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).
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Publication number: 20250103096Abstract: A head-mounted device may include optical assemblies for presenting images to a user. The optical assemblies may be mounted in a head-mounted device housing. The head-mounted device housing may be supported at the front of the head of a user in front of the user's eyes using head-mounted support structures such as straps. The straps may include a rear strap and an overhead strap. A counterweight may be provided at the rear of the user's head to counterbalance the weight of the head-mounted device housing. The counterweight may be coupled to a rigid portion of the head-mounted housing at a connection. A clutch may be provided to allow the rotational orientation of the counterweight to be adjusted about the connection. A sliding mass in the counterweight may also be adjusted. These adjustments alter the amount of counterbalancing created by the counterweight to counterbalance the head-mounted device housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Inventors: James T. Smith, Jered Singleton, John S. Camp, Venkata Narayana Murthy Arelekatti
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Publication number: 20250102815Abstract: Wearable electronic devices including counterbalances for adjusting balance points thereof and methods of using the same are disclosed. In an example, head-mountable electronic device includes a display unit, a securement band connected to the display unit, an overhead band including a first end secured to the securement band and a second end secured to the securement band, and a counterbalance connected to the securement band between the first end and the second end. A distance between the counterbalance and the first end can be adjustable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Inventors: John S. Camp, Adam Y. Kollgaard
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Publication number: 20250093911Abstract: A wearable device includes a display including a display weight, a connecting band including a battery and a processor, a fulcrum strap positioned above the connecting band, a counterbalance strap positioned above the connecting band, and a weighted pad attached to the counterbalance strap. The weighted pad is at least partially counterbalancing a weight of the display about the fulcrum strap.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2024Publication date: March 20, 2025Inventors: John S. Camp, Megan Grant, Michael E. Savery, John A. Porcella
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Patent number: 12254142Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2023Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: APPLE INC.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
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Patent number: 12248152Abstract: Systems of the present disclosure can provide a head-mountable device with a head securement element that allows a user to adjust how the head securement element fits near the ears of the user. Examples of adjustment mechanisms described herein allow a user to control the size, shape, flexibility, and/or position of certain regions of the head securement element with respect to the ears of the user. Accordingly, the user can select a configuration that distributes forces evenly, maximizes comfort, and allows the user to enjoy the head-mountable device for longer durations of time.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2022Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul X Wang, Scott M. Leinweber, John S. Camp
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Patent number: 12201227Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2022Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Apple Inc.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
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Publication number: 20240377647Abstract: A wearable electronic device can include an optical assembly that supports a display and is moveable within the wearable electronic device. A compliant tracking assembly can be provided to facilitate precision alignment to allow the tracking assembly to operate as an encoder system. For example, the sensor of the tracking assembly can be consistently aligned with a scale so that movement of the optical assembly relative to the chassis can be tracked and controlled accurately and precisely. Such a compliant mechanism can provide protection of the sensor throughout the life of the wearable electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2022Publication date: November 14, 2024Inventors: Matin SEADAT BEHESHTI, Jia TAO, Aidan N. ZIMMERMAN, John S. CAMP, David R. CRAMER, Evan D. CHRISTENSEN, Ivan S. MARIC, Kristina A. BABIARZ, Jeremy C. FRANKLIN
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Patent number: 12124043Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 2023Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Matin Seadat Beheshti, Aidan N Zimmerman, John S Camp
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Patent number: 12096829Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 24, 2022Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: William Leith, Camille I. Henrot, Donald L. Olmstead, Jessica J. Lu, John S. Camp, Seul Bi Kim, Joseph B. Walker
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Publication number: 20240152218Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2024Publication date: May 9, 2024Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
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Publication number: 20240094832Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20240094549Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Matin Seadat Beheshti, Aidan N. Zimmerman, John S. Camp
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Patent number: 11893171Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
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Publication number: 20230413959Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2022Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: William LEITH, Camille I. Henrot, Donald L. Olmstead, Jessica J. Lu, John S. Camp, Seul Bi Kim, Joseph B. Walker
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Publication number: 20230389723Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2022Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20230296893Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Jason C. Sauers, Jia Tao, John S. Camp, Phil M. Hobson, Jacob L. Smith, Evan D. Christensen
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Patent number: 11762422Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aidan N. Zimmerman, Evan D. Christensen, Ivan S. Maric, Jason C. Sauers, John S. Camp
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Publication number: 20220171474Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2022Publication date: June 2, 2022Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
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Patent number: 11275455Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, John S. Camp
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Patent number: 11180873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John S. Camp, Robert L. Coish, Kyle J. Nekimken, John A. Porcella, Michael A. Damianakis