Patents by Inventor John S. Camp

John S. Camp 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: 20240152218
    Abstract: Computing systems and input devices can include a chassis with a computing device and an input tool with a sensor, such as a pen- or rod-like input tool, that can be positioned relative to the chassis in multiple configurations. In one configuration, the tool can be spaced away from the chassis and its sensor output can cause a first output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. In another configuration, the tool can be contacting the chassis and its sensor output can cause a second output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. For example, an input tool can be stowed in a recess of a keyboard housing or device chassis, and the input tool can produce a first output when it is in the recess and a second input when it has been removed from the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2024
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
  • Publication number: 20240094549
    Abstract: A head-mounted device may include optical assemblies for presenting images to a user. Actuators may be used to adjust the spacing between the optical assemblies to accommodate different interpupillary distances. Upon detection of a power-down event or drop event, the device may be placed into an impact-safe mode. During the safe mode, the optical assemblies may be moved to predetermined impact-safe positions, brakes such as optical guide rail brakes may be adjusted, cushioning springs may be deployed, clutches may be adjusted, and/or other safety mechanisms may be activated to help protect the optical assemblies or other sensitive components from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Matin Seadat Beheshti, Aidan N. Zimmerman, John S. Camp
  • Publication number: 20240094832
    Abstract: An input device can include a housing defining an internal volume and a lower portion, the lower portion defining an aperture, an input sensor disposed in the internal volume, and a haptic assembly disposed in the internal volume. The haptic assembly can include an actuator and a foot coupled to the actuator and aligned with the aperture. The actuator can be configured to selectively extend the foot through the aperture to vary a sliding resistance of the input device on a support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Bart K. Andre, Brian T. Gleeson, Kristi E. Bauerly, William D. Lindmeier, Matthew J. Sundstrom, Geng Luo, Seung Wook Kim, Evangelos Christodoulou, Megan M. Sapp, Kainoa Kwon-Perez, John B. Morrell, John S. Camp
  • Patent number: 11893171
    Abstract: Computing systems and input devices can include a chassis with a computing device and an input tool with a sensor, such as a pen- or rod-like input tool, that can be positioned relative to the chassis in multiple configurations. In one configuration, the tool can be spaced away from the chassis and its sensor output can cause a first output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. In another configuration, the tool can be contacting the chassis and its sensor output can cause a second output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. For example, an input tool can be stowed in a recess of a keyboard housing or device chassis, and the input tool can produce a first output when it is in the recess and a second input when it has been removed from the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
  • Publication number: 20230413959
    Abstract: Bands for electronic devices, including wearable devices, are designed to dynamically alter their shape (e.g., lengthen) in response to an external force. A band may include one or more interior structures disposed in an exterior structure. The interior structure(s) is/are pulled in tension by the exterior structure. When the interior structure(s) is/are pulled in tension, an additional force (e.g., by a user) that applies tension to the interior structure(s) may cause a relatively small change in tension to the interior structure(s). As a result, the band may appear to provide the same amount to users, despite users having a different wrist size/diameter. A similar phenomenon may occur to a single user when the user's wrist changes in size. Accordingly, based on the interior structure(s) being placed in tension by the exterior structure(s), the force provided by the band may appear constant to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: William LEITH, Camille I. Henrot, Donald L. Olmstead, Jessica J. Lu, John S. Camp, Seul Bi Kim, Joseph B. Walker
  • Publication number: 20230389723
    Abstract: A product display stand for reducing displayed product movement can be used in a retail environment to reduce movement of a product displayed by the product display stand. Such product display stand includes a damping assembly configured to attach to a display platform. The damping assembly includes a housing configured to attach to the display platform. The housing defines a damping chamber. The assembly also includes within the chamber a damping flange and damping material. The product display stand also includes a display post fixed to the damping flange. The display post extends above the display platform and to retain and display a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Eric Weijia WANG, Gregory R. RITTER, Joshua ADAMS, Olivia CHING, Priya K. NAMBIAR, Charles A. SCHWALBACH, David S. HERMAN, John S. CAMP, Samuel O. SCHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20230296893
