Patents by Inventor Ian P. Colahan
Ian P. Colahan 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: 20240069352Abstract: A system may include an electronic device such as a head-mounted device and a handheld controller for controlling the electronic device. The handheld controller may have a housing with an elongated shaft extending between first and second tip portions. The handheld controller may have power receiving circuitry configured to receive power from a power source. The power source may be incorporated into an electronic device such as a wireless charging dock or stick, a battery case, or a head-mounted device. The power source may supply power through terminals that form ohmic contacts with mating terminals in the finger device or may transmit power wirelessly using capacitive coupling or inductive charging arrangements. Magnets may be used to hold and align the elongated shaft of the handheld controller on the power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Ian P. Colahan, Christopher T. Eubank, Christopher K. Ewy, Patrick T. Ryan, Emery A. Sanford, Robert D. Silfvast
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Publication number: 20240012496Abstract: A system may include an electronic device such as a head-mounted device and a handheld controller for controlling the electronic device. The handheld controller may have a housing with an elongated shaft extending between first and second tip portions. The handheld controller may include a touch sensor for gathering touch input, a button, rotating scroll wheel, or other input device for gathering other user input, a force sensor for gathering force input, an inertial measurement unit for gathering motion data, a camera for capturing images of the environment, and/or one or more haptic output devices such as an actuator for providing haptic output. The control circuitry may send control signals to the head-mounted device based on the sensor data and user input (e.g., force input, touch input, motion input, voice input, etc.) gathered with the handheld controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Stephen E Dey, Erin M Bosch, Yuhao Pan, Ian P Colahan, Christopher K Ewy
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Publication number: 20220096923Abstract: Accessories that can improve a specific functionality of an electronic device, can readily attach to an electronic device, can be easy to use, and can have a small and efficient form factor. One example can provide a gaming accessory that can improve the game playing functionality of an electronic device, such as a phone, tablet, or other computing device. This gaming accessory can provide a physical interface for controlling game activities on the electronic device such that a screen of the electronic device remains at least largely unobstructed during game play.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Fiona P. O'Leary, Mylene E. Dreyer, Jonathan A. Topf, Julian K. Missig, Ian P. Colahan, Marisa R. Lu
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Patent number: 11201484Abstract: Accessory devices for portable electronic devices are herein described. An accessory device may include a receptacle used to receive and carry an electronic device. Further, the accessory device may include a cover that is pivotally coupled to the receptacle. The cover is designed to protect a front surface of the electronic device, including a cover glass. The accessory device may further include a power supply (such as a battery) that is located on the cover. The power supply is designed to provide power to the electronic device, and subsequently charge a battery of the electronic device. The power supply can also provide power to different devices. In this regard, the accessory device may include an inductive charging coil that can inductively charge a battery of a device located on the accessory device. The inductive charging coil can be integrated into the receptacle or the cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Robert V. Weber, Patrick T. Ryan, Min Chul Kim, Ian P. Colahan
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Publication number: 20200328605Abstract: Accessory devices for portable electronic devices are herein described. An accessory device may include a receptacle used to receive and carry an electronic device. Further, the accessory device may include a cover that is pivotally coupled to the receptacle. The cover is designed to protect a front surface of the electronic device, including a cover glass. The accessory device may further include a power supply (such as a battery) that is located on the cover. The power supply is designed to provide power to the electronic device, and subsequently charge a battery of the electronic device. The power supply can also provide power to different devices. In this regard, the accessory device may include an inductive charging coil that can inductively charge a battery of a device located on the accessory device. The inductive charging coil can be integrated into the receptacle or the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2019Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: Robert V. WEBER, Patrick T. RYAN, Min Chul KIM, Ian P. COLAHAN
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Patent number: 10804719Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Darshan R. Kasar, Timothy J. Rasmussen, John J. Baker, Shannon X. Yang, Benjamin A. Cousins
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Publication number: 20190319468Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Ian P. COLAHAN, Darshan R. KASAR, Timothy J. RASMUSSEN, John J. BAKER, Shannon X. YANG, Benjamin A. COUSINS
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Patent number: 10389150Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Darshan R. Kasar, Timothy J. Rasmussen, John J. Baker, Shannon X. Yang, Benjamin A. Cousins
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Patent number: 10310157Abstract: An accessory device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a light guide assembly that directs light from a light source (or sources) through an opening of the accessory device, and in particular, in a base portion of the accessory device. The light guide assembly may be disposed in a compartment of the accessory device and include a light guide body as well as a light guide insert disposed in an opening of the light guide body. To form the opening, a single cutting operation may cut through the base portion and the light guide body so that the respective openings of the base portion and the light guide body are aligned. The light guide body may be designed to receive the light from the light source and direct or focus the light toward the light guide insert. The light guide insert may refract, scatter, and/or diffuse the light.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Ian P. Colahan, Darshan R. Kasar, Tian Shi Li
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Patent number: 10225954Abstract: An electronic device case with a thermal dissipation system is disclosed. The electronic device case is configured to draw heat out of an electronic device disposed therein. The electronic device case includes a connector plug configured to engage a connector receptacle of the electronic device. The thermal dissipation system includes a thermally conductive pathway that both transfers heat to a heat spreader and electrically couples the electronic device to an electrical component within the electronic device case.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Ibuki Kamei, Ian P. Colahan
