Patents by Inventor Alex J. Lehmann

Alex J. Lehmann 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: 20240422414
    Abstract: A portable electronic device can have a housing including a wall, the wall at least partially defining an external surface, and the housing defining an aperture disposed opposite the wall. A display assembly can be positioned at the aperture and a retention component can be positioned at least partially in an internal volume defined by the housing. The portable electronic device can also have an optical component that includes an optical component housing defining a camera aperture and a camera module positioned at the camera aperture. The optical component can be configured to be removably retained against the wall by the retention component and to be removably retained against the display assembly by the retention component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2024
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Alex J. Lehmann, Dinesh C. Mathew
  • Patent number: 12147605
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20240370061
    Abstract: A device may include a display portion that includes a display housing and a display at least partially within the display housing. The device may also include a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a bottom case, a top case coupled to the bottom case and defining an array of raised key regions, and a sensing system below the top case and configured to detect an input applied to a raised key region of the array of raised key regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 12130975
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an electronic device having a hidden or concealable input region. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an enclosure having a wall that defines an input region having an array of microperforations. A light source may be positioned within a volume defined by the enclosure and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations. A sensing element may be coupled with the wall and configured to detect input received within the input region. The array of microperforations are configured to be visually imperceptible when not illuminated by the light source. When illuminated by the light source, the array of microperforations may display a symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Qiliang Xu, Richard G. Huizar
  • Publication number: 20240340511
    Abstract: A portable electronic device can have a housing including a wall, the wall at least partially defining an external surface, and the housing defining an aperture disposed opposite the wall. A display assembly can be positioned at the aperture and a retention component can be positioned at least partially in an internal volume defined by the housing. The portable electronic device can also have an optical component that includes an optical component housing defining a camera aperture and a camera module positioned at the camera aperture. The optical component can be configured to be removably retained against the wall by the retention component and to be removably retained against the display assembly by the retention component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2024
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Alex J. Lehmann, Dinesh C. Mathew
  • Patent number: 12079043
    Abstract: A device may include a display portion that includes a display housing and a display at least partially within the display housing. The device may also include a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a bottom case, a top case coupled to the bottom case and defining an array of raised key regions, and a sensing system below the top case and configured to detect an input applied to a raised key region of the array of raised key regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 12052484
    Abstract: A portable electronic device can have a housing including a wall, the wall at least partially defining an external surface, and the housing defining an aperture disposed opposite the wall. A display assembly can be positioned at the aperture and a retention component can be positioned at least partially in an internal volume defined by the housing. The portable electronic device can also have an optical component that includes an optical component housing defining a camera aperture and a camera module positioned at the camera aperture. The optical component can be configured to be removably retained against the wall by the retention component and to be removably retained against the display assembly by the retention component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Alex J. Lehmann, Dinesh C. Mathew
  • Publication number: 20240168558
    Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Michael J. Rockwell, Michael Y. Cheung, Ray L. Chang, Hongcheng Sun, Ian M. Bullock, Kyle J. Nekimken, Madeleine S. Cordier, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Scott G. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20240103640
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 11914780
    Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Michael J. Rockwell, Michael Y. Cheung, Ray L. Chang, Hongcheng Sun, Ian M. Bullock, Kyle J. Nekimken, Madeleine S. Cordier, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Scott G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 11868542
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
  • Publication number: 20230341958
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an electronic device having a hidden or concealable input region. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an enclosure having a wall that defines an input region having an array of microperforations. A light source may be positioned within a volume defined by the enclosure and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations. A sensing element may be coupled with the wall and configured to detect input received within the input region. The array of microperforations are configured to be visually imperceptible when not illuminated by the light source. When illuminated by the light source, the array of microperforations may display a symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Qiliang Xu, Richard G. Huizar
  • Publication number: 20230333658
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11755128
    Abstract: A stylus input device can allow a user to interface with an external electronic device. The stylus can provide an additional or alternative input to the external electronic device in response to a user applying a compressive force to the device housing. The stylus can include multiple sensors to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the stylus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Lehmann, Qiliang Xu, Blake R. Marshall, Nathaniel M. Parnell, Wesley W. Zuber, Henry N. Tsao, Xiaofan Niu, Pavan Gupta, Nahid Harjee, Paul X. Wang, Brenton A. Baugh
  • Patent number: 11740717
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an electronic device having a hidden or concealable input region. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an enclosure having a wall that defines an input region having an array of microperforations. A light source may be positioned within a volume defined by the enclosure and configured to propagate light through the array of microperforations. A sensing element may be coupled with the wall and configured to detect input received within the input region. The array of microperforations are configured to be visually imperceptible when not illuminated by the light source. When illuminated by the light source, the array of microperforations may display a symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Qiliang Xu, Richard G. Huizar
  • Publication number: 20230259174
    Abstract: A device may include a display portion that includes a display housing and a display at least partially within the display housing. The device may also include a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a bottom case, a top case coupled to the bottom case and defining an array of raised key regions, and a sensing system below the top case and configured to detect an input applied to a raised key region of the array of raised key regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 11720176
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11714495
    Abstract: A finger device may be worn on a user's finger and may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other electronic device. The finger device may have a housing having an upper housing portion that extends across a top of the finger and first and second side housing portions that extend down respective first and second sides of the finger. Sensors in the side housing portions may measure movements of the sides of the finger as the finger contacts an external surface. To ensure that the sensors are appropriately positioned relative to the sides of the finger, the housing may include one or more adjustable structures such as an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a ratchet mechanism, a scissor mechanism, and/or other adjustable structures for adjusting the position of the first and second side housing portions and associated sensors relative to the upper housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erin M. Bosch, Stephen E. Dey, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Alex J. Lehmann, Yuhao Pan, Paul X. Wang
  • Patent number: 11709554
    Abstract: A finger device may be worn on a user's finger and may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other electronic device. The finger device may have a housing having an upper housing portion that extends across a top of the finger and first and second side housing portions that extend down respective first and second sides of the finger. Sensors in the side housing portions may measure movements of the sides of the finger as the finger contacts an external surface. To ensure that the sensors are appropriately positioned relative to the sides of the finger, the housing may include one or more adjustable structures such as an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a ratchet mechanism, a scissor mechanism, and/or other adjustable structures for adjusting the position of the first and second side housing portions and associated sensors relative to the upper housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erin M. Bosch, Stephen E. Dey, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Alex J. Lehmann, Yuhao Pan, Paul X. Wang
  • Publication number: 20230142264
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an electronic device that includes a cover and a haptic module positioned below the cover. The haptic module includes a substrate positioned below the cover and offset from the cover, a spacer positioned between the substrate and the cover and coupling the substrate to the cover, and a piezoelectric element positioned on a surface of the substrate and offset from the cover to define a gap between the piezoelectric element and the cover. The electronic device can also include a sensor coupled to the cover and configured to detect an input, and a processing unit operably coupled to the piezoelectric element and configured to cause the piezoelectric element to deflect the cover in response to the sensor detecting the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Alex J. Lehmann, Joonas I. Ponkala, Keith J. Hendren, Xian Wang, Yu-Lin Kao, Kevin C. Armendariz