Curtis A Thompson

US Patent:

6473076, Oct 29, 2002

Filed:

Apr 5, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/542348

Inventors:

Curtis D. Thompson - Taylorsville UT
Kenneth A. Croft - Salt Lake City UT
Jay B. McCleary - West Valley City UT

Assignee:

3COM Corporation - Rolling Meadows IL

International Classification:

G09G 508

US Classification:

345179, 345173, 178 1901

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for controlling the power of a handheld computing device with a stylus is provided. A handheld computing device includes a power âonâ state and a power âoffâ state. The handheld computing device further includes an elongated slot for receiving a stylus, and a switch positioned within the slot for transitioning the handheld computing device from the power âonâ state to the power âoffâ state when the stylus is inserted into the elongated slot.

US Patent:

6490439, Dec 3, 2002

Filed:

Oct 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/680548

Inventors:

Kenneth A. Croft - Salt Lake City UT
Curtis D. Thompson - Taylorsville UT
Jay B. McCleary - West Valley UT

Assignee:

3COM Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H04B 138

US Classification:

455 90, 455566, 455 677, 455575, 343702, 343721

Abstract:

A transceiver device and method thereof for sending signals to and receiving signals from another device via a wireless connection and for providing information about the wireless connection to a user. An antenna coupled to the transceiver is visible to the user. The antenna is a lighted antenna that is adapted to provide a visual indication of a wireless signal to a user. The lighted antenna can be used to show that the transceiver is transmitting or receiving signals, that a data connection has been made, or that a Bluetooth piconet has been detected. The color and/or intensity of the lighted antenna can be varied to indicate, for example, the strength of the signal. With a lighted antenna, additional features and functionality can be incorporated into a transceiver device while maintaining the form factor of existing designs. The multi-functionality of a lighted antenna is particularly suited for smaller devices where space is at a premium.

US Patent:

6529743, Mar 4, 2003

Filed:

Mar 29, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/280331

Inventors:

Curtis Duane Thompson - Taylorsville UT
Kenneth A. Croft - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

3Com Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H04Q 720

US Classification:

455557, 455556

Abstract:

A wireless communication system configured to transceive information through use of a wireless telephone, the wireless communication system comprising a host that is configured to transmit and receive a signal. In communication with the host is an analog-only capable modem. The modem is capable of transceiving the signal along an analog communication network. Coupled with the modem and the wireless telephone is a communication adaptor mechanism which is configured to convert the signal from the modem such that the wireless telephone is capable of transceiving the signal.

US Patent:

6597151, Jul 22, 2003

Filed:

Oct 2, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/679056

Inventors:

Mark D. Price - Midvale UT
Curtis Thompson - Taylorsville UT

Assignee:

3Com Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H02J 700

US Classification:

320105, 320114

Abstract:

A portable auxiliary power source system and method of the present invention facilitates extended portable use of a handheld computer without being unconnected to a fixed power source. A present invention portable auxiliary power source system is mobile and accommodates energy resources that are easily replenished. In one embodiment a portable auxiliary power source system includes a battery compartment, coupling component and electrical interface. The battery compartment holds a energy source such as battery. The coupling component is configured to couple with a handheld computer. The electrical interface is fabricated to provide a communications port for communicating electrical signals from the portable auxiliary power source system to a handheld computer. In one exemplary implementation of the present invention the battery compartment includes terminal tabs comprising electrically conductive material (e. g. , copper) adapted to contact a battery terminal and provide an electrical path for electrical charges along wiring to the electrical interface.

US Patent:

6622031, Sep 16, 2003

Filed:

Oct 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/684161

Inventors:

Jay B. McCleary - West Valley UT
Curtis D. Thompson - Taylorsville UT
Kenneth A. Croft - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

3Com Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H04B 138

US Classification:

455575, 455556, 343702, 345173

Abstract:

An antenna configuration for storing and deploying an antenna used with a hand-held wireless device, and method thereof. The device housing has a molded opening for holding a stylus element used with the device. The antenna is also stored in the housing within the molded opening, and the base end of the antenna is pivotably attached to the housing. In the present embodiment, the pivotable antenna is held in place within the molded opening by the stylus element. When the stylus element is removed, the antenna automatically pivots to the position in which it protrudes from the device housing. Thus, the antenna can be stored where it is protected and out of the way. In addition, the current form factor (size, shape and appearance) of the hand-held device can be retained.

US Patent:

6665543, Dec 16, 2003

Filed:

Oct 4, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/684746

Inventors:

Jay B. McCleary - West Valley UT
Kenneth A. Croft - Salt Lake City UT
Curtis D. Thompson - Taylorsville UT

Assignee:

3Com Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H04Q 124

US Classification:

455550, 455 90, 455575, 343702

Abstract:

An antenna configuration for storing and deploying an antenna used with a hand-held wireless device, and method thereof. The device housing has a molded opening for holding a stylus element used with the device. The antenna is also stored in the housing within the molded opening. When the stylus is removed from the molded opening, the antenna can slide within the opening to a position in which it protrudes at one end from the housing. Thus, the antenna can be stored where it is protected and out of the way. In addition, the current form factor (size, shape and appearance) of the hand-held device can be retained.

US Patent:

60658800, May 23, 2000

Filed:

Mar 9, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/036851

Inventors:

Curtis Thompson - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

3Com Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

G06F 1300

US Classification:

385 88

Abstract:

An adapter having an L-shaped housing is configured for removable attachment to a conventional PDA. The adapter is electrically coupled with the PDA and includes a laser or other light source configured to selectively emanate a light beam that can be modified into a digital signal. The digital signal can be received by a photo detector on a computer for facilitating a download of data from the PDA to the computer. The light beam from the laser can also be used as a presentation pointer. The adapter further includes a photo detector which is selectively positioned relative to the laser so that the light beam from the laser can be reflected off a bar code and received by the photo detector. The reflected signal is then converted to a digital signal which is then forwarded to the PDA for storage or access of other corresponding information.

US Patent:

61393428, Oct 31, 2000

Filed:

Oct 30, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/183830

Inventors:

Curtis D. Thompson - Taylorsville UT

Assignee:

3Com Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H01R 2900

US Classification:

439188

Abstract:

A media jack is provided having an aperture configured to receive a first media plug and a second media plug each of different configuration. A plurality of discrete contact wires extend from the housing into the aperture. Positioned on the side of the housing is a switch arm having a first contact and second contact positioned at the opposing sides thereof. The switch arm is operable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the switch arm biases in electrical contact with the first contact such that a head of the switch arm is disposed within the aperture of the media plug. In this position, a discrete contact wire communicates with a first electrical pathway including the first contact and switch arm. In the second position, switch arm is manually pushed backwards so that the switch arm is in electrical communication with the second contact. In this configuration, the discrete contact wire is in communication with a second electrical pathway including that switch arm and second contact.