Patents by Inventor Ashutosh Y. Shukla

Ashutosh Y. Shukla 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).

  • Patent number: 9494845
    Abstract: An electronic device having a securing member for a camera module is disclosed. The securing member may include several flexible spring elements extending around the camera module to maintain the position of the camera module during an assembly process of the electronic device. The securing member and the housing may be made from an electrically conductive material or materials. In this manner, the securing member may further provide the camera module with an electrical ground to prevent excessive electric charge within the camera module. In some embodiments, an alignment member is positioned on the housing and aligns the camera module and/or securing member with an aperture of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Rammah, Eric N. Nyland, Matthew D. Hill, Sawyer I. Cohen, Scott A. Myers, David A. Pakula, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
  • Patent number: 9473609
    Abstract: This application relates to various button related embodiments for use with a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, a snap clip can be integrated with a button bracket to save space where two separate brackets would take up too much space in the portable electronic device. In other embodiments, a tactile switch can be waterproofed by welding a polymeric layer atop a tactile switch assembly. In this way water can be prevented from contacting moisture sensitive components of the tactile switch assembly. The weld joining the polymeric layer to the tactile switch can include at least one gap to trapped gas surrounding the tactile switch assembly to enter and exit during heat excursions caused by various operating and/or assembly operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Tyler B. Cater, Sawyer I. Cohen, Edward S. Huo, David A. Pakula, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Dhaval N. Shah, Yaocheng Zhang, Vivek Katiyar
  • Publication number: 20160276757
    Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates to connectors for antenna feed assemblies and display coupling components of a mobile device. The flexible connectors can be configured with a flexible spring connector component that couples a mobile device antenna to a main logic board of the mobile device within a housing of the mobile device such that the flexible connector can withstand a drop event, while at the same providing for an in-line inductance as part of an antenna-defined design requirement. The display of the mobile device can be coupled to a housing of the mobile device using a pin-screw arrangement that allows the display to controllably shift in the X-direction and the Y-direction, while only being purposefully constrained in the Z-direction (with reference to a 3-dimensional graph having X, Y, and Z axes). This configuration can prevent the display from being pulled out of alignment during a drop event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: James B. SMITH, Gregory N. STEPHENS, Boon W. SHIU, Shayan MALEK, Marwan RAMMAH, Scott A. MYERS, Ashutosh Y. SHUKLA, Eric N. NYLAND, Matthew D. HILL, Michael Benjamin WITTENBERG, Rasamy PHOUTHAVONG, Benjamin Shane BUSTLE
  • Patent number: 9445528
    Abstract: This application relates to efficiently distributing heat within a portable computing device. More specifically an apparatus for conducting heat between internal components of the portable computing device is disclosed. The apparatus, referred to as a thermal gap pad, is configured to bridge a variably sized gap between internal components. This is accomplished by wrapping a resilient core in a layer of highly thermally conductive material. The resilient core allows a shape of the thermal gap pad to vary in accordance with a size of the gap. A resilience of the thermal gap pad can be adjusted to account for an amount of variance in the gap. In some embodiments, an electrically conductive layer can be added to facilitate the passage of electrical current through the thermal gap pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sawyer I. Cohen, David A. Pakula, Tseng-Mau Yang, Tyler B. Cater, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
  • Patent number: 9445520
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with an ejectable component assembly having a connector that can receive and retain a removable module within a housing of the electronic device. The ejectable component assembly may also be provided with an ejector mechanism for at least partially ejecting the removable module from the connector. The ejector mechanism may receive a user input force at an ejector user interface, translate that user input force into an ejection force, and apply that ejection force onto the removable module for ejecting the module. The ejector user interface may be provided at any suitable position of the housing that may not interfere with other functions of the device. The path along which the ejector mechanism translates the user input force into the ejection force between the ejector user interface and the removable module may be provided in any suitable way throughout the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Benjamin J. Pope, Kenneth A. Jenks, Scott A. Myers
  • Publication number: 20160217948
    Abstract: The embodiments discussed herein relate to electrical switches. Specifically, the embodiments include a pivoting switch that translates a rotational movement of a portion of the pivoting switch into a linear movement for toggling a button. The pivoting switch can include a pin that extends into a bracket in order to define and limit a rotational movement of the pivoting switch. The pivoting switch can further include a switch cavity that can force a knob of the button to move with the pivoting switch. The embodiments can further include an electrical switch having a welded cover plate. The welded cover plate can include arms that extend across and are welded to one or more surfaces of the electrical switch. The welded cover plate provides a more secure retaining mechanism for the electrical switch in order to reduce bending of certain portions of the electrical switch when the electrical switch is toggled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Edward S. HUO, Yaocheng ZHANG, Ashutosh Y. SHUKLA, David A. PAKULA, Matthew D. HILL, Michael Benjamin WITTENBERG, Scott A. MYERS
  • Patent number: 9330864
    Abstract: The embodiments discussed herein relate to electrical switches. Specifically, the embodiments include a pivoting switch that translates a rotational movement of a portion of the pivoting switch into a linear movement for toggling a button. The pivoting switch can include a pin that extends into a bracket in order to define and limit a rotational movement of the pivoting switch. The pivoting switch can further include a switch cavity that can force a knob of the button to move with the pivoting switch. The embodiments can further include an electrical switch having a welded cover plate. The welded cover plate can include arms that extend across and are welded to one or more surfaces of the electrical switch. The welded cover plate provides a more secure retaining mechanism for the electrical switch in order to reduce bending of certain portions of the electrical switch when the electrical switch is toggled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Edward S. Huo, Yaocheng Zhang, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, David A. Pakula, Matthew D. Hill, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, Scott A. Myers
  • Patent number: 9318802
    Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates to connectors for antenna feed assemblies and display coupling components of a mobile device. The flexible connectors can be configured with a flexible spring connector component that couples a mobile device antenna to a main logic board of the mobile device within a housing of the mobile device such that the flexible connector can withstand a drop event, while at the same providing for an in-line inductance as part of an antenna-defined design requirement. The display of the mobile device can be coupled to a housing of the mobile device using a pin-screw arrangement that allows the display to controllably shift in the X-direction and the Y-direction, while only being purposefully constrained in the Z-direction (with reference to a 3-dimensional graph having X, Y, and Z axes). This configuration can prevent the display from being pulled out of alignment during a drop event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Smith, Gregory N. Stephens, Boon W. Shiu, Shayan Malek, Marwan Rammah, Scott A. Myers, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Eric N. Nyland, Matthew D. Hill, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, Rasamy Phouthavong, Benjamin Shane Bustle
  • Publication number: 20160071668
    Abstract: The embodiments discussed herein relate to electrical switches. Specifically, the embodiments include a pivoting switch that translates a rotational movement of a portion of the pivoting switch into a linear movement for toggling a button. The pivoting switch can include a pin that extends into a bracket in order to define and limit a rotational movement of the pivoting switch. The pivoting switch can further include a switch cavity that can force a knob of the button to move with the pivoting switch. The embodiments can further include an electrical switch having a welded cover plate. The welded cover plate can include arms that extend across and are welded to one or more surfaces of the electrical switch. The welded cover plate provides a more secure retaining mechanism for the electrical switch in order to reduce bending of certain portions of the electrical switch when the electrical switch is toggled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Edward S. HUO, Yaocheng ZHANG, Ashutosh Y. SHUKLA, David A. PAKULA, Matthew D. HILL, Michael Benjamin WITTENBERG, Scott A. MYERS
  • Publication number: 20160072996
    Abstract: An electronic device having a lens and a lens retaining member is disclosed. The lens and the lens retaining member may both be molded in a single mold cavity. However, the lens includes a first material that is clear and translucent, while the lens retaining member includes a second material that is opaque. The lens retaining member may include an alignment such that the lens and lens retaining member, when secured to a flexible circuit, may self-align with a window. The window allows a light source to emit light while the lens retaining member blocks or reflects light. In another embodiment, a container having a first member and a second member may be positioned around a camera module. The container may act as an EMI shield for the camera module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Marwan Rammah, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, David A. Pakula, Jared M. Kole, Eric N. Nyland
  • Publication number: 20160071660
    Abstract: This application relates to various button related embodiments for use with a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, a snap clip can be integrated with a button bracket to save space where two separate brackets would take up too much space in the portable electronic device. In other embodiments, a tactile switch can be waterproofed by welding a polymeric layer atop a tactile switch assembly. In this way water can be prevented from contacting moisture sensitive components of the tactile switch assembly. The weld joining the polymeric layer to the tactile switch can include at least one gap to trapped gas surrounding the tactile switch assembly to enter and exit during heat excursions caused by various operating and/or assembly operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Tyler B. Cater, Sawyer I. Cohen, Edward S. Huo, David A. Pakula, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Dhaval N. Shah, Yaocheng Zhang, Vivek Katiyar
  • Publication number: 20160072932
    Abstract: An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hill, Derek C. Krass, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, James B. Smith, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Scott A. Myers
  • Publication number: 20160073194
    Abstract: An acoustically permeable material is disposed within an aperture of an electronic device to provide aesthetic appeal for the electronic device and protection for an acoustic device mounted within the electronic device. A stiffener is used in conjunction with the acoustically permeable material to improve its ability to resist permanent mechanical deformation from external forces. In some embodiments the stiffener may have multiple cavities enabling improved isolation between multiple acoustic devices within the same aperture. Other methods of employing acoustically permeable materials are disclosed that improve the aesthetic appeal, acoustic performance and/or manufacturability of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Martin J. Auclair, Jared M. Kole, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Scott A. Myers, David A. Pakula, Marwan Rammah
