Douglas Lea Heirich

Title: Douglas Lea Heirich: Innovator in Thermal Management Technologies

Introduction

Douglas Lea Heirich, based in Palo Alto, California, is a prolific innovator known for his significant contributions to thermal management technologies. With an impressive portfolio of 37 patents, Heirich has been at the forefront of developing methods and devices that enhance user experience through effective temperature regulation.

Latest Patents

Among his latest inventions, Heirich has focused on two notable patents:

1. **Regulating device surface temperature** - This patent discloses methods for regulating the surface temperature of devices such as computing and head-mounted display (HMD) devices. The method involves assessing the surface temperature and an energy accumulator value that tracks cumulative energy absorbed by the user. Utilizing a dynamic temperature limit function, it calculates a temperature threshold and initiates cooling actions as needed.

2. **Anti-fogging HMD utilizing device waste heat** - This patent proposes a system where a heat source, functioning independently of heat generation, contributes to increasing the temperature of a display element. The design includes a thermally conductive element that effectively transfers heat to the display, enhancing the overall user experience by combating fogging issues in HMDs.

Career Highlights

Heirich has worked with renowned companies, including Apple Inc. and Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC, where he honed his skills in innovative design and development. His experiences in these leading tech environments have allowed him to push the boundaries of thermal technology applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Heirich has collaborated with notable peers, including Steven W. Holmes and Larry Forsblad, leveraging their insights and expertise to refine and advance his patentable inventions.

Conclusion

Douglas Lea Heirich continues to make remarkable strides in the field of thermal management technology. With a rich patent portfolio that exemplifies innovation, he remains a key player in enhancing user interactions with advanced computing devices. His ongoing contributions will likely lead to further breakthrough technologies, enriching user experiences in an increasingly digital world.