Patents by Inventor Kuo-Hua Sung

Kuo-Hua Sung 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: 10983390
    Abstract: An electronic device display may have a color filter layer and a thin film transistor layer. A layer of liquid crystal material may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin film transistor layer. A layer of polarizer may be laminated onto the surface of the color filter layer. Laser trimming may ensure that the edges of the polarizer are even with the edges of the color filter layer. The thin film transistor layer may have an array of thin film transistors that control pixels of the liquid crystal material in the display. Driver circuitry may be used to control the array. The driver circuitry may be encapsulated in a planarized encapsulant on the thin film transistor layer or may be mounted to the underside of the color filter layer. Conductive structures may connect driver circuitry on the color filter layer to the thin film transistor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs, John Z. Zhong, Steve Hotelling, Lynn Youngs, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Publication number: 20190179367
    Abstract: An electronic device display may have a color filter layer and a thin film transistor layer. A layer of liquid crystal material may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin film transistor layer. A layer of polarizer may be laminated onto the surface of the color filter layer. Laser trimming may ensure that the edges of the polarizer are even with the edges of the color filter layer. The thin film transistor layer may have an array of thin film transistors that control pixels of the liquid crystal material in the display. Driver circuitry may be used to control the array. The driver circuitry may be encapsulated in a planarized encapsulant on the thin film transistor layer or may be mounted to the underside of the color filter layer. Conductive structures may connect driver circuitry on the color filter layer to the thin film transistor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs, John Z. Zhong, Steve Hotelling, Lynn Youngs, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Patent number: 10261540
    Abstract: An electronic device display may have a color filter layer and a thin film transistor layer. A layer of liquid crystal material may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin film transistor layer. A layer of polarizer may be laminated onto the surface of the color filter layer. Laser trimming may ensure that the edges of the polarizer are even with the edges of the color filter layer. The thin film transistor layer may have an array of thin film transistors that control pixels of the liquid crystal material in the display. Driver circuitry may be used to control the array. The driver circuitry may be encapsulated in a planarized encapsulant on the thin film transistor layer or may be mounted to the underside of the color filter layer. Conductive structures may connect driver circuitry on the color filter layer to the thin film transistor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs, John Z. Zhong, Steve Hotelling, Lynn Youngs, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Patent number: 10101857
    Abstract: A sensor module can include a sensor that is configured to detect any given input or environmental conditions, such as, for example, touch or force inputs. The sensor module can be included in an electronic device. Methods for producing the sensor module are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Jui Chen, Kuo-Hua Sung, Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 9944554
    Abstract: Methods for chemically strengthening the edges of glass sheets are provided. Voids can be formed in a mother sheet. The edges of these voids may correspond to a portion of the new edges that would normally be created during separation and free shaping of the mother sheet. The mother sheet can then be immersed in a chemical strengthener. The edges of the voids can be chemically strengthened in addition to the front and back sides of the mother sheet. After thin film processing and separation, each of the resulting individual sheets has been chemically strengthened on both sides and on a portion of its edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Seung Jae Hong, Casey J. Feinstein, Lili Huang, Sunggu Kang, Kuo-Hua Sung, John Z. Zhong
  • Patent number: 9942986
    Abstract: Components may have substrates with metal traces that form mating contacts. The components may be bonded together using anisotropic conductive adhesive bonding techniques. During bonding, conductive particles may be concentrated over the contacts by application of magnetic or electric fields or by using a template transfer process. Gaps between the contacts may be at least partially free of conductive particles to help isolate adjacent contacts. Polymer between the substrates may attach the substrates together. The conductive particles may be embedded in the polymer and crushed or melted to short opposing contacts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Koohee Han, Hui Chen, Kuo-Hua Sung, Cyrus Y. Liu, To C. Tan
  • Publication number: 20180092209
    Abstract: Components may have substrates with metal traces that form mating contacts. The components may be bonded together using anisotropic conductive adhesive bonding techniques. During bonding, conductive particles may be concentrated over the contacts by application of magnetic or electric fields or by using a template transfer process. Gaps between the contacts may be at least partially free of conductive particles to help isolate adjacent contacts. Polymer between the substrates may attach the substrates together. The conductive particles may be embedded in the polymer and crushed or melted to short opposing contacts together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Koohee Han, Hui Chen, Kuo-Hua Sung, Cyrus Y. Liu, To C. Tan
