Patents by Inventor Derek C. Krass

Derek C. Krass 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).

  • Publication number: 20240007556
    Abstract: An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hill, Derek C. Krass, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, James B. Smith, Ashutosh Y. Shukia, Scott A. Myers
  • Patent number: 11792309
    Abstract: An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hill, Derek C. Krass, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, James B. Smith, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Scott A. Myers
  • Publication number: 20230256711
    Abstract: A system may have structure. The structures may include laminated structures formed by attaching inner and outer layers together with a layer of adhesive. The inner and outer layers in a structure may be formed from polymer such as polycarbonate. Forming the structure layers from polymer may allow the structure to have desired curvature. To improve safety and/or acoustic performance of the structure, the inner and outer structure layers may be formed from different materials. The outer polymer layer may be formed from polycarbonate and the inner polymer layer may be formed from a more brittle polymer such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Paul M Connolly, Albert J Golko, Arturo Llamazares Domper, David E Kingman, Derek C Krass, Martin Gross, Olivier C Barthomeuf, Peter F Masschelein, Yogesh Upreti
  • Patent number: 11503885
    Abstract: Attachment systems for attaching a wearable electronic device to a user including a sizing band and a retaining band are disclosed. The sizing band includes at least one sizing eyelet and a band-insertable end. The retaining band includes at least a post for insertion into the sizing eyelet of the sizing band and a concealment aperture configured to receive the band-insertable end of the sizing band. On a bottom surface of the retaining band can be a recessed guide bed configured to guide the band-insertable end along the bottom surface of the retaining band. A wearable electronic device can couple to both the sizing band and the retaining band by accepting an end portion of each band into receiving channels extending into opposite sidewalls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Yabe, Derek C. Krass, Scott W. Slabaugh, Michael Brickner, Julian Hoenig, Wayne Cowan, Rico Zörkendörfer, Christopher J. Stringer, Ian Davison
  • Publication number: 20210344784
    Abstract: An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hill, Derek C. Krass, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, James B. Smith, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Scott A. Myers
  • Patent number: 11070655
    Abstract: An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hill, Derek C. Krass, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, James B. Smith, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Scott A. Myers
  • Publication number: 20210137226
    Abstract: Attachment systems for attaching a wearable electronic device to a user including a sizing band and a retaining band are disclosed. The sizing band includes at least one sizing eyelet and a band-insertable end. The retaining band includes at least a post for insertion into the sizing eyelet of the sizing band and a concealment aperture configured to receive the band-insertable end of the sizing band. On a bottom surface of the retaining band can be a recessed guide bed configured to guide the band-insertable end along the bottom surface of the retaining band. A wearable electronic device can couple to both the sizing band and the retaining band by accepting an end portion of each band into receiving channels extending into opposite sidewalls of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Osamu Yabe, Derek C. Krass, Scott W. Slabaugh, Michael Brickner, Julian Hoenig, Wayne Cowan, Rico Zörkendörfer, Christopher J. Stringer, Ian Davison
  • Patent number: 10893726
    Abstract: Attachment systems for attaching a wearable electronic device to a user including a sizing band and a retaining band are disclosed. The sizing band includes at least one sizing eyelet and a band-insertable end. The retaining band includes at least a post for insertion into the sizing eyelet of the sizing band and a concealment aperture configured to receive the band-insertable end of the sizing band. On a bottom surface of the retaining band can be a recessed guide bed configured to guide the band-insertable end along the bottom surface of the retaining band. A wearable electronic device can couple to both the sizing band and the retaining band by accepting an end portion of each band into receiving channels extending into opposite sidewalls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Yabe, Derek C. Krass, Scott W. Slabaugh, Michael Brickner, Julian Hoenig, Wayne Cowan, Rico Zörkendörfer, Christopher J. Stringer, Ian Davison
  • Patent number: 10730210
    Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a composite material that is bendable but substantially resists stretching under tension. One embodiment may take the form of a composite material formed by over-molding a woven glass fiber with silicone. The woven glass fiber may be rolled out with a silicon polymer melted into the woven fabric as the rolling process continues. The composite of the two materials may provide a material that bends easily but does not substantially stretch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Derek C. Krass, Douglas J. Weber, Jen-Chun Hsu, Osamu Yabe
  • Patent number: 10688624
    Abstract: A composite material is disclosed which includes a plastic layer formed on a layer of metal. The metal layer includes pores into which an adhesive is introduced. The plastic layer is injection molded onto the metal layer so as to contact the adhesive in the pores. The plastic layer is thus bonded to the metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: James R. Krogdahl, Derek C. Krass, Paul Choiniere
  • Publication number: 20200153950
    Abstract: An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hill, Derek C. Krass, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, James B. Smith, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Scott A. Myers
  • Patent number: 10645808
    Abstract: Dielectric such as polyether ether ketone may be used in forming radio-frequency flexible printed circuits. Filler may be incorporated into the dielectric to adjust the coefficient of thermal expansion of the flexible printed circuit. One or more layers of the flexible printed circuit may be unfilled and one or more layers of the flexible printed circuit may be filled. Antennas may be formed from metal traces on the flexible printed circuit, metal electronic device housing structures, or other conductive structures. A transmission line on the flexible printed circuit may couple radio-frequency transceiver circuitry in an electronic device to an antenna. A flexible printed circuit may have a portion with enhanced bendability in a location that overlaps a bend region. The enhanced bendability region may have less filler than other portions of the flexible printed circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Froese, Qian Zhang, Paul Choiniere, Derek C. Krass
