Patents by Inventor Christopher S. Graham
Christopher S. Graham 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: 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: 20220416590Abstract: A bimodal annular magnetic alignment component can be included in an electronic device that attaches to other electronic devices using a magnetic alignment system that includes a primary annular alignment component and a secondary annular alignment component having complementary (and fixed) magnetic orientations. In a bimodal alignment component, a set of alignment magnets can be reoriented or shifted between a first position in which a magnetic orientation of the bimodal alignment component is complementary to a primary annular alignment component and a second position in which a magnetic orientation of the bimodal alignment component is complementary to a secondary annular alignment component. A bimodal electronic device incorporating a bimodal alignment component can be interchangeably attached to another device via either a primary annular alignment component or a secondary annular alignment component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Eric S. Jol, Christopher S. Graham, Karl Ruben Fredrik Larsson, Eric X. Zhou
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Patent number: 11528058Abstract: This disclosure relates to the inductive charging of portable electronic devices. In particular, a charging assembly is disclosed that allows a portable electronic device to be charged in multiple orientations with respect to a charging device. The charging assembly includes two or more separate inductive receiving coils. The inductive receiving coils can be arranged orthogonally with respect to one another by wrapping one or more secondary receiving coils around an antenna. By orienting the receiving coils orthogonally with respect to one another, the likelihood of at least one of the receiving coils being aligned with a charging field emitted by a charging device increases substantially.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2017Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Stefan A. Kowalski, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol
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Patent number: 11486119Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow assembly, a drain assembly, and a plumbing assembly. The overflow assembly or kit includes an elbow pipe attachable to the plumbing assembly, a seal member positioned between an end of the elbow pipe and the bathtub, and a retainer ring that is threadingly connected to the elbow pipe to sandwich the seal member between a portion of the elbow pipe and the outer surface of the bathtub. The overflow assembly or kit further includes a faceplate operatively connected to the retainer ring. The faceplate can be formed as a screwless faceplate directly connected to the retainer ring in a first operative mode or a screwable faceplate attached by a screw to an adapter that is connected to the retainer ring in a second operative mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Oatey Co.Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Jian Zhang, Blake Oatey, Matthew Siena, Christopher S. Graham
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Patent number: 11469040Abstract: This application relates to a wireless charger with increased efficiency during operation. The wireless charging assembly includes a wireless charger and an electronic device. A transmitter coil in the wireless charger can induct magnetic flux to a receiver coil in the electronic device via a magnetic flux pathway.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Saining Ren, Christopher S. Graham, Makiko K. Brzezinski, Rohan Dayal, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 11342800Abstract: 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: May 24, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aaron A. Oro, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos
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Publication number: 20220094201Abstract: Charging devices that can securely hold an electronic device in a useful position, fold into a compact shape, and provide power to the electronic device. One example can provide a wireless charger that can include a wireless charging assembly, a base, and a hinge connecting the wireless charging assembly to the base. When opened, the wireless charging assembly can be positioned upright relative to the base such that an electronic device being charged by the wireless charging assembly can be maintained in an upright position for easy viewing. The wireless charging assembly can be rotated, folded, or otherwise closed into a cavity or passage in the base, which can provide for easy transport. The hinge can be configured to readily open for use, while providing increased friction to resist closing. This increased friction can help the charger to securely hold the electronic device in place while charging.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Christopher S. Graham, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20220042643Abstract: Adapters that can mount phones or other electronic devices on camera stabilizers, where the adapters are portable, can capable of charging, and can allow cameras on the phones to be easily leveled or adjusted to any orientation. An adapter can include a base portion having an opening, where a fastener in the opening can attach the adapter to a camera stabilizer, as well as an upright portion having an enclosure and a contacting surface. The enclosure can house a first magnet array for magnetically attracting a second magnet array in a phone, such that the phone can be readily mounted to a camera stabilizer. The enclosure can further house near-field communication circuits and components for identification. The upright portion and base portion can be connected by a fixed right angle or by a hinge, which can allow the adapter to fold into a more convenient form.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Aaron A. Oro, Miranda L. Daly, Ibuki Kamei
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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: 20210388587Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow assembly, a drain assembly, and a plumbing assembly. The overflow assembly or kit includes an elbow pipe attachable to the plumbing assembly, a seal member positioned between an end of the elbow pipe and the bathtub, and a retainer ring that is threadingly connected to the elbow pipe to sandwich the seal member between a portion of the elbow pipe and the outer surface of the bathtub. The overflow assembly or kit further includes a faceplate operatively connected to the retainer ring. The faceplate can be formed as a screwless faceplate directly connected to the retainer ring in a first operative mode or a screwable faceplate attached by a screw to an adapter that is connected to the retainer ring in a second operative mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Zhang Jian, Blake Oatey, Matthew Siena, Christopher S. Graham
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Publication number: 20210383966Abstract: This application relates to a wireless charger with increased efficiency during operation. The wireless charging assembly includes a wireless charger and an electronic device. A transmitter coil in the wireless charger can induct magnetic flux to a receiver coil in the electronic device via a magnetic flux pathway.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2020Publication date: December 9, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Saining Ren, Christopher S. Graham, Makiko K. Brzezinski, Rohan Dayal, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20210359556Abstract: A wireless charging mat and method of operating the same. The wireless charging mat includes a detection system configured to determine a location and an orientation of an electronic device on the wireless charging mat. The location and orientation are determined based on detected locations of one or more structural features of the electronic device. The wireless charging mat is operated according to the detected location and orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Chad A. Bossetti, Christopher S. Graham, David W. Ritter, Todd K. Moyer, Steven G. Herbst, Shimon Elkayam, Nileshbhai J. Shah, Stephen C. Terry, Zaki Moussaoui
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Patent number: 11165273Abstract: Embodiments describe a portable electronic device that includes a housing having an interface surface and an inductor coil disposed within the housing and comprising a conductive wire wound in a plurality of turns about a center point and in increasing radii such that the inductor coil is substantially planar. The portable electronic device further includes charging circuitry coupled to the inductor coil and configured to operate the inductor coil to wirelessly receive power and wirelessly transmit power, control circuitry coupled to the charging circuitry and configured to instruct the charging circuitry to operate the inductor coil to wirelessly receive power and to wirelessly transmit power, and a device detection coil coupled to the control circuitry and configured to detect the presence of an external device on the charging surface, the device detection coil is configured to operate at a different frequency from the inductor coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Grant S. Haug, Aaron A. Oro, Benjamin J. Pope, Sherry Lee, Tang Yew Tan, Richard Hung Minh Dinh
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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: 11159047Abstract: This application relates to a wireless charger with reduced heat generation during operation. The wireless charger includes a connector, a charging assembly and a cable connecting the connector and the charging assembly. A converter component has been moved away from the charging assembly, where an electronic device is placed for charging, to the connector. In some embodiments, one or more electromagnetic shielding components protect the components of the wireless charger.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Christopher S. Graham, Aaron A. Oro, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 11159065Abstract: A wireless charging mat and method of operating the same. The wireless charging mat includes a detection system configured to determine a location and an orientation of an electronic device on the wireless charging mat. The location and orientation are determined based on detected locations of one or more structural features of the electronic device. The wireless charging mat is operated according to the detected location and orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Chad A. Bossetti, Christopher S. Graham, David W. Ritter, Todd K. Moyer, Steven G. Herbst, Shimon Elkayam, Nileshbhai J. Shah, Stephen C. Terry, Zaki Moussaoui
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Publication number: 20210232180Abstract: An electronic disclosed herein may include a band formed from metal that combines with a bottom wall formed from a non-metal to form an enclosure that carries internal components. The electronic device may include a transparent cover and a display assembly partially covered by a border having a uniform dimension. The electronic device may include a vision system designed for facial recognition of a user of the electronic device. A bracket assembly may hold the vision system. The bracket assembly may not be affixed to the enclosure and may move relative to the enclosure. The electronic device may include a battery assembly having multiple battery components coupled together. The electronic device may further include a receiver coil for wireless charging of the battery assembly. The electronic device may include a circuit board assembly having stacked circuit boards. The electronic device may further include a dual camera assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: David A. PAKULA, Daniel W. JARVIS, Shimon ELKAYAM, Brandon R. GARBUS, Christopher S. GRAHAM, Karl Ruben F. LARSSON, Ashley E. FLETCHER, Jared M. KOLE, Eric S. JOL, Aaron A. ORO, Michael D. QUINONES, Gregory N. STEPHENS, Ian A. SPRAGGS, James A. BERTIN, Simon C. HELMORE, Melissa A. WAH, Matthew D. HILL, Jon F. HOUSOUR, Douglas G. FOURNIER, Christopher S. TOMASETTA
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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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Patent number: 11011943Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe a wireless power receiving system for an electronic device includes: a first inductor coil configured to receive power primarily at a first frequency and from magnetic fields propagating in a first direction; and a second inductor coil configured to receive power primarily at a second frequency and from magnetic fields propagating in a second direction, wherein the first frequency is different than the second frequency.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael B. Wittenberg, Makiko K. Brzezinski, Stefan A. Kowalski, Christopher S. Graham, Morgan T. McClure, Erik G. de Jong, Trevor J. Ness, Peter J. Kardassakis, Jayesh Nath, Adam T. Clavelle, Rex Tyler Ehman
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Patent number: 10998121Abstract: An inductor coil includes a wire which is wound in alternating layers such that the surface area of the wire in each winding viewed from above or below the coil is substantially equal in each half of the coil defined by a line bisecting the center point in each layer. The layers are also wound in a serpentine fashion to balance the capacitance between layers. The substantially equal surface area of wire in each half of a coil layer and in adjacent coil layers results in a balanced capacitance of the coil which, in turn, results in reduced common mode noise.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Yehonatan Perez, Makiko K. Brzezinski, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Christopher S. Graham