Patents by Inventor Greg Springer
Greg Springer 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: 10683677Abstract: An intelligent door lock system that permits both electronic and manual control of a deadbolt. The door lock system can include an inner bezel assembly, an outer bezel assembly, and a deadbolt assembly, where the deadbolt assembly can be coupled to the outer bezel assembly via a twist-lock feature. The inner bezel assembly also includes a puck assembly that seats within an inner bezel. The puck assembly can be retained within or released from the inner bezel via a latch assembly. The outer bezel assembly includes a display assembly that seats within an outer bezel. The outer bezel is coupled to a motor chassis assembly that includes a motor and gear assembly having a series of gears that translate movement of dial elements or a motor into movement of a bolt element between locked and unlocked positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Otto LLCInventors: Joshua Funamura, Nicolas Pedro Lylyk, Patrick Kessler, Eric Jadallah, Jordan Fountain, Robert Sean Murphy, Phillip Satterfield, Greg Springer, David Morgenstern
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Patent number: 10615551Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Publication number: 20190109421Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 10122132Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Publication number: 20170237213Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 9660376Abstract: A magnetic connector system having a durable and reliable construction and a reduced height while maintaining sufficient holding strength. A connector insert may utilize a crimping piece to crimp a braiding of a cable. The crimping piece may be fixed to an attraction plate and a board in the insert for mechanical reliability. Retention clips may be used to fix a shell to the attraction plate. A connector receptacle may employ a magnetically conductive label to improve holding strength.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Joshua J. Pong, Chris Ligtenberg, Bartley K. Andre, Bradley J. Hamel, John DiFonzo, Dave Narajowski, Greg Springer, Eric Monsef, Min Chul Kim
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Patent number: 9548577Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 9407020Abstract: Connector receptacles that have a reduced height when combined with a printed circuit board and reduce wasted space inside an electronic device. One example provides a connector receptacle having contacts that may connect to edge contacts along an edge of a printed circuit board. This edge may be formed along a side of printed circuit board, by a hole or opening in a printed circuit board, or by a notch in a printed circuit board. Edge contacts may have straight surfaces, rounded surfaces, or they may have other types of surfaces. Connector receptacle contacts may have a “U,” fishhook, or other shape.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Joshua Funamura, Phillip Satterfield, Bartley K. Andre, Greg Springer, Jason Richard Minahan
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Publication number: 20150357751Abstract: A magnetic connector system having a durable and reliable construction and a reduced height while maintaining sufficient holding strength. A connector insert may utilize a crimping piece to crimp a braiding of a cable. The crimping piece may be fixed to an attraction plate and a board in the insert for mechanical reliability. Retention clips may be used to fix a shell to the attraction plate. A connector receptacle may employ a magnetically conductive label to improve holding strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Josh Pong, Chris Litenberg, Bartley K. Andre, Bradley J. Hamel, John DiFonzo, Dave Narajowski, Greg Springer, Eric Monsef, Min Chul Kim
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Patent number: 9065205Abstract: A magnetic connector system having a durable and reliable construction and a reduced height while maintaining sufficient holding strength. A connector insert may utilize a crimping piece to crimp a braiding of a cable. The crimping piece may be fixed to an attraction plate and a board in the insert for mechanical reliability. Retention clips may be used to fix a shell to the attraction plate. A connector receptacle may employ a magnetically conductive label to improve holding strength.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Josh Pong, Chris Ligtenberg, Bartley K. Andre, Bradley J. Hamel, John C. DiFonzo, Dave Narajowski, Greg Springer, Eric Monsef, Min Chul Kim
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Publication number: 20150079848Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 8808030Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 8628346Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted, or are very thin or have a low profile. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another example provides a super-thin connector receptacle by removing fingers and portions of a shell along one or more sides.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 8597044Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Greg Springer, Joshua Funamura, Stewart Shannon Fields
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Publication number: 20130171859Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted, or are very thin or have a low profile. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another example provides a super-thin connector receptacle by removing fingers and portions of a shell along one or more sides.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Josha Funamura
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Patent number: 8465308Abstract: Connectors that may be incorporated and used in electronic devices in a reliable manner. One example may provide a connector that may receive a memory card, such as a Secure Digital, SmartMedia, Compact Flash, or other type of memory card. One example may provide a connector that may connect to other electronic circuits and components in an electronic device in a reliable manner. Another may provide a connector that may reliably form a connection for electromagnetic interference protection during device assembly. Another may provide a connector that may be resistant to damage from debris or other particulate matter that may enter the connector. Another example may provide a connector that has a back that is reinforced to prevent damage caused by the insertion of a card with excessive force. Another may provide a connector having a raised portion arranged to fit in an opening in a printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Appple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Greg Springer, William Long, John Raff, Laura DeForest
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Patent number: 8465327Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide sockets or connectors that are capable of operating at high data rates. One example provides a connector that uses a flex board to form a connection between pins of a socket or connector and a printed circuit board. In another example, one or more flex boards are used to provide a signal path between a memory device, such as an SODIMM, and a printed circuit board. Another example provides a stack of wafers, each formed of an insulated material and supporting one or more conductive pins for making an electrical connection between a memory device and a flex board.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Greg Springer, Vince Duperron, Marc Simmel, Peter Mitchell, Joshua Funamura
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Publication number: 20130149878Abstract: Connector receptacles that have a reduced height when combined with a printed circuit board and reduce wasted space inside an electronic device. One example provides a connector receptacle having contacts that may connect to edge contacts along an edge of a printed circuit board. This edge may be formed along a side of printed circuit board, by a hole or opening in a printed circuit board, or by a notch in a printed circuit board. Edge contacts may have straight surfaces, rounded surfaces, or they may have other types of surfaces. Connector receptacle contacts may have a “U,” fishhook, or other shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Joshua Funamura, Phillip Satterfield, Bartley K. Andre, Greg Springer, Jason Richard Minahan
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Publication number: 20130040470Abstract: A magnetic connector system having a durable and reliable construction and a reduced height while maintaining sufficient holding strength. A connector insert may utilize a crimping piece to crimp a braiding of a cable. The crimping piece may be fixed to an attraction plate and a board in the insert for mechanical reliability. Retention clips may be used to fix a shell to the attraction plate. A connector receptacle may employ a magnetically conductive label to improve holding strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Josh Pong, Chris Ligtenberg, Bartley K. Andre, Bradley J. Hamel, John DiFonzo, Dave Narajowski, Greg Springer, Eric Monsef, Min Chul Kim
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Patent number: 8337253Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted, or are very thin or have a low profile. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another example provides a super-thin connector receptacle by removing fingers and portions of a shell along one or more sides.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura