Patents by Inventor Kathleen A. Bergeron

Kathleen A. Bergeron 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: 20240103640
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 11943576
    Abstract: A contextual audio system configured to adjust audio playback in response to positional data. The contextual audio system may include a wearable audio device and, optionally, a sensing device. In some embodiments, the sensing device and the wearable audio device are the same. Generally, the contextual audio system employs different types of data to determine a user's location and/or activity (both of which are examples of “context”) and adjust audio output of the wearable audio device portion of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Jay K. Blahnik
  • Patent number: 11868542
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
  • Publication number: 20230410826
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing unwanted noise in an electronic audio signal, wherein a computing device having a microphone is configured to receive signals from a sensor on an external device such as a camera, second microphone, or movement sensor. The signals from the sensor are used to identify sound information or characteristics of sounds made by a source of noise, and the audio signal of the microphone is modified to reduce unwanted sounds based on that sound information or based on sounds identified a second audio signal obtained by the second microphone, thereby improving teleconference and video conference audio quality and removing distracting noises from transmitted audio output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Edward Siahaan, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Patent number: 11776555
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing unwanted noise in an electronic audio signal, wherein a computing device having a microphone is configured to receive signals from a sensor on an external device such as a camera, second microphone, or movement sensor. The signals from the sensor are used to identify sound information or characteristics of sounds made by a source of noise, and the audio signal of the microphone is modified to reduce unwanted sounds based on that sound information or based on sounds identified a second audio signal obtained by the second microphone, thereby improving teleconference and video conference audio quality and removing distracting noises from transmitted audio output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Edward Siahaan, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Publication number: 20230277129
    Abstract: A impact detection system can include an earbud having a first motion sensor and a wearable electronic device in electrical communication with the earbud and comprising a second motion sensor electrically connected to a processor. The processor can determine if a threshold event has occurred based on a first motion detected by the first motion sensor and a second motion detected by the second motion sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Edward Siahaan, Esge B. Andersen, Geng Luo
  • Publication number: 20230239602
    Abstract: An electronic device such as a voice-controlled speaker device may have a housing characterized by a vertical longitudinal axis. A flexible substrate such as a flexible mesh substrate with component support regions coupled by flexible segments may be wrapped around the housing and the vertical axis. The housing may have surface regions with compound curvature. The flexible substrate may conform to the regions with compound curvature. A fabric spacer layer may be interposed between the flexible substrate and the housing. Electrical components such as input-output devices may be mounted to the component support regions. A display may be formed from an array of light-emitting devices that are mounted on respective component support regions. Light from the light-emitting devices may pass through the fabric spacer layer toward the housing and back out away from the housing. An outer fabric layer may cover the mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel D. Sunshine, Kathryn P. Crews, Tirshathah A. Hunter, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Mingjing Ha, Shubham A. Gandhi, Paul S. Drzaic, Yung-Yu Hsu, David W. Lum
  • Patent number: 11689842
    Abstract: A personal audio device (e.g., headphones, earphones) can have an earpiece (e.g., an ear cup or earbud) with a removable cushioning member (e.g., headphone cushions or ear tips for earbuds). The cushioning member can include an identification tag that encodes identification data for the cushioning member. When the cushioning member is attached to the earpiece, the identification tag is brought into proximity with a tag sensor in the earpiece and the earpiece can read the identification tag to determine identification data for the cushioning member. The identification data can be used to modify a behavior of the earpiece and/or of a host device communicably coupled to the earpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Ali N. Ergun, Dustin A. Hatfield, Ethan L. Huwe, Todd P. Marco, Jason Joseph LeBlanc, Robert D. Zupke, Michael B. Minerbi, Prathamesh R. Bhagwat, Daniel R. Bloom
  • Patent number: 11653128
    Abstract: An electronic device such as a voice-controlled speaker device may have a housing characterized by a vertical longitudinal axis. A flexible substrate such as a flexible mesh substrate with component support regions coupled by flexible segments may be wrapped around the housing and the vertical axis. The housing may have surface regions with compound curvature. The flexible substrate may conform to the regions with compound curvature. A fabric spacer layer may be interposed between the flexible substrate and the housing. Electrical components such as input-output devices may be mounted to the component support regions. A display may be formed from an array of light-emitting devices that are mounted on respective component support regions. Light from the light-emitting devices may pass through the fabric spacer layer toward the housing and back out away from the housing. An outer fabric layer may cover the mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Sunshine, Kathryn P. Crews, Tirshathah A. Hunter, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Mingjing Ha, Shubham A. Gandhi, Paul S. Drzaic, Yung-Yu Hsu, David W. Lum
  • Publication number: 20220321989
    Abstract: A contextual audio system configured to adjust audio playback in response to positional data. The contextual audio system may include a wearable audio device and, optionally, a sensing device. In some embodiments, the sensing device and the wearable audio device are the same. Generally, the contextual audio system employs different types of data to determine a user's location and/or activity (both of which are examples of “context”) and adjust audio output of the wearable audio device portion of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Jay K. Blahnik
  • Publication number: 20220300088
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 11381900
