Patents by Inventor Jeffrey A. Griffis

Jeffrey A. Griffis 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).

  • Publication number: 20240103288
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a display, a facial interface, and a connection between the display and facial interface. The display can at least translate or rotate relative to the facial interface via the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Adam Y. Kollgaard, Jonathan M. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Joel Ebers, Trevor S. Chambers, Sung Kim, David Dostal, William Law
  • Publication number: 20240103287
    Abstract: A removable facial interface for a head-mountable device (HMD) is disclosed. In an example, an HMD includes a display; a facial interface frame at least partially surrounding the display; a removable facial interface attached to the facial interface frame; a first attachment mechanism attached to one of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface; and a second attachment mechanism attached to the other of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface, the removable facial interface being attached to the facial interface frame by the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Erin M. Bosch, Darshan R. Kasar, Timon A. Wright, Nicholas R. Trincia, Jonathan M. Anderson, Liam R. Martinez, Ian A. Guy, Paul X. Wang, Samuel G. Smith, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Andrew Gallaher
  • Patent number: 11906745
    Abstract: Display backing components for head-mounted devices (HMDs) are described that reduce eddy currents in magnetic fields generated by a coil. A HMD may include a coil that is used to generate a magnetic field that may be used to track position of other devices with respect to the HMD. Display backing components, used to provide rigidity, are modified with holes or other gaps to interrupt the path of the eddy currents and reduce the interference with the magnetic field, thus improving the power efficiency of the coil and of the HMD. These modifications may be formed by casting, drilling, cutting or otherwise perforating the display backing during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Qianyi Zhao, Runren Zhang, Zhenggang Cheng, Jeffrey A Griffis, Stephen E Dey
  • Publication number: 20230333394
    Abstract: A head-mounted device or other electronic device may emit an alternating-current magnetic field. A wireless controller may have alternating-current magnetometers for monitoring the alternating-current field. The wireless controller may also have an accelerometer for measuring the orientation of the controller relative to the Earth's gravity and a direct-current magnetometer for measuring the orientation of the controller relative to the Earth's magnetic field. The alternating-current magnetometers may be three-coil magnetometers located at different locations in a controller housing. Using data from the alternating-current magnetometers, the direct-current magnetometer, the accelerometer, and/or other sensors, the wireless controller can determine the position and orientation of the wireless controller. This information can be wirelessly transmitted to the head-mounted device to control the head-mounted device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Yuhao Pan, Guangwu Duan, Jeffrey A. Griffis, John G. Elias, Krishna Prasad Vummidi Murali, Michael A. Lehr, Savas Gider, Stephen E. Dey
  • Patent number: 11714495
    Abstract: A finger device may be worn on a user's finger and may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other electronic device. The finger device may have a housing having an upper housing portion that extends across a top of the finger and first and second side housing portions that extend down respective first and second sides of the finger. Sensors in the side housing portions may measure movements of the sides of the finger as the finger contacts an external surface. To ensure that the sensors are appropriately positioned relative to the sides of the finger, the housing may include one or more adjustable structures such as an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a ratchet mechanism, a scissor mechanism, and/or other adjustable structures for adjusting the position of the first and second side housing portions and associated sensors relative to the upper housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erin M. Bosch, Stephen E. Dey, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Alex J. Lehmann, Yuhao Pan, Paul X. Wang
  • Patent number: 11709554
    Abstract: A finger device may be worn on a user's finger and may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other electronic device. The finger device may have a housing having an upper housing portion that extends across a top of the finger and first and second side housing portions that extend down respective first and second sides of the finger. Sensors in the side housing portions may measure movements of the sides of the finger as the finger contacts an external surface. To ensure that the sensors are appropriately positioned relative to the sides of the finger, the housing may include one or more adjustable structures such as an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a ratchet mechanism, a scissor mechanism, and/or other adjustable structures for adjusting the position of the first and second side housing portions and associated sensors relative to the upper housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erin M. Bosch, Stephen E. Dey, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Alex J. Lehmann, Yuhao Pan, Paul X. Wang
  • Publication number: 20220413626
