Patents by Inventor Peter N. Russell-Clarke

Peter N. Russell-Clarke 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: 10914329
    Abstract: A system for carrying or using a device includes the device and at least one attachment apparatus. The device may include at least one attachment element. The attachment apparatus may include a length of material and at least one attachment point arranged on an end of the length of material. The at least one attachment point may include at least one magnetic feature configured to attach and detach the device and the length of material. The material can include but is not limited to cloth, metallic (magnetic and non-magnetic), fibrous material, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Matthew D. Rohrbach
  • Patent number: 10917980
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional structures and related methods. The three-dimensional structures may define patterns of positive and negative spaces on opposing surfaces that combine to form the three-dimensional structures. The negative spaces of the patterns may intersect to form apertures through the three-dimensional structures, which may define linear or non-linear paths therethrough. The apertures may be configured to provide desirable characteristics with respect to light, sound, and fluid travel therethrough. Further, the three-dimensional structures may be configured to define desired stiffness, weight, and/or flexibility. The three-dimensional structures may be employed in embodiments including heat sinks, housings, speaker or vent covers, springs, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
  • Publication number: 20210014981
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a glass housing structures. The glass housing structures may be used to cover a display and other internal electronic device components. The glass housing structure may have multiple glass pieces that are joined using a glass fusing process. A peripheral glass member may be fused along the edge of a planar glass member to enhance the thickness of the edge. A rounded edge feature may be formed by machining the thickened edge. Raised fused glass features may surround openings in the planar glass member. Multiple planar glass members may be fused together to form a five-sided box in which electronic components may be mounted. Raised support structure ribs may be formed by fusing glass structures to a planar glass member. Opaque masking material and colored glass may be used to create portions of the glass housing structures that hide internal device components from view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Jonathan P. Ive, Michael K. Pilliod
  • Patent number: 10842031
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a glass housing structures. The glass housing structures may be used to cover a display and other internal electronic device components. The glass housing structure may have multiple glass pieces that are joined using a glass fusing process. A peripheral glass member may be fused along the edge of a planar glass member to enhance the thickness of the edge. A rounded edge feature may be formed by machining the thickened edge. Raised fused glass features may surround openings in the planar glass member. Multiple planar glass members may be fused together to form a five-sided box in which electronic components may be mounted. Raised support structure ribs may be formed by fusing glass structures to a planar glass member. Opaque masking material and colored glass may be used to create portions of the glass housing structures that hide internal device components from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Jonathan P. Ive, Michael K. Pilliod
  • Patent number: 10639746
    Abstract: A ceramic-based component including laser-etched markings, an electronic device including a ceramic-based component, and methods of forming the same. The ceramic-based component may include an outer surface, and a laser-etched marking formed on the outer surface. The laser-etched marking may include a recess having a substantially uneven surface formed in the outer surface. The recess may have a material composition distinct from a material composition of the outer surface. The method of forming the ceramic-based component may include laser etching an outer surface of a ceramic-based component, and in response to the laser etching, forming a laser-etched marking on the outer surface of the ceramic-based component. The method may also include altering the optically reflective properties of the laser-etched marking and/or altering a material composition of the laser-etched marking relative to a distinct material composition of the outer surface of the ceramic-based component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Nashner, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
  • Publication number: 20200104549
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an electronic identification card or electronic card having various features. The electronic card may include an integrated circuit and a contact plate for electrically interfacing with the integrated circuit. The contact plate may include an array of terminal electrodes that are offset with respect to the edges of the contact plate. The electronic card may be coated with a coating layer that extends at least partially over a ferromagnetic element or film. The electronic card may also include a metal substrate having exposed chamfer portions that may provide a visual contrast to the coating layer and also improve the handling and use of the electronic card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Rafael L. Dionello
  • Publication number: 20200104550
