Spring man claims patent for power-saving innovation

A Spring man and his research partner have received a U.S. patent for their invention of a technology that could help users of portable devices make their batteries last longer.

According to the patent, the key to the technology is a system that allows users to switch between two operating systems, one of which requires much less power than the other. Users can switch to the low-power system for tasks that do not require the more complex system, allowing them to increase the time between recharges.

The patent credits Isaac Lagnado of Houston and Yogesh K. Mittal of Spring with the invention of the device. The patent was originally filed on April 30, 2007 and was approved on Feb. 1 of this year. Its official number is 7,882,377. Hewlett-Packard owns the patent.

While its international headquarters are in Palo Alto, California, HP's Houston offices serve as the nerve center of its U.S. division. They are located in the Cy-Fair area at 20555 SH 249.