Patents by Inventor Gregory N. Stephens
Gregory N. Stephens 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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Publication number: 20230221782Abstract: A mobile phone may include an enclosure defining an internal volume, the enclosure including a front cover formed from a transparent material and defining a front exterior surface, a rear cover formed from a glass material and defining a rear exterior surface, and a housing component defining a side exterior surface. The mobile phone may include a circuit board assembly within the internal volume. The circuit board assembly may include a circuit board, a circuit component coupled to an exterior surface of the circuit board, and a cowling coupled to the circuit board and covering the circuit component, the cowling having a thickness less than about 0.5 mm and including a base structure formed from an aluminum alloy having a thickness less than about 0.4 mm and a thermally conductive structure positioned over the base structure and configured to dissipate heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2022Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventors: David A. Hurrell, Gregory N. Stephens, Isabel Yang, John J. Baker, Sherry Lee, Matthew D. Hill, Obinna Onyemepu, Douglas G. Fournier, Benjamin J. Pope, Michael W. Firka, Griffin L. Schmitt, Arun R. Varma, Robert Hrabchak
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Patent number: 11662772Abstract: An electronic disclosed herein may include a band formed from metal that combines with a bottom wall formed from a non-metal to form an enclosure that carries internal components. The electronic device may include a transparent cover and a display assembly partially covered by a border having a uniform dimension. The electronic device may include a vision system designed for facial recognition of a user of the electronic device. A bracket assembly may hold the vision system. The bracket assembly may not be affixed to the enclosure and may move relative to the enclosure. The electronic device may include a battery assembly having multiple battery components coupled together. The electronic device may further include a receiver coil for wireless charging of the battery assembly. The electronic device may include a circuit board assembly having stacked circuit boards. The electronic device may further include a dual camera assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David A. Pakula, Daniel W. Jarvis, Shimon Elkayam, Brandon R. Garbus, Christopher S. Graham, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Ashley E. Fletcher, Jared M. Kole, Eric S. Jol, Aaron A. Oro, Michael D. Quinones, Gregory N. Stephens, Ian A. Spraggs, James A. Bertin, Simon C. Helmore, Melissa A. Wah, Matthew D. Hill, Jon F. Housour, Douglas G. Fournier, Christopher S. Tomasetta
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Patent number: 11132024Abstract: An electronic device having a battery assembly is disclosed. Unlike traditional battery assemblies that include rectilinear electrodes with two sides of equal length, the battery assemblies described herein may include electrodes having a shape/configuration resembling an L-shape electrode used to form chemical reactions in order to generate electrical energy. However, other shapes/configurations are possible. The shape/configuration of the housing of the battery assembly confirms to the shape/configuration of the electrodes. Further, in order to accommodate an internal component (such as a circuit board assembly), the shape of the battery assembly provides additional space in the electronic device. In order to form the electrodes, the electrodes may undergo a die cutting operation. Also, the housing may include a channel, or reduced dimension, that accommodates a flexible circuit in the electronic device that passes over the battery assembly at the channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: David A. Pakula, Daniel W. Jarvis, Gregory N. Stephens, Ian A. Spraggs, James A. Bertin, Eric M. Bennett, Simon C. Helmore, Melissa A. Wah, Matthew D. Hill, Jon F. Housour, Douglas G. Fournier, Christopher S. Tomasetta
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Publication number: 20210232180Abstract: An electronic disclosed herein may include a band formed from metal that combines with a bottom wall formed from a non-metal to form an enclosure that carries internal components. The electronic device may include a transparent cover and a display assembly partially covered by a border having a uniform dimension. The electronic device may include a vision system designed for facial recognition of a user of the electronic device. A bracket assembly may hold the vision system. The bracket assembly may not be affixed to the enclosure and may move relative to the enclosure. The electronic device may include a battery assembly having multiple battery components coupled together. The electronic device may further include a receiver coil for wireless charging of the battery assembly. The electronic device may include a circuit board assembly having stacked circuit boards. The electronic device may further include a dual camera assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: David A. PAKULA, Daniel W. JARVIS, Shimon ELKAYAM, Brandon R. GARBUS, Christopher S. GRAHAM, Karl Ruben F. LARSSON, Ashley E. FLETCHER, Jared M. KOLE, Eric S. JOL, Aaron A. ORO, Michael D. QUINONES, Gregory N. STEPHENS, Ian A. SPRAGGS, James A. BERTIN, Simon C. HELMORE, Melissa A. WAH, Matthew D. HILL, Jon F. HOUSOUR, Douglas G. FOURNIER, Christopher S. TOMASETTA
