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).

  • Patent number: 10683677
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Otto LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Funamura, Nicolas Pedro Lylyk, Patrick Kessler, Eric Jadallah, Jordan Fountain, Robert Sean Murphy, Phillip Satterfield, Greg Springer, David Morgenstern
  • Patent number: 10615551
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
  • Publication number: 20190109421
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
  • Patent number: 10122132
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
  • Publication number: 20170237213
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
  • Patent number: 9660376
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 9548577
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
  • Patent number: 9407020
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Joshua Funamura, Phillip Satterfield, Bartley K. Andre, Greg Springer, Jason Richard Minahan
  • Publication number: 20150357751
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 9065205
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20150079848
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
  • Patent number: 8808030
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
  • Patent number: 8628346
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
  • Patent number: 8597044
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Min Chul Kim, Greg Springer, Joshua Funamura, Stewart Shannon Fields
  • Publication number: 20130171859
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Josha Funamura
  • Patent number: 8465308
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Appple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Greg Springer, William Long, John Raff, Laura DeForest
  • Patent number: 8465327
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Springer, Vince Duperron, Marc Simmel, Peter Mitchell, Joshua Funamura
  • Publication number: 20130149878
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Joshua Funamura, Phillip Satterfield, Bartley K. Andre, Greg Springer, Jason Richard Minahan
  • Publication number: 20130040470
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 8337253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, John Raff, Bartley K. Andre, Laura DeForest, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura