Patents by Inventor Douglas Joseph Weber
Douglas Joseph Weber 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: 20120075814Abstract: The present invention can relate to an electronic device having one or more support tabs that protect a circuit board disposed inside the device from externally applied compressive forces. In particular, when a force is applied to a housing of the device, the support tabs can buttress the housing of the device, either directly or through other intervening components disposed within the device, to reduce the likelihood that the housing or intervening components will contact and damage the circuit board. The present invention also can relate to methods for manufacturing such an electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Stephen Brian Lynch
-
Patent number: 8144475Abstract: The present invention can facilitate the coupling between electrical components and a circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into a housing of an electronic device. An electrical component can be integrated with a flexible circuit of another electrical component. The flexible circuit can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into the housing. Alternatively, electrical contacts can be disposed on a body of the electrical component and a complementary set of electrical contacts can be disposed on the circuit board. When the circuit board is disposed within a receptacle of the electrical component, the electrical contacts on the electrical component are coupled directly to the electrical contacts on the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Robert Sean Murphy, Stephen Brian Lynch
-
Patent number: 8040689Abstract: The present invention can relate to an electronic device having one or more support tabs that protect a circuit board disposed inside the device from externally applied compressive forces. In particular, when a force is applied to a housing of the device, the support tabs can buttress the housing of the device, either directly or through other intervening components disposed within the device, to reduce the likelihood that the housing or intervening components will contact and damage the circuit board. The present invention also can relate to methods for manufacturing such an electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Stephen Brian Lynch
-
Publication number: 20110195187Abstract: This is directed to a liquid vaporization process for depositing an oleophobic ingredient on a surface of an electronic device component using a PVD process. A raw liquid material that includes the oleophobic ingredient can be placed in a liquid supply system coupled to a vacuum chamber. The liquid supply system can be pressured by an inert gas to prevent undesired chemical reactions between the oleophobic ingredient and air. The liquid, including the oleophobic ingredient, can vaporize upon reaching the vaporizing unit, and the oleophobic ingredient can be deposited on the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Naoto Matsuyuki
-
Patent number: 7878840Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
-
Publication number: 20100271790Abstract: The present invention can relate to multiple-connector assemblies for use in, for example, electronic devices. Each of the connectors are constrained to another connector by aligning one or more complementary sets of reference features. A locating bracket may be used to couple multiple connectors together. Alternatively, the connectors may be coupled to each other directly. The electronic device also may include a retainer coupled to the connectors (either directly or indirectly through the locating bracket). The retainer and a surface of one of the connectors may form a single plane to which an end cap of the housing may be coupled, thereby accurately locating the end cap with respect to the connectors. The present invention also can relate to methods of manufacturing such an electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong
-
Publication number: 20100265676Abstract: The present invention can relate to an electronic device having one or more support tabs that protect a circuit board disposed inside the device from externally applied compressive forces. In particular, when a force is applied to a housing of the device, the support tabs can buttress the housing of the device, either directly or through other intervening components disposed within the device, to reduce the likelihood that the housing or intervening components will contact and damage the circuit board. The present invention also can relate to methods for manufacturing such an electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Stephen Brian Lynch
-
Patent number: 7751198Abstract: The present invention can relate to multiple-connector assemblies for use in, for example, electronic devices. Each of the connectors are constrained to another connector by aligning one or more complementary sets of reference features. A locating bracket may be used to couple multiple connectors together. Alternatively, the connectors may be coupled to each other directly. The electronic device also may include a retainer coupled to the connectors (either directly or indirectly through the locating bracket). The retainer and a surface of one of the connectors may form a single plane to which an end cap of the housing may be coupled, thereby accurately locating the end cap with respect to the connectors. The present invention also can relate to methods of manufacturing such an electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong
-
Patent number: 7751199Abstract: The present invention can relate to an electronic device having one or more support tabs that protect a circuit board disposed inside the device from externally applied compressive forces. In particular, when a force is applied to a housing of the device, the support tabs can buttress the housing of the device, either directly or through other intervening components disposed within the device, to reduce the likelihood that the housing or intervening components will contact and damage the circuit board. The present invention also can relate to methods for manufacturing such an electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Stephen Brian Lynch
-
Publication number: 20100167574Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
-
Publication number: 20100142164Abstract: The present invention can facilitate the coupling between electrical components and a circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into a housing of an electronic device. An electrical component can be integrated with a flexible circuit of another electrical component. The flexible circuit can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into the housing. Alternatively, electrical contacts can be disposed on a body of the electrical component and a complementary set of electrical contacts can be disposed on the circuit board. When the circuit board is disposed within a receptacle of the electrical component, the electrical contacts on the electrical component are coupled directly to the electrical contacts on the circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Robert Sean Murphy, Stephen Brian Lynch
-
Patent number: 7660127Abstract: The present invention can facilitate the coupling between electrical components and a circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into a housing of an electronic device. An electrical component can be integrated with a flexible circuit of another electrical component. The flexible circuit can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into the housing. Alternatively, electrical contacts can be disposed on a body of the electrical component and a complementary set of electrical contacts can be disposed on the circuit board. When the circuit board is disposed within a receptacle of the electrical component, the electrical contacts on the electrical component are coupled directly to the electrical contacts on the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Robert Sean Murphy, Stephen Brian Lynch
-
Patent number: 7641498Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Apple IncInventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
-
Publication number: 20090227137Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
-
Publication number: 20090141459Abstract: Electronic devices are provided with housing components that have improved aesthetics. One or more holes may be formed through an extruded portion of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventor: Douglas Joseph Weber
-
Patent number: 7540754Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavil configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
-
Publication number: 20090078553Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to a switch for use in an electronic device. The switching assembly may include an elastically deformable actuator having a conductive inner surface and a cosmetic outer surface. The actuator may be disposed on an exterior surface of an enclosure that houses an electric circuit board of the electronic device. The enclosure may have one or more openings for providing an electrical connection between the actuator and the enclosed circuit of the electronic device. When the actuator is pressed, an electrical circuit may be closed and electric current may flow through the conductive inner surface of the actuator. The actuator may be combined with a perimeter element for snapping on and off the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Emery Sanford, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
-
Publication number: 20080200069Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavil configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
-
Patent number: 7384295Abstract: A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Evans Hankey, Rico Zorkendorfer, John Benjamin Filson, Douglas Joseph Weber, Stephen Zadesky
-
Publication number: 20080064235Abstract: The present invention can facilitate the coupling between electrical components and a circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into a housing of an electronic device. An electrical component can be integrated with a flexible circuit of another electrical component. The flexible circuit can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into the housing. Alternatively, electrical contacts can be disposed on a body of the electrical component and a complementary set of electrical contacts can be disposed on the circuit board. When the circuit board is disposed within a receptacle of the electrical component, the electrical contacts on the electrical component are coupled directly to the electrical contacts on the circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Joseph Weber, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Robert Sean Murphy, Stephen Brian Lynch