Patents by Inventor Brett W. Degner

Brett W. Degner 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).

  • Publication number: 20240143043
    Abstract: A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Eugene A. Whang, Christopher J. Stringer, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Patrick Kessler, Eric R. Prather, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Adam T. Stagnaro, Daniel L. McBroom, Matthew P. Casebolt, Michael D. McBroom
  • Patent number: 11971759
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing that defines an internal volume. The electronic device can also include a component within the internal volume that divides the internal volume into a first volume and a second volume. The first volume and second volume can be fluidically isolated except at an aperture defined by the component. An air-moving system can produce a positive air pressure in the first volume and a negative air pressure in the second volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Eric R. Prather, Michael E. Leclerc
  • Patent number: 11971130
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11953952
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Thomas R. Matzinger, Bradley J. Hamel, Ryan P. Brooks, Scott J. Krahn, Arka P. Roy
  • Patent number: 11950354
    Abstract: This application relates to a layout of components within an electronic device. The electronic device includes a circuit board and one or more thermal components located on or proximate to each surface of the circuit board. As a result, thermal energy generated by components of the circuit board are drawn away from the circuit board in a more efficient manner. Additionally, the electronic device may include one or more air movers designed to draw ambient air into the electronic device in a manner that causes the ambient air to cool components upstream from the air movers. Further, the electronic device includes a fin stack that is thermally coupled to the aforementioned thermal components, and further receives air driven in by the air mover(s). Also, the electronic device is designed to receive the ambient air through openings that define a 360-degree air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, Brett W. Degner, Jay S. Nigen, Eric R. Prather, David H. Narajowski
  • Patent number: 11934230
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20240069595
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a glass housing member that includes an upper portion defining a display area, a lower portion defining an input area, and a transition portion joining the upper portion and the lower portion and defining a continuous, curved surface between the upper portion and the lower portion. The electronic device may include a display coupled to the glass housing member and configured to provide a visual output at the display area. The electronic device may include an input device coupled to the glass housing member and configured to detect inputs at the input area. The electronic device may include a support structure coupled to the glass housing member and configured to support the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Paul X. Wang, Adam T. Garelli, Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Dinesh C. Mathew
  • Publication number: 20240053804
    Abstract: A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Eugene A. Whang, Christopher J. Stringer, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Patrick Kessler, Eric R. Prather, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Adam T. Stagnaro, Daniel L. McBroom, Matthew P. Casebolt, Michael D. McBroom
  • Patent number: 11899509
    Abstract: A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Eugene A Whang, Christopher J. Stringer, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Patrick Kessler, Eric R. Prather, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Adam T. Stagnaro, Daniel L. McBroom, Matthew P. Casebolt, Michael D. McBroom
  • Patent number: 11899511
    Abstract: A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Eugene A Whang, Christopher J. Stringer, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Patrick Kessler, Eric R. Prather, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Adam T. Stagnaro, Daniel L. McBroom, Matthew P. Casebolt, Michael D. McBroom
  • Patent number: 11892886
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device may include a laptop computing device that includes a base portion and a display housing rotationally coupled to the base portion. The base portion includes a fan designed to drive heated air out of the base portion, thus cooling the portable electronic device. A dynamic (movable) air diverter is integrated into the base portion near the fan's outlet. The air diverter is designed to direct airflow from the fan outlet. Moreover, the air diverter can be repositioned by, for example, rotating the display housing relative to the base portion. As a result of the repositioned air diverter, the airflow from the fan outlet is redirected out of the portable electronic device through a different location. The air diverter can be positioned in different discrete locations, or alternatively, can move continuously with the rotational movement of the display housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Brett W. Degner
  • Patent number: 11822385
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a glass housing member that includes an upper portion defining a display area, a lower portion defining an input area, and a transition portion joining the upper portion and the lower portion and defining a continuous, curved surface between the upper portion and the lower portion. The electronic device may include a display coupled to the glass housing member and configured to provide a visual output at the display area. The electronic device may include an input device coupled to the glass housing member and configured to detect inputs at the input area. The electronic device may include a support structure coupled to the glass housing member and configured to support the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Paul X. Wang, Adam T. Garelli, Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Dinesh C. Mathew
  • Patent number: 11817755
    Abstract: A linear resonant actuator includes a ferritic tube, a movable mass, first and second flexures, and a set of one or more flexures. The ferritic tube has an axis extending from a first end of the ferritic tube to a second end of the ferritic tube. The movable mass has a set of magnet sections disposed along the axis. First and second flexures mechanically couple first and second ends of the movable mass to the ferritic tube. The flexures suspend the movable mass within the ferritic tube and allow movement of the movable mass along the axis. The electric coil(s) are attached to the ferritic tube and extend around the movable mass, between the ferritic tube and the movable mass. Each magnet section has magnetic poles disposed at different positions along the axis, and like magnetic poles of adjacent magnetic sections face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Brenton A. Baugh, Shingo Yoneoka, Songsheng Zhou
  • Publication number: 20230350457
    Abstract: An electronic device housing may have upper and lower portions that are attached with a hinge. At least one portion of the housing may have a rear planar surface and peripheral sidewalls having edges. A display module may be mounted in the housing. The display module may have glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate. The color filter glass layer may serve as the outermost glass layer in the display module. The edges of the display module may be aligned with the edges of the peripheral housing sidewalls to create the appearance of a borderless display for the electronic device. The display module may be provided with an opening that allows a camera or other electronic components to receive light. Traces may be provided on the underside of the thin-film transistor substrate to serve as signal paths for the electrical components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs
  • Publication number: 20230333658
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11788609
    Abstract: A display assembly has a linkage and counterbalance made to provide non-tilting movement of a display at the end of a support arm while providing counterbalance equal to a change in potential energy of the display. The linkage can be a four-bar, parallelogram-shaped linkage, and the counterbalance can include a Scotch yoke configured to store energy in an energy storage device of the assembly as the support arm rotates. The display assembly can improve comfort and ease of moving a supported display while minimizing friction, hysteresis, and counterbalance mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, Brett W. Degner, Danny L. McBroom, David H. Narajowski, Edward T. Sweet
  • Patent number: 11761573
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230282544
    Abstract: This application relates to modifications and enhancements to assemblies used with integrated circuits. In the described embodiments, multiple thermal components (e.g., vapor chambers, fin stacks, heat pipes) can be used to provide a dual-sided thermal energy extraction solution for a circuit board and an integrated circuit located on the circuit board. The thermal components can provide thermal energy dissipation capabilities for additional heat-generating components on the circuit board. Additionally, multiple plates can provide a compression force used to maintain contact between the integrated circuit and the circuit board, and in particular, between contact pads of the integrated circuit and pins, or springs, of a socket located on the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Simon J. TRIVETT, Brett W. DEGNER, Mahesh S. HARDIKAR, Michael E. LECLERC, Eric R. PRATHER, Kevin J. RYAN
  • Publication number: 20230284372
    Abstract: This application relates to a layout of components within an electronic device. The electronic device includes a circuit board and one or more thermal components located on or proximate to each surface of the circuit board. As a result, thermal energy generated by components of the circuit board are drawn away from the circuit board in a more efficient manner. Additionally, the electronic device may include one or more air movers designed to draw ambient air into the electronic device in a manner that causes the ambient air to cool components upstream from the air movers. Further, the electronic device includes a fin stack that is thermally coupled to the aforementioned thermal components, and further receives air driven in by the air mover(s). Also, the electronic device is designed to receive the ambient air through openings that define a 360-degree air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Kristopher P. LAURENT, Brett W. DEGNER, Jay S. NIGEN, Eric R. PRATHER, David H. NARAJOWSKI
  • Patent number: 11741041
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor, a PCIe-compatible interface bus that includes a root that is connected to the processor, and a routing complex that is connected to the root and is controlled by the processor. The computer also includes a first interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, a second interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, and an extended interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches. The switches are configured based on properties of a first peripheral device to define a first switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected only to the first interface slot and to define a second switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected to both of the first interface slot and the extended interface slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ian P. Shaeffer, Eric C. Gaertner, John T Orchard, Michael W. Murphy, Ronald P. Songco, Corey N. Axelowitz, Brett W. Degner