Eric D Fuhs

US Patent:

6427918, Aug 6, 2002

Filed:

Nov 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/726846

Inventors:

Edward Endejan - Gurnee IL
Eric Fuhs - Crystal Lake IL

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

G06K 700

US Classification:

235486, 235492

Abstract:

The present invention provides an apparatus for conveniently storing and protecting auxiliary add-in media cards while complying with the form factor of an electronic device such as a palmtop computer. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an auxiliary add-in card storage apparatus disposed within a flip cover that can be removeably attached to the palmtop computer. The auxiliary add-in cards can be of SD (secure digital) or MMC (multi-media card) or memory stick format. The auxiliary add-in card storage apparatus, in one embodiment, is adapted to be attached to the inside of the flip cover of the palmtop computer. In the present embodiment, the apparatus is further comprised of sleeves adapted to receive the auxiliary add-in cards. The sleeves provide pockets, each of which is configured to receive an auxiliary add-in card. The pockets are further adapted to provide secure retention and protection of the auxiliary add-in cards once inserted into the pockets.

US Patent:

6462941, Oct 8, 2002

Filed:

Jun 30, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/608596

Inventors:

Troy Hulick - Saratoga CA
Eric Fuhs - Crystal Lake IL
John Byrne - Lake Villa IL

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H05K 502

US Classification:

361683, 361686, 361680, 361681, 3454723, 345169, 345173

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for backlighting a handwriting input area for a portable computing device. The portable computing device includes a display area for displaying alphanumeric data and other images. Underneath the display area is a digitizer input area by which users enter handwritten information into the portable computing device. The portable computing device contains handwriting recognition software which converts the handwritten information into alphanumeric data. Both the display area and the digitizer input area are both backlit to facilitate usage in poor lighting conditions.

US Patent:

6558189, May 6, 2003

Filed:

Mar 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/808692

Inventors:

Daniel P. Groebe - Lake Zurich IL
Eric Fuhs - Crystal Lake IL

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H01R 1360

US Classification:

439529, 439357

Abstract:

A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. A second connector resides on a cradle and includes a plurality of contact elements that mate with the contact elements on the handheld computer. A coupling structure is configured to extend from the cradle and to couple to the handheld computer. The coupling structure causes a portion of the handheld computer to bias into the cradle so as to direct the first connector to remain in contact with the second connector.

US Patent:

6618044, Sep 9, 2003

Filed:

May 25, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/579123

Inventors:

Shawn Gettemy - San Jose CA
Troy Hulick - Saratoga CA
Eric Fuhs - Crystal Lake IL
Frank Canova - Fremont CA

Assignee:

Palm Inc. - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345204, 361681, 361683

Abstract:

A portable computer system (e. g. , a palmtop or hand-held computer system) with a universal interface module containing circuitry needed to connect with and operate a device such as a display device. The interface module is coupled between the display device and a printed circuit board (e. g. , a central processing unit). The interface module can be coupled to the display device using a flexible circuit. In that case, the interface module is pivotable about the flexible circuit so that it can be positioned in different locations within the computer system, depending on space availability and the constraints of a particular computer system design. Thus, the combination of the interface module, the device, and/or the flexible circuit and can be universally implemented in different designs of portable computer systems, reducing development time and manufacturing costs.

US Patent:

6638092, Oct 28, 2003

Filed:

Mar 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/808695

Inventors:

Daniel P. Groebe - Lake Zurich IL
Eric Fuhs - Crystal Lake IL

Assignee:

Palm, Inc. - Milpitas CA

International Classification:

H01R 450

US Classification:

439341, 439353

Abstract:

A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.

US Patent:

6769036, Jul 27, 2004

Filed:

May 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/572671

Inventors:

Michael Cortopassi - Arlington Heights IL
Eric Fuhs - Crystal Lake IL
Thomas Robinson - Crystal Lake IL
Edward Endejan - Gurnee IL

Assignee:

Palm Source, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

G06F 300

US Classification:

710 15, 710 17, 710301, 711115, 713300

Abstract:

A method and system for enabling personal digital assistants (PDAs) and protecting stored private data. Specifically, one embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a removable expansion card about the size of a postage stamp which plugs into a slot of a personal digital assistant. The removable expansion card, referred to as a personality card, is capable of storing all of a users private information and data which is used within their personal digital assistant. By removing the personality card from the personal digital assistant, all of the users private information and data may be removed from the personal digital assistant. Furthermore, the personal digital assistant may also be rendered totally or partially useless once the personality card is removed from it. There are several advantages associated with a personality card system in accordance with the present invention. For example, one of the advantages is that a user is able to restrict access to their stored private information and data by simply removing their personality card from their personal digital assistant.

US Patent:

6831568, Dec 14, 2004

Filed:

Jun 30, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/607894

Inventors:

Michael Cortopassi - Arlington Heights IL
Eric Fuhs - Crystal Lake IL
Wayne Hile - Round Lake Park IL
Thomas Robinson - Crystal Lake IL
Edward Endejan - Gurnee IL

Assignee:

palmOne, Inc. - Milpitas CA

International Classification:

G08B 500

US Classification:

3408154, 34081546, 3405731, 34030916, 361681, 345 11

Abstract:

An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.

US Patent:

6869304, Mar 22, 2005

Filed:

Mar 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/109329

Inventors:

Daniel P. Groebe - Lake Zurich IL, US
Eric Fuhs - Crystal Lake IL, US

Assignee:

palmOne, Inc. - Milpitas CA

International Classification:

H01R004/50

US Classification:

439341, 439353, 439357, 439529

Abstract:

A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.