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Patent number: 11073872Abstract: A distributed auxiliary hub for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The distributed auxiliary hub, located on a stacked circuit assembly, can distribute electrical signals to multiple different destinations. The distributed auxiliary hub is displaced and separate from a main logic board, and as a result, can provide supplemental functions. Although the distributed auxiliary hub is electrically coupled to the main logic board, the distributed auxiliary hub includes dedicated integrated circuits responsible for executing functions related to battery charging and powering of electronic components (e.g., haptic feedback module, speaker module, etc.). As a result, the distributed auxiliary hub, when executing these aforementioned functions, is not reliant upon the main logic board to transmit electrical current to the battery and/or electronic components.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Andrew U. Leopold, Owen D. Hale, Daniel W. Jarvis, David A. Pakula, James B. Smith, Ian A. Spraggs, Gregory N. Stephens
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Patent number: 10996713Abstract: An electronic disclosed herein may include a band formed from metal that combines with a bottom wall formed from a non-metal to form an enclosure that carries internal components. The electronic device may include a transparent cover and a display assembly partially covered by a border having a uniform dimension. The electronic device may include a vision system designed for facial recognition of a user of the electronic device. A bracket assembly may hold the vision system. The bracket assembly may not be affixed to the enclosure and may move relative to the enclosure. The electronic device may include a battery assembly having multiple battery components coupled together. The electronic device may further include a receiver coil for wireless charging of the battery assembly. The electronic device may include a circuit board assembly having stacked circuit boards. The electronic device may further include a dual camera assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David A. Pakula, Daniel W. Jarvis, Shimon Elkayam, Brandon R. Garbus, Christopher S. Graham, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Ashley E. Fletcher, Jared M. Kole, Eric S. Jol, Aaron A. Oro, Michael D. Quinones, Gregory N. Stephens, Ian A. Spraggs, James A. Bertin, Simon C. Helmore, Melissa A. Wah, Matthew D. Hill, Jon F. Housour, Douglas G. Fournier, Christopher S. Tomasetta
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Publication number: 20210072801Abstract: A distributed auxiliary hub for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The distributed auxiliary hub, located on a stacked circuit assembly, can distribute electrical signals to multiple different destinations. The distributed auxiliary hub is displaced and separate from a main logic board, and as a result, can provide supplemental functions. Although the distributed auxiliary hub is electrically coupled to the main logic board, the distributed auxiliary hub includes dedicated integrated circuits responsible for executing functions related to battery charging and powering of electronic components (e.g., haptic feedback module, speaker module, etc.). As a result, the distributed auxiliary hub, when executing these aforementioned functions, is not reliant upon the main logic board to transmit electrical current to the battery and/or electronic components.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Andrew U. LEOPOLD, Owen D. HALE, Daniel W. JARVIS, David A. PAKULA, James B. SMITH, Ian A. SPRAGGS, Gregory N. STEPHENS
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Publication number: 20200281097Abstract: An electronic device having a battery assembly is disclosed. Unlike traditional battery assemblies that include rectilinear electrodes with two sides of equal length, the battery assemblies described herein may include electrodes having a shape/configuration resembling an L-shape electrode used to form chemical reactions in order to generate electrical energy. However, other shapes/configurations are possible. The shape/configuration of the housing of the battery assembly confirms to the shape/configuration of the electrodes. Further, in order to accommodate an internal component (such as a circuit board assembly), the shape of the battery assembly provides additional space in the electronic device. In order to form the electrodes, the electrodes may undergo a die cutting operation. Also, the housing may include a channel, or reduced dimension, that accommodates a flexible circuit in the electronic device that passes over the battery assembly at the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: David A. PAKULA, Daniel W. JARVIS, Gregory N. STEPHENS, Ian A. SPRAGGS, James A. BERTIN, Eric M. BENNETT, Simon C. HELMORE, Melissa A. WAH, Matthew D. HILL, Jon F. HOUSOUR, Douglas G. FOURNIER, Christopher S. TOMASETTA
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Patent number: 10701833Abstract: An electronic device having a battery assembly is disclosed. Unlike traditional battery assemblies that include rectilinear electrodes with two sides of equal length, the battery assemblies described herein may include electrodes having a shape/configuration resembling an L-shape electrode used to form chemical reactions in order to generate electrical energy. However, other shapes/configurations are possible. The shape/configuration of the housing of the battery assembly confirms to the shape/configuration of the electrodes. Further, in order to accommodate an internal component (such as a circuit board assembly), the shape of the battery assembly provides additional space in the electronic device. In order to form the electrodes, the electrodes may undergo a die cutting operation. Also, the housing may include a channel, or reduced dimension, that accommodates a flexible circuit in the electronic device that passes over the battery assembly at the channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: David A. Pakula, Daniel W. Jarvis, Gregory N. Stephens, Ian A. Spraggs, James A. Bertin, Eric M. Bennett, Simon C. Helmore, Melissa A. Wah, Matthew D. Hill, Jon F. Housour, Douglas G. Fournier, Christopher S. Tomasetta