  • Patent number: 9891770
    Abstract: A sensor includes a patterned compliant layer positioned between two substrates. Each substrate can include one or more conductive electrodes, with each electrode of one substrate paired with a respective electrode of the other substrate. Each pair of conductive electrodes forms a capacitor. Several methods are disclosed that can be used to produce the patterned compliant layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Po-Jui Chen, Soyoung Kim, Kuo-Hua Sung, Hui Chen, Rui Qiao
  • Patent number: 9868273
    Abstract: A lamination system (110) may be provided for attaching together display layers (45,46) for an electronic device display. The system may include one or more pressure-sensing lamination stages (124, 126) for temporarily mounting the display layers during lamination operations. A pressure-sensing lamination stage (124) may include one or more pressure sensors (130) configured to sense pressures that are applied to the display layers during lamination operations. The pressure-sensing lamination stages may include a fixed mounting stage (126) and a movable mounting stage (124). The movable mounting stage may be moved so that a first set of display layers is pressed against a second set of display layers to attach the first and second sets of display layers. The pressure with which the first set of display layers (45;46) is pressed against the second set of display layers may be adjusted based on pressure data gathered using the pressure sensors (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Hua Sung, Yong-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9780826
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a mechanical structure that mechanically supports the electronic device. One or more traces may be formed on one or more surfaces of the mechanical structure. Other electrical components may also be mounted on the surface of the mechanical structure and may or may not be connected to one or more of the traces. Additionally, one or more passivation layers may be formed on one or more of the surfaces, traces, and/or other electrical components and one or more traces and/or other electrical components may be intermixed with such passivation layers. In this way, the mechanical structure may be operable to function as an electrical component of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Romain A. Teil, Michael B. Wittenberg, Steven J. Martisauskas, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Publication number: 20170147036
    Abstract: An electronic device display may have a color filter layer and a thin film transistor layer. A layer of liquid crystal material may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin film transistor layer. A layer of polarizer may be laminated onto the surface of the color filter layer. Laser trimming may ensure that the edges of the polarizer are even with the edges of the color filter layer. The thin film transistor layer may have an array of thin film transistors that control pixels of the liquid crystal material in the display. Driver circuitry may be used to control the array. The driver circuitry may be encapsulated in a planarized encapsulant on the thin film transistor layer or may be mounted to the underside of the color filter layer. Conductive structures may connect driver circuitry on the color filter layer to the thin film transistor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs, John Z. Zhong, Steve Hotelling, Lynn Youngs, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Patent number: 9653425
    Abstract: Anisotropic conductive film (ACF) structures and manufacturing methods for forming the same are described. The manufacturing methods include preventing clusters of conductive particles from forming between adjacent bonding pads and that are associated with electrical shorting of ACF structures. In some embodiments, the methods involve use of multiple layered ACF materials that include a non-electrically conductive layer that reduces the likelihood of formation of conductive particle clusters between bonding pads. In some embodiment, the methods include the use of ultraviolet sensitive ACF material combined with lithography techniques that eliminate conductive particles from between neighboring bonding pads. In some embodiments, the methods involve the use of insulation spacers that block conductive particles from entering between bonding pads. Any suitable combination of the described methods can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Zhang, Sang Ha Kim, Cyrus Y. Liu, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Patent number: 9600113
    Abstract: Flexible circuits for routing signals of a device, such as a touch sensor panel of a touch sensitive device, are provided. The flexible circuit can include a first set of traces for routing a first set of lines and a second set of traces for routing a second set of lines. The first set of traces can couple together the ends of at least a portion of the first set of lines. Additionally, the first set of traces can be non-intersecting or non-overlapping with the second set of traces. The flexible circuit can have a T-shape configuration and can be incorporated within a touch sensitive device, display device, printed circuit board, or the like. The flexible circuit can be placed over another flexible circuit, and can extend onto the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Hotelling, Joshua G. Wurzel, Steven J. Martisauskas, Thayne M. Miller, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Publication number: 20170062379
