Patents by Inventor Scott A. Myers

Scott A. Myers 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: 10431636
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a display. The display may have an active region in which display pixels are used to display images. The display may have one or more openings and may be mounted in a housing associated with the electronic device. An electronic component may be mounted in alignment with the openings in the display. The electronic component may include a camera, a light sensor, a light-based proximity sensor, status indicator lights, a light-based touch sensor array, a secondary display that has display pixels that may be viewed through the openings, antenna structures, a speaker, a microphone, or other acoustic, electromagnetic, or light-based component. One or more openings in the display may form a window through which a user of the device may view an external object. Display pixels in the window region may be used in forming a heads-up display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Rappoport, Jeremy C. Franklin, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Scott A. Myers, Richard P. Howarth, Julian Hoenig, Christopher J. Stringer, John P. Ternus, Stephen Brian Lynch
  • Publication number: 20190294215
    Abstract: This is directed to providing a cosmetic finish on a component constructed by connecting several elements. A single manufacturing process, such as machining or grinding, can be applied to the connected elements to remove material from some or all of the elements and to form a smooth and continuous surface across interfaces between the individual elements of the component. In some cases, settings of the material removal process can be adjusted based on the material of the component elements. For example, the settings can be adjusted based on the manufacturing or mechanical properties of each element material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Scott Myers, Richard Heley, Matthew Theobald, Adam Stagnaro, Tang Tan, Richard Dinh, David Pakula
  • Publication number: 20190297741
    Abstract: Housings for electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, adjoining surfaces of electronic device housings can be mounted or arranged such that adjoining surfaces are flush to a high degree of precision. The electronic devices can be portable and in some cases handheld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: David Pakula, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Scott Myers, Tang Yew Tan
  • Patent number: 10423815
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a set of capacitive elements configured for capacitively coupling to a user fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed under a control button or display element of an electronic device, for example one or more of a control button and a display component. A responsive element is responsive to proximity of the user fingerprint, for example one or both of a first circuit responsive to motion of the control button, and a second circuit responsive to a coupling between the fingerprint and a surface of the display element. The fingerprint sensor is disposed closer to the fingerprint than the responsive element. The control button or display component may include an anisotropic dielectric material, for example sapphire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pope, Shawn Arnold, Barry J. Corlett, Terry L. Gilton, Syed Husaini, Steven Webster, Scott A. Myers, Matthew D. Hill, Benjamin B. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20190277986
    Abstract: A method for processing audible sounds using ultrasonic sensors. The method includes passively monitoring, via ultrasonic sensors, an external environment for a audible sounds. An audible sound may be detected and used to produce a sound signal. The sound signal may be filtered to determine one or more features corresponding thereto, including a class, a position, and a velocity. A priority may be assigned to the sound signal based on the sound signal to determine an appropriate response. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed and claimed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Scott Myers, Alexander Groh, Ramchandra Karandikar
  • Publication number: 20190278422
    Abstract: Flexible electronic devices may be provided. A flexible electronic device may include a flexible display, a flexible housing and one or more flexible internal components configured to allow the flexible electronic device to be deformed. Flexible displays may include flexible display layers, flexible touch-sensitive layers, and flexible display cover layers. The flexible housing may be a multi-stable flexible housing having one or more stable positions. The flexible housing may include a configurable support structure that, when engaged, provides a rigid support structure for the flexible housing. The flexible internal components may include flexible batteries, flexible printed circuits or other flexible components. A flexible battery may include flexible and rigid portions or may include a lubricious separator layer that provides flexibility for the flexible battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Franklin, Scott A. Myers, Benjamin M. Rappoport, Stephen Brian Lynch, John P. Ternus, Justin R. Wodrich
  • Publication number: 20190278394
    Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided that contain flexible displays that are bent to form displays on multiple surfaces of the devices. Bent flexible displays may be bent to form front side displays and edge displays. Edge displays may be separated from front side displays or from other edge displays using patterned housing members, printed or painted masks, or by selectively activating and inactivating display pixels associated with the flexible display. Edge displays may alternately function as virtual buttons, virtual switches, or informational displays that are supplemental to front side displays. Virtual buttons may include transparent button members, lenses, haptic feedback components, audio feedback components, or other components for providing feedback to a user when virtual buttons are activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Scott A. Myers, Stephen Brian Lynch, Anthony S. Montevirgen
  • Publication number: 20190274324
    Abstract: Described are processes of preparing plant milk-based yogurt and yogurt products. The process does not require the addition of lactase and thus makes production of lactose-free yogurt efficient and economic. Addition of a soluble fiber, in certain embodiments, can substantially reduce the fermentation time. Yogurt and yogurt products prepared by such processes are also described in the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Geoffrey Margolis, Scott Myers, Dan Newbold
  • Patent number: 10401167
    Abstract: An electronic device includes at least a housing having a force transmissive surface capable of receiving a force, a force sensor configured to sense the force received from the force transmissive surface in accordance with a force path and respond by outputting a signal that indicates a magnitude of the force at a first sensitivity level when the magnitude of the force is less than a threshold level, otherwise, the signal indicates the magnitude of the force in accordance with a second sensitivity level. The electronic device includes a processor in communication with the force sensor that uses the signal to alter an operation of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device is wearable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Edward S. Huo, Scott A. Myers, Martin J. Auclair, William C. Lukens, Tyler S. Bushnell
  • Publication number: 20190269027
