Patents by Inventor Bart K. Andre

Bart K. Andre 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: 20240103645
    Abstract: A computer input system includes a mouse including a housing having an interior surface defining an internal volume and a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume. A processor is electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and a memory component having electronic instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine an orientation of the mouse relative to a hand based on a touch input from the hand detected by the sensor assembly. The mouse can also have a circular array of touch sensors or lights that detect hand position and provide orientation information to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, David H. Bloom, Steven J. Taylor, John B. Morrell, Maio He, Hamza Kashif
  • Publication number: 20240103643
    Abstract: A computer system can include an input device having a housing defining an internal volume. The housing can include a grip portion and a base portion defining an aperture. The computer system can also include a tilt sensor disposed in the internal volume, a position sensor disposed at the aperture, and a processor. The processor can be electrically coupled to the position sensor, the tilt sensor, and a memory component storing electronic instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a first input from the tilt sensor, receive a second input from the position sensor, determine, based on the first and second inputs, if the base is in contact with a support surface and an angle of the base relative to the support surface. The processor can also output a signal based on the angle if the base is in contact with the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Megan M. Sapp, Brian T. Gleeson, Steven J. Taylor, David H. Bloom, Maio He, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Kristi E. Bauerly, Geng Luo, Bart K. Andre
  • Publication number: 20240103642
    Abstract: A three-dimensional control system includes an input device, a computing device, and a tracking assembly. The input device can include an input sensor, an inertial measurement unit sensor, and an ultrasonic speaker. The tracking assembly can include a plurality of ultrasonic microphones and an inertial measurement unit disposed on or with the computing device. The plurality of ultrasonic microphones can include three microphones in a first plane and at least one other ultrasonic microphone disposed out of the first plane. The ultrasonic microphones can be configured to detect ultrasonic waves output by the speaker of the input device and the computing device can triangulate the position of the input device relative to the computing device in space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, John B. Morrell
  • Publication number: 20240103656
    Abstract: An input device, such as a mouse, can include a housing defining an exterior grip portion and an internal volume, a sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume, and an emitter electrically coupled to the sensor assembly. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a first touch input on the housing, the emitter sends a first signal including information regarding an angular position of the grip portion. In response to the sensor assembly detecting a second touch input on the housing, the emitter sends a second signal including information regarding a direction of a force exerted on the housing from the second touch input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, David H. Bloom, Steven J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20240094832
    Abstract: An input device can include a housing defining an internal volume and a lower portion, the lower portion defining an aperture, an input sensor disposed in the internal volume, and a haptic assembly disposed in the internal volume. The haptic assembly can include an actuator and a foot coupled to the actuator and aligned with the aperture. The actuator can be configured to selectively extend the foot through the aperture to vary a sliding resistance of the input device on a support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, John B. Morrell, John S. Camp
  • Publication number: 20240081009
    Abstract: Low-profile computer supports include features to reduce the thickness and improve the portability or storage capability of a computer system while it is disassembled, packaged, shipped, or moved. Some computer systems have a computing device and a dock device that can be stored and moved separately or that can store or support accessories associated with the computer system. Some computer systems have a movable stand configured to transition between a collapsed state and a deployed or standing state. Some stands include handles or grips for moving the computer systems while collapsed. Other computer systems include handles or grips to provide areas to more easily carry the computer systems. The handles or grips can have features such as a flexible material to hide or mask their appearance on the computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Adam T. Garelli, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Publication number: 20240047156
    Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Patent number: 11844183
    Abstract: Low-profile computer supports include features to reduce the thickness and improve the portability or storage capability of a computer system while it is disassembled, packaged, shipped, or moved. Some computer systems have a computing device and a dock device that can be stored and moved separately or that can store or support accessories associated with the computer system. Some computer systems have a movable stand configured to transition between a collapsed state and a deployed or standing state. Some stands include handles or grips for moving the computer systems while collapsed. Other computer systems include handles or grips to provide areas to more easily carry the computer systems. The handles or grips can have features such as a flexible material to hide or mask their appearance on the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Adam T. Garelli, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Patent number: 11817275
    Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Publication number: 20230088181
    Abstract: Low-profile computer supports include features to reduce the thickness and improve the portability or storage capability of a computer system while it is disassembled, packaged, shipped, or moved. Some computer systems have a computing device and a dock device that can be stored and moved separately or that can store or support accessories associated with the computer system. Some computer systems have a movable stand configured to transition between a collapsed state and a deployed or standing state. Some stands include handles or grips for moving the computer systems while collapsed. Other computer systems include handles or grips to provide areas to more easily carry the computer systems. The handles or grips can have features such as a flexible material to hide or mask their appearance on the computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Adam T. Garelli, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Patent number: 11567547
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic device can include a body having an exterior surface and a second surface disposed opposite the exterior surface at least partially defining an interior volume, the body defining a first repeating pattern of apertures extending from the exterior surface to the second surface. The housing can also include a component defining a second repeating pattern of apertures, the component positioned adjacent to the second surface. The first repeating pattern of apertures and the second repeating pattern of apertures can combine to define an open area of at least about 70%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Joel D. Barrera, Houtan R. Farahani, Jerzy S. Guterman, Richard P. Howarth, Mariel L. Lanas, Son C. Le, Michael D. McBroom, Rodrigo Dutervil Mubarak, Sabrina K. Paseman, Chentian Zhu, James M. Cuseo
  • Patent number: 11528820
    Abstract: Low-profile computer supports include features to reduce the thickness and improve the portability or storage capability of a computer system while it is disassembled, packaged, shipped, or moved. Some computer systems have a computing device and a dock device that can be stored and moved separately or that can store or support accessories associated with the computer system. Some computer systems have a movable stand configured to transition between a collapsed state and a deployed or standing state. Some stands include handles or grips for moving the computer systems while collapsed. Other computer systems include handles or grips to provide areas to more easily carry the computer systems. The handles or grips can have features such as a flexible material to hide or mask their appearance on the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Adam T. Garelli, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Publication number: 20210407748
    Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Patent number: 11139129
    Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Publication number: 20210289645
    Abstract: Low-profile computer supports include features to reduce the thickness and improve the portability or storage capability of a computer system while it is disassembled, packaged, shipped, or moved. Some computer systems have a computing device and a dock device that can be stored and moved separately or that can store or support accessories associated with the computer system. Some computer systems have a movable stand configured to transition between a collapsed state and a deployed or standing state. Some stands include handles or grips for moving the computer systems while collapsed. Other computer systems include handles or grips to provide areas to more easily carry the computer systems. The handles or grips can have features such as a flexible material to hide or mask their appearance on the computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Adam T. Garelli, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Patent number: 11086069
    Abstract: An electronic device may have electrical components mounted in an interior region of the electronic device. A housing may surround the interior region and may separate the interior region from an exterior region that surrounds the electronic device. Arrays of recesses may be formed on opposing inner and outer sides of the housing. The arrays may be laterally offset from each other along the housing. The recesses on the inner and outer sides of the housing may meet at passageways within the housing. During operation of the electronic device, air may flow through the inner recesses, the passageways, and the outer recesses to cool electrical components within the interior region. Lighting may be provided for the housing. Light-emitting devices such as light-emitting diodes may be received within cavities in the housing. Light guiding structures, diffusers, reflectors, and other structures may be used to help adjust illumination from the light-emitting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Bart K. Andre, Bryan W. Posner, Daniele G. De Iuliis, Dinesh C. Mathew, Kamal H. Habboub, Sung-Ho Tan, Joshua A. Spechler
  • Publication number: 20210098212
    Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
  • Publication number: 20200379522
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic device can include a body having an exterior surface and a second surface disposed opposite the exterior surface at least partially defining an interior volume, the body defining a first repeating pattern of apertures extending from the exterior surface to the second surface. The housing can also include a component defining a second repeating pattern of apertures, the component positioned adjacent to the second surface. The first repeating pattern of apertures and the second repeating pattern of apertures can combine to define an open area of at least about 70%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Joel D. Barrera, Houtan R. Farahani, Jerzy S. Guterman, Richard P. Howarth, Mariel L. Lanas, Son C. Le, Michael D. McBroom, Rodrigo Dutervil Mubarak, Sabrina K. Paseman, Chentian Zhu, James M. Cuseo
  • Publication number: 20200379526
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a frame configured to receive and support an electronic component, a shell defining an internal volume sized to encompass the frame and the electronic component, the shell being slidably removable from the frame, the electronic component positioned within the internal volume and including an aperture, and a sealing member including a seal body and a compressible lip extending from the seal body, the sealing member at least partially surrounding the electronic component. The compressible lip is oriented such that the shell compresses the lip in a direction against the seal body at a first position adjacent to the electronic component and in the direction against the seal body at a second position adjacent to the electronic component opposite the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Edward J. Cooper, Brett W. Degner, Houtan R. Farahani, Steven A. Gerasimoff, William H. Greenbaum, James T. Handy, Daniel D. Hershey, PengYuan Huang, Eric A. Knopf, Richard D. Kosoglow, Mariel L. Lanas, Michael E. Leclerc, Michael D. McBroom, Rodrigo Dutervil Mubarak, David C. Parell, Sabrina K. Paseman, Eric R. Prather, Jacob W. Rutheiser, Christopher G. Siegel, Cheng-Han Yang, James M. Cuseo, Francesco Ferretti
  • Patent number: 10813236
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic device can include an enclosure at least partially defining an internal volume. The enclosure can include a bottom panel. The housing can also include a tubular frame that includes a first pair of tubular support members extending from the bottom panel and a second pair of tubular support members extending from the bottom panel. The housing can also include a first tubular top frame member disposed outside the internal volume and connected to an end of each of the first pair of tubular support members through an opening defined by the enclosure, and a second tubular top frame member disposed outside the internal volume and connected to an end of each of the second pair of tubular support members through an opening defined by the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, Danny L. McBroom, Houtan R. Farahani, Michael D. McBroom, Bart K. Andre, Sabrina K. Paseman