    Abstract: A finger device may be worn on a user's finger and may serve as a controller for a head-mounted device or other electronic device. The finger device may have a housing having an upper housing portion that extends across a top of the finger and first and second side housing portions that extend down respective first and second sides of the finger. Sensors in the side housing portions may measure movements of the sides of the finger as the finger contacts an external surface. To ensure that the sensors are appropriately positioned relative to the sides of the finger, the housing may include one or more adjustable structures such as an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a ratchet mechanism, a scissor mechanism, and/or other adjustable structures for adjusting the position of the first and second side housing portions and associated sensors relative to the upper housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Erin M. Bosch, Stephen E. Dey, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Alex J. Lehmann, Yuhao Pan, Paul X. Wang
  • Patent number: 9043875
    Abstract: An optical disc drive (ODD) includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader. The reader includes a circuit and a coil antenna which has a rotational symmetry with respect to a rotation axis of a motor, shaft and turntable of the ODD. The coil antenna can be secured to a wall of a housing of the ODD or around the motor and/or shaft. The reader can read an RFID tag on an optical disc. The RFID tag includes a circuit and a coil antenna which has a rotational symmetry with respect to the disc. As a result, the RFID tag can be read while the disc is rotating. A magnetic insulating material such as a ferrite polymer composite film is used to magnetically insulate the coil antenna. An authentication code can be read from the RFID tag to control access to content of the optical disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Alireza Mahanfar, Benjamin Shewan, Remy Carole, Mark Casebolt, Tse-Ching Yu, Jeffrey Griffis, Javier Rodriguez De Luis
  • Publication number: 20140250495
    Abstract: An optical disc drive (ODD) includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader. The reader includes a circuit and a coil antenna which has a rotational symmetry with respect to a rotation axis of a motor, shaft and turntable of the ODD. The coil antenna can be secured to a wall of a housing of the ODD or around the motor and/or shaft. The reader can read an RFID tag on an optical disc. The RFID tag includes a circuit and a coil antenna which has a rotational symmetry with respect to the disc. As a result, the RFID tag can be read while the disc is rotating. A magnetic insulating material such as a ferrite polymer composite film is used to magnetically insulate the coil antenna. An authentication code can be read from the RFID tag to control access to content of the optical disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alireza Mahanfar, Benjamin Shewan, Remy Carole, Mark Casebolt, Tse-Ching Yu, Jeffrey Griffis, Javier Rodriguez De Luis
  • Patent number: 7914344
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are dual-barrel, connector jack and plug assemblies. Particularly, plug assemblies having two single barrel connectors that are situated side-by-side. Each barrel may include two or more contacts for receiving and transmitting DC IN+ electrical signals. Further, each barrel may include two or more contacts for receiving and transmitting DC IN? electrical signals. Inside each barrel connector may be disposed center pins. The barrel connectors may be cylindrically-shaped and configured to mate to a dual-barrel, connector jack assembly as described herein. A bridge component may be disposed between the barrel connectors for preventing the plug assembly from being inserted into the jack assembly in the wrong orientation. The bridge assembly may be shaped to prevent improper insertion into a corresponding aperture of the jack assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Suet Fong Tin, Chee Kiong Fong, Jeffrey Griffis, Gary Tornquist, Farrukh Kamal, Michael Hiett, Kenneth Budoff
  • Publication number: 20100311280
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are dual-barrel, connector jack and plug assemblies. Particularly, plug assemblies having two single barrel connectors that are situated side-by-side. Each barrel may include two or more contacts for receiving and transmitting DC IN+ electrical signals. Further, each barrel may include two or more contacts for receiving and transmitting DC IN? electrical signals. Inside each barrel connector may be disposed center pins. The barrel connectors may be cylindrically-shaped and configured to mate to a dual-barrel, connector jack assembly as described herein. A bridge component may be disposed between the barrel connectors for preventing the plug assembly from being inserted into the jack assembly in the wrong orientation. The bridge assembly may be shaped to prevent improper insertion into a corresponding aperture of the jack assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Suet Fong Tin, Chee Kiong Fong, Jeffrey Griffis, Gary Tornquist, Farrukh Kamal, Michael Hiett, Kenneth Budoff
  • Patent number: 7658625
    Abstract: An external AC power adapter is provided in a compact form factor that utilizes an AC plug that swivels about the body of the adapter and that includes prongs (i.e., electrical contacts or terminals) which can fold into the body for transport or storage. The swiveling AC plug enables the body of the AC power adapter to be rotatably oriented in a user-selectable manner in order to fit in tight spaces when plugged in to maximize the utilization of available outlets. The foldable prongs help to minimize the overall size of the AC power adapter for easy portability and storage. When folded, the prongs are protected against damage and are prevented from damaging or scratching other articles when the AC power adapter is packed in a bag or suitcase during travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Jubelirer, Gary Rensberger, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Carl Joseph Ledbetter, William J. Lauby
