Patents by Inventor Colin M. Ely

Colin M. Ely 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: 11669205
    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: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher M. Werner, Colin M. Ely, Samuel Weiss
  • Publication number: 20230152908
    Abstract: A device including a mechanical input and a touch-sensitive surface for detecting one or more touch inputs and an input from the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs, and a second portion for detecting at least the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs and the mechanical input. The mechanical input can comprise an electrically conductive material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the mechanical input and the touch-sensitive surface. The device can include a sensing element, the mechanical input can comprise an electrically insulating material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the touch-sensitive surface and the sensing element. The device can include logic to differentiate between the touch inputs and the mechanical input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina SHEDLETSKY, Christopher WERNER, Colin M. ELY, Fletcher R. ROTHKOPF
  • Publication number: 20230101015
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes an enclosure having a sidewall with a button aperture defined therethrough, a display connected to the enclosure, and a processing element in communication with the display. The device also includes a sensing element in communication with the processing element and an input button at least partially received within the button aperture and in communication with the sensing element, the input button configured to receive two types of user inputs. During operation, the sensing element tracks movement of the input button to determine the two types of user inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Christopher M. Werner, John B. Morrell, Camille Moussette, Duncan Kerr, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky
  • Publication number: 20230077241
    Abstract: A switch module for an electronic device detects translational inputs and defines at least portion of a conductive path from an input surface of the electronic device to a processing unit of the electronic device. The switch module may be a component of a crown assembly for detecting rotational inputs, translational inputs, touch inputs and/or biological signals such as electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The switch module may include a conductive dome and a friction guard that is positioned between the conductive dome and the actuation member of the crown assembly. The conductive dome and/or the friction guard may define at least a portion of the conductive path from the input surface to the processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Sameer Pandya, Antonio F. Herrera, Colin M. Ely
  • Patent number: 11556190
    Abstract: A device including a mechanical input and a touch-sensitive surface for detecting one or more touch inputs and an input from the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs, and a second portion for detecting at least the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs and the mechanical input. The mechanical input can comprise an electrically conductive material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the mechanical input and the touch-sensitive surface. The device can include a sensing element, the mechanical input can comprise an electrically insulating material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the touch-sensitive surface and the sensing element. The device can include logic to differentiate between the touch inputs and the mechanical input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher Werner, Colin M. Ely, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 11550268
    Abstract: A switch module for an electronic device detects translational inputs and defines at least portion of a conductive path from an input surface of the electronic device to a processing unit of the electronic device. The switch module may be a component of a crown assembly for detecting rotational inputs, translational inputs, touch inputs and/or biological signals such as electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The switch module may include a conductive dome and a friction guard that is positioned between the conductive dome and the actuation member of the crown assembly. The conductive dome and/or the friction guard may define at least a portion of the conductive path from the input surface to the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Sameer Pandya, Antonio Herrera, Colin M. Ely
  • Patent number: 11531306
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes an enclosure having a sidewall with a button aperture defined therethrough, a display connected to the enclosure, and a processing element in communication with the display. The device also includes a sensing element in communication with the processing element and an input button at least partially received within the button aperture and in communication with the sensing element, the input button configured to receive two types of user inputs. During operation, the sensing element tracks movement of the input button to determine the two types of user inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Fletcher Rothkopf, Christopher Matthew Werner, John B. Morrell, Camille Moussette, Duncan Kerr, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky
  • Patent number: 11490697
    Abstract: A watch band is disclosed. The watch band maintains a substantially constant tension throughout changes in its length while worn by a user. Such changes in length may occur automatically to accommodate changes in the size and circumference of a user's wrist as they move their wrist normally. By maintaining a constant tension, the watch band also maintains a constant force on the user's wrist, and causes a watch body attached to the watch band to also maintain a constant force on the user's wrist. This can increase a user's comfort, since the watch will not get tighter or constrict their wrist as they straighten and bend their wrist. It can also help optimize operation of any sensors in the watch band or watch body that benefit from being held against the user's wrist with a constant force, such as some physiological sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Apple, Inc.