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an electronic identification card or electronic card having various features. The electronic card may include an integrated circuit and a contact plate for electrically interfacing with the integrated circuit. The contact plate may include an array of terminal electrodes that are offset with respect to the edges of the contact plate. The electronic card may be coated with a coating layer that extends at least partially over a ferromagnetic element or film. The electronic card may also include a metal substrate having exposed chamfer portions that may provide a visual contrast to the coating layer and also improve the handling and use of the electronic card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Rafael L. Dionello, John Groff, Liliya Lyandres, Mark Townsend, Matthew Saucier, Robert Reichenbach, Travis Pedley, Michael S. Nashner
  • Publication number: 20200093009
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a glass housing structures. The glass housing structures may be used to cover a display and other internal electronic device components. The glass housing structure may have multiple glass pieces that are joined using a glass fusing process. A peripheral glass member may be fused along the edge of a planar glass member to enhance the thickness of the edge. A rounded edge feature may be formed by machining the thickened edge. Raised fused glass features may surround openings in the planar glass member. Multiple planar glass members may be fused together to form a five-sided box in which electronic components may be mounted. Raised support structure ribs may be formed by fusing glass structures to a planar glass member. Opaque masking material and colored glass may be used to create portions of the glass housing structures that hide internal device components from view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Jonathan P. Ive, Michael K. Pilliod
  • Publication number: 20200057525
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a six-sided glass enclosure defining an interior volume and comprising a first glass member and a second glass member. The first glass member defines at least a portion of a first major side of the six-sided glass enclosure, at least a portion of a peripheral side of the six-sided glass enclosure, a first region along the peripheral side and having a first thickness, and a second region along the peripheral side and having a second thickness different from the first thickness. The second glass member is attached to the first glass member and defines at least a portion of a second major side of the six-sided glass enclosure. The electronic device further includes a touchscreen display within the interior volume and positioned adjacent at least a portion of each of the six sides of the six-sided glass enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher D. Prest, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
  • Publication number: 20200060029
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional structures and related methods. The three-dimensional structures may define patterns of positive and negative spaces on opposing surfaces that combine to form the three-dimensional structures. The negative spaces of the patterns may intersect to form apertures through the three-dimensional structures, which may define linear or non-linear paths therethrough. The apertures may be configured to provide desirable characteristics with respect to light, sound, and fluid travel therethrough. Further, the three-dimensional structures may be configured to define desired stiffness, weight, and/or flexibility. The three-dimensional structures may be employed in embodiments including heat sinks, housings, speaker or vent covers, springs, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Bartley K. ANDRE, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Peter N. RUSSELL-CLARKE
  • Publication number: 20200039001
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a textured pattern on a surface of a part using a laser. The part or laser may be rotated while forming the textured pattern to create a continuous textured pattern on a surface of a part. The continuous textured pattern may be substantially uniform over the entire pattern. A laser texturing system may also include an optical scanner. A first region of the surface of the part may be scanned using a first laser beam. One or more laser texturing parameters or a simulated geometric model may be created based on the scan of the first region. The textured pattern may be formed on the first region using a second laser beam. The textured pattern may be formed in accordance with the one or more laser texturing parameters or simulated geometric model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Michael S. NASHNER, Peter N. RUSSELL-CLARKE
  • Patent number: 10551722
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for windows integration with cover glass and for processing cover glass to provide windows for electronic devices are disclosed. Transparent windows such as a transparent camera window, a transparent illuminator window and/or a transparent display window can be integrated into the cover glass. The apparatus, systems and methods are especially suitable for cover glasses, or displays (e.g., LCD displays), assembled in small form factor electronic devices such as handheld electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, media players, personal digital assistants, remote controls, etc.). The apparatus, systems and methods can also be used for cover glasses or displays for other relatively larger form factor electronic devices (e.g., portable computers, tablet computers, displays, monitors, televisions, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael K. Pilliod, Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Douglas J. Weber
  • Patent number: 10532428
    Abstract: A method for creating a flexible portion or bending portion within a rigid structure. The method can also be used for creating a flexible structure from a rigid material. The method includes providing a substantially rigid material, such as, but not limited to, metals, alloys, hard plastics, and the like, and selectively removing portions of the rigid material defining a geometric pattern in the rigid material. A bending radius of the flexible portion is defined by the geometric pattern. The rigid structure may be used to create an enclosure, a cover for an electronic device, one or more hinges, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Michael S. Nashner
