Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Walton
Christopher J. Walton 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: 11857063Abstract: A wirelessly locatable tag may include a first housing member defining a first exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag and an interior surface opposite the first exterior surface. The wirelessly locatable tag may further include a second housing member defining a second exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag a first antenna configured transmit the wireless signal using a first wireless protocol, a second antenna configured to communicate using a second wireless protocol different than the first wireless protocol, and an audio system. The audio system may include a magnet assembly configured to produce a magnetic field and a coil positioned within the magnetic field and coupled to the interior surface of the first housing member, the coil configured to interact with the magnetic field to impart a force on the first housing member, thereby moving a portion of the first housing member to produce an audible output.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Justin D. Crosby, Ryan C. Perkins, Woojin Jung, Tatsuya Sano, Samuel B. Schaevitz, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher M. Werner
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Publication number: 20230379637Abstract: An in-ear electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that defines an interior chamber surrounding a transducer and an opening from the interior chamber to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; and an acoustic valve comprising a driven member coupled to a driving member having a lever and a shape memory alloy operable to cause the driven member to open and close the opening upon application of a current.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory, Scott C. Grinker, Christopher J. Walton, Julia C. Canning, Michael B. Nussbaum
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Patent number: 11812842Abstract: A wirelessly locatable tag may be configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate localization of the wirelessly locatable tag by the electronic device. The wirelessly locatable tag may include an antenna assembly comprising an antenna frame defining a top surface and a peripheral side surface and an antenna positioned along the peripheral side surface and configured to transmit the wireless signal. The wirelessly locatable tag may further include a frame member coupled to the antenna assembly and defining a battery cavity configured to receive a button cell battery and an enclosure enclosing the antenna assembly and the frame member. The enclosure may include a first housing member formed from a unitary polymer structure and defining a top wall defining an entirety of a top exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Tatsuya Sano, Christopher J. Walton, Erik L. Wang, Christopher M. Werner
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Patent number: 11722015Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Walton, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 11553772Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
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Publication number: 20220385106Abstract: Wireless chargers that can properly align and securely hold an electronic device, provide power to more than one electronic device, and fold into a compact shape. One example can provide a wireless charger having an alignment feature to align an electronic device to the wireless charger. The wireless charger can include a first leaf having first charging components for charging a first electronic device and a second leaf having a charging puck that includes second charging components for charging a second electronic device. The charging puck can move between a down position and an up position. The charging puck can be moved away from the second leaf while in the up position. The charging puck can retract when moved to the down position. The first leaf and the second leaf can fold together into a compact shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher J. Walton
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Publication number: 20220094202Abstract: Wireless chargers that can properly align and securely hold an electronic device, provide power to more than one electronic device, and fold into a compact shape. One example can provide a wireless charger having an alignment feature to align an electronic device to the wireless charger. The wireless charger can further include an attachment feature to attach the electronic device to the wireless charger such that the electronic device is securely held in place relative to the wireless charger. The wireless charger can include a first leaf having first charging components for charging a first electronic device and a second leaf having second charging components for charging a second electronic device. The first leaf and the second leaf can fold together into a compact shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher J. Walton, Grant S. Haug
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Publication number: 20220006143Abstract: A wirelessly locatable tag may include a first housing member defining an exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag and a frame member attached to the first housing member and defining a battery cavity configured to receive a button cell battery and an opening through the frame member. The wirelessly locatable tag may further include a circuit board positioned between the first housing member and the frame member, a battery connector coupled to the circuit board and comprising a deflectable arm extending into the battery cavity through the opening in the frame member, a second housing member removably coupled to the frame member, and a biasing member configured to bias the button cell battery into the battery cavity of the frame member and against the deflectable arm of the battery connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Christopher J. Walton, Ryan C. Perkins, Tatsuya Sano, Samuel B. Schaevitz, Christopher M. Werner
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Publication number: 20220004837Abstract: A wirelessly locatable tag may be configured to transmit a wireless signal to an electronic device to facilitate localization of the wirelessly locatable tag by the electronic device. The wirelessly locatable tag may include an antenna assembly comprising an antenna frame defining a top surface and a peripheral side surface and an antenna positioned along the peripheral side surface and configured to transmit the wireless signal. The wirelessly locatable tag may further include a frame member coupled to the antenna assembly and defining a battery cavity configured to receive a button cell battery and an enclosure enclosing the antenna assembly and the frame member. The enclosure may include a first housing member formed from a unitary polymer structure and defining a top wall defining an entirety of a top exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Tatsuya Sano, Christopher J. Walton, Erik L. Wang, Christopher M. Werner
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Publication number: 20220004835Abstract: A wirelessly locatable tag may include a first housing member defining a first exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag and an interior surface opposite the first exterior surface. The wirelessly locatable tag may further include a second housing member defining a second exterior surface of the wirelessly locatable tag a first antenna configured transmit the wireless signal using a first wireless protocol, a second antenna configured to communicate using a second wireless protocol different than the first wireless protocol, and an audio system. The audio system may include a magnet assembly configured to produce a magnetic field and a coil positioned within the magnetic field and coupled to the interior surface of the first housing member, the coil configured to interact with the magnetic field to impart a force on the first housing member, thereby moving a portion of the first housing member to produce an audible output.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Justin D. Crosby, Ryan C. Perkins, Woojin Jung, Tatsuya Sano, Samuel B. Schaevitz, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher M. Werner
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Publication number: 20210330050Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
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Patent number: 11033087Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
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Publication number: 20210099030Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Walton, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20200221843Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2020Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
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Patent number: 10631609Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
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Publication number: 20190335868Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
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Patent number: 10390594Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
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Publication number: 20190110567Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
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Patent number: 10206474Abstract: A case a portable listening device. The case includes a housing having an interior space to receive the portable listening device; a lid attached to the housing; a rechargeable battery and first and second wireless power receiving elements configured to receive electric charge from a wireless power transmitter during a charging event. The case further includes switching circuitry that is configured to disable one of the first or second wireless power receiving elements during a charging event when the disabled element is receiving power less efficiently than the other element.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
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Patent number: 9967650Abstract: A case for a portable listening device includes a rechargeable battery and a first and a second charging system. The first charging system is configured to charge the portable listening device and the second charging system is configured to wirelessly charge a portable electronic device positioned outside of the case adjacent to an exterior charging surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Arun D. Chawan, Lee M. Panecki, Rico L. Zörkendörfer, Kurt Stiehl, Christopher S. Graham, Christopher J. Walton