Patents Assigned to Flex Ltd.
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Patent number: 11090876Abstract: A thermoplastic composite component assembly and method of manufacturing the thermoplastic composite component assembly is disclosed. The thermoplastic composite component assembly is manufactured by first performing a molding step to form individual assembly features as discrete assembly feature components, and separately forming a thermoplastic composite component using a first compression molding step. Then, a reprocessing step is performed where the discrete assembly feature components are integrated with the thermoplastic composite component using a second compression molding step. The reprocessing step essentially “welds” the discrete assembly feature components to the thermoplastic composite component at each of a plurality of desired assembly feature sites.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Rui Xin, Weineng Jiang, Sebastien Ignotis, Yu Tang
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Patent number: 11088466Abstract: An antenna structure includes a first conductive element including a first planar portion, and an extension portion that extends away from the first planar portion at a center of the first planar portion. The antenna structure may include a second conductive element spaced apart from the first planar portion and electrically connected to the extension portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventor: Dan Gorcea
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Patent number: 11064006Abstract: A listening device that identifies, based on receiving the digitized voice stream, a first keyword of a plurality of keywords in the digitized voice stream. For example, the keyword may be a name associated with a service provider (e.g., “Google”). In response to identifying the first keyword of the plurality of keywords in the digitized voice stream the listening device identifies a first communication address of a first communication server of a first service provider associated with the first keyword of the plurality of keywords in the digitized voice stream. The listening server then routes the digitized voice stream and/or information associated with the digitized voice stream to the first communication server of the first service provider using the first communication address.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Mesut Gorkem Eraslan, Bruno Dias Leite
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Patent number: 11058605Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for assembling a container holder in a clean environment, aseptically adding a solution to a primary container, inserting the primary container into the container holder, applying a first barrier to the container holder, sterilizing the container holder comprising the primary container and the applied first barrier to provide a sterilized container holder, assembling a fluid path module in a clean environment, the assembling comprising applying a second barrier to a first end of the sterilized fluid path module, sterilizing the fluid path module to provide a sterilized fluid path module and assembling a delivery device comprising the sterilized container holder and the sterilized fluid path module.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: FLEX LTD.Inventors: Eyal Barmaimon, Lior Shtram, Shai Finkman, Christian Riva, Tommaso Borghi, David Ward
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Patent number: 11064613Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for encapsulating a flexible electronic device with a waterproof layer are provided. In some embodiments, a manufacturing process is provided where a hotmelt layer is positioned over a flexible substrate that has at least one electronic component. Then, heat and/or pressure are applied to the hotmelt layer causing the hotmelt layer to flow around the at least one component to encapsulate the at least one component and form a waterproof layer. Various embodiments for forming the hotmelt layer and various embodiments of the flexible electronic device with the hotmelt layer are described herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Weifeng Liu, William L. Uy, Dongkai Shangguan
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Patent number: 11043832Abstract: An inductively coupled wireless charging system produces a high magnetic flux density to induce voltages in one or more coils of an electronic device via magnetic induction. These induced voltages are used to operate or charge batteries in the one or more electronic devices. The high magnetic flux density may cause electromagnetic interference to other adjacent devices, including other adjacent wireless charging systems. Methods, systems, and devices of the present disclosure are directed to reducing interference among adjacent wireless charging systems during concurrent operation of the adjacent wireless charging systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Manolo Mariano M. Melgarejo, Zheng-an Lin, Sunny Sun
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Patent number: 11039531Abstract: An In-Mold Electronics (IME) device and method of manufacturing the IME device introduce a stretchable substrate laminated to a thermoplastic layer. The stretchable substrate has a screen printable surface for receiving printed conductive interconnects. This combination enables formation of an IME device with conductive interconnects oriented for hard to reach cavities and areas. The IME device eliminates the need to have additional mold features to enable deeper drawn cavities.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Jesus Tan, Anwar Mohammed, David Geiger, Weifeng Liu
