Patents by Inventor John C. DiFonzo
John C. DiFonzo 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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Publication number: 20130065406Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20120178271Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Patent number: 8199468Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a clutch barrel. The clutch barrel encloses a connector assembly, the connector assembly providing support for a lid. The clutch barrel is configured such that a junction formed by the clutch barrel and a top layer of the lid is not visible to a user when the computer housing is on a horizontal surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, John C. DiFonzo, Zheng Gao, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley J. Hamel, Timothy S. Hibbard, Ron Hopkinson, William F. Leggett, Chris Ligtenberg, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Patent number: 8177560Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20120092821Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a structural support layer and a body. The body includes at least an outer layer formed of lightweight flexible material and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The inner layer is connected to the support layer forming a load path between the inner layer and the structural support layer. A load applied to the multipart computer housing is transferred by way of the load path to the support layer without substantially affecting the outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John RAFF, Bartley K. ANDRE, Laura DEFOREST, John C. DIFONZO, Zheng GAO, Michelle GOLDBERG, Bradley J. HAMEL, Timothy S. HIBBARD, Ron HOPKINSON, William F. LEGGETT, Chris LIGTENBERG, Gavin J. REID, Charles A. SCHWALBACH
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Publication number: 20120083137Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20120049702Abstract: Electronic device frames may be formed from fiber composites. Carbon fiber material may be formed into frame members using pultrusion tools. Notches may be machined into the frame members. The machined frame members may be assembled to form a rectangular frame assembly using lap joints. Fiber tape may be wound around the periphery of the frame assembly. Following curing, additional parts such as a metal blank may be bonded to the frame assembly and machined.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Kevin Kenney, Adam T. Garelli, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg
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Patent number: 8111505Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a structural support layer and a body. The body includes at least an outer layer formed of lightweight flexible material and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The inner layer is connected to the support layer forming a load path between the inner layer and the structural support layer. A load applied to the multipart computer housing is transferred by way of the load path to the support layer without substantially affecting the outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, John C. DiFonzo, Zheng Gao, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley J. Hamel, Timothy S. Hibbard, Ron Hopkinson, William F. Leggett, Chris Ligtenberg, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Patent number: 8087939Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20110136351Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20110090632Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a structural support layer and a body. The body includes at least an outer layer formed of lightweight flexible material and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The inner layer is connected to the support layer forming a load path between the inner layer and the structural support layer. A load applied to the multipart computer housing is transferred by way of the load path to the support layer without substantially affecting the outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, John C. DiFonzo, Zheng Gao, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley J. Hamel, Timothy S. Hibbard, Ron Hopkinson, William F. Leggett, Chris Ligtenberg, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Publication number: 20110092081Abstract: Power cables that include plug housings having an improved appearance as well as employ a halogen-free cable while providing adequate fire resistance. One example provides a power cable having cable plug with a substantially unitary body. Another example provides a power cable that is formed using halogen-free materials. To provide adequate fire protection, a strain relief formed using multiple materials is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
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Publication number: 20110090627Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a clutch barrel. The clutch barrel encloses a connector assembly, the connector assembly providing support for a lid. The clutch barrel is configured such that a junction formed by the clutch barrel and a top layer of the lid is not visible to a user when the computer housing is on a horizontal surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, John C. DiFonzo, Zheng Gao, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley J. Hamel, Timothy S. Hibbard, Ron Hopkinson, William F. Leggett, Chris Ligtenberg, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Patent number: 7901216Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one or both of the plug and receptacle can be a magnet, which is preferably a permanent rare earth magnet although electromagnets may also be used. The magnetic element on the plug or receptacle that does not include a magnet is composed of ferromagnetic material. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20110038582Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
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Patent number: 7841776Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
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Patent number: 7762817Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first subassembly having a first housing component. The first housing component has an opening. The electronic device also includes a second subassembly having a second housing component. The second housing component cooperates with the first housing component to enclose components of an electronic device. The at least one internal component is also movable relative to the second subassembly so as to properly align with the opening. The at least one internal component is additionally magnetically attracted towards the first housing component near the opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Chris Ligtenberg, John C. DiFonzo, Brett William Degner, John Brock
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Publication number: 20100087071Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20100080563Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
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Publication number: 20100035441Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one or both of the plug and receptacle can be a magnet, which is preferably a permanent rare earth magnet although electromagnets may also be used. The magnetic element on the plug or receptacle that does not include a magnet is composed of ferromagnetic material. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery