Patents by Inventor Paul R. Steuer

Paul R. Steuer 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).

  • Publication number: 20150022986
    Abstract: A circuit assembly (1800) includes a first circuit substrate (1200) defining a first major face (1201) and a second circuit substrate (1500) defining a second major face (1502). A plurality of electrical components (1203,1204,1205) can be disposed on one or more of the first major face or the second major face. One or more substrate bridging members (1301,1302,1303,1304) are disposed between the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate. Each substrate bridging member can define a unitary structure having a first end bonded to the first major face and a second end bonded to the second major face to bridge the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Steuer, Mark A. Barabolak, Patrick J. Cauwels, Timothy J. Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20150022978
    Abstract: A circuit assembly (1800) includes a first circuit substrate (1200) defining a first major face (1201) and a second circuit substrate (1500) defining a second major face (1502). A plurality of electrical components (1203,1204,1205) can be disposed on one or more of the first major face or the second major face. One or more substrate bridging members (1301,1302,1303,1304) are disposed between the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate. Each substrate bridging member can define a unitary structure having a first end bonded to the first major face and a second end bonded to the second major face to bridge the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Steuer, Patrick J. Cauwels
  • Publication number: 20140372940
    Abstract: A display system includes a display and a control circuit operable with the display. The display is configured to provide visual output having a presentation orientation. When user input is received, the control circuit can alter the presentation orientation from an initial orientation in response to user input. When non-user events or device events are detected, the control circuit can revert the presentation orientation to the initial orientation in response to the non-user event or device event. Where the presentation orientation has a user input configuration associated therewith, the user input configuration can either be altered with the presentation orientation or retained in an initial disposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick J. Cauwels, Rachid M. Alameh, Timothy Dickinson, Phillip D. Rasky, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 8902713
    Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a component portion (101) and a strap (102). The strap defines an air chamber (402) therein having a corresponding volume. A driver (403) is disposed in the component portion at a first port (404) between the component portion and the strap. A frequency detector (405) is disposed in the component portion at a second port (406) between the component portion and the strap. A control circuit (407) is operable with the driver and the frequency detector and is configured to determine a peak of a resonant frequency over a frequency range in the air chamber with the frequency detector that are a function of the corresponding volume and are responsive to signals produced by the driver, correlate the frequency of pressure variations determined with a user input, and perform an operation based upon the user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, Paul R. Steuer, Robert A. Zurek
  • Publication number: 20140347188
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method whereby indications of an event such as an incoming text message or phone call are provided to a mobile device user in a manner, and to an extent, that allows user awareness when practicable, while also conserving battery power. The system and method determine certain parameters with respect to the user, such as user presence or current proximity, frequency of user proximity, and other factors in order to determine whether and how to provide an indication to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
    Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, Paul R. Steuer, Jason P. Wojack
  • Publication number: 20140267133
    Abstract: In embodiments of an off-center sensor target region, a capacitive sensor can include a target region that is located off-center relative to a center of the sensor. A touch input to the target region of the capacitive sensor can be determined to be valid sensor input and a touch contact that correlates to the center of the capacitive sensor can be determined to be false sensor input. The target region of the capacitive sensor can correspond to a selectable control that is selectable by a user to initiate a device function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Steuer, Thomas Y. Merrell
  • Publication number: 20140176332
    Abstract: A device includes both a fingerprint sensor (112) and a piezo structure (114). The fingerprint sensor senses fingerprint data identifying a pattern of a fingerprint of a user. The fingerprint data for the user can be collected and analyzed in various manners in order to authenticate the sensed fingerprint. The piezo structure can be used in various manners, such as to collect data used to facilitate authenticating the sensed fingerprint data, to provide feedback to the user regarding when the fingerprint authentication process is complete, and/or to cause different types of vibration in order to facilitate sensing fingerprint data. Various additional feedback can also be provided to the user, using the piezo structure or other feedback mechanisms, such as feedback to notify the user to increase or decrease an amount of pressure he or she is applying to the fingerprint sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
    Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, Jiri Slaby, Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20140162482
    Abstract: A connector (100) and connector system are provided. A connector can include a domed metal switch (102) that is partially covered with a liquid impermeable barrier (101) such that a portion of the domed metal switch is exposed and the liquid impermeable barrier is coupled to the domed metal switch with a liquid impermeable junction (221). In a connector system, a complementary connector can include a dome switch actuator (706,707), partially covered with another liquid impermeable barrier. When pressed against the connector, the domed metal switch can deform to contact an electrical conductor (104). A control circuit (1309) can determine whether an electronic device or user is causing the deformation by detecting whether voltage or current is applied to the domed metal switch while deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Steuer, Rachid M. Alameh, Patrick J. Cauwels, David P. Winkler
  • Patent number: 8712086
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable audio device and a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover. The portable audio device includes a housing and a speaker supported by the housing that have a first system frequency response. The speaker of the portable audio device has a first side and a second side associated with a first audio port and a second audio port, associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load respectively. The housing is configured to removably receive the cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response. The cover provides one or more additional surrounding structures, which replace the inherent frequency response with an improved frequency response. Different embodiments of the disclosed cover provide a plurality of sound quality enhancement options to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Robert A Zurek, Shaohai Chen, Joel A Clark, Paul R Steuer, Giles Davis
  • Publication number: 20140064037
    Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a component portion (101) and a strap (102). The strap defines an air chamber (402) therein having a corresponding volume. A driver (403) is disposed in the component portion at a first port (404) between the component portion and the strap. A frequency detector (405) is disposed in the component portion at a second port (406) between the component portion and the strap. A control circuit (407) is operable with the driver and the frequency detector and is configured to determine a peak of a resonant frequency over a frequency range in the air chamber with the frequency detector that are a function of the corresponding volume and are responsive to signals produced by the driver, correlate the frequency of pressure variations determined with a user input, and perform an operation based upon the user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
    Inventors: Rachid M. Alameh, Paul R. Steuer, Robert A. Zurek
  • Publication number: 20130326790
    Abstract: An impact resistant wearable band assembly 10 which is particularly usefully and durable during physical exercise, fitness activities, sports, blood pressure measurements, and health care monitoring, can have a matrix, series or array of interlocking magnetic mechanisms 114 with matingly engageable portions 115 and 117 comprising magnets 116 and magnetically attractable portions 118 for detachably and magnetically securing end portions of a user friendly wearable band. In use, the versatile wearable band can be easily adjusted in a one handed movement from a locked position to a released position and vice versa. Advantageously, the wearable band assembly includes an electronic device 122 secured to an electronic device-supporting portion 120 of the wearable band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Cauwels, Rachid M. Alameh, Jeong J. Ma, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 8550280
    Abstract: A cover assembly is capable of attaching to a container and has a dispensing orifice and a substantially perpendicular button opening on a side with a button. A single piece valve beam formed of a deflectable material has the actuator button located on one end and a fulcrum located on another end opposite the actuator button. An inner region of the cover has a retention surface opposite the button accommodating the fulcrum. The single piece valve beam is held inside the inner region of the cover between the button opening and the retention surface by deflection of the beam and rotation about the fulcrum such that the sealing surface moves away from the dispensing orifice when the actuator button is pressed. The deflectable material of the single piece valve beam acts as a spring that exerts force on the sealing surface and exerts force on the actuator against the button opening. The single piece valve beam can be configured to move away from the dispensing orifice when the button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Paul R Steuer
  • Patent number: 8543168
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a free floating display lens having a stiffener ring mounted on a peripheral region or edge of the free floating display lens to affect modal density and modal distribution of the free floating display lens. Additionally, a piezoelectric supporting structure is attached to the stiffener ring, while surrounding a display, wherein the piezoelectric supporting structure is electrically driven to produce an acoustic signal in one mode and a vibratory haptic signal in another mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Zurek, Steve X. Dai, Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20130120106
    Abstract: A display system includes a display and a control circuit operable with the display. The display is configured to provide visual output having a presentation orientation. When user input is received, the control circuit can alter the presentation orientation from an initial orientation in response to user input. When non-user events or device events are detected, the control circuit can revert the presentation orientation to the initial orientation in response to the non-user event or device event. Where the presentation orientation has a user input configuration associated therewith, the user input configuration can either be altered with the presentation orientation or retained in an initial disposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Cauwels, Rachid M. Alameh, Timothy Dickinson, Phillip D. Rasky, Paul R. Steuer
  • Patent number: 8207897
    Abstract: A portable communication device (100, 800, 900) has an antenna element (102, 1206). The antenna element forms a slot (104, 1208) which is used as a slot antenna. The device is configured such that the slot facilitates operation of a user interface element through the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham R. Alvey, Paul R. Steuer, James A. Van Bosch, Louis J. Vannatta
  • Publication number: 20120149437
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a free floating display lens having a stiffener ring mounted on a peripheral region or edge of the free floating display lens to affect modal density and modal distribution of the free floating display lens. Additionally, a piezoelectric supporting structure is attached to the stiffener ring, while surrounding a display, wherein the piezoelectric supporting structure is electrically driven to produce an acoustic signal in one mode and a vibratory haptic signal in another mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: MOTOROLA-MOBILITY, INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. Zurek, Steve X. Dai, Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20120037651
    Abstract: A cover assembly is capable of attaching to a container and has a dispensing orifice and a substantially perpendicular button opening on a side with a button. A single piece valve beam formed of a deflectable material has the actuator button located on one end and a fulcrum located on another end opposite the actuator button. An inner region of the cover has a retention surface opposite the button accommodating the fulcrum. The single piece valve beam is held inside the inner region of the cover between the button opening and the retention surface by deflection of the beam and rotation about the fulcrum such that the sealing surface moves away from the dispensing orifice when the actuator button is pressed. The deflectable material of the single piece valve beam acts as a spring that exerts force on the sealing surface and exerts force on the actuator against the button opening. The single piece valve beam can be configured to move away from the dispensing orifice when the button is pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20100156728
    Abstract: A portable communication device (100, 800, 900) has an antenna element (102, 1206). The antenna element forms a slot (104, 1208) which is used as a slot antenna. The device is configured such that the slot facilitates operation of a user interface element through the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: GRAHAM R. ALVEY, PAUL R. STEUER, JAMES A. VAN BOSCH, LOUIS J. VANNATTA
  • Publication number: 20090169040
    Abstract: Disclosed are passive acoustic structures, portable audio devices configured for use with the passive acoustic structures and methods for enhancing the frequency output of a speaker of a portable device configured for use with a disclosed passive acoustic structure. The disclosed portable audio device may include an opening proximal a speaker cavity of the device, a shutter or door to open and close the opening so that the device interoperates with a docking station of a passive acoustic structure including a labyrinth or a transmission line system that may increase the frequency range of the system. For an end user to experience the music and multimedia features of a portable audio device, and in particular a mobile communication device, the above-described passive acoustic structure may provide a bass enhancement for the typically small loudspeaker of a portable audio device with no additional loudspeaker and therefore no additional circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: MOTOROLA INC
    Inventors: SHAOHAI CHEN, JOEL A. CLARK, PAUL R. STEUER, ROBERT A ZUREK, ROGER W. ADY, GILES DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20090169041
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable audio device and a quick-disconnect passive acoustic cover. The portable audio device includes a housing and a speaker supported by the housing that have a first system frequency response. The speaker of the portable audio device has a first side and a second side associated with a first audio port and a second audio port, associated with a first acoustic load and a second acoustic load respectively. The housing is configured to removably receive the cover which is configured to redefine at least one of the first acoustic load and the second acoustic load to replace the first system frequency response with a second system frequency response. The cover provides one or more additional surrounding structures, which replace the inherent frequency response with an improved frequency response. Different embodiments of the disclosed cover provide a plurality of sound quality enhancement options to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: MOTOROLA INC
    Inventors: ROBERT A. ZUREK, SHAOHAI CHEN, JOEL A. CLARK, PAUL R. STEUER, GILES DAVIS