Patents by Inventor Brian H. Thornton

Brian H. Thornton 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: 9316860
    Abstract: A display polarizer may have a polymer layer such as a polyvinyl alcohol layer coated with a dichroic dye such as iodine. A polymer layer such as a tri-acetyl cellulose layer may be formed on the polyvinyl alcohol layer so that the iodine is interposed between the polyvinyl alcohol layer and the tri-acetyl cellulose layer. To provide protection for the iodine layer, an additional polymer layer such as an additional tri-acetyl cellulose layer and a layer of adhesive may be formed on top of the polymer layer. A functional layer such as an antireflection layer may form an outermost layer in the polarizer. Compensation films may be formed beneath the polyvinyl alcohol layer. Additional display layers such as a lower polarizer layer and interposed layers such as a thin-film transistor layer, liquid crystal layer, and color filter layer may be formed below the compensation films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Buchanan, Brian H. Thornton, Cheng Chen, Craig S. Gilden, Jun Qi, Nicholas G. Roland, Victor H. Yin, Zhibing Ge
  • Publication number: 20150177562
    Abstract: A display polarizer may have a polymer layer such as a polyvinyl alcohol layer coated with a dichroic dye such as iodine. A polymer layer such as a tri-acetyl cellulose layer may be formed on the polyvinyl alcohol layer so that the iodine is interposed between the polyvinyl alcohol layer and the tri-acetyl cellulose layer. To provide protection for the iodine layer, an additional polymer layer such as an additional tri-acetyl cellulose layer and a layer of adhesive may be formed on top of the polymer layer. A functional layer such as an antireflection layer may form an outermost layer in the polarizer. Compensation films may be formed beneath the polyvinyl alcohol layer. Additional display layers such as a lower polarizer layer and interposed layers such as a thin-film transistor layer, liquid crystal layer, and color filter layer may be formed below the compensation films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Buchanan, Brian H. Thornton, Cheng Chen, Craig S. Gilden, Jun Qi, Nicholas G. Roland, Victor H. Yin, Zhibing Ge
  • Patent number: 7663278
    Abstract: A fluid bearing that utilizes a variable width groove is described. The fluid bearing includes two surfaces that are rotatable relative to one another, with a groove on at least one of the surface. The borders of the groove are a non-constant width from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Ferdinand Hendriks, Brian H. Thornton
  • Patent number: 7637663
    Abstract: A fluid bearing that utilizes a variable depth groove is described. The fluid bearing includes two surfaces that are rotatable relative to one another, with a groove on at least one of the surfaces. The floor of the groove is non-constant in depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Ferdinand Hendriks, Brian H. Thornton
  • Patent number: 7465098
    Abstract: A bearing system having variably grooved radial and thrust bearing with reduced groove angle near bearing entry is described. In an embodiment, the bearing system includes a housing. The bearing system also includes a shaft centrally located in the housing. The bearing system additionally includes a rotor portion that is adapted to be rotated about the shaft and contained within the housing. The bearing further includes a variably angled groove disposed on an internal surface of the bearing system. The variably angled groove reduces ingestion of air in the bearing system during operation of the bearing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Ferdinand Hendriks, Fu-Ying Huang, Brian H. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20070292058
    Abstract: A fluid bearing that utilizes a variable depth groove is described. The fluid bearing includes two surfaces that are rotatable relative to one another, with a groove on at least one of the surfaces. The floor of the groove is non-constant in depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Ferdinand Hendriks, Brian H. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20070290559
    Abstract: A fluid bearing that utilizes a variable width groove is described. The fluid bearing includes two surfaces that are rotatable relative to one another, with a groove on at least one of the surface. The borders of the groove are a non-constant width from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Ferdinand Hendriks, Brian H. Thornton