Patents by Inventor James G. Smeenge
James G. Smeenge 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: 9333704Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to ultrasonic welding and more particularly to performing an ultrasonic welding operation while rotating one part relative to a mating part. A non-uniform energy director can be disposed along a mating surface of a first part. The energy director can maintain a constant cross-sectional area while having a smaller height near a pivot point for the rotation and a larger height away from the pivot point. The varying height of the energy director can allow the tip of the energy director to come in contact with a second part rotating relative to the first part at approximately the same time during the ultrasonic welding process.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gerardo Salas Bolanos, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Dominic E. Dolci, Cesar Lozano, James G. Smeenge
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Patent number: 9142908Abstract: Various embodiments of low profile male connectors are described. In one embodiment, a connector includes a plug housing having a depth and an interior cavity designed to accommodate pins that extend within the interior cavity in a direction of the depth. The plug housing may be designed to be fully insertable into a receptacle connector of an electronic device, and to have a rear surface that conforms with a shape of an exterior surface of the electronic device. The pins arranged in the plug housing may include various features, such as connecting portions protruding from the plug housing at an angle of approximately 90 degrees for coupling to a cable, bases including cutouts for extending a length of an elongated shaft of the pin, barbs for engaging the plug housing, and limit stops for distributing a force applied to the elongated shaft upon engagement with a receiving pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Dominic E. Dolci, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele De luliis
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Patent number: 9048124Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with electronic components such as radio-frequency transceiver integrated circuits and other integrated circuits that are be sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Metal structures are configured to serve both as heat sinking structures for the electrical components and electromagnetic interference shielding. Components are mounted to the substrate using solder. Metal fence structures are also soldered to the substrate. Each metal fence has an opening that covers a respective one of the components. A thermally conductive elastomeric gap filler pad is mounted in the opening. A metal heat spreading structure is electrically shorted to the fence using a conductive gasket that surrounds the gap filler pad so that the structure serves as an electromagnetic interference shield. Heat from the component travels through the gap filler pad to the metal heat spreading structure so that the heat spreading structure may laterally spread and dissipate the heat.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dominic E. Dolci, James G. Smeenge, Vinh H. Diep, Chiew-Siang Goh
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Publication number: 20140256186Abstract: Various embodiments of low profile male connectors are described. In one embodiment, a connector includes a plug housing having a depth and an interior cavity designed to accommodate pins that extend within the interior cavity in a direction of the depth. The plug housing may be designed to be fully insertable into a receptacle connector of an electronic device, and to have a rear surface that conforms with a shape of an exterior surface of the electronic device. The pins arranged in the plug housing may include various features, such as connecting portions protruding from the plug housing at an angle of approximately 90 degrees for coupling to a cable, bases including cutouts for extending a length of an elongated shaft of the pin, barbs for engaging the plug housing, and limit stops for distributing a force applied to the elongated shaft upon engagement with a receiving pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Dominic E. Dolci, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele De Iullis
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Patent number: 8782869Abstract: A connector of a cable (e.g., a 30-pin connector) can be used to facilitate various security-related and other functionalities. For example, a connector can include security locking mechanisms for engaging or locking the connector to a portable electronic device. A connector can additionally support the transmission of security signals, data signals, power, and/or the like. An unlocking tool can be used to disengage a connector locked to the portable electronic device. More specifically, the unlocking tool can be applied to a connector and cause the locking mechanisms of the connector to release such that the connector can be freely disconnected from a connected portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dominic E. Dolci, Alexander M. Kwan, Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Daniele G. De Iuliis, James G. Smeenge, Ricardo A. Mariano, Victoria A. Spielmann
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Patent number: 8727812Abstract: Various embodiments of low profile male connectors are described. In one embodiment, a connector includes a plug housing having a depth and an interior cavity designed to accommodate pins that extend within the interior cavity in a direction of the depth. The plug housing may be designed to be fully insertable into a receptacle connector of an electronic device, and to have a rear surface that conforms with a shape of an exterior surface of the electronic device. The pins arranged in the plug housing may include various features, such as connecting portions protruding from the plug housing at an angle of approximately 90 degrees for coupling to a cable, bases including cutouts for extending a length of an elongated shaft of the pin, barbs for engaging the plug housing, and limit stops for distributing a force applied to the elongated shaft upon engagement with a receiving pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Dominic E. Dolci, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele De Iullis
