Patents Examined by Steven Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8526161
    Abstract: An electronic device may have buttons, a display, and a vibrator unit. Buttons may be included in electronic devices such as glass buttons, metal buttons, buttons that are assembled on printed circuit boards, and buttons that are partly formed from antenna structures. Button coatings may be used to improve the sliding performance of metal-on-metal buttons. A layer of polymer may be interposed between a button plate and a housing structure. A glass button member may have an underside on which a layer of patterned ink is formed. Elastomeric members may be used to reduce button rattle. Portions of a button may be provided with conductive features that form portions of an antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Trent Weber, Michael B. Wittenberg, Michelle A. Yu, Scott Myers, Kurt Stiehl
  • Patent number: 8519265
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power module includes a metal base, a ceramic substrate, a semiconductor chip, a nut holder housing a nut, an electrode terminal and a casing. The ceramic substrate is connected to an upper surface of the metal base via a lower electrode. The semiconductor chip is located on a first major surface of the ceramic substrate. The electrode terminal includes a bent portion surrounding a nut holder. The electrode terminal includes a first connecting portion extending perpendicularly to the bent portion from one end of the bent portion, and being located on the first major surface via an upper electrode, and electrically connected to the semiconductor chip. A casing is bonded to the metal base to enclose the semiconductor chip and the electrode terminal. An upper end portion of the bent portion of the electrode terminal is exposed to outside of the casing through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Junichi Nakao, Hiroshi Fukuyoshi
  • Patent number: 8516692
    Abstract: A solder layer, a substrate for device joining utilizing the same and a method of manufacturing the substrate are provided whereby the device joined remains thermally unaffected, an initial bonding strength in solder joint is enhanced and the device can be soldered reliably. The solder layer formed on a base substrate (2) consists of a plurality of layers (5a) of a solder free from lead, which are different in its phase from one another. They are constituted by a layer of a phase that is completely melted, and a layer of a phase that is not completely melted at a temperature not less than a eutectic temperature of the solder. The solder layer (5) can be applied to a device joining substrate (1) comprising an electrode layer (4) formed on the base substrate (2) and the solder layer (5) formed on the electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Dowa Electronics Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Oshika, Munenori Hashimoto, Masayuki Nakano
  • Patent number: 8514581
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flexible printed wiring board includes a component mounting portion to which a component is mounted and to which a reinforcing sheet is bonded. The component mounting portion includes an inner layer comprising a wiring pattern, and an outermost film layer disposed to cover the wiring pattern. The outermost film layer, to which the reinforcing sheet is bonded, is formed with a groove such that, when the reinforcing sheet is bonded, the groove extends in a region between the outermost film layer and the reinforcing sheet and communicates with an outside of the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Kenji Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8513534
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhancing the bonding reliability of a bonding portion between an Al electrode of a semiconductor device and a bonding material having metal particles as a main bonding agent. In the semiconductor device, a semiconductor element and an Al electrode are connected to each other with a bonding layer made of Ag or Cu interposed therebetween, and the bonding layer and the Al electrode are bonded to each other with an amorphous layer interposed therebetween. It is possible to obtain excellent bonding strength to the Al electrode by performing a bonding process in atmospheric air by using a bonding material including a metal oxide particle with an average diameter of 1 nm to 50 ?m, an acetic acid- or formic acid-based compound, and a reducing agent made of an organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Morita, Yusuke Yasuda, Eiichi Ide
  • Patent number: 8514549
    Abstract: A stable power, low electromagnetic interference (EMI) apparatus and method for connecting electronic devices and circuit boards is disclosed. The apparatus involves a capacitor which includes a body member, a set of power terminals and a set of ground terminals connected to the top of the body member. The set of power terminals and the set of ground terminals alternate one with another. As a result of this configuration, a high inductance on the PCB side is achieved. The capacitor further includes a set of terminals connected to the bottom of the body member and includes metal planes within the body member. The metal planes are positioned to electrically connect either the set of power terminals or the set of ground terminals to the set of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hockanson, Istvan Novak, Leesa Noujeim
  • Patent number: 8507800
