Patents by Inventor Keith J. Hendren
Keith J. Hendren 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: 11023081Abstract: Multi-functional keyboard assemblies include an array of keys formed from stacked component layers. A top portion of the key may be capable of travelling vertically with respect to a base of the key. The top portion can include a keycap and a circuitry module coupled to the keycap. The keys may be capable of receive at least two distinct types of inputs and/or receiving at least one type of input and providing at least one type of output. Such output may include use of one or more light sources, displays, and/or haptic feedback devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Bartley K. Andre, Mikael Silvanto, Dinesh C. Mathew
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Publication number: 20210149458Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure formed of a plurality of layers cooperating to define an interior volume. The enclosure includes a first layer formed of a first material and defining a user input surface of the enclosure and a first portion of a side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a second layer, formed of a second material different from the first material, positioned below the first layer and defining a second portion of the side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a third layer, formed of a third material different from the first and second materials, positioned below the second layer and defining a bottom surface of the enclosure and a third portion of the side surface of the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2021Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Simon J. Trivett, Matthew S. Theobald, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Robert Y. Cao, Ari P. Miller, Kevin M. Robinson, Houtan R. Farahani, Francesco Ferretti, John Raff, Robert J. Lockwood, Genie Kim, Karan Bir, Keith J. Hendren, Gurshan Deol, Antonio Clarke, Prabhu Sathyamurthy, William A. Counts
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Patent number: 11003208Abstract: An electronic device such as a laptop computer or other device may have a housing. A display may be coupled to the housing. The display may have a pixel array configured to display an image. Backlight illumination for the pixel array may be provide by a backlight unit. The backlight unit may have a light guide layer. A light source may provide light to an edge of the light guide layer. The light guide layer may scatter the light outwardly to serve as the backlight illumination for the pixel array. The backlight unit may have optical films interposed between the light guide layer and the pixel array. The optical films may include flexible polymer layers such as diffuser layers and prism films. The optical films may each have a bent alignment portion that bends back on itself while wrapping around an edge of the light guide layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mengyang Liang, Eric Benson, Victor Yin, Jun Qi
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Patent number: 10990127Abstract: An electronic device may have a housing in which a display is mounted. A gasket may be mounted in a groove between the display and housing. The gasket may contain an embedded stiffener. Corner brackets may be installed in the corners of the housing. The housing may have inner and outer concentric ribs. Recesses in the housing may be configured to receive the corner brackets. The recesses may be formed between the inner and outer concentric ribs. Gap filling structures such as a foam layer may be interposed between a rear housing wall and a display backlight unit. Display color variations may be corrected by using a backlight unit having an array of light-emitting diodes of different colors. An electrostatic discharge protection layer may be grounded to a housing using conductive tape. Black edge coatings and adhesive-based structures may block stray light. Camera window regions may be supported using adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Bryan W. Posner, Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Joss Nathan Giddings, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Victor H. Yin, Jun Qi, Paul Xiaopeng Wang
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Publication number: 20210098212Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Abidur R. Chowdhury, Bart K. Andre, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren
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Publication number: 20210089077Abstract: An electronic device can include a base portion, a display portion rotatably mounted to the base portion, and a deployable feature. The deployable feature can be deployed from a surface of the base portion by an actuation component coupled to the deployable feature. The deployable feature can support the electronic device, increase clearance above a support surface for one or more portions of the electronic device, and/or allow additional functionality for the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Keith J. Hendren
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Patent number: 10942571Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an electronic device that provides discrete haptic output in separate regions of a device housing. These regions may both accept input and provide haptic output. Typically, a haptic output provided in a first region is imperceptible to a user touching an abutting region.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Dinesh C. Mathew, Bryan W. Posner, Denis H. Endisch, Alex J. Lehmann, Robert Y. Cao
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Patent number: 10915151Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure formed of a plurality of layers cooperating to define an interior volume. The enclosure includes a first layer formed of a first material and defining a user input surface of the enclosure and a first portion of a side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a second layer, formed of a second material different from the first material, positioned below the first layer and defining a second portion of the side surface of the enclosure. The enclosure also includes a third layer, formed of a third material different from the first and second materials, positioned below the second layer and defining a bottom surface of the enclosure and a third portion of the side surface of the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Simon J. Trivett, Matthew S. Theobald, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Robert Y. Cao, Ari P. Miller, Kevin M. Robinson, Houtan R. Farahani, Francesco Ferretti, John Raff, Robert J. Lockwood, Genie Kim, Karan Bir, Keith J. Hendren, Gurshan Deol, Antonio Clarke, Prabhu Sathyamurthy, William A. Counts
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Patent number: 10879019Abstract: A light-emitting assembly positioned within a switch housing of a keyboard assembly for an electronic device is disclosed. The light-emitting assembly may include a phosphor structure, a transparent material positioned on opposing side surfaces of the phosphor structure, and an epoxy layer formed over an entire back surface of the phosphor structure and the transparent material. The light-emitting assembly may also include a mask layer formed over an entire top surface of: the phosphor structure, the transparent material, and the epoxy layer. The light-emitting assembly may further include a light source positioned within the phosphor structure for emitting a light.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Bradford J. Zercoe, Craig C. Leong, Keith J. Hendren
