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).
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Patent number: 10845852Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Richard D. Kosoglow, Joshua D. Banko, David H. Narajowski, Jonathan L. Berk, Michael E. Leclerc, Michael D. McBroom, Asif Iqbal, Paul S. Michelsen, Mark K. Sin, Paul A. Baker, Harold L. Sontag, Wai Ching Yuen, Matthew P. Casebolt, Kevin S. Fetterman, Alexander C. Calkins, Daniel L. McBroom
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Publication number: 20200356148Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Caitlin Elizabeth KALINOWSKI, Richard D. KOSOGLOW, Joshua D. BANKO, David H. NARAJOWSKI, Jonathan L. BERK, Michael E. LECLERC, Michael D. MCBROOM, Asif IQBAL, Paul S. MICHELSEN, Mark K. SIN, Paul A. BAKER, Harold L. SONTAG, Wai Ching YUEN, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Kevin S. FETTERMAN, Alexander C. CALKINS, Daniel L. MCBROOM
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Publication number: 20200348734Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2019Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Eric R. Prather, Michael E. Leclerc
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Patent number: 10817062Abstract: Electronic devices may use touch pads that have touch sensor arrays, force sensors, and actuators for providing tactile feedback. A touch pad may be mounted in a computer housing. The touch pad may have a rectangular planar touch pad member that has a glass layer covered with ink and contains a capacitive touch sensor array. Force sensors may be mounted under each of the four corners of the rectangular planar touch pad member. The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may indicate the presence of button activity such as press and release events. In response to detected button activity or other activity in the device, actuator drive signals may be generated for controlling the actuator. The user may supply settings to adjust signal processing and tactile feedback parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Avi Cieplinski, Brett W. Degner, Duncan Kerr, Patrick Kessler, Paul Puskarich, Marcelo H. Coelho, Aleksandar Pance
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Patent number: 10813236Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, Danny L. McBroom, Houtan R. Farahani, Michael D. McBroom, Bart K. Andre, Sabrina K. Paseman
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Publication number: 20200311012Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Ian P. Schaeffer, Eric C. Gaertner, John T. Orchard, Michael W. Murphy, Ronald P. Songco, Corey N. Axelowitz, Brett W. Degner
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Patent number: 10777857Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Bartley K. Andre, Duncan Robert Kerr, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, John Brock, Thomas W. Wilson, Dinesh C. Mathew, Brett W. Degner, Tomas E. Ponce
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Patent number: 10772190Abstract: Heat-removal assemblies with springs on opposing sides of a support structure and methods for using the same are provided. Heat may be removed from a heat-generating assembly of an electronic device by a heat-removal assembly that may include a heat-dissipating subassembly (e.g., a heat spreader and/or a heat pipe) and a fastener subassembly. The fastener subassembly may be configured to press the heat-dissipating subassembly against the heat-generating assembly for enabling the heat-dissipating subassembly to be thermally coupled to the heat-generating assembly for removing heat therefrom. In order for the fastener subassembly to provide an even pressure distribution across the heat-dissipating subassembly for such heat removal and/or to limit deformation of one or more portions of the electronic device during such heat removal, the fastener subassembly may include two springs positioned on opposite sides of a circuit board that may be supporting the heat-generating assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, Brett W. Degner
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Publication number: 20200278747Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20200257375Abstract: A dynamic input surface for an electronic device and a method of reconfiguring the same is disclosed. The input surface has a partially-flexible metal contact portion defining an input area, and a group of indicators. The indicators may be group of holes extending through the contact portion. The group of holes may be selectively illuminated based on a gesture performed on the contact portion. A size of the input area may be dynamically varied based on the gesture. Additionally, the group of indicators indicates a boundary of the input area.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Daniel D. Sunshine, Ron A. Hopkinson, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, William F. Leggett, Patrick Kessler
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Patent number: 10725507Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Richard D. Kosoglow, Joshua D. Banko, David H. Narajowski, Jonathan L. Berk, Michael E. Leclerc, Michael D. McBroom, Asif Iqbal, Paul S. Michelsen, Mark K. Sin, Paul A. Baker, Harold L. Sontag, Wai Ching Yuen, Matthew P. Casebolt, Kevin S. Fetterman, Alexander C. Calkins, Daniel L. McBroom
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Publication number: 20200187381Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to a component for use in a portable electronic device. The component includes a wall of the portable electronic device, containing an intake zone that includes a set of intake vents. The wall also includes an exhaust zone containing a set of exhaust vents.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bartley K. Andre, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Jay S. Nigen, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Charles A. Schwalbach, Matthew P. Casebolt, Nicholas A. Rundle, Frank F. Liang