    Abstract: A patterned substrate for a touch screen sensor assembly that includes a plurality of electrodes that are formed from a first transparent conductive layer that has a first surface resistivity. The substrate also has a plurality of traces that may be used to couple the electrodes controller associated with the touch screen sensor assembly. The traces are formed from a second conductive layer that has a second surface resistivity that is less than the surface resistivity of the first conductive layer. The first and second conductive layers may be formed from indium tin oxide (ITO) having different surface resistivities. A second, similarly configured substrate can be provided and may be spaced apart from the first substrate by a dielectric spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Multek Display (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Ding Hua Long, Hai Long Zhang, Ying Yu
  • Patent number: 8503158
    Abstract: A key button mechanism and a portable electronic device using same are provided. The key button mechanism includes a base body, a protective piece and a key button. The protective piece is assembled to the base body and includes two actuating portions. The key button is partially attached to the base body and aligns with the protective piece. The key button includes a key body and two resisting blocks formed on the key body. The two resisting blocks are configured to align with and abut against the corresponding two actuating portions of the protective piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Shi-Xu Liang
  • Patent number: 8503183
    Abstract: An input/output module for a building automation system includes a mounting plate, a circuit board, and a cover. The mounting plate has at least two fastener receptacles (24-30) positioned to align with fastener receptacles of a standard electrical junction box (90). The mounting plate further includes at least two openings, each opening sized to receive one or more wires therethrough. The circuit board supports an interface circuit configured to communicate on a building network. The circuit board also includes device input terminals and device output terminals. The interface circuit is configured to provide an interface between the building network and devices connected to the input and output terminals. The circuit board is configured to be mounted to the mounting plate. The cover is sized to fit over the mounting plate and circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve R. Hamilton, Michael B. Strozewski, Jian Fang Wang, Yuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8497434
    Abstract: A printed circuit board and a manufacturing method of the same are disclosed. The method includes: preparing a carrier including a primer resin layer formed thereon; forming a circuit pattern on the primer resin layer; stacking the carrier onto an insulating layer such that the circuit pattern is buried in the insulating layer; removing the carrier; forming a via hole in the insulating layer on which the primer resin layer is stacked; and forming a conductive via in the via hole. The conductive via is formed by forming a plating layer in the via hole and on the primer resin layer and removing a portion of the plating layer formed over the primer resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 8498124
    Abstract: A magnetic component provides both electrical interconnectivity and mechanical support between stacked circuit boards. The magnetic component includes a bobbin structure and a magnetically permeable core. The bobbin structure includes an upper bobbin pin rail and a lower bobbin pin rail. The upper bobbin pin rail includes one or more upper bobbin pins extending from the upper bobbin pin rail. Each upper bobbin pin may be adapted for soldering onto a first circuit board. At least one lower bobbin pin extends from the lower bobbin pin rail. Each lower bobbin pin may also be adapted for soldering onto a second circuit board, forming a circuit board assembly. Each soldered connection between a bobbin pin and a circuit board may provide an electrical connection between the circuit board and the magnetic component. Each soldered connection may also provide a mechanical attachment between a printed circuit board and the magnetic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mark Bauer, Travis Berry, Mike LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 8498125
    Abstract: A downhole tool string component has a through-bore intermediate first and second tool joints adapted for connection to adjacent tool string components. An instrumentation package is disposed within an outer diameter of the component. The instrumentation package comprises a circuit board assembly. The circuit board assembly comprises alternating rigid and elastomeric layers. The rigid layers are in electrical communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jim Shumway
  • Patent number: 8481869
    Abstract: A take-up device for storing a flexible member, such as a cable, cord, flexible hose or tubing and the like, includes a housing for receiving a central portion of the flexible member in in a folded configuration with linear end portions thereof extending outwardly from the housing. The housing includes a member for holding an end portion of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Arconas Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Robert Coulson, Joel John Yatscoff, James Davidson Benzie
  • Patent number: 8477508