    Inventors: Yiwen Wu, Erik G. de Jong, Colin M. Ely, Sameer Pandya
  • Publication number: 20220299944
    Abstract: An input mechanism, such as a crown, detects amounts of applied force. In various examples, an assembly including an input mechanism has an enclosure; a stem coupled to the enclosure such that the stem is rotatable, translatable, and transversely moveable with respect to the enclosure; a sensor, coupled between the stem and the housing, to which force is transferred when the stem moves with respect to the housing; and a processing unit coupled to the sensor. The processing unit is operable to determine a measurement of the force, based on a signal from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Erik G. de Jong, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 11450999
    Abstract: Connector inserts and connector receptacles that have a small form factor and where when a connector insert and connector receptacle are mated, the connector insert can rotate and articulate relative to an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. The connector receptacle can be connected to components in the electronic device through a flexible circuit board having an amount of slack or excess length to allow the connector receptacle and the connector insert to rotate relative to the connected components. A bearing supporting the connector receptacle can articulate about an axis to allow the connector receptacle and connector insert to articulate relative to the connected components. The bearing can further support a locking mechanism to lock the connector insert in place in the connector receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric T. SooHoo, Mahmoud R. Amini, Daniel R. Bloom, Sean T. McIntosh, Tian Shi Li, Jared M. Kole, Jason Joseph LeBlanc, Colin M. Ely, Peter J. Cameron, Michael A. Kinney, Eric S. Jol, Edward Siahaan, Robert D. Zupke, Rohan Gupta, Jordan J. Francis
  • Publication number: 20220269221
    Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing at least partially defining an interior cavity divided into at least a first volume and a second volume, a pressure-sensing component positioned within the first volume, a speaker positioned within the first volume, a processor positioned within the second volume, a battery positioned within the second volume, and a barometric vent that allows air pressure equalization between the first volume and an external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Shannon X. Yang, William C. Lukens, Mandeep Gill, Jeanny Wang, William S. Lee, Stephen P. Jackson, Rex T. Ehman, Colin M. Ely, Nikolas T. Vitt, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20220261111
    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: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher M. Werner, Colin M. Ely, Samuel Weiss
  • Patent number: 11385599
    Abstract: An input mechanism, such as a crown, detects amounts of applied force. In various examples, an assembly including an input mechanism has an enclosure; a stem coupled to the enclosure such that the stem is rotatable, translatable, and transversely moveable with respect to the enclosure; a sensor, coupled between the stem and the housing, to which force is transferred when the stem moves with respect to the housing; and a processing unit coupled to the sensor. The processing unit is operable to determine a measurement of the force, based on a signal from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Erik G. de Jong, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 11347351
    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: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher M. Werner, Colin M. Ely, Samuel Weiss
  • Patent number: 11334032
    Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing at least partially defining an interior cavity divided into at least a first volume and a second volume, a pressure-sensing component positioned within the first volume, a speaker positioned within the first volume, a processor positioned within the second volume, a battery positioned within the second volume, and a barometric vent that allows air pressure equalization between the first volume and an external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Shannon X. Yang, William C. Lukens, Mandeep Gill, Jeanny Wang, William S. Lee, Stephen P. Jackson, Rex T. Ehman, Colin M. Ely, Nikolas T. Vitt, Trevor J. Ness
  • Publication number: 20220129102
    Abstract: A device including a mechanical input and a touch-sensitive surface for detecting one or more touch inputs and an input from the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs, and a second portion for detecting at least the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs and the mechanical input. The mechanical input can comprise an electrically conductive material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the mechanical input and the touch-sensitive surface. The device can include a sensing element, the mechanical input can comprise an electrically insulating material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the touch-sensitive surface and the sensing element. The device can include logic to differentiate between the touch inputs and the mechanical input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina SHEDLETSKY, Christopher WERNER, Colin M. ELY, Fletcher R. ROTHKOPF
  • Patent number: 11301048
    Abstract: This relates to a device that detects a user's motion and gesture input through the movement of one or more of the user's hand, arm, wrist, and fingers, for example, to provide commands to the device or to other devices. The device can include a plurality of myoelectric sensors configured to detect one or more electrical signals from a body part of a user indicative of one or more movements. A plurality of signals indicative of the detected one or more electrical signals may be generated. The device may also include a wireless communication transmitter configured to communicate with a peripheral device and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive the plurality of signals from the plurality of myoelectric sensors, use the plurality of signals together to determine a gesture, and communicate one or more of: the plurality of signals and the gesture to the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrzej Baranski, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Kuldeep P. Lonkar, Serhan Isikman, Stephen Brian Lynch, Colin M. Ely, Christopher Werner, Erik De Jong, Samuel B. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20220089100
    Abstract: Attachment devices for securing phones and other electronic devices in a vehicle. One example can provide an attachment device that can include a stalk portion to attach to a surface or structure in a vehicle and an attachment portion, where the attachment portion includes an attachment face for mating with an electronic device. One or more attachment features can be located on the attachment face. An attachment device can further include power components for providing power to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Justin Chan
  • Publication number: 20220085560
    Abstract: Connector inserts and connector receptacles that have a small form factor and where when a connector insert and connector receptacle are mated, the connector insert can rotate and articulate relative to an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. The connector receptacle can be connected to components in the electronic device through a flexible circuit board having an amount of slack or excess length to allow the connector receptacle and the connector insert to rotate relative to the connected components. A bearing supporting the connector receptacle can articulate about an axis to allow the connector receptacle and connector insert to articulate relative to the connected components. The bearing can further support a locking mechanism to lock the connector insert in place in the connector receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric T. SooHoo, Mahmoud R. Amini, Daniel R. Bloom, Sean T. McIntosh, Tian Shi Li, Jared M. Kole, Jason Joseph LeBlanc, Colin M. Ely, Peter J. Cameron, Michael A. Kinney, Eric S. Jol, Edward Siahaan, Robert D. Zupke, Rohan Gupta, Jordan J. Francis
  • Patent number: 11269376
    Abstract: An input component for an electronic device can include a dial that defines an exterior surface and a shaft affixed to the dial. The dial and the shaft can be rotatable about a central axis of the shaft and the shaft can include a protruding portion that defines a channel. A collar can surround a portion of the shaft and can be at least partially disposed in the channel. A bushing can be positioned between the collar and the protruding portion of the shaft, with the bushing defining a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Daniela M. Deschamps, Sameer Pandya, Tyler S. Atura Bushnell, Christopher M. Werner, Steven C. Roach, Colin M. Ely