Abstract: Coatings for filling cracks within anodic films formed from, for example, a laser marking process are described. The cracks generally have widths of nanometers in scale and can extend from an external surface of an anodic film to an underlying metal substrate. The coatings fill the cracks to prevent liquid and contaminants from entering the cracks and reaching the metal substrate, thereby preventing corrosion of the underlying metal substrate. The coatings can be hydrophobic such that water is wicked away from the cracks. In some cases, the coatings are fluoropolymer coatings. Methods include spray-on techniques that provide a thin and uniform layer of the coating. The spray-on technique can be configured to spray on a fluoropolymer precursor onto the anodic film such that the fluoropolymer precursor diffuses into and polymerizes into the fluoropolymer coating within the cracks.

Abstract: Antenna related features of a mobile phone or computing device are disclosed. In one embodiment, wireless control and signal are fed separately through difference types of flexes to optimize performance and cost. In one embodiment, active switching and processing of differing conductive trace lengths are performed on an antenna flex so that antenna performance can be optimized for multiple wireless technologies covering a wide range of wavelengths. In one embodiment, a cantilever arm affixed to a ground screw can provide double grounding in a region with no available screw points due to high z constraint. In one embodiment, a device can provide double feed for antenna through a single screw. In one embodiment, a short pin can be configured to support thinner metal. In one embodiment, a “vibrator bracket/LDS short pin” structure can be used to share a common screw point.

Abstract: An acoustically permeable material is disposed within an aperture of an electronic device to provide aesthetic appeal for the electronic device and protection for an acoustic device mounted within the electronic device. A stiffener is used in conjunction with the acoustically permeable material to improve its ability to resist permanent mechanical deformation from external forces. In some embodiments the stiffener may have multiple cavities enabling improved isolation between multiple acoustic devices within the same aperture. Other methods of employing acoustically permeable materials are disclosed that improve the aesthetic appeal, acoustic performance and/or manufacturability of the electronic device.

Abstract: A portable electronic device that provides compact configurations for audio elements are disclosed. The audio elements can be drivers (e.g., speakers) or receivers (e.g., microphones). According to one aspect, mesh structures, such as mesh barriers, are formed to facilitate improved acoustic sealing in a space efficient manner. In one embodiment, a mesh barrier for an audio port can be reliably acoustically sealed (or coupled) with an audio chamber and/or outer device housing in a space efficient manner. A mesh barrier can serve to block undesired foreign substances from entry or further entry into an audio port and/or serve as a cosmetic barrier which obscures vision into an audio port. In one embodiment, a portion of a mesh structure can be provided with a substantially planar surface that facilitates improved acoustic sealing.

Abstract: Custom antenna structures may be used to improve antenna performance and to compensate for manufacturing variations in electronic device antennas. An electronic device antenna may include an antenna tuning element and conductive structures formed from portions of a peripheral conductive housing member and other conductive antenna structures. The antenna tuning element may be connected across a gap in the peripheral conductive housing member. The custom antenna structures may be used to couple the antenna tuning element to a fixed custom location on the peripheral conductive housing member to help satisfy design criteria and to compensate for manufacturing variations in the conductive antenna structures that could potentially lead to undesired variations in antenna performance. Custom antenna structures may include springs and custom paths on dielectric supports.

Abstract: This document describes methods and apparatus for reducing a magnetic field emitted by an earpiece assembly from extending substantially outside a device associated with the earpiece assembly. Where the earpiece assembly is susceptible to ingress of magnetically attractable particles into the earpiece assembly such a reduction can prolong an operational life of the earpiece assembly. By insert molding magnetically permeable materials throughout an enclosure that surrounds and supports a permanent magnet of the earpiece assembly, a portion of a magnetic field emanating from the permanent magnet that extends outside the device can be substantially reduced or redirected so that the magnetic field ceases to draw the magnetically attractable particles into the earpiece assembly.

Abstract: An electronic device having a lens and a lens retaining member is disclosed. The lens and the lens retaining member may both be molded in a single mold cavity. However, the lens includes a first material that is clear and translucent, while the lens retaining member includes a second material that is opaque. The lens retaining member may include an alignment such that the lens and lens retaining member, when secured to a flexible circuit, may self-align with a window. The window allows a light source to emit light while the lens retaining member blocks or reflects light. In another embodiment, a container having a first member and a second member may be positioned around a camera module. The container may act as an EMI shield for the camera module.

Abstract: This document describes methods and apparatus for reducing a magnetic field emitted by an earpiece assembly from extending substantially outside a device associated with the earpiece assembly. Where the earpiece assembly is susceptible to ingress of magnetically attractable particles into the earpiece assembly such a reduction can prolong an operational life of the earpiece assembly. By insert molding magnetically permeable materials throughout an enclosure that surrounds and supports a permanent magnet of the earpiece assembly, a portion of a magnetic field emanating from the permanent magnet that extends outside the device can be substantially reduced or redirected so that the magnetic field ceases to draw the magnetically attractable particles into the earpiece assembly.

Abstract: An electronic device having one or more magnets disposed within it (e.g., such as in a speaker) is equipped with a magnetic shield that attenuates magnetic fields propagating outside of the electronic device. The magnetic shield may be placed within the device such that it redirects the magnetic fields to contain them better within the one or more magnets, resulting in improved magnetic efficiency. In further embodiments, the magnetic shield may also function as a structural part of the electronic device and/or an electronic component with in the electronic device.

