Patents by Inventor Kenneth M. Robinson

Kenneth M. Robinson 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: 11903177
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of board level shield (BLS) frames or fences including pickup members with pickup areas. In exemplary embodiments, the pickup member may be configured such that the pickup area is allowed to rotate in place when the pickup member is drawn to raise the pickup area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Crotty, Jr., Kenneth M. Robinson, Joseph H. Aubin, Zbigniew M. Korus, Brian J. Donahue
  • Publication number: 20210136964
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of board level shield (BLS) frames or fences including pickup members with pickup areas. In exemplary embodiments, the pickup member may be configured such that the pickup area is allowed to rotate in place when the pickup member is drawn to raise the pickup area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Paul W. CROTTY, JR., Kenneth M. ROBINSON, Joseph H. AUBIN, Zbigniew M. KORUS, Brian J. DONAHUE
  • Patent number: 10893636
    Abstract: A method includes raising a pickup area of a pickup member including one or more arms extending between the pickup area and one or more sidewalls of a frame of a board level shield (BLS), such that the pickup area is raised relative to and above an upper surface of the one or more sidewalls of the frame, and such that the pickup area rotates in place as the pickup area is raised relative to and above the upper surface of the one or more sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Laird Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Crotty, Jr., Joseph H. Aubin, Zbigniew M. Korus, Brian J. Donahue, Kenneth M. Robinson
  • Patent number: 10154580
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of board level shields. In an exemplary embodiment, a board level shield generally includes a cover (or lid) and a fence (or frame or base). The cover is attachable to the fence in a plurality of different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: LAIRD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul W. Crotty, Jr., Mark Fucci, Kenneth M. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20180263144
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of board level shield (BLS) frames or fences including pickup members with pickup areas. In exemplary embodiments, the pickup member may be configured such that the pickup area is allowed to rotate in place when the pickup member is drawn to raise the pickup area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Paul W. CROTTY, JR., Joseph H. Aubin, Zbigniew M. Korus, Brian J. Donahue, Kenneth M. Robinson
  • Patent number: 10058015
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a two-piece metallic board level shield (BLS). In an exemplary embodiment, the BLS is solderable to a printed circuit board (PCB). The BLS includes a lid or cover and a fence or frame. The lid and fence are complementary in shape. The lid may be mounted onto the fence via a locking mechanism in a first position and a compressed second position, where the locking mechanism provides resistance against internal upward forces when the BLS has been compressed into a second position. The BLS may be soldered to the PCB while in the first position, and subsequently compressed into the second position after the solder has hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LAIRD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Robinson, Paul W. Crotty
  • Patent number: 10021817
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of shielding apparatus or assemblies having a frame with drawn latching features or portions that are configured for removably attaching a cover to the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a shielding apparatus suitable for use in providing electromagnetic interference shielding for one or more electrical components on a substrate. In this example, the shielding apparatus generally includes a cover and a frame. The cover includes one or more openings. The frame includes a top surface and sidewalls configured to be disposed generally about one or more electrical components on a substrate. The frame is partly drawn in construction such that the frame includes one or more drawn latching features or portions configured to be engaged within the one or more openings of the cover to thereby releasably attach the cover to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Robinson, Mark Fucci, Paul W. Crotty, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180007783
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of board level shields. In an exemplary embodiment, a board level shield generally includes a cover (or lid) and a fence (or frame or base). The cover is attachable to the fence in a plurality of different positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Paul W. Crotty, JR., Mark Fucci, Kenneth M. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20170181336
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a two-piece metallic board level shield (BLS). In an exemplary embodiment, the BLS is solderable to a printed circuit board (PCB). The BLS includes a lid or cover and a fence or frame. The lid and fence are complementary in shape. The lid may be mounted onto the fence via a locking mechanism in a first position and a compressed second position, where the locking mechanism provides resistance against internal upward forces when the BLS has been compressed into a second position. The BLS may be soldered to the PCB while in the first position, and subsequently compressed into the second position after the solder has hardened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Robinson, Paul W. Crotty, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170020035
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of shielding apparatus or assemblies having a frame with drawn latching features or portions that are configured for removably attaching a cover to the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a shielding apparatus suitable for use in providing electromagnetic interference shielding for one or more electrical components on a substrate. In this example, the shielding apparatus generally includes a cover and a frame. The cover includes one or more openings. The frame includes a top surface and sidewalls configured to be disposed generally about one or more electrical components on a substrate. The frame is partly drawn in construction such that the frame includes one or more drawn latching features or portions configured to be engaged within the one or more openings of the cover to thereby releasably attach the cover to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Robinson, Mark Fucci, Paul W. Crotty, JR.
