Patents by Inventor Stewart Shannon Fields

Stewart Shannon Fields 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: 8597044
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Greg Springer, Joshua Funamura, Stewart Shannon Fields
  • Patent number: 8587951
    Abstract: Portable computer structures are provided. The portable computer structures may include connector structures. The portable computer may have a case. A portion of the connector structure may be formed by the case of the portable computer. The portable computer may have a circuit board with grounding spring-loaded pins which electrically ground the circuit board to the case of the portable computer. The portable computer may have an optical disk drive that is form fitted to mount to the portable computer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Raff, Stewart Shannon Fields, Ron Hopkinson, Bartley K. Andre, Chris Ligtenberg, Mi Zhou, Paul J. Wehrenberg, Brett W. Degner, John Brock, Michelle Rae Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8465329
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus for improved audio connectors. One example provides an audio connector, that, for purposes of activating circuitry to receive signals from a microphone, does not detect the presence of an audio jack until the audio jack is inserted far enough into the audio connector that a microphone contact on the audio jack comes into contact with a microphone signal pin on the audio connector. To prevent the redirection of audio signals away from an audio jack when the audio jack is partially extracted from the audio connector, such partial extractions are not detected by audio signal pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart Shannon Fields, Joshua Funamura
  • Publication number: 20120178279
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Greg Springer, Joshua Funamura, Stewart Shannon Fields
  • Publication number: 20120170213
    Abstract: Portable computer structures are provided. The portable computer structures may include connector structures. The portable computer may have a case. A portion of the connector structure may be formed by the case of the portable computer. The portable computer may have a circuit board with grounding spring-loaded pins which electrically ground the circuit board to the case of the portable computer. The portable computer may have an optical disk drive that is form fitted to mount to the portable computer case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: John Raff, Stewart Shannon Fields, Ron Hopkinson, Bartley K. Andre, Chris Ligtenberg, Mi Zhou, Paul J. Wehrenberg, Brett W. Degner, John Brock, Michelle Rae Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8162688
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Greg Springer, Joshua Funamura, Stewart Shannon Fields
  • Patent number: 8144474
    Abstract: Portable computer structures are provided. The portable computer structures may include connector structures. The portable computer may have a case. A portion of the connector structure may be formed by the case of the portable computer. The portable computer may have a circuit board with grounding spring-loaded pins which electrically ground the circuit board to the case of the portable computer. The portable computer may have an optical disk drive that is form fitted to mount to the portable computer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Raff, Stewart Shannon Fields, Ron Hopkinson, Bartley K. Andre, Chris Ligtenberg, Mi Zhou, Paul J. Wehrenberg, Brett W. Degner, John Brock, Michelle Rae Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8047880
    Abstract: Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart Shannon Fields, Matthew K. Herndon, Min Chul Kim, Ron Larson, Richard J. Middlehurst, Anilkumar R. Pannikkat, Glenn Wheelock, Colin Whitby-Strevens
  • Publication number: 20110237131
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus for improved audio connectors. One example provides an audio connector, that, for purposes of activating circuitry to receive signals from a microphone, does not detect the presence of an audio jack until the audio jack is inserted far enough into the audio connector that a microphone contact on the audio jack comes into contact with a microphone signal pin on the audio connector. To prevent the redirection of audio signals away from an audio jack when the audio jack is partially extracted from the audio connector, such partial extractions are not detected by audio signal pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Apple, Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart Shannon Fields, Joshua Funamura
  • Publication number: 20110076891
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Greg Springer, Joshua Funamura, Stewart Shannon Fields
  • Publication number: 20110039443
    Abstract: Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart Shannon Fields, Matthew K. Herndon, Min Chul Kim, Ron Larson, Richard J. Middlehurst, Anilkumar R. Pannikkat, Glenn Wheelock, Colin Whitby-Strevens
  • Patent number: 7841910
    Abstract: Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart Shannon Fields, Matthew K. Herndon, Min Chul Kim, Ron Larson, Richard J. Middlehurst, Anilkumar R. Pannikkat, Glenn Wheelock, Colin Whitby-Strevens
  • Patent number: 7794263
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Greg Springer, Joshua Funamura, Stewart Shannon Fields
  • Publication number: 20100091452
    Abstract: Portable computer structures are provided. The portable computer structures may include connector structures. The portable computer may have a case. A portion of the connector structure may be formed by the case of the portable computer. The portable computer may have a circuit board with grounding spring-loaded pins which electrically ground the circuit board to the case of the portable computer. The portable computer may have an optical disk drive that is form fitted to mount to the portable computer case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: John Raff, Stewart Shannon Fields, Ron Hopkinson, Bartley K. Andre, Chris Ligtenberg, Mi Zhou, Paul J. Wehrenberg, Brett W. Degner, John Brock, Michelle Rae Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20090117754
    Abstract: Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart Shannon FIELDS, Matthew K. Herndon, Min Chul Kim, Ron Larson, Richard J. Middlehurst, Anilkumar R. Pannikkat, Glenn Wheelock, Colin Whitby-Strevens
  • Patent number: 5763814
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Quanti Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lucas Avory, William David Fahey, Stewart Shannon Fields, Charles Joyce Moore, Jr., Charles John Piper, III, David Whang
  • Patent number: 5728964
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Quantic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lucas Avory, William David Fahey, Stewart Shannon Fields, Charles Joyce Moore, Jr., Charles John Piper, III, David Whang
  • Patent number: 5711531
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Quantic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lucas Avory, William David Fahey, Stewart Shannon Fields
  • Patent number: 5648634
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. In some embodiments, the initiator also includes a director can. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant and the interference fit of the pin to the header. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Quantic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lucas Avory, William David Fahey, Stewart Shannon Fields, Charles Joyce Moore, Jr., Charles John Piper, III, David Whang, Terry Joseph Pink, Albert Jiggs Baggett, Jr., Martin Gerald Richman, Lawrence Theodore Weinman
  • Patent number: 5647924
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical initiator which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator comprises a header, a cup, conducting pins, epoxy pin seals, a bridgewire, a primer, and an output charge. The header and the cup are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header secures the pins. Each pin is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl to form a seal when each pin is inserted into the header. Additionally, the pins are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant. The bridgewire connects the pins together on one side of the header. An electrical signal through the bridgewire generates heat igniting the primer. Primer reacts with the output charge that in turn ignites a solid gas generant that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer contacts the bridgewire. The output charge contacts the primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Quantic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lucas Avory, William David Fahey, Stewart Shannon Fields, Charles Joyce Moore, Jr., Charles John Piper, III, David Whang