    Abstract: Anisotropic conductive film (ACF) structures and manufacturing methods for forming the same are described. The manufacturing methods include preventing clusters of conductive particles from forming between adjacent bonding pads and that are associated with electrical shorting of ACF structures. In some embodiments, the methods involve use of multiple layered ACF materials that include a non-electrically conductive layer that reduces the likelihood of formation of conductive particle clusters between bonding pads. In some embodiment, the methods include the use of ultraviolet sensitive ACF material combined with lithography techniques that eliminate conductive particles from between neighboring bonding pads. In some embodiments, the methods involve the use of insulation spacers that block conductive particles from entering between bonding pads. Any suitable combination of the described methods can be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Bo Zhang, Sang Ha Kim, Cyrus Y. Liu, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Publication number: 20170060290
    Abstract: A sensor module can include a sensor that is configured to detect any given input or environmental conditions, such as, for example, touch or force inputs. The sensor module can be included in an electronic device. Methods for producing the sensor module are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Po-Jui Chen, Kuo-Hua Sung, Hui Chen
  • Publication number: 20170060292
    Abstract: A sensor includes a patterned compliant layer positioned between two substrates. Each substrate can include one or more conductive electrodes, with each electrode of one substrate paired with a respective electrode of the other substrate. Each pair of conductive electrodes forms a capacitor. Several methods are disclosed that can be used to produce the patterned compliant layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Po-Jui Chen, Soyoung Kim, Kuo-Hua Sung, Hui Chen, Rui Qiao
  • Patent number: 9575354
    Abstract: An electronic device display may have a color filter layer and a thin film transistor layer. A layer of liquid crystal material may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin film transistor layer. A layer of polarizer may be laminated onto the surface of the color filter layer. Laser trimming may ensure that the edges of the polarizer are even with the edges of the color filter layer. The thin film transistor layer may have an array of thin film transistors that control pixels of the liquid crystal material in the display. Driver circuitry may be used to control the array. The driver circuitry may be encapsulated in a planarized encapsulant on the thin film transistor layer or may be mounted to the underside of the color filter layer. Conductive structures may connect driver circuitry on the color filter layer to the thin film transistor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs, John Z. Zhong, Steve Hotelling, Lynn Youngs, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Patent number: 9504124
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with an organic light-emitting diode display with minimized border regions. The border regions may be minimized by providing conductive structures that pass through polymer layers of the display and/or conductive structures that wrap around an edge of the display and couple conductive traces on the display to conductive traces on additional circuitry that is mounted behind the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Ha Kim, Silvio Grespan, John Z. Zhong, Jean-Pierre Guillou, Kuo-Hua Sung, Paul S. Drzaic, Young Bae Park, Vasudha Gupta
  • Patent number: 9494178
    Abstract: Structures in an electronic device such as substrates associated with a display may be bonded together using liquid adhesive. Fiber-based equipment may be used to apply ultraviolet light to peripheral edges of an adhesive layer during bonding. There-dimensional adhesive shapes may be produced using nozzles with adjustable openings, computer-controlled positioners, and other adhesive dispensing equipment. Ultraviolet light may be applied to liquid adhesive through a mask with an opacity gradient. Adjustable shutter structures may control adhesive exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light exposure may be used to create an adhesive dam that helps create a well defined adhesive border. Multiple layers of adhesive may be applied between a pair of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus Y. Liu, Kuo-Hua Sung, Po-Jui Chen, Silvio Grespan
  • Publication number: 20160277054
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a mechanical structure that mechanically supports the electronic device. One or more traces may be formed on one or more surfaces of the mechanical structure. Other electrical components may also be mounted on the surface of the mechanical structure and may or may not be connected to one or more of the traces. Additionally, one or more passivation layers may be formed on one or more of the surfaces, traces, and/or other electrical components and one or more traces and/or other electrical components may be intermixed with such passivation layers. In this way, the mechanical structure may be operable to function as an electrical component of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Romain A. Teil, Michael B. Wittenberg, Steven J. Martisauskas, Kuo-Hua Sung