  • Patent number: 9462732
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of shielding apparatus or assemblies having a frame with drawn latching features or portions that are configured for removably attaching a cover to the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a shielding apparatus suitable for use in providing electromagnetic interference shielding for one or more electrical components on a substrate. In this example, the shielding apparatus generally includes a cover and a frame. The cover includes one or more openings. The frame includes a top surface and sidewalls configured to be disposed generally about one or more electrical components on a substrate. The frame is partly drawn in construction such that the frame includes one or more drawn latching features or portions configured to be engaged within the one or more openings of the cover to thereby releasably attach the cover to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: LAIRD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Robinson, Marc Fucci, Paul W. Crotty, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160242321
    Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of mid-plates and EMI shields for electronic devices. In an exemplary embodiment, a mid-plate generally includes one or more recessed portions along a surface of the mid-plate. A heat spreader is within the one or more recessed portions. Dielectric is along an outward-facing surface of the heat spreader. The dielectric inhibits the heat spreader from directly contacting and electrically shorting one or more components. In another exemplary embodiment, a board level shield (BLS) generally includes a cover having one or more recessed portions along an inner surface of the cover. A heat spreader is within the one or more recessed portions. Dielectric is along an outward-facing surface of the heat spreader, whereby the dielectric inhibits the heat spreader from directly contacting and electrically shorting one or more components when the one or more components are under the BLS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Philip van Haaster, Joseph C. Boetto, Paul W. Crotty, JR., Kenneth M. Robinson, Jason L. Strader
  • Patent number: 9089044
    Abstract: A molded connector gasket of indefinite length or circumference that provides electromagnetic interference shielding of electronic components is disclosed. The disclosed gasket may have a cross-sectional profile comprising three protruding members including a first member being generally vertical, a second member being generally forty-five degrees from the first member via a curve, and a third member protruding from the second member near the curve, the third member being at an angle generally less than vertical but more than forty five degrees with respect to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20140262473
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of shielding apparatus or assemblies having a frame with drawn latching features or portions that are configured for removably attaching a cover to the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a shielding apparatus suitable for use in providing electromagnetic interference shielding for one or more electrical components on a substrate. In this example, the shielding apparatus generally includes a cover and a frame. The cover includes one or more openings. The frame includes a top surface and sidewalls configured to be disposed generally about one or more electrical components on a substrate. The frame is partly drawn in construction such that the frame includes one or more drawn latching features or portions configured to be engaged within the one or more openings of the cover to thereby releasably attach the cover to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LAIRD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Robinson, Mark Fucci, Paul W. Crotty, JR.
  • Patent number: 7926988
    Abstract: Flashlights are provided herein that can be removable attached to a magnetic surface. A flashlight can include a body having a bulb end and a clip end, a light source connected to the bulb end, and one or more magnets attached to the body flashlight. In one example, a flashlight includes a pocket clip attached to the clip end, and the one or more magnets can be attached to the pocket clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Koehler-Bright Star LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090147506
    Abstract: Flashlights are provided herein that can be removable attached to a magnetic surface. A flashlight can include a body having a bulb end and a clip end, a light source connected to the bulb end, and one or more magnets attached to the body flashlight. In one example, a flashlight includes a pocket clip attached to the clip end, and the one or more magnets can be attached to the pocket clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: KENNETH M. ROBINSON
  • Patent number: 7463496
    Abstract: According to various aspects of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments are provided of low-profile apparatus capable of providing board level shielding for one or more electrical components while also providing dissipation of heat generated by the one or more electrical components. In one particular embodiment, an apparatus generally includes a resiliently compressible EMI gasket, a heat sink, and a spring clip. The spring clip has resilient legs with feet. The feet are configured to engage the board. When the feet are engaged with the board, a clamping force is generated that compressively biases the heat sink and the resiliently compressive EMI gasket generally towards the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Robinson, James E. Kline
  • Patent number: 7317618
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus generally includes a fence, a heat sink, and a thermal interface. The fence includes walls defining at least one opening along an upper portion of the fence. The walls are configured to be disposed generally about one or more electrical components of a board. The heat sink includes resilient fingers connected to a lid portion, and configured to engage openings of the fence and/or the board. The lid portion is configured to substantially entirely cover the at least one opening of the fence for cooperatively shielding the one or more electrical components within the interior defined by the lid portion and the fence's walls. The thermal interface is configured such that engagement of the resilient fingers with the openings compresses the thermal interface between the lid portion and the one or more electrical components, thereby forming a thermally-conducting heat path from the one or more electrical components to the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Robinson, James E. Kline
  • Patent number: 6173970
    Abstract: A gasket includes an elongated strip including a first resilient gasket component and a second resilient gasket component having shielding properties, the first and second gasket components being joined together. A method for making a gasket is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Instrument Specialties Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hafeez Choudary, Kenneth M. Robinson