Abstract: Apparatus and methods for assembling an electronic device and components thereof are provided. The electronic device may include a housing and a cover inserted into an opening in the housing. The electronic device may also include a first assembly that may be inserted into the housing through a first end, and a second assembly that may be inserted into the housing through a second end. The electronic device may also include end cap assemblies. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include an input mechanism coupled to the housing and a plate coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, a connector of the electronic device may be mounted on a circuit board by inserting a fixture into the connector, mounting the connector to a portion of the circuit board, removing the fixture from the connector, and separating the portion of the circuit board from another portion of the circuit board.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for forming a connector assembly that includes hoops and hooks designed to engage each other are disclosed. According to one aspect, a connector assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a plurality of hooks arranged in a hook area. The hooks include at least one hook that is arranged to form an electrical contact. The second substrate includes a plurality of hoops arranged in a hoop area. The hoops include at least one hoop that is arranged to form the electrical contact. The hook interfaces with the hoop to form the electrical contact.

Abstract: Compact input devices formed on flexible substrates are disclosed. The input devices may be formed using three or more conducting layers. By including three or more conducting layers, the diameter of the input device may be minimized. In addition, to improve the flexibility of portions of the input device mounted, some portions of the input device may be made to have fewer layers than other portions of the input device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for manufacturing a portable electronic device that does not cause yield loss or premature failure due a connector shell contacting the housing or its attached components during assembly. One example provides a connector shell that is split in at least two separate pieces or portions. A first piece of the connector shell is attached to a subassembly. A second piece of the connector shell is attached to or included as part of an endcap. During assembly, the subassembly and first connector shell piece is inserted into a housing from a first end. The endcap and the second piece of the connector shell can then be inserted into, or attached to, a second end of the housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts to the current operating environment of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method comprising providing a plurality of alert devices in an electronic device, determining an operating environment of the electronic device using a sensor of the electronic device, and actuating at least one of the plurality of alert devices that corresponds to the determined operating environment.

Abstract: Compact input devices formed on flexible substrates are disclosed. The input devices may be formed using three or more conducting layers. By including three or more conducting layers, the diameter of the input device may be minimized. In addition, to improve the flexibility of portions of the input device mounted, some portions of the input device may be made to have fewer layers than other portions of the input device.

Abstract: This is directed to several handheld device components to be placed in a handheld device, as well as methods or systems for mounting or retaining components within the device. In particular, this is directed to a rigid shield used in an SMT process and securing connected flex connectors by adhering the flexes together. This is also directed to using foam in combination with a hard material to create an acoustic seal, or several layers of foam to create an acoustic and mechanical seal. This is also directed to selectively folding a sheet of material placed around a battery cell.

Abstract: This is directed to an antenna for use in an electronic device. The antenna can be constructed from a flex and printed trace, such that the flex is originally defined to be as large or nearly as large as possible to fit within portion of the electronic device dedicated to the antenna. This can allow the antenna trace to vary as the antenna is tuned without requiring a new flex having a different shape. In addition, this can allow the antenna design to be decoupled from the mechanical considerations related to mounting the antenna within the electronic device.

