Patents by Inventor Derek W. Wright
Derek W. Wright 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: 11480998Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing can be machined from a single billet of material, such as a billet of aluminum. The single piece housing can include ledges with a surface receiving a trim bead and a cover. Corner brackets can be attached to the single piece housing to improve the damage resistance of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. McClure, Sean S. Corbin, John P. Ternus, Kevin D. Gibbs, Jeremy C. Franklin, Elvis M. Kibiti, John Raff, Jules B. Henry, Benjamin Rappoport, Derek W. Wright, Erik A. Uttermann, Ming Yu, Carl R. Peterson
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Patent number: 11402911Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for providing haptic output on an electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an actuator configured to move in a first direction. The electronic device also includes a substrate coupled to the actuator. When the actuator moves in the first direction, the substrate or a portion of the substrate, by virtue of being coupled to the actuator, moves in a second direction. In some implementations, the movement of the substrate is perpendicular to the movement of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Kevin D. Gibbs, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Florence W. Ow, Derek W. Wright, Stephen R. McClure, Inna Lobel
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Patent number: 11368566Abstract: Transparent structures for portions of electronic device housings are disclosed. The transparent structures are formed from multiple layers of transparent (optically clear) materials. The multiple layers can include at least an outer glass layer and one or more other transparent layers that can be either glass or polymer layers. The multiple layers can be bonded together with one or more lamination layers. Accordingly, multi-layer transparent structures that are formed from multiple layers bonded together are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong and resistant to damage. The multi-layer transparent structures are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices).Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Derek W. Wright, Justin R. Wodrich, Benjamin M. Rappoport
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Publication number: 20220163997Abstract: A wearable accessory device is disclosed. The wearable accessory device includes a flexible display coupled to a bi-stable spring. Coupling the display to the bi-stable spring allows the accessory device to be easily worn in a number of convenient locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Derek W. Wright, Scott A. Myers
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Patent number: 11275406Abstract: A wearable accessory device is disclosed. The wearable accessory device includes a flexible display coupled to a bi-stable spring. Coupling the display to the bi-stable spring allows the accessory device to be easily worn in a number of convenient locations.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Derek W. Wright, Scott A. Myers
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Patent number: 11259107Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Mike B. Minerbi, Edward Siahaan, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Eugene A. Whang, Miikka O. Tikander, Derek W. Wright, Jared M. Kole, Esge B. Andersen, Daniel R. Bloom, Edwin J. Corona Aparicio, Timon A. Wright
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Patent number: 10771876Abstract: Headphones are disclosed that include a first earcup assembly and a second earcup assembly. The headphones include a headband extending between the first and second earcup assemblies. The headband includes opposing ends attached to the first and second earcup assemblies, respectively. The first earcup assembly includes a first cushion coupled to an earcup. The first cushion includes a first portion that is acoustically open. The first cushion also includes a second portion acoustically sealed from the first portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Miikka O. Tikander, Yacine Azmi, Derek W. Wright
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Publication number: 20200280794Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: Mike B. Minerbi, Edward Siahaan, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Eugene A. Whang, Miikka O. Tikander, Derek W. Wright, Jared M. Kole, Esge B. Andersen, Daniel R. Bloom, Edwin J. Corona Aparicio
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Patent number: 10664053Abstract: Systems and methods for providing localized tactile output and systems and methods for obtaining localized physical characteristic information are disclosed. An electronic device can include a friction transducer configured to augment and/or detect friction between a surface of an electronic device and an object in contact with that electronic device. The electronic device may also include a force transducer configured to detect the force with which an object contacts a display. The force transducer may also provide mechanical output. The electronic device can also include a thermal transducer to augment and/or detect the temperature of various locations on a display.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Carl R. Peterson, Derek W. Wright, Kevin D. Gibbs, Soyoung Kim, Stephen R. McClure
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Publication number: 20200153949Abstract: Transparent structures for portions of electronic device housings are disclosed. The transparent structures are formed from multiple layers of transparent (optically clear) materials. The multiple layers can include at least an outer glass layer and one or more other transparent layers that can be either glass or polymer layers. The multiple layers can be bonded together with one or more lamination layers. Accordingly, multi-layer transparent structures that are formed from multiple layers bonded together are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong and resistant to damage. The multi-layer transparent structures are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Derek W. Wright, Justin R. Wodrich, Benjamin M. Rappoport
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Publication number: 20200117235Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing can be machined from a single billet of material, such as a billet of aluminum. The single piece housing can include ledges with a surface receiving a trim bead and a cover. Corner brackets can be attached to the single piece housing to improve the damage resistance of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Stephen R. McClure, Sean S. Corbin, John P. Ternus, Kevin D. Gibbs, Jeremy C. Franklin, Elvis M. Kibiti, John Raff, Jules B. Henry, Benjamin Rappoport, Derek W. Wright, Erik A. Uttermann, Ming Yu, Carl R. Peterson
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Patent number: 10574800Abstract: Transparent structures for portions of electronic device housings are disclosed. The transparent structures are formed from multiple layers of transparent (optically clear) materials. The multiple layers can include at least an outer glass layer and one or more other transparent layers that can be either glass or polymer layers. The multiple layers can be bonded together with one or more lamination layers. Accordingly, multi-layer transparent structures that are formed from multiple layers bonded together are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong and resistant to damage. The multi-layer transparent structures are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Derek W. Wright, Justin R. Wodrich, Benjamin M. Rappoport
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Publication number: 20200026359Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for providing haptic output on an electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an actuator configured to move in a first direction. The electronic device also includes a substrate coupled to the actuator. When the actuator moves in the first direction, the substrate or a portion of the substrate, by virtue of being coupled to the actuator, moves in a second direction. In some implementations, the movement of the substrate is perpendicular to the movement of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Kevin D. Gibbs, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Florence W. Ow, Derek W. Wright, Stephen R. McClure, Inna Lobel
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Patent number: 10481691Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for providing haptic output on an electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an actuator configured to move in a first direction. The electronic device also includes a substrate coupled to the actuator. When the actuator moves in the first direction, the substrate or a portion of the substrate, by virtue of being coupled to the actuator, moves in a second direction. In some implementations, the movement of the substrate is perpendicular to the movement of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Kevin D. Gibbs, Dhaval Chandrakant Patel, Florence W. Ow, Derek W. Wright, Stephen R. McClure, Inna Lobel
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Patent number: 10474193Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing can be machined from a single billet of material, such as a billet of aluminum. The single piece housing can include ledges with a surface receiving a trim bead and a cover. Corner brackets can be attached to the single piece housing to improve the damage resistance of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Stephen R. McClure, Sean S. Corbin, John P. Ternus, Kevin D. Gibbs, Jeremy C. Franklin, Elvis M. Kibiti, John Raff, Jules B. Henry, Benjamin Rappoport, Derek W. Wright, Erik A. Uttermann, Ming Yu, Carl R. Peterson
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Publication number: 20190289104Abstract: Transparent structures for portions of electronic device housings are disclosed. The transparent structures are formed from multiple layers of transparent (optically clear) materials. The multiple layers can include at least an outer glass layer and one or more other transparent layers that can be either glass or polymer layers. The multiple layers can be bonded together with one or more lamination layers. Accordingly, multi-layer transparent structures that are formed from multiple layers bonded together are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong and resistant to damage. The multi-layer transparent structures are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Derek W. Wright, Justin R. Wodrich, Benjamin M. Rappoport
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Patent number: 10345905Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a housing in which display structures are mounted. Additional input-output devices such as a track pad may also be mounted in the housing. These input-output devices may include components such as touch sensors and force sensors for gathering input from a user. The display structures may include a display such as a flexible organic light-emitting diode display or a liquid crystal display that can present visual information to the user. To provide the user with tactile output, an output device such as a display or track pad may be provided with electroactive polymer structures, electromagnetic actuators, and other tactile output devices. The tactile output devices may provide protrusions, indentations, selectively stiffened and softened areas, and other tactile output for a user.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. McClure, Derek W. Wright, Paul S. Drzaic, Soyoung Kim, Yung-Yu Hsu, Que Anh S. Nguyen
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Patent number: 10320959Abstract: Transparent structures for portions of electronic device housings are disclosed. The transparent structures are formed from multiple layers of transparent (optically clear) materials. The multiple layers can include at least an outer glass layer and one or more other transparent layers that can be either glass or polymer layers. The multiple layers can be bonded together with one or more lamination layers. Accordingly, multi-layer transparent structures that are formed from multiple layers bonded together are able to be not only thin but also sufficiently strong and resistant to damage. The multi-layer transparent structures are well suited for use in consumer products, such as consumer electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices).Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Derek W. Wright, Justin R. Wodrich, Benjamin M. Rappoport
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Patent number: 9974122Abstract: An electronic device may include a display. The display may be an organic light-emitting diode display. The organic light-emitting diode display may have a substrate layer, a layer of organic light-emitting diode structures, and a layer of sealant. Vias may be formed in the substrate layer. The vias may be formed before completion of the display or after completion of the display. The vias may be filled with metal using electroplating or other metal deposition techniques. The vias may be connected to contacts on the rear surface of the display. The vias may be located in active regions of the display or inactive regions of the display. The display may include a top surface emission portion and a bottom surface emission portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas J. Weber, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Paul S. Drzaic, Teodor Dabov, Derek W. Wright, Scott A. Myers
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Patent number: 9832868Abstract: An electronic device may have layers of glass for forming components such as a display. A display cover glass layer may overlap an array of pixels. A touch sensor may be formed under the display cover glass layer. Conductive structures such as transparent conductive electrodes or other conductive layers of material may be formed on the outer surface of the display cover glass layer. The electrodes on the outer surface of the display cover glass layer may be coupled to metal contacts and other circuitry on the inner surface of the display cover glass layer using conductive vias. Vias may be provided with barrier layers, opaque coatings, tapers, and other structures and may be formed using techniques that enhance compatibility with chemical strengthening processes.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Derek W. Wright, James E. Pedder, Soyoung Kim, Stephen R. McClure, Elmar Gehlen, Sudirukkuge T. Jinasundera, Tingjun Xu, Michael Vosgueritchian, Xiaonan Wen, Wei Lin, Prithu Sharma