Patents by Inventor Erik L. Wang
Erik L. Wang 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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Patent number: 10149041Abstract: This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Phillip Qian, Edward Siahaan, Erik L. Wang, Christopher J. Stringer, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Daniel Max Strongwater, Jason J. LeBlanc
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Patent number: 10129625Abstract: Headphone eartips with internal support components and methods for making the same are provided. Different support components may provide specific amounts and types of additional rigidity at specific portions of an exterior surface of an outer eartip body that may be expected to interface with specific portions of an ear canal geometry when an eartip subassembly is positioned within the ear canal, such that the eartip subassembly may conform to the various shapes of the ear canal while maintaining an acoustic seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Ethan L. Huwe, Brad G. Boozer, Erik L. Wang, Phillip Qian
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Patent number: 10064467Abstract: An accessory device used with an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may provide a protective cover for the electronic device. The accessory device may include a first part and a second part. The accessory device may also include one or more detection mechanisms, some of which may be used to determine whether the first part and the second part are properly aligned with respect to each other. Further, the detection mechanisms may generate an indication whether the first and second parts are properly aligned. The detection mechanism may be in communication with the electronic device such that the electronic device can receive the indication. In this manner, the indication may cause the electronic device to generate and present a message on a display of the electronic device. The message may provide a statement whether the parts are properly aligned.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nathan P. Bosscher, Erik L. Wang, Ethan L. Huwe, Craig M. Stanley
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Publication number: 20180242697Abstract: A wrist band for attaching a portable electronic device to a user includes articulating segments which may be releasably connected so as to provide the user the capability of sizing the wristband by adding or removing links as desired. A clasp is also disclosed for securing the wristband to a user. A manufacturing device and method are disclosed for machining complex surfaces on the segments and clasp.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael J. WEBB, Erik L. WANG, Daniele DE IULIIS, Wayne COWAN
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Publication number: 20180227664Abstract: This disclosure relates to speakers and more specifically to an array speaker for distributing music uniformly across a room. A number of audio drivers can be radially distributed within a speaker housing so that an output of the drivers is distributed evenly throughout the room. In some embodiments, the exit geometry of the audio drivers can be configured to bounce off a surface supporting the array speaker to improve the distribution of music throughout the room. The array speaker can include a number of vibration isolation elements distributed within a housing of the array speaker. The vibration isolation elements can be configured reduce the strength of forces generated by a subwoofer of the array speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Craig M. Stanley, Simon K. Porter, John H. Sheerin, Glenn K. Trainer, Jason C. Della Rosa, Ethan L. Huwe, Sean T. McIntosh, Erik L. Wang, Christopher J. Stringer, Molly J. Anderson
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Publication number: 20180213896Abstract: Clasp assemblies for bands (e.g., for watches) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clasp assembly may include a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, where respective links are releasably coupled to one another, and spring assemblies disposed between respective links impart biasing forces between the respective links. In some embodiments, a clasp assembly may include a clasp body, a clasp cover, and a connecting arm pivotally coupled to the clasp body at a first end of the connecting arm, and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm. The clasp assembly may include springs, magnets, elastomer members, and/or other mechanisms, components, or assemblies that impart a biasing force between the clasp body, the connecting arm, and/or the clasp cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Motohide HATANAKA, Hsiang Hung CHEN, Erik L. WANG, Michael J. WEBB, Douglas J. WEBER, Daniele DE LULIIS, Kah Sim QUAH
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Publication number: 20180152549Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Phillip Michael Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman, Bartley K. Andre, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele G. De Iuliis, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Steve P. Jobs, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Douglas B. Satzger, Calvin Q. Seid, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer, Robert W. Schlub
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Patent number: 9980539Abstract: A wrist band for attaching a portable electronic device to a user includes articulating segments which may be releasably connected so as to provide the user the capability of sizing the wristband by adding or removing links as desired. A clasp is also disclosed for securing the wristband to a user. A manufacturing device and method are disclosed for machining complex surfaces on the segments and clasp.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michael J. Webb, Erik L. Wang, Daniele De Iuliis, Wayne Cowan
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Patent number: 9973838Abstract: An acoustic device such as a microphone or speaker is positioned with and coupled to a housing to connect an acoustic port of the acoustic device with an external opening of the housing. A reservoir is connected to the external opening via a bleed channel. The bleed channel may be less resistive to liquid ingress than the acoustic port. As such, the reservoir and bleed channel may redirect liquid from the external opening away from the acoustic port. In some implementations, the reservoir and/or the bleed channel may be defined by one or more acoustically permeable barriers such as meshes that cover the acoustic port, compressible materials such as foams that form a perimeter around the acoustic port, and/or adhesive layers that couple the acoustic device, the housing, and/or one or more other components.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Phillip Qian, Edward Siahaan, Erik L. Wang, Esge B. Andersen
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Publication number: 20180115336Abstract: Electronic devices are provided with ejectable component assemblies. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray that can be loaded with one or more removable modules, wafers coupled to circuit boards, cages and retaining plates to assist in retaining the tray within the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include springs operative to engage detents in the tray to retain the tray in the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray ejector mechanism for ejecting the tray from the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Scott A. MYERS, Erik L. WANG, Jason S. SLOEY
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Patent number: 9949537Abstract: Clasp assemblies for bands (e.g., for watches) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clasp assembly may include a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, where respective links are releasably coupled to one another, and spring assemblies disposed between respective links impart biasing forces between the respective links. In some embodiments, a clasp assembly may include a clasp body, a clasp cover, and a connecting arm pivotally coupled to the clasp body at a first end of the connecting arm, and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm. The clasp assembly may include springs, magnets, elastomer members, and/or other mechanisms, components, or assemblies that impart a biasing force between the clasp body, the connecting arm, and/or the clasp cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Motohide Hatanaka, Hsiang Hung Chen, Erik L. Wang, Michael J. Webb, Douglas J. Weber, Daniele De Iuliis, Kah Sim Quah
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Publication number: 20180091896Abstract: This disclosure relates to speakers and more specifically to an array speaker for distributing music uniformly across a room. A number of audio drivers can be radially distributed within a speaker housing so that an output of the drivers is distributed evenly throughout the room. In some embodiments, the exit geometry of the audio drivers can be configured to bounce off a surface supporting the array speaker to improve the distribution of music throughout the room. The array speaker can include a number of vibration isolation elements distributed within a housing of the array speaker. The vibration isolation elements can be configured reduce the strength of forces generated by a subwoofer of the array speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Craig M. Stanley, Simon K. Porter, John H. Sheerin, Glenn K. Trainer, Jason C. Della Rosa, Ethan L. Huwe, Sean T. McIntosh, Erik L. Wang, Christopher J. Stringer, Molly J. Anderson
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Publication number: 20180091897Abstract: This disclosure relates to speakers and more specifically to an array speaker for distributing music uniformly across a room. A number of audio drivers can be radially distributed within a speaker housing so that an output of the drivers is distributed evenly throughout the room. In some embodiments, the exit geometry of the audio drivers can be configured to bounce off a surface supporting the array speaker to improve the distribution of music throughout the room. The array speaker can include a number of vibration isolation elements distributed within a housing of the array speaker. The vibration isolation elements can be configured reduce the strength of forces generated by a subwoofer of the array speaker.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Craig M. Stanley, Simon K. Porter, John H. Sheerin, Glenn K. Trainer, Jason C. Della Rosa, Ethan L. Huwe, Sean T. McIntosh, Erik L. Wang, Christopher J. Stringer, Molly J. Anderson
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Patent number: 9930444Abstract: This disclosure relates to speakers and more specifically to an array speaker for distributing music uniformly across a room. A number of audio drivers can be radially distributed within a speaker housing so that an output of the drivers is distributed evenly throughout the room. In some embodiments, the exit geometry of the audio drivers can be configured to bounce off a surface supporting the array speaker to improve the distribution of music throughout the room. The array speaker can include a number of vibration isolation elements distributed within a housing of the array speaker. The vibration isolation elements can be configured reduce the strength of forces generated by a subwoofer of the array speaker.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Stanley, Simon K. Porter, John H. Sheerin, Glenn K. Trainer, Jason C. Della Rosa, Ethan L. Huwe, Sean T. McIntosh, Erik L. Wang, Christopher J. Stringer, Molly J. Anderson
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Publication number: 20180076843Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. Transceiver circuitry, such as radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry configured to transmit and receive RF signals, may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. The electronic device may have an integrated touch screen display in which a user can control the device by interacting directly with the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Phillip Michael Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman, Bartley K. Andre, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele de Iuliis, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Steven P. Jobs, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Douglas B. Satzger, Calvin Q. Seid, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico L. Zörkendörfer
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Publication number: 20180063621Abstract: This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Phillip Qian, Edward Siahaan, Erik L. Wang, Christopher J. Stringer, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Daniel Max Strongwater, Jason J. LeBlanc
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Publication number: 20180040943Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Stephen P. Zadesky, Erik L. Wang, Tang Yew Tan, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Adam D. Mittleman, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub
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Publication number: 20170374465Abstract: An audio system is described that includes one or more speaker arrays that emit sound corresponding to one or more pieces of sound program content into associated zones within a listening area. Using parameters of the audio system (e.g., locations of the speaker arrays and the audio sources), the zones, the users, the pieces of sound program content, and the listening area, one or more beam pattern attributes may be generated. The beam pattern attributes define a set of beams that are used to generate audio beams for channels of sound program content to be played in each zone. The beam pattern attributes may be updated as changes are detected within the listening environment. By adapting to these changing conditions, the audio system is capable of reproducing sound that accurately represents each piece of sound program content in various zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Afrooz Family, Anthony P. Bidmead, Erik L. Wang, Gary P. Geaves, Martin E. Johnson, Matthew I. Brown, Michael B. Howes, Sylvain J. Choisel, Tomlinson M. Holman
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Patent number: 9853671Abstract: Electronic devices are provided with ejectable component assemblies. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray that can be loaded with one or more removable modules, wafers coupled to circuit boards, cages and retaining plates to assist in retaining the tray within the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include springs operative to engage detents in the tray to retain the tray in the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray ejector mechanism for ejecting the tray from the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Scott A. Myers, Erik L. Wang, Jason S. Sloey
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Patent number: 9838059Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. Transceiver circuitry, such as radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry configured to transmit and receive RF signals, may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. The electronic device may have an integrated touch screen display in which a user can control the device by interacting directly with the display.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Phillip Michael Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman, Bartley K. Andre, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele de Iuliis, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Steven P. Jobs, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Douglas B. Satzger, Calvin Q. Seid, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico L. Zörkendörfer