Patents by Inventor Eric B. Wankoff

Eric B. Wankoff 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: 20240106158
    Abstract: Connector receptacles and connector receptacle interfaces that can detect a connection to a corresponding connector insert, can detect liquid in the connector receptacle, and can limit damage to the connector receptacle caused by the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Wankoff, Peter J. Cameron, Mahmoud R. Amini, Daren L. Rimando, Sotirios Lyrintzis, Makiko K. Brzezinski, Adam H. Herzog, Mohammed Nasser Khamis Al Jashmi, George Tziviskos, Aaron N. Miletich, Collin Greene, Jason S. Sloey, Sydney Puckett
  • Publication number: 20240106161
    Abstract: Connector structures that can help to reduce corrosion of contacts in a connector receptacle and can reduce liquid ingress into an electronic device that houses the connector receptacle. An example can increase an effective width between adjacent contacts. This and other examples can force dendritic growth to occur in a location where it can be at least partially cleared by the insertion of a corresponding connector into the connector receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mahmoud R. Amini, Eric B. Wankoff, Nikhil S. Pansare, Ibuki Kamei, Samira Chizari, Peter J. Cameron
  • Patent number: 11936151
    Abstract: Connector assemblies and contacts that can be moisture-resistant, light-weight, space efficient, and can be readily manufactured. The connector assembly can be formed of two or more materials that can be molded together to reduce the chance of leakage at seams between the two materials. One of the two materials can have an affinity for plating materials while the other material can have an aversion to plating materials. The first material can be plated and used as contacts, while the second can resist plating and can be used to separate regions of the first material into two or more contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Wankoff, Mahmoud R. Amini, Peter J. Cameron
  • Publication number: 20230079265
    Abstract: Connector assemblies and contacts that can be moisture-resistant, light-weight, space efficient, and can be readily manufactured. The connector assembly can be formed of two or more materials that can be molded together to reduce the chance of leakage at seams between the two materials. One of the two materials can have an affinity for plating materials while the other material can have an aversion to plating materials. The first material can be plated and used as contacts, while the second can resist plating and can be used to separate regions of the first material into two or more contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Wankoff, Mahmoud R. Amini, Peter J. Cameron
  • Patent number: 11114781
    Abstract: Connectors for connecting traces on one or more flexible circuit boards to traces on a printed circuit board. These connectors can include gaskets, potting material, and other structures or materials to seal electrical connections in the connector from moisture ingress to prevent damage. The connectors can be locked to secure the one or more flexible circuit board in place in the connector. The connectors can be unlocked and then opened to remove the flexible circuit boards to remove components or to rework the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Wankoff, Mahmoud R. Amini, Peter J. Cameron