Expansion/docking Station Patents (Class 361/679.41)
  • Patent number: 9618986
    Abstract: A system for supplying cooling airflow across a plurality of wireless charging coils. More specifically in certain embodiments, the system includes a charging system which includes a partitioned airflow system for cooling a plurality of information handling systems. In certain embodiments the information handling systems comprise wireless powered information handling systems. In certain embodiments, the charging system includes a charging system housing as well as a plurality of charging transmit coils. The charging transmit coils interact with respective charging receive coils which are associated with respective information handling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Travis C. North, Andrew T. Sultenfuss, Christopher M. Helberg, Austin M. Shelnutt
  • Patent number: 9606581
    Abstract: A docking station for mobile electronic devices with an automated cleaning feature is provided. The docking station includes a receiver for receiving an electronic device, a base, a piston, a nozzle, and electrical contacts for connecting to the electronic device. The piston has a plunger and an air chamber. The receiver is mounted to the plunger, such that pushing the receiver in a downward direction forces the plunger to compress air in the air chamber. The nozzle is mounted on the air chamber. Air passes through the nozzle when the air in air chamber is compressed. The electrical contacts are positioned directly under the receiver. The nozzle is directed towards the electrical contacts, whereby air is directed over the electrical contacts when the receiver is pushed in a downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Howe, John Starr, Paul R. Morris, Paul W. Hulett
  • Patent number: 9600034
    Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a base may include a frame, a keyboard enclosed by the frame, and a mount hingedly attached to the frame. The keyboard may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a computing device. The mount may include at least one magnet configured to retain the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Kiple, Ji Heun Lee, George Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9600435
    Abstract: New techniques for establishing communications connections for computer peripheral devices are provided. In some aspects, new forms of audio-jack-connecting peripheral devices are disclosed, which permit the continued use of the phone jack of a PDA for purposes other than communication with the peripheral device. In other aspects, a new technique for rapidly establishing a uniform, secure wireless peripheral device network is provided. In some embodiments of the invention, the secure peripheral device network is activated by physical docking and/or interlocking, without any use of a wired network connection, based on precise proximity and location information. In other embodiments, a secure, encrypted peripheral device network is established by a system in response to terminating a wired network connection, easing the transition from wired to wireless connection status, and easing the creation of a wireless network, generally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher V. Beckman
  • Patent number: 9582037
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a docking station on which a data processing terminal is to be mounted has a power source device and a processor. The power source device applies an operating voltage of the data processing terminal and a testing voltage lower than the operating voltage to a power feeding terminal which is in contact with a power source terminal of the data processing terminal. The processor, when having determined that the mounting mechanism is locked, controls the power source device, so that the testing voltage is applied to the power feeding terminal. Further, the processor, when having determined that the mounting mechanism is locked and having determined that the data processing terminal is mounted on the mounting mechanism, controls the power source device, so that the operating voltage is applied to the power feeding terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshihiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 9578273
    Abstract: A removable video module for a backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) contained within a chassis and having a timing and control board (TCON) with a board edge connector and an access opening in the chassis. The module preferably having a video input connection and means for generating a Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) video. The video module also preferably has a board edge connector adapted to connect with the board edge connector on the TCON, where the video module is adapted to fit through the access opening to connect with the TCON. Other embodiments may utilize a backplane where the video module and a power module are adapted to connect with the backplane and electrically communicate with the rest of the display. Outputs for either the video signal, power supply, or both may be provided so that a plurality of displays may be daisy-chained together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dunn, Jerry Wasinger
  • Patent number: 9575510
    Abstract: Disclosed is a docking station for an electronic device including a port block, a first electronic connector of the port block, a retention member of the port block, a tray for receiving the electronic device, a sidewall of the tray, an interior side of the sidewall, a first through-hole of the sidewall sized to slidably receive the first connector, a second through hole of the sidewall sized to slidably receive the retention member, wherein the port block is configured to slide between a substantially open position and a substantially closed position with respect to the sidewall of the tray, and wherein the first connector protrudes from the first through-hole on the interior side of the sidewall of the tray when the port block is in the substantially closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew Leigh Vroom
  • Patent number: 9575513
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a third housing and a first movable member. The first housing includes a first opening through which the electronic device is capable of being coupled to an external coupling apparatus. The second housing is rotatably connected to the first housing. The third housing is removably attached to the second housing. The first movable member is across the first housing and the second housing, movable between a first position at which the third housing is locked to the second housing and a second position at which the third housing is capable of being unlocked from the second housing, and is configured to be restricted from moving from the first position to the second position when the electronic device is coupled through the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hisaya Nishioka, Masataka Tokoro
  • Patent number: 9564571
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body and a thermoelectric conversion module. The main body has a heat generating element therein. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a shell and a thermoelectric conversion element. The shell is assembled to the main body. The thermoelectric conversion element is pivoted on the shell and has an operation surface and a back surface opposite to each other. The thermoelectric conversion element is adapted to rotate between a first state and a second state relatively to the shell. When the thermoelectric conversion element is in the first state, the operation surface faces the main body and receives heat from the heat generating element, for the thermoelectric conversion element to generate electricity. When the thermoelectric conversion element is in the second state, the back surface faces the main body and the operation surface receives heat from external environment, for the thermoelectric conversion element to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Ting-Yao Cheng, Ya-Shian Huang, Chen-Pu Yang, Ming-Te Lee
  • Patent number: 9564941
    Abstract: An accessory includes a case body, a cover unit, and first and second coupling units. The case body is formed with a receiving space for receiving a portable electronic device. The cover unit is configured to be coupled removably to the case body for closing and opening the receiving space. The first coupling unit includes a data and charge connector for mating electrical connection with a data and charge socket of the portable electronic device, and a data and charge port connected to the data and charge connector. The second coupling unit includes a connector jack for mating electrical connection with an audio socket of the portable electronic device, and an audio port connected to the connector jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignees: GLORIOLE ELECTROPTIC TECHNOLOGY CORP., SHEN ZHEN WONDERWIN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., TASIN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jim Lin, Danxu Wu
  • Patent number: 9557767
    Abstract: Certain implementations of a system for mounting an electronic device, such as a tablet computer, can include an enclosure housing to receive an electronic device, and multiple panels, each panel configured to be removably and interchangeably connected to the enclosure housing to modify a configuration of the enclosure housing based on the electronic device. The system of removable and interchangeable panels can be implemented as part of the design of the enclosure for the electronic devices to allow the enclosure to be flexibly configured with a variety of different accessory devices which may extend the capabilities of the electronic device in desirable ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Lilitab LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Rudolf Grziwok, Adam Scott Aronson
  • Patent number: 9541956
    Abstract: A supporting structure and a docking station using the same are provided. The supporting structure includes an elastic member, a sliding member, a lifting element and a damper. The sliding member having an inclined plane is connected to the elastic member. When the elastic member receives a force, the elastic member forces the sliding member to move along an axis line with the inclined plane facing to the lifting element. The lifting element is arranged over a travel path of the inclined plane and has an abutting portion. When the lifting element receives another force so that the abutting portion abuts against the inclined plane, the sliding member stops moving and the height position of the lifting element is fixed. The damper is mated with the sliding member to slow down the velocity of the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD., UNIVERSAL GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Jen Chen, Kuo-Kuang Liu, Yu-Chen Chu, Chang-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 9529386
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a first logic circuit, a second logic circuit and a controller. The first logic circuit selectively supplies either the detection signal indicating the connection of the external display to a first connector or the detection signal indicating the connection of the external display to a second connector on an extension unit to the input/output port. The second logic circuit switches between supplying the detection signal to the input/output port and cutting off the detection signal to the input/output port. The controller controls the second logic circuit to cut off the supply of the detection signal to the input/output port for a first period when the extension unit is attached or detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Taku Naruse
  • Patent number: 9516783
    Abstract: A thermal management system for an enclosure containing electrical components includes a thermoelectric cooling unit for controlling temperature inside the enclosure and a controller for the cooling unit, the controller being configured so that it can be installed within and protected by the enclosure, rather than requiring its own separate secure enclosure. The controller includes a simplified power management circuit that uses an input quick connector that receives a first cable connector for providing power to the circuit board, and an output quick connector that receives a second cable connector for supplying power from the input quick connector to the fan of the cooling unit. This one-in, one-out arrangement allows for the elimination of multiple hard-wired cable harnesses and the corresponding connectors on the circuit boards of existing controllers. The circuit board size is reduced, and terminal blocks eliminated, so that the controller can be installed inside the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hoffman Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Adam Thao, Jason Dickmann, Victor Divine
  • Patent number: 9480180
    Abstract: A solar powered storage and distribution apparatus that includes a plurality of slide boards compressively positional within a water and shock resistant housing, each of said plurality of slide boards in detached and separable relation therein, said plurality of slide boards disposed to compressively immobilize and secure an extant battery, fuse box, and charge controller in a stacked and layered arrangement in circuit with each of an at least one power outlet, an at least one interior power outlet, a pair of binding posts, and a power port, when the housing is moved to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9425626
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting wireless power to a wireless power receiver. The method includes detecting wireless power receiver within a service area of a wireless power transmitter; transmitting driving power for driving the wireless power receiver; joining the wireless power receiver in a wireless power network managed by the wireless power transmitter; and transmitting charging power to the wireless power receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kyung-Woo Lee, Kang-Ho Byun, Se-Ho Park
  • Patent number: 9405320
    Abstract: An electronic device docking station is used to support an electronic device. The electronic device docking station includes a main portion and a keyboard. The main portion is rotatably connected to the keyboard. The main portion defines a receiving space and a receiving groove. The electronic device is received in the receiving groove. The keyboard can rotate between a closed position and a working position. When the keyboard is in the closed position, the keyboard is received in the receiving space. When the keyboard is in the working position, the keyboard and the main portion are substantially aligned in a plane. A base assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ShenZhen Goldsun Network Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai-Yi Ji, Zhi-Yong Gao, Yu-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 9400895
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for locking computing devices are described herein. In an example, a portable device comprises an electro-mechanical lock; and a firmware module coupled to the electro-mechanical lock, the firmware module configured to: receive an unlock code; validate the unlock code; and unlock the electro-mechanical lock when the unlock code is validated. In another example, device for managing BIOS authentication, the device comprising an NFC module, the NFC module comprising an NFC antenna; and a firmware module, wherein the firmware module is configured to: receive an unlock code from an NFC device via the NFC antenna; validate the unlock code; and unlock a BIOS of the device when the unlock code is validated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Saurabh Dadu, Gyan Prakash, Rajesh Poornachandran, Jiphun Satapathy, Farid Adrangi
  • Patent number: 9383771
    Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device includes a station body to which the electronic device is detachably docked, at least one locking unit comprising a hook member to move between a first position in which the station body and the electronic device are connected and a second position in which the station body is separated from the electronic device, and a lock maintaining unit to maintain the hook member in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-young Kim, Yun-pil Yeom, Jin-gyu Choi
  • Patent number: 9386363
    Abstract: A speaker apparatus suitable for use with a computer operable for communicating audio signals to the speaker apparatus. The speaker apparatus includes a housing having a top portion and a body portion adjacent the top portion. The housing can be configured for carrying a coupling module and a speaker driver array. The coupling module can be configured for coupling the speaker apparatus and the computer. The speaker driver array can include a first speaker driver and a second speaker driver. The first and second speaker drivers can be arranged in a stacked arrangement. The stacked arrangement can be such that the first speaker driver can be positioned atop the second speaker and such that the first and second speaker drivers face different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Wong Hoo Sim, Long Chye Low, Jiunn Shyong Neo, Thean Kuie Christopher Chang, Kok Huan Ong
  • Patent number: 9367091
    Abstract: An adjustable docking device includes a hinge mechanism, a holding base, a guiding member, and a fixing mechanism. The hinge mechanism is installed on a frame. The holding base is pivoted to the frame by the hinge mechanism. The holding base includes a main casing, a first holding casing and a second holding casing. The first holding casing and the second holding casing respectively extends from the main casing. The main casing, the first holding casing, and a second holding casing cooperatively define a clamping slot for holding an electronic device. The guiding member is disposed inside the clamping slot and for guiding the electronic device into the clamping slot. The fixing mechanism is disposed inside the holding base and capable of switching between a locking status and a releasing status, so as to lock or release the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Peng Hsu, Chin-Hsien Chen, Wen-Chin Wu, Chien Huang
  • Patent number: 9367088
    Abstract: A hand-held computer apparatus includes a tablet having a first connecter and an accessory docking having a second connecter for connecting to the first connecter. The second connecter has a symmetric structure, which allows the first connecter to be plugged to the second connecter in a first or a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other at an angle of 180 degrees. When the tablet is in a first status, in which the tablet is plugged to the accessory docking in the first direction, the tablet enters a notebook mode. When the tablet is in a second status, in which the tablet is plugged to the accessory docking in the second direction, the tablet enters a tablet mode. When the tablet is in a third status, in which the tablet is unplugged from the accessory docking, the tablet enters a regular mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventors: Yao-Tsung Chang, Chu-Chia Tsai
  • Patent number: 9338912
    Abstract: An electronic device holder used to be fixed on a moving carrier for holding an electronic device is provided. The electronic device holder includes a holder, a fixing element, a moving unit and at least one first connector. The fixing element fixed on the holder has a first limiting structure. The moving unit disposed between the holder and the fixing element moves relative to the holder. The moving unit has a second limiting structure used to lock with the first limiting structure for fixing the moving unit on a lock position or an open position. The first connector is disposed on the moving unit and used to connect with a second connector when the moving unit is located on the lock position relative to the holder. The electronic device holder integrates functions of holding and charging for the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: ASKEY COMPUTER CORP.
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Chang, Sung-Chin Wu
  • Patent number: 9329633
    Abstract: A modular docking station for receiving a mobile device is disclosed. The docking station includes a base component having a plurality of modular apertures configured to receive hardware to perform a specific function. The docking station also includes a receiving component having a protective enclosure configured to receive and protect the mobile device in from environmental containment. The docking station further includes a coupler for coupling the receiving component to the base component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reed Selkirk, William W. Wittliff, James Fish
  • Patent number: 9298217
    Abstract: A system comprises three major components including a portable monitor, a housing, and a removable shelf. The portable monitor is suitable to display HDMI data coming from mobiles devices. The portable monitor also includes an electrical source to charge mobile devices, such as smartphones, while HDMI data is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: GoSkreen L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brian Roy Goemmer
  • Patent number: 9274556
    Abstract: A tablet computer stand configured to hold a tablet computer in either horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait) positions. Tablet computer stand may comprise a T-shaped tablet computer dock (the “T-Arm”), a dock rotator, a neck, and a U-shaped base (the “U-Foot”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: MOPHIE, INC.
    Inventors: Souheil Gallouzi, William Benjamin Hasbrook, Sean Michael Stuck, William Westwood
  • Patent number: 9261230
    Abstract: Connection system for connecting an electronic device, in particular for an aircraft, to a test unit. The connection system includes a fixed portion, which is fixable to said test unit, and a movable plate which is capable of receiving the electronic device to be tested and is displaceable linearly with respect to said fixed portion between two positions which correspond respectively to a connection position and a disconnection position of the electronic device, by manually actuated displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Pierre-Louis Engelvin, Patrice Lafont
  • Patent number: 9261911
    Abstract: A detachable electronic apparatus includes a tablet device and a base. The base includes a back plate and a rotatable supporting device pivoted on the back plate. The rotatable supporting device further includes a supporting bracket and a connector module floating connected to the supporting bracket. The connector module is protruded from an opening of the supporting bracket when the tablet device is against the back plate. The connector module is stored in the opening of the supporting bracket when the tablet device is separated from the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yu-Chieh Lin, Kang-Yeh Yu, Jung-Sheng Chiang, Han-Min Chen, Chen-Yu Chung, Chin-Chi Yeh
  • Patent number: 9226057
    Abstract: An external sound system for a portable electronic device includes a mount configured to be secured to the portable electronic device, at least one sound panel coupled to the mount to selectively move between storage and operational positions relative to the portable electronic device, and at least one flat panel loudspeaker. The flat panel loudspeaker forms a portion of an exterior surface of the sound panel and is operably coupled to the portable electronic device to selectively produce sound. The sound panel can include a frame. The flat panel loudspeaker can include a vibratable panel having inner and outer surfaces, an exciter fixed to the frame and coupled to the inner surface of the vibratable panel to selectively impart vibrations to the vibratable panel, and a flexible support sheet secured to the outer surface of the vibratable panel and coupled to the frame to partially support the vibratable panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: OIO Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg M. Davis, Mark Edwards, Adam Hensel, Timothy A. Friar
  • Patent number: 9223409
    Abstract: A portable function-expanding device for an electronic device is provided which comprises: a housing with a plurality of accommodating slots provided on an upper surface thereof for accommodating electronic devices respectively, wherein a function-expanding interface is provided in each of the accommodating slots for being connected with a function interface of the electronic device accommodated therein; and a function means located in the housing and connected with the function-expanding interface to fulfill the function-expanding of the corresponding electronic device. The portable function-expanding device for an electronic device fulfills the function-expanding of the corresponding electronic device conveniently. That is, the function-expanding is fulfilled conveniently as required by just inserting the electronic device into the corresponding accommodating slot and connecting the corresponding function-expanding interface in the accommodating with the function interface of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventor: Maojiang Lin
  • Patent number: 9204571
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body, a motherboard, at least one connector, and at least one external graphics card module. The motherboard is disposed within the main body and equipped without a built-in graphics chip. The connector is disposed on the motherboard. The main body has at least one slot, and the slot is disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the connector. The external graphics card module includes a circuit board, and a graphic processing unit and a first connecting interface are electrically disposed on the circuit board. The external graphics card module is removable and selectively inserts into the slot, and the external graphics card module electrically connects to the motherboard via the first connecting interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ting Kang Ou, Yi Yuan Liu, Mou Ming Ma
  • Patent number: 9191542
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus, including: an image reading unit configured to read an image of a document placed on a document placing portion; a document pressure unit configured to press the document placed on the document placing portion against the document placing portion; a first holding unit configured to hold the document pressure unit so that the document pressure unit is openable and closable with respect to the document placing portion with a shaft pivotally supporting the document pressure unit; and a second holding unit configured to hold the document pressure unit so that the document pressure unit is openable and closable with respect to the document placing portion without a shaft pivotally supporting the document pressure unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: CANON FINETECH INC.
    Inventors: Akira Urita, Takeshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9170610
    Abstract: Disclosed is a docking station for holding an electronic device having a main body, a first channel in the main body, a back side of the first channel, a front side of the first channel, a first plug in the first channel, a first port electronically connected to the first plug, and an extraction force associated with the first plug. A normal force of the main body is greater than an extraction force associated with the first plug. The main body is formed primarily from a first material and a net density of the main body is greater than half of the density of the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Henge Docks LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Leigh Vroom, Benjamin Edwards Maskell
  • Patent number: 9170608
    Abstract: An apparatus including a support configured to receive a portable electronic device including a door and a first electrical connector; and a member, moveable relative to the support and configured to provide force to the door to open the door and expose the first electrical connector, the apparatus defining a cavity configured to receive the opened door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Hiroshi Horii
  • Patent number: 9167716
    Abstract: A divider for a bay of a blade server chassis includes a plurality of posts, a plurality of flex tabs, and a rail. The posts are located along a first side of the divider, and are configured to be inserted within respective holes in a first panel of the bay of the blade server chassis. The flex tabs are located along a second side of the divider, and are placed in physical communication with a second panel of the bay. The flex tabs are configured compress within the divider and away from the second panel to enable the posts to be inserted within in the holes of the first panel, the second side of the divider being opposite to the first side of the divider. The rail is located along a third side of the divider, and is configured to guide a blade server within the bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Liang-Chun Ma, Kuo-Chih Lin, Chih Min Su
  • Patent number: 9166427
    Abstract: A jacket device is configured to be used with a mobile communication device. The jacket device includes a sidewall and a baseplate, wherein the sidewall and the baseplate cooperate to form a receiving chamber for receiving the mobile communication device. The jacket device also includes a rocker bar having a pressing portion connected to a rack portion, wherein the rack portion extends through the sidewall. A transmission is disposed on the baseplate and connected with the rocker bar. An electric generator is disposed on the baseplate. An electric generator includes a rotor coupled with the transmission and a stator fixed on the baseplate. When the pressing portion is pressed, the rack portion drives the rotor to rotate via the transmission so that electric power is generated by the electric generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Mipwr, LLC
    Inventor: Bobby Panos
  • Patent number: 9164544
    Abstract: A multi-display device can interface with two or more different types of docking stations. The device can determine the type of dock and change the pin outs for a connector to interface with that dock. Once docked, the device can determine a charge status for the device and the dock to present the status to the user. Further, the dock can enter one of several modes, including a call receipt mode and an entertainment mode. The modes allow for expanded functionality for the device while docked. Two particular docks, the laptop dock and the smart dock, provide special functionality with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Z124
    Inventor: Sanjiv Sirpal
  • Patent number: 9167064
    Abstract: A docking station, method, and system are disclosed including a universal dock and connection cable to establish a network connection between a mobile device and a local data network such as an enterprise Private Branch Exchange (PBX). The cable connection is reconfigurable within so that the docking station can receive a mobile communications device in different orientations. Sliding tiles within the universal dock may be repositioned for different locations of the connection cable. USB and micro-USB cable connections are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignees: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC., CELLCO PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: James Elter, Mauricio Andrada, Yeharn Hwang
  • Patent number: 9158340
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a joint between a display and a housing of a hand held computer terminal is provided. The apparatus comprises a display frame. The display frame comprises a display front, a display back, and display sides. The front of the display frame comprises a recessed portion and a non-recessed portion. The recessed portion is configured to accept insertion of the display. The non-recessed portion defines at least a portion of the perimeter of the recessed portion. Fastening holes can be positioned outside the perimeter of the recessed portion. The display frame is configured to tighten to the housing and to compress the display between the display frame and the housing. The method comprises providing a display frame, assembling a display assembly, inserting the display assembly into the housing, and compressing the display between the display frame and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherri Reed, Eric Linn, Timothy R. Fitch
  • Patent number: 9152234
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, from a three-dimensional (3D) sensing device coupled to a computer, a sequence of 3D maps including at least part of a hand of a user positioned in proximity to the computer. In embodiments of the present invention, the computer is coupled to one or more peripheral devices, and upon identifying, in the sequence of 3D maps, a movement of the hand toward a given peripheral device, an action preparatory to disengaging the given peripheral device is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Tamir Berliner, Jonathan Pokrass
  • Patent number: 9144281
    Abstract: Receptacle device built into a bag. In one example embodiment, a receptacle device is configured to be built into a bag. The receptacle device includes a frame and a first set of electrical receptacles rotatably attached to the frame. The frame defines an interior side and an exterior side. The first set of electrical receptacles is configured to be rotated with respect to the frame between being exposed on the exterior side and being exposed on the interior side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: GOPLUG BAGS, INC.
    Inventor: Joshua Seth Mark Cross
  • Patent number: 9125289
    Abstract: A system for docking a computer tablet with a docking station. The computer tablet has an asymmetrical edge that is adapted to rest in a cradle portion of the docking station. While resting in the docking station the computer tablet may be rotated to various angles and still maintain electrical connectivity to the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Inventor: Javid Vahid
  • Patent number: 9122447
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an expansion dock including a base, a socket, an expansion platform and a driving mechanism. The socket is installed on a side of the base and pivoted to the base. A portable electronic device can be inserted into the socket. The expansion platform is installed inside the base and protrudable from the side of the base. The driving mechanism drives the expansion platform to protrude from the side of the base as the portable electronic device is inserted into the socket and pivoted to a predetermined angle relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Yang Lai
  • Patent number: 9122448
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first main body and a second main body. The first main body includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second main body includes a base, a first fixing block and a second fixing block each protrusively arranged on the base and opposite to each other. When the first main body is inserted into the second main body with the first surface facing the second main body, a first end of the first main body is clamped between the first fixing block and the base and is supported by the second fixing block. When the first main body is inserted into the second main body with the second surface facing the second main body, the first end is clamped between the second fixing block and the base and is supported by the first fixing block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignees: BEIJING LENOVO SOFTWARE LTD., LEVONO (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Rong Gao
  • Patent number: 9108733
    Abstract: An integrated user interface system being disposed at a chair and methods for manufacturing and using same. The user interface system comprises one or more interface elements that are disposed at an armrest or other suitable chair location and that are obscured from view or otherwise de-emphasized when a user is distal from the user interface system. At least one selected interface element becomes emphasized when a user hand becomes proximate to the user interface system. The selected interface element can become emphasized, for example, by becoming visible and/or by forming a raised projection. Upon becoming emphasized, the selected interface element is activated for use and can be manipulated to interact with available system resources. The chair advantageously can appear to be an ordinary chair when the user interface system is not in use and can present the user interface system when the user wishes to access the system resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Lee Sizelove
  • Patent number: 9086835
    Abstract: A handheld computing device may include a housing having a base and a sidewall connected to a periphery of the base, the sidewall having an input/output port configured to accommodate connection to a peripheral device, and a retainer bracket connected to the housing and positioned proximate to the port. The retainer bracket includes a frame having a top plate and opposing side plates and being configured to secure a dock connector between the frame, the base, and the sidewall having the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Z124
    Inventors: Charles Becze, Kyung won Park
  • Patent number: 9060416
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide power to a device via a dock. A mounting base may include a mounting component, including a receiving area configured to removably receive a mating device at a plurality of orientations within a plane, wherein the mounting component comprises one or more indexing members and the mating device comprises one or more indexing elements, or the mating device comprises one or more indexing members and the mounting component comprises one or more indexing elements, the indexing members and elements configured to engage each other to align the mating device with the mounting component in one or more rotational orientations on said plane. A detector, configured to detect the presence of the mating device, and a driver circuit may be included. A device may be configured to control power sourced to the mating device by the driver circuit after the detector detects the mating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: DANA INNOVATIONS
    Inventors: Ari Supran, Scott Struthers, Rob Roland, Derick Dahl, Jim O'Dea, Huy Bui, Ray Call, Alex Bertagni
  • Patent number: 9047051
    Abstract: The invention provides a docking station, which includes a base, a tray and an electrical connector. The base has a chamber. The tray is slidingly disposed at the chamber. The electrical connector is slidingly disposed at the base and disposed at a side of the tray, in which the tray moves under a pressing force to drive the electrical connector for moving. The invention also provides a display system, which includes an electronic device and a docking station, so that the electronic device is detachably disposed at the docking station to expand the applications thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Po-Chin Yu, Long-Cheng Chang, Chih-Wei Lu, Chun-Te Shen
  • Publication number: 20150138720
    Abstract: Computing device docking systems are disclosed. According to an aspect, a computing device docking system includes a docking station component having an opening defined within a surface. The system includes a pin including a body and an end having a member extending laterally from the body. The end of the pin is receivable within an opening of a computing device component for attaching the computing device component to the docking station. The pin is moveable within the opening between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at least a portion of the body and at least a portion of the member is positioned within the opening of the docking station component. In the second position, at least a portion of the body is within the opening and the member is outside of the opening of the docking station component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Jeff D. Thomas, Dean F. Herring, Brad M. Johnson, Robert A. Myers, Danny Addison, Phillip McLamb
  • Patent number: 9036361
    Abstract: Embodiments of an avionic media system are provided, as are embodiments of an actuated media docking station and embodiments of an over-center locking mechanism suitable for usage in an actuated media docking station. In one embodiment, the avionic media system includes an actuated media docking station and an onboard electronic device. The actuated media docking station includes, in turn, a housing assembly, a mass media device (“MMD”) receptacle coupled to the housing assembly, a connector mounted to the MMD receptacle and configured to interface with the MMD when inserted into the MMD receptacle, and an actuator coupled to the housing assembly and to the MMD receptacle. The actuator moves the MMD receptacle between: (i) a loading position in which an MMD can be inserted into the MMD receptacle, and (ii) a retaining position in which removal of an MMD from the MMD receptacle is physically obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Schrock, Manjunath Hadadi, Animesh Mukherjee, Elliott Onstine