Abstract: Piezoelectric actuator apparatus and methods for providing tactile feedback are described herein. An example piezoelectric actuator assembly includes a support plate having a recessed well and conductive contact disposed within the recessed well of the support plate. A piezoelectric element has a first layer composed of an electrically conductive material and a second layer adjacent the first layer composed of a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric element is disposed within the recessed well so that the first layer directly engages the conductive contact and the second layer is to be electrically coupled to a ground via a flexible conductive lead.

Abstract: A device having an electrical plug, such as a charger device, includes a locking member coupled to a carriage that is movable into a housing. Prongs of the device are movable between a retracted position and an extended position along two different travel paths by actuating the prongs or by actuating the carriage.

Abstract: A device having an electrical plug, such as a charger device, includes a locking member coupled to a carriage that is movable into a housing. Prongs of the device are movable between a retracted position and an extended position along two different travel paths by actuating the prongs or by actuating the carriage.

Abstract: A device having an electrical plug, such as a charger device, includes a locking member coupled to a carriage that is movable into a housing. Prongs of the device are movable between a retracted position and an extended position along two different travel paths by actuating the prongs or by actuating the carriage.

Abstract: A charger unit includes: a housing, prongs for engaging an electrical outlet, the prongs being coupled to one another by a cross-member and being movable relative to the housing between a retracted position in which the prongs are received in the housing and an extended position in which the prongs protrude from the housing, the prongs being biased toward the extended position, a locking arm comprising a first end, a cut out for receiving the cross-member when the prongs are in the retracted position and a second end for abutting the cross-member when the prongs are in the extended position, the first end of the locking arm being coupled to a carriage and the cutout being provided between the first end and the second end, the locking arm being movable by the carriage into and out of engagement with the cross-member and the locking arm being biased toward the passage.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The actuator assembly includes a support tray formed of a conductive metal and defining an aperture extending through the support tray. A seat surrounds the aperture and supports an actuator. The actuator includes a piezoelectric element adhered to a metal substrate larger than the piezoelectric element. The metal substrate bends when the piezoelectric element contracts and expands in response to changes in the charge of the piezoelectric element. An insulator is disposed between the metal substrate and the support tray which electrically insulates the substrate from the metal substrate.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided. The adaptor comprises a first portion including a plug insertable into a port of a portable electronic device. The adaptor further comprises a second portion including at least one adaptor contact configured such that, when the plug of the first portion is inserted into the port and the portable electronic device is placed in a pod, the at least one adaptor contact abuts to at least one pod contact in the pod.

Abstract: A trackpad has a cover abutting a housing. The cover includes a body that is transparent to infrared light and visible light. A first ink, deposited in a first area on a surface of the cover body, is transmissive to the infrared light and substantially opaque to visible light. A second ink is deposited in at least one second area on the surface of the cover body and is transmissive to visible light. A first emitter, within the housing, produces infrared light that is transmitted through the cover. A second emitter, within the housing, produces visible light that is transmitted through each second area of the cover. An optical sensor is provided within the housing for receiving infrared light that is reflected by an external object back through the cover.

Abstract: A charger unit includes: a housing, prongs for engaging an electrical outlet, the prongs being coupled to one another by a cross-member and being movable relative to the housing between a retracted position in which the prongs are received in the housing and an extended position in which the prongs protrude from the housing, the prongs being biased toward the extended position, a locking arm comprising a first end, a cut out for receiving the cross-member when the prongs are in the retracted position and a second end for abutting the cross-member when the prongs are in the extended position, the first end of the locking arm being coupled to a carriage and the cutout being provided between the first end and the second end, the locking arm being movable by the carriage into and out of engagement with the cross-member and the locking arm being biased toward the passage and electrical components for electrically communicating with a portable electronic device to enable charging of a power pack of the portable ele

Abstract: According to one aspect, there is provided a portable electronic device, including a body portion, a display provided in the body portion, and a feedback module coupled to the display and the body portion. The feedback module is adapted to secure the display to the body portion and provide feedback by moving the display relative to the body portion.

Abstract: A spring component used in an electronic device provides a preload force used to urge a touch input component against a force transducer. The spring also provides an electrostatic grounding between the touch input component and other components of the electronic device. The use of the spring in an electronic device achieves both grounding and preloading and provides improvements in touch sensitive electronic devices.

Abstract: A device having an electrical plug, such as a charger device, includes a locking member coupled to a carriage that is movable into a housing. Prongs of the device are movable between a retracted position and an extended position along two different travel paths by actuating the prongs or by actuating the carriage.

Abstract: A charger unit includes: a housing, prongs for engaging an electrical outlet, the prongs being coupled to one another by a cross-member and being movable relative to the housing between a retracted position in which the prongs are received in the housing and an extended position in which the prongs protrude from the housing, the prongs being biased toward the extended position, a locking arm comprising a first end, a cut out for receiving the cross-member when the prongs are in the retracted position and a second end for abutting the cross-member when the prongs are in the extended position, the first end of the locking arm being coupled to a carriage and the cutout being provided between the first end and the second end, the locking arm being movable by the carriage into and out of engagement with the cross-member and the locking arm being biased toward the passage and electrical components for electrically communicating with a portable electronic device to enable charging of a power pack of the portable ele

Abstract: Piezoelectric actuator apparatus and methods for providing tactile feedback are described herein. An example piezoelectric actuator assembly includes a support plate having a recessed well and conductive contact disposed within the recessed well of the support plate. A piezoelectric element has a first layer composed of an electrically conductive material and a second layer adjacent the first layer composed of a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric element is disposed within the recessed well so that the first layer directly engages the conductive contact and the second layer is to be electrically coupled to a ground via a flexible conductive lead.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The actuator assembly includes a support tray formed of a conductive metal and defining an aperture extending through the support tray. A seat surrounds the aperture and supports an actuator. The actuator includes a piezoelectric element adhered to a metal substrate larger than the piezoelectric element. The metal substrate bends when the piezoelectric element contracts and expands in response to changes in the charge of the piezoelectric element. An insulator is disposed between the metal substrate and the support tray which electrically insulates the substrate from the metal substrate.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided. The adaptor comprises a first portion including a plug insertable into a port of a portable electronic device. The adaptor further comprises a second portion including at least one adaptor contact configured such that, when the plug of the first portion is inserted into the port and the portable electronic device is placed in a pod, the at least one adaptor contact abuts to at least one pod contact in the pod.