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).

  • Patent number: 9333704
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gerardo Salas Bolanos, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Dominic E. Dolci, Cesar Lozano, James G. Smeenge
  • Patent number: 9142908
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Dominic E. Dolci, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele De luliis
  • Patent number: 9048124
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic E. Dolci, James G. Smeenge, Vinh H. Diep, Chiew-Siang Goh
  • Publication number: 20140256186
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Dominic E. Dolci, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele De Iullis
  • Patent number: 8782869
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8727812
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Dominic E. Dolci, Victoria A. Spielmann, Ricardo A. Mariano, Alexander M. Kwan, James G. Smeenge, Daniele De Iullis
  • Publication number: 20140078677
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Dominic E. Dolci, James G. Smeenge, Vinh H. Diep, Chiew-Siang Goh
  • Publication number: 20140078711
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gerardo Salas Bolanos, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Dominic E. Dolci, Cesar Lozano, James G. Smeenge
  • Patent number: 8659889
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20130328484
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar Lozano Villarreal, James G. Smeenge, Chiew-Siang Goh
  • Patent number: 8414337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8408932
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20120295487
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20120291255
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20120295462
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20120293924
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 6535379
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James G. Smeenge, Jr., Peter K. Lee, James Huang, Shan-Wen Mao
  • Patent number: 5380212
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Company
    Inventors: James G. Smeenge, Jr., Paul L. Rogers
  • Patent number: D695226
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele De Iuliis, Dominic E. Dolci, Alexander M. Kwan, Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Ricardo A. Mariano, James G. Smeenge, Victoria A. Spielmann