Patents by Inventor Matthew S. Theobald

Matthew S. Theobald 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: 11550369
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure formed of a plurality of layers cooperating to define an interior volume. The enclosure includes a first layer formed of a first material and defining a user input surface of the enclosure and a first portion of a side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a second layer, formed of a second material different from the first material, positioned below the first layer and defining a second portion of the side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a third layer, formed of a third material different from the first and second materials, positioned below the second layer and defining a bottom surface of the enclosure and a third portion of the side surface of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Simon J. Trivett, Matthew S. Theobald, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Robert Y. Cao, Ari P. Miller, Kevin M. Robinson, Houtan R. Farahani, Francesco Ferretti, John Raff, Robert J. Lockwood, Genie Kim, Karan Bir, Keith J. Hendren, Gurshan Deol, Antonio Clarke, Prabhu Sathyamurthy, William A. Counts
  • Publication number: 20210149458
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure formed of a plurality of layers cooperating to define an interior volume. The enclosure includes a first layer formed of a first material and defining a user input surface of the enclosure and a first portion of a side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a second layer, formed of a second material different from the first material, positioned below the first layer and defining a second portion of the side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a third layer, formed of a third material different from the first and second materials, positioned below the second layer and defining a bottom surface of the enclosure and a third portion of the side surface of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Simon J. Trivett, Matthew S. Theobald, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Robert Y. Cao, Ari P. Miller, Kevin M. Robinson, Houtan R. Farahani, Francesco Ferretti, John Raff, Robert J. Lockwood, Genie Kim, Karan Bir, Keith J. Hendren, Gurshan Deol, Antonio Clarke, Prabhu Sathyamurthy, William A. Counts
  • Publication number: 20210074958
    Abstract: This application relates to a battery system for reducing spacing between components in an electronic device. The battery system includes a housing surrounding an electrode assembly and a connection module. The housing is rigid or semi-rigid and connected to a common ground. The battery system can be positioned in the electronic device to contact components without damaging the components. In some embodiments, the battery system can be used as a structural element in the electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Pelletier, Brad G. Boozer, Christopher M. Werner, Tianren Xu, Brian K. Shiu, Simone M. Missirian, Haran Balaram, Abhishek P. Shiwalkar, Shravan Bharadwaj, Alexander Manosov, Matthew S. Theobald, Huan Huang, Tyler S. Bushnell, Katharine R. Chemelewski, Premanand Ramadass, Yanning Song, Christopher R. Pasma
  • Patent number: 10915151
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure formed of a plurality of layers cooperating to define an interior volume. The enclosure includes a first layer formed of a first material and defining a user input surface of the enclosure and a first portion of a side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a second layer, formed of a second material different from the first material, positioned below the first layer and defining a second portion of the side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a third layer, formed of a third material different from the first and second materials, positioned below the second layer and defining a bottom surface of the enclosure and a third portion of the side surface of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Simon J. Trivett, Matthew S. Theobald, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Robert Y. Cao, Ari P. Miller, Kevin M. Robinson, Houtan R. Farahani, Francesco Ferretti, John Raff, Robert J. Lockwood, Genie Kim, Karan Bir, Keith J. Hendren, Gurshan Deol, Antonio Clarke, Prabhu Sathyamurthy, William A. Counts
  • Patent number: 10279564
    Abstract: A structural member having an internal geometry capable of receive an object and substantially seamless outer surfaces, and that is obtainable by a method that includes providing several small plates, welding together the small plates, removing the weld residue, and polishing an outer surface of the structural member to achieve a certain desired visual effect. A middle plate, or several middle plates, may be positioned between a first plate and a second plate. The middle portion occupied by the middle plates includes an opening, cavity, and/or channel. The opening, cavity, and/or channel may receive a cable from an electronic device, or house a component. The plates and the opening, cavity, and/or channels between the plates, generally have a small form factor, and accordingly, require an assembly process to create the opening, cavity, and/or channels rather than using traditional drilling and/or milling techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Theobald, Sarah J. Montplaisir
  • Publication number: 20190101960
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure formed of a plurality of layers cooperating to define an interior volume. The enclosure includes a first layer formed of a first material and defining a user input surface of the enclosure and a first portion of a side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a second layer, formed of a second material different from the first material, positioned below the first layer and defining a second portion of the side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a third layer, formed of a third material different from the first and second materials, positioned below the second layer and defining a bottom surface of the enclosure and a third portion of the side surface of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Simon R. Trivett, Matthew S. Theobald, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Robert Y. Cao, Ari P. Miller, Kevin M. Robinson, Houtan R. Farahani, Francesco Ferretti, John Raff, Robert J. Lockwood, Genie Kim, Karan Bir, Keith J. Hendren, Gurshan Deol, Antonio Clarke, Prabhu Sathyamurthy, William A. Counts