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Patent number: 10631410Abstract: The present disclosure is related to printed circuit board packages and methods of assembly that may be used in the fabrication of electrical devices. Printed circuit board packages may be manufactured by stacking printed circuit board assemblies. Each printed circuit board assembly may have multiple printed circuit boards supported by a resin mold. The printed circuit board assemblies may be shaped to improve space utilization efficiency and to accommodate large electrical components that are attached to the printed circuit board package.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Corey S. Provencher, Meng Chi Lee, Derek J. Walters, Ian A. Spraggs, Flynn P. Carson, Shakti S. Chauhan, Daniel W. Jarvis, David A. Pakula, Jun Zhai, Michael V. Yeh, Alex J. Crumlin, Dennis R. Pyper, Amir Salehi, Vu T. Vo, Gregory N. Stephens
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Patent number: 10455738Abstract: A circuit board assembly in an electronic is disclosed. To conserve space in the electronic device, the circuit board assembly includes stacked circuit boards in electrical communication with each other, such as a first circuit board stacked over a second circuit board. Each circuit board may include multiple surfaces that carry operational components. Moreover, the first circuit board may include a first surface and the second circuit board may include a second surface facing the first surface. The first and second surfaces may include operational components in corresponding locations. Also, the operational components may include corresponding shapes such that one component is positioned in another component. The components may electrically connect to each other. Also, the circuit board assembly may include EMI shields around an outer perimeter in order to shield the operational components form EMI and to components in the electronic device from EMI emanating from the operational components.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David A. Pakula, Daniel W. Jarvis, Gregory N. Stephens, Ian A. Spraggs, Vu Thanh Vo, Amir Salehi, Dennis R. Pyper, Alex J. Crumlin, Corey S. Provencher, Derek J. Walters, Michael V. Yeh
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Patent number: 10225964Abstract: Electrical components may be shielded using a shielding can or other shielding structure that covers the electrical components. The electrical components and the shielding structure may be mounted on a substrate such as a printed circuit board using solder or other conductive material. The shielding structure may have one or more shielding layers. The shielding layers may include high conductivity material for providing shielding for radio-frequency electromagnetic interference and magnetic material for blocking magnetic flux. Shielding structures may be formed from materials such as ferritic stainless steel, coatings that enhance solderability, corrosion resistance, and conductivity, magnetic materials printed or otherwise formed on metal layers, and other shielding structures.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: James B. Smith, Daniel W. Jarvis, David A. Pakula, Gregory N. Stephens, Nicholas G. L. Merz, Shayan Malek, Sina Bigdeli
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Publication number: 20190041909Abstract: An electronic disclosed herein may include a band formed from metal that combines with a bottom wall formed from a non-metal to form an enclosure that carries internal components. The electronic device may include a transparent cover and a display assembly partially covered by a border having a uniform dimension. The electronic device may include a vision system designed for facial recognition of a user of the electronic device. A bracket assembly may hold the vision system. The bracket assembly may not be affixed to the enclosure and may move relative to the enclosure. The electronic device may include a battery assembly having multiple battery components coupled together. The electronic device may further include a receiver coil for wireless charging of the battery assembly. The electronic device may include a circuit board assembly having stacked circuit boards. The electronic device may further include a dual camera assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: David A. PAKULA, Daniel W. JARVIS, Shimon ELKAYAM, Brandon R. GARBUS, Christopher S. GRAHAM, Karl Ruben F. LARSSON, Ashley E. FLETCHER, Jared M. KOLE, Eric S. JOL, Aaron A. ORO, Michael D. QUINONES, Gregory N. STEPHENS, Ian SPRAGGS, James A. BERTIN, Simon C. HELMORE, Melissa A. WAH, Matthew D. HILL, Jon F. HOUSOUR, Douglas G. FOURNIER, Christopher S. TOMASETTA
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Patent number: 10199718Abstract: An antenna may be formed from a peripheral conductive housing structure in an electronic device that is separated from an antenna ground by a gap. An antenna feed may be formed from a metal trace on a flexible printed circuit that spans the gap. The metal trace may have a line segment that joins a wider pad portion of the trace at a junction. A stiffener on the flexible printed circuit may have a protrusion that overlaps the junction. A metal bracket attached to the peripheral housing structure may be soldered to the pad. A metal member with meandering paths may form a return path in the antenna. The meandering path may have parallel segments that extend along an inner surface of the peripheral conductive housing structure to prevent the metal member from rotating when a screw is used to screw the metal member to the peripheral conductive housing structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Sammy M. Khalifa, Daniel Lau, Scott A. Myers, Richard A. Besen, Gregory N. Stephens
