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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Publication number: 20240213711Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing forming an aperture within an exterior surface of the housing. An electronic component can be disposed within the housing and include a receptacle coupled to the electronic component. The housing and the receptacle can form an electrical port. The electronic device can further include a first engagement feature and a cable having a first plug connector and a second plug connector. The first plug connector can include a boot, a plug, and a second engagement feature. The boot is receivable within the aperture formed within the exterior surface of the housing. The plug is receivable within the receptacle to electrically couple the electronic device with the cable. The second engagement feature can interconnect or otherwise engage the first engagement feature to retain the cable to the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2024Publication date: June 27, 2024Inventors: Stephen E. Yao, James C. Wu, Christopher S. Graham
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Publication number: 20240213712Abstract: An electronic device can include plug connectors and receptacle connectors for providing connections between components of the electronic device. A receptacle connector for an electronic device can include a cavity configured to receive a plug connector; a latch extending at least partially into the cavity; a spring coupled to the latch; and a lever arm coupled to the spring. The latch can be configured to transition between an engaged configuration and an un-engaged configuration. The latch can be configured to retain the plug connector in the cavity when the latch is in the engaged configuration. The spring can be configured to retain the latch in the engaged configuration. The lever arm can be configured to transition the latch to the un-engaged configuration in response to pressure from a tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2023Publication date: June 27, 2024Inventors: Stephen E. Yao, Joshua A. Mendoza, Varun K. Sanghvi, Josiah Clark, Hossein Nazari Alikorzani, James C. Wu, Daniel C. Wagman, Tatsuya Sano, Christopher S. Graham, Yufan Liao
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Publication number: 20240213724Abstract: An electronic device can include an enclosure and a receptacle connector coupled to the enclosure. The receptacle connector can include a housing defining an aperture and an internal volume. In some examples, the housing is configured to receive a plug connector of a support within the internal volume. The receptacle connector can include one or more electrical contacts at least partially disposed within the internal volume and contacting one or more correlating electrical contacts on the plug connector. In some examples, the plug connector and the receptacle connector can define respective convex surfaces and respective concave surfaces such that a cross-sectional shape of the plug connector and/or the receptacle connector has a curved longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2024Publication date: June 27, 2024Inventors: Joshua A. Mendoza, Daniel C. Wagman, Ibuki Kamei, Muhammad F. Hossain, Samuel G. Smith, Christopher S. Graham
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Patent number: 12003121Abstract: 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: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: 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: 20240162651Abstract: A receptacle connector includes a receptacle housing, pin contacts, and a retainer. The receptacle housing has a convex wall portion, a concave wall portion, a first side wall portion that extends between the convex wall portion and the concave wall portion, and a second side wall portion that extends between the convex wall portion and the concave wall portion. The convex wall portion, the concave wall portion, the first side wall portion, and the second side wall portion at least partially define a cavity having an open end. The pin contacts are located in the cavity of the receptacle housing. The retainer has a first side latch and a second side latch that are configured to extend into the cavity in an engaged position and to move outward from the cavity to a disengaged position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2023Publication date: May 16, 2024Inventors: Darshan R. Kasar, Daniel C. Wagman, Joshua A. Mendoza, Christopher S. Graham, James C. Wu, Varun K. Sanghvi, Muhammad F. Hossain
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Patent number: 11867352Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: 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: 20230361632Abstract: 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: June 26, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 11799329Abstract: A shield for redirecting magnetic field generated from a plurality of transmitter coils includes a ferromagnetic structure divided into segments by a plurality of boundary regions, each segment comprises a first material having a first magnetic permeability and each boundary region comprises a second material having a second magnetic permeability lower than the first magnetic permeability, where the plurality of boundary regions are configured to resist a propagation of magnetic field from a first area of the ferromagnetic structure to a second area of the ferromagnetic structure, where the first area intercepts the magnetic field generated from at least one active transmitter coil of the plurality of transmitter coils.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jouya Jadidian, Vaneet Pathak, Martin Schauer, Cheung-Wei Lam, Darshan R. Kasar, Christopher S. Graham, Andro Radchenko
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Publication number: 20230336036Abstract: 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: June 26, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20230336037Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Thompson, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly
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Patent number: 11722016Abstract: 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: Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson, Joshua A. Mendoza
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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: 11715983Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol
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Patent number: 11710988Abstract: 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: July 25, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 11710989Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Thompson, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly
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Patent number: 11662772Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: 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: 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