Patents by Inventor John C. DiFonzo
John C. DiFonzo 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: 20150323966Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a shock mount assembly that is configured to provide impact absorption to sensitive components such as a display and an optical disk drive. The computing device also includes an enclosureless optical disk drive that is housed by an enclosure and other structures of the computing device. The computing device further includes a heat transfer system that removes heat from a heat producing element of the computing device. The heat transfer system is configured to thermally couple the heat producing element to a structural member of the computing device so as to sink heat through the structural member, which generally has a large surface area for dissipating the heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2015Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: Nicholas G. Merz, John C. Difonzo, Stephen P. Zadesky, Michael J. Prichard
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Publication number: 20150262746Abstract: Method, system, and apparatus for optimizing kinematics of a magnetic latch having a magnetic element is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 17, 2015Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Fabio T. Campos, Jonathan E. Borkowski, Chee How Chong, Matthew W. Blum, William A. Tashman, Michelle R. Goldberg, Stefano Tizianel, Noemi Novello
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Patent number: 9116674Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a shock mount assembly that is configured to provide impact absorption to sensitive components such as a display and an optical disk drive. The computing device also includes an enclosureless optical disk drive that is housed by an enclosure and other structures of the computing device. The computing device further includes a heat transfer system that removes heat from a heat producing element of the computing device. The heat transfer system is configured to thermally couple the heat producing element to a structural member of the computing device so as to sink heat through the structural member, which generally has a large surface area for dissipating the heat.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nicholas G. Merz, John C. DiFonzo, Stephen P. Zadesky, Michael J. Prichard
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Patent number: 9112304Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Patent number: 9065205Abstract: A magnetic connector system having a durable and reliable construction and a reduced height while maintaining sufficient holding strength. A connector insert may utilize a crimping piece to crimp a braiding of a cable. The crimping piece may be fixed to an attraction plate and a board in the insert for mechanical reliability. Retention clips may be used to fix a shell to the attraction plate. A connector receptacle may employ a magnetically conductive label to improve holding strength.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Josh Pong, Chris Ligtenberg, Bartley K. Andre, Bradley J. Hamel, John C. DiFonzo, Dave Narajowski, Greg Springer, Eric Monsef, Min Chul Kim
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Publication number: 20150171550Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20150010275Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventor: John C. DiFonzo
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Publication number: 20140362514Abstract: A multipart computer housing is described. The multipart computer housing includes at least a structural support layer and a body. The body includes at least an outer layer formed of lightweight flexible material and an inner layer attached to the outer layer. The inner layer is connected to the support layer forming a load path between the inner layer and the structural support layer. A load applied to the multipart computer housing is transferred by way of the load path to the support layer without substantially affecting the outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: John RAFF, Bartley K. ANDRE, Laura DEFOREST, John C. DIFONZO, Zheng GAO, Michelle GOLDBERG, Bradley J. HAMEL, Timothy S. HIBBARD, Ron HOPKINSON, William F. LEGGETT, Chris LIGTENBERG, Gavin J. REID, Charles A. SCHWALBACH
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Patent number: 8888940Abstract: Electronic device frames may be formed from fiber composites. Carbon fiber material may be formed into frame members using pultrusion tools. Notches may be machined into the frame members. The machined frame members may be assembled to form a rectangular frame assembly using lap joints. Fiber tape may be wound around the periphery of the frame assembly. Following curing, additional parts such as a metal blank may be bonded to the frame assembly and machined.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Kevin Kenney, Adam T. Garelli, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg
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Publication number: 20140285957Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Patent number: 8770857Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
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Publication number: 20140179126Abstract: Power cables that include plug housings having an improved appearance as well as employ a halogen-free cable while providing adequate fire resistance. One example provides a power cable having cable plug with a substantially unitary body. Another example provides a power cable that is formed using halogen-free materials. To provide adequate fire protection, a strain relief formed using multiple materials is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
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Patent number: 8702316Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
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Patent number: 8690582Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20140043751Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a shock mount assembly that is configured to provide impact absorption to sensitive components such as a display and an optical disk drive. The computing device also includes an enclosureless optical disk drive that is housed by an enclosure and other structures of the computing device. The computing device further includes a heat transfer system that removes heat from a heat producing element of the computing device. The heat transfer system is configured to thermally couple the heat producing element to a structural member of the computing device so as to sink heat through the structural member, which generally has a large surface area for dissipating the heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nicholas G. Merz, John C. DiFonzo, Stephen P. Zadesky, Michael J. Prichard
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Patent number: 8535088Abstract: Power cables that include plug housings having an improved appearance as well as employ a halogen-free cable while providing adequate fire resistance. One example provides a power cable having cable plug with a substantially unitary body. Another example provides a power cable that is formed using halogen-free materials. To provide adequate fire protection, a strain relief formed using multiple materials is used.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
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Publication number: 20130210244Abstract: Magnetic connectors that may be readily manufactured and provide a high landed force and labels for magnetic connectors that may protect magnets or magnetic elements in the connectors, provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and improve the magnetic performance of the connectors. In various examples, power and signal paths may be formed using contacts that are separate from magnets or magnetic elements, paths may be formed using magnets or magnetic elements, or paths may be formed using a combination of contacts and magnets and magnetic elements. The magnets may have various arrangements. One or more magnets may be used in conjunction with magnetic elements. The interface surface of these magnets and magnetic elements may have various contours, such as flat, spline, or involute.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, George V. Anastas, David Narajowski, Bradley J. Hamel, Brett William Degner, Chris Ligtenberg
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Publication number: 20130170794Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
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Patent number: 8435042Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Mark Edward Doutt, Bartley K. Andre, Kanye Lim, John C. DiFonzo, Jean-Marc Gery
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Publication number: 20130071683Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for electroforming a dome for use in a dome switch. A mandrel having several dome shapes incorporated in a planar surface is provided. The mandrel can serve as a cathode in an electroforming process to construct a sheet of domes, for example by enabling the deposition of a sheet of nickel on the mandrel. The domes can be singulated from the sheet for use as part of dome switches. The electroforming process may ensure that the domes have a uniform thickness and no internal stresses that may affect the performance of the domes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Michael Hillman, Christiaan Ligtenberg, Gregory Tice