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).

  • Patent number: 11857063
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Justin D. Crosby, Ryan C. Perkins, Woojin Jung, Tatsuya Sano, Samuel B. Schaevitz, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher M. Werner
  • Publication number: 20230379637
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Thomas M. Gregory, Scott C. Grinker, Christopher J. Walton, Julia C. Canning, Michael B. Nussbaum
  • Patent number: 11812842
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Tatsuya Sano, Christopher J. Walton, Erik L. Wang, Christopher M. Werner
  • Patent number: 11722015
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11553772
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Publication number: 20220385106
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher J. Walton
  • Publication number: 20220094202
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher J. Walton, Grant S. Haug
  • Publication number: 20220006143
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Christopher J. Walton, Ryan C. Perkins, Tatsuya Sano, Samuel B. Schaevitz, Christopher M. Werner
  • Publication number: 20220004837
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Tatsuya Sano, Christopher J. Walton, Erik L. Wang, Christopher M. Werner
  • Publication number: 20220004835
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Justin D. Crosby, Ryan C. Perkins, Woojin Jung, Tatsuya Sano, Samuel B. Schaevitz, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher M. Werner
  • Publication number: 20210330050
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Patent number: 11033087
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Publication number: 20210099030
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20200221843
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Patent number: 10631609
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Publication number: 20190335868
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Patent number: 10390594
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Publication number: 20190110567
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Patent number: 10206474
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Makiko K. Brzezinski, Christopher J. Walton, Christopher S. Graham, Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol
  • Patent number: 9967650
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Arun D. Chawan, Lee M. Panecki, Rico L. Zörkendörfer, Kurt Stiehl, Christopher S. Graham, Christopher J. Walton