Patents by Inventor Gary Thomason

Gary Thomason 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).

  • Patent number: 10620673
    Abstract: A portable computing device having a substantially non-conducting outer housing and alternative electrical grounding and audio system architectures is disclosed. The device can be a laptop computer having a main logic board, a keyboard assembly, an audio source positioned below the keyboard assembly, and an equalizer electrically coupled to the audio source, with each of these components being electrically coupled to a universal grounding structure. The audio source emits sound waves that are propagated through the keyboard assembly and between gaps between keyboard keys and the outer housing. Settings for the equalizer can be selected to account for sound absorption and amplification characteristics of the sound waves along these sound transmission paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
  • Patent number: 10228720
    Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Patrick Kessler, Bradley J. Hamel, Dinesh C. Mathew, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Joss N. Giddings, Matthew C. Waldon, Cina Hazegh, Matthew P. Casebolt, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith, William F. Leggett, Gavin J. Reid, Tom Tate, Gary Thomason
  • Publication number: 20180067523
    Abstract: A portable computing device having a substantially non-conducting outer housing and alternative electrical grounding and audio system architectures is disclosed. The device can be a laptop computer having a main logic board, a keyboard assembly, an audio source positioned below the keyboard assembly, and an equalizer electrically coupled to the audio source, with each of these components being electrically coupled to a universal grounding structure. The audio source emits sound waves that are propagated through the keyboard assembly and between gaps between keyboard keys and the outer housing. Settings for the equalizer can be selected to account for sound absorption and amplification characteristics of the sound waves along these sound transmission paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
  • Patent number: 9839041
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mitigating the effects of interference between multiple air interfaces located on an electronic device. In one embodiment, the air interfaces include a WLAN interface and PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface, and information such as Receiver Signal Strength Index (RSSI) as well as system noise level information are used in order to intelligently execute interference mitigation methodologies, including the selective application of modified frequency selection, variation of transmitter power, and/or change of operating mode (e.g., from multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) to single-in, single-out (SISO)) so as to reduce isolation requirements between the interfaces. These methods and apparatus are particularly well suited to use cases where the WLAN interface is operating with high data transmission rates. Business methods associated with the foregoing technology are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
  • Patent number: 9829930
    Abstract: A portable computing device having a substantially non-conducting outer housing and alternative electrical grounding and audio system architectures is disclosed. The device can be a laptop computer having a main logic board, a keyboard assembly, an audio source positioned below the keyboard assembly, and an equalizer electrically coupled to the audio source, with each of these components being electrically coupled to a universal grounding structure. The audio source emits sound waves that are propagated through the keyboard assembly and between gaps between keyboard keys and the outer housing. Settings for the equalizer can be selected to account for sound absorption and amplification characteristics of the sound waves along these sound transmission paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
  • Publication number: 20160050681
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mitigating the effects of interference between multiple air interfaces located on an electronic device. In one embodiment, the air interfaces include a WLAN interface and PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface, and information such as Receiver Signal Strength Index (RSSI) as well as system noise level information are used in order to intelligently execute interference mitigation methodologies, including the selective application of modified frequency selection, variation of transmitter power, and/or change of operating mode (e.g., from multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) to single-in, single-out (SISO)) so as to reduce isolation requirements between the interfaces. These methods and apparatus are particularly well suited to use cases where the WLAN interface is operating with high data transmission rates. Business methods associated with the foregoing technology are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
  • Publication number: 20160048163
    Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Patrick Kessler, Bradley J. Hamel, Dinesh C. Mathew, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Joss N. Giddings, Matthew C. Waldon, Cina Hazegh, Matthew P. Casebolt, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith, William F. Leggett, Gavin J. Reid, Tom Tate, Gary Thomason
  • Patent number: 9113349
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mitigating the effects of interference between multiple air interfaces located on an electronic device. In one embodiment, the air interfaces include a WLAN interface and PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface, and information such as Receiver Signal Strength Index (RSSI) as well as system noise level information are used in order to intelligently execute interference mitigation methodologies, including the selective application of modified frequency selection, variation of transmitter power, and/or change of operating mode (e.g., from multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) to single-in, single-out (SISO)) so as to reduce isolation requirements between the interfaces. These methods and apparatus are particularly well suited to use cases where the WLAN interface is operating with high data transmission rates. Business methods associated with the foregoing technology are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
  • Patent number: 8971833
    Abstract: Electronic devices such as portable computers may contain circuits that generate radio-frequency noise. The radio-frequency noise may interfere with the operation of sensitive circuitry such as wireless communications circuitry. The circuits that generate the radio-frequency noise may include differential signal drivers that drive signals onto communications lines such as lines in a bus or output interface. A control circuit may power the drivers at an adjustable driver voltage bias level. The amount of noise that is generated by the drivers may vary as a function of the voltage bias level and may produce different amounts of noise at different wireless frequencies. Computer lid position and other factors may also influence the amount of interference that is generated. The control circuit may determine the current operating state of the device and may make voltage bias level adjustments that minimize interference between the drivers and the wireless circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan Lashkari, Gary Thomason, Jaime Tolentino
  • Patent number: 8897002
    Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Patrick Kessler, Bradley J. Hamel, Dinesh C. Mathew, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Joss N. Giddings, Matthew C. Waldon, Cina Hazegh, Matthew P. Casebolt, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith, William F. Leggett, Gavin J. Reid, Tom Tate, Gary Thomason
  • Publication number: 20130343589