    Abstract: A blade for a chassis-based system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted at a tilt angle within the blade. The tilt angle provides space above or below the PCB at the front end of the blade, such that media interface modules can be flexibly positioned within the blade. A tilt angle that positions the PCB higher near the front end of the blade may enable media interface modules mounted in a belly-to-belly configuration on the PCB to be fitted within the front end of the blade. A tilt angle that positions the PCB lower near the front end of the blade may enable media interface modules mounted on the upper surface of the PCB to be fitted within the first end of the blade. The tilt angle also positions a backplane connector mounted on the PCB to properly engage a backplane when the blade is inserted into a slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Skirmont, Daniel K. Kilkenny
  • Patent number: 8477494
    Abstract: An electronic assembly includes an electronic device and a solar shield coupled to the electronic device. The solar shield has an attachment portion which attaches to the electronic device, and a shield portion coupled to the attachment portion. The shield portion prevents direct sunlight from substantially reaching a section of the electronic device. The shield portion defines (i) at least a portion of an air intake, (ii) at least a portion of an air exhaust, and (iii) at least a portion of an air passageway which extends from the air intake to the air exhaust. The air passageway overlies the section of the electronic device enabling ambient air adjacent the air intake to form natural convective airflow into the air intake and out the air exhaust through the air passageway to carry away heat from the section of the electronic device during electronic operation of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony S. Pruszenski
  • Patent number: 8461463
    Abstract: A composite module is obtained which enables high-density mounting of components without increasing its size. A composite module includes a main substrate which is a multilayer circuit board, a sub-substrate mounted on a lower surface of the main substrate, a sealing layer arranged on the lower surface of the main substrate to cover the sub-substrate, the sealing layer defining a mount surface arranged to be mounted on a mount board, and terminal electrodes disposed on the mount surface. The terminal electrodes include at least one first terminal electrode drawn directly from the main substrate and at least one second terminal electrode drawn directly from the sub-substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Kato, Jun Sasaki, Katsumi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8456851
    Abstract: A flex circuit having conductive traces formed on only one side of a base film for attaching to both sides of a DITO touch sensor panel is disclosed. By having conductive traces formed on only one side of the base film, the number of process steps and fabrication cost can be reduced because only a single etching step is needed. Furthermore, because the flex circuit is thinner, the resultant space savings can be utilized for other features in a device without enlarging the overall device package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Paul Grunthaner
  • Patent number: 8451594
    Abstract: Provided is a universal stand for multivision for forming the multivision using a plurality of display devices. The universal stands includes: a plurality of base frames arranged horizontally and vertically in lines; and a support frame which is mounted on each of the base frames to move vertically or horizontally and supports the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunyoung Kim, Won Woo Jeon, Youngmi Kim
  • Patent number: 8440917
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for coating plated through holes (PTHs) to reduce impedance discontinuity in electronic packages. PTH vias are imbedded in the core of a printed circuit board comprising a core layer, a plurality of buildup layers, a plurality of micro-vias, and a plurality of traces. Traces electrically interconnect each of the micro-vias to PTH vias, forming an electrically conductive path. PTHs are coated with a magnetic metal material, such as nickel, to increase the internal and external conductance of the PTHs, thereby providing decreased impedance discontinuity of the signals in electronic packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Harvey, Douglas O. Powell, Wolfgang Sauter, Yaping Zhou
  • Patent number: 8437141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a first electric contact (8, 98) and a substrate (1, 91). The first electric contact (8, 98) comprises a first area (10, 110) with a first wettability, and the substrate (1, 91) comprises a second area (3) with a second wettability and a third area (2) with a third wettability and being adjacent to the second area (2). The first electric contact (8, 98) is attached on the substrate (1, 91) so that the first area (10, 110) of the first electric contact (8, 98) is adjacent to the second area (3), and the second area (3) is located between the first area (10, 110) and the third area (2). The first and the second wettability are higher than the third wettability. The invention also relates to a transponder (T1, T2, T3) which comprises the substrate (1, 91), an electric device (50, 80) and an antenna (7, 93).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Reinhard Rogy, Cristian Zenz