Expansion/docking Station Patents (Class 361/679.41)
  • Patent number: 8896990
    Abstract: An electronic device cover includes a protection member and a support. The protection member includes a protection plate. The support member is rotatably mounted to the protection member and includes a support plate. The support member is rotatable between a protection position and a support position relative to the protection member; when the support member is in the support position, the support member supports the protection plate in a stand position, and the protection plate and the support plate define a corner therebetween; when the support member is in the protection position, the protection plate and the support plate are unfolded and define a receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kang Cho, Ke-Fei Zou
  • Patent number: 8891238
    Abstract: An electronic device with a detachable communication module is provided. The electronic device includes an electronic device casing and the communication module. The electronic device casing includes a receiving space and an opening. The communication module includes a covering plate, a fixing plate, a first circuit board, and a first connector. The covering plate has an aperture. The first connector has a connecting port. Moreover, the first circuit board is connected with a supporting member. The first connector is connected with the first circuit board. The connecting port is exposed to the aperture of the covering plate. After the first circuit board and the first connector are accommodated within the receiving space, the opening of the electronic device casing is covered by the covering plate. Moreover, by the fixing plate, the communication module is fixed on the electronic device casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Liang Chen, Ming-Wei Yu
  • Patent number: 8879420
    Abstract: A docking station includes a docking port configured to physically dock with a mobile device, wherein the docking port includes an input/output port. The docking station further includes a communication interface configured to send and receive traffic via a wired network. The docking station also includes a processing unit configured to set-up multiple Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) via the wired network and one or more other networks, assign at least one network address from multiple network addresses to each one of the multiple VPNs, and configure, via the input/output port, the mobile device to send and/or receive traffic via selected ones of the multiple VPNs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Elliot G. Eichen, Gowtham Javaregowda, Lee N. Goodman, James Flynn
  • Patent number: 8879246
    Abstract: A peripheral data storage device for IPHONE mobile phone and IPOD media player devices having an encasement containing a system of electronic circuits which communicates with the IPHONE mobile phone or IPOD media player by means of a host software system and a device software system. The device also has a charge pass through connector and optional card slots. Various views of the device are shown in FIGS. 1-5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: James T. Fahey, Michael Page McGirr
  • Publication number: 20140321048
    Abstract: A mobile device case having a first port and a second port, both for interfacing with a mobile device and a third port electrically connected to both the first port and the second port, the third port for interfacing with a peripheral. In one embodiment, the first port may be for power and the second port may be for data, and the third port may be a circular port having rings of conductive material electrically connected to either the first port or the second port. In one embodiment, the third port may further be recessed into a back surface of the case, and walls of the recessed segment may be used as a portion of a support system for removably fixing peripherals to the third port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Victor Kupferstein
  • Publication number: 20140321047
    Abstract: A power supply base for a payment terminal is provided with a housing having an opening for receiving a memory card. The power supply base includes a guide for guiding the payment terminal towards a position wherein it can receive the power supply, the guide including at least one guiding part shaped in such a way as to enable the insertion thereof into the opening of the payment terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Compagnie Industrielle et Financiere D'Ingenierie "Ingenico"
    Inventors: Pierre Lacroix, Fabrice Fleury, Sylvain Barneron, Olivier Yernaux, Eric Bonnet
  • Patent number: 8873233
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for robustly transferring power and data between a portable computing device, such as a ruggedized tablet, and a docking station is provided. The tablet and the docking station may each have a docking connector and a wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the docking station may transfer power to the tablet through electrical contacts of the docking connectors and may communicate data through the wireless communication devices. The docking station's docking connector may mount electrical contacts for transferring power and may mount few or no electrical contacts for transferring data. The tablet's docking connector may retain electrical contacts for transferring power and electrical contacts for transferring data. In some embodiments, all the electrical contacts for transferring data may be unused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Xplore Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: David Reber, Bryan Bell
  • Patent number: 8867202
    Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device includes a base at least partially configured to support the electronic device. The base includes a front face and a substantially orthogonal adjacent face. A guide rib extends normally between the front face and the adjacent face. An electrical connector is pivotally coupled to the base and configured to receive a mating connector of the electronic device. An edge portion of the guide rib engages a surface of the electronic device to facilitate alignment of the electrical connector with the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 8867203
    Abstract: A locking device includes a first slide part having a first lock part and configured to be movable, a second slide part having a second lock part and configured to support the first slide part and be movable independently from the first slide part, and a lock arm part configured to be movable in a direction intersecting with the first slide part and the second slide part and engage with the first lock part and the second lock part at a locking position to prevent the first slide part and the second slide part from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masao Katsuta, Shigeki Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20140293530