    Abstract: A contextual audio system configured to adjust audio playback in response to positional data. The contextual audio system may include a wearable audio device and, optionally, a sensing device. In some embodiments, the sensing device and the wearable audio device are the same. Generally, the contextual audio system employs different types of data to determine a user's location and/or activity (both of which are examples of “context”) and adjust audio output of the wearable audio device portion of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Jay K. Blahnik
  • Patent number: 11379049
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
  • Patent number: 11360560
    Abstract: An input device, such as a stylus, can include a piezoelectric device for providing haptic feedback and/or detecting user input. The piezoelectric device can be coupled to an inner surface of a housing of the stylus. The piezoelectric device can provide haptic feedback with a force to the housing when an electric voltage is applied to the piezoelectric device. The haptic feedback can provide information to the user relating operation of the stylus with an external device. The piezoelectric device can also produce an electric voltage when an input force is applied to an outer surface of the housing and transmitted to the piezoelectric device. The electric voltage can be used to detect tactile input from a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Alex J. Lehmann, Qiliang Xu, Zheng Gao, Paul X. Wang
  • Publication number: 20220116697
    Abstract: A personal audio device (e.g., headphones, earphones) can have an earpiece (e.g., an ear cup or earbud) with a removable cushioning member (e.g., headphone cushions or ear tips for earbuds). The cushioning member can include an identification tag that encodes identification data for the cushioning member. When the cushioning member is attached to the earpiece, the identification tag is brought into proximity with a tag sensor in the earpiece and the earpiece can read the identification tag to determine identification data for the cushioning member. The identification data can be used to modify a behavior of the earpiece and/or of a host device communicably coupled to the earpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Ali N. Ergun, Dustin A. Hatfield, Ethan L. Huwe, Todd P. Marco, Jason Joseph LeBlanc, Robert D. Zupke, Michael B. Minerbi, Prathamesh R. Bhagwat, Daniel R. Bloom
  • Publication number: 20220093115
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing unwanted noise in an electronic audio signal, wherein a computing device having a microphone is configured to receive signals from a sensor on an external device such as a camera, second microphone, or movement sensor. The signals from the sensor are used to identify sound information or characteristics of sounds made by a source of noise, and the audio signal of the microphone is modified to reduce unwanted sounds based on that sound information or based on sounds identified a second audio signal obtained by the second microphone, thereby improving teleconference and video conference audio quality and removing distracting noises from transmitted audio output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Edward Siahaan, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Patent number: 11240585
    Abstract: A personal audio device (e.g., headphones, earphones) can have an earpiece (e.g., an ear cup or earbud) with a removable cushioning member (e.g., headphone cushions or ear tips for earbuds). The cushioning member can include an identification tag that encodes identification data for the cushioning member. When the cushioning member is attached to the earpiece, the identification tag is brought into proximity with a tag sensor in the earpiece and the earpiece can read the identification tag to determine identification data for the cushioning member. The identification data can be used to modify a behavior of the earpiece and/or of a host device communicably coupled to the earpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Ali N. Ergun, Dustin A. Hatfield, Ethan L. Huwe, Todd P. Marco, Jason Joseph LeBlanc, Robert D. Zupke, Michael B. Minerbi, Prathamesh R. Bhagwat, Daniel R. Bloom
  • Publication number: 20220007095
    Abstract: An electronic device such as a voice-controlled speaker device may have a housing characterized by a vertical longitudinal axis. A flexible substrate such as a flexible mesh substrate with component support regions coupled by flexible segments may be wrapped around the housing and the vertical axis. The housing may have surface regions with compound curvature. The flexible substrate may conform to the regions with compound curvature. A fabric spacer layer may be interposed between the flexible substrate and the housing. Electrical components such as input-output devices may be mounted to the component support regions. A display may be formed from an array of light-emitting devices that are mounted on respective component support regions. Light from the light-emitting devices may pass through the fabric spacer layer toward the housing and back out away from the housing. An outer fabric layer may cover the mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel D. Sunshine, Kathryn P. Crews, Tirshathah A. Hunter, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Mingjing Ha, Shubham A. Gandhi, Paul S. Drzaic, Yung-Yu Hsu, David W. Lum
  • Patent number: 11146871
    Abstract: An electronic device such as a voice-controlled speaker device may have a housing characterized by a vertical longitudinal axis. A flexible substrate such as a flexible mesh substrate with component support regions coupled by flexible segments may be wrapped around the housing and the vertical axis. The housing may have surface regions with compound curvature. The flexible substrate may conform to the regions with compound curvature. A fabric spacer layer may be interposed between the flexible substrate and the housing. Electrical components such as input-output devices may be mounted to the component support regions. A display may be formed from an array of light-emitting devices that are mounted on respective component support regions. Light from the light-emitting devices may pass through the fabric spacer layer toward the housing and back out away from the housing. An outer fabric layer may cover the mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Sunshine, Kathryn P. Crews, Tirshathah A. Hunter, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Mingjing Ha, Shubham A. Gandhi, Paul S. Drzaic, Yung-Yu Hsu, David W. Lum
  • Patent number: 10995433
    Abstract: A fabric case for an electronic device may include a back panel having a periphery and a side wall that extends around the periphery. The back panel may include a knit image of a user-selected digital photograph or other design. The design of the back panel may be customized according to the user's tastes. The case may be formed using computing equipment and knitting equipment. The computing equipment may receive a digital image from the user and may reduce the resolution and the number of colors in the digital image according to the specifications of the textile machine. Fabric pattern design software may convert the digital image into knitting instructions. The knitting instructions may be executed by knitting equipment to produce a custom back panel having a knit image of the digital photograph. The back panel may be attached to a peripheral side wall to form the fabric case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron, Jessica J. Lu, Daniel A. Podhajny, Daniel D. Sunshine