Patents by Inventor Joshua G. Wurzel

Joshua G. Wurzel 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: 20160204183
    Abstract: A display may have an array of organic light-emitting diodes that form an active area on a flexible substrate. Metal traces may extend between the active area and an inactive area of the flexible substrate. Display driver circuitry such as a display driver integrated circuit may be attached to a flexible printed circuit that is attached to the flexible substrate in the inactive area. The metal traces may extend across a bend region in the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate may be bent in the bend region. The flexible substrate may be locally thinned in the bend region. A neutral stress plane adjustment layer may cover the metal traces in the bend region. The neutral stress plane adjustment layer may include polymer layers such as an encapsulation layer, a pixel definition layer, a planarization layer, and a layer that covers a pixel definition layer and planarization layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Yi Tao, Zhen Zhang, MinKyu Kim, Jae Won Choi, Young Bae Park, Joshua G. Wurzel, Paul S. Drzaic, Shih Chang Chang
  • Publication number: 20160204366
    Abstract: A display may have an array of organic light-emitting diodes that form an active area on a flexible substrate. Metal traces may extend between the active area and an inactive area of the flexible substrate. Display driver circuitry such as a display driver integrated circuit may be coupled to the inactive area. The metal traces may extend across a bend region in the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate may be bent in the bend region. The flexible substrate may be made of a thin flexible material to reduce metal trace bending stress. A coating layer in the bend region may be provided with an enhanced elasticity to allow its thickness to be reduced. The flexible substrate may be bent on itself and secured within an electronic device without using a mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Zhen Zhang, Yi Tao, Paul S. Drzaic, Joshua G. Wurzel
  • Publication number: 20160131830
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display. Backlight structures may be used to provide backlight for the display. The backlight structures may include a light guide plate. A rectangular ring-shaped chassis may have a rectangular opening that receives the light guide plate. One or more edges of the chassis may be provided with an array of notches that receive light-emitting diodes or other light sources. The light sources may launch light into edge portions of the light guide plate. The chassis may include a first plastic structure such as a light reflecting structure formed from a material such as white plastic. The first plastic structure may surround two or more peripheral edges of the light guide plate. The chassis may also include a second plastic structure such as a light blocking structure formed from a material such as black plastic that helps prevent light leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn R. Gettemy, Joshua G. Wurzel, David A. Doyle, Alexander D. Schlaupitz
  • Patent number: 9338596
    Abstract: A wireless data processing device is described which periodically exits an unpowered state and transmits location data. For example, one embodiment of a wireless data processing device comprises: power circuitry for maintaining the wireless data processing device in a powered or unpowered state, the power circuitry causing the wireless data processing device to enter into an unpowered state responsive to user input; a timer to periodically power up the wireless device or portion thereof in response to reaching a predetermined time; a location services module determining a current location of the wireless data processing device using one or more specified location determination techniques; a transmit thread transmitting the current location of the wireless device over one or more specified communication channels; and the power circuitry powering down the wireless data processing device a second time after the current location has been transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander D. Schlaupitz, Joshua G. Wurzel, Ahmad Al-Dahle
  • Publication number: 20160077647
    Abstract: Flexible circuits for routing signals of a device, such as a touch sensor panel of a touch sensitive device, are provided. The flexible circuit can include a first set of traces for routing a first set of lines and a second set of traces for routing a second set of lines. The first set of traces can couple together the ends of at least a portion of the first set of lines. Additionally, the first set of traces can be non-intersecting or non-overlapping with the second set of traces. The flexible circuit can have a T-shape configuration and can be incorporated within a touch sensitive device, display device, printed circuit board, or the like. The flexible circuit can be placed over another flexible circuit, and can extend onto the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Steven P. HOTELLING, Joshua G. WURZEL, Steven J. MARTISAUSKAS, Thayne M. MILLER, Kuo-Hua SUNG
  • Patent number: 9244215
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display. Backlight structures may be used to provide backlight for the display. The backlight structures may include a light guide plate. A rectangular ring-shaped chassis may have a rectangular opening that receives the light guide plate. One or more edges of the chassis may be provided with an array of notches that receive light-emitting diodes or other light sources. The light sources may launch light into edge portions of the light guide plate. The chassis may include a first plastic structure such as a light reflecting structure formed from a material such as white plastic. The first plastic structure may surround two or more peripheral edges of the light guide plate. The chassis may also include a second plastic structure such as a light blocking structure formed from a material such as black plastic that helps prevent light leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn R. Gettemy, Joshua G. Wurzel, David A. Doyle, Alexander D. Schlaupitz
  • Patent number: 9201461