    Abstract: This is directed to connecting two or more elements using an intermediate element constructed from a material that changes between states. An electronic device can include one or more components constructed by connecting several elements. To provide a connection having a reduced or small size or cross-section and construct a component having high tolerances, a material can be provided in a first state in which it flows between the elements before changing to a second state in which it adheres to the elements and provides a structurally sound connection. For example, a plastic can be molded between the elements. As another example, a composite material can be brazed between the elements. In some cases, internal surfaces of the elements can include one or more features for enhancing a bond between the elements and the material providing the interface between the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Scott A. Myers, Mattia Pascolini, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Trent Weber, Robert Schlub, Josh Nickel, Robert Hill, Nanbo Jin, Tang Yew Tan
  • Publication number: 20190261527
    Abstract: This is directed to an electronic device enclosure. The enclosure includes an outer periphery member forming an outer surface of a device, and to which an internal platform is connected. Electronic device components can be assembled to one or both surfaces of the internal platform. The enclosure can include front and back cover assemblies assembled to the opposite surfaces of the outer periphery member to retain electronic device components. One or both of the cover assemblies can include a window through which display circuitry can provide content to a user of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Scott Myers, Matthew Theobald, Richard Heley, Adam Stagnaro, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, David A. Pakula, Tang Yew Tan
  • Publication number: 20190254185
    Abstract: An electronic device having multiple housing components interlocked together by a molded material is disclosed. In order to provide interlocking surfaces for the molded material, the housing components can include various geometries designed to receive and retain the molded material such that the housing components are secured with one another. For example, a first housing part can undergo several material removal operations to form multiple ribs, each with through holes. When the molded material extends along the ribs and into the through holes, the molded material cures and interlocks with the first housing part. A second housing part can include several stepped indentions that receive the molded material. Also, a third housing part can include a dovetail indention to receive the molded material such that the first and second housing parts interlock with the third housing part. The indentions can provide retention in three dimensions to protect against decoupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Tyler B. CATER, Benjamin J. POPE, Scott A. MYERS, Benjamin Shane BUSTLE, Tseng-Mau YANG, Adam J. BRINKMAN
  • Patent number: 10368457
    Abstract: Housings for electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, adjoining surfaces of electronic device housings can be mounted or arranged such that adjoining surfaces are flush to a high degree of precision. The electronic devices can be portable and in some cases handheld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: David Pakula, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Scott Myers, Tang Yew Tan
  • Publication number: 20190217513
    Abstract: Compound structures and methods for forming the same are described. The compound structures can be used to form an enclosure. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include one or more non-metal regions that allow for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves, such as radio frequency waves. The non-metal region can include a first section, a second section, and an optional cosmetic section. The first section can be firmly molded onto a metal section of the enclosure by small pores formed within the metal section. The second section can engage with interlock features of the first section. The optional cosmetic section can cover the first section and the second section such that the first section and the second section are not visible from an exterior of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin Shane Bustle, Tyler B. Cater, Derek C. Krass, Scott A. Myers
  • Patent number: 10353436
    Abstract: This is directed to providing a cosmetic finish on a component constructed by connecting several elements. A single manufacturing process, such as machining or grinding, can be applied to the connected elements to remove material from some or all of the elements and to form a smooth and continuous surface across interfaces between the individual elements of the component. In some cases, settings of the material removal process can be adjusted based on the material of the component elements. For example, the settings can be adjusted based on the manufacturing or mechanical properties of each element material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Scott Myers, Richard Heley, Matthew Theobald, Adam Stagnaro, Tang Tan, Richard Dinh, David Pakula
  • Publication number: 20190212603
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display having a thin-film transistor layer. One or more holes in the thin-film transistor layer may be used to form pathways from display circuitry to other circuitry underneath the display. One or more conductive bridges may pass through holes in the thin-film transistor layer and may have one end that couples to the display circuitry and a second end that couples to a printed circuit underneath the display. These conductive bridges may be formed from wire bonding. Wire bond connections may be encapsulated with potting material to improve the reliability of the wire bond and increase the resiliency of the display. Display signal lines may be routed through holes in a thin-film transistor layer to run along a backside of the display thereby reducing the need for space in the border region for display circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Paul S. Drzaic, Jeremy C. Franklin, Stephen Brian Lynch, Scott A. Myers, Benjamin M. Rappoport, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, John P. Ternus
  • Patent number: 10345860
    Abstract: A consumer electronic product includes at least a transparent housing and a flexible display assembly enclosed within the transparent housing. In the described embodiment, the flexible display assembly is configured to present visual content at any portion of the transparent housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Myers
  • Publication number: 20190194955
    Abstract: Provided herein are protective mold devices for the protection of structural surfaces, equipment, machinery, and users thereof. In particular, mold devices for securing to a structural surface (e.g., wall, divider, door opening frame, etc.) are provided that form a cavity between the structural surface and the mold for impregnation with a filler material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Scott Myers, Jarod Fix, Dan Zech
  • Patent number: 10334745
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a ring-shaped housing member defining an interior volume. The ring-shaped housing member may be configured to receive electronic device components. The ring-shaped housing member may include a first element comprising an angled region, and a second element comprising an angled region. A first intermediate element may be placed between the first and second elements, where the intermediate element is secured to internal surfaces of each of the first and second elements such that the first and second elements do not overlap. The first intermediate element may fasten the first and second elements to one another, and electrically isolate the first and second elements from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Scott A. Myers, Mattia Pascolini, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Trent Weber, Robert Schlub, Josh Nickel, Robert Hill, Nanbo Jin, Tang Yew Tan
  • Patent number: D852197
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Jeremy Bataillou, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, M. Evans Hankey, Matthew David Hill, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Duncan Robert Kerr, Scott A. Myers, David A. Pakula, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Mikael Silvanto, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, Rico Zörkendörfer