Patents by Inventor Brett William Degner

Brett William 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: 20210119296
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Alan Hopkinson, Brett William Degner, Robert Sean Murphy, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Matthew P. Casebolt, Peter M. Arnold, Eric A. Knopf
  • Publication number: 20210116961
    Abstract: An actuating user interface for a media player or other electronic device is disclosed. According to one aspect, the user interface is a display device that can both display visual information and serve as a mechanical actuator to generate input signals is disclosed. The display device, which displays visual information such as text, characters and graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device such as a joystick or navigation pad, and/or the like. According to another aspect, the user interface is an input device that includes a movable touch pad control signal capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Jonathan P. IVE, Christopher J. STRINGER, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20190196622
    Abstract: An actuating user interface for a media player or other electronic device is disclosed. According to one aspect, the user interface is a display device that can both display visual information and serve as a mechanical actuator to generate input signals is disclosed. The display device, which displays visual information such as text, characters and graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device such as a joystick or navigation pad, and/or the like. According to another aspect, the user interface is an input device that includes a movable touch pad control signal capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Jonathan P. IVE, Christopher J. STRINGER, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20190171313
    Abstract: An actuating user interface for a media player or other electronic device is disclosed. According to one aspect, the user interface is a display device that can both display visual information and serve as a mechanical actuator to generate input signals is disclosed. The display device, which displays visual information such as text, characters and graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device such as a joystick or navigation pad, and/or the like. According to another aspect, the user interface is an input device that includes a movable touch pad control signal capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Jonathan P. IVE, Christopher J. STRINGER, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20190034007
    Abstract: An actuating user interface for a media player or other electronic device is disclosed. According to one aspect, the user interface is a display device that can both display visual information and serve as a mechanical actuator to generate input signals is disclosed. The display device, which displays visual information such as text, characters and graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device such as a joystick or navigation pad, and/or the like. According to another aspect, the user interface is an input device that includes a movable touch pad control signal capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Jonathan P. IVE, Christopher J. STRINGER, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20180013231
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, George V. Anastas, David H. Narajowski, Bradley J. Hamel, Brett William Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg
  • Publication number: 20170285781
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch-sensitive track pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a tracking control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the ovable track pad so as to generate one or more other control signals (e.g, button signals). The control signals can be used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, Patrick Kessler, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Bartley K. Andre, Matthew P. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 9780484
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, George V. Anastas, David Narajowski, Bradley J. Hamel, Brett William Degner, Chris Ligtenberg
  • Patent number: 9612674
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch-sensitive track pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a tracking control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable track pad so as to generate one or more other control signals (e.g., button signals). The control signals can be used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, Patrick Kessler, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Bartley K. Andre, Matthew P. Casebolt
  • Publication number: 20170010748
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a first control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20170010749
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a first control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20160154504
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a first control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20160004355
    Abstract: An actuating user interface for a media player or other electronic device is disclosed. According to one aspect, the user interface is a display device that can both display visual information and serve as a mechanical actuator to generate input signals is disclosed. The display device, which displays visual information such as text, characters and graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device such as a joystick or navigation pad, and/or the like. According to another aspect, the user interface is an input device that includes a movable touch pad control signal capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Jonathan P. IVE, Christopher J. STRINGER, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20150193038
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch-sensitive track pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a tracking control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable track pad so as to generate one or more other control signals (e.g., button signals). The control signals can be used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, Patrick Kessler, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Bartley K. Andre, Matthew P. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 9007760
    Abstract: A hinge assembly having a hollow clutch is arranged to pivotally couple a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion. The hinge assembly includes at least a hollow cylindrical portion that includes an 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 cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized. The integrally formed fastening region(s) can be flat with holes dispersed therethrough for screws, bolts or the like. The central bore can also support a heat transfer element and can also serve as a lubricant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Brett William Degner, John M. Brock, Bradley Joseph Hamel
  • Publication number: 20150062050
    Abstract: An actuating user interface for a media player or other electronic device is disclosed. According to one aspect, the user interface is a display device that can both display visual information and serve as a mechanical actuator to generate input signals is disclosed. By way of example, the display device, which displays visual information such as text, characters and graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device such as a joystick or navigation pad, and/or the like. According to another aspect, the user interface is an input device that includes a movable touch pad control signal capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Jonathan P. IVE, Christopher J. STRINGER, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20150049059
    Abstract: An actuating user interface for a media player or other electronic device is disclosed. According to one aspect, the user interface is a display device that can both display visual information and serve as a mechanical actuator to generate input signals is disclosed. By way of example, the display device, which displays visual information such as text, characters and graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device such as a joystick or navigation pad, and/or the like. According to another aspect, the user interface is an input device that includes a movable touch pad control signal capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Jonathan P. IVE, Christopher J. STRINGER, Matthew Dean ROHRBACH, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Publication number: 20140306911
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a first control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Paul ZADESKY, Stephen Brian LYNCH, Brett William DEGNER
  • Patent number: 8749493
    Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes a movable touch pad capable of detecting an object in close proximity thereto so as to generate a first control signal. The input device also includes a movement indicator capable of detecting the movements of the movable touch pad so as to generate one or more distinct second control signals. The control signals being used to perform actions in an electronic device operatively coupled to the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Zadesky, Stephen Brian Lynch, Brett William Degner
  • Patent number: D768134
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, John M. Brock, Matthew Phillip Casebolt, Brett William Degner, Ron Alan Hopkinson, Eugene Kim, Chris Ligtenberg, John Raff, David Yeh