Patents by Inventor John J. Baker

John J. Baker 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).

  • Patent number: 11133572
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a multi-segment housing for an electronic device that includes multiple conductive segments that are structurally coupled by one or more non-conductive housing segments or splits. One or more of the conductive segments may be configured to operate as an antenna and the non-conductive housing segments may provide electrical insulation between the conductive segment and one or more adjacent housing segments. The non-conductive housing segment may be formed from a polymer having an array of fibers dispersed within the polymer. The fibers may be aligned along one or more fiber directions, which may be substantially perpendicular to an exterior surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Yaocheng Zhang, John J. Baker, Martin J. Auclair, Paul U. Leutheuser, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham
  • Patent number: 11104291
    Abstract: Occupant safety systems suitable for use in both traditional and opposed seating systems include various combinations of passive safety components: sensors that provides an output signal indicative of an imminent collision, seats selectively moveable relative to seat support structures in response to the output signal, inflatable restraints deployable from lap portions of a tensioned restraint based on the output signal, airbags deployable from a roof of a vehicle based on the output signal, cabin dividers deployable from a side of a cabin of the vehicle or the roof of the vehicle based on the output signal, and curtain airbags deployable between an occupant and the side of the cabin of the vehicle based on the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Dennis, Arturo Llamazares Domper, Rikard Fredriksson, Alexander M. Zoellner, Lukas Satas, Jorge C. Fialho, John J. Baker, Jesse T. Buehler, Ronald A. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20210212228
    Abstract: Electronic equipment may include structured fabric. Structured fabric may be used as a protective case or cosmetic cover for an electronic device, may be used to form a band that holds an electronic device against a user's body, or may be used to cover one or more openings in an electronic device. Structured fabrics may be soft and pliable while maintaining the ability to hold a given shape without added support. Structured fabric may be formed by laminating fabric such as warp-knit fabric with a stiffener such as polymer film. Structured fabrics may include openings through which signals such as optical or audio signals pass. To maintain the geometry and shape of the openings in the structured fabric without covering the openings, the stiffener and adhesive that are attached to the fabric may be cut to form a pattern of openings that align with the openings in the fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Yohji Hamada, John J. Baker, Peter F. Coxeter, Benjamin M. Rappoport, Joseph B. Walker
  • Publication number: 20210168231
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing member. The portable electronic device also includes a front cover coupled to the housing member and defining a top surface defining a portion of an exterior front surface of the portable electronic device, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a peripheral side surface, and a chamfered edge extending from the bottom surface to the peripheral side surface. The portable electronic device further includes a display stack attached to the bottom surface of the front cover, an opaque coating positioned on at least a portion of each of the peripheral side surface, the chamfered edge, and the bottom surface and configured to absorb light emitted by the display stack, and a rear cover coupled to the housing member and defining a second portion of the exterior rear surface of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: John J. Baker, Yaocheng Zhang, Paul U. Leutheuser, Kevin M. Froese, Tushar Deshpande, Kai Wu, Marta M. Giachino, Sean Suri, Matthew D. Hill, Tyler B. Cater, Benjamin J. Pope, Jun Sik Ham
  • Publication number: 20210168230
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing member defining a first portion of an exterior front surface of the portable electronic device, a first portion of an exterior rear surface of the portable electronic device, at least a portion of an exterior side surface of the portable electronic device, a recess along an interior side of the housing member, and a ledge feature along the interior side of the housing member. The device also includes a top module coupled to the housing member and including a front cover defining a second portion of the exterior front surface of the portable electronic device, a display stack attached to the front cover, and a frame member extending at least partially around a periphery of the display stack and set apart from a surface of the recess by a gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: John J. Baker, Eric W. Bates, Lucy E. Browning, Kodiak Burke, Benjamin S. Bustle, Trent Canales, Tyler B. Cater, Sawyer I. Cohen, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Michael Firka, Kevin M. Froese, Jun Sik Ham, Matthew D. Hill, Hugh J. Jay, Benjamin J. Kallman, Paul U. Leutheuser, Matthew W. Miller, Michael K. Mondry, Donald J. Parr, Benjamin J. Pope, Matthew P. Rao, Griffin Schmitt, Allegra Shum, Christopher R. Xydis, Luman Zhang, Yaocheng Zhang, Zhipeng Zhang, Xiao Ying Zhao
  • Patent number: 10966332
    Abstract: Electronic equipment may include structured fabric. Structured fabric may be used as a protective case or cosmetic cover for an electronic device, may be used to form a band that holds an electronic device against a user's body, or may be used to cover one or more openings in an electronic device. Structured fabrics may be soft and pliable while maintaining the ability to hold a given shape without added support. Structured fabric may be formed by laminating fabric such as warp-knit fabric with a stiffener such as polymer film. Structured fabrics may include openings through which signals such as optical or audio signals pass. To maintain the geometry and shape of the openings in the structured fabric without covering the openings, the stiffener and adhesive that are attached to the fabric may be cut to form a pattern of openings that align with the openings in the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yohji Hamada, John J. Baker, Peter F. Coxeter, Benjamin M. Rappoport, Joseph B. Walker
  • Patent number: 10889261
    Abstract: A system includes a first anchor that is disposed adjacent an upper portion of a seat back and that is selectively positionable between a first position on a first axis and a second position along the first axis. The system further includes a second anchor disposed adjacent a lower portion of the seat back. The second anchor is selectively coupled to the first anchor. The system further includes a third anchor disposed adjacent the lower portion of the seat back, the third anchor being selectively coupled to the second anchor and separated by a distance on a second axis from the second anchor. The first anchor, the second anchor, and the third anchor are jointly positionable when the second anchor is coupled to the first anchor and when the third anchor is coupled to the second anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp Charopoulos, Lukas Satas, John J. Baker, Jonathon R. Folks, Andrew W. Kooker
  • Patent number: 10877517
    Abstract: Electronic devices, such as mobile communication devices, may include several enhancements and modification not found on traditional electronic devices. Parts of the electronic device can be welded together to provide structural support and or functional connections between operating components of the electronic device. Within a band, a back plate can support multiple operable components of the electronic device. The band, the welds, and/or the back plate can provide electrical connections between components. Conductive pathways provided by the welds can be provided with adequate strength and durability to reduce and avoid breakage so that sensitive components, such as a compass module, can operate without alterations that would cause interference. The welds can be provided in a sequence that mitigates the effects of heating during the welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Baker, Yaocheng Zhang, Robert T. Carson, Matthew D. Walker, Martin J. Auclair, Paul U. Leutheuser, Christopher J. Durning
  • Patent number: 10804719
    Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Darshan R. Kasar, Timothy J. Rasmussen, John J. Baker, Shannon X. Yang, Benjamin A. Cousins
  • Publication number: 20200255996
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein may take the form of a textile product having one or more regions of reduced density. These reduced density volumes may form one or more features in the product. For example, the reduced density volumes may have better acoustic transmission properties, optical transmission properties, flexibility, and the like. Sound transmission may be enhanced not only in terms of clarity, but also overall range. That is, certain audio frequencies that the textile may normally block when in an unaltered state may pass through a textile having reduced density or reduced density regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: John J. Baker, Michael B. Howes, Michael S. Nashner, Yoji Hamada
  • Patent number: 10647286
    Abstract: Occupant safety systems suitable for use in both traditional and opposed seating systems include various combinations of passive safety components: sensors that provides an output signal indicative of an imminent collision, seats selectively moveable relative to seat support structures in response to the output signal, inflatable restraints deployable from lap portions of a tensioned restraint based on the output signal, airbags deployable from a roof of a vehicle based on the output signal, cabin dividers deployable from a side of a cabin of the vehicle or the roof of the vehicle based on the output signal, and curtain airbags deployable between an occupant and the side of the cabin of the vehicle based on the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel J. Dennis, Arturo Llamazares Domper, Rikard Fredriksson, Alexander M. Zoellner, Lukas Satas, Jorge C. Fialho, John J. Baker, Jesse T. Buehler, Ronald A. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20200081488
    Abstract: Electronic devices, such as mobile communication devices, may include several enhancements and modification not found on traditional electronic devices. Parts of the electronic device can be welded together to provide structural support and or functional connections between operating components of the electronic device. Within a band, a back plate can support multiple operable components of the electronic device. The band, the welds, and/or the back plate can provide electrical connections between components. Conductive pathways provided by the welds can be provided with adequate strength and durability to reduce and avoid breakage so that sensitive components, such as a compass module, can operate without alterations that would cause interference. The welds can be provided in a sequence that mitigates the effects of heating during the welding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: John J. BAKER, Yaocheng ZHANG, Robert T. CARSON, Matthew D. WALKER, Martin J. Auclair, Paul U. Leutheuser, Christopher J. Durning
  • Publication number: 20200084306
    Abstract: This disclosure describes features and methods of formation of a data port for a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a device housing having a wall defining a data port opening. An anchoring feature is formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. A structural support member is positioned within the data port opening and reinforces the data port opening. A polymer material fills a gap between the structural support member and a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. The polymer material engages the anchoring feature to retain the structural support member within the data port opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Logan M. Ames, Lucy E. Browning, Martin J. Auclair, Ricky C. Lee, Paul U. Leutheuser, Yaocheng Zhang, John J. Baker
  • Publication number: 20200076058
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a multi-segment housing for an electronic device that includes multiple conductive segments that are structurally coupled by one or more non-conductive housing segments or splits. One or more of the conductive segments may be configured to operate as an antenna and the non-conductive housing segments may provide electrical insulation between the conductive segment and one or more adjacent housing segments. The non-conductive housing segment may be formed from a polymer having an array of fibers dispersed within the polymer. The fibers may be aligned along one or more fiber directions, which may be substantially perpendicular to an exterior surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Yaocheng Zhang, John J. Baker, Martin J. Auclair, Paul U. Leutheuser, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham
  • Patent number: 10569672
    Abstract: An adaptive tensile control system includes a covering couple to a motorized retractor operable to release and retract the covering in response to control signals. An adaptive seat suspension includes a flexible suspension mat coupled to a motorized retractor operable to release and retract the flexible suspension mat in response to control signals. A method includes adapting the size of a support in a seat and adapting a covering overlying the support. A device includes an inflatable bolster within a seat having a covering. An apparatus includes a seat back and a seat that includes foam having a variable surface and a seamless covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Kooker, John J. Baker, Jonathon Folks, James G. Griffin, II, Jun Wooung Jeong, Craig Ogden, Lukas Satas, Zachary Segraves, Ben Walker, David Yates
  • Publication number: 20190319468
    Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Ian P. COLAHAN, Darshan R. KASAR, Timothy J. RASMUSSEN, John J. BAKER, Shannon X. YANG, Benjamin A. COUSINS
  • Patent number: 10389150
    Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Darshan R. Kasar, Timothy J. Rasmussen, John J. Baker, Shannon X. Yang, Benjamin A. Cousins
  • Publication number: 20190208347
    Abstract: An audio system that adjusts one or more beam patterns emitted by one or more loudspeaker arrays based on the preferences of users/listeners is described. The audio system includes an audio receiver that contains a listener location estimator, a listener identifier, and a voice command processor. Inputs from the listener location estimator, the listener identifier, and the voice command processor are fed into an array processor. The array processor drives the one or more loudspeaker arrays to emit beam patterns into the listening area based on inputs from each of these devices. By examining the location, preferred usage settings, and voice commands from listeners, the generated beam patterns are customized to the explicit and implicit preferences of the listeners with minimal direct input. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: John J. Baker, Martin E. Johnson, Afrooz Family, Michael B. Howes, Craig M. Stanley, Brad G. Boozer
  • Patent number: 10300832
    Abstract: A method for storing cargo items includes determining characteristics of a cargo space, where the cargo space includes at least one seat and the at least one seat is capable of being moved between a first position within the cargo space and a second position within the cargo space. A set of cargo items including one or more cargo items to be positioned in the cargo space is determined. A configuration of the cargo space is determined based at least in part on the set of cargo items, where the configuration of the cargo space includes the second position of the at least one seat. A layout of the set of cargo items within the cargo space is determined based at least in part on the set of cargo items and the determined configuration, and the at least one seat is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jonathon Folks, John J. Baker, Jun Wooung Jeong, Andrew W. Kooker, Craig Ogden, Lukas Satas, David Yates
  • Patent number: 10293718
    Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle is disclosed. The seating system includes a support surface having a surface contour formed by first springs having fixed stiffness values, a frame, and second springs having adjustable stiffness values coupling the support surface and the frame. The first springs and the second springs together control motion of the support surface in relation to motion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Filip Ilievski, John J. Baker, Kathryn C. Zhou, Matthew E. Last, Randol W. Aikin, Donald J. Novotney, Stephen P. Zadesky