  • Publication number: 20200009891
    Abstract: An article having a laser-formed marking is disclosed. The article includes a coating defining an exterior surface of the article and the marking extends through the coating. The marking comprises a recessed marking feature which provides a color or other visual attribute to the marking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Michael S. Nashner, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
  • Patent number: 10512176
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a glass housing structures. The glass housing structures may be used to cover a display and other internal electronic device components. The glass housing structure may have multiple glass pieces that are joined using a glass fusing process. A peripheral glass member may be fused along the edge of a planar glass member to enhance the thickness of the edge. A rounded edge feature may be formed by machining the thickened edge. Raised fused glass features may surround openings in the planar glass member. Multiple planar glass members may be fused together to form a five-sided box in which electronic components may be mounted. Raised support structure ribs may be formed by fusing glass structures to a planar glass member. Opaque masking material and colored glass may be used to create portions of the glass housing structures that hide internal device components from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Jonathan P. Ive, Michael K. Pilliod
  • Patent number: 10492313
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional structures and related methods. The three-dimensional structures may define patterns of positive and negative spaces on opposing surfaces that combine to form the three-dimensional structures. The negative spaces of the patterns may intersect to form apertures through the three-dimensional structures, which may define linear or non-linear paths therethrough. The apertures may be configured to provide desirable characteristics with respect to light, sound, and fluid travel therethrough. Further, the three-dimensional structures may be configured to define desired stiffness, weight, and/or flexibility. The three-dimensional structures may be employed in embodiments including heat sinks, housings, speaker or vent covers, springs, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
  • Patent number: 10434602
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to forming white appearing metal oxide films by forming cracks within the metal oxide films. In some embodiments, the methods involve directing a laser beam at a metal oxide film causing portions of the metal oxide film to melt, cool, contract, and crack. The cracks have irregular surfaces that can diffusely reflect visible light incident a top surface of the metal oxide film, thereby imparting a white appearance to the metal oxide film. In some embodiments, the cracks are formed beneath a top surface of a metal oxide film, thereby leaving a continuous and uninterrupted metal oxide film top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. McDonald, Michael S. Nashner, Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Masashige Tatebe
  • Patent number: 10434603
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a textured pattern on a surface of a part using a laser. The part or laser may be rotated while forming the textured pattern to create a continuous textured pattern on a surface of a part. The continuous textured pattern may be substantially uniform over the entire pattern. A laser texturing system may also include an optical scanner. A first region of the surface of the part may be scanned using a first laser beam. One or more laser texturing parameters or a simulated geometric model may be created based on the scan of the first region. The textured pattern may be formed on the first region using a second laser beam. The textured pattern may be formed in accordance with the one or more laser texturing parameters or simulated geometric model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Nashner, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
  • Publication number: 20190274226
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional structures and related methods. The three-dimensional structures may define patterns of positive and negative spaces on opposing surfaces that combine to form the three-dimensional structures. The negative spaces of the patterns may intersect to form apertures through the three-dimensional structures, which may define linear or non-linear paths therethrough. The apertures may be configured to provide desirable characteristics with respect to light, sound, and fluid travel therethrough. Further, the three-dimensional structures may be configured to define desired stiffness, weight, and/or flexibility. The three-dimensional structures may be employed in embodiments including heat sinks, housings, speaker or vent covers, springs, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Bartley K. ANDRE, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Peter N. RUSSELL-CLARKE
  • Publication number: 20190262948
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to laser-based processes for forming features on the surface of a part. The feature may include a geometric element, a color element, and/or a surface finish element. In some cases, the laser-formed features are formed as a pattern of textured features that produce an aesthetic and/or tactile effect on the surface of the part. In some cases, the texture features may be sufficiently small that they may not be discerned by the unaided human eye. Also, in some cases, a multiple laser-based processes are combined to form a single feature or a finished part having a specific aesthetic and/or tactile effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Michael S. Nashner, Houtan R. Farahani