    Abstract: A head-mounted device may be provided with displays. The displays and lenses through which images on the displays are viewed may be mounted in optical modules. Positioners may be used to move the optical modules towards and away from each other to adjust the head-mounted device to accommodate different user interpupillary distances. To support and guide the optical modules, the optical modules may be slidably mounted to guide rails. The guide rails may be biased against the optical modules using biasing systems. By using the biasing systems, misalignment between the optical modules can be reduced. If desired, guide rail sensors may be used to monitor the positions of the guide rails. In some configurations, the optical modules may be mounted to the guide rails using kinematic mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Jason C. Sauers, Jia Tao, John S. Camp, Phil M. Hobson, Jacob L. Smith, Evan D. Christensen
  • Patent number: 11762422
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a housing that separates an exterior region from an interior region. The housing may have a front layer on a front face of the housing and a rear layer on an opposing rear face of the housing. Sidewall structures may extend between the front and rear layers. The housing may form a head-mounted housing that is configured to be worn on a user's head. An internal frame may be mounted in the interior region. The internal frame may have a nose bridge structure that is coupled to the housing with a coupling member such as a coupling member formed from an elastomeric vibration damping material. Other portions of the frame such elongated laterally extending support members may not contact any portion of the housing and may therefore be isolated from the housing during drop events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aidan N. Zimmerman, Evan D. Christensen, Ivan S. Maric, Jason C. Sauers, John S. Camp
  • Publication number: 20220171474
    Abstract: Computing systems and input devices can include a chassis with a computing device and an input tool with a sensor, such as a pen- or rod-like input tool, that can be positioned relative to the chassis in multiple configurations. In one configuration, the tool can be spaced away from the chassis and its sensor output can cause a first output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. In another configuration, the tool can be contacting the chassis and its sensor output can cause a second output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. For example, an input tool can be stowed in a recess of a keyboard housing or device chassis, and the input tool can produce a first output when it is in the recess and a second input when it has been removed from the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
  • Patent number: 11275455
    Abstract: Computing systems and input devices can include a chassis with a computing device and an input tool with a sensor, such as a pen- or rod-like input tool, that can be positioned relative to the chassis in multiple configurations. In one configuration, the tool can be spaced away from the chassis and its sensor output can cause a first output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. In another configuration, the tool can be contacting the chassis and its sensor output can cause a second output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. For example, an input tool can be stowed in a recess of a keyboard housing or device chassis, and the input tool can produce a first output when it is in the recess and a second input when it has been removed from the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
  • Patent number: 11180873
    Abstract: An item such as a fabric-based item or other item may have one or more actuators. An actuator may have a conductive strand of material. A control circuit may supply a current to the conductive strand that induces a length change in the conductive strand due to ohmic heating and associated thermal expansion effects. The control circuit may be used to activate the actuator in response to user input that is supplied to an associated input device such as a switch, capacitive sensor, force sensor, light-based sensor, or other input component. The fabric-based item may include fabric such as woven fabric or knit fabric. Strands of conductive material may serve as signals paths for supplying current to conductive strands in actuators. Magnetic-field-based actuators may be formed by coiling conductive strands around tubular support structures such as piping in fabric-based items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Camp, Robert L. Coish, Kyle J. Nekimken, John A. Porcella, Michael A. Damianakis
  • Publication number: 20210247856
    Abstract: Computing systems and input devices can include a chassis with a computing device and an input tool with a sensor, such as a pen- or rod-like input tool, that can be positioned relative to the chassis in multiple configurations. In one configuration, the tool can be spaced away from the chassis and its sensor output can cause a first output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. In another configuration, the tool can be contacting the chassis and its sensor output can cause a second output signal in response to input provided to the sensor. For example, an input tool can be stowed in a recess of a keyboard housing or device chassis, and the input tool can produce a first output when it is in the recess and a second input when it has been removed from the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
  • Publication number: 20200248346
    Abstract: An item such as a fabric-based item or other item may have one or more actuators. An actuator may have a conductive strand of material. A control circuit may supply a current to the conductive strand that induces a length change in the conductive strand due to ohmic heating and associated thermal expansion effects. The control circuit may be used to activate the actuator in response to user input that is supplied to an associated input device such as a switch, capacitive sensor, force sensor, light-based sensor, or other input component. The fabric-based item may include fabric such as woven fabric or knit fabric. Strands of conductive material may serve as signals paths for supplying current to conductive strands in actuators. Magnetic-field-based actuators may be formed by coiling conductive strands around tubular support structures such as piping in fabric-based items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: John S. Camp, Robert L. Coish, Kyle J. Nekimken, John A. Porcella, Michael A. Damianakis