Abstract: Several embodiments for ejecting a SIM tray from an electronic device are disclosed. In some embodiments, a lever positioned behind the tray can be actuated to eject the tray. In some embodiments, a pivot mechanism can be actuated to eject the tray. In other embodiments, a gear mechanism can be actuated to eject the tray. In other embodiments, a spring element can be actuated to eject the tray. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a key feature that allows the tray to eject only when a tool is used having a mating key feature with the key feature of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic device has a speaker housing secured within the device housing. The speaker housing has a cavity with a speaker at one end and a port at the other configured to communicate through an aperture in the housing of the electronic device. A panel of acoustic mesh is integrally formed within the cavity of the housing and is disposed between the port and the speaker. In other embodiments flexible structures are integrally molded onto a plate or the acoustic device and used to secure and acoustically seal the acoustic device within the device housing.

Abstract: An acoustically permeable material is disposed within an aperture of an electronic device to provide aesthetic appeal for the electronic device and protection for an acoustic device mounted within the electronic device. A stiffener is used in conjunction with the acoustically permeable material to improve its ability to resist permanent mechanical deformation from external forces. In some embodiments the stiffener may have multiple cavities enabling improved isolation between multiple acoustic devices within the same aperture. Other methods of employing acoustically permeable materials are disclosed that improve the aesthetic appeal, acoustic performance and/or manufacturability of the electronic device.

Abstract: Multi-purpose cowling structures are provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic interference shield may provide one or more anchors for enabling a logic board cowling to apply sufficient downward force to one or more board connectors to prevent inadvertent disconnects. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board. A compass mounted on a flexible printed circuit board is also provided. Mounting the compass on a flexible printed circuit board enables the compass to be mounted remote from ferrous object that may affect the compass's performance.

Abstract: Electrical components are mounted on a printed circuit in an electronic device housing. Shielding can structures may include a sheet metal shield can layer with a conductive gasket. The printed circuit may have an opening. A screw passes through the opening in the printed circuit and openings in the conductive gasket and sheet metal shield can layer to secure the shielding can structures to the housing. When secured, a lip in the gasket lies between the printed circuit substrate and the housing. The gasket may be formed from conductive elastomeric material. A shield can lid and a flexible printed circuit may be embedded within conductive elastomeric material that provides a thermal conduction path to dissipate heat from electrical components under the lid. Shield can members that are located on opposing sides of a bend in a flexible printed circuit substrate may be coupled by a conductive elastomeric bridging structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing components of an electronic device are provided. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a housing having an opening, a cover resting on a portion of the electronic device in a first cover position within the opening, and a lock component configured to move within the housing from a first lock position to a second lock position for securing the cover in the first cover position.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided with near field communications capabilities. A near field communications antenna may be formed from multiple inductive components. The inductive components may include a speaker coil. One or more switches may be provided in the near field communications antenna to adjust the inductance of the near field communications antenna during different modes of operation. An audio circuit may be used to generate audio signals. A first transmitter may be used to transmit near field hearing aid signals through the near field communications antenna. A second transmitter may be used to transmit near field communications signals to external equipment such as near field communications point of sale equipment. Switching circuitry may be used to selectively couple the audio circuit, the first transmitter, and the second transmitter to the near field communications antenna.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a base, a vertical support member coupled to the base, and a head member coupled to the vertical support member. The head member is configured to receive and engage a portion of a coaxial cable. Additionally, the base is configured to engage through a through hole or slot arranged through a substrate and provide electrical communication between a portion of the coaxial cable and the substrate.

Abstract: Electronic devices may include light sensors. The light sensors may include alignment features. The light sensors may be optically aligned with an aperture in an opaque structure. The opaque structure may be formed from an opaque material or a transparent material with an opaque coating. The light sensor may be mounted in a support structure that has been optically aligned with the aperture. The light sensor or the support structure may include extended portions that are transparent to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light may be transmitted through the extended portions to cure adhesive that attaches the light sensor or the support structure to the opaque structure. The light sensor may be optically aligned with the aperture by viewing the aperture through an opening in the support structure, by viewing the alignment features on the light sensor through the aperture or by gathering alignment data using the light sensor during alignment operations.

Abstract: Components may be mounted to printed circuit substrates using solder. A breakaway support tab may be detachably connected to a component and may help prevent the component from shifting or toppling over during reflow operations. The component and breakaway support tab may be formed from sheet metal. The interface that links the component to the breakaway support tab may be perforated or half sheared to allow the breakaway support tab to be easily separated from the component following reflow operations. The breakaway support tab may be fixed in place during reflow operations by mechanically coupling the breakaway support tab to a fixture or by mounting the breakaway support tab to an unused portion of a panel of printed circuit substrates. A breakaway support tab may be mechanically coupled between two components on a printed circuit substrate and may be used to maintain a distance between the components during reflow operations.

Abstract: A housing for a personal electronic device is described herein. The housing may include at least one modular subassembly configured to be arranged within an internal cavity of the housing. The at least one modular subassembly is aligned with a feature external to the housing, is affixed to an interior surface of the internal cavity, and is configured to function both as an antenna and as an internal support member of the housing. A hybrid antenna is also described herein. The hybrid antenna can include first and second flexible members capable of facilitating wireless communication, where the first and second flexible members are affixed to one another via a metal member.