  • Publication number: 20090227122
    Abstract: An external AC power adapter is provided in a compact form factor that utilizes an AC plug that swivels about the body of the adapter and that includes prongs (i.e., electrical contacts or terminals) which can fold into the body for transport or storage. The swiveling AC plug enables the body of the AC power adapter to be rotatably oriented in a user-selectable manner in order to fit in tight spaces when plugged in to maximize the utilization of available outlets. The foldable prongs help to minimize the overall size of the AC power adapter for easy portability and storage. When folded, the prongs are protected against damage and are prevented from damaging or scratching other articles when the AC power adapter is packed in a bag or suitcase during travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Jubelirer, Gary Rensberger, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Carl Joseph Ledbetter, William J. Lauby
  • Patent number: 6558046
    Abstract: An optical wavelength multiplexer and/or demultiplexer is provided having mechanical strain relief. The mechanical strain relief is provided by mounting ears carried by a molded coupling module supporting the fiber optic cable receptacle. The mounting ears are engaged by a pair of mounting plates carried by a housing for the device. Loads applied to the fiber optic cable receptacle are transferred to the housing frame and do not adversely affect the optical pathway of the assembled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Blaze Network Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Griffis, Roderick P. McAfee, Curtis A. Ray, Hong Li
  • Publication number: 20020131259
    Abstract: A method of EMI shielding the seam(s) of a multiple-part enclosure is provided herein. The enclosure can be produced and assembled quickly and inexpensively. An embodiment of the invention is formed of two conductive sheet metal parts that make up the outer enclosure of an optoelectronic transceiver. The parts come together in a way that allows for an interference fit, and requires a press fit operation for complete engagement. A series of recesses along the edge of one part and a series of oversized (in relation to the recesses) teeth in the other part provide the interference fit. The oversized teeth are pressed into the recesses, providing metal-to-metal contact at regular intervals along the interface. Contact at regular intervals provides a robust EMI shield against electromagnetic waves incident to the enclosure's interior or exterior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Yoram Rozy, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Hong Li
  • Publication number: 20020129954
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) in an optoelectronic transceiver housing. The mounting technique is quick, easy and requires no secondary adhesive or hardware. The PCB is mounted into an injection molded plastic housing that is plated with a conductive material. In its mounted state, the PCB deflects a spring feature of the housing such that the PCB is located securely therein. The PCB is preloaded against the plated plastic in order to electrically connect the PCB ground to the chassis ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Griffis
  • Publication number: 20020126951
    Abstract: Optical to electrical and electrical to optical conversion assemblies provide precise and stable alignment, low loss, unperturbed electrical transmission and high thermal conductivity. Mechanically isolating the ceramic substrate of the conversion assembly relative to the surrounding structures enables good long-term optical alignment. Electrical transmission line connections to and from the optical conversion circuits on the ceramic substrates are made via flexible circuit board designs. The alignment of the components on the substrate relative to the plastic optics is thus preserved. The flexible circuit board includes a cross hatched ground layer, which relieves portions of the metallization below the signal layer and yet is able to maintain the desired transmission line properties. Electrical to optical conversion circuits are provided where the transmission of the electrical signals to the converter circuits is accomplished with minimal loss and with good signal integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Robert A. Sutherland, James S. Sacks, Eric B. Grann, Kenneth R. Herrity, Jeffrey A. Griffis, Frank W. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20010043778
    Abstract: An optical wavelength multiplexer and/or demultiplexer is provided having mechanical strain relief. The mechanical strain relief is provided by mounting ears carried by a molded coupling module supporting the fiber optic cable receptacle. The mounting ears are engaged by a pair of mounting plates carried by a housing for the device. Loads applied to the fiber optic cable receptacle are transferred to the housing frame and do not adversely affect the optical pathway of the assembled device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Griffis, Roderick P. McAfee, Curtis A. Ray, Hong Li
  • Patent number: D665348
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Carl J. Ledbetter, Stephen Christopher, Jeffrey A. Griffis