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).
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Patent number: 10620673Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
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Patent number: 10228720Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20180067523Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
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Patent number: 9839041Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
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Patent number: 9829930Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
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Publication number: 20160050681Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
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Publication number: 20160048163Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: February 18, 2016Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 9113349Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
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Patent number: 8971833Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Hassan Lashkari, Gary Thomason, Jaime Tolentino
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Patent number: 8897002Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20130343589Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
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Publication number: 20130328741Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 8553907Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
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Patent number: 8340578Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
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Publication number: 20120074988Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Hassan Lashkari, Gary Thomason, Jaime Tolentino
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Patent number: 8064220Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Chase Berry, Gary Thomason, James Utz, Steven L. Williams, Jorge C. Marcet
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Publication number: 20110091051Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
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Publication number: 20110081858Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: Jaime Tolentino, Camille Chen, Michael Jason Giles, Huy Le, Gary Thomason, David A. Hardell
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Publication number: 20090231788Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: Chase Berry, Gary Thomason, James Utz, Steven L. Williams, Jorge C. Marcet
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Publication number: 20070236207Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventor: Gary Thomason