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing universal dock may support a variety of electronic devices of different shapes and designs while appearing to be customized to individually support each electronic device. The universal dock may support an electronic device using a support layer that may include any suitable material, including, for example, an array of vertical members, an elastic sponge-like substance, or any other suitable material. The compression of the support layer may be retained for future use with the electronic device, or the compression may be relieved, once the electronic device is removed from the universal dock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Patent number: 8848361
    Abstract: The present solution provides an adjustable docking apparatus configurable to accommodate a variety of mobile electronic devices. The adjustable docking apparatus is removably coupled to a base electronic device. The apparatus further includes an electrical connector movably and removably connected to the adjustable docking apparatus and electrically coupleable to the base electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: SDI Technologies
    Inventors: Eric Holzer, Mary Beth Poandl, Thomas Choi, Andrew Skurdal
  • Patent number: 8842428
    Abstract: A docking station includes a housing, and an extending mechanism slidably received in the housing. The extending mechanism includes a connecting part. The extending mechanism moves from a first position exposed out of the housing to a second position received in the housing. When the extending mechanism moves to the first position, the connecting part is exposed out of the housing. When the extending mechanism moves to the second position, the connecting part is received in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cong-Bing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8842429
    Abstract: A system and method is described that includes a laptop style portable dock design referred to as the terminal system. The terminal system includes a user interface and provides a flip type dock located behind the terminal system display, and more particularly, but not exclusively, provides a flip type dock that when a mobile device is docked in the flip type dock. The terminal system provides power to the smart device, displays the smart device user interface on the terminal system display, and enables the user to use peripherals connected to the terminal system and interact with the smart device through the user interface of the terminal system. The terminal system provides a way to detachably mate a plurality of portable processor based devices to provide the combined functionality of the terminal system and smart device in an integrated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Yoo Jung Ahn, Mark D. Janninck
  • Patent number: 8842423
    Abstract: A cover for a portable electronic device includes a keyboard for electrically communicating with the portable electronic device. The cover includes a back cover body for coupling to a back side of the portable electronic device, and a front cover body coupled to the back cover body and foldable relative thereto. The back cover body is movable relative to the portable electronic device such that a first portion of the back cover body slides away from a back side of the portable electronic device. The front cover body is foldable to stack a keyboard portion, on which the keyboard is disposed, and a support portion of the front cover body. The first portion of the back cover body, the support portion, and the keyboard portion are stacked when the keyboard is exposed for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventor: Jason Tyler Griffin
  • Patent number: 8842427
    Abstract: An electrical apparatus system includes a tool battery used as a power source for an electrical tool, and an electrical apparatus having a battery-connecting portion configured to allow the tool battery to be electrically and mechanically connected thereto or disconnected therefrom. In a state in which the tool battery is electrically and mechanically connected to the battery-connecting portion of the electrical apparatus, the tool battery is exposed on a lower side of the electrical apparatus so as to support the electrical apparatus on an installation surface thereof as a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Yoshimura, Munetoshi Goto, Syusaku Wakatsuki
  • Publication number: 20140268541
    Abstract: A system includes a mobile handset with a handle portion and a gripper portion coupled to the handle portion. The handle portion includes a first dock configured to removably receive a user interface device. The gripper portion is configured to receive an insertion tube of a non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection device and to control the insertion tube relative to an inspection point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kevin Andrew Coombs, Joshua Lynn Scott, Gerard Frederick Beckhusen
  • Publication number: 20140268542
    Abstract: A docking apparatus of an electronic apparatus that can support the electronic apparatus is provided. The docking apparatus of an electronic apparatus may include a body that forms an exterior of the docking apparatus, a support portion rotatably coupled to the body, and an interface module coupled to the body and including an interface terminal configured to connect the docking apparatus to the electronic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Heecheul MOON
  • Patent number: 8837117
    Abstract: The electrical card has power modules constituted by power components and by control components that are carried by strips fastened on a support plate comprising an electrical ground plate. The power components are connected firstly to control buses, and secondly to power buses carried by the support plate and extending in a layer adjacent to the electrical ground plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Etienne Merlet, Marie-Noëlle Besold-Etchechoury
  • Patent number: 8837121
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism, which connects a first member and a second member, comprising: a plurality of bases, a plurality of shafts, which are provided at the plurality of bases one by one, and protrude from the bases, a plurality of shaft receiving units, which are provided in the second member, and include shaft holes into which the shafts are rotatably fitted, respectively, and a regulating stopper, wherein when a force is applied at the regulating stopper, the regulating stopper is bent from a position where the regulating stopper contacts with a regulated unit to a position where the regulating stopper does not contact with the regulated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koyo Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140254088
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a docking device and an assembly comprising the docking device and a tablet computer. The docking device comprises a pair of frame members defining receiving space for receiving the tablet computer, each frame member includes a connection portion and a supporting portion; and a virtual input device pivotably mounted within an opening between the connection portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Chien-Kuo Lee
  • Patent number: 8824136
    Abstract: A device comprising at least one cover, wherein the at least one cover is operative to be formed into a stand for at least one computing device at least one computer peripheral device integrated with the at least one cover, and at least one biometric reader integrated with the at least one cover, wherein the at least one biometric reader is operative to be used to log into the at least one computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Alberto Interian, III, Isaac S. Daniel
  • Patent number: 8824135
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a function expanding apparatus, including: a mounting base section adapted to receive an information processing apparatus placed thereon solely or together with a battery mounted on a bottom face of the information processing apparatus; and a first connector movable in response to presence or absence of the battery until the first connector is connected to the information processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Tachibana
  • Patent number: 8821173
    Abstract: A docking station for a portable computer or other portable computing device. The docking station having a docking tray formed of a tray body formed with a bearing surface that is adapted for receiving thereon a body portion of the portable computing device. A device receiver structure is positioned adjacent to an edge of the bearing surface of the tray body, and a device clamping mechanism is coupled opposite from the receiver structure for cooperating therewith. At least one substantially resilient preload mechanism is positioned adjacent to bearing surface with at least a portion thereof being projected thereabove. A floating expansion connector that is connectable with the device I/O connector is projected from the bearing surface and is resiliently movable in three dimensions relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20140233172
    Abstract: A mobile device interface platform, often referred to as a ‘docking station’. The docking station is universal in that a variety of different types, sizes and configurations of mobile devices may be immobily retained by the same engagement mechanism of the station. Where wireless mobile devices are accommodated by the docking station, the latitudinal reception affords a user a degree of imprecise placement and allows any number of wireless device types to be employed without regard to precise pin configurations or other non-wireless communicative coupling features. Nevertheless, a physically secure unitary association of the mobile device and docking station is present allowing for a functional and user-friendly manner of employing them together. The docking station may be employed for wirelessly acquiring data from the secured mobile device, sending data thereto, or even for wirelessly providing a power supply thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: William F. Ryann
  • Patent number: 8811007
    Abstract: A docking station for supporting an electronic device in two positions includes a main body, and first and second supporting members projecting from the main body. The main body cooperates with the first supporting member to support the electronic device in the first position with the main body being stable on a first plane; and the first member cooperates with the second member to support the electronic device in the second position with the main body being stable on a second plane different from the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cong-Bing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8811008
    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: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Reed Selkirk, William W. Wittliff, III, James Fish
  • Patent number: 8804327
    Abstract: The portable workstation includes a portable housing and a plurality of office modules disposed therein. The office modules include a computer module, a scanner module, printer module and a projector module. The computer module is the main interface for operating the other modules. A plurality of fans are disposed at the rear of the housing to cool the interior of the housing by expelling heated air generated by the different modules during use. The fans and all the modules are connected to a single rechargeable battery module. The various modules contained in the housing provide the user with all the necessary tools to perform any task at any locale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: UMM Al-Qura University
    Inventor: Misa'a Abdul Jabbar Al-Khayyat
  • Patent number: 8804328
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes: a housing, a processor provided in the housing, a rechargeable power pack provided in the housing in communication with the processor, apertures extending through the housing, insulating portions of the housing being provided between the apertures, a location of the apertures being selected to map out a graphical element, electrical contacts in communication with the battery for charging the battery, the electrical contacts being sized to be received in the apertures and wherein the insulating portions are provided for insulating the electrical contacts from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: David Kazmierz Szczypinski
  • Patent number: 8792234
    Abstract: A docking station formed of a tray having a clamping portion coupled to a receiver portion for motion along a travel axis therebetween. A lever is coupled for moving the clamping portion between an expanded position spaced away from the receiver portion, and a retracted position adjacent to the receiver portion. The lever includes a preload portion that is adapted for preloading the clamping portion in the retracted position, and a latching portion that is coupled for retaining the clamping portion in the retracted position. The preload portion of the lever is a resiliently bendable member, such as a spring. Optionally, the lever is a second class lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 8792233
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing universal dock may support a variety of electronic devices of different shapes and designs while appearing to be customized to individually support each electronic device. The universal dock may support an electronic device using a support layer that may include any suitable material, including, for example, an array of vertical members, an elastic sponge-like substance, or any other suitable material. The compression of the support layer may be retained for future use with the electronic device, or the compression may be relieved, once the electronic device is removed from the universal dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Patent number: 8780548
    Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device is provided. The docking station comprises (a) an engagement element, wherein the engagement element is capable of engaging the said portable electronic device; and (b) a rotation mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism is capable of rotating said portable electronic device relative to a support base of said docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: CBY Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Johann Lee
  • Patent number: 8780549
    Abstract: An electronic device support has a receptacle with an electronic device receiving cavity and a first magnetic indexing part. A base is hingedly coupled to the receptacle and has a second magnetic indexing part. The first and second magnetic indexing parts are configured to allow the receptacle to rotate relative to the base when rotationally apart from a specified orientation and to magnetically support the receptacle when in the specified orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Leonardo Aldana
  • Patent number: 8780547
    Abstract: A projector includes a connecting unit which connects with and places a media player thereon. The connecting unit includes a connecting section which connects with and places the media player thereon in a manner that enables insertion and removal, a moving section which rotatably holds the connecting section and moves in a manner that enables sending-out of and sending-into a body of the projector, and a driving mechanism section (slide mechanism section) which drives the moving section in a manner that enables the sending-out and sending-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Sei Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8780546
    Abstract: A docking station used for receiving an electronic device. The docking station includes a housing, a retractable docking port, and a rotating shaft. The housing defines a receiving groove. The docking port can be positioned by manipulation of the rotating shaft to be exposed in the receiving groove or retracted and hidden inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cong-Bing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8780553
    Abstract: A cradle locks a mobile unit (MU) therein with a single insertion process. The cradle includes a cup shaped to receive a first portion of the MU. The cradle includes a backing portion including a first end coupled to the cup portion. The cradle includes a hoop portion movably coupled to a second end of the backing portion for movement between a securing position and a receiving position, the hoop being biased toward the securing position. The cradle includes a latch releasably securing the hoop portion in the receiving position. The cradle includes a plunger extending out of the backing portion in a first direction so that, when engaged by the MU, the plunger is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction moving the latch to release the hoop portion so that the hoop portion moves under its bias into the securing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Palmer, Michael Astanovsky, Ariel Rotman
  • Publication number: 20140192478
    Abstract: A retention apparatus configured to retain a personal electronic device within a protective device may include a personal electronic device retention element including two or more retention loops, where the two or more retention loops comprise flexible material, and each retention loop of the two or more retention loops is configured to stretch over and secure a portion of a personal electronic device. The retention apparatus may further include a retention strap configured to releasably connect the retention apparatus to an exterior shell of the protective device, where the retention apparatus is configured to replaceably receive the personal electronic device during connection of the retention strap to the exterior shell of the protective device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Physical Apps, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Houvener
  • Patent number: 8773850
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a docking station for a television receiver includes a support, a first connector, and a protruding portion. The support is configured to be attachably and detachably connected to a television receiver comprising a housing in which a display device is housed, and to support the housing. The first connector is configured to be electrically connected to a second connector of the television receiver. The protruding portion is configured to protrude from the support to support the support, and to enable an angle of a display screen of the display device to be set variably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Minaguchi, Yasuyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8775710
    Abstract: A mobile information handling apparatus and system is configured for convenient mobile data entry, communication, and computation. A mobile computing device is configured to detachably mount on an adjustable dock and couple and communicate with a keyboard I/O device and a communication portion when mounted on the dock. The dock is configured to support the computing device, keyboard, and communication portion as well as secure the apparatus to a base via a ball mount. Corner protectors are configured to protect the mobile computing device as well as couple to shoulder straps and a palm cover configured to secure to the hand of an operator. Detachable fans configured to mount to the computing device are powered and controlled by the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mobiledemand LC
    Inventors: Matthew Miller, Steven R. Kunert
  • Patent number: 8773845
    Abstract: A docking station for an iPad or the like, having a base, a support on the base for releasably holding an iPad, an operating circuit for amplifying an audio signal received from the iPad, and speakers connected to the operating circuit for reproducing sound based on the audio signal amplified by the operating circuit. The support is movable between two angular positions for supporting the iPad in portrait and landscape orientations. The support is also movable to change the direction in which the iPad faces, between left and right orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Alco Electronics Limited
    Inventor: Wilson Wai Sing Leung
  • Patent number: 8767388
    Abstract: A support assembly that supports a device main body to be able to rotate includes a base member supported on an installation surface, a support unit having a predetermined curvature, coupled with the device main body on one side thereof, and reciprocating according to tilting of the device main body between an upright position and a tablet position, a guide rail coupled with the base member on a first side thereof and supported by the support unit on a second side thereof, to guide the reciprocation of the support unit, and an elastic unit connected to the support unit and providing an elastic force to maintain a tilting position of the device main body. A computer device may include the support assembly. The support assembly may support a computer device main body having a display when the computer device main body tilts between the upright position and the tablet position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jin-hyuk Ahn, Young-sun Park
  • Patent number: 8767389
    Abstract: A system includes a first apparatus and a second apparatus. The first apparatus includes a first surface, a depression in the first surface, and a first connector disposed on the first surface. The depression has a bottom with a hole through which a screw for assembling the apparatus is passed and accommodates the head of the screw. The second apparatus includes a second surface facing the first surface when the first apparatus is detachably attached, a second connector disposed on the second surface and engaging with the first connector, and a protrusion fixed into the depression when the first apparatus is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Suzuki, Yoshiyuki Sando, Sonomasa Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140177162
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a tablet module and a docking base. The tablet module includes a slot, a sliding element and a plurality of first attracting elements. The sliding element is slidably disposed in the slot. The first attracting elements are adjacently disposed on the sliding element and have a first attracting side. The polarities of each two adjacent first attracting elements at the first attracting side are different. The docking base includes a bearing sheet and a plurality of second attracting elements. The bearing sheet is inserted to the slot and abuts against the sliding element. The second attracting elements are adjacently disposed on the hearing sheet and have a second attracting side. The polarities of each two adjacent second attracting elements at the second attracting side are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Ming-Yuan HO, Yung-Nien CHEN, Shih-Wen CHIANG, Shih-Huang WEI, Juei-Yuan WU, Yi-Ting LIN, Yuan-Min TSAO
  • Publication number: 20140177153
    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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Po-Chin Yu, Long-Cheng Chang, Chih-Wei Lu, Chun-Te Shen
  • Publication number: 20140168885
    Abstract: A docking station for an electronic device that is contained within a case, in which the case includes a retractable connector access panel at least partially overlying a portion of a connector port of the electronic device, includes a base at least partially configured to support the electronic device. An electrical connector is coupled to the base and configured to receive the connector port of the electronic device. A retraction member is coupled to the base and configured to retract the connector access panel to at least partially expose the connector port during docking of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20140160667
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a vehicle multimedia system comprising a portable device and a docking station. The portable device is configured for being releasably mounted in the docking station and comprises data storage for storing multimedia data. A first interface of the portable device and a third interface of the docking station are configured for establishing data connection between the docking station and the portable device. The docking station further comprises a second interface configured for establishing data connection with a vehicle head unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Edgar VAN VELZEN, Markus HEISINGER
  • Patent number: 8749993
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device of the embodiment includes a pair of racks, a box-shaped main body having a front face, a first side face which intersects with the front face, and a second side face which is opposed to the first side face, a first fixing portion which is fixed to the first side face and also to one of the racks, a second fixing portion which is fixed to the second side face and also to the other one of the racks, and a module which is mounted in the first fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tsutomu Hoshino
  • Patent number: 8749960
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an electronic device accessory. Other embodiments of related electronic device accessories and methods of providing and using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Mori
  • Publication number: 20140153182
    Abstract: A stand for a portable computer can include a top including a front surface, a rear surface, and a trough. The stand can include a base. The rear surface can be substantially coplanar with the front surface. The rear and front surfaces can be configured to support the portable computer in a first orientation. The trough can be configured to hold the portable computer in a second orientation different from the first orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy North, Kenneth Mori, Mona Lisa Alexander
  • Patent number: 8743552
    Abstract: A motherboard assembly includes a motherboard and an expansion apparatus. The motherboard includes a first expansion slot. An edge connector is set on a bottom side of the expansion apparatus to be detachably engaged in the first expansion slot. A number of SATA interfaces and a number of second expansion slots are arranged on the expansion apparatus, and are connected to signal pins and power pins of the edge connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Tian, Kang Wu
  • Publication number: 20140146464
    Abstract: A carrying case for controlling a mobile device is provided, the carrying case comprising: a body enabled to mate with a mobile device to physically protect the mobile device; at least one input device, the body comprising the input device; a processor enabled to control communications with the mobile device; a power interface enabled to receive power from the mobile device to power the processor; and, a data interface enabled for relaying the communications between one or more of the at least one input device and the processor, and the mobile device, for controlling applications at the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Ahmed ABDELSAMIE, Omar George Joseph BARAKE, Alan JAMES DECIANTIS, Peter MANKOWSKI, Steven A. LILL