  • Publication number: 20160070414
    Abstract: An electronic device may include electrical components. The electrical components may be calibrated. Calibration data may be stored in non-volatile memory on a component assembly or may be stored in a remote databased while a subassembly identifier is stored in the non-volatile memory. If a subassembly in a device becomes damaged, a replacement subassembly may be installed in the device. Control circuitry in the device may retrieve calibration data for the replacement subassembly from non-volatile memory on the subassembly or from the remote database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Bingrui Yang, David A. Pakula, David Stronks
  • Publication number: 20160064810
    Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates to connectors for antenna feed assemblies and display coupling components of a mobile device. The flexible connectors can be configured with a flexible spring connector component that couples a mobile device antenna to a main logic board of the mobile device within a housing of the mobile device such that the flexible connector can withstand a drop event, while at the same providing for an in-line inductance as part of an antenna-defined design requirement. The display of the mobile device can be coupled to a housing of the mobile device using a pin-screw arrangement that allows the display to controllably shift in the X-direction and the Y-direction, while only being purposefully constrained in the Z-direction (with reference to a 3-dimensional graph having X, Y, and Z axes). This configuration can prevent the display from being pulled out of alignment during a drop event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: James B. Smith, Gregory N. Stephens, Boon W. Shiu, Shayan Malek, Marwan Rammah, Scott A. Myers, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Eric N. Nyland, Matthew D. Hill, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, Rasamy Phouthavong, Benjamin Shane Bustle
  • Publication number: 20160062213
    Abstract: An electronic device having a securing member for a camera module is disclosed. The securing member may include several flexible spring elements extending around the camera module to maintain the position of the camera module during an assembly process of the electronic device. The securing member and the housing may be made from an electrically conductive material or materials. In this manner, the securing member may further provide the camera module with an electrical ground to prevent excessive electric charge within the camera module. In some embodiments, an alignment member is positioned on the housing and aligns the camera module and/or securing member with an aperture of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Marwan Rammah, Eric N. Nyland, Matthew D. Hill, Sawyer I. Cohen, Scott A. Myers, David A. Pakula, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
  • Publication number: 20160004284
    Abstract: This application relates to efficiently distributing heat within a portable computing device. More specifically an apparatus for conducting heat between internal components of the portable computing device is disclosed. The apparatus, referred to as a thermal gap pad, is configured to bridge a variably sized gap between internal components. This is accomplished by wrapping a resilient core in a layer of highly thermally conductive material. The resilient core allows a shape of the thermal gap pad to vary in accordance with a size of the gap. A resilience of the thermal gap pad can be adjusted to account for an amount of variance in the gap. In some embodiments, an electrically conductive layer can be added to facilitate the passage of electrical current through the thermal gap pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Sawyer I. Cohen, David A. Pakula, Tseng-Mau Yang, Tyler B. Cater, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
  • Patent number: 9221289
    Abstract: Methods for creating sapphire windows are provided herein. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a method of manufacturing sapphire windows. The method includes obtaining a polished sapphire wafer and applying decoration to the sapphire wafer. The method also includes cutting the sapphire wafer into discrete windows. In some embodiments, the cutting step comprises laser ablation of the sapphire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Prest, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Dale N. Memering, Vashist Vasanthakumar, Vincent Yan, Thomas Johannessen
  • Patent number: 9215817
    Abstract: A system and method for retaining enclosure components of an electronic device that can experience a range of dynamic forces is disclosed. The electronic device includes a cover component and a housing component. The electronic device also contains a retention system that includes a spring clip and a compressible layer for retaining a portion of the cover component to the housing component. The retention system provides a variable retention force that resists the separation of the cover and housing components. If the electronic device experiences a force that is applied abruptly, such as in the case of an unintentional drop event, the variable retention force is high, increasing the retention between the cover and housing components. If the electronic device experiences a slower and gradual force, such as in the case of intentional disassembly, the variable retention force is low, allowing the disassembly of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sawyer I. Cohen, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Edward S. Huo, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg
  • Patent number: D765625
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Bartley K. Andre, John B. Ardisana, II, Jeremy Bataillou, Sawyer Isaac Cohen, Daniel J. Coster, Ruchir Dave, Daniele De Iuliis, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, David A. Pakula, Scott P. Porter, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter Russell-Clarke, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Jason Sloey, Ian Spraggs, Christopher J. Stringer, Tang Yew Tan, Eugene Antony Whang, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, Charles B. Woodhull, Rico Zörkendörfer