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Patent number: 11036293Abstract: Smart gloves and methods for using smart gloves are provided. In embodiments of the disclosure, gloves are integrated with a display and controls in such a way as to allow a user to access and/or manipulate the controls using the same hand on which the user wears the glove. A user can thus access and/or control the glove and the content or information embodied therein while also accomplishing other tasks with his or her hands. Embodiments also comprise touch- and/or force-sensitive sensors, e.g. resistive or capacitive sensors, integrated into the glove that the user can access and/or manipulate with one or more fingers, preferably the thumb, of the hand on which the user wears the glove.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Mukul Varma Penmatcha, Mesut Gorkem Eraslan
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Publication number: 20210176857Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for producing a flexible electronic device that reduces stress and forces on electronic components are provided. In particular, one or more transition layers with intermediate flexibility, or flexural modulus, are positioned between rigid components and flexible outer layers. This gradually reduces the flexural modulus of the flexible electronics device rather than have an interface between a rigid material and a flexible material. Various materials and methods of forming the layers are described. In addition, an encapsulate layer can be cured to varying flexural moduli to gradually reduce the flexural moduli from the rigid component to the flexible outer layers or bulk structure of the flexible electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Applicant: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Weifeng Liu, William L. Uy, Dongkai Shangguan
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Patent number: 11022580Abstract: A PCB based electrochemical sensor includes a PCB having a first electrode on a first surface of the PCB, and a second electrode on a second surface. A sensing element, such as a conductive wire, is attached to the first electrode. The PCB includes one or more through holes, and the conductive wire is positioned proximate one or more of the one or more through holes. When the PCB based electrochemical sensor is positioned in a solution to be sensed, the solution fills the through holes. The ions within the solution provide a current pathway between the conductive wire and the second electrode through the through holes. A voltage potential between the two electrodes is measured. The measured voltage potential is used to determine a value associated with the solution, such as a pH value.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventor: Marco De Angeli
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Patent number: 11004591Abstract: A power conversion circuit has a multilayer transformer and a plurality of rectifying transistors coupled to the secondary windings of the multilayer transformer. The multilayer transformer is formed as multiple layers within a PCB stack, where primary winding conductors and secondary winding conductors are vertically aligned and stacked. The secondary winding conductors are constructed to have one or more secondary winding arms that provide area to which the plurality of rectifying transistors are physically connected. The primary winding conductors are constructed to have a primary winding arm. A footprint of each primary winding conductor is configured to substantially overlap an entire footprint of each of the secondary winding conductors. As such, an entirety of the secondary current flowing through the secondary winding conductors is vertically aligned with the primary winding conductors, and therefore with the primary current flowing through the secondary winding conductors.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Mikael Appelberg, Oscar Persson, Magnus Karlsson, Qiuhong Wang
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Patent number: 10999926Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for producing a flexible electronic device that reduces stress and forces on electronic components are provided. In particular, one or more transition layers with intermediate flexibility, or flexural modulus, are positioned between rigid components and flexible outer layers. This gradually reduces the flexural modulus of the flexible electronics device rather than have an interface between a rigid material and a flexible material. Various materials and methods of forming the layers are described. In addition, an encapsulate layer can be cured to varying flexural moduli to gradually reduce the flexural moduli from the rigid component to the flexible outer layers or bulk structure of the flexible electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Weifeng Liu, William L. Uy, Dongkai Shangguan
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Patent number: 10985484Abstract: A seam jump connector provides connectivity over an irregular area, such as seam, in a textile. The textile is part of a textile base structure that includes one or more electrically conductive interconnects formed either directly on the textile or on intermediate substrates that are attached to the textile. The intermediate substrates can be TPU sheets having conductive interconnects printed on a surface. The conductive interconnects of the textile base structure are discontinuous at an irregular area on the textile, and the seam jump connector includes a flexible and/or stretchable substrate with conductive interconnects. The seam jump connector is aligned with and stacked onto the conductive interconnects so as to provide electrical connectivity across the irregular area. The seam jump connectors can be configured to be permanently or removably attached to the textile base structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Michael James Glickman, Shane Bravard, Mudhafar Hassan-Ali, Yolita Nugent
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Patent number: 10980938Abstract: A device and method for creating a fluid path are disclosed. A patch pump may include a start button. A force may be applied on a button needle in a force direction, based on activating the start button. A first end of the button needle may puncture a fluid container by moving the button needle from a first button needle position to a second button needle position via the force in the force direction. A second end of the button needle may be positioned underneath a carrier septum contained in a carrier, via the applied force. The carrier may be released based on activating the start button and the second end of the button needle, based on releasing the carrier, may puncture the carrier septum. A fluid path may be provided form the fluid container to a patient's tissue based on puncturing the fluid container and the carrier septum.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: FLEX LTD.Inventors: Eyal Barmaimon, Lior Shtram, Shai Finkman, Itay Landsman