  • Patent number: 10596736
    Abstract: Compound structures and methods for forming the same are described. The compound structures can be used to form an enclosure. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include one or more non-metal regions that allow for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves, such as radio frequency waves. The non-metal region can include a first section, a second section, and an optional cosmetic section. The first section can be firmly molded onto a metal section of the enclosure by small pores formed within the metal section. The second section can engage with interlock features of the first section. The optional cosmetic section can cover the first section and the second section such that the first section and the second section are not visible from an exterior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Shane Bustle, Tyler B. Cater, Derek C. Krass, Scott A. Myers
  • Patent number: 10547717
    Abstract: An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hill, Derek C. Krass, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, James B. Smith, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Scott A. Myers
  • Patent number: 10433048
    Abstract: A micro speaker assembly including a speaker enclosure having an enclosure wall separating a surrounding environment from an encased space, wherein the enclosure wall defines, in part, an acoustic channel that acoustically couples the encased space to the surrounding environment, and the enclosure wall comprises a chemically etched insert molded metal portion that is mechanically interlocked and hermetically sealed to a plastic portion. The micro speaker further including a speaker assembly positioned within the encased space, the speaker assembly having a sound radiating surface facing the metal portion of the enclosure wall, a voice coil extending from the sound radiating surface, a magnet assembly having a magnetic gap aligned with the voice coil, and an acoustic chamber formed, in part, by the metal portion of the enclosure wall and the sound radiating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Tsang, Onur I. Ilkorur, Derek C. Krass, Logan A. Rotolo, Christopher Wilk
  • Publication number: 20190261509
    Abstract: Dielectric such as polyether ether ketone may be used in forming radio-frequency flexible printed circuits. Filler may be incorporated into the dielectric to adjust the coefficient of thermal expansion of the flexible printed circuit. One or more layers of the flexible printed circuit may be unfilled and one or more layers of the flexible printed circuit may be filled. Antennas may be formed from metal traces on the flexible printed circuit, metal electronic device housing structures, or other conductive structures. A transmission line on the flexible printed circuit may couple radio-frequency transceiver circuitry in an electronic device to an antenna. A flexible printed circuit may have a portion with enhanced bendability in a location that overlaps a bend region. The enhanced bendability region may have less filler than other portions of the flexible printed circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Kevin M. Froese, Qian Zhang, Paul Choiniere, Derek C. Krass
  • Publication number: 20190217513
    Abstract: Compound structures and methods for forming the same are described. The compound structures can be used to form an enclosure. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include one or more non-metal regions that allow for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves, such as radio frequency waves. The non-metal region can include a first section, a second section, and an optional cosmetic section. The first section can be firmly molded onto a metal section of the enclosure by small pores formed within the metal section. The second section can engage with interlock features of the first section. The optional cosmetic section can cover the first section and the second section such that the first section and the second section are not visible from an exterior of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin Shane Bustle, Tyler B. Cater, Derek C. Krass, Scott A. Myers
  • Publication number: 20190141171
    Abstract: An enclosure and a method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, and further include a non-metal portion allowing for transmission and receipt of electromagnetic waves. The non-metal portion may be interlocked to the enclosure and in particular, to a region within the enclosure including a first material having a relatively high strength and stiffness compared to the non-metal portion. Interlocking means may include forming dovetail cuts into the enclosure to receive the non-metal portion, a hole or cavity drilled into the enclosure which includes internal threads, and a rod inserted into the first material to provide a tension to the non-metal portion. Methods of assembling internal components using anodization are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew D. Hill, Derek C. Krass, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Michael Benjamin Wittenberg, James B. Smith, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Scott A. Myers
  • Patent number: D896232
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Molly Anderson, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Marine C. Bataille, Jeremy Bataillou, Markus Diebel, Aidan R. Gallagher, Jason M. Gillier, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Julian Jaede, Duncan Robert Kerr, Derek C. Krass, Sowmya Laxminarayanan, Jason B. Neevel, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Jason P. Shannon, Mikael Silvanto, Sung-Ho Tan, Clement Tissandier, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer
  • Patent number: D926769
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Molly Anderson, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Marine C. Bataille, Jeremy Bataillou, Markus Diebel, Aidan R. Gallagher, Jason M. Gillier, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Julian Jaede, Duncan Robert Kerr, Derek C. Krass, Sowmya Laxminarayanan, Jason B. Neevel, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Jason P. Shannon, Mikael Silvanto, Sung-Ho Tan, Clement Tissandier, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer