Patents by Inventor Timothy S. LUI

Timothy S. LUI 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).

  • Publication number: 20240074550
    Abstract: A watchband can comfortably secure an electronic device to a wrist of a user. The watchband can include a base having a contact surface opposite an engagement surface and an engagement ribbon forming loops on the engagement surface of the base for receiving a hook of a buckle. The engagement ribbon can be interwoven with the base to provide secure anchoring for the hook within one of the loops. The woven portions of the watchband can be securely coupled to end structures, such as the buckle, retaining rings, and/or a connector. The watchband provides adjustable lengths to accommodate different fit configurations as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Clement C. Tissandier, Donald L. Olmstead, Molly J. Anderson, Osamu Yabe, Seul Bi Kim, Yoji Hamada
  • Publication number: 20240065390
    Abstract: Bands for wearable devices include multiple band retainers used to maintain engagement between an assembly (e.g., a pair) of bands. Some band retainers may be permanently affixed with the band at a certain location of the band, while other band retainers can be removable. The removable band retainers can be moved to different locations of the band, thus allowing the band retainer to retain another band at different locations. As a result, the assembly of bands can be used with different users, and in particular, users with different wrist sizes. Moreover, using multiple band retainers can provide an engagement force between the bands to withstand higher-impact events, such as swimming and diving. Additionally, bands and band retainers may include one or more liquid-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Brodine, Molly J. Anderson, Clement C. Tissandier, Osamu Yabe, Mengxi Zhao, Timothy S. Lui, Chia Tse Yeh, Kai-Yu Chung, Jen-Chun Hsu, Tatsuya Sano, Peng Li
  • Publication number: 20230270215
    Abstract: A stretchable watch band can include braided strands that provide a comfortable fit around the wrist of the user. The watch band can stretch and conform to the user based on the elasticity within each strand and based on the ability of the strands to move relative to each other. End sections of the watch band can include attachment elements that securely connect the watch band to a housing of the watch. The end sections can be configured to releasable connect to the housing in a manner that is reliable and easy for a user. Additionally, the watch band can provide a smooth transition from the size and/or shape of the housing to a size and/or shape of a continuous section of the watch band. Additionally, the watch band can conceal portions thereof other than the braided strands when connected to the housing of the watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy S. LUI, Osamu Yabe, Zebinah P. Masse, Clayton J. McCoy, Benjamin A. Stevenson, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 11666124
    Abstract: A stretchable watch band can include braided strands that provide a comfortable fit around the wrist of the user. The watch band can stretch and conform to the user based on the elasticity within each strand and based on the ability of the strands to move relative to each other. End sections of the watch band can include attachment elements that securely connect the watch band to a housing of the watch. The end sections can be configured to releasable connect to the housing in a manner that is reliable and easy for a user. Additionally, the watch band can provide a smooth transition from the size and/or shape of the housing to a size and/or shape of a continuous section of the watch band. Additionally, the watch band can conceal portions thereof other than the braided strands when connected to the housing of the watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Osamu Yabe, Zebinah P. Masse, Clayton J. McCoy, Benjamin A. Stevenson, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20230079679
    Abstract: Characteristics of a watch band can change when placed in different configurations, and each of these characteristics can be correlated with each of the various configurations. The characteristics can be measured to detect in which of the various configurations the watch band is in. For example, the watch band can include an adjustable capacitor that changes it capacitance when the watch band changes its configuration. For example, the capacitance can change based on stretching of the watch band, bending of the watch band, and/or securement and release of an engagement element. The watch or another device can perform one or more operations based on the detected characteristic and configuration of the watch band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: William LEITH, Daniel W. LABOVE, Rimple BHATIA, Osamu YABE, Yoji HAMADA, Timothy S. LUI
  • Patent number: 11579024
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices having sensors such as pressure sensors. A pressure sensor may be integrated into an audio component of an electronic device such that the pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to an environment external to a device housing via at least a portion of an internal cavity of the audio component housing. The audio component housing may include an opening. The pressure sensor may be mounted adjacent to or within the opening. The opening may be sealed to prevent passage of gas or liquid through the opening. The pressure sensor may be integrally formed with an inner wall of the audio component housing. The audio component may be a speaker or a microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Lee, Tyler B. Cater, Shannon X. Yang, Justin D. Crosby, Timothy S. Lui, Eric N. Nyland
  • Patent number: 11333566
    Abstract: This application relates to a portable electronic device that includes an integrated pressure sensor. The portable electronic device includes a housing that defines a cavity with a number of components disposed therein. The cavity is sealed to form a volume of air within the cavity that is vented to the external environment through a barometric vent fluidly coupled to a first opening in the housing. A sensor measures a characteristic of a second volume of air within an isolated chamber that is vented to the external environment through a second opening in the housing. The second volume of air is isolated from the first volume of air within the housing of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device is a mobile phone and the sensor is a pressure transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric N. Nyland, Devon A. Monaco, Christopher R. Xydis, Alan Wu, Dominic P. Cincione, Timothy S. Lui, Aaron H. Squier, Lindsay M. Alanen, Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Richard Hung Minh Dinh
  • Patent number: 11273933
    Abstract: A control system for reducing disturbance torque of a spacecraft is disclosed. The spacecraft revolves around a celestial body surrounded by an atmosphere. The control system includes processors in electronic communication with one or more actuators and a memory. The memory stores data into a database and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the control system to instruct the spacecraft to enter a safing mode. In response to entering the safing mode, the control system instructs the one or more actuators to align a principal axis of the spacecraft with a vector that is normal to the orbit around the celestial body. The control system also instructs the actuators to rotate the spacecraft about the principal axis, where a rotational orientation of the spacecraft relative to the celestial body is shifted by about one-half a rotation about the principal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher James Wasson, Gary E. Lemke, John Preston Charles Mills, Cecilia G. Cantu, Timothy S. Lui
  • Patent number: 11241068
    Abstract: A stretchable watch band can include braided strands that provide a comfortable fit around the wrist of the user. The watch band can stretch and conform to the user based on the elasticity within each strand and based on the ability of the strands to move relative to each other. End sections of the watch band can include attachment elements that securely connect the watch band to a housing of the watch. The end sections can be configured to releasable connect to the housing in a manner that is reliable and easy for a user. Additionally, the watch band can provide a smooth transition from the size and/or shape of the housing to a size and/or shape of a continuous section of the watch band. Additionally, the watch band can conceal portions thereof other than the braided strands when connected to the housing of the watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Osamu Yabe, Zebinah P. Masse, Clayton J. McCoy, Benjamin A. Stevenson, Hsiang Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 10882640
    Abstract: Energy efficient satellite maneuvering is described herein. One disclosed example method includes maneuvering a satellite that is in an orbit around a space body so that a principle sensitive axis of the satellite is oriented to an orbit frame plane to reduce gravity gradient torques acting upon the satellite. The orbit frame plane is based on an orbit frame vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Kangsik Lee
  • Publication number: 20200377235
    Abstract: A control system for reducing disturbance torque of a spacecraft is disclosed. The spacecraft revolves around a celestial body surrounded by an atmosphere. The control system includes processors in electronic communication with one or more actuators and a memory. The memory stores data into a database and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the control system to instruct the spacecraft to enter a safing mode. In response to entering the safing mode, the control system instructs the one or more actuators to align a principal axis of the spacecraft with a vector that is normal to the orbit around the celestial body. The control system also instructs the actuators to rotate the spacecraft about the principal axis, where a rotational orientation of the spacecraft relative to the celestial body is shifted by about one-half a rotation about the principal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher James Wasson, Gary E. Lemke, John Preston Charles Mills, Cecilia G. Cantu, Timothy S. Lui
  • Publication number: 20200323316
    Abstract: A stretchable watch band can include braided strands that provide a comfortable fit around the wrist of the user. The watch band can stretch and conform to the user based on the elasticity within each strand and based on the ability of the strands to move relative to each other. End sections of the watch band can include attachment elements that securely connect the watch band to a housing of the watch. The end sections can be configured to releasable connect to the housing in a manner that is reliable and easy for a user. Additionally, the watch band can provide a smooth transition from the size and/or shape of the housing to a size and/or shape of a continuous section of the watch band. Additionally, the watch band can conceal portions thereof other than the braided strands when connected to the housing of the watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy S. LUI, Osamu YABE, Zebinah P. MASSE, Clayton J. MCCOY, Benjamin A. STEVENSON, Hsiang Hung CHEN
