for a small electric device and communication device includes a flat plate having a dimension substantially the same as that of the front portion of the housing case and comprising at least a glass plate, and a resin frame integrated with the flat plate to support the backside periphery of the flat plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: NISSHA PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20100008031
    Abstract: A mobile device comprising a touch screen and a method for activation thereof using one hand. The device is provided with physical controls or virtual such as touch-screen controls arranged in areas reachable when using one hand, preferably for right-handed persons the right hand side of the device and the vertically middle area of the device. The user interface of various options and applications is arranged so that the relevant operations are performed via controls located in these areas. The controls may change dynamically according to the application or operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Emblaze Mobile Ltd
    Inventors: Eli REIFMAN, Itai VONSHAK, Alex RAPOPORT
  • Patent number: 7639478
    Abstract: A media playing device is provided. In an exemplary form, the media playing device includes a housing having a cylindrical end with an opening. The media playing device also includes a hollow turning knob. The knob has two protrusions on its inside surface. The media playing device additionally includes a PCB disposed inside the housing with a micro controller unit (MCU) and a pair of switches. The medial playing device further includes an attachment means for attaching the knob to the cylindrical end of the housing and allowing the knob to rotate with respect to the cylindrical end. When the knob is rotated in clockwise direction or counterclockwise direction, one of the two protrusions moves within the opening and can be moved to a position to contact one of the two switches to activate the switch. The activated switch sends a signal to the MCU and the MCU execute an operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd,.
    Inventors: Zhi-Liang Wu, Kun-Chih Hsieh, Wen-Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 7633747
    Abstract: A portable multimedia device and a method of operating the same enables operation of a display device by direct manipulation of a bracket housing a display window of a portable communication device such as an MP3 player, a portable multimedia player, or a digital camera. The portable multimedia device includes: a display bracket housing the display window; a PCB bracket installed at a rear surface of the display bracket and is movable within a limited range in a thickness direction; a PCB fixed in the PCB bracket between the display bracket and the PCB bracket; and a plurality of tact switches installed around a periphery of the PCB capable of contacting the rear surface of the display bracket. Each of the tact switches controls one or more function of the portable multimedia device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Reigncom Ltd.
    Inventors: Duk-Joon Yang, Dong-Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7626807
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a housing, a bezel, and a rib structure. The housing has a first side. The bezel is connected to the housing for covering the flat structure with the housing. The bezel has a second side and a third side. The rib structure is disposed outside the flat structure and is located between the first side of the housing and the second side of the bezel for keeping a gap between the second side of the bezel and the flat structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Askey Computer Corp.
    Inventor: Ying-Chun Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090268387
    Abstract: A display for a handheld computing device includes a display panel, a display circuit board carrying display electronics for the display panel, and a light guide coupled to the display panel and the display circuit board. The light guide includes at least one snap clip for securing the display to a circuit board of the handheld computing device. The least one snap clip is configured to allow the display to move relative to the computing device when the display panel is mounted to the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Felipe Oliverira Simoes, John Holmes
  • Publication number: 20090244823
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a heart shaped structure with altering appearance comprising: a right base with an accommodating cavity; a left base flippable and pivot-jointed to the accommodating cavity of right base; a right upper cover pivot-jointed to the side of right base, with a fingerprint recognition device and a locking mechanism; and a left upper cover flippable and pivot-jointed to the side of left base. The interior of the right base selectively includes a processing unit, a decoder, a digital to analog converter (DAC), a rechargeable battery, a storage unit, and a display monitor located within the cavity. In addition, an internal speaker, an audio output port, a data transmission port, a recharge port, a power switch and a control panel is selectively located on the outer casing of the right base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Wei Hsu
  • Patent number: 7583987
    Abstract: A portable terminal including a first body having an exit portion at one side thereof and an accommodating part in an inside thereof, and a second body having a display mounted thereon being accommodated in the accommodating part and drawn out of the first body through the exit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hyo-Sung Park
  • Patent number: 7583496
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a guiding assembly, a first elastic element and a connecting part. The first body has a track portion and a protrudent block, and the second body has a fastening part. The guiding assembly has a sliding rod and a guiding part. The two ends of the sliding rod are fixed at the first body, and the sliding rod passes through the guiding part. The first elastic element connects to the first body and the second body. The connecting part is fixed at the second body. The sliding portion is slidingly disposed at the track portion, and the pivot passes through the guiding part. As a result, not only the first body slide relatively to the second body, but also an angle is formed between the first body and the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Chung Lai
  • Patent number: 7570483
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable display device having at lease two display elements, at least two foldable panel housings for receiving and supporting the display elements circuit boards and other parts, respectively, and optical elements provided on the top surface of the one of the sidewalls of the panel housings and mounted in a joint portion of the display elements, wherein one of the sidewalls of the panel housings are cut to form openings or a connecting joint portion, and the sidewalls of the optical elements is adjacently disposed each other when the panel housings are unfolded. The portable display device allows a single large sized screen, and whereby a joint portion between the two display panels as non-display area may be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Si-Han Kim
  • Patent number: 7558054
    Abstract: A display window assembly is mounted in the opening of a bezel of a housing, and a force is exerted against the assembly by a suitable resilient element urging it outward through the opening. The assembly may be mounted on a support or frame, from which depends one or more tabs extending inwardly of the housing. At least one of the tabs is fastened with a fastener that extends from the exterior of the housing, through a portion other than the bezel and through a surface not generally facing the user when the user is viewing the display. The advancement/withdrawal direction of the fastener is not substantially normal to the display window. However, advancement/withdrawal of the fastener causes movement of the tab, and therefore of the assembly, in an adjustment direction substantially normal to the display window to adjust the position of the display window relative to the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Prest, Kyle Yeates, Michelle Yu
  • Patent number: 7558057
    Abstract: A personal digital device comprises a variable stiffness screen capable of varying its display size by managing its stiffness, and a body carrying means for wireless communication and for storing and processing information. The functional flexibility of the screen allows for creating an adjustable visual interface between the user and the device: with the screen inside the device for compact storage, and with the screen extended to display high-quality graphics and images. In some particular embodiments the device incorporates a detachable audio unit allowing configuration of the user audio interface depending on the specifics of usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: Alex Naksen, Dennis Naksen
  • Publication number: 20090154082
    Abstract: There is provided an electronic device comprising: a body, a slidable element connected to the body, a display connected to the body for displaying application views, and a processing unit for controlling functions of the electronic device, wherein the slidable element is slidable between a closed position and an open position relative to the body. The processing unit is configured to detect an occurrence of one or more intermediate positions of the slidable element relative to the body, the intermediate positions being associated with one or more application views and residing between the closed position and the open position; and to control which predetermined application view is displayed on the display on the basis of the detected occurrence of one or more intermediate positions of the slidable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Mikko Nurmi, Sanna Koskinen, Katja Konkka, Sanna Lindroos, Rutta Jokela, Paivi Heikkila
  • Patent number: 7529081
    Abstract: An electronic device (100), suitable for operation in a compact configuration, a portrait configuration, and a landscape configuration includes a first housing (102) and a second housing (104) coupled to the first housing. A data coupler (502) electronically couples the first housing with the second housing, and a bar linkage slides the first housing and the second housing in a non-linear motion with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Harmon, Roger W. Ady
  • Patent number: RE41637
    Abstract: A handheld computer system includes a housing, a processor coupled to the housing, a stylus coupled to the housing, and a light source coupled to the housing. The light source lights up the stylus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean O'Hara, Brian Torrey, Patricia E. Torrey