Patents by Inventor Christiaan A. Ligtenberg
Christiaan A. Ligtenberg 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: 8831261Abstract: A portable computing device can include one or more speakers integrated with internal components. In one embodiment, the speakers can be configured to produce audio output signals and direct at least a portion of the audio signals through vents disposed on a base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the vents can also direct cooling air into the base portion. In one embodiment, the speakers can also be configured to direct a portion of the audio signal through a speaker grille disposed on the base portion. One embodiment of a speaker enclosure can include a resonant cavity for a first audio transducer formed by the speaker enclosure in cooperation with the base portion of the portable computing device and a second audio transducer configured to direct an audio signal beneath a keyboard.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew P. Casebolt, Ron A. Hopkinson, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Charles A. Schwalbach, Derek J. Yap
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Publication number: 20140096889Abstract: Methods and systems for adhering internal components in a portable computing device are described. In some embodiments, an internal component adhesive removal system can include a conforming wrapper. In one embodiment, the conforming wrapper can wrap around a portion of an outer surface of the internal component. The conforming wrapper can secure and at least partially enclose the internal component such that the internal component is sufficiently constrained to protect the internal component from damage during movement of the portable computing device during normal use. In some embodiments, the wrapper comprises one or more shock absorbing features. In some embodiments, the wrapper comprises a feature configured to tear to facilitate removal of the internal component from the portable computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventors: Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Kathleen A. BERGERON, William F. LEGGETT, Christiaan A. LIGTENBERG, David M. ROCKFORD
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Publication number: 20140085556Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display that has a layer of liquid crystal material interposed between a color filter layer and a thin-film-transistor layer. The thin-film-transistor layer may have a substrate with an upper surface and a lower surface. A circular polarizer may be formed on the upper surface. Thin-film transistor circuitry such as gate driver circuitry may be formed on the lower surface. A display driver circuit may be mounted on an inactive border region of the lower surface of the thin-film transistor substrate. Display pixels may form an array in a central active region of the display. A grid of metal gate and data lines may distribute signals from the display driver circuit and gate driver circuitry to the display pixels. A grid of non-reflecting lines may be interposed between the grid of metal lines and the lower surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Victor H. Yin, Jun Qi, Dinesh C. Mathew, Shih-Chang Chang, Cheng Chen, John Z. Zhong, Wei Chen, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg
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Publication number: 20140077670Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The laptop computer can include a uni-body top case having an integrated support system formed therein, the integrated support system providing structural support that distributes applied loads through the top case preventing warping and bowing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Christiaan A. LIGTENBERG, Ron A. HOPKINSON, Bartley K. ANDRE, Jeremy BATAILLOU, Jay S. NIGEN, Matthew S. THEOBALD, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Charles A. SCHWALBACH, Brandon S. SMITH, William F. LEGGETT
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Publication number: 20140063433Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and more particularly to methods for extending a glass portion of a display to an edge of a display housing. In one embodiment, a thin cover glass layer is provided between a color filter glass layer and an upper polarizer. The thin cover glass layer is supported along an edge of the display by a filler material that can include a foam dam and a glass spacer or adhesive filler. The filler material allows the cover glass layer to be supported without damaging any drivers or circuits located on an underlying thin film transistor glass layer. In another embodiment, a glass spacer circuit with integrated drivers and circuitry on its lower surface can support the cover glass along the edge of the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Eric Lee Benson, Bryan W. Posner, Jun Qi, Victor Hao-En Yin, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Dinesh C. Mathew, Adam T. Garelli
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Patent number: 8616748Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The laptop computer can include a uni-body top case having an integrated support system formed therein, the integrated support system providing structural support that distributes applied loads through the top case preventing warping and bowing.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Bartley K. Andre, Jeremy Bataillou, Jay S Nigen, Matthew S. Theobald, Matthew P. Casebolt, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith, William F. Leggett
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Publication number: 20130329450Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for providing a lightweight and durable portable computing device having a thin profile. The portable computing device can take the form of a laptop computer. The laptop computer can include a uni-body top case having an integrated support system formed therein, the integrated support system providing structural support that distributes applied loads through the top case preventing warping and bowing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Christiaan A. LIGTENBERG, Ron A. HOPKINSON, Bartley K. ANDRE, Jeremy BATAILLOU, Jay S. NIGEN, Matthew S. THEOBALD, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Charles A. SCHWALBACH, Brandon S. SMITH, William F. LEGGETT
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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: 20130329349Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: 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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Publication number: 20130329354Abstract: Absorbers for a mass storage device are provided. The absorbers may be configured to protect the mass storage device from drop events and reduce the transmission of vibrations from and/or to the mass storage device. Additionally, the absorbers may occupy a smaller amount of space than traditional snubber mounting arrangements. The absorbers may include major surface absorbers formed from a first elastomeric material that engage major surfaces of the mass storage device. Corner absorbers formed from a second elastomeric material may engage the corners of the mass storage device and the side walls of a compartment in a case. The major surface absorbers and the corner absorbers may distribute and absorb load applied during a drop event. A related portable computing device and a related method are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Eric A. Knopf, John M. BROCK, Robert L. Coish, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson
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Publication number: 20130327507Abstract: 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 directed at a first angle toward one or more heat-generating components of the portable electronic device. The wall also includes an exhaust zone containing a set of exhaust vents directed at a second angle out of the portable electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: 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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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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Publication number: 20130328785Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for internal components for portable computing devices relating to keyboard components and keyboard backlighting. In one embodiment, a keyboard module can include a rectangular light guide panel and a driver board including discrete light sources mounted on the driver board where the driver board is disposed along one edge of the light guide panel and light emitted for the discrete light sources is captured by the light guide panel and distributed to predetermined locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Ryan P. Brooks, Robert S. Murphy, John M. Brock, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Charles A. Schwalbach
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Publication number: 20130328521Abstract: A power supply for use in a portable electronic device is described. This power supply includes battery cells in separate locations that are electrically coupled by a power bus to a battery-management circuit board, which includes an integrated circuit with control logic that monitors the battery cells and that regulates charging and discharging of the battery cells. The battery cells are not enclosed in a common battery-pack housing so that the battery cells are mechanically separate from each other. Moreover, the battery-management circuit board is external to the battery cells and is not enclosed in the battery-pack housing. By excluding the battery-pack housing from the power supply, there may be more space available to expand the sizes, and thus the total capacities, of the battery cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Robert S. Murphy, Brett W. Degner, Eugene Kim, Peter M. Arnold, Jim Hwang
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Publication number: 20130329934Abstract: A portable computing device can include one or more speakers integrated with internal components. In one embodiment, the speakers can be configured to produce audio output signals and direct at least a portion of the audio signals through vents disposed on a base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the vents can also direct cooling air into the base portion. In one embodiment, the speakers can also be configured to direct a portion of the audio signal through a speaker grille disposed on the base portion. One embodiment of a speaker enclosure can include a resonant cavity for a first audio transducer formed by the speaker enclosure in cooperation with the base portion of the portable computing device and a second audio transducer configured to direct an audio signal beneath a keyboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Ron A. Hopkinson, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Charles A. Schwalbach, Derek J. Yap
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Publication number: 20130285984Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Patrick KESSLER, Christiaan A. LIGTENBERG, Thomas W. WILSON, JR., Bartley K. ANDRE, Matthew P. CASEBOLT
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Publication number: 20130071683Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for electroforming a dome for use in a dome switch. A mandrel having several dome shapes incorporated in a planar surface is provided. The mandrel can serve as a cathode in an electroforming process to construct a sheet of domes, for example by enabling the deposition of a sheet of nickel on the mandrel. The domes can be singulated from the sheet for use as part of dome switches. The electroforming process may ensure that the domes have a uniform thickness and no internal stresses that may affect the performance of the domes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Michael Hillman, Christiaan Ligtenberg, Gregory Tice
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Publication number: 20120049702Abstract: Electronic device frames may be formed from fiber composites. Carbon fiber material may be formed into frame members using pultrusion tools. Notches may be machined into the frame members. The machined frame members may be assembled to form a rectangular frame assembly using lap joints. Fiber tape may be wound around the periphery of the frame assembly. Following curing, additional parts such as a metal blank may be bonded to the frame assembly and machined.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Kevin Kenney, Adam T. Garelli, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg
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Patent number: 7331666Abstract: An eyewear having a frame, at least one temple attached to the frame, and a radio frequency transceiver for short-distance wireless communication. The radio frequency transceiver is mounted on either the frame or the temple and is configured to form an ad hoc wireless network with a plurality of devices. The radio frequency transceiver communicates with these devices within a frequency band of 2.45 gigahertz (GHz).Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Q.R. Spex, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Swab, James E. Malackowski, Mikal Greaves, Rolf Milesi, Christiaan Ligtenberg, Thomas Meier
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Patent number: 7092254Abstract: A cooling system, the system comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid to be flown from the inlet into the housing and out of outlet to exit the housing. The housing further has an interior portion for an electronic device to reside therein and a vibration transducer coupling to the housing. The liquid is flown across the electronic device to dissipate heat from the electronic device. The vibration transducer causes turbulent or agitation in the liquid as the liquid is flown across the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Eric Monsef, Christiaan Ligtenberg, Zach Zeliff, Ihab A. Ali