  • Publication number: 20200323315
    Abstract: A stretchable watch band can include braided strands that provide a comfortable fit around the wrist of the user. The watch band can stretch and conform to the user based on the elasticity within each strand and based on the ability of the strands to move relative to each other. End sections of the watch band can include attachment elements that securely connect the watch band to a housing of the watch. The end sections can be configured to releasable connect to the housing in a manner that is reliable and easy for a user. Additionally, the watch band can provide a smooth transition from the size and/or shape of the housing to a size and/or shape of a continuous section of the watch band. Additionally, the watch band can conceal portions thereof other than the braided strands when connected to the housing of the watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy S. LUI, Osamu YABE, Zebinah P. MASSE, Clayton J. MCCOY, Benjamin A. STEVENSON, Hsiang Hung CHEN
  • Publication number: 20200080908
    Abstract: This application relates to a portable electronic device that includes an integrated pressure sensor. The portable electronic device includes a housing that defines a cavity with a number of components disposed therein. The cavity is sealed to form a volume of air within the cavity that is vented to the external environment through a barometric vent fluidly coupled to a first opening in the housing. A sensor measures a characteristic of a second volume of air within an isolated chamber that is vented to the external environment through a second opening in the housing. The second volume of air is isolated from the first volume of air within the housing of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device is a mobile phone and the sensor is a pressure transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Eric N. NYLAND, Christopher R. XYDIS, Alan WU, Dominic P. CINCIONE, Timothy S. LUI, Aaron H. SQUIER, Lindsay M. ALANEN, Lucy Elizabeth BROWNING, Richard Hung Minh DINH, Devon A. MONACO
  • Publication number: 20200017241
    Abstract: Energy efficient satellite maneuvering is described herein. One disclosed example method includes maneuvering a satellite that is in an orbit around a space body so that a principle sensitive axis of the satellite is oriented to an orbit frame plane to reduce gravity gradient torques acting upon the satellite. The orbit frame plane is based on an orbit frame vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Kangsik Lee
  • Patent number: 10407185
    Abstract: Energy efficient satellite maneuvering is described herein. One disclosed example method includes maneuvering a satellite that is in an orbit around a space body so that a principle sensitive axis of the satellite is oriented to an orbit frame plane to reduce gravity gradient torques acting upon the satellite. The orbit frame plane is based on an orbit frame vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Kangsik Lee
  • Patent number: 10377513
    Abstract: Energy efficient satellite maneuvering is described herein. One disclosed example method includes maneuvering a satellite that is in an orbit around a space body so that a principle sensitive axis of the satellite is oriented to an orbit frame plane to reduce gravity gradient torques acting upon the satellite. The orbit frame plane is based on an orbit frame vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Kangsik Lee
  • Publication number: 20190077525
    Abstract: Energy efficient satellite maneuvering is described herein. One disclosed example method includes maneuvering a satellite that is in an orbit around a space body so that a principle sensitive axis of the satellite is oriented to an orbit frame plane to reduce gravity gradient torques acting upon the satellite. The orbit frame plane is based on an orbit frame vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Kangsik Lee
  • Publication number: 20190025133
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices having sensors such as pressure sensors. A pressure sensor may be integrated into an audio component of an electronic device such that the pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to an environment external to a device housing via at least a portion of an internal cavity of the audio component housing. The audio component housing may include an opening. The pressure sensor may be mounted adjacent to or within the opening. The opening may be sealed to prevent passage of gas or liquid through the opening. The pressure sensor may be integrally formed with an inner wall of the audio component housing. The audio component may be a speaker or a microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: William S. LEE, Tyler B. CATER, Shannon X. YANG, Justin D. CROSBY, Timothy S. LUI, Eric N. NYLAND
  • Patent number: 10175700
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to minimize command dynamics of a satellite are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a steering law module to calculate a first set of vectors to maneuver a space vehicle, and calculate a second set of vectors based on projecting the first set of vectors onto a fixed plane. The apparatus further includes an attitude controller to generate an attitude command based on the first and the second sets of vectors to prevent an unplanned rotation by the space vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Gary E. Lemke