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Patent number: 9974180Abstract: An electronic device may have a printed circuit to which electrical components are mounted. The electrical components may include a thermal sensor and a pressure sensor. A through hole in the printed circuit may receive the shaft of a standoff. The standoff may be soldered to plated metal on the sides of the through hole. A screw or other fastener may secure the printed circuit to a housing for the electronic device. A ring-shaped metal member may be soldered to the printed circuit. The ring-shaped metal member may form a bumper that surrounds the screw or other fastener and the thermal sensor. The pressure sensor may have a port through which ambient pressure measurements are made. A dust protection cover such as a fabric or other porous layer may cover the port.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Shayan Malek, David A. Pakula, Gregory N. Stephens, Sawyer I. Cohen, Scott A. Myers, Tyler B. Cater, Eric W. Bates
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Patent number: 9966587Abstract: This application relates to batteries that are capable of routing signals that are separate from the charge supplied by the batteries. In some embodiments, a battery can incorporate a conductive trace that extends through a portion of the battery to allow for signals to be routed through the battery, as opposed to around the battery. The conductive trace can be a single wire, multiple wires, a coaxial trace, optical cable, or any other mechanism for allowing a signal to be transmitted between one or more components. By providing the conductive trace within the battery, shorter pathways to components can be created thereby reducing signal or power loss over the pathways.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Besen, David A. Pakula, Gregory N. Stephens
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Publication number: 20180092213Abstract: The present disclosure is related to printed circuit board packages and methods of assembly that may be used in the fabrication of electrical devices. Printed circuit board packages may be manufactured by stacking printed circuit board assemblies. Each printed circuit board assembly may have multiple printed circuit boards supported by a resin mold. The printed circuit board assemblies may be shaped to improve space utilization efficiency and to accommodate large electrical components that are attached to the printed circuit board package.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Corey S. Provencher, Meng Chi Lee, Derek J. Walters, Ian A. Spraggs, Flynn P. Carson, Shakti S. Chauhan, Daniel W. Jarvis, David A. Pakula, Jun Zhai, Michael V. Yeh, Alex J. Crumlin, Dennis R. Pyper, Amir Salehi, Vu T. Vo, Gregory N. Stephens
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Publication number: 20180084636Abstract: A circuit board assembly in an electronic is disclosed. To conserve space in the electronic device, the circuit board assembly includes stacked circuit boards in electrical communication with each other, such as a first circuit board stacked over a second circuit board. Each circuit board may include multiple surfaces that carry operational components. Moreover, the first circuit board may include a first surface and the second circuit board may include a second surface facing the first surface. The first and second surfaces may include operational components in corresponding locations. Also, the operational components may include corresponding shapes such that one component is positioned in another component. The components may electrically connect to each other. Also, the circuit board assembly may include EMI shields around an outer perimeter in order to shield the operational components form EMI and to components in the electronic device from EMI emanating from the operational components.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: David A. PAKULA, Daniel W. JARVIS, Gregory N. STEPHENS, Ian A. SPRAGGS, Vu Thanh VO, Amir SALEHI, Dennis R. PYPER, Alex J. CRUMLIN, Corey S. PROVENCHER, Derek J. WALTERS, Michael V. YEH
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Publication number: 20180083322Abstract: An electronic device having a battery assembly is disclosed. Unlike traditional battery assemblies that include rectilinear electrodes with two sides of equal length, the battery assemblies described herein may include electrodes having a shape/configuration resembling an L-shape electrode used to form chemical reactions in order to generate electrical energy. However, other shapes/configurations are possible. The shape/configuration of the housing of the battery assembly confirms to the shape/configuration of the electrodes. Further, in order to accommodate an internal component (such as a circuit board assembly), the shape of the battery assembly provides additional space in the electronic device. In order to form the electrodes, the electrodes may undergo a die cutting operation. Also, the housing may include a channel, or reduced dimension, that accommodates a flexible circuit in the electronic device that passes over the battery assembly at the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: David A. PAKULA, Daniel W. JARVIS, Gregory N. STEPHENS, Ian A. SPRAGGS, James A. BERTIN, Eric M. BENNETT, Simon C. HELMORE, Melissa A. WAH, Matthew D. HILL, Jon F. HOUSOUR, Douglas G. FOURNIER, Christopher S. TOMASETTA
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Patent number: 9812680Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises an electromechanical module having an actuator for positioning a mechanical element between first and second positions, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical module. The controller is configured to detect a mechanical event coupling to the electromechanical module, select an actuation signal to position the mechanical element in a safe position between the first and second positions, and transmit the selected signal, such that the mechanical element is positioned in the safe position during the event.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Werner, Tyson B. Manullang, Gregory N. Stephens