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Patent number: 10673035Abstract: A portable electronic device is described. This portable electronic device includes an external housing with a cavity defined by an edge. A keyboard, having a front surface and a back surface, is disposed in the cavity with the front surface facing the external housing. Moreover, a tray is disposed over the back surface of the keyboard, and is mechanically coupled to the external housing adjacent to the edge. Furthermore, battery cells are mechanically coupled to an opposite side of the tray from the back surface of the keyboard. The tray may allow the battery cells to be removed from the portable electronic device without damaging the keyboard. In addition, the tray may increase the compression strength and/or the bending strength of the portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ron A. Hopkinson, Brett W. Degner, Robert S. Murphy, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Matthew P. Casebolt, Peter M. Arnold, Eric A. Knopf
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Patent number: 10656719Abstract: A dynamic input surface for an electronic device and a method of reconfiguring the same is disclosed. The input surface has a partially-flexible metal contact portion defining an input area, and a group of indicators. The indicators may be group of holes extending through the contact portion. The group of holes may be selectively illuminated based on a gesture performed on the contact portion. A size of the input area may be dynamically varied based on the gesture. Additionally, the group of indicators indicates a boundary of the input area.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Daniel D. Sunshine, Ron A. Hopkinson, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, William F. Leggett, Patrick Kessler
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Patent number: 10656714Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.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
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Publication number: 20200150729Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20200141418Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for mitigating recirculation of backflow fluid through a fan. The fan includes a housing having a channel that extends from an inlet to an outlet of the housing. A rotor assembly is positioned within the channel and is configured to direct a fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The rotor assembly includes a hub, a plurality of fan blades, and a shroud disposed about a circumference of the fan blades, where a radial gap extends between the shroud and the housing. The radial gap is configured to receive a portion of the fluid flow from the outlet as backflow fluid. The rotor assembly also includes an inlet flange that is configured receive the backflow fluid from the radial gap and to direct the backflow fluid in a direction away from the inlet prior to discharge of the backflow fluid from the radial gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Anthony J. Aiello, Cheng P. Tan, Jesse T. Dybenko, Arash Naghib Lahouti, Eric R. Prather, Philippe P. Herrou, Ashkan Rasouli, Brett W. Degner, Michael E. LeClerc
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Patent number: 10645832Abstract: An electronic device can include a tubular frame to receive and support electronic components and a shell that defines a portion of the exterior surface of the device and an internal volume sized to encompass the electronic components and tubular frame. The shell can be removably attachable to the tubular frame by a user actuated locking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, Danny L. McBroom, Houtan R. Farahani, Michael D. McBroom, Bart K. Andre, Sabrina K. Paseman
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Patent number: 10642327Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a housing surrounding an interior portion of the electronic device. The housing may have one or more layers of material such as fabric layers, polymer layers, and metal layers. An outer fabric layer may have openings between adjacent strands of material such as openings between adjacent warp and weft strands. An inner housing layer such as a layer of plastic or metal may have openings that define airflow entrance and exit ports. The outer fabric layer may overlap the openings of the airflow entrance and exit ports. A fan may draw cooling air into the interior through the airflow entrance port and may expel air through the airflow exit port. An airflow controller in the interior may be controlled by control circuitry based on measurements from temperature sensors. The airflow controller may steer airflow to cool appropriate electronic components in the interior.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Richard D. Kosoglow, David H. Narajowski, Bart K. Andre, Brett W. Degner, Daniele G. De Iuliis, Houtan R. Farahani, Eric R. Prather
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Patent number: 10642361Abstract: A haptic electromagnetic actuator for track pad is provided. The actuator includes an array of electromagnets with alternating South and North poles on a first end, each magnet comprising a metal core and an electrical wire around the metal core. The array of magnets is coupled to a base plate on a second end opposite to the first end. The actuator also includes an attraction plate at a distance from the first end of the array of the magnets such that the attraction plate moves toward the magnets when an electrical current flows through the electrical wire around the metal core and moves away from the magnets when the current becomes zero. The array of magnets is configured to form a uniform gap from the attraction plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Patrick Kessler, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Jonah A. Harley, Brett W. Degner, Nicholas Alan Rundle, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Nicholaus Lubinski, Kenneth L Staton, Omar Sze Leung