Patents by Inventor Simon R. LANCASTER-LAROCQUE
Simon R. LANCASTER-LAROCQUE 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).
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Patent number: 11099649Abstract: A device includes a display portion that includes a display housing and a display within the display housing. The device also includes a base portion flexibly coupled to the display portion and comprising a glass member defining a keyboard region configured to receive user input, a first haptic actuator configured to produce a first haptic output at a first area of the keyboard region, and a second haptic actuator configured to produce a second haptic output at a second area of the keyboard region that is different from the first area.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
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Patent number: 11079810Abstract: Apparatuses and systems can mitigate the ingress of debris such as small foreign particles or fluids passing into a joint of an electronic device. Some aspects of the systems prevent particles from passing between a flexible cable and a mandrel surface used to limit bending of the cable. Other aspects provide particle relief features including gaps, grooves, or reduced-size sections of the mandrel so that particles can pass into them and thereby cause no damage or pass out of the electronic device. Another aspect provides a protective layer configured to limit pressure applied to the cable by particles or other contaminants. These apparatuses and systems can improve the life and durability of the mandrel and cable, thereby improving the reliability of operating the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Karan Bir, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Denis H. Endisch, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
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Publication number: 20210149458Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure formed of a plurality of layers cooperating to define an interior volume. The enclosure includes a first layer formed of a first material and defining a user input surface of the enclosure and a first portion of a side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a second layer, formed of a second material different from the first material, positioned below the first layer and defining a second portion of the side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a third layer, formed of a third material different from the first and second materials, positioned below the second layer and defining a bottom surface of the enclosure and a third portion of the side surface of the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2021Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Simon J. Trivett, Matthew S. Theobald, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Robert Y. Cao, Ari P. Miller, Kevin M. Robinson, Houtan R. Farahani, Francesco Ferretti, John Raff, Robert J. Lockwood, Genie Kim, Karan Bir, Keith J. Hendren, Gurshan Deol, Antonio Clarke, Prabhu Sathyamurthy, William A. Counts
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Publication number: 20210096594Abstract: A button assembly for an electronic device is disclosed. The button assembly integrates a biometric sensor below a top surface of the button. The button assembly is positioned relative to a secondary display of an electronic device. The secondary display can be positioned relative to a keyboard, such as above a top row of keys of the keyboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Robert Y. Cao, Michael K. McCord, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
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Publication number: 20210064095Abstract: Invasive material ingress mitigation and control features are positioned in a hinge that uses a flexible cable and cable cover at a gap between housings of a portable electronic device. The features include hydrophobic materials on the cover or a cover-facing surface of the device housing, a barrier between the cover and the device housing, channels or protrusions on the cover-facing surface of the top case, a series of different top case surface feature modifications, and a flex cover profile modification that controls and limits contacting surface area between the cover and the top case.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Karan Bir, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Denis H. Endisch, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
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Patent number: 10915151Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure formed of a plurality of layers cooperating to define an interior volume. The enclosure includes a first layer formed of a first material and defining a user input surface of the enclosure and a first portion of a side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a second layer, formed of a second material different from the first material, positioned below the first layer and defining a second portion of the side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a third layer, formed of a third material different from the first and second materials, positioned below the second layer and defining a bottom surface of the enclosure and a third portion of the side surface of the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Simon J. Trivett, Matthew S. Theobald, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Robert Y. Cao, Ari P. Miller, Kevin M. Robinson, Houtan R. Farahani, Francesco Ferretti, John Raff, Robert J. Lockwood, Genie Kim, Karan Bir, Keith J. Hendren, Gurshan Deol, Antonio Clarke, Prabhu Sathyamurthy, William A. Counts
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Publication number: 20210011524Abstract: An electronic device may have a fiber composite friction hinge with first and second members that rotate relative to each other about a hinge axis. The fiber composite hinge may have first and second sets of interdigitated elongated fingers. Holes in the elongated fingers may receive a shaft of a fastener. The fastener may be tightened to squeeze the elongated fingers together along the hinge axis. The fiber composite hinge may be formed from a fiber composite material such as carbon fiber composite material. Fibers in the composite material may be embedded in binder such as polymer binder. The fibers may wrap around the holes and fold back on themselves in the fingers. Actuators may be provided to adjust the positions of portions of the hinge members. The electronic device may have a flexible layer such as a flexible display that overlaps the hinge structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Bradley J. Hamel
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Patent number: 10886082Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a keyboard or other input structure having a diaphragm that controls the illumination of a perimeter of a keycap. In one aspect, the keyboard includes a dome configured to buckle in response to a depression of a keycap. A support structure may support the keycap above the dome. A light source may be positioned below the keycap and configured to illuminate one or more illuminable symbols defined on a top surface. A diaphragm may be positioned above the light source and have a barrier portion extending from a perimeter of the keycap. The barrier portion may be configured to control illumination of the perimeter of the light source, including substantially preventing the illumination of the perimeter in order to mask or conceal an illuminated halo around the keycap.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Chia Chi Wu
