Patents by Inventor Bradley J. Hamel
Bradley J. Hamel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11971130Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
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Patent number: 11953952Abstract: An input device includes a touch plate having a central axis and a top surface with three outer points evenly spaced away from the central axis. A touch sensor is used to detect a user touch on the top surface at the first outer point, and a support mechanism supports the touch plate and is configured to translate the touch plate at the second and third outer points upon application of the user touch and translation of the touch plate at the first outer point. Translation of the three outer points is substantially equal along the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Thomas R. Matzinger, Bradley J. Hamel, Ryan P. Brooks, Scott J. Krahn, Arka P. Roy
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Patent number: 11942722Abstract: Connector inserts having reliable contacts, as well as connector receptacles having improved magnetic circuits for use in electronic devices having a thin form factor. These and other examples can provide connector receptacles that can be easily aligned to an opening in an electronic device, as well as connector inserts and connector receptacles that can be readily manufactured.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Bradley J. Hamel, George Tziviskos, Hao Zhu, Jean-Marc Gery, Paul J. Hack
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Patent number: 11934230Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
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Patent number: 11853122Abstract: Accessory devices for portable electronic devices are described. An exemplary accessory device can include a first segment coupled to a second segment via a first hinge assembly. The accessory can include a third segment coupled to the second segment via a second hinge assembly such that the second segment is positioned between the first and third segments. The accessory device can be arranged between a closed configuration and a configuration of a stand that supports the portable electronic device at a viewing angle. At the support configuration, the second segment can be at an acute angle relative to the first segment to shift the center of gravity of the system towards the middle. The third segment can be suspended above the first segment and be inclined outwards. The hinge assemblies of the system can be sufficiently stiff to withstand the weight of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aidan N. Zimmerman, Bradley J. Hamel, Christopher J. Stringer, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan, Mikael M. Silvanto, Kevin M. Robinson, Daniel L. McBroom, Michael D. McBroom
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Patent number: 11761573Abstract: Display assemblies for supporting displays on stands or support arms have mount portions to removably attach to the displays using magnetic assemblies and latches. The magnetic assemblies and latches can improve user experience and allow the display to be installed on a support arm from the viewing side of the display and without having to see or reach behind the display. Magnetic structures can center a mount portion of the support arm and a recess of the display and can attract them to each other. Laterally-extending latches can ensure the display is not inadvertently removed. Locking mechanisms can prevent the display from being rotated to a portrait orientation when sufficient space around the display and the necessary user intent is not provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, Bradley J. Hamel, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Hao Zhu, Lauren M. Farrell, Sunita Venkatesh, Peter N. Jeziorek, Edward T. Sweet, David A. Jungquist, Karen Y. Cheng, Xiang Zhang, Danny L. McBroom, Michael D. McBroom, Laura M. DeForest
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Publication number: 20230049811Abstract: A foldable display device may have housing portions coupled by a hinge. The hinge may have a series of interconnected links. The links may be formed from interdigitated fingers in a friction clutch. The fingers or other portions of the links may be provided with crescent-shaped slots that receive pins. During folding of the device, the pins may slide along the crescent-shaped slots, thereby ensuring that adjacent links rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis that lies outside of the hinge and within a flexible display panel. Links may also be formed from link members with curved mating bearing surfaces that slide relative to each other as adjacent links are rotated relative to each other. A housing rotation synchronization mechanism may be formed using a set of gears that extends between the first and second housing portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Scott J Krahn, Adam T Garelli, Bradley J Hamel, Dinesh C Mathew, Hoon Sik Kim, Keith J Hendren, Robert Y Cao, Terry C Lam, Kevin M Robinson, Houtan R Farahani, Tatsuya Sano
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Publication number: 20220365558Abstract: An input device includes a touch plate having a central axis and a top surface with three outer points evenly spaced away from the central axis. A touch sensor is used to detect a user touch on the top surface at the first outer point, and a support mechanism supports the touch plate and is configured to translate the touch plate at the second and third outer points upon application of the user touch and translation of the touch plate at the first outer point. Translation of the three outer points is substantially equal along the central axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Thomas R. Matzinger, Bradley J. Hamel, Ryan P. Brooks, Scott J. Krahn, Arka P. Roy
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Publication number: 20220326731Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
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Publication number: 20220325848Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
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Publication number: 20220325845Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V. Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
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Publication number: 20220290797Abstract: Display assemblies for supporting displays on stands or support arms have mount portions to removably attach to the displays using magnetic assemblies and latches. The magnetic assemblies and latches can improve user experience and allow the display to be installed on a support arm from the viewing side of the display and without having to see or reach behind the display. Magnetic structures can center a mount portion of the support arm and a recess of the display and can attract them to each other. Laterally-extending latches can ensure the display is not inadvertently removed. Locking mechanisms can prevent the display from being rotated to a portrait orientation when sufficient space around the display and the necessary user intent is not provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, Bradley J. Hamel, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Hao Zhu, Lauren M. Farrell, Sunita Venkatesh, Peter N. Jeziorek, Edward T. Sweet, David A. Jungquist, Karen Y. Cheng, Xiang Zhang, Danny L. McBroom, Michael D. McBroom, Laura M. DeForest
