Patents by Inventor Bradley J. Hamel
Bradley J. Hamel 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).
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Publication number: 20150098183Abstract: Magnetic elements and attractors may be employed to secure a top case and a bottom case of a housing of a personal computing device. The magnetic elements may include a magnet that produces a magnetic field and a shunt. The shunt may direct the magnetic field through an opening to a pocket in which the magnet is received. Accordingly, flux leakage may be reduced and the bottom case may be secured to the top case. Magnetic elements and attractors may also be employed to secure a lid portion of the portable computing device to the housing thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, Brett W. Degner, Bradley J. Hamel, William F. Leggett, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Patent number: 8947874Abstract: Magnetic elements and attractors may be employed to secure a top case and a bottom case of a housing of a personal computing device. The magnetic elements may include a magnet that produces a magnetic field and a shunt. The shunt may direct the magnetic field through an opening to a pocket in which the magnet is received. Accordingly, flux leakage may be reduced and the bottom case may be secured to the top case. Magnetic elements and attractors may also be employed to secure a lid portion of the portable computing device to the housing thereof. These magnetic elements and attractors may be centered with respect to proximal and distal edges thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, Brett W. Degner, Bradley J. Hamel, William F. Leggett, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Publication number: 20140362514Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a structural support layer and a body. The body includes at least an outer layer formed of lightweight flexible material and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The inner layer is connected to the support layer forming a load path between the inner layer and the structural support layer. A load applied to the multipart computer housing is transferred by way of the load path to the support layer without substantially affecting the outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: John RAFF, Bartley K. ANDRE, Laura DEFOREST, John C. DIFONZO, Zheng GAO, Michelle GOLDBERG, Bradley J. HAMEL, Timothy S. HIBBARD, Ron HOPKINSON, William F. LEGGETT, Chris LIGTENBERG, Gavin J. REID, Charles A. SCHWALBACH
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Patent number: 8897002Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Patrick Kessler, Bradley J. Hamel, Dinesh C. Mathew, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Joss N. Giddings, Matthew C. Waldon, Cina Hazegh, Matthew P. Casebolt, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith, William F. Leggett, Gavin J. Reid, Tom Tate, Gary Thomason
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Patent number: 8780539Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a structural support layer and a body. The body includes at least an outer layer formed of lightweight flexible material and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The inner layer is connected to the support layer forming a load path between the inner layer and the structural support layer. A load applied to the multipart computer housing is transferred by way of the load path to the support layer without substantially affecting the outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, John DiFonzo, Zheng Gao, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley J. Hamel, Timothy S. Hibbard, Ron Hopkinson, William F. Leggett, Chris Ligtenberg, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Publication number: 20140113184Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a battery cell. The battery cell includes a set of layers including a cathode with an active coating, a separator, and an anode with an active coating. The battery cell also includes a pouch enclosing the layers. Finally, the battery cell has a three-dimensional non-rectangular shape to facilitate efficient use of space within a portable electronic device powered by the battery cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bradley J. Hamel, Emery A. Sanford, John Raff, Richard H. Dinh, Ron A. Hopkinson, Richard M. Mank
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Patent number: 8638549Abstract: Electronic devices may have housings. A housing may contain a display on its front face and a rear plate such as a plate formed from glass on its rear face. A peripheral housing member may surround the display and rear plate. An antenna may be formed in the peripheral housing member. The rear plate may be formed from laminated layers including a light guide layer. Device hinges may include hinge structures that are integral to the peripheral housing member. A logo may be formed by coating the rear plate with a patterned masking layer. Display structures for the display and the rear plate may be mounted to opposing sides of a shelf portion of the peripheral housing member. The rear plate may be formed from electrochromic glass and may cover photovoltaic cells and touch sensors. Driver boards may be mounted within a clutch barrel perpendicular to the display.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Adam T. Garelli, Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Keith J. Hendren, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Brett W. Degner, Bradley J. Hamel, Michael A. Damlanakis, Patrick Kessler
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Publication number: 20130328741Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Patrick Kessler, Bradley J. Hamel, Dinesh C. Mathew, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Joss N. Giddings, Matthew C. Waldon, Cina Hazegh, Matthew P. Casebolt, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith, William F. Leggett, Gavin J. Reid, Tom Tate, Gary Thomason
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Publication number: 20130329359Abstract: Magnetic elements and attractors may be employed to secure a top case and a bottom case of a housing of a personal computing device. The magnetic elements may include a magnet that produces a magnetic field and a shunt. The shunt may direct the magnetic field through an opening to a pocket in which the magnet is received. Accordingly, flux leakage may be reduced and the bottom case may be secured to the top case. Magnetic elements and attractors may also be employed to secure a lid portion of the portable computing device to the housing thereof. These magnetic elements and attractors may be centered with respect to proximal and distal edges thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bartley K. ANDRE, Brett W. DEGNER, Bradley J. HAMEL, William F. LEGGETT, Christiaan A. LIGTENBERG, Charles A. SCHWALBACH
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Patent number: 8570729Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using an insert molding process to form a tactilely seamless overall part from component parts that are made from different materials are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a housing includes a first part formed from a first material and a second part formed from a second material that is of a different type than the first material. The first part includes a first external surface and a first bonding surface, and the second part includes a second external surface and a second bonding surface. The second bonding surface can be integrally bonded to the first bonding surface so that the first external surface and the second external surface form a gap-free overall surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher Prest, Eric Wang, Bradley J. Hamel, Phillip Michael Hobson
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Publication number: 20130210244Abstract: Magnetic connectors that may be readily manufactured and provide a high landed force and labels for magnetic connectors that may protect magnets or magnetic elements in the connectors, provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and improve the magnetic performance of the connectors. In various examples, power and signal paths may be formed using contacts that are separate from magnets or magnetic elements, paths may be formed using magnets or magnetic elements, or paths may be formed using a combination of contacts and magnets and magnetic elements. The magnets may have various arrangements. One or more magnets may be used in conjunction with magnetic elements. The interface surface of these magnets and magnetic elements may have various contours, such as flat, spline, or involute.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, George V. Anastas, David Narajowski, Bradley J. Hamel, Brett William Degner, Chris Ligtenberg
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Publication number: 20130063284Abstract: A cantilevered push button adapted for accepting an input on an electrical or electronic device is disclosed. The button can include an elongated button top component disposed about an exterior surface of an electrical or electronic device such that it is accessible to a user, and having two opposing distal ends associated with separate user inputs. A first fulcrum is located between the first distal end and the midpoint of the elongated button top component, while a second fulcrum is located between the second distal end and the midpoint. A first electrical contact is associated with the first distal end, such that when a user presses on the first distal end, the elongated button top component pivots about the second fulcrum and the first electrical contact is actuated. A second electrical contact is similarly associated with the second distal end and first fulcrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bradley J. HAMEL, Tang Yew TAN, Erik WANG
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Publication number: 20130040470Abstract: A magnetic connector system having a durable and reliable construction and a reduced height while maintaining sufficient holding strength. A connector insert may utilize a crimping piece to crimp a braiding of a cable. The crimping piece may be fixed to an attraction plate and a board in the insert for mechanical reliability. Retention clips may be used to fix a shell to the attraction plate. A connector receptacle may employ a magnetically conductive label to improve holding strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Josh Pong, Chris Ligtenberg, Bartley K. Andre, Bradley J. Hamel, John DiFonzo, Dave Narajowski, Greg Springer, Eric Monsef, Min Chul Kim
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Publication number: 20130010424Abstract: A hinge assembly having a hollow and partially annular clutch is arranged to pivotally couple a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion. The hinge assembly includes at least an elongated, hollow and partially open cylindrical portion that includes a partially annular outer region and a central bore region, the central bore region suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base and lid portions. The hinge assembly also includes a plurality of fastening components that couple the hollow clutch to the base portion and the lid portion of the portable computer, with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the hollow and partially open cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Bradley J. HAMEL
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Patent number: 8299381Abstract: A cantilevered push button adapted for accepting an input on an electrical or electronic device is disclosed. The button can include an elongated button top component disposed about an exterior surface of an electrical or electronic device such that it is accessible to a user, and having two opposing distal ends associated with separate user inputs. A first fulcrum is located between the first distal end and the midpoint of the elongated button top component, while a second fulcrum is located between the second distal end and the midpoint. A first electrical contact is associated with the first distal end, such that when a user presses on the first distal end, the elongated button top component pivots about the second fulcrum and the first electrical contact is actuated. A second electrical contact is similarly associated with the second distal end and first fulcrum.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bradley J. Hamel, Tang Yew Tan, Erik Wang
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Patent number: 8199468Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a clutch barrel. The clutch barrel encloses a connector assembly, the connector assembly providing support for a lid. The clutch barrel is configured such that a junction formed by the clutch barrel and a top layer of the lid is not visible to a user when the computer housing is on a horizontal surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, John C. DiFonzo, Zheng Gao, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley J. Hamel, Timothy S. Hibbard, Ron Hopkinson, William F. Leggett, Chris Ligtenberg, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Publication number: 20120092821Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a structural support layer and a body. The body includes at least an outer layer formed of lightweight flexible material and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The inner layer is connected to the support layer forming a load path between the inner layer and the structural support layer. A load applied to the multipart computer housing is transferred by way of the load path to the support layer without substantially affecting the outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John RAFF, Bartley K. ANDRE, Laura DEFOREST, John C. DIFONZO, Zheng GAO, Michelle GOLDBERG, Bradley J. HAMEL, Timothy S. HIBBARD, Ron HOPKINSON, William F. LEGGETT, Chris LIGTENBERG, Gavin J. REID, Charles A. SCHWALBACH
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Publication number: 20120050975Abstract: Electronic devices may have housings. A housing may contain a display on its front face and a rear plate such as a plate formed from glass on its rear face. A peripheral housing member may surround the display and rear plate. An antenna may be formed in the peripheral housing member. The rear plate may be formed from laminated layers including a light guide layer. Device hinges may include hinge structures that are integral to the peripheral housing member. A logo may be formed by coating the rear plate with a patterned masking layer. Display structures for the display and the rear plate may be mounted to opposing sides of a shelf portion of the peripheral housing member. The rear plate may be formed from electrochromic glass and may cover photovoltaic cells and touch sensors. Driver boards may be mounted within a clutch barrel perpendicular to the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Adam T. Garelli, Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Keith J. Hendren, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Brett W. Degner, Bradley J. Hamel, Michael A. Damianakis, Patrick Kessler
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Patent number: 8111505Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a structural support layer and a body. The body includes at least an outer layer formed of lightweight flexible material and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The inner layer is connected to the support layer forming a load path between the inner layer and the structural support layer. A load applied to the multipart computer housing is transferred by way of the load path to the support layer without substantially affecting the outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, John C. DiFonzo, Zheng Gao, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley J. Hamel, Timothy S. Hibbard, Ron Hopkinson, William F. Leggett, Chris Ligtenberg, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Publication number: 20110090632Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a structural support layer and a body. The body includes at least an outer layer formed of lightweight flexible material and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The inner layer is connected to the support layer forming a load path between the inner layer and the structural support layer. A load applied to the multipart computer housing is transferred by way of the load path to the support layer without substantially affecting the outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, John C. DiFonzo, Zheng Gao, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley J. Hamel, Timothy S. Hibbard, Ron Hopkinson, William F. Leggett, Chris Ligtenberg, Gavin J. Reid, Charles A. Schwalbach