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Publication number: 20200401195Abstract: Apparatuses and systems can mitigate the ingress of debris such as small foreign particles or fluids passing into a joint of an electronic device. Some aspects of the systems prevent particles from passing between a flexible cable and a mandrel surface used to limit bending of the cable. Other aspects provide particle relief features including gaps, grooves, or reduced-size sections of the mandrel so that particles can pass into them and thereby cause no damage or pass out of the electronic device. Another aspect provides a protective layer configured to limit pressure applied to the cable by particles or other contaminants. These apparatuses and systems can improve the life and durability of the mandrel and cable, thereby improving the reliability of operating the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2019Publication date: December 24, 2020Inventors: Karan Bir, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Denis H. Endisch, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
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Patent number: 10871828Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display, a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a glass top case. The glass top case defines an exterior surface and a keyboard opening through the glass top case from the exterior surface to an interior surface. The portable computer further includes a keyboard positioned at least partially within the keyboard opening and comprising a substrate, a key configured to move relative to the substrate, and a fabric cover disposed over the key and defining a user interface surface of the key.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: APPLE INCInventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
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Patent number: 10864686Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a keyboard or other input structure having a continuous fiber material. In one aspect, the continuous fiber material is disposed in a layered fiber pattern under tension. The continuous fiber material is continuous in that it is not broken or severed within the webbing. Heat and pressure are then applied to form a structural web. The resulting structural web may be stronger than a webbing of conventional materials yet with reduced relative weight.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Ari P. Miller, Christopher I. Owen-Elia, Paul X. Wang, Robert Y. Cao
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Patent number: 10853614Abstract: A button assembly for an electronic device is disclosed. The button assembly integrates a biometric sensor below a top surface of the button. The button assembly is positioned relative to a secondary display of an electronic device. The secondary display can be positioned relative to a keyboard, such as above a top row of keys of the keyboard.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Robert Y. Cao, Michael K. McCord, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
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Patent number: 10784062Abstract: Keyboards include mechanisms that prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress. In some embodiments, a keyboard assembly includes a substrate, a key cap, a movement mechanism moveably coupling the key cap to the substrate, and a guard structure coupled to the key cap operable to direct contaminants away from the movement mechanism. In other embodiments, a keyboard includes a base; a web that defines apertures; keys moveably coupled to the base within the apertures; and a gasket coupled to the keys, the gasket fixed between the web and the base, operable to block passage of contaminants into the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Zheng Gao, Craig C. Leong, Robert J. Lockwood, Bryan W. Posner, Robert Y. Cao, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Dinesh C. Mathew, Alex J. Lehmann, Denis Endisch, Karan Bir
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Publication number: 20200278747Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
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Publication number: 20200211795Abstract: Keycaps for keyboards that have transparent top portions have a set of layered components to define a top surface that provides key definition by curvature, texture, ridges, or other external structural features. Other portions of the keycaps define a glyph or support structure for the top layer. Features such as angle filters and partially reflective materials are implemented to improve the visibility, contrast, and reflectivity of the keycaps. Multiple methods are used to bend or otherwise modify rigid transparent materials such as glass in order to add surface features and to improve aesthetics of the keycaps of a keyboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2019Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Christopher D. Jones, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren, Martin Melcher, Matthew S. Rogers, Naoto Matsuyuki, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Avianne Marie B. Tuano
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Patent number: 10656714Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
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Publication number: 20190303643Abstract: A button assembly for an electronic device is disclosed. The button assembly integrates a biometric sensor below a top surface of the button. The button assembly is positioned relative to a secondary display of an electronic device. The secondary display can be positioned relative to a keyboard, such as above a top row of keys of the keyboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2019Publication date: October 3, 2019Inventors: Robert Y. Cao, Michael K. McCord, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
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Patent number: 10402617Abstract: A button assembly for an electronic device is disclosed. The button assembly integrates a biometric sensor below a top surface of the button. The button assembly is positioned relative to a secondary display of an electronic device. The secondary display can be positioned relative to a keyboard, such as above a top row of keys of the keyboard.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Robert Y. Cao, Michael K. McCord, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
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Patent number: 10384299Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to adjusting output or conditioning of an electron beam. More specifically various configurations are disclosed that relate to maintaining a footprint of the electron beam incident to a workpiece within a defined energy level. Such a configuration allows the electron beam to heat only specific portions of the workpiece to a superheated state in which intermetallic compounds are dissolved. In one embodiment a mask is disclosed that prevents low energy portions of an electron beam from contacting the workpiece. In another embodiment the electron beam can be focused in a way that maintains the electron beam at an energy level such that substantially all of the electron beam is above a threshold energy level.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Collin Chan, Kensuke Uemura, Purwadi Raharjo
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Patent number: 10300557Abstract: A hybrid laser modulation and acid etch process for the creation of a patterned substrate. According to some embodiments, a hole is formed in a glass substrate by first modulating a portion of the substrate in the desired shape. A mask is coated on the glass substrate and is patterned to expose the modulated portion. The glass substrate is then acid etched to remove the modulated portion. Once the modulated portion has been etched, the desired shape may be removed from the glass substrate and the mask may be stripped.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nathan K. Gupta, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Prithu Sharma, Weibo Cheng, Abhijit A. Kangude, Bryan W. Posner, Sudirukkuge T. Jinasundera, Karan Bir