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).

  • Publication number: 20160088379
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 9137891
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 9099856
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, John Raff, Piotr S. Trzaskos
  • Publication number: 20150138149
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder, Sean S. Corbin
  • Patent number: 8952915
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder, Sean S. Corbin
  • Patent number: 8941990
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder
  • Publication number: 20150008031
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, John Raff, Piotr S. Trzaskos
  • Patent number: 8905792
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8896488
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Enrique Ayala Vazquez, Erik A. Uttermann, Salih Yarga, Qingxiang Li, Robert W. Schlub
  • Patent number: 8878060
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Wright, Erik A. Uttermann, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Publication number: 20140226291
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8804355
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, John Raff, Piotr S. Trzaskos
  • Publication number: 20140117006
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Derek W. WRIGHT, Erik A. UTTERMANN, Stephen R. McCLURE
  • Patent number: 8712233
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20140069714
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, John Raff, Piotr S. Trzaskos
  • Patent number: 8665160
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Jeremy C. Franklin, Stephen R. McClure, Sean S. Corbin, Qingxiang Li, Rodney A. Gomez Angulo
  • Publication number: 20130342492
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder, Sean S. Corbin
  • Patent number: 8587939
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20130244496
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8537128
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik A. Uttermann, Rico Zorkendorfer, Andrew Lauder, Sean S. Corbin