Via, Inc.

Other

James L Carroll

David W Carroll

Wendell L Carroll

Steven V Case

Matthew Rust

A body-wearable interactive device with a retractable earbud and a microphone provides data, audio and voice communication with a wearable personal computing or other remote device. Full voice and display interface with a personal computer can be achieved with the use of a wireless link between the input/output device and computer. The device is adapted for use with a variety of ancillary communications devices to provide flexibility in field and mobile communications scenarios. Corresponding methods are also disclosed by which a wearer can effect communication through and with the interactive device.

Interactive devices and methods

A screen peripheral system according to an embodiment of the invention includes a computing device for producing a main image and a touch-activated input device for generating and displaying a composite image visible to a user. The composite image simultaneously includes a representation of at least one key, for example a QWERTY keyboard, for activating an input function, and the main image provided by the computing device. The keyboard representation preferably is laid over the main image. According to one embodiment, the main image is an output image generated by an application being executed by the computing device. Other touch screen systems and methods are also disclosed.

Touch screen systems and methods

A computing device unit includes an upper casing, at least one integrated chip module electrically mounted on an interior side of the upper casing, a lower casing selectively engageable with the upper casing, and a flexible circuity ribbon extending through the upper casing and the lower casing, and being electrically connected to the at least one chip module within the lower and upper casing. Related devices and methods provide similar advantages.

Flexible computer system

An inflatable optical housing is adapted to provide a visual image and be used in connection with a separate computing device. The housing is sized by one or more bladders and at least one associated alignment member. Optical elements of the device provide an image of a display and/or an enhanced magnified image via lensing. The housing preferably is constructed of lightweight materials and is adapted for rapid inflation and deflation through a variety of mechanisms and with a variety of media. Embodiments of the invention are especially advantageous with wearable computing devices and methods.

Inflatable optical housing

An apparatus for removing a stuck lantern ring from the packing chamber of a valve assembly. The apparatus includes a guide collar which can be fixedly secured to the valve stem at a position above the packing chamber. The guide collar includes a plurality of equally spaced guide holes for guiding a drilling instrument used to form threaded openings in the lantern ring. After the holes are formed in the stuck lantern ring, thread connectors are inserted through the guide holes in the guide collar and are engaged with the threaded holes in the lantern ring. When the valve stem is raised, the removal tool applies a lifting force to the stuck lantern ring to lift the lantern ring out of the packing chamber.

Lantern ring removal tool

A valve assembly includes a self-contained, packing removal means for removing the valve packing. The valve assembly includes a valve stem connected at one end to a valve, a bonnet for mounting the valve stem on a valve body having a valve seat engageable with said valve on said valve stem, and means for raising and lowering said valve stem to selectively open and close said valve. The bonnet includes a packing chamber through which an intermediate portion of the valve stem extends. The packing removal means comprises a radially displaceable lifting element disposed within the valve stem and movable to an extended position where it engages the packing assembly from underneath upon operation of the valve stem to lift the valve packing from the packing chamber.

Growing community of inventors

Northfield, MN, United States of America

James L Carroll