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: 10328527Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Michael S. Nashner, Houtan R. Farahani
-
Patent number: 10299393Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
-
Patent number: 10278294Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Jonathan P. Ive, Michael K. Pilliod
-
Publication number: 20190106803Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to forming anodized films that have a white appearance. In some embodiments, an anodized film having pores with light diffusing pore walls created by varying the current density during an anodizing process is described. In some embodiments, an anodized film having light diffusing micro-cracks created by a laser cracking procedure is described. In some embodiments, a sputtered layer of light diffusing aluminum is provided below an anodized film. In some embodiments, light diffusing particles are infused within openings of an anodized layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventors: Lucy E. BROWNING, Stephen B. LYNCH, Christopher D. PREST, Peter N. RUSSELL-CLARKE, Masashige TATEBE, Michael S. NASHNER, Daniel T. MCDONALD, Brian S. TRYON, Jody R. AKANA
-
Publication number: 20190053389Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Bartley K. ANDRE, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Peter N. RUSSELL-CLARKE
-
Patent number: 10196750Abstract: Electroformed housings for electronic devices and methods for making the same are provided. An electronic device is provided having at least one electronic part and an electroformed housing constructed from a metal that encloses the at least one electronic part.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventor: Peter N. Russell-Clarke
-
Publication number: 20190029127Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Jonathan P. Ive, Michael K. Pilliod
-
Publication number: 20190025673Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Michael K. Pilliod, Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Douglas J. Weber
-
Patent number: 10184190Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to forming anodized films that have a white appearance. In some embodiments, an anodized film having pores with light diffusing pore walls created by varying the current density during an anodizing process is described. In some embodiments, an anodized film having light diffusing micro-cracks created by a laser cracking procedure is described. In some embodiments, a sputtered layer of light diffusing aluminum is provided below an anodized film. In some embodiments, light diffusing particles are infused within openings of an anodized layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lucy E. Browning, Stephen B. Lynch, Christopher D. Prest, Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Masashige Tatebe, Michael S. Nashner, Daniel T. McDonald, Brian S. Tryon, Jody R. Akana
-
Patent number: 10133156Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michael K. Pilliod, Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Douglas J. Weber
-
Patent number: 10132340Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Matthew D. Rohrbach
-
Patent number: 10117343Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
-
Patent number: 10021945Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable device including first and second band straps attached to a device body. A buckle mechanism is configured to attach the first band strap to the second band strap and includes a spring bar attached to an end of the first band strap and a buckle loop engaged to the spring bar. A tang is configured to engage a hole formed in the second band strap to secure the first band strap to the second band strap. The tang defines an aperture that receives the spring bar and is configured to pivot about an offset axis that is offset with respect to an axis of the bar. As the tang is rotated, a restoring force biases the tang toward the buckle loop.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Matthew D. Rohrbach, Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Dhaval N. Shah, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Edward Siahaan, Ying-Liang Su, Teodor Dabov, Michael J. Webb, Michael T. Brickner
-
Publication number: 20180099352Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Daniel T. MCDONALD, Michael S. NASHNER, Peter N. RUSSELL-CLARKE, Masashige TATEBE
-
Patent number: 9926953Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Matthew D. Rohrbach
-
Patent number: 9839974Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Daniel T. McDonald, Michael S. Nashner, Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Masashige Tatebe
-
Publication number: 20170318686Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Jonathan P. Ive, Michael K. Pilliod
-
Publication number: 20170304948Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Michael S. Nashner
-
Publication number: 20170253986Abstract: A surface treatment for metal surfaces can be used to create one or more desired effects, such as functional, tactile, or cosmetic effects. In one embodiment, the treatment involves selectively masking a portion of the surface using a photolithographic process. The mask can protect the masked portion of the surface during subsequent treatment processes such as texturizing and anodization. The mask can result in the creation of a surface having contrasting effects. A pattern can be formed by the contrasting effects in the shape of a distinct graphic, such as a logo or text.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2017Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: Jody R. AKANA, Peter N. RUSSELL-CLARKE, Masashige TATEBE
-
Patent number: 9756739Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Jonathan P. Ive, Michael K. Pilliod