  • Patent number: 10040153
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to convert a rotary machine to a non-rotary machine is provided. The apparatus may include a tool body that engages a rotary head of a CNC mill and a rotation restraint member that is fixed at a stationary position relative to a rotational axis of the rotary head. An arm of the tool body may engage the rotation restraint member to prevent rotation of the tool body. A cutting tool may be coupled to the tool body such that rotation thereof is also fixed. The arm of the tool body may include an elongated aperture that allows for slight pivoting of the tool body and the cutting tool to facilitate chip removal and cutting in opposing directions. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Muller, Matthew S. Theobald, Vincent Tiaga
  • Patent number: 9921571
    Abstract: This application relates to methods for applying automated precision machining operations to an oversized workpiece with a compact computer numerical control (CNC) machining apparatus. By shifting an oversized workpiece through a working area of the CNC machining apparatus, the CNC machining apparatus can apply machining operations to any portion of the workpiece in an automated manner. To achieve precision results, a position of the workpiece is tracked as the workpiece is shifted through the working area. In some embodiments, a probe can be utilized to track the shifting of the workpiece by determining a location of a machined feature after a particular shift has been completed. In this way, a position of the workpiece can be tracked without having to rely upon tolerances inherent to a workpiece manipulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Wagner Crowley, Nathaniel H. Henderson, Christopher A. Hunt, Matthew S. Theobald
  • Publication number: 20160089761
    Abstract: This application relates to methods for applying automated precision machining operations to an oversized workpiece with a compact computer numerical control (CNC) machining apparatus. By shifting an oversized workpiece through a working area of the CNC machining apparatus, the CNC machining apparatus can apply machining operations to any portion of the workpiece in an automated manner. To achieve precision results, a position of the workpiece is tracked as the workpiece is shifted through the working area. In some embodiments, a probe can be utilized to track the shifting of the workpiece by determining a location of a machined feature after a particular shift has been completed. In this way, a position of the workpiece can be tracked without having to rely upon tolerances inherent to a workpiece manipulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew Wagner CROWLEY, Nathaniel H. HENDERSON, Christopher A. HUNT, Matthew S. THEOBALD
  • Patent number: 9280177
    Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The laptop computer can include a uni-body top case having an integrated support system formed therein, the integrated support system providing structural support that distributes applied loads through the top case preventing warping and bowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Bartley K. Andre, Jeremy Bataillou, Jay S. Nigen, Matthew S. Theobald, Matthew P. Casebolt, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith, William F. Leggett
  • Publication number: 20160044831
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing small form factor desktop computer is described. The small form factor desktop computer can be formed of a single piece seamless housing that in the described embodiment is machined from a single billet of aluminum. The single piece seamless housing includes an aesthetically pleasing foot support having at least a portion formed of RF transparent material that provides easy user access to selected internal components as well as offers electromagnetic (EM) shielding. This simplicity of design can accrue many advantages to the small form factor desktop computer besides those related to aesthetic look and feel. Fewer components and less time and effort can be required for assembly of the small form factor desktop computer and the absence of seams in the single piece housing can provide good protection against environmental contamination of internal components as well as EM shielding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Chiew-Siang Goh, Houtan R. Farahani, Eric A. Knopf, Ricardo A. Mariano, Joseph B. Moak, Matthew S. Theobald
  • Patent number: 9132562
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing small form factor desktop computer is described. The small form factor desktop computer can be formed of a single piece seamless housing that in the described embodiment is machined from a single billet of aluminum. The single piece seamless housing includes an aesthetically pleasing foot support having at least a portion formed of RF transparent material that provides easy user access to selected internal components as well as offers electromagnetic (EM) shielding. This simplicity of design can accrue many advantages to the small form factor desktop computer besides those related to aesthetic look and feel. Fewer components and less time and effort can be required for assembly of the small form factor desktop computer and the absence of seams in the single piece housing can provide good protection against environmental contamination of internal components as well as EM shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chiew-Siang Goh, Houtan R. Farahani, Eric A. Knopf, Ricardo A. Mariano, Joseph B. Moak, Matthew S. Theobald
  • Publication number: 20150125227
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to convert a rotary machine to a non-rotary machine is provided. The apparatus may include a tool body that engages a rotary head of a CNC mill and a rotation restraint member that is fixed at a stationary position relative to a rotational axis of the rotary head. An arm of the tool body may engage the rotation restraint member to prevent rotation of the tool body. A cutting tool may be coupled to the tool body such that rotation thereof is also fixed. The arm of the tool body may include an elongated aperture that allows for slight pivoting of the tool body and the cutting tool to facilitate chip removal and cutting in opposing directions. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Muller, Matthew S. Theobald, Vincent Tiaga
