Patents by Inventor Erik A. Uttermann
Erik A. Uttermann 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: 20160088379Abstract: An enclosure for an electronic device is enclosed. The enclosure includes rib structures configured to improve structural support to prevent damage and to dissipate vibration throughout the enclosure. The rib structure can receive a speaker module and a cap member. The rib structure and the speaker module can combine to form a three-dimensional volume allowing the speaker module in which the speaker module may project sound, thereby enhancing acoustic performance. Also, the cap member may be adhesively attached to the rib structure to provide additional structural support against vibration and abuse caused by load forces associated with a drop event.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2014Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: G. Kyle Lobisser, Jason S. Keats, Ryan J. Mihelich, Pablo Seoane Vieites, Kevin M. Kenney, John Raff, Erik A. Uttermann, Melody L. Kuna, Oliver C. Ross
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Patent number: 9137891Abstract: An electronic device may have a conductive housing. A dielectric structure may be mounted in the conductive housing to form an antenna window. An electrical component such as a camera, light sensor, or other device may press against a conductive foam structure. A printed circuit may have conductive traces that form an antenna ground and antenna resonating element. The printed circuit may be wrapped around a support structure. The electrical component, the conductive foam structure, and the printed circuit wrapped around the support structure may be compressed between a display cover layer and the antenna window. A camera window may be attached to a camera window trim using multiple adhesives. The trim may have a curved exterior surface that matches a curved housing surface. A flexible printed circuit cable may have a folded portion. A band structure may surround the folded portion to form a service loop.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Gibbs, Carl R. Peterson, Erik A. Uttermann, Conor P. Lenahan, John P. Ternus, Justin R. Wodrich, Elvis M. Kibiti, Derek Wright
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Patent number: 9099856Abstract: Brackets may be mated with or coupled to an opening of an electronic device enclosure or housing for receiving plug connectors to reinforce the receptacle connector and/or device housing and potentially reduce damage/breakage. For example, a bracket can have a front face with a curvature. A back face of the bracket can include a first opening that communicates with a cavity. The cavity can be defined at least in part by upper and lower opposing inner surfaces, the lower inner surface including a portion that extends parallel to a portion of the bracket front face. The bracket can also include a hollow protrusion extending from the bracket front face in a front direction. The hollow protrusion can include an opening that communicates with the opening of the back face and extends through the hollow protrusion. Methods for manufacturing the connector bracket are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, John Raff, Piotr S. Trzaskos
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Publication number: 20150138149Abstract: A portable input device is described. The portable input device can wirelessly send control signals to an external circuit. The control signals can derive from touch or gestures applied to a touch sensitive surface. The control signals can also include a mouse click equivalent control signal generated by mechanical manipulation of the portable input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2015Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder, Sean S. Corbin
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Patent number: 8952915Abstract: A portable input device is described. The portable input device can wirelessly send control signals to an external circuit. The control signals can derive from touch or gestures applied to a touch sensitive surface. The control signals can also include a mouse click equivalent control signal generated by mechanical manipulation of the portable input device.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder, Sean S. Corbin
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Patent number: 8941990Abstract: A moveable device foot for an electronic device is described. The device foot can include a rigid weight bearing member and a flexible sealing member that is integrally formed with the weight bearing member. The device foot can be formed using a double-shot injection molding process. The weight bearing member of the foot can be mounted to an interior portion of the electronic device such that it extends through an external casing of the electronic device. The flexible sealing member can be mounted to the external casing to seal the interior of the electronic device. During operation of the electronic device, the device foot can be configured to move relative to the external casing, such as in response to an external force applied to the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder
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Publication number: 20150008031Abstract: Brackets may be mated with or coupled to an opening of an electronic device enclosure or housing for receiving plug connectors to reinforce the receptacle connector and/or device housing and potentially reduce damage/breakage. For example, a bracket can have a front face with a curvature. A back face of the bracket can include a first opening that communicates with a cavity. The cavity can be defined at least in part by upper and lower opposing inner surfaces, the lower inner surface including a portion that extends parallel to a portion of the bracket front face. The bracket can also include a hollow protrusion extending from the bracket front face in a front direction. The hollow protrusion can include an opening that communicates with the opening of the back face and extends through the hollow protrusion. Methods for manufacturing the connector bracket are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, John Raff, Piotr S. Trzaskos
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Patent number: 8905792Abstract: Connector receptacles having a contoured form factor that allows their use in stylized enclosures. These receptacles may also be contoured to avoid circuitry internal to the device enclosure. The contoured form factor may also simplify the assembly of the connector receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Robert Scritzky, George V. Anastas, Eric S. Jol, Erik A. Uttermann, John B. Ardisana, II, Jason S. Sloey, Trent K. Do, Albert J. Golko
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Patent number: 8896488Abstract: Antennas are provided for electronic devices such as portable computers. Multiple resonating elements may be formed on a flexible antenna resonating element substrate. The flexible antenna resonating element substrate may have a first antenna resonating element at one end and a second antenna resonating element at an opposing end. The flexible antenna resonating substrate may be wrapped around a dielectric carrier and mounted within an electronic device under an inactive display region and above a dielectric housing window. Conductive structures such as conductive housing structures may form antenna ground. The resonating elements and antenna ground may form first and second antennas. A parasitic antenna resonating element may form part of the first antenna.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Enrique Ayala Vazquez, Erik A. Uttermann, Salih Yarga, Qingxiang Li, Robert W. Schlub
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Patent number: 8878060Abstract: An electronic device may include housing structures, electronic components, and other structures. A gap may be formed between the structures. A membrane structure may be used to bridge the gap to form and environmental seal and electrical pathway between the structures. The membrane structure may be deployed using a temporary biasing member or may be installed by forming an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure may include an elastomeric balloon that may be pressurized. Adhesive such as conductive adhesive may be used in attaching the membrane structure to the structures in the electronic device. An inflatable structure may be depressurized following installation in an electronic device to minimize residual forces.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Derek Wright, Erik A. Uttermann, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
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Publication number: 20140226291Abstract: An electronic device may have a conductive housing. A dielectric structure may be mounted in the conductive housing to form an antenna window. An electrical component such as a camera, light sensor, or other device may press against a conductive foam structure. A printed circuit may have conductive traces that form an antenna ground and antenna resonating element. The printed circuit may be wrapped around a support structure. The electrical component, the conductive foam structure, and the printed circuit wrapped around the support structure may be compressed between a display cover layer and the antenna window. A camera window may be attached to a camera window trim using multiple adhesives. The trim may have a curved exterior surface that matches a curved housing surface. A flexible printed circuit cable may have a folded portion. A band structure may surround the folded portion to form a service loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Gibbs, Carl R. Peterson, Erik A. Uttermann, Conor P. Lenahan, John P. Ternus, Justin R. Wodrich, Elvis M. Kibiti, Derek Wright
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Patent number: 8804355Abstract: Brackets may be mated with or coupled to an opening of an electronic device enclosure or housing for receiving plug connectors to reinforce the receptacle connector and/or device housing and potentially reduce damage/breakage. For example, a bracket can have a front face with a curvature. A back face of the bracket can include a first opening that communicates with a cavity. The cavity can be defined at least in part by upper and lower opposing inner surfaces, the lower inner surface including a portion that extends parallel to a portion of the bracket front face. The bracket can also include a hollow protrusion extending from the bracket front face in a front direction. The hollow protrusion can include an opening that communicates with the opening of the back face and extends through the hollow protrusion. Methods for manufacturing the connector bracket are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, John Raff, Piotr S. Trzaskos
