Patents by Inventor Brett W. Degner

Brett W. Degner 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: 20230089080
    Abstract: A desktop computing system having at least a central core surrounded by housing having a shape that defines a volume in which the central core resides is described. The housing includes a first opening and a second opening axially displaced from the first opening. The first opening having a size and shape in accordance with an amount of airflow used as a heat transfer medium for cooling internal components, the second opening defined by a lip that engages a portion of the airflow in such a way that at least some of the heat transferred to the air flow from the internal components is passed to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Eugene A. Whang, Christopher J. Stringer, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Patrick Kessler, Eric R. Prather, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Adam T. Stagnaro, Daniel L. McBroom, Matthew P. Casebolt, Michael D. McBroom
  • Patent number: 11604491
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to computing devices including liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and more particularly to methods for attaching a cover glass layer to a structural housing while minimizing an amount of stress transferred through the cover glass layer to the LCD module. A continuous and compliant foam adhesive can be used to bond the cover glass layer to a structural. The compliant bond can absorb and distribute local stress concentrations caused by structural loads, mismatched surfaces and differing thermal expansion rates between various structures and cover glass layer. This can reduce stress concentrations in the cover glass layer that can lead to stress induced birefringence in the LCD cell. In other embodiments, the cover glass layer can be attached using magnets or a tongue and groove design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Edward J. Cooper, Brett W. Degner, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholas Alan Rundle, Dave Tarkington
  • Patent number: 11570549
    Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that reduce the size of headphones and allow for small form-factor storage configurations are discussed. User convenience features that include synchronizing earpiece stem positions and 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: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, David H. Narajowski, Kristopher P. Laurent, William K. Smith, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniele de Luliis, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan
  • Publication number: 20220385160
    Abstract: A linear resonant actuator includes a ferritic tube, a movable mass, first and second flexures, and a set of one or more flexures. The ferritic tube has an axis extending from a first end of the ferritic tube to a second end of the ferritic tube. The movable mass has a set of magnet sections disposed along the axis. First and second flexures mechanically couple first and second ends of the movable mass to the ferritic tube. The flexures suspend the movable mass within the ferritic tube and allow movement of the movable mass along the axis. The electric coil(s) are attached to the ferritic tube and extend around the movable mass, between the ferritic tube and the movable mass. Each magnet section has magnetic poles disposed at different positions along the axis, and like magnetic poles of adjacent magnetic sections face each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Brenton A. Baugh, Shingo Yoneoka, Songsheng Zhou
  • Publication number: 20220365558
    Abstract: An input device includes a touch plate having a central axis and a top surface with three outer points evenly spaced away from the central axis. A touch sensor is used to detect a user touch on the top surface at the first outer point, and a support mechanism supports the touch plate and is configured to translate the touch plate at the second and third outer points upon application of the user touch and translation of the touch plate at the first outer point. Translation of the three outer points is substantially equal along the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Thomas R. Matzinger, Bradley J. Hamel, Ryan P. Brooks, Scott J. Krahn, Arka P. Roy
  • Publication number: 20220356931
    Abstract: A display assembly has a linkage and counterbalance made to provide non-tilting movement of a display at the end of a support arm while providing counterbalance equal to a change in potential energy of the display. The linkage can be a four-bar, parallelogram-shaped linkage, and the counterbalance can include a Scotch yoke configured to store energy in an energy storage device of the assembly as the support arm rotates. The display assembly can improve comfort and ease of moving a supported display while minimizing friction, hysteresis, and counterbalance mismatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, Brett W. Degner, Danny L. McBroom, David H. Narajowski, Edward T. Sweet
  • Publication number: 20220357773
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a glass housing member that includes an upper portion defining a display area, a lower portion defining an input area, and a transition portion joining the upper portion and the lower portion and defining a continuous, curved surface between the upper portion and the lower portion. The electronic device may include a display coupled to the glass housing member and configured to provide a visual output at the display area. The electronic device may include an input device coupled to the glass housing member and configured to detect inputs at the input area. The electronic device may include a support structure coupled to the glass housing member and configured to support the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Paul X. Wang, Adam T. Garelli, Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Dinesh C. Mathew
  • Publication number: 20220354031
    Abstract: This application relates to display devices and the layout/architecture of various internal components to enhance thermal energy management. A display device described herein may include one or more fan assemblies that drive ambient air into the display device to cool heat-generating components of the display device, and also to drive the ambient air, once heated through convectively cooling the heat-generating components, out of the display device. Further, the location of the heat-generating components is such that the heat-generating components upstream relative to the one or more fan assemblies. In this manner, the ambient air can pass over or through the heat-generating components prior to reaching the one or more fan assemblies. Additionally, heat-generating components, such as a backlit device and a power supply unit, are positioned relatively close to vent inlets in the display device. As a result, these heat-generating devices are immediately cooled with the ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Michael E. LECLERC, Kevin J. RYAN, Brett W. DEGNER
  • Patent number: 11477575
    Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that reduce the size of headphones and allow for small form-factor storage configurations are discussed. User convenience features that include synchronizing earpiece stem positions and 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: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, David H. Narajowski, Kristopher P. Laurent, William K. Smith, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniele de Iuliis, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan
  • Publication number: 20220326777
    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 17, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    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: 20220325848
    Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
  • Publication number: 20220325845
    Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V. Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
  • Publication number: 20220326731
    Abstract: Support systems and stands for electronic devices include tilt hinges, lift arms, and their component parts. Some tilt hinges include assemblies for guiding and retaining bars or protrusions into preferred positioning within receiver openings to unify the parts, particularly as they move, and to reduce wobble or slop in the joints. Lift arms provide simplified and low-cost guidance and counterbalance mechanisms for controlling movement of the electronic device relative to the base of a stand. In some cases, the lift arms have sheaths to help protect or cover mechanisms while allowing additional space for the mechanisms within the lift arm. Other interconnection systems hide and protect a connector interface between the stand and the electronic device within a housing until unlocked and the connector is moved into an exposed position. These systems improve efficiency, comfort, ergonomics, accessibility, and user satisfaction of the electronic devices and their supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Kevin M. Robinson, Christoph M. Pistor, Mehrdad Hooshmand, Simon J. Trivett, Bradley J. Hamel, Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Stephen V Jayanathan, Laura M. DeForest
  • Publication number: 20220290798
    Abstract: A display stand has two spaced apart legs connected by a horizontal support bar that is attachable to multiple displays. Carriage assemblies allow the stand to adjust the vertical position of the displays, shuttles and rails allow the stand to adjust the horizontal positions of the displays, and a central joint on the support bar allows the stand to adjust the angle between the displays. The carriage assemblies can convert rotational movement of adjustment handles into vertical movement of the support bar that is synchronized at both legs whether the support bar is in a straight or angled configuration. Wheels on the shuttles can provide smooth, consistent contact with rails in the support bar despite changes in the nominal dimensions of the rails. The display stand provides improved smoothness, rigidity, and comfort for the user to support and use multiple displays on a single stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Brett W. Degner, Danny L. McBroom, David H. Narajowski, Denis H. Endisch, Kristopher P. Laurent, Simon J. Trivett
  • Publication number: 20220290797
    Abstract: Display assemblies for supporting displays on stands or support arms have mount portions to removably attach to the displays using magnetic assemblies and latches. The magnetic assemblies and latches can improve user experience and allow the display to be installed on a support arm from the viewing side of the display and without having to see or reach behind the display. Magnetic structures can center a mount portion of the support arm and a recess of the display and can attract them to each other. Laterally-extending latches can ensure the display is not inadvertently removed. Locking mechanisms can prevent the display from being rotated to a portrait orientation when sufficient space around the display and the necessary user intent is not provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, Bradley J. Hamel, Brett W. Degner, David H. Narajowski, Hao Zhu, Lauren M. Farrell, Sunita Venkatesh, Peter N. Jeziorek, Edward T. Sweet, David A. Jungquist, Karen Y. Cheng, Xiang Zhang, Danny L. McBroom, Michael D. McBroom, Laura M. DeForest
  • Publication number: 20220287202
    Abstract: Fan assemblies are disclosed. Fan assemblies include an impeller with asymmetric design. For example, an impeller may include a first set of blades with one geometry and second set of fan blades with another geometry. This enables a dual-inlet centrifugal fan to generate different air flow performance characteristics for the air entering one fan inlet compared to the air entering the other fan inlet. The impeller, with different fan blade configurations, can better handle air flow entering the fan assembly through different inlets, particularly when the air flow conditions differ through the inlets due to impeding structures (e.g., motor, struts, etc.). As a result, air flow distribution from air leaving the impeller, including the locations associated with the different fan blade configurations, is relatively uniform. Beneficially, when air flow distribution uniformity increases, the fan assembly operates more efficiently, as air flow pressure losses due to flow separation are mitigated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph AIELLO, Brett W. DEGNER, Jesse T. DYBENKO, Arash NAGHIB LAHOUTI, Eric R. PRATHER
  • Patent number: 11429157
    Abstract: An input device includes a touch plate having a central axis and a top surface with three outer points evenly spaced away from the central axis. A touch sensor is used to detect a user touch on the top surface at the first outer point, and a support mechanism supports the touch plate and is configured to translate the touch plate at the second and third outer points upon application of the user touch and translation of the touch plate at the first outer point. Translation of the three outer points is substantially equal along the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Thomas R. Matzinger, Bradley J. Hamel, Ryan P. Brooks, Scott J. Krahn, Arka P. Roy
  • Publication number: 20220269640
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor, a PCIe-compatible interface bus that includes a root that is connected to the processor, and a routing complex that is connected to the root and is controlled by the processor. The computer also includes a first interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, a second interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches, and an extended interface slot that is connectable to the root by the switches. The switches are configured based on properties of a first peripheral device to define a first switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected only to the first interface slot and to define a second switching configuration when the first peripheral device is connected to both of the first interface slot and the extended interface slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Ian P. Shaeffer, Eric C. Gaertner, John T. Orchard, Michael W. Murphy, Ronald P. Songco, Corey N. Axelowitz, Brett W. Degner
  • Patent number: 11415201
    Abstract: A display assembly has a linkage and counterbalance made to provide non-tilting movement of a display at the end of a support arm while providing counterbalance equal to a change in potential energy of the display. The linkage can be a four-bar, parallelogram-shaped linkage, and the counterbalance can include a Scotch yoke configured to store energy in an energy storage device of the assembly as the support arm rotates. The display assembly can improve comfort and ease of moving a supported display while minimizing friction, hysteresis, and counterbalance mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, Brett W. Degner, Danny L. McBroom, David H. Narajowski, Edward T. Sweet
  • Publication number: 20220244764
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing that defines an internal volume. The electronic device can also include a component within the internal volume that divides the internal volume into a first volume and a second volume. The first volume and second volume can be fluidically isolated except at an aperture defined by the component. An air-moving system can produce a positive air pressure in the first volume and a negative air pressure in the second volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Eric R. Prather, Michael E. Leclerc