Patents by Inventor Benjamin A. Shaffer

Benjamin A. Shaffer 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: 12111077
    Abstract: An air conditioner unit may include a housing, an outdoor heat exchanger assembly, an indoor heat exchanger assembly, a compressor, and a sterilization light assembly. The housing may define an indoor portion and outdoor portion. The housing may further define an exhaust outlet downstream from the indoor portion to exhaust air. The outdoor heat exchanger assembly may be disposed in the outdoor portion and include an outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger assembly may be disposed in the indoor portion and include an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan. The compressor may be in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The sterilization light assembly may be disposed within the indoor portion below the indoor fan and directed forward to transmit an ultraviolet light emission within the indoor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Shaffer, Craig Benjamin Williams, Stephen Budelsky
  • Patent number: 12096175
    Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that enhance user comfort and improve user control of the headphones are discussed. Various sensor configurations and electronic component positions are also discussed. User convenience features that include detachable cushions and automatically detecting the donning and doffing of headphones are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Dustin A. Hatfield, Michael B. Minerbi, Eugene Antony Whang, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Edward Siahaan, Daniel R. Bloom
  • Publication number: 20240302669
    Abstract: Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device with a head securement element that allows a user to adjust both the magnitude, location, and direction of forces applied to the face of the user. Examples of adjustment mechanisms described herein allow a user to control the tilt of the head-mountable device relative to a head securement element, as well as the tightness of the head securement element. Accordingly, the user can select a fit that distributes forces widely, maximizes comfort, allows the user to enjoy the head-mountable device for longer durations of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Inventors: Dustin A. HATFIELD, Geng LUO, Benjamin A. SHAFFER, Julian JAEDE, Nicolas LYLYK, Paul X. WANG, Trevor J. NESS
  • Publication number: 20240210711
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a head mountable display having a sensor and a light seal removably connectable to the HMD. The light seal can include an identification feature detected by the sensor. In one example, the HMD includes a display screen configured to display a confirmatory image and the light seal can include a unique visual component corresponding to the confirmatory image. In another example, the HMD can include an optical lens connection feature and the sensor can detect a depth of the light seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Jeremy C. Franklin
  • Patent number: 12019248
    Abstract: Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device with a head securement element that allows a user to adjust both the magnitude, location, and direction of forces applied to the face of the user. Examples of adjustment mechanisms described herein allow a user to control the tilt of the head-mountable device relative to a head securement element, as well as the tightness of the head securement element. Accordingly, the user can select a fit that distributes forces widely, maximizes comfort, allows the user to enjoy the head-mountable device for longer durations of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin A. Hatfield, Geng Luo, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Julian Jaede, Nicolas Lylyk, Paul X. Wang, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20240192511
    Abstract: A wearable device includes a support and a cushion that is coupled to the support, the cushion including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first stiffness, the second portion having a second stiffness, and the first stiffness is at least four times greater than the second stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2024
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dustin A. Hatfield, Liam R. Martinez, Kristine S. Atom, Adam Y. Kollgaard, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Joshua A. Hoover, Jenna L. Withrow, Robert V. Tang, Kendall L. Helbert, Geng Luo
  • Publication number: 20240184121
    Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a head-mounted support structure that is configured to be worn on a head of a user. The head-mounted support structure may include a flexible rear portion that at least partially defines a central opening through which the displays in the head-mounted device are viewable. The flexible rear portion may conform to a face of the user when the head-mounted device is worn by the user. A removable cushion may be selectively attached to the flexible rear portion of the head-mounted support structure. The removable cushion may conform to and directly contact the face of the user when the head-mounted device is worn by the user. The removability of the cushion may allow for the cushion to be easily cleaned, easily replaced when worn, and customized to a user's aesthetic and comfort preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Erin M Bosch, Paul X Wang, Benjamin A Shaffer
  • Patent number: 12003916
    Abstract: A pair of headphones may include first and second ear cups that each contain one or more speakers. The speakers may emit audio through a sound-permeable warp knit spacer fabric that is coupled to each ear cup. The warp knit spacer fabric may include inner and outer fabric layers joined by a spacer layer. The outer fabric layer may have first and second regions with different fabric densities. The first region with the greater fabric density may be used to form a label such as an R-shape or L-shape to indicate which ear cup should cover the user's right ear and which ear cup should cover the user's left ear. The denser first region may have diamond-shaped openings of a first size and the less dense second region may have diamond-shaped openings of a second size that is greater than the first size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Shaffer, Yohji Hamada, Vincenzo Vuono, Eugene A. Whang, Christopher I. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20240164481
    Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may include one or more of the following: a knitted component forming a collar of the upper, the collar at least partially forming an opening for providing access to an interior of the article of footwear; and a first knit edge and a second knit edge that extend along the collar of the upper, wherein a knitted central portion of the collar extends between the first knit edge and the second knit edge. The collar may consist of a single seam to join together the first knit edge and the second knit edge. The single seam may be offset from a centerline at the rear-most portion of a heel area such that the knitted central portion of the collar extends through the centerline of the heel area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Erin Toraya, Robert C. Williams, JR.
  • Patent number: 11985462
    Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Edward Siahaan, Daniel R. Bloom, Lee M. Panecki, Phillip Qian, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene A. Whang, David H. Narajowski, Scott Y. Oshita, Dustin A. Hatfield, Zachary G. Segraves, Sean J. Docherty
  • Publication number: 20240081489
    Abstract: A band includes a latch body that is movable by pulling a tab. The latch body extends through an opening of the band and secures with a pin located on a head-mountable device. The band can detach from the head-mountable device by pulling the tab, which actuates the latch body and removes the latch body from the pin. A spring (or springs) can bias the latch body toward the opening, causing the latch body to enter the pin. An applied force to the tab can overcome the biasing force provided by the spring(s), and move the latch body away from, and out of, the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Yiwei TAO, Aiden D. MOSSOP, Benjamin A. SHAFFER, Lauren D. GERARDI, Nicolas LYLYK, Paul J. THOMPSON, Richard P. HOWARTH, Robert V. TANG, Toria F. YAN, Wei-Ling CHANG, Zebinah P. MASSE
  • Patent number: 11910870
    Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may include one or more of the following: a knitted component forming a collar of the upper, the collar at least partially forming an opening for providing access to an interior of the article of footwear; and a first knit edge and a second knit edge that extend along the collar of the upper, wherein a knitted central portion of the collar extends between the first knit edge and the second knit edge. The collar may consist of a single seam to join together the first knit edge and the second knit edge. The single seam may be offset from a centerline at the rear-most portion of a heel area such that the knitted central portion of the collar extends through the centerline of the heel area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Erin E. Toraya, Robert C. Williams, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240028072
    Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a head-mounted housing containing rear-facing displays that display images for a user when the head-mounted housing is worn by the user. The head-mounted device housing may have housing structures such as elongated housing members with protruding posts. A headband may be removably coupled to the head-mounted device housing. The headband may have a strap with openings configured to receive the posts. Releasable latches may be provided to allow selective engagement and disengagement between the headband and the housing. The latches may contain movable latch members that are biased using magnetic biasing mechanisms, spring-based biasing mechanisms, or other biasing mechanisms. To release each latch, a tab, button, toggle lever, slider, or other release mechanisms may be actuated by a user. This moves the movable latch member from a closed latch position to an open latch position that releases the headband from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Toria F. Yan, Ryan M. David, Ryan Fernandez, Tingqing Liao, Yunhe Huang, Bingda Liu, Hao Zhu, Lauren D. Gerardi, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Robert V. Tang, Richard P. Howarth, Nicolas Lylyk, Thomas Richard Routh, Alex Warburton, Uwe Michael Homm, James Russell Griffin, Michael Scott Pritchett, Kathryn Lorraine Pritchett, Sion Gwynn
  • Publication number: 20230345162
    Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that enhance user comfort and improve user control of the headphones are discussed. Various sensor configurations and electronic component positions are also discussed. User convenience features that include detachable cushions and automatically detecting the donning and doffing of headphones are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Dustin A. Hatfield, Michael B. Minerbi, Eugene Antony Whang, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Edward Siahaan, Daniel R. Bloom
  • Publication number: 20230287608
    Abstract: An article may include first and second components comprising non-woven textiles and a third component positioned between the first two components. A first surface of the third component that is adjacent the first component comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, and the third component is fused with a first region of the first component and unfused with a second region of the first component. A method of manufacturing the article, which may be an article of wear, includes arranging the components to form a stacked configuration so that the third component is positioned between the first and second components. Heat and compression may be applied to at least a first region of the first component to fuse the first region with the third component, whereas a second region of the first component may remain unfused to the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Karen A. Hawkinson, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20230288711
    Abstract: A head-mounted display includes a display assembly and a head. The head support includes a first hinge portion coupled to a first side of the head-mounted display and a second hinge portion coupled to a second side of the head-mounted display, which are movable between a first and second states. The head support also includes a first elongated portion coupled to the first hinge portion and a second elongated portion coupled to the second hinge portion, which are rigid and movable with the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion, respectively, between the first and second states. A strap portion is flexible, elastic, and extends between the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion. The first elongated portion and the second elongated portion, when in the second state, extend along a rearward side of the display assembly toward each other and do not overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Gallaher, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Julian Jaede, Samuel G. Smith, Trevor J. Ness
  • Patent number: 11737528
    Abstract: A watchband can comfortably secure an electronic device to a wrist of a user. The watchband can include a base having a contact surface opposite an engagement surface, contact loops on the contact surface for contacting a user, and engagement loops on the engagement surface for engaging hooks. The hooks can be provided on the engagement surface, opposite some of the contact loops. The base can include base threads, and the contact loops and engagement loops can be formed by contact threads and engagement threads woven about some of the base threads between the contact surface and the engagement surface. Between adjacent engagement loops, the engagement thread can be more securely attached to the base than is the contact thread between adjacent contact loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Shaffer, Yoji Hamada, Motohide Hatanaka, Hsiang-Hung Chen, Eiryo Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 11736847
    Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that enhance user comfort and improve user control of the headphones are discussed. Various sensor configurations and electronic component positions are also discussed. User convenience features that include detachable cushions and automatically detecting the donning and doffing of headphones are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Dustin A. Hatfield, Michael B. Minerbi, Eugene Antony Whang, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Edward Siahaan, Daniel R. Bloom
  • Patent number: 11692289
    Abstract: An article may include first and second components comprising non-woven textiles and a third component positioned between the first two components. A first surface of the third component that is adjacent the first component comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, and the third component is fused with a first region of the first component and unfused with a second region of the first component. A method of manufacturing the article, which may be an article of wear, includes arranging the components to form a stacked configuration so that the third component is positioned between the first and second components. Heat and compression may be applied to at least a first region of the first component to fuse the first region with the third component, whereas a second region of the first component may remain unfused to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Karen A. Hawkinson, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20230124221
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may include a knit element defining a portion of at least one of an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper. An inlaid strand may extend through the knit element, and a tongue and the knit element may have a common yarn at least at a forward portion of the tongue, and the tongue may extend through a throat area of the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Daniel A. Podhajny, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Daren P Tatler, Bruce Huffa