Abstract: This application relates to securing and positioning internal components within a housing of a portable computing device. In one embodiment, a number of insert molded retaining members are utilized to inhibit outward deformation of a sidewall of the housing during a drop event. In another embodiment, a cowling is utilized to retain a number of board-to-board connectors within communication slots on a printed circuit board (PCB). In another embodiment, a C-shaped washer having diametrically opposed protrusions is utilized to adjust an alignment of an internal component.

Abstract: A device configured to determine the location and magnitude of a touch on a surface of the device. The device includes a transparent touch sensor that is configured to detect a location of a touch on the transparent touch sensor. The device also includes a force-sensing structure disposed at the periphery of the transparent touch sensor. The force sensor includes an upper capacitive plate and a compressible element disposed on one side of the upper capacitive plate. The force sensor also includes a lower capacitive plate disposed on a side of the compressible element that is opposite the upper capacitive plate.

Abstract: Frames for plug connectors capable of being a reduced size may include features to support contacts, house circuitry for coupling with the contacts, facilitate the flow of molten material during the molding of the frame, and allow for ease of insertion and removal of the plug connector to and from a corresponding receptacle connector. For example, a frame may include ledges, interlocks, and rounded and tapered openings. Methods for manufacturing the frame are also provided.

Abstract: A method of using ultrasonic energy to secure a first and a second component is described, and an apparatus formed therefrom. A first layer is bonded to a second layer by converting ultrasonic energy into thermal energy. The energy conversions means is an energy director. A thermally sensitive layer receives the thermal energy and at least a portion of the thermally sensitive layer melts. The resultant melting bonds the first layer with the second layer. A different energy director may also be included and used to convert thermal energy in order to de-bond the first layer from the second layer in order to perform, for example, a rework.

Abstract: A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.

Abstract: Electronic devices may include light sensors. The light sensors may include alignment features. The light sensors may be optically aligned with an aperture in an opaque structure. The opaque structure may be formed from an opaque material or a transparent material with an opaque coating. The light sensor may be mounted in a support structure that has been optically aligned with the aperture. The light sensor or the support structure may include extended portions that are transparent to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light may be transmitted through the extended portions to cure adhesive that attaches the light sensor or the support structure to the opaque structure. The light sensor may be optically aligned with the aperture by viewing the aperture through an opening in the support structure, by viewing the alignment features on the light sensor through the aperture or by gathering alignment data using the light sensor during alignment operations.

Abstract: A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.

Abstract: An electronic device has a camera assembly disposed in a housing of the electronic device that includes a light source assembly having a primary purpose for illuminating a subject during an imaging operation. The light source assembly includes a light source and a light window. A light block can be applied to lateral surfaces of the light window to prevent light passing through the light window from propagating along an outer surface of the housing, or other components of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the light block can include multiple layers having various reflective and absorptive characteristics.

Abstract: Connector systems that carry electrical signals and optical signals in a single connector are provided. A male electro-optical connector can have an electrical insert portion that fits into a receptacle of a female electro-optical connector to provide a structural connection. The optical interface can be advantageously near a front of the connectors for easy maintenance. Optical connectors with a relatively large diameter for the optical interface are also provided. Optical connectors can include a collector for receiving optical signals at a large opening and providing signals to a photodiode at a small opening of the collector. Such optical connectors with a large diameter for an optical interface can advantageously provide reduced alignment tolerances. Adapters, cable adapters, docking stations, and other apparatus can also be provided.

Abstract: Frames for plug connectors capable of being a reduced size may include features to support contacts, house circuitry for coupling with the contacts, facilitate the flow of molten material during the molding of the frame, and allow for ease of insertion and removal of the plug connector to and from a corresponding receptacle connector. For example, a frame may include ledges, interlocks, and rounded and tapered openings. Methods for manufacturing the frame are also provided.

Abstract: Electronic devices may include light sensors. The light sensors may include alignment features. The light sensors may be optically aligned with an aperture in an opaque structure. The opaque structure may be formed from an opaque material or a transparent material with an opaque coating. The light sensor may be mounted in a support structure that has been optically aligned with the aperture. The light sensor or the support structure may include extended portions that are transparent to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light may be transmitted through the extended portions to cure adhesive that attaches the light sensor or the support structure to the opaque structure. The light sensor may be optically aligned with the aperture by viewing the aperture through an opening in the support structure, by viewing the alignment features on the light sensor through the aperture or by gathering alignment data using the light sensor during alignment operations.

Abstract: Threaded standoff structures may be provided with features that control the flow of solder. A base structure for a standoff may be formed from a solderphobic material such as brass. A through hole may be formed in the base structure. The base structure may be coated with a solderphilic material such as an inner layer of nickel and an outer layer of tin. A tapping tool may be used to remove the solderphilic material from the opening by tapping threads into the opening, thereby exposing the underlying base metal of the standoff in the opening. During attachment to a substrate such as a printed circuit board, the standoff may be exposed to molten solder. The solderphilic coating on the outer surface of the standoff may attract the molten solder, whereas the solderphobic base metal in the threaded opening may help prevent solder from contaminating the threads in the opening.

Abstract: A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.

Abstract: A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.

Abstract: A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.

Abstract: A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.

Abstract: Various processes for creating mirrored features are discussed herein as well as devices that include the mirrored features. One embodiment includes a button having a transparent layer and an opaque layer coupled to the transparent layer. A portion of the transparent layer extends through the opaque layer so that the portion of the transparent layer is flush with a back surface of the opaque layer and generally has a shape of a desired feature. The button also includes a reflective object positioned so that it may be seen through the transparent layer.