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Publication number: 20140117006Abstract: The described embodiment relates generally to the field of inductive heating. More specifically an inductive heater designed for use in assembling electronics is disclosed. A number of methods for shaping a radio-frequency (RF) receiver structure are disclosed for the purpose of completing an inductive bonding process without causing harm to adjacent electrical components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Derek W. WRIGHT, Erik A. UTTERMANN, Stephen R. McCLURE
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Patent number: 8712233Abstract: An electronic device may have a conductive housing. A dielectric structure may be mounted in the conductive housing to form an antenna window. An electrical component such as a camera, light sensor, or other device may press against a conductive foam structure. A printed circuit may have conductive traces that form an antenna ground and antenna resonating element. The printed circuit may be wrapped around a support structure. The electrical component, the conductive foam structure, and the printed circuit wrapped around the support structure may be compressed between a display cover layer and the antenna window. A camera window may be attached to a camera window trim using multiple adhesives. The trim may have a curved exterior surface that matches a curved housing surface. A flexible printed circuit cable may have a folded portion. A band structure may surround the folded portion to form a service loop.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Kevin D. Gibbs, Carl R. Peterson, Erik A. Uttermann, Conor P. Lenahan, John P. Ternus, Justin R. Wodrich, Elvis M. Kibiti, Derek Wright
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Publication number: 20140069714Abstract: Brackets may be mated with or coupled to an opening of an electronic device enclosure or housing for receiving plug connectors to reinforce the receptacle connector and/or device housing and potentially reduce damage/breakage. For example, a bracket can have a front face with a curvature. A back face of the bracket can include a first opening that communicates with a cavity. The cavity can be defined at least in part by upper and lower opposing inner surfaces, the lower inner surface including a portion that extends parallel to a portion of the bracket front face. The bracket can also include a hollow protrusion extending from the bracket front face in a front direction. The hollow protrusion can include an opening that communicates with the opening of the back face and extends through the hollow protrusion. Methods for manufacturing the connector bracket are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, John Raff, Piotr S. Trzaskos
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Patent number: 8665160Abstract: 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 a single piece housing formed from a radio opaque material with a cover formed from a radio transparent material. To implement a wireless interface, an antenna stack-up can be provided that allows an antenna to be mounted to a bottom of the cover. Methods and apparatus are provided for improving wireless performance. For instance, in one embodiment, a metal housing can be thinned to improve antenna performance. As another example, a faraday cage can be formed around speaker drivers to improve antenna performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Jeremy C. Franklin, Stephen R. McClure, Sean S. Corbin, Qingxiang Li, Rodney A. Gomez Angulo
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Publication number: 20130342492Abstract: A portable input device is described. The portable input device can wirelessly send control signals to an external circuit. The control signals can derive from touch or gestures applied to a touch sensitive surface. The control signals can also include a mouse click equivalent control signal generated by mechanical manipulation of the portable input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder, Sean S. Corbin
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Patent number: 8587939Abstract: 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: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. McClure, Sean S. Corbin, John P. Ternus, Kevin Gibbs, Jeremy C. Franklin, Elvis M. Kibiti, John Raff, Jules B. Henry, Benjamin Rappoport, Derek W. Wright, Erik A. Uttermann, Ming Yu, Carl Peterson
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Publication number: 20130244496Abstract: Connector receptacles having a contoured form factor that allows their use in stylized enclosures. These receptacles may also be contoured to avoid circuitry internal to the device enclosure. The contoured form factor may also simplify the assembly of the connector receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Robert Scritzky, George V. Anastas, Eric S. Jol, Erik A. Uttermann, John B. Ardisana, II, Jason S. Sloey, Trent K. Do, Albert J. Golko
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Patent number: 8537128Abstract: A portable input device is described. The portable input device can wirelessly send control signals to an external circuit. The control signals can derive from touch or gestures applied to a touch sensitive surface. The control signals can also include a mouse click equivalent control signal generated by mechanical manipulation of the portable input device.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder, Sean S. Corbin