    Abstract: Flexible circuits for routing signals of a device, such as a touch sensor panel of a touch sensitive device, are provided. The flexible circuit can include a first set of traces for routing a first set of lines and a second set of traces for routing a second set of lines. The first set of traces can couple together the ends of at least a portion of the first set of lines. Additionally, the first set of traces can be non-intersecting or non-overlapping with the second set of traces. The flexible circuit can have a T-shape configuration and can be incorporated within a touch sensitive device, display device, printed circuit board, or the like. The flexible circuit can be placed over another flexible circuit, and can extend onto the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Hotelling, Joshua G. Wurzel, Steven J. Martisauskas, Thayne M. Miller, Kuo-Hua Sung
  • Publication number: 20150341790
    Abstract: A wireless data processing device is described which periodically exits an unpowered state and transmits location data. For example, one embodiment of a wireless data processing device comprises: power circuitry for maintaining the wireless data processing device in a powered or unpowered state, the power circuitry causing the wireless data processing device to enter into an unpowered state responsive to user input; a timer to periodically power up the wireless device or portion thereof in response to reaching a predetermined time; a location services module determining a current location of the wireless data processing device using one or more specified location determination techniques; a transmit thread transmitting the current location of the wireless device over one or more specified communication channels; and the power circuitry powering down the wireless data processing device a second time after the current location has been transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Alexander D. Schlaupitz, Joshua G. Wurzel, Ahmad Al-Dahle
  • Patent number: 9142157
    Abstract: An electronic device may contain components such as a processor, video circuitry, camera flash, communications circuitry, and other components that may generate heat during operation. The device may have a display with a backlight unit that contains light-emitting diodes. Control circuitry within the electronic device can apply drive powers to the light-emitting diodes in a way that is sensitive to the operating temperature of the light-emitting diodes. The control circuitry can determine whether the temperature of the light-emitting diodes is elevated by determining which components are active in the device. Activity levels can be ascertained by gathering status information on each component. Temperature sensors may be used to make real time temperature measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua G. Wurzel, David A. Doyle
  • Patent number: 9049553
    Abstract: A wireless data processing device is described which periodically exits an unpowered state and transmits location data. For example, one embodiment of a wireless data processing device comprises: power circuitry for maintaining the wireless data processing device in a powered or unpowered state, the power circuitry causing the wireless data processing device to enter into an unpowered state responsive to user input; a timer to periodically power up the wireless device or portion thereof in response to reaching a predetermined time; a location services module determining a current location of the wireless data processing device using one or more specified location determination techniques; a transmit thread transmitting the current location of the wireless device over one or more specified communication channels; and the power circuitry powering down the wireless data processing device a second time after the current location has been transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander D. Schlaupitz, Joshua G. Wurzel, Ahmad Al-Dahle
  • Patent number: 8988628
    Abstract: A coated chassis is disclosed. The chassis can be made from a non-conductive material and can be operable to support a display. A conductive material can be applied to at least a portion of the chassis to form a continuous strip on the chassis frame. The conductive material can further form a closed-loop around the chassis frame. The chassis frame can be included within a device, such as a mobile phone, touchpad, portable computer, portable media player, and the like. The conductive material on the chassis can be coupled to the system ground of the device. Processes for making a coated chassis are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Martisauskas, Joshua G. Wurzel, David A. Pakula, Pinida J. Moolsintong
  • Patent number: 8958028
    Abstract: The patterning of objects (e.g., protective poly-films, heat-spreaders, and other components placed proximate to the backlight of an LCD) with multiple beads or raised protrusions is disclosed. The beads or protrusions can have a uniform or non-uniform size and can be arranged such that they have a uniform or non-uniform pattern density. The beads or protrusions can be patterned on a surface of the object to provide separation between a non-raised surface of the object and a surface of an adjacent item, such as a reflector film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua G. Wurzel, Steven J. Martisauskas
  • Patent number: 8946561
    Abstract: A flexible printed circuit may be provided with an integrated heat and pressure spreading layer. The heat and pressure spreading layer may be configured to uniformly spread heat and pressure from a bonding tool across a portion of the flexible printed circuit during bonding of the flexible printed circuit to additional circuitry. During manufacturing of the flexible printed circuit, a sheet of heat and pressure spreading material may be attached to a sheet of flexible printed circuitry and the heat and pressure spreading material and the sheet of flexible printed circuitry may be die cut to form multiple flexible printed circuits each with a heat and pressure spreading layer. An electronic device may be provided with a flexible printed circuit with a heat and pressure spreading layer coupled to a component such as a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua G. Wurzel, Casey J. Feinstein
  • Publication number: 20150031329
    Abstract: A wireless data processing device is described which periodically exits an unpowered state and transmits location data. For example, one embodiment of a wireless data processing device comprises: power circuitry for maintaining the wireless data processing device in a powered or unpowered state, the power circuitry causing the wireless data processing device to enter into an unpowered state responsive to user input; a timer to periodically power up the wireless device or portion thereof in response to reaching a predetermined time; a location services module determining a current location of the wireless data processing device using one or more specified location determination techniques; a transmit thread transmitting the current location of the wireless device over one or more specified communication channels; and the power circuitry powering down the wireless data processing device a second time after the current location has been transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Alexander D. Schlaupitz, Joshua G. Wurzel, Ahmad Al-Dahle
  • Patent number: 8923003
    Abstract: An electronic device may contain components such as flexible printed circuits and rigid printed circuits. Electrical contact pads on a flexible printed circuit may be coupled electrical contact pads on a rigid printed circuit using a coupling member. The coupling member may be configured to electrically couple contact pads on a top surface of the flexible circuit to contact pads on a top surface of the rigid circuit. The coupling member may be configured to bear against a top surface of the flexible circuit so that pads on a bottom surface of the flexible circuit rest against pads on a top surface of the rigid circuit. The coupling member may bear against the top surface of the flexible circuit. The coupling member may include protrusions that extend into openings in the rigid printed circuit. The protrusions may be engaged with engagement members in the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander D. Schlaupitz, Joshua G. Wurzel
  • Patent number: 8849303
    Abstract: A wireless data processing device is described which periodically exits an unpowered state and transmits location data. For example, one embodiment of a wireless data processing device comprises: power circuitry for maintaining the wireless data processing device in a powered or unpowered state, the power circuitry causing the wireless data processing device to enter into an unpowered state responsive to user input; a timer to periodically power up the wireless device or portion thereof in response to reaching a predetermined time; a location services module determining a current location of the wireless data processing device using one or more specified location determination techniques; a transmit thread transmitting the current location of the wireless device over one or more specified communication channels; and the power circuitry powering down the wireless data processing device a second time after the current location has been transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander D. Schlaupitz, Joshua G. Wurzel, Ahmad Al-Dahle
  • Publication number: 20140262466
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a substrate and a conductive layer. The conductive layer can be disposed over at least a portion of the substrate and a patterned conductive material can be disposed over at least a portion of the conductive layer. Alternatively, the patterned conductive layer can be disposed over at least a portion of a surface of the substrate and the conductive layer can be disposed over a portion of the surface of the substrate and in between the patterned conductive material. The conductive layer can be disposed over at least a portion of the patterned conductive material. The patterned conductive material can have a resistivity that is lower than a resistivity of the conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ehsan Farkhondeh, Joshua G. Wurzel, Romain A. Teil, Steven J. Martisauskas
  • Publication number: 20140226110
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display. The display may include a liquid crystal display cell and an organic light-emitting diode backlight unit. The liquid crystal display cell may include a color filter layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a thin-film transistor layer. The organic light-emitting diode backlight unit may include organic emissive material formed on a substrate. The organic emissive material may generate backlight for liquid crystal display cell. Display pixels in the liquid crystal display cell may control the emission of the backlight from the display. The organic light-emitting diode backlight unit may be attached to the display using adhesive, laminated to a polarizer layer of the display cell, or may be integrated into the liquid crystal display cell. The backlight unit may include conductive vias or bent extended edge portions for coupling the backlight unit to control circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Doyle, Paul S. Drzaic, Jean-Pierre S. Guillou, Joshua G. Wurzel
  • Patent number: 8797474
    Abstract: Displays for electronic devices may be provided with display structures such as liquid crystal display module structures. Backlight structures may provide backlight. A cover glass may be mounted above a liquid crystal display module. When assembling a display, layers of components may be attached to one another using adhesive. Alignment features may be incorporated into the layers of components to ensure that components are laterally and rotationally aligned before being secured to each other. A liquid crystal display module may have a thin-film transistor layer on which alignment marks are formed. Backlight structures may include a light guide plate, a chassis that receives the light guide plate, and a reflector. The chassis may have alignment openings corresponding to the alignment marks on the thin-film transistor layer. The reflector may have portions that overlap the alignment holes or may have portions that are recessed and do not overlap the alignment holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua G. Wurzel
  • Publication number: 20140211122
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with electrical components mounted in an electronic device housing. A display module may be attached to a display cover layer with a layer of adhesive to form a display module assembly. The display module assembly may include a display module assembly chassis. The display module assembly chassis may include a plastic display module assembly chassis molded over a metal display module assembly chassis. The display module assembly and a backlight unit may be assembled to form a display module that is installed within the electronic device housing or display module assembly layers and backlight unit structures may be assembled into the electronic device housing. The backlight unit may include a backlight unit chassis. A metal housing midplate may serve as part of the backlight unit chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua G. Wurzel, David A. Doyle, Shawn R. Gettemy, Wey-Jiun Lin