Patents by Inventor Donald R. Monroe
Donald R. Monroe 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: 20240116337Abstract: A closure includes a door configured for movement with respect to an opening between a closed position and an open position, and a movable roof panel that configured for connection to the body for movement with respect to the opening between a closed position and an open position by pivoting relative to the body. The closure also includes an access structure that is configured to be movable from a stowed position to a deployed position when the door is in the open position, wherein the access structure defines a walking surface in the deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Ali Tavakoli Targhi, Philipp J. Wolf, Steven H. Klotz, Moshe J. Baum, Tina Lin, Donald R. Monroe
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Publication number: 20240035327Abstract: A first portion and a second portion cooperate to define an opening. Guide structures are in engagement with bracket assemblies so that the bracket assemblies are movable with respect to the guide structures to allow movement of a panel between a closed position and an open position. A stabilizer engages the panel in the open position. In some implementations, the panel may be flush relative to the first portion and/or the second portion in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2023Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Trevor M. Sultana, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, Steven H. Klotz, Moshe J. Baum, Donald R. Monroe
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Patent number: 11851926Abstract: A panel is supported by a track for movement along the track between a closed position and an open position, and is further supported by a pivot assembly that is configured to pivot the track and the panel with respect to a body portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Trevor M. Sultana, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, Steven H. Klotz, Donald R. Monroe
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Patent number: 11833891Abstract: A laminated glazing includes a first glass layer, a second glass layer, and a third layer between the first glass layer and the second glass layer. The third layer has an optical property that differs in a first region as compared to a second region, the first region being within five inches of one side of the laminated glazing and the second region extending from the first region toward another side of the laminated glazing.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: David E. Kingman, Derek C. Scott, Christopher L. Porritt, Marcelo B. da Silveira Magalhaes, Martin Melcher, Peter F. Masschelein, Donald R. Monroe
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Publication number: 20230347795Abstract: A collapsible mechanism having a base and a back. A guide moves the base and the back between a support configuration and a table configuration. One or more surfaces of the base or the back form a height-extendible work surface in the table configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Philipp J. Wolf, Donald R. Monroe, Mikael P. Sedlacek
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Patent number: 11772354Abstract: A glass fastening system includes a glass portion, a support structure defining a recess, a first adhesive layer disposed on an exterior surface of the glass portion facing the recess in the support structure, a second adhesive layer disposed within the recess of the support structure, and a fastener having a first portion secured to the first adhesive layer and a second portion extending away from the first portion and into the second adhesive layer to secure the glass portion to the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: David E. Kingman, Derek C. Scott, Donald R. Monroe, Phil M. Hobson, Juan A. Lazaro, Ibuki Kamei, John Raff, Stephen B. Lynch, Albert J. Golko, Christopher D. Prest, Dale N. Memering, James A. Yurko, Christopher D. Jones
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Patent number: 11772466Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof opening, a front window that is located forward from the roof opening, and a rear window that is located rearward from the roof opening. The vehicle also includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel obstruct the roof opening in a closed position and are movable to an open position in which the first panel is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the front window and the second panel is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the rear window.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Philipp J. Wolf, John Raff, Donald R. Monroe, Samuel G. Fowle, Antonio B. Martinez, Albert J. Golko, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, David J. Donohue, David E. Kingman, Ibuki Kamei, Christopher L. Porritt
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Patent number: 11731555Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof panel, an opening defined by the roof panel and a movable panel assembly that is configured to move between a closed position and an open position with respect to the opening. A first track is located above the roof panel at a first lateral side of the movable panel, and a second track located above the roof panel at a second lateral side of the movable panel, wherein the movable panel is supported by the first track and the second track for movement between the closed position and the open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Philipp J. Wolf, Samuel G. Fowle, Donald R. Monroe, John Raff, Antonio B. Martinez, Albert J. Golko, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, David J. Donohue, David E. Kingman, Ibuki Kamei
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Patent number: 11691581Abstract: An attenuation system is connected to a structural portion and includes a first portion, a second portion, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to move the attenuation system between a retracted position and an extended position. The first portion is moved outward relative to the second portion during movement of the attenuation system from the retracted position to the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Juan A. Lazaro, Erik Mikael Fermer, Alice C. Watts, Tommaso P. Rivellini, Christian Schermaier, John Raff, Derek C. Scott, David E. Kingman, Bryce A. Woollard, Samuel G. Fowle, Mark B. Rober, Ibuki Kamei, Donald R. Monroe, Jesse T. Buehler, Paul D. Yeomans
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Patent number: 11667258Abstract: A restraint system includes a restraint configured to deploy from an interior surface and restrain motion of an occupant and a support including a door coupled to an upper portion of the restraint. The door is configured to rotate about a pivot. The door includes a telescoping panel configured to telescopically extend from a stowed position behind the interior surface to a deployed position spaced apart from the interior surface in unison with deployment of the restraint so that the anchor reaches the deployed position after the door rotates about the pivot. The support is configured to orient the upper portion of the restraint in respect to motion of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Adam J. Golman, Nathaniel J. Dennis, Jesse T. Buehler, Jonathan O. Sive, Donald R. Monroe, Mikael P. Sedlacek, Arturo Llamazares Domper
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Publication number: 20230152620Abstract: A system such as a vehicle, building, or electronic device system may have a support structure with one or more windows. The support structure and window may separate an interior region within the system from a surrounding exterior region. Control circuitry may receive input such as user input and may adjust an adjustable layer in the window based on the input. The adjustable layer may have a polymer matrix layer with embedded cells. The cells may include intermixed guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells. The guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells may have different liquid crystal materials and/or different sizes that allow the guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells to electrically switch states at different respective threshold voltages. Based on the user input or other input the control circuitry can adjust a drive signal across the adjustable layer to change light transmittance and haze.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Yuan Chen, Donald R. Monroe, Peter F. Masschelein, Stephen B. Lynch, Xiaokai Li, Zhibing Ge
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Patent number: 11598985Abstract: A system such as a vehicle, building, or electronic device system may have a support structure with one or more windows. The support structure and window may separate an interior region within the system from a surrounding exterior region. Control circuitry may receive input such as user input and may adjust an adjustable layer in the window based on the input. The adjustable layer may have a polymer matrix layer with embedded cells. The cells may include intermixed guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells. The guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells may have different liquid crystal materials and/or different sizes that allow the guest-host liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal cells to electrically switch states at different respective threshold voltages. Based on the user input or other input the control circuitry can adjust a drive signal across the adjustable layer to change light transmittance and haze.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Yuan Chen, Donald R. Monroe, Peter F. Masschelein, Stephen B. Lynch, Xiaokai Li, Zhibing Ge
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Publication number: 20230009718Abstract: A striker system includes a chassis, a striker, an actuator, and a controller. The striker is pivotable relative to the chassis and configured to be received by and couple to a latch. The actuator is configured to pivot the striker. The controller operates the actuator to pivot the striker relative to the chassis in a range of motion greater than 60 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Inventors: Thuan D. Doan, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, Steven H. Klotz, Donald R. Monroe
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Patent number: 11541807Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof, an opening in the roof, and a window that is located forward from the opening, wherein the window has an upper end and the window is free from non-translucent structures near the upper end. A movable panel is connected to the roof for movement forward and rearward relative to the roof between a closed position and an open position. A seal is connected to the movable panel. The seal engages the window when the movable panel is in the closed position and the seal is disengaged from the window when the movable panel is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Philipp J. Wolf, Samuel G. Fowle, Donald R. Monroe, John Raff, Antonio B. Martinez, Albert J. Golko, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, David J. Donohue, David E. Kingman, Ibuki Kamei
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Patent number: 11446986Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes a laminated panel and a reinforcement structure. The laminated panel includes a glass layer and a polymer layer that is laminated with the glass layer. The reinforcement structure extends along and is coupled to an upper perimeter of the polymer layer. When the polymer layer is in tension, the reinforcement structure hinders inward movement of the polymer layer relative to an upper edge of the window assembly. The window assembly is a retractable side window assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David E. Kingman, Donald R. Monroe, Steven H. Klotz, Derek C. Scott
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Patent number: 11427057Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof opening, a front window that is located forward from the roof opening, and a rear window that is located rearward from the roof opening. The vehicle also includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel obstruct the roof opening in a closed position and are movable to an open position in which the first panel is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the front window and the second panel is positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the rear window.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Philipp J. Wolf, John Raff, Donald R. Monroe, Samuel G. Fowle, Antonio B. Martinez, Albert J. Golko, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, David J. Donohue, David E. Kingman, Ibuki Kamei, Christopher L. Porritt
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Patent number: 11347096Abstract: Light-control panels including layered optical components are described in this application. An example of a light-control panel includes first, second, and third glazing layers, first and second switchable components extending between the first and second glazing layers, and a third switchable component extending between the second and third glazing layers. The switchable components include a polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) device having a clear state and a hazy state, a guest-host liquid-crystal (GHLC) device having a clear state and a tinted state, and a light-guide device having a clear state and a bright state.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David E. Kingman, Donald R. Monroe, Peter F. Masschelein, Clarisse Mazuir
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Patent number: 11235701Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof, an opening in the roof, and a window that is located forward from the opening, wherein the window has an upper end and the window is free from non-translucent structures near the upper end. A movable panel is connected to the roof for movement forward and rearward relative to the roof between a closed position and an open position. A seal is connected to the movable panel. The seal engages the window when the movable panel is in the closed position and the seal is disengaged from the window when the movable panel is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Philipp J. Wolf, Samuel G. Fowle, Donald R. Monroe, John Raff, Antonio B. Martinez, Albert J. Golko, Ali Tavakoli Targhi, David J. Donohue, David E. Kingman, Ibuki Kamei
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Patent number: 11214180Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back, a seat base, a base structure that is connected to the seat base, a guide structure, and a primary pivot joint that connects the guide structure to the base structure so that the guide structure is able to rotate with respect to the base structure to change a recline angle of the seat back with respect to the seat base. The vehicle seat also includes a slide structure that is connected to the seat back and has a sliding connection to the guide structure, and a link that connects the seat back to the seat base so that the slide structure slides with respect to the guide structure during rotation of the guide structure with respect to the base structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ali Tavakoli Targhi, Lukas Satas, Per G. Isaksson, Donald R. Monroe
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Patent number: 11214997Abstract: A multi-linkage vehicle door hinge and door hinge system for use in passenger vehicle entry/exit doors. The door hinge includes a first four bar linkage connected to a second four bar linkage. The door hinge operates to move a vehicle door panel between a closed position and an open position along a path of travel in a movement envelope that is parallel to the exterior surface of the vehicle. In one aspect, the door hinge provides twice as much lift as is required to package the door hinge in the vehicle. In another aspect, the door panel further rotates toward the vehicle centerline for applications having low vertical clearance. In another aspect, the door hinge includes a six-bar linkage.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ali Tavakoli Targhi, Donald R. Monroe, Johan Karlsson, Steven H. Klotz