Movable Patents (Class 340/815.83)
  • Patent number: 9449538
    Abstract: A display system, a display process, and an engagement feature are disclosed. The display system includes a first display arrangement, a second display arrangement, and a flexible support extending from the first display arrangement to the second display arrangement. The first display arrangement engages the second display arrangement by movement of the flexible support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Tait Towers Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Davis, Frederic Frank Opsomer
  • Patent number: 9274562
    Abstract: Flexible electronic devices may be provided. A flexible electronic device may include a flexible display, a flexible housing and one or more flexible internal components configured to allow the flexible electronic device to be deformed. Flexible displays may include flexible display layers, flexible touch-sensitive layers, and flexible display cover layers. The flexible housing may be a multi-stable flexible housing having one or more stable positions. The flexible housing may include a configurable support structure that, when engaged, provides a rigid support structure for the flexible housing. The flexible internal components may include flexible batteries, flexible printed circuits or other flexible components. A flexible battery may include flexible and rigid portions or may include a lubricious separator layer that provides flexibility for the flexible battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Franklin, Scott A. Myers, Benjamin M. Rappoport, Stephen Brian Lynch, John P. Ternus, Justin R. Wodrich
  • Patent number: 9024738
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an electronic device that includes a vibrating element adapted to vibrate the electronic device, at least one sensor operable to detect the presence of an audible higher-order harmonic above a fundamental frequency when the vibrating element is active. The device also includes a processor operable to adjust the vibrating element to reduce the audible higher-order harmonic when the audible higher-order harmonic is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Andre John Van Schyndel, Per Magnus Fredrik Hansson
  • Patent number: 8477464
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed that comprises a housing 81 and a flexible display, which may have respective portions 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d. The portions may be accommodated between respective hinges 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, which are arranged as a mechanism for enabling a transition between the first mechanically stable position and a second mechanically stable position. The display is viewed from a direction 85. The hinges are operated independently from each other, enabling a plurality of angulations of the flexible display with respect to the housing 81.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Creator Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Dirk Visser, Michael Johannes Anna Maria Walters, David Johannes Elisabeth Bemelmans
  • Patent number: 8446290
    Abstract: A thin flexible electronic display includes a flexible membrane, control circuitry, and self-contained power source, which may be a thin flexible battery. A display may be affixed to an associated device for use in displaying dynamic information or video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ATG Designworks, LLC
    Inventors: Allen Affolter, Titus Mathews
  • Patent number: 8378795
    Abstract: A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Steger, Barbara Kruse
  • Patent number: 8093995
    Abstract: A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Steger, Barbara Kruse
  • Patent number: 7876235
    Abstract: An indicator assembly for a vehicle instrument cluster is provided. The indicator assembly includes a (“floating”) needle configured to rotate with respect to an indicator housing. The needle is selectively illuminable by a light source which may be mounted in various placements with respect the indicator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Joel Fournier, Stephane Voillot
  • Patent number: 7872592
    Abstract: A warning light assembly includes a source of electrical power, an LED light source, electrical circuitry operably coupling the source of electrical power to the light source and a lens assembly. The lens assembly encloses the LED light source such that light from the source is directed outwardly from the lens assembly. The lens assembly is triangular in shape. In certain embodiments, the electrical power source includes a rechargeable battery and the assembly further comprises a solar panel operably connected to the rechargeable battery. A triangular lens assembly may be connected at a vertex to a housing which holds the electrical power source. The solar panel may be mounted on a peripheral surface of the lens assembly opposite the vertex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Pan's Innovative Science and Technology, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Greenhoe
  • Patent number: 7839269
    Abstract: A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Steger, Barbara Kruse
  • Publication number: 20100007510
    Abstract: A communication device including a housing, a signal receiver configured to receive a signal from another communication device, and a motive device provided within the housing. The motive device is configured to change an orientation of the housing in response to the receipt of the signal. A method of processing receipt of a signal at a communication device is provided that includes changing an orientation of a housing of the communication device in response to the receipt of the signal using a motive device housed within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Peter Joseph Ina, William O. Camp, JR., Ivan Nelson Wakefield, Patrik N.G. Heuman, Karin Johanne Spalink
  • Publication number: 20090140875
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable optical signalling device, particularly an item of clothing or a flag or a torch, containing: a signalling component that can be switched between an initial state and a second state, there being a visible difference between the first and second states of the signalling component, one or more sensors for determining the position of the signalling device or its signalling component and/or variables derived therefrom, and a control means linked to the signalling component and the sensor or sensors, such control means being designed to switch the signalling component between its first and second states in response to a change in the position and/or the variables derived therefrom being determined by the sensor or sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Hendrik Sjirk Wagter, Josephus Theodorus Alphonsius Antonius Verbeek
  • Patent number: 7477159
    Abstract: A connection unit utilized in detecting an electronic device, comprising a first detection board, a second detection board and a connection board. The first detection board comprises a first contact area. The second detection board comprises a second contact area. The connection board is electrically connected to the electronic device, and comprises a first signal contact area and a second signal contact area, wherein the connection board is selectively connected to the first detection board and the second detection board. When the connection board connects the first detection board, the first signal contact area is electrically connected to the first contact area. When the connection board connects the second detection board, the second signal contact area is electrically connected to the second contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hannspree Inc.
