Patents by Inventor Christopher M. Werner

Christopher M. Werner 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: 10646355
    Abstract: A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher M. Werner, Michael J. Slate, Ethan D. Stern
  • Patent number: 10613685
    Abstract: Various embodiments for detecting and rejecting false, unintended rotations of rotary inputs of electronic devices are disclosed herein. In one example, an electronic device is provided with an optical detector that measures the distance between the electronic device and the wearer's forearm or hand, and when the distance is smaller than a threshold distance, the turns of the rotary input are false, unintended turns. In another example, a crown of a rotary input includes a plurality of capacitive sensors that detects the presence of a wearer's finger, which when absent, the turns of the rotary input are false turns. In another example, deflections or positions of a shaft of the rotary input are measured and if the deflections/positions indicate an upward force on the rotary input (which are likely caused by the wearer's forearm or hand), the turns of the rotary input are false turns. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher M. Werner, Colin M. Ely, Samuel Weiss
  • Patent number: 10599192
    Abstract: This application relates to a portable electronic device including a first sensing module and a second sensing module that are both in communication with a processor. The portable electronic device can include access ports that are formed in the housing, where the first and second sensing modules are capable of receiving an external stimulus by way of the access ports. A plate is positioned in the housing between a wall of the housing and the sensing modules. The plate and the wall define non-linear flow paths between the access ports to the first and second sensing modules. The non-linear flow paths can transmit the external stimulus to cause at least one of the first or second sensing modules to provide a detection signal to the processor that causes a display unit to present a notification that corresponds to the external stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Amin M. Younes, James G. Horiuchi, Ryan C. Perkins, Brad G. Boozer, Christopher M. Werner, Maegan K. Spencer, Sherry Tang, Eugene H. Fox, Mark A. Murphy, Molly J. Anderson, Rico L. Zorkendorfer, Baris Ozgen
  • Patent number: 10551798
    Abstract: A compact crown for an electronic device such as an electronic watch, including a set of wipers capable of determining a rotation angle, rotation direction, or rotation speed, is disclosed. The set of wipers is in contact with at least one resistance member at different angular positions around a rotation axis. The crown may have a group of ground taps disposed along the resistance member and a measured signal may vary based on the position of each wiper as it contacts the at least one resistance member. A compact crown may also include capacitive members and capacitive sensors in order to similarly determine rotation angle, rotation direction, or rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Adam T. Clavelle, Christopher M. Werner, Colin M. Ely, Stephen N. Sweet, Sriram Moorthy, Huan Peng
  • Patent number: 10548529
    Abstract: An assembly for a consumer product, such as a wristwatch or other wearable electronic device, can securely retain a cover member against a housing of the product. A retaining member from within the housing can engage and secure the cover member to provide a fluid barrier. The cover member can include a window or other components of a sensor device. The parts can be easily disassembled without causing permanent damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Trevor J. Ness, Tobias J. Harrison-Noonan, William H. Greenbaum, Tyler S. Bushnell, Guocheng Shao, Guanyi Gao, Christopher M. Werner, Phil M. Hobson
  • Publication number: 20190361496
    Abstract: An electronic device having a housing structure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover is disclosed. The glass cover serves to cover a display assembly provided within the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to the housing structure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border between an active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. The enclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficiently strong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher M. Werner, Emery A. Sanford, Stephen Brian Lynch, Teodor Dabov, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 10427380
    Abstract: The methods including applying a corrosion resistant alloy to a metal substrate to create a bimetal blank. The bimetal blank can undergo a variety of shaping and machining operations to form the net shape and internal structures of the part. Further, the part can undergo a finishing operation (e.g. polishing) to create the desired cosmetic appearance on the exterior surfaces and remove any surface imperfections resulting from the shaping and machining operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Kuehmann, Christopher M. Werner, Colin M. Ely, James A. Wright
  • Publication number: 20190282163
    Abstract: An assembly for a consumer product, such as a wristwatch or other wearable electronic device, can securely retain a cover member against a housing of the product. A retaining member from within the housing can engage and secure the cover member to provide a fluid barrier. The cover member can include a window or other components of a sensor device. The parts can be easily disassembled without causing permanent damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Trevor J. Ness, Tobias J. Harrison-Noonan, William H. Greenbaum, Tyler S. Bushnell, Guocheng Shao, Guanyi Gao, Christopher M. Werner, Phil M. Hobson
  • Patent number: 10401904
    Abstract: An electronic device having a housing structure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover is disclosed. The glass cover serves to cover a display assembly provided within the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to the housing structure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border between an active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. The enclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficiently strong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Werner, Emery A. Sanford, Stephen Brian Lynch, Teodor Dabov, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 10392090
    Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Christopher M. Werner, Ryan K. LaRocque, Thomas S. Schnellinger, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20190175362
    Abstract: A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher M. Werner, Michael J. Slate, Ethan D. Stern
  • Publication number: 20190163324
    Abstract: Various embodiments for detecting and rejecting false, unintended rotations of rotary inputs of electronic devices are disclosed herein. In one example, an electronic device is provided with an optical detector that measures the distance between the electronic device and the wearer's forearm or hand, and when the distance is smaller than a threshold distance, the turns of the rotary input are false, unintended turns. In another example, a crown of a rotary input includes a plurality of capacitive sensors that detects the presence of a wearer's finger, which when absent, the turns of the rotary input are false turns. In another example, deflections or positions of a shaft of the rotary input are measured and if the deflections/positions indicate an upward force on the rotary input (which are likely caused by the wearer's forearm or hand), the turns of the rotary input are false turns. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher M. Werner, Colin M. Ely, Samuel Weiss
  • Patent number: 10285643
    Abstract: An assembly for a consumer product, such as a wristwatch or other wearable electronic device, can securely retain a cover member against a housing of the product. A retaining member from within the housing can engage and secure the cover member to provide a fluid barrier. The cover member can include a window or other components of a sensor device. The parts can be easily disassembled without causing permanent damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Trevor J. Ness, Tobias J. Harrison-Noonan, William H. Greenbaum, Tyler S. Bushnell, Guocheng Shao, Guanyi Gao, Christopher M. Werner, Phil M. Hobson
  • Patent number: 10245767
    Abstract: A bracket assembly suitable for use with an electronic device is described. The bracket assembly may include a bracket body having a channel. The bracket assembly may further include a membrane embedded in the bracket body and designed to allow air, but not liquid (such as water), to pass through the membrane. The membrane may be at least partially surrounded by a membrane support molded to the membrane. The membrane and the membrane support may be disposed in a molding tool to receive a material used to mold the bracket body over the membrane and the membrane support. During the molding operation, the membrane support may act as a buffer to shield the membrane from temperature and pressure increases associated with the molding operation of the bracket body. The bracket assembly may improve the ability of the electronic device to prevent liquid ingress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Xuesen Li, Tyler S. Bushnell, Christopher M. Werner
  • Publication number: 20190076089
    Abstract: An assembly for a consumer product, such as a wristwatch or other wearable electronic device, can securely retain a cover member against a housing of the product. A retaining member from within the housing can engage and secure the cover member to provide a fluid barrier. The cover member can include a window or other components of a sensor device. The parts can be easily disassembled without causing permanent damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan C. PERKINS, Trevor J. NESS, Tobias J. HARRISON-NOONAN, William H. GREENBAUM, Tyler S. BUSHNELL, Guocheng SHAO, Guanyi GAO, Christopher M. WERNER, Phil M. HOBSON
  • Publication number: 20190082547
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a portable electronic device having a substantially concealed barometric vent. The vent may be used to equalize air pressure within the enclosure while forming a barrier between external contaminants, moisture, and so on and various internal component and assemblies of the device. In one embodiment, the vent may include a screen configured to impede ingress of particulates and an air-permeable membrane configured to impede ingress of moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher M. Werner, Maegan K. Spencer, Daniel J. Barrett, Brad G. Boozer, Daniel J. Hiemstra, Christopher D. Guichet, Amin M. Younes, James G. Horiuchi, Eugene H. Fox
  • Publication number: 20190081387
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices with antennas. The antenna may be a display-integrated antenna. An antenna feed for the antenna may be located in a recess in a sidewall of a housing of the device. The antenna feed may be coupled to transceiver circuitry on a logic board of the device by a pair of flex circuits. A first one of the pair of flex circuits may form a portion of an antenna feed assembly. A second one of the pair of flex circuits may be an impedance-matching flex having an end that is soldered to the main logic board. The antenna may be coupled to a conductive portion of the housing of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Sameer PANDYA, Mario MARTINIS, Baris OZGEN, Tyler S. BUSHNELL, Sherry TANG, Henry H. YANG, Christopher M. WERNER, Jayesh NATH, Carlo DI NALLO, Andrea RUARO
  • Publication number: 20190079564
    Abstract: This application relates to a portable electronic device including a first sensing module and a second sensing module that are both in communication with a processor. The portable electronic device can include access ports that are formed in the housing, where the first and second sensing modules are capable of receiving an external stimulus by way of the access ports. A plate is positioned in the housing between a wall of the housing and the sensing modules. The plate and the wall define non-linear flow paths between the access ports to the first and second sensing modules. The non-linear flow paths can transmit the external stimulus to cause at least one of the first or second sensing modules to provide a detection signal to the processor that causes a display unit to present a notification that corresponds to the external stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Amin M. YOUNES, James G. HORIUCHI, Ryan C. PERKINS, Brad G. BOOZER, Christopher M. WERNER, Maegan K. SPENCER, Sherry TANG, Eugene H. FOX, Mark A. MURPHY, Molly J. ANDERSON, Rico L. ZORKENDORFER, Baris OZGEN
  • Patent number: 10222909
    Abstract: Various embodiments for detecting and rejecting false, unintended rotations of rotary inputs of electronic devices are disclosed herein. In one example, an electronic device is provided with an optical detector that measures the distance between the electronic device and the wearer's forearm or hand, and when the distance is smaller than a threshold distance, the turns of the rotary input are false, unintended turns. In another example, a crown of a rotary input includes a plurality of capacitive sensors that detects the presence of a wearer's finger, which when absent, the turns of the rotary input are false turns. In another example, deflections or positions of a shaft of the rotary input are measured and if the deflections/positions indicate an upward force on the rotary input (which are likely caused by the wearer's forearm or hand), the turns of the rotary input are false turns. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher M. Werner, Colin M. Ely, Samuel Weiss
  • Patent number: D874458
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Jeremy Bataillou, Brad G. Boozer, Makiko Kawamura Brzezinski, Tyler Scott Bushnell, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, Colin Ely, M. Evans Hankey, Phillip M. Hobson, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Eric Steven Jol, Benjamin Jordan Kallman, Duncan Robert Kerr, David Nazzaro, Trevor Jordan Ness, Marc A. Newson, David Pelletier, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Fletcher Rothkopf, Peter Russell-Clarke, Jason Christopher Sauers, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Mikael Silvanto, Christopher J. Stringer, Samuel Bruce Weiss, Christopher M. Werner, Eugene Antony Whang, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, Stephen Paul Zadesky, Rico Zörkendörfer