  • Publication number: 20150093590
    Abstract: A structural member having an internal geometry capable of receive an object and substantially seamless outer surfaces, and that is obtainable by a method that includes providing several small plates, welding together the small plates, removing the weld residue, and polishing an outer surface of the structural member to achieve a certain desired visual effect. A middle plate, or several middle plates, may be positioned between a first plate and a second plate. The middle portion occupied by the middle plates includes an opening, cavity, and/or channel. The opening, cavity, and/or channel may receive a cable from an electronic device, or house a component. The plates and the opening, cavity, and/or channels between the plates, generally have a small form factor, and accordingly, require an assembly process to create the opening, cavity, and/or channels rather than using traditional drilling and/or milling techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Theobald, Sarah J. Montplaisir
  • Publication number: 20140077670
    Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The laptop computer can include a uni-body top case having an integrated support system formed therein, the integrated support system providing structural support that distributes applied loads through the top case preventing warping and bowing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Christiaan A. LIGTENBERG, Ron A. HOPKINSON, Bartley K. ANDRE, Jeremy BATAILLOU, Jay S. NIGEN, Matthew S. THEOBALD, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Charles A. SCHWALBACH, Brandon S. SMITH, William F. LEGGETT
  • Patent number: 8616748
    Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The laptop computer can include a uni-body top case having an integrated support system formed therein, the integrated support system providing structural support that distributes applied loads through the top case preventing warping and bowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Bartley K. Andre, Jeremy Bataillou, Jay S Nigen, Matthew S. Theobald, Matthew P. Casebolt, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith, William F. Leggett
  • Publication number: 20130329450
    Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The laptop computer can include a uni-body top case having an integrated support system formed therein, the integrated support system providing structural support that distributes applied loads through the top case preventing warping and bowing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Christiaan A. LIGTENBERG, Ron A. HOPKINSON, Bartley K. ANDRE, Jeremy BATAILLOU, Jay S. NIGEN, Matthew S. THEOBALD, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Charles A. SCHWALBACH, Brandon S. SMITH, William F. LEGGETT
  • Patent number: 8451598
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing small form factor desktop computer is described. The small form factor desktop computer can be formed of a single piece seamless housing that in the described embodiment is machined from a single billet of aluminum. The single piece seamless housing includes an aesthetically pleasing foot support having at least a portion formed of RF transparent material that provides easy user access to selected internal components as well as offers electromagnetic (EM) shielding. This simplicity of design can accrue many advantages to the small form factor desktop computer besides those related to aesthetic look and feel. Fewer components and less time and effort can be required for assembly of the small form factor desktop computer and the absence of seams in the single piece housing can provide good protection against environmental contamination of internal components as well as EM shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chiew-Siang Goh, Joseph B. Moak, Matthew S. Theobald, Houtan R. Farahani, Ricardo A. Mariano, Eric A. Knopf
  • Patent number: 8411434
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing small form factor desktop computer is described. The small form factor desktop computer can be formed of a single piece seamless housing that in the described embodiment is machined from a single billet of aluminum. The single piece seamless housing includes an aesthetically pleasing foot support having at least a portion formed of RF transparent material that provides easy user access to selected internal components as well as offers electromagnetic (EM) shielding. This simplicity of design can accrue many advantages to the small form factor desktop computer besides those related to aesthetic look and feel. Fewer components and less time and effort can be required for assembly of the small form factor desktop computer and the absence of seams in the single piece housing can provide good protection against environmental contamination of internal components as well as EM shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chiew-Siang Goh, Joseph B. Moak, Matthew S. Theobald, Houtan R. Farahani, Ricardo A. Mariano, Eric A. Knopf
  • Publication number: 20120106067
    Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing small form factor desktop computer is described. The small form factor desktop computer can be formed of a single piece seamless housing that in the described embodiment is machined from a single billet of aluminum. The single piece seamless housing includes an aesthetically pleasing foot support having at least a portion formed of RF transparent material that provides easy user access to selected internal components as well as offers electromagnetic (EM) shielding. This simplicity of design can accrue many advantages to the small form factor desktop computer besides those related to aesthetic look and feel. Fewer components and less time and effort can be required for assembly of the small form factor desktop computer and the absence of seams in the single piece housing can provide good protection against environmental contamination of internal components as well as EM shielding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chiew-Siang GOH, Joseph B. Moak, Matthew S. Theobald, Houtan R. Farahani, Ricardo A. Mariano, Eric A. Knopf