Patents by Inventor Joshua Banko
Joshua Banko 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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Patent number: 10615551Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Publication number: 20190109421Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 10122132Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 9923301Abstract: 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: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
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Publication number: 20170237213Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 9548577Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Publication number: 20160190732Abstract: 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: March 7, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
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Patent number: 9281612Abstract: 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: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
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Publication number: 20150079848Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Patent number: 8808030Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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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: 8591246Abstract: Connector receptacles having a reduced height or z-dimension that are capable of accepting standard sized connector inserts. One example provides a connector having a reduction in the amount of height consumed by the deflection of a number of fingers. Specifically, the amount of deflection is reduced by eliminating one or more of these fingers on one or both sides of the connector receptacle. Instead of fingers, bumps may be used. These bumps fit into the connector insert cutouts or slots when the connector insert is fully inserted in the connector receptacle. Another example uses a rail, which may be referred to as speed rail. This speed rail can be formed along the seam of connector receptacle. The speed rail can run either a portion or the entire depth of the connector receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Joshua Banko, Brett William Degner, John Raff, Chris Ligtenberg
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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: 20120034808Abstract: Connector receptacles having a reduced height or z-dimension that are capable of accepting standard sized connector inserts. One example provides a connector having a reduction in the amount of height consumed by the deflection of a number of fingers. Specifically, the amount of deflection is reduced by eliminating one or more of these fingers on one or both sides of the connector receptacle. Instead of fingers, bumps may be used. These bumps fit into the connector insert cutouts or slots when the connector insert is fully inserted in the connector receptacle. Another example uses a rail, which may be referred to as speed rail. This speed rail can be formed along the seam of connector receptacle. The speed rail can run either a portion or the entire depth of the connector receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett William Degner, Joshua Banko, John Raff, Chris Ligtenberg
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Publication number: 20110237134Abstract: Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another embodiment provides a connector receptacle having a housing where a portion of the housing has been removed to save space.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, Steve McClure, Joshua Banko, Greg Springer, Min Chul Kim, Joshua Funamura
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Publication number: 20110092081Abstract: 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: October 20, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Zheng Gao, John C. DiFonzo, Joshua Banko, Min Chul Kim
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Patent number: 7565720Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, hinge mechanisms for use in a portable computing device having a base and a lid are presented, the hinge mechanism including: a base link pivotally connected with a base such that the base link rotates about a first axis of rotation, the base link being in sliding communication with a lid; a lid link pivotally connected with the lid such that the lid link rotates about a second axis of rotation, the lid link being in sliding communication with the base; and a center pin pivotally connecting the base link with the lid link such that the base link and the lid link rotate about a third axis of rotation wherein the base link, the lid link, and the center pin cooperatively function to translate the lid over at least two planes of motion with respect to the base.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Chris Ligtenberg, Joshua Banko
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Publication number: 20090176413Abstract: Connector receptacles having a reduced height or z-dimension that are capable of accepting standard sized connector inserts. One example provides a connector having a reduction in the amount of height consumed by the deflection of a number of fingers. Specifically, the amount of deflection is reduced by eliminating one or more of these fingers on one or both sides of the connector receptacle. Instead of fingers, bumps may be used. These bumps fit into the connector insert cutouts or slots when the connector insert is fully inserted in the connector receptacle. Another example uses a rail, which may be referred to as speed rail. This speed rail can be formed along the seam of connector receptacle. The speed rail can run either a portion or the entire depth of the connector receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett William Degner, Joshua Banko, John Raff, Chris Ligtenberg
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Patent number: 7486165Abstract: A magnetic latch mechanism for latching a first electronic assembly to a second electronic assembly. The magnetic latch mechanism includes a Halbach array captured by the first electronic assembly. The Halbach array is configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction. The magnetic latch mechanism further includes an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly. The attraction plate is configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the Halbach array in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Chris A. Ligtenberg, Brett William Degner, Joshua Banko
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Publication number: 20080186683Abstract: A magnetic latch mechanism for latching a first electronic assembly to a second electronic assembly. The magnetic latch mechanism includes a Halbach array captured by the first electronic assembly. The Halbach array is configured to provide a first magnetic flux in a first direction. The magnetic latch mechanism further includes an attraction plate captured by the second electronic assembly. The attraction plate is configured to be coupled with the first magnetic flux when the first electronic assembly is in a closed position with respect to the second electronic assembly such that there is mutual attraction between the attraction plate and the Halbach array in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Chris A. Ligtenberg, Brett William Degner, Joshua Banko