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Publication number: 20140078677Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with electronic components such as radio-frequency transceiver integrated circuits and other integrated circuits that are be sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Metal structures are configured to serve both as heat sinking structures for the electrical components and electromagnetic interference shielding. Components are mounted to the substrate using solder. Metal fence structures are also soldered to the substrate. Each metal fence has an opening that covers a respective one of the components. A thermally conductive elastomeric gap filler pad is mounted in the opening. A metal heat spreading structure is electrically shorted to the fence using a conductive gasket that surrounds the gap filler pad so that the structure serves as an electromagnetic interference shield. Heat from the component travels through the gap filler pad to the metal heat spreading structure so that the heat spreading structure may laterally spread and dissipate the heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: Dominic E. Dolci, James G. Smeenge, Vinh H. Diep, Chiew-Siang Goh
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Publication number: 20140078711Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to ultrasonic welding and more particularly to performing an ultrasonic welding operation while rotating one part relative to a mating part. A non-uniform energy director can be disposed along a mating surface of a first part. The energy director can maintain a constant cross-sectional area while having a smaller height near a pivot point for the rotation and a larger height away from the pivot point. The varying height of the energy director can allow the tip of the energy director to come in contact with a second part rotating relative to the first part at approximately the same time during the ultrasonic welding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gerardo Salas Bolanos, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Dominic E. Dolci, Cesar Lozano, James G. Smeenge
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Patent number: 8659889Abstract: Various embodiments of digital signage systems and docking stations are described. In one embodiment, a digital signage system includes an electronic device having a rear surface and an opposing front surface at which a display of the electronic device may be viewed. The system also includes a body for supporting the electronic device. A recessed region is formed in the body from a top surface of the body, and the electronic device is positioned within the recessed region such that the rear surface of the electronic device fits entirely within the recessed region and the front surface of the electronic device is substantially flush with a portion of a top surface of the body that surrounds the recessed region. An aperture may be formed at least partially through the recessed region for receiving a cable assembly operable to connect to the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dominic E. Dolci, Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele G. De Iuliis
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Publication number: 20130328484Abstract: Connector adapters that may allow contacts in a connector insert to form electrical connections with contacts in an incompatible connector receptacle. One example may provide a connector adapter for providing a connection between a connector insert and an incompatible connector receptacle. The connector adapter may be a magnetic connector providing a magnetic connector receptacle at a first end to accept a connector insert having an attraction plate. This connector adapter may further provide a connector insert having an attraction plate at a second end to insert into a magnetic connector receptacle on an electrical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, James G. Smeenge, Chiew-Siang Goh
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Patent number: 8414337Abstract: Various embodiments of low profile male connectors are described. In one embodiment, a connector includes a plug housing having a depth and an interior cavity designed to accommodate pins that extend within the interior cavity in a direction of the depth. The plug housing may be designed to be fully insertable into a receptacle connector of an electronic device, and to have a rear surface that conforms with a shape of an exterior surface of the electronic device. The pins arranged in the plug housing may include various features, such as connecting portions protruding from the plug housing at an angle of approximately 90 degrees for coupling to a cable, bases including cutouts for extending a length of an elongated shaft of the pin, barbs for engaging the plug housing, and limit stops for distributing a force applied to the elongated shaft upon engagement with a receiving pin.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villareal, Dominic E. Dolci, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele G. De Iuliis
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Patent number: 8408932Abstract: A connector of a cable (e.g., a 30-pin connector) can be used to facilitate various security-related and other functionalities. For example, a connector can include security locking mechanisms for engaging or locking the connector to a portable electronic device. A connector can additionally support the transmission of security signals, data signals, power, and/or the like. An unlocking tool can be used to disengage a connector locked to the portable electronic device. More specifically, the unlocking tool can be applied to a connector and cause the locking mechanisms of the connector to release such that the connector can be freely disconnected from a connected portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Alexander M. Kwan, Daniele G. De Iuliis, Dominic E. Dolci, James G. Smeenge, Ricardo A. Mariano, Victoria A. Spielmann