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Publication number: 20210094270Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a flexible and stretchable textile composite including an electrophoretic film. According to one embodiment, a textile composite material can comprise a textile base layer, a first flexible, optically transparent film layer deposited onto and affixed to the textile base layer, and an electrophoretic film layer disposed onto the first flexible, optically transparent film layer on a side of the first flexible, optically transparent film layer opposite the textile base layer. The electrophoretic film layer can comprise a plurality of relief cuts therein. The plurality of relief cuts can allow the electrophoretic film layer to flex or stretch in at least one direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Adam M. Whiton, Mark A. Bergman, Eva W. Maskalenko, Anthony Joseph Piazza
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Publication number: 20210095401Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide structures for sensing, activation, and signal networking in a composite textile. According to one embodiment, a composite textile can comprise an activation layer of a reactive yarn knit into a fabric. The reactive yarn can have at least one physical property that changes in response to a stimulus. A signaling layer of a first conductive yarn can be knit into the fabric with the activation layer. The first conductive yarn provides the stimulus to the reactive yarn. A sensing layer comprising second conductive yarn can be knit into the fabric with the activation layer and signaling layer. The second conductive yarn can provide a feedback signal corresponding to the stimulus provided by the first conductive yarn of the signaling layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Allison E. Bowles, Brendan Joseph Nagle, Anthony Joseph Piazza, Biren Salunke, Adam M. Whiton
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Patent number: 10965009Abstract: The methods, systems, and devices of the present disclosure are directed to a capacitively coupled label antenna as a component in an antenna system comprising the label antenna, a feed block, an antenna coupler, and a gap between the antenna coupler and the feed block. The label antenna is electrically connected to the antenna coupler, and the antenna coupler is capacitively coupled to the feed block through the gap. By the addition of the gap between the feed block and antenna coupler, the label antenna may be placed on the surface of a container without requiring a wired connection to pass through the container. The feed block may be a small electronic component on a circuit board while the label antenna may be significantly larger thereby providing increased frequency bandwidth and an improved antenna radiation pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Robert R. B. Hammond, Yitzchak Shpitzer, Mark J. Fordham, Frank William Dopplinger
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Patent number: 10964660Abstract: An electronic device assembly includes one or more discrete electronic components mounted onto a substrate having a 3D, 2.5D, or N×2D geometric classification. The substrate surface includes a specific mounting location to which an electronic component is to be electrically connected, where each specific mounting location includes one or more electrical connection points, such as contact pads. An anisotropic conductive film (ACF) is applied to the substrate surface covering the one or more electrical connection points of the specific mounting location, and the electronic component is placed on the ACF and properly aligned with the specific mounting location on the substrate surface. Pressure and heat are applied to compress the ACF to form an electrical interconnection between corresponding pairs of the electrical connection points on the electronic device and the specific mounting location on the substrate surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventors: Yoav Alfandari, Yitzchak Shpitzer
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Patent number: 10958464Abstract: A plurality of devices of an enterprise are identified. For example, lights and door sensors are identified. The plurality of devices of the enterprise uses a plurality of gateways in a hierarchy of gateways to control the plurality of devices of the enterprise. A first rule for at least two of the plurality devices of the enterprise is received. For example, the first rule may be to turn on a light when door is opened. In response to receiving the first rule, a first lowest level gateway of the plurality of gateways in the hierarchy of gateways is determined for applying the first rule for the at least two of the plurality of devices of the enterprise. The first rule for the at least two of the plurality devices of the enterprise is sent to the first lowest level gateway.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventor: Anoop Krishnan Nair
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Patent number: 10942589Abstract: A mechanical input element (e.g., a dial or knob) that comprises one or more movable components is attached to an input screen (e.g., a touch screen). A microprocessor detects movement of the one or more movable components of the mechanical input element via the input screen. The detection of the movement of the one or more movable components of the mechanical input element is used to control various types of electronic/mechanical systems, such as controlling a volume on a radio.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Flex Ltd.Inventor: Mesut Gorkem Eraslan