Abstract: This is directed to systems and methods for detecting the insertion of a plug in a device port without physically contacting the plug. For example, systems and methods are provided for detecting the insertion of an audio plug into an audio jack without using physical contacts placed in the periphery of the audio jack. In some embodiments, an electrically conductive element (e.g., a circuit board trace) can be provided on a surface of the port or within the port wall. When a metallic or conductive plug is inserted into the port, the plug can interact with the conductive element and cause a change in capacitance or induction detected by appropriate circuitry coupled to the conductive element. In some embodiments, an optical sensor can be used to detect a plug placed in a port. In some embodiments, the electronic device can detect distinguishable attributes associated with the contact between the electrical contact of plug and port contacts using an appropriate sensor (e.g., a microphone or an accelerometer).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for assembling an electronic device and components thereof are provided. The electronic device may include a housing and a cover inserted into an opening in the housing. The electronic device may also include a first assembly that may be inserted into the housing through a first end, and a second assembly that may be inserted into the housing through a second end. The electronic device may also include end cap assemblies. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include an input mechanism coupled to the housing and a plate coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, a connector of the electronic device may be mounted on a circuit board by inserting a fixture into the connector, mounting the connector to a portion of the circuit board, removing the fixture from the connector, and separating the portion of the circuit board from another portion of the circuit board.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for manufacturing a portable electronic device that does not cause yield loss or premature failure due a connector shell contacting the housing or its attached components during assembly. One example provides a connector shell that is split in at least two separate pieces or portions. A first piece of the connector shell is attached to a subassembly. A second piece of the connector shell is attached to or included as part of an endcap. During assembly, the subassembly and first connector shell piece is inserted into a housing from a first end. The endcap and the second piece of the connector shell can then be inserted into, or attached to, a second end of the housing.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional scroll wheel is disclosed. Scroll wheel circuitry is provided to detect input gestures that traverse the center of the scroll wheel and to detect multi-touch input. The scroll wheel can include a first plurality of sensor elements arranged in a first closed loop and a second plurality of sensor elements arranged in a second closed loop, the first and second closed loops being concentrically arranged about the center of the scroll wheel.

Abstract: Compact input devices formed on flexible substrates are disclosed. The input devices may be formed using three or more conducting layers. By including three or more conducting layers, the diameter of the input device may be minimized. In addition, to improve the flexibility of portions of the input device mounted, some portions of the input device may be made to have fewer layers than other portions of the input device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implementing multiple push buttons in a user device are disclosed. The method includes detecting a location of a user input using one or more touch sensors, detecting a force of the user input using a switch, and generating a signal for representing one of the push buttons being pressed according to with the location and force of the user input.

Abstract: Solar cells are integrated into a portable device. Multiple cells are arranged on the surface of the device such that a number of solar cells may always be functional and produce a desired voltage even if the rest is obstructed. Information regarding solar cells' functions or performances can be displayed either on the device's main display or on top of the solar cells. Solar cells are typically stacked with other layers made of transparent or semi-transparent materials. These layers are glued with shock absorbent materials. Some of these layers may be used for display or input purposes, and some layers may be coated with various materials or they may be etched with product logos or other patterns. This stack of layers may be attached to the device's frame through a shock absorber.

Abstract: An input device that includes both a movement detector, such as mechanical switch, and positional indicator, such as touch pad touch screen, and/or touch sensing housing is disclosed. These two input devices can be used substantially simultaneously to provide a command to the device. In this manner, different commands can be associated with depressing a moveable member in different areas and a single moveable member can perform like several buttons.

Abstract: Method and device relate to improved sensor configurations in a user device are disclosed. A device implements the improved sensor configurations includes a switch configured to detect a force applied by a user, one or more touch sensors configured to detect an angular position of the user input which are peripherally located relative to the switch, and a processor configured to generate a signal for performing a task selected from a plurality of predefined tasks in accordance with the force and the angular position of the user input.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implementing multiple push buttons in a user device are disclosed. The method includes detecting a location of a user input using one or more touch sensors, detecting a force of the user input using a switch, and generating a signal for representing one of the push buttons being pressed according to with the location and force of the user input.

Abstract: Method and device relate to improved sensor configurations in a user device are disclosed. A device implements the improved sensor configurations includes a switch configured to detect a force applied by a user, one or more touch sensors configured to detect an angular position of the user input which are peripherally located relative to the switch, and a processor configured to generate a signal for performing a task selected from a plurality of predefined tasks in accordance with the force and the angular position of the user input.

Abstract: An input device that includes both a movement detector, such as mechanical switch, and positional indicator, such as touch pad touch screen, and/or touch sensing housing is disclosed. These two input devices can be used substantially simultaneously to provide a command to the device. In this manner, different commands can be associated with depressing a moveable member in different areas and a single moveable member can perform like several buttons.