David Lane

US Patent:

7369121, May 6, 2008

Filed:

Jul 21, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/896433

Inventors:

David Michael Lane - Sammamish WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06F 3/02

US Classification:

345168, 345174, 341 34

Abstract:

An input is disclosed that includes a zoom apparatus for increasing or decreasing the size of an image rendered on a display screen. The zoom apparatus has an actuator that is movable in a first direction to induce the image to zoom in. The actuator is also movable in a second direction to induce the image to zoom out. The zoom apparatus may include a sensor for detecting movement of the actuator in the first direction and movement of the actuator in the second direction. The input device may be a keyboard, for example, that includes a plurality of keys for inputting alphanumeric data, with the sensor also detecting actuation of the keys.

US Patent:

7510342, Mar 31, 2009

Filed:

Jun 15, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/424424

Inventors:

David M. Lane - Sammamish WA, US
Alana C. Miller - Kirkland WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06F 3/023
G06F 3/02
B41J 5/00

US Classification:

400472, 2003021, 2003022

Abstract:

A washable switch that may be used in a keyboard is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing of the keyboard may include a key opening and a support layer may be mounted in the housing. Key silos may be mounted on the support layer and input keys with support legs may be mounted in the key silos. In an embodiment the key silos may comprise an internally lubricated resin. An actuation unit and a keyboard circuitry may be in communication and encapsulated in a first and second barrier layer so as to provide a keyboard that may be safely placed in a dishwasher. If the keyboard is configured for wireless use, a sealable power source compartment sealably coupled to the keyboard circuitry may be provided with a removable door so as to allow the user, in operation, to access and replace a power source. The keyboard may include an externally exposed connector that may be sealed with a plug that may be attached to the housing by a tether.

US Patent:

7520689, Apr 21, 2009

Filed:

Jun 30, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/170150

Inventors:

David Michael Lane - Sammamish WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

B43L 15/00

US Classification:

400715, 248118, 2481183, 248918

Abstract:

A keyboard having a housing, a palm rest platform movably coupled to the housing and a lift mechanism configured to adjust the palm rest platform is described. Through use of hot keys on the keyboard or a user interface on the computer, the palm rest can be automatically adjusted to preferred positions for a number of users by a motor.

US Patent:

7677815, Mar 16, 2010

Filed:

Oct 10, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/545148

Inventors:

David M. Lane - Sammamish WA, US
Gino Garcia - Edmunds WA, US
Young Kim - Bellevue WA, US
Eric J. Wahl - Kirkland WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G03B 17/04
G03B 17/02
H04N 5/225

US Classification:

396348, 396535, 348373, 348376

Abstract:

A photographic device that includes a main body, a lens barrel and a barrel-positioning mechanism, which is operably coupled to the lens barrel and the main body. The barrel positioning mechanism is capable of moving the lens barrel between a retracted position, in which the lens barrel is within the main body, and an extended position, in which the lens barrel projects out of the main body. In some embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism is a purely mechanical component that moves the lens barrel between the retracted position and the extended position in response to the lens barrel being pushed in a direction generally towards the main body. In other embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism includes an electrical motor that helps extend and retract the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the extension/retraction of the lens barrel is triggered by software.

US Patent:

7692159, Apr 6, 2010

Filed:

Jun 26, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/426519

Inventors:

David M. Lane - Sammamish WA, US
Abid Saifee - Seattle WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G01N 23/00

US Classification:

25045511, 250504 R, 2504931, 25045311

Abstract:

A system and method for sterilizing a surface on an input device is disclosed. A chamber is configured to enclose an input device such as a keyboard and is configured to be switched between an open and a closed state. A drive unit may be provided to switch the chamber between states. In an embodiment, the drive unit may include a motor. A sensor provides a signal to a controller when the chamber is the closed state and the controller actuates a UV light. In an embodiment, the controller actuates the drive unit and the UV light in response to a trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger may be provided from a change in state in a computer coupled to the input device.

US Patent:

8094124, Jan 10, 2012

Filed:

Aug 17, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/840507

Inventors:

Babak Sayyadi - Bellevue WA, US
Amandu Wu - Seattle WA, US
Gil Manalo - Redmond WA, US
Kevin Flick - Seattle WA, US
Sarah J. Fuelling - Seattle WA, US
Michael Becker - Seattle WA, US
Santosh Shetty - Redmond WA, US
David M. Lane - Sammamish WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G09G 5/08

US Classification:

345163, 345157, 345166

Abstract:

A pointing device that can interface with a graphical user interface of a computer or other electronic device. The pointing device includes a body having an upper portion and an underside. Also included is a tracking assembly having at least one sensor to detect movement and output a control signal responsive to the detected movement. The pointing device further includes several customization features. The customization features include mechanical customization features and software customization features. At least some of the mechanical customization features are configured to be replaceable. Such replaceable customization features are releasably mechanically coupled to the pointing device body.

US Patent:

8283639, Oct 9, 2012

Filed:

Jun 18, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/487275

Inventors:

David M. Lane - Sammamish WA, US
Abid Saifee - Seattle WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G01N 23/00

US Classification:

25045511, 25045311, 250504 R, 2504931

Abstract:

A system and method for sterilizing a surface on an input device is disclosed. A chamber is configured to enclose an input device such as a keyboard and is configured to be switched between an open and a closed state. A drive unit may be provided to switch the chamber between states. In an embodiment, the drive unit may include a motor. A sensor provides a signal to a controller when the chamber is the closed state and the controller actuates a UV light. In an embodiment, the controller actuates the drive unit and the UV light in response to a trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger may be provided from a change in state in a computer coupled to the input device.

US Patent:

8411037, Apr 2, 2013

Filed:

Jun 14, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/818432

Inventors:

Glen C. Larsen - Issaquah WA, US
Daniel G. O'Neil - Seattle WA, US
Scott M. Mail - Seattle WA, US
David M. Lane - Sammamish WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06F 3/02
G09G 5/00

US Classification:

345168

Abstract:

A keyboard key has a key portion that forms a cantilevered beam pivotable about an axis. A switch is disposed relative to the cantilevered beam, such that rotation of the cantilever beam about the axis causes depression of the switch. The switch is offset from an applied force-receiving portion of the key portion. A touch sensitive key also includes a touch sensor detecting contact with the key portion of the key. The invention can be extended such that the key portion is formed of transparent or semi-transparent material. The invention can also be extended to include touch sensitive areas on any portion of an upper case of the computer keyboard.