Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Aseem Singla

Hua Wang

Joseph Benjamin Gault

Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin

Nathan Michael Thome

Jan Raken

Andrew William Hill

Kaitlyn Schoeck

Brian David Bitz

Scott Douglas Bowers

Eugene Lee

Anthony George Picardo

Anthony Ernest Hillyerd

Le Chang

John Charles Meyer

Shuanghu Zhang

Tianyu Zhao

Daniel Dhondt

Vineet Thuvara

Christina Ashley Yee

Joe Gault

Matthew Thomas Condon

Madeleine Marie Haworth

Brittany Barbara

Dave Huston

Melvin R Greiser, Ii

Leila Asfari

Matthew T Condon

Melvin R Ii Greiser

Anthony G Picardo

Brian Bitz

Scott Bowers

Robyn Rebecca Reed Mclaughlin

Kaitlyn Marley Schoeck

An improved method and system for providing a magnetic closure system for an electronic device () may include a first portion (), a second portion (), a connecting element () pivotally connecting the first portion to the second portion and configured to enable the electronic device to fold between a closed position and an open position, and a magnetic element () for providing a closure force to bias the electronic device in the closed position. The magnetic element may include a first magnet pair and a second magnet pair, each of the first magnet pair and second magnet pair including a first magnet housed within the first portion and a second magnet housed within the second portion. The first magnet pair may provide an attractive magnetic force that biases the electronic device in the closed position, while the second magnet pair may provide a repelling magnetic force that partially counteracts the biasing from the attractive magnetic force as a gap between the first portion and the second portion decreases, and a pole size of the second magnet pair is smaller than a pole size of the first magnet pair.

Magnetic closure system for a device

A computing device comprises a base that comprises a base surface configured to support the computing device on a supporting surface, and a front wall adjoining and extending away from the base surface. The computing device also includes a chassis adjoining the base, the chassis comprising a planar user interactive surface comprising one or more user input components. The chassis also comprises an overhanging brim that extends beyond at least the front wall of the base and comprises at least one magnet configured to removably retain a stylus underneath the overhanging brim.

Computing device with stylus retention

The patent relates to securely storing an input device relative to a computing device. One example can include a housing and a trough defined in the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of an input device. This example can also include a pair of opposing levers that are contained in the trough when the trough is empty and that pivot proud out of the trough around and against the input device installed in the trough.

Multi-axis retention assembly

Locking mechanisms and separable, repairable (e.g., electronic) devices having locking mechanisms are described herein. In one example, a locking mechanism includes a chassis having a base, a first side wall extending from a surface of the base, and a second side wall extending from the surface of the base. A cavity is provided in a volume formed by the first side wall, the second side wall, and the surface of the base, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a mating component of the device. The locking mechanism also includes a cantilevered plate having a first end and a second, opposite end, wherein the cantilevered plate is attached to the first side wall of the chassis at or adjacent to the first end, and wherein the second end of the cantilevered plate is positioned with the cavity.

Locking mechanisms in separable and repairable devices

The description relates to devices and progressive forces between device portions. In one example, an extent of compression of a compressible material component can affect magnetic attraction between the device portions.

Device force control

A foldable electronic device includes a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge connecting the first portion and the second portion. The hinge is configured to allow pivoting movement of the first portion relative to the second portion, wherein the hinge has a hinge force. One or more magnets are coupled to the first portion, and a plurality of metal members are coupled to the second portion. Each metal member of the plurality of metal members is configured for individual removal from the second portion to define a magnetic force based on the hinge force, thereby allowing the first and second portions to be maintained together when in a closed orientation and allowing for easy one finger opening operation from the closed orientation.

Opening force control for foldable electronic devices

A fastening assembly is provided that includes a first permanent magnet having a first operating temperature and a second permanent magnet having a second operating temperature lower than the first operating temperature. The first permanent magnet is attachable to the second permanent magnet in a locked state at a first temperature lower than the second operating temperature. The first permanent magnet is releasable from the second permanent magnet in an unlocked state at a second temperature that is higher than the second operating temperature.

Magnetic fastening assembly

An electronic connector assembly includes a first PCB including a first electrical circuit, and a connector member disposed on a first side of the first PCB and electrically connected to the first electrical circuit. The connector member has a connector body sized to fit within an opening defined by walls of an EMI shield frame. The electronic connector assembly further includes a permanent magnet disposed on a second side of the first PCB. The permanent magnet has a magnet body sized to cover the opening in the EMI shield frame of a receptacle assembly and to provide a magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet and the EMI shield frame to press the first PCB against an opposing portion of the walls of the EMI shield frame and cause a grounded portion of the first side of the first PCB to make an electrical connection with the EMI shield frame.

Shielded magnetic electronic connector

An input component of a computing device disclosed herein includes a magnet located along an internal chassis of the input component, a biasing mechanism located between the magnet and a ledge of the internal chassis, and a fastening mechanism configured to attach the biasing mechanism to the ledge of the internal chassis such that the magnet is removably or non-permanently attached to the internal chassis. In one implementation, the magnet is glued to the biasing mechanism.

Magnet biasing mechanism

Technologies are generally described for a kickstand or similar support device connection mechanism in conjunction with computing devices. A substantially constant gap may be maintained between the kickstand and the device enclosure across the hinge rotation spectrum allowing the hinge and/or the kickstand to be level with the device enclosure. The connection mechanism may support various usage loads and rotation angles up to about 180 degrees, as well as allow for low force opening to a first position.

Friction hinge for tablet computers

Peripheral retention device techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a peripheral retention device includes a computing device securing portion and a peripheral securing portion. The computing device securing portion is configured to removably engage a computing device such that the computing device securing portion is securable to and removable from a first side of a housing the computing device using one or more hands of a user. The peripheral securing portion is connected to the computing device securing portion and configured to removably engage a peripheral device via a second side of the housing that opposes the first side of the housing such that the peripheral device is securable to and removable from the peripheral securing portion using one or more hands of a user.

Peripheral retention device

Growing community of inventors

Bothell, WA, United States of America

Aseem Singla