  • Patent number: 10649529
    Abstract: A feedback or a user-perceived feedback of an input device is modified using one or more output devices. The output devices include one or more speakers and/or one or more actuators. The output (e.g., acoustic and/or haptic) produced using the output device may enhance, amplify, mask, obscure, or cancel an inherent sound or tactile feedback produced by the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle J. Nekimken, John A. Porcella, John S. Camp, Michael A. Damianakis, Robert L. Coish
  • Patent number: 10640895
    Abstract: An item such as a fabric-based item or other item may have one or more actuators. An actuator may have a conductive strand of material. A control circuit may supply a current to the conductive strand that induces a length change in the conductive strand due to ohmic heating and associated thermal expansion effects. The control circuit may be used to activate the actuator in response to user input that is supplied to an associated input device such as a switch, capacitive sensor, force sensor, light-based sensor, or other input component. The fabric-based item may include fabric such as woven fabric or knit fabric. Strands of conductive material may serve as signals paths for supplying current to conductive strands in actuators. Magnetic-field-based actuators may be formed by coiling conductive strands around tubular support structures such as piping in fabric-based items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Camp, Robert L. Coish, Kyle J. Nekimken, John A. Porcella, Michael A. Damianakis
  • Patent number: 10407957
    Abstract: Clutch assemblies that can provide variable break-away torques are described. An exemplary multi-state clutch assembly can include a shaft, a first frictional element frictionally engaged with the shaft and a second frictional element that can provide variable friction. When the second frictional element provides a low friction, second frictional element can be rotatable relative to the first frictional element, which can remain stationary relative to the shaft. When the second frictional element provides a high friction, it can be secured to the first frictional element. Hence, the first and second frictional elements can be locked together and be rotatable relative to the shaft. Tightening or loosening the second frictional element can vary the overall break-away torque provided by the clutch assembly. The multi-state clutch assembly can be in communication with a sensor or a switch that can respond to a user to change the friction of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Camp, Robert L. Coish, John A. Porcella
  • Patent number: 9952682
    Abstract: Systems and methods for decoupling the electrical and mechanical functionality of a depressible key are disclosed. The depressible key can include a non-contact proximity sensor, such as an optical sensor, to detect motion of the keycap. The output from the optical sensor is used to determine a distance, velocity, acceleration, and a force applied during a keypress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Zhang, Dayu Qu, Ray L. Chang, John S. Camp
  • Publication number: 20180081483
    Abstract: A trackpad includes an interface module positioned below a cover layer. The interface module can include a support structure and a circuit board attached to the support structure. The support structure includes suspension elements that allow the cover layer to move vertically and/or horizontally. The circuit board can include one or more force sensors, touch sensors, and/or haptic output devices. In some embodiments, the one or more touch sensors are included in a separate touch-sensitive layer positioned between the cover layer and the interface module. Alternatively, an interface module can include a suspension element positioned below a circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: John S. Camp, Scott J. McEuen, Qiliang Xu
  • Patent number: 9672702
    Abstract: This application relates to computing devices that can incorporate thermal haptic feedback devices for providing feedback in the form of a temperature change. The thermal haptic feedback device can be incorporated into a watch, and a portion of the watch can change temperature when a notification is to be provided to a user. The thermal haptic feedback device can also be incorporated into a surface of a mobile phone and allow a user to receive notifications regarding incoming calls and messages using a temperature change of the surface. The thermal haptic feedback device can also change temperature based on information received from external computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Coish, John A. Porcella, John S. Camp, Kyle J. Nekimken, Michael A. Damianakis
  • Publication number: 20170084137
    Abstract: This application relates to computing devices that can incorporate thermal haptic feedback devices for providing feedback in the form of a temperature change. The thermal haptic feedback device can be incorporated into a watch, and a portion of the watch can change temperature when a notification is to be provided to a user. The thermal haptic feedback device can also be incorporated into a surface of a mobile phone and allow a user to receive notifications regarding incoming calls and messages using a temperature change of the surface. The thermal haptic feedback device can also change temperature based on information received from external computing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Robert L. COISH, John A. PORCELLA, John S. CAMP, Kyle J. NEKIMKEN, Michael A. DAMIANAKIS