Abstract: A method for forming a relatively transparent fiber composite is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively transparent fiber composite can include glass fibers with a relatively low amount of iron oxide. In another embodiment, the transparent fiber composite can include a selected resin, a sizing and glass fibers where the index of refraction of the glass fibers, the sizing and the resin can be similar, within a tolerance amount. In yet another embodiment, the resin can be relatively clear and free from pigments and tints. In one embodiment, the glass fibers can be formed into a mat. In another embodiment, glass fibers can be chopped or milled and a relatively transparent part can be formed through injection molding.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to anodizing and anodized films. The methods described can be used to form opaque and white anodized films on a substrate. In some embodiments, the methods involve forming anodized films having branched pore structures. The branched pore structure provides a light scattering medium for incident visible light, imparting an opaque and white appearance to the anodized film. In some embodiments, the methods involve infusing metal complex ions within pores of an anodized. Once within the pores, the metal complex ions undergo a chemical change forming metal oxide particles. The metal oxide particles provide a light scattering medium for incident visible light, imparting an opaque and white appearance to the anodized film. In some embodiments, aspects of the methods for creating irregular or branched pores and methods for infusing metal complex ions within pores are combined.

Abstract: This is directed to a cable structure for use with an electronic device. The cable structure can include one or more conductors around which a sheath is provided. To prevent the cable structure from tangling, the cable structure can include a core placed between the conductors and the sheath, where a stiffness of the core can be varied along different segments of the cable structure to facilitate or hinder bending of the cable structure in different areas. The size and distribution of the stiffer portions can be selected to prevent the cable from forming loops. The resistance of the core to bending can be varied using different approaches including, for example, by varying the materials used in the core, varying a cross-section of portions of the core, or combinations of these.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to anodizing and anodized films. The methods described can be used to form opaque and white anodized films on a substrate. In some embodiments, the methods involve forming anodized films having branched pore structures. The branched pore structure provides a light scattering medium for incident visible light, imparting an opaque and white appearance to the anodized film. In some embodiments, the methods involve infusing metal complex ions within pores of an anodized. Once within the pores, the metal complex ions undergo a chemical change forming metal oxide particles. The metal oxide particles provide a light scattering medium for incident visible light, imparting an opaque and white appearance to the anodized film. In some embodiments, aspects of the methods for creating irregular or branched pores and methods for infusing metal complex ions within pores are combined.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to anodizing and anodized films. The methods described can be used to form opaque and white anodized films on a substrate. In some embodiments, the methods involve forming anodized films having branched pore structures. The branched pore structure provides a light scattering medium for incident visible light, imparting an opaque and white appearance to the anodized film. In some embodiments, the methods involve infusing metal complex ions within pores of an anodized. Once within the pores, the metal complex ions undergo a chemical change forming metal oxide particles. The metal oxide particles provide a light scattering medium for incident visible light, imparting an opaque and white appearance to the anodized film. In some embodiments, aspects of the methods for creating irregular or branched pores and methods for infusing metal complex ions within pores are combined.

Abstract: Markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface so as to be visible from the outside of the housing. The markings may be precisely formed using a laser. Processing may be used to increase reflectivity of the markings.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for laser-marking a fabric material. Some implementations may be directed to a fabric component having a surface dyed a first color using a pigment. The surface may be irradiated using a laser to form a lightened region. In some cases, the lightened region has a second color that is lighter than the first color. In some cases, the lightened region has fibers of the nylon fabric component that are fused to form a partially specular surface due to the laser irradiation. In some cases, the lightened region has fibers of the fabric component that are fused to form a partially specular surface. The fabric material may form a fabric component of a device or product. In some cases, the fabric forms a component of a keyboard or user-input device.

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.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface so as to be visible from the outside of the housing. The markings may be precisely formed using a laser. Processing may be used to increase reflectivity of the markings.

Abstract: Molded splitter structures and systems and methods for manufacturing molded splitter structures are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Electroformed housings for electronic devices and methods for making the same are provided. An electronic device is provided having circuitry with interface circuitry for processing a user input event, and an electroformed housing that is an enclosure for the circuitry, the electroformed housing having a user interface region positioned adjacent to the interface circuitry such that when a user initiates a user input event on the user interface region, the interface circuitry processes the user input event.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for creating a recessed pattern in a substrate. The method includes laser ablating the substrate to form a recessed complex edge geometry in the substrate. The recessed complex edge geometry forms at least a portion of the pattern. The method also includes machining a remainder of the pattern with a mechanical cutter.