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  • MICROPHONE FEATURES RELATED TO A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140112517
    Abstract: A portable computing device includes one or more microphones that function seamlessly with other components within the portable computing device. In one embodiment, a microphone opening is disposed on a side of the personal computing device and configured to be substantially perpendicular to a user. In another embodiment, two microphones can be disposed on an upper region above a keyboard section and can include a third microphone facing toward a rear portion of the portable computing device. In yet another embodiment, a fixture for providing a bonding pressure to microphones is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Houtan R. FARAHANI, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Hilbert T. KWAN, William F. LEGGETT, Gavin J. REID
  • Directional fan assembly
    Patent number: 7372695
    Abstract: A computer system having a fan assembly is provided. In one example, the computer system includes a computer chassis for mounting with a computer rack, the computer chassis comprising a front portion and a rear portion and including a main board. The computer system further includes a fan assembly positioned adjacent to a rear portion of the computer chassis, the fan assembly configured to draw air through the computer toward the rear portion of the computer chassis along a first direction and to expel the air in a second airflow direction non-parallel with the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Rackable Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Giovanni Coglitore, Matthew P. Casebolt, Jack E. Randall, Nikolai S. Gallo
  • Movable Track Pad with Added Functionality
    Publication number: 20100079404
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch-sensitive track pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a tracking control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable track pad so as to generate one or more other control signals (e.g., button signals). The control signals can be used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett William DEGNER, Patrick KESSLER, Chris A. LIGTENBERG, Thomas W. WILSON, JR., Bartley K. ANDRE, Matthew P. CASEBOLT
  • Movable track pad with added functionality
    Patent number: 9612674
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch-sensitive track pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a tracking control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable track pad so as to generate one or more other control signals (e.g., button signals). The control signals can be used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, Patrick Kessler, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Bartley K. Andre, Matthew P. Casebolt
  • OPTIMIZED VENT WALLS IN ELECTRONIC DEVICES
    Publication number: 20130327507
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to a component for use in a portable electronic device. The component includes a wall of the portable electronic device, containing an intake zone that includes a set of intake vents directed at a first angle toward one or more heat-generating components of the portable electronic device. The wall also includes an exhaust zone containing a set of exhaust vents directed at a second angle out of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bartley K. Andre, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Jay S. Nigen, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Charles A. Schwalbach, Matthew P. Casebolt, Nicholas A. Rundle, Frank F. Liang
  • Screwless joining of an enclosure with pressure sensitive adhesive and removal via pneumatic release mechanisms
    Patent number: 9277660
    Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for pneumatically separating adhesively joined components. A pneumatic release mechanism can be positioned between the adhesively joined components. The pneumatic release mechanism can be positioned adjacent to or within an adhesive joint so that when it is filled with air the pneumatic release mechanism can exert a force on the joined components sufficient to sever the adhesive bond. In some embodiments, the joined components can be housing components. In other embodiments, the joined components can be a battery cell and a housing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. McBroom, Michael D. McBroom, Matthew P. Casebolt
  • COMPONENT REMOVAL SYSTEMS FOR PORTABLE COMPUTERS
    Publication number: 20160192550
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to components used in a portable computing device and more particularly to mounting a component with a component extractor that allows a component to be removably affixed to a portable computing device. The component extractor can include a compressible securing portion configured to secure the component to the portable computing device and an extracting portion arranged to apply an extracting force to the compressible securing portion to detach the component from the portable computing device. The compressible material can be made of a highly extensible material. In one embodiment, a low friction material can be provided along an edge of the component such that the component extractor slides along the edge during an extraction procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew P. Casebolt, William F. Leggett, David M. Rockford
  • COMPONENT REMOVAL SYSTEMS FOR PORTABLE COMPUTERS
    Publication number: 20140123459
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to components used in a portable computing device and more particularly to mounting a component with a component extractor that allows a component to be removably affixed to a portable computing device. The component extractor can include a compressible securing portion configured to secure the component to the portable computing device and an extracting portion arranged to apply an extracting force to the compressible securing portion to detach the component from the portable computing device. The compressible material can be made of a highly extensible material. In one embodiment, a low friction material can be provided along an edge of the component such that the component extractor slides along the edge during an extraction procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Casebolt, William F. Leggett, David M. Rockford
  • Adaptable power supply
    Patent number: 7558971
    Abstract: An adaptable power supply for a computer system is provided, including: a power supply case, a power adapter, an input power connector, and a plurality of output connectors fixably mounted to the power supply case, and clustered into at least two clusters for connection to computer system components or subsystems via individual power cables. A method of manufacturing a computer system is also described, including: providing an adaptable power supply having output connectors, and connecting a plurality of computer system components to the power supply output connectors using individual cables. A computer system containing an adaptable power supply is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Rackable Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Casebolt, Jack E. Randall
  • Optimized vent walls in electronic devices
    Patent number: 8964383
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to a component for use in a portable electronic device. The component includes a wall of the portable electronic device, containing an intake zone that includes a set of intake vents directed at a first angle toward one or more heat-generating components of the portable electronic device. The wall also includes an exhaust zone containing a set of exhaust vents directed at a second angle out of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bartley K. Andre, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Jay S. Nigen, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Charles A. Schwalbach, Matthew P. Casebolt, Nicholas A. Rundle, Frank F. Liang
  • Component removal systems for portable computers
    Patent number: 9310847
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to components used in a portable computing device and more particularly to mounting a component with a component extractor that allows a component to be removably affixed to a portable computing device. The component extractor can include a compressible securing portion configured to secure the component to the portable computing device and an extracting portion arranged to apply an extracting force to the compressible securing portion to detach the component from the portable computing device. The compressible material can be made of a highly extensible material. In one embodiment, a low friction material can be provided along an edge of the component such that the component extractor slides along the edge during an extraction procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Casebolt, William F. Leggett, David M. Rockford
  • Flow-through cooling for computer systems
    Patent number: 7768780
    Abstract: Systems and method for cooling computer systems are provided. A rack system for housing a plurality of computers is provided, the rack system including: a rack assembly configured to support a first stack of computers and a second stack of computers; and at least one fan assembly configured to create an airflow through the first stack of computers and into the second stack of computers. A method of cooling a plurality of computers in a rack system is provided, including: supporting a first stack of computers and a second stack of computers in a rack assembly; and effectuating an airflow through the first stack of computers and into the second stack of computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Silicon Graphics International Corp.
    Inventors: Giovanni Coglitore, Matthew P. Casebolt, Robert L. Weisikle
  • ADHESIVE STACK WITH A CENTRAL SHEAR LAYER
    Publication number: 20130034676
    Abstract: An adhesive stack may comprise a shear layer positioned between two adhesive layers, wherein the shear layer is designed to fail upon application of a deliberate and appropriate shear force and before the failure of the adhesive layers. The adhesive stack may aid in securing components within an electronic device to prevent movement of the component when the device is dropped, hit, or bumped. The adhesive stack may occupy minimal space within the device, and reduce the cost of securing the component within the device's interior. The adhesive stack may allow for replacement of the component by an authorized person applying an appropriate and deliberate force. The adhesive stack may aid in identifying components replaced by an unauthorized person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew P. Casebolt
  • Harvesting waste light in a portable computing device
    Patent number: 9541959
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed that redirects light escaping from a display assembly light source to an illuminable region of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a light guide panel arranged along a rear surface of the display assembly and configured to receive light escaping from a lateral side of the light source. The light guide panel can then be arranged to transport that light to a position behind the illuminable region and emit it back out in a focused beam having a size about the same as the illuminable region. In some embodiments the illuminable region can be a logo or device identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Sfarzo, Joss N. Giddings, Bradley J. Hamel, Matthew P. Casebolt, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg
  • MICROPHONE FEATURES RELATING TO A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130329915
    Abstract: A portable computing device includes one or more microphones that function seamlessly with other components within the portable computing device. In one embodiment, a microphone opening is disposed on a side of the personal computing device and configured to be substantially perpendicular to a user. In another embodiment, a second microphone opening is disposed co-planar to the first microphone opening and positioned a predetermined distance apart. In another embodiment, one or more microphone openings can be disposed in a keyboard area and substantially between left and right sides of the portable computing device. In yet another embodiment, one or more microphone openings can be disposed underneath keycaps of the portable computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bartley K. ANDRE, Matthew P. Casebolt, Mikael M. Silvanto, Ron A. Hopkinson
  • COMPUTER HOUSING
    Publication number: 20160349806
    Abstract: A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Eugene A. Whang, Christopher J. Stringer, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Patrick Kessler, Eric R. Prather, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Adam T. Stagnaro, Daniel L. McBroom, Matthew P. Casebolt, Michael D. McBroom
  • CLUTCH FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130327556
    Abstract: A portable computing device can include one or more clutch assemblies that can include a conductive elastomer configured to contact at least a portion of the clutch assembly of the portable computing device. The conductive elastomer can be configured to also contact at least one region of the base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer can be disposed on the clutch assembly. The conductive elastomer can enhance an electrical coupling between two or more regions of the base portion, especially in the region near the conductive elastomer and the clutch assembly. The enhanced coupling can increase a performance of an electrical shield provided by the two or more regions of the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Gavin J. REID, Charles A. SCHWALBACH, Brandon S. SMITH
  • COMPUTER HOUSING
    Publication number: 20220147121
    Abstract: A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Eugene A. Whang, Christopher J. Stringer, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Patrick Kessler, Eric R. Prather, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Adam T. Stagnaro, Daniel L. McBroom, Matthew P. Casebolt, Michael D. McBroom
  • COMPUTER HOUSING
    Publication number: 20160070315
    Abstract: A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Eugene A. Whang, Christopher J. Stringer, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Patrick Kessler, Eric R. Prather, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Adam T. Stagnaro, Daniel L. McBroom, Matthew P. Casebolt, Michael D. McBroom
  • Clutch features of a portable computing device
    Patent number: 8811005
    Abstract: A portable computing device can include one or more clutch assemblies that can include a conductive elastomer configured to contact at least a portion of the clutch assembly of the portable computing device. The conductive elastomer can be configured to also contact at least one region of the base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer can be disposed on the clutch assembly. The conductive elastomer can enhance an electrical coupling between two or more regions of the base portion, especially in the region near the conductive elastomer and the clutch assembly. The enhanced coupling can increase a performance of an electrical shield provided by the two or more regions of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Casebolt, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith
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