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Publication number: 20120295487Abstract: Various embodiments of low profile male connectors are described. In one embodiment, a connector includes a plug housing having a depth and an interior cavity designed to accommodate pins that extend within the interior cavity in a direction of the depth. The plug housing may be designed to be fully insertable into a receptacle connector of an electronic device, and to have a rear surface that conforms with a shape of an exterior surface of the electronic device. The pins arranged in the plug housing may include various features, such as connecting portions protruding from the plug housing at an angle of approximately 90 degrees for coupling to a cable, bases including cutouts for extending a length of an elongated shaft of the pin, barbs for engaging the plug housing, and limit stops for distributing a force applied to the elongated shaft upon engagement with a receiving pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Dominic E. Dolci, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele G. De luliis
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Publication number: 20120291255Abstract: A connector of a cable (e.g., a 30-pin connector) can be used to facilitate various security-related and other functionalities. For example, a connector can include security locking mechanisms for engaging or locking the connector to a portable electronic device. A connector can additionally support the transmission of security signals, data signals, power, and/or the like. An unlocking tool can be used to disengage a connector locked to the portable electronic device. More specifically, the unlocking tool can be applied to a connector and cause the locking mechanisms of the connector to release such that the connector can be freely disconnected from a connected portable electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Dominic E. Dolci, Alexander M. Kwan, Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Daniele G. De luliis, James G. Smeenge, Ricardo A. Mariano, Victoria A. Spielmann
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Publication number: 20120295462Abstract: A connector of a cable (e.g., a 30-pin connector) can be used to facilitate various security-related and other functionalities. For example, a connector can include security locking mechanisms for engaging or locking the connector to a portable electronic device. A connector can additionally support the transmission of security signals, data signals, power, and/or the like. An unlocking tool can be used to disengage a connector locked to the portable electronic device. More specifically, the unlocking tool can be applied to a connector and cause the locking mechanisms of the connector to release such that the connector can be freely disconnected from a connected portable electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Alexander M. Kwan, Daniele G. De Iuliis, Dominic E. Dolci, James G. Smeenge, Ricardo A. Mariano, Victoria A. Spielmann
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Publication number: 20120293924Abstract: Various embodiments of digital signage systems and docking stations are described. In one embodiment, a digital signage system includes an electronic device having a rear surface and an opposing front surface at which a display of the electronic device may be viewed. The system also includes a body for supporting the electronic device. A recessed region is formed in the body from a top surface of the body, and the electronic device is positioned within the recessed region such that the rear surface of the electronic device fits entirely within the recessed region and the front surface of the electronic device is substantially flush with a portion of a top surface of the body that surrounds the recessed region. An aperture may be formed at least partially through the recessed region for receiving a cable assembly operable to connect to the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dominic E. Dolci, Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele G. De luliis
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Patent number: 6535379Abstract: A computer enclosure assembly comprising of a generally box shaped computer chassis having a plurality of face portions including a first face portion, a first panel member removably mounted on the first face portion; and a latch assembly comprising a first latch portion on the chassis and a second latch portion on the first panel member. One of the first and second latch portions is trippingly deflectable to disengage the first latch portion from the second latch portion through application of pressure to a trip area, the trip area being hidden from view.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventors: James G. Smeenge, Jr., Peter K. Lee, James Huang, Shan-Wen Mao
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Patent number: 5380212Abstract: An electrical interface connects a conductive pins to a printed circuit board. The electrical interface includes an elastomer holder having a plurality of holes. Elastomer conductors are placed in the plurality of holes within the elastomer holder. The elastomer holder is then attached to the printed circuit board so that each elastomer conductor comes into contact with a conductive pad on the printed circuit board. The conductive pins are placed in electrical contact with the elastomer conductors, for example, through a conductive socket. In the preferred embodiment the elastomer holder is composed of printed circuit board material. Before the elastomer holder is connected to the printed circuit board, the elastomer conductors are held in the holes in the elastomer holder using a throw-away retainer.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1993Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Assignee: Hewlett Packard CompanyInventors: James G. Smeenge, Jr., Paul L. Rogers
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Patent number: D695226Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Daniele De Iuliis, Dominic E. Dolci, Alexander M. Kwan, Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Ricardo A. Mariano, James G. Smeenge, Victoria A. Spielmann