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Patent number: 11429157Abstract: An input device includes a touch plate having a central axis and a top surface with three outer points evenly spaced away from the central axis. A touch sensor is used to detect a user touch on the top surface at the first outer point, and a support mechanism supports the touch plate and is configured to translate the touch plate at the second and third outer points upon application of the user touch and translation of the touch plate at the first outer point. Translation of the three outer points is substantially equal along the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Thomas R. Matzinger, Bradley J. Hamel, Ryan P. Brooks, Scott J. Krahn, Arka P. Roy
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Patent number: 11424573Abstract: Connectors that have a low profile, can form strong and reliable connections despite connection alignment errors, and can be readily manufactured. One example can provide a connector receptacle having a magnetic array arranged to provide a strong attachment that allows the use of a low profile connector receptacle and connector insert. The magnetic array can include magnets and magnetic elements, where the magnetic elements can be magnetically conductive pole-pieces. Each pole piece can have magnets at two of its sides. Another example can provide contacts for a connector insert that can have more than one contacting surface to connect to a contact of a connector receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Mahmoud R. Amini, Ayoub Yari Boroujeni, John C. DiFonzo, Bradley J. Hamel, George Tziviskos, Hao Zhu, Paul Hack, Jean-March Gery
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Publication number: 20220236765Abstract: Accessory devices for portable electronic devices are described. An exemplary accessory device can include a first segment coupled to a second segment via a first hinge assembly. The accessory can include a third segment coupled to the second segment via a second hinge assembly such that the second segment is positioned between the first and third segments. The accessory device can be arranged between a closed configuration and a configuration of a stand that supports the portable electronic device at a viewing angle. At the support configuration, the second segment can be at an acute angle relative to the first segment to shift the center of gravity of the system towards the middle. The third segment can be suspended above the first segment and be inclined outwards. The hinge assemblies of the system can be sufficiently stiff to withstand the weight of the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Aidan N. ZIMMERMAN, Bradley J. HAMEL, Christopher J. STRINGER, Markus DIEBEL, Sung-Ho TAN, Mikael M. SILVANTO, Kevin M. ROBINSON, Daniel L. MCBROOM, Michael D. MCBROOM
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Patent number: 11378225Abstract: Display assemblies for supporting displays on stands or support arms have mount portions to removably attach to the displays using magnetic assemblies and latches. The magnetic assemblies and latches can improve user experience and allow the display to be installed on a support arm from the viewing side of the display and without having to see or reach behind the display. Magnetic structures can center a mount portion of the support arm and a recess of the display and can attract them to each other. Laterally-extending latches can ensure the display is not inadvertently removed. Locking mechanisms can prevent the display from being rotated to a portrait orientation when sufficient space around the display and the necessary user intent is not provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, Bradley J. Hamel, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Hao Zhu, Lauren M. Farrell, Sunita Venkatesh, Peter N. Jeziorek, Edward T. Sweet, David A. Jungquist, Karen Y. Cheng, Xiang Zhang, Danny L. McBroom, Michael D. McBroom, Laura M. DeForest
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Patent number: 11360587Abstract: A system may include a finger device that is worn on a user's finger. The finger device may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other devices in the system. The finger device may have a foldable housing with hinge structures that allow portions of the housing to fold with respect to each other. Magnets or other bistability structures may be used to provide the folding housing with folding bistability. This allows the housing to be placed in a stable unfolded state that releases the finger or a stable folded state in which the housing snaps over the finger and holds the finger device in place. A base may be used to store the finger device for charging. The base may have deployment structures that help place the finger device on the user's finger for use.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2021Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Bradley J. Hamel, Dinesh C. Mathew, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, John C. DiFonzo, Keith J. Hendren, Navpreet S. Kaloty, Nicholas L. Qu, Scott J. Krahn, Aidan N. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 11307615Abstract: Accessory devices for portable electronic devices are described. An exemplary accessory device can include a first segment coupled to a second segment via a first hinge assembly. The accessory can include a third segment coupled to the second segment via a second hinge assembly such that the second segment is positioned between the first and third segments. The accessory device can be arranged between a closed configuration and a configuration of a stand that supports the portable electronic device at a viewing angle. At the support configuration, the second segment can be at an acute angle relative to the first segment to shift the center of gravity of the system towards the middle. The third segment can be suspended above the first segment and be inclined outwards. The hinge assemblies of the system can be sufficiently stiff to withstand the weight of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aidan N. Zimmerman, Bradley J. Hamel, Christopher J. Stringer, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan, Mikael M. Silvanto, Kevin M. Robinson, Daniel L. McBroom, Michael D. McBroom
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Publication number: 20220102910Abstract: Connector inserts having reliable contacts, as well as connector receptacles having improved magnetic circuits for use in electronic devices having a thin form factor. These and other examples can provide connector receptacles that can be easily aligned to an opening in an electronic device, as well as connector inserts and connector receptacles that can be readily manufactured.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Bradley J. Hamel, George Tziviskos, Hao Zhu, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20220102911Abstract: Connector inserts having reliable contacts, as well as connector receptacles having improved magnetic circuits for use in electronic devices having a thin form factor. These and other examples can provide connector receptacles that can be easily aligned to an opening in an electronic device, as well as connector inserts and connector receptacles that can be readily manufactured.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Bradley J. Hamel, George Tziviskos, Hao Zhu, Jean-Marc Gery, Paul J. Hack