    Inventors: Huai-Te Wang, Ching-Cheng Lin, Yu-Hung Sun, Makoto Huang
  • Publication number: 20090009354
    Abstract: A thin flexible electronic display includes a flexible membrane, control circuitry, and self-contained power source, which may be a thin flexible battery. A display may be affixed to an associated device for use in displaying dynamic information or video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ATG DESIGNWORKS LLC
    Inventors: ALLEN AFFOLTER, Titus Mathews
  • Patent number: 7436318
    Abstract: A thin flexible electronic display includes a flexible membrane, control circuitry, and self-contained power source, which may be a thin flexible battery. A display may be affixed to an associated device for use in displaying dynamic information or video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: ATG DesignWorks, LLC
    Inventors: Allen Affolter, Titus Mathews
  • Patent number: 7426107
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a flexible display panel having an intermediate extended display section that interconnects a normal display end section fitted in a panel-mounting frame movable along an outer surface of a housing, and a coupling end section disposed in the housing, that extends through a vertical slot in the housing, and that is guided around a guide roller. The normal display end section of the display panel serves as a normal display area when the panel-mounting frame is positioned at a normal position by a positioning unit. The normal display end section and the intermediate extended display section serve as an enlarged display area when the panel-mounting frame is positioned at an extended position. A biasing unit biases the intermediate extended display section to move into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Feng Yeh, Hung-Shen Yang
  • Patent number: 7388510
    Abstract: A display comprises a base, a display module and a sensing device. The base has a sensing region and the display module has a control device. The sensing device is electrically connected with the control device and the display module is rotatably coupled to the base. The control device can determine that an angle of rotation of the display module with respect to the base according to a corresponding relation between the sensing device and the sensing region of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignees: Qisda Corporation, Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Yao-Wen Chu, I-Wen Su
  • Patent number: 7310050
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display of a continuously adjustable area. The electronic device includes a frame, a flexible display panel, a detent unit and a recovering unit installed in the frame and connected with the display panel. The frame includes a surface and a window formed on the surface. The flexible display panel, longer than the window, is partially exposed in the window and partially within the frame. The detent unit includes two arresting elements established in the flexible display panel and the window separately. The two arresting elements are capable of generating mutual interference. The relative motion between the flexible display panel and the window is not affected when an external force is greater than the interference. Therefore the electronic device has a display with a continuously adjustable area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chih-Feng Yeh
  • Patent number: 7242315
    Abstract: A periodical is shown having flexible pages whereon is affixed a thin flexible electronic display. The display includes a flexible membrane, control circuitry, and self-contained power source, which may be a thin flexible battery. A display may be affixed to one or more of the pages of the periodical for use in displaying dynamic information or video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: ATG Design Works, LLC
    Inventors: Allen Affolter, Titus Mathews
  • Patent number: 7236098
    Abstract: Described is a floor mounted graphic display comprising an electroluminescent lamp assembly, a graphic overlay which is positioned over the electroluminescent lamp, a moisture barrier surrounding the electroluminescent lamp and the graphic overlay, a mounting plate which is incorporated into the electroluminescent lamp and the graphic overlay, a controller housing which is attached with the mounting plate and a controller which is situated in the controller housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: iGraphics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Kline, Rick A. Johnston, Matthew Wilkinson, Don Mohle, Frank Marshall
  • Patent number: 7173540
    Abstract: A flash-bang projectile that generates one or more noise pulses and one or more flashes of light. In generating a noise pulse, the flash-bang projectile provides a housing that includes a gas chamber that entraps air. The gas chamber includes a compression device that, when the flash-bang projectile is shot or otherwise ejected by a gun or other form of ejection device, compresses the air that is entrapped in the gas chamber. A burst disk forms one wall of the gas chamber and is configured to rupture a selected time delay after the air has been compressed. Rupturing of the burst disk releases the compressed air entrapped in the gas chamber, allowing the air to be released through a horn nozzle, thereby generating a noise pulse. The flash-bang projectile may have more than one gas chambers, with associated compression devices, whose burst disks are configured to rupture with diverse time delays, in which case the flash-bang projectile can generate multiple noise pulses with corresponding delays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Optical Alchemy, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Daigle, Heidi Burnham
  • Patent number: 7113321
    Abstract: A miniaturized and highly integrated optical deflection apparatus is realized in which the number of electrodes for driving the optical deflection apparatus is reduced. The optical deflection apparatus implements a sheet member that is electrically floating and plural electrodes that are implemented on a substrate. The sheet member includes a member having a light reflection region and an electret member that is charged at a predetermined electric potential. The sheet member is tilted by applying an electric potential that is substantially equivalent to an electric potential of the electret member to one of the electrodes and applying a ground potential to another one of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nanjyo, Seiichi Katoh, Kouichi Ohtaka
  • Patent number: 7012727
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 6972689
    Abstract: A portable sign system being self-contained and having a digital display panel which can be hydraulically raised to a suitable height and subsequently be rotated by a worm gear which is manually driven or electrically driven by a motor. A broad based upper assembly having an UHMW plastic stabilizing plate and rotation plates and attached worm gear drive serves as a rotatable and stabile mount for a digital or other display panel and an attached solar array. The digital display panel is automatically locked in azimuthal position by the worm gear drive without a conscious operator effort. Azimuth orientation of the digital display panel can be effected by a hand crank, manually by an electrical switch, automatically by an onboard computer control or by remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Morgan, Bradley T. Wiemann, Jean-Louis Legualt, Jacques Legault, Alex Peetroons, Luc Jacob
  • Publication number: 20040130447
    Abstract: A luggage identifier for air and rail travelers uniquely identifies a luggage piece on a airport carousel or train station conveyer belt. A battery powered remote radio wave transmitter carried by the passenger sends a radio wave to a battery powered receiving and activating mechanism associated with the luggage piece. The transmitted signal triggers a latch release mechanism connected to a flexible flagpole that is held under spring tension in the collapsed state. Upon being triggered, the latch release mechanism releases the flagpole, which is driven to an extended state under spring power. Identifiers carried by the flagpole are thereby moved into a conspicuously visible position, which facilitates identification of the luggage piece. The identifiers can comprise LED lights mounted on the flexible flagpole, a colored puffball, a name flag, and a sound generation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Joan M. Monck
  • Patent number: 6750760
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention enable a user to select from different appearances and sound types by providing different door chime assembly housing covers. The housing covers can be different in shape, size, appearance, and/or acoustic property, and preferably can be releasably mounted a housing base. A door chime assembler, manufacturer, or user can therefore select from different door chime assembly appearances and acoustic properties by selecting one of two or more different housing covers. The door chime assembly can employ a number of different features that change the sound quality of the door chime assembly, including a domed or tented housing cover shape, a housing cover having curved edges and corners, an open acoustic chamber unbroken by internal walls, and side wall housing apertures. Other significant advantages are provided by the use of a door chime assembly transformer that is mounted to the door chime assembly housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Broan-NuTone
    Inventors: Charles W. Albritton, William A. Kaepernick, Daniel L. Karst, Robb R. Roell, Richard G. McDonald
  • Patent number: 6507287
    Abstract: An Emergency Responder Alerting Marker which is manufactured of molded plastic, which is highly visible due to size and color, and which can be strategically placed so as to attract the attention of approaching Emergency Responders. The apparatus is portable, reducible in size, and is not reliant upon the utility of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: James Earl Barnett
  • Patent number: 6252575
    Abstract: A method of selectively changing an image on a sign and a sign with selectively changeable image display. A body is provided having a viewing aperture, a printer, and a printed media support for tensioning and advancing printed media produced by the printer across the viewing aperture. The printer is connected to a computer and print files downloaded from the computer to initiate printing by the printer onto printed media and advancing printed media across the viewing aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Trevor Jason Kern