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Publication number: 20180092241Abstract: An electronic device case with a thermal dissipation system is disclosed. The electronic device case is configured to draw heat out of an electronic device disposed therein. The electronic device case includes a connector plug configured to engage a connector receptacle of the electronic device. The thermal dissipation system includes a thermally conductive pathway that both transfers heat to a heat spreader and electrically couples the electronic device to an electrical component within the electronic device case.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Ibuki Kamei, Ian P. Colahan
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Publication number: 20170324261Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2017Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: Ian P. COLAHAN, Darshan R. KASAR, Timothy J. RASMUSSEN, John J. BAKER, Shannon X. YANG, Benjamin A. COUSINS
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Publication number: 20170289657Abstract: An accessory device suitable for use with an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include an audio assembly designed to generate acoustical energy. The audio assembly may use certain components of the accessory device to generate the acoustical energy. For example, the accessory device may include a shell, or rigid body, that provides structural support for the accessory device. The accessory device may also include a flexible layer, such as silicone, disposed over the shell. The audio assembly may use part of the shell and acoustically drive that part of the shell to generate the acoustical energy. Further, the audio assembly may use part of the flexible layer as a “surround” to allow part of the shell to move relative to other parts. The electronic device may electrically couple with the accessory device, thereby providing a means for providing an audio signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2016Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Timothy J. RASMUSSEN, Ian P. COLAHAN, Trevor M. CARDIFF
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Patent number: 9781497Abstract: An accessory device suitable for use with an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include an audio assembly designed to generate acoustical energy. The audio assembly may use certain components of the accessory device to generate the acoustical energy. For example, the accessory device may include a shell, or rigid body, that provides structural support for the accessory device. The accessory device may also include a flexible layer, such as silicone, disposed over the shell. The audio assembly may use part of the shell and acoustically drive that part of the shell to generate the acoustical energy. Further, the audio assembly may use part of the flexible layer as a “surround” to allow part of the shell to move relative to other parts. The electronic device may electrically couple with the accessory device, thereby providing a means for providing an audio signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Ian P. Colahan, Trevor M. Cardiff
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Patent number: 9761927Abstract: A removable case may receive an electronic device. A male connector in the case may mate with a female connector in the device. A battery in the case may supply power to the device through the male connector. The electronic device may have an antenna. The case may have a supplemental antenna that compensates for variations in performance in the antenna when the device is received within the case. The supplemental antenna may be a parasitic antenna resonating element that is formed from metal traces on a flexible printed circuit. The flexible printed circuit, a metal trim structure, and a plastic support structure may form portions of a connector support structure in the case.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Darshan R. Kasar, Kirill Kalinichev, Ian P. Colahan, Timothy J. Rasmussen
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Patent number: 9735595Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Darshan R. Kasar, Timothy J. Rasmussen, John J. Baker, Shannon X. Yang, Benjamin A. Cousins
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Patent number: 9728906Abstract: An AC-to-DC power adapter comprises a single-piece insulator unit. The various components of the power adapter such as a transformer, other circuitry, etc. are attached to the single-piece insulator unit. The single-piece insulator unit has embedded channels to provide electrical connectivity between the circuitry, The entire assembly is placed in housing and a cap assembly having prongs to connect to a AC wall outlet is ultrasonically welded to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Fidel Vista
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Publication number: 20170160455Abstract: An accessory device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a light guide assembly that directs light from a light source (or sources) through an opening of the accessory device, and in particular, in a base portion of the accessory device. The light guide assembly may be disposed in a compartment of the accessory device and include a light guide body as well as a light guide insert disposed in an opening of the light guide body. To form the opening, a single cutting operation may cut through the base portion and the light guide body so that the respective openings of the base portion and the light guide body are aligned. The light guide body may be designed to receive the light from the light source and direct or focus the light toward the light guide insert. The light guide insert may refract, scatter, and/or diffuse the light.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Timothy J. RASMUSSEN, Ian P. COLAHAN, Darshan R. KASAR, Tian Shi LI
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Publication number: 20170069955Abstract: A removable case may receive an electronic device. A male connector in the case may mate with a female connector in the device. A battery in the case may supply power to the device through the male connector. The electronic device may have an antenna. The case may have a supplemental antenna that compensates for variations in performance in the antenna when the device is received within the case. The supplemental antenna may be a parasitic antenna resonating element that is formed from metal traces on a flexible printed circuit. The flexible printed circuit, a metal trim structure, and a plastic support structure may form portions of a connector support structure in the case.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Darshan R. Kasar, Kirill Kalinichev, Ian P. Colahan, Timothy J. Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20170033580Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Ian P. COLAHAN, Darshan R. KASAR, Timothy J. RASMUSSEN, John J. Baker, Shannon X. Yang, Benjamin A. Cousins