    Abstract: A portable computing device having a substantially non-conducting outer housing and alternative electrical grounding and audio system architectures is disclosed. The device can be a laptop computer having a main logic board, a keyboard assembly, an audio source positioned below the keyboard assembly, and an equalizer electrically coupled to the audio source, with each of these components being electrically coupled to a universal grounding structure. The audio source emits sound waves that are propagated through the keyboard assembly and between gaps between keyboard keys and the outer housing. Settings for the equalizer can be selected to account for sound absorption and amplification characteristics of the sound waves along these sound transmission paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
  • Publication number: 20130328741
    Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Patrick Kessler, Bradley J. Hamel, Dinesh C. Mathew, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Joss N. Giddings, Matthew C. Waldon, Cina Hazegh, Matthew P. Casebolt, Charles A. Schwalbach, Brandon S. Smith, William F. Leggett, Gavin J. Reid, Tom Tate, Gary Thomason
  • Patent number: 8553907
    Abstract: A portable computing device having a substantially non-conducting outer housing and alternative electrical grounding and audio system architectures is disclosed. The device can be a laptop computer having a main logic board, a keyboard assembly, an audio source positioned below the keyboard assembly, and an equalizer electrically coupled to the audio source, with each of these components being electrically coupled to a universal grounding structure. The audio source emits sound waves that are propagated through the keyboard assembly and between gaps between keyboard keys and the outer housing. Settings for the equalizer can be selected to account for sound absorption and amplification characteristics of the sound waves along these sound transmission paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
  • Patent number: 8340578
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mitigating the effects of interference between multiple air interfaces located on an electronic device. In one embodiment, the air interfaces include a WLAN interface and PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface, and information such as Receiver Signal Strength Index (RSSI) as well as system noise level information are used in order to intelligently execute interference mitigation methodologies, including the selective application of modified frequency selection, variation of transmitter power, and/or change of operating mode (e.g., from multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) to single-in, single-out (SISO)) so as to reduce isolation requirements between the interfaces. These methods and apparatus are particularly well suited to use cases where the WLAN interface is operating with high data transmission rates. Business methods associated with the foregoing technology are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
  • Publication number: 20120074988
    Abstract: Electronic devices such as portable computers may contain circuits that generate radio-frequency noise. The radio-frequency noise may interfere with the operation of sensitive circuitry such as wireless communications circuitry. The circuits that generate the radio-frequency noise may include differential signal drivers that drive signals onto communications lines such as lines in a bus or output interface. A control circuit may power the drivers at an adjustable driver voltage bias level. The amount of noise that is generated by the drivers may vary as a function of the voltage bias level and may produce different amounts of noise at different wireless frequencies. Computer lid position and other factors may also influence the amount of interference that is generated. The control circuit may determine the current operating state of the device and may make voltage bias level adjustments that minimize interference between the drivers and the wireless circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Hassan Lashkari, Gary Thomason, Jaime Tolentino
  • Patent number: 8064220
    Abstract: Electrical communication between an information handling system chassis having a non-conductive surface and processing components within the chassis is established through the non-conductive surface with conductive elements extending from a conductive pad. A protruding element extending from a conductive pad engages the conductive elements through the non-conductive surface when the protruding element is coupled to a cavity formed in the chassis. Alternatively, the protruding element extends from the chassis to couple to a cavity in the conductive pad. Processing components have electrical communication with the chassis through the conductive pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Chase Berry, Gary Thomason, James Utz, Steven L. Williams, Jorge C. Marcet
  • Publication number: 20110091051
    Abstract: A portable computing device having a substantially non-conducting outer housing and alternative electrical grounding and audio system architectures is disclosed. The device can be a laptop computer having a main logic board, a keyboard assembly, an audio source positioned below the keyboard assembly, and an equalizer electrically coupled to the audio source, with each of these components being electrically coupled to a universal grounding structure. The audio source emits sound waves that are propagated through the keyboard assembly and between gaps between keyboard keys and the outer housing. Settings for the equalizer can be selected to account for sound absorption and amplification characteristics of the sound waves along these sound transmission paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
  • Publication number: 20110081858
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mitigating the effects of interference between multiple air interfaces located on an electronic device. In one embodiment, the air interfaces include a WLAN interface and PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface, and information such as Receiver Signal Strength Index (RSSI) as well as system noise level information are used in order to intelligently execute interference mitigation methodologies, including the selective application of modified frequency selection, variation of transmitter power, and/or change of operating mode (e.g., from multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) to single-in, single-out (SISO)) so as to reduce isolation requirements between the interfaces. These methods and apparatus are particularly well suited to use cases where the WLAN interface is operating with high data transmission rates. Business methods associated with the foregoing technology are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
  • Publication number: 20090231788
    Abstract: Electrical communication between an information handling system chassis having a non-conductive surface and processing components within the chassis is established through the non-conductive surface with conductive elements extending from a conductive pad. A protruding element extending from a conductive pad engages the conductive elements through the non-conductive surface when the protruding element is coupled to a cavity formed in the chassis. Alternatively, the protruding element extends from the chassis to couple to a cavity in the conductive pad. Processing components have electrical communication with the chassis through the conductive pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Chase Berry, Gary Thomason, James Utz, Steven L. Williams, Jorge C. Marcet
  • Publication number: 20070236207
    Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating electromagnetic interference that may be employed, for among other things, to evaluate electronic system immunity to radiated electromagnetic fields and/or to identify particular electronic system areas that are susceptible to electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Gary Thomason