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Patent number: 10871828Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display, a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a glass top case. The glass top case defines an exterior surface and a keyboard opening through the glass top case from the exterior surface to an interior surface. The portable computer further includes a keyboard positioned at least partially within the keyboard opening and comprising a substrate, a key configured to move relative to the substrate, and a fabric cover disposed over the key and defining a user interface surface of the key.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: APPLE INCInventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
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Publication number: 20200326847Abstract: The operation of a keyboard, another input device, and/or any surface can be enhanced by features of a head-mounted device, which can display feedback, outputs, or other features based on the user's actions. For example, the head-mounted device can display text generated by the user's operation of the keyboard. The text can be displayed in a manner that allows a user to readily see the keyboard, the user's hands, and the text that is generated by operation of the keyboard. The head-mounted device can further display features that facilitate the user's operation of the keyboard. For example, suggested text, keystrokes, or other features correlated with keys of the keyboard can be displayed for selection by a user. By further example, the keyboard can be displayed in a position and orientation that conforms to an arrangement of the user's hands within a field of view of the head-mounted device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Keith J. HENDREN, Alex J. LEHMANN
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Patent number: 10804051Abstract: An illuminated glass keycap having a glyph diffuser layer that may diffuse light through a glyph window opened in a background layer. The background layer may be opaque and the glyph window may be transparent. The keycap is adhered to a scissor mechanism positioned above electrical switch circuitry. Included within, below, or adjacent to the scissor mechanism may be one or more light sources positioned to emit light through the keycap, around the perimeter of the keycap, and/or through the background layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Craig C. Leong, Derrick T. Jue, Hilbert T. Kwan, Keith J. Hendren
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Publication number: 20200294391Abstract: A remote control device includes a housing and an upper element. The top surface of the upper element can be partitioned to include different frictionally engaging surfaces. At least one frictionally engaging surface can be used as an input surface that receives user inputs such as touch or force inputs. An input device, such as a force sensing switch, can be positioned in the housing and used in determining an amount of force applied to the input surface. The bottom surface of the upper element below the second surface can be affixed to the housing in a manner that permits the input surface to bend based on the applied force.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Jeremy D. Bataillou, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholaus Lubinski, Ryan P. Brooks, John M. Brock, Wayne W. Huang
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Patent number: 10777857Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Bartley K. Andre, Duncan Robert Kerr, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, John Brock, Thomas W. Wilson, Dinesh C. Mathew, Brett W. Degner, Tomas E. Ponce
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Publication number: 20200278747Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
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Publication number: 20200249725Abstract: A computing device can include a housing including a peripheral housing defining an aperture, the peripheral housing having a constant cross-sectional area. The computing device can also include a display having a first major surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface, the display disposed within the aperture defined by the peripheral housing and attached to the housing at one or more locations such that the first major surface and the second major surface of the display are substantially unobstructed by any other portion of the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Denis H. Endisch, Dinesh C. Mathew, Paul X. Wang
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Patent number: 10706718Abstract: A remote control device includes a housing and an upper element. The top surface of the upper element can be partitioned to include different frictionally engaging surfaces. At least one frictionally engaging surface can be used as an input surface that receives user inputs such as touch or force inputs. An input device, such as a force sensing switch, can be positioned in the housing and used in determining an amount of force applied to the input surface. The bottom surface of the upper element below the second surface can be affixed to the housing in a manner that permits the input surface to bend based on the applied force.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Jeremy D. Bataillou, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholaus Lubinski, Ryan P. Brooks, John M. Brock, Wayne W. Huang
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Publication number: 20200211795Abstract: Keycaps for keyboards that have transparent top portions have a set of layered components to define a top surface that provides key definition by curvature, texture, ridges, or other external structural features. Other portions of the keycaps define a glyph or support structure for the top layer. Features such as angle filters and partially reflective materials are implemented to improve the visibility, contrast, and reflectivity of the keycaps. Multiple methods are used to bend or otherwise modify rigid transparent materials such as glass in order to add surface features and to improve aesthetics of the keycaps of a keyboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2019Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Christopher D. Jones, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren, Martin Melcher, Matthew S. Rogers, Naoto Matsuyuki, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Avianne Marie B. Tuano
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Patent number: 10699856Abstract: A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: James J. Niu, Keith J. Hendren, Craig C. Leong, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Bruce E. Berg, John M. Brock
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Publication number: 20200192422Abstract: An electronic device such as a laptop computer or other device may have a housing. A display may be coupled to the housing. The display may have a pixel array configured to display an image. Backlight illumination for the pixel array may be provide by a backlight unit. The backlight unit may have a light guide layer. A light source may provide light to an edge of the light guide layer. The light guide layer may scatter the light outwardly to serve as the backlight illumination for the pixel array. The backlight unit may have optical films interposed between the light guide layer and the pixel array. The optical films may include flexible polymer layers such as diffuser layers and prism films. The optical films may each have a bent alignment portion that bends back on itself while wrapping around an edge of the light guide layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Bryan W. Posner, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mengyang Liang, Eric Benson, Victor Yin, Jun Qi