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).

  • Electronic device with a reduced friction surface
    Patent number: 9908310
    Abstract: A surface of an electronic device includes a reduced friction surface that comprises a glass beaded film. The glass beaded film includes glass beads disposed in a polymer layer or in an adhesive layer, where a portion of the glass beads protrude from a surface of the polymer or adhesive layer. The reduced friction surface is disposed over at least a portion of the surface of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: James J. Niu, Craig C. Leong, Michael K. Pilliod, Keith J. Hendren
  • ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A REDUCED FRICTION SURFACE
    Publication number: 20180029339
    Abstract: A surface of an electronic device includes a reduced friction surface that comprises a glass beaded film. The glass beaded film includes glass beads disposed in a polymer layer or in an adhesive layer, where a portion of the glass beads protrude from a surface of the polymer or adhesive layer. The reduced friction surface is disposed over at least a portion of the surface of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: James J. Niu, Craig C. Leong, Michael K. Pilliod, Keith J. Hendren
  • Dome switch and switch housing for keyboard assembly
    Patent number: 9870880
    Abstract: A dome switch utilized in a keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly may include a printed circuit board having a first electrical connector formed in the printed circuit board, and a second electrical connector formed in the printed circuit board adjacent the first electrical connector. The keyboard assembly may also include an inner contact component contacting the second electrical connector of the printed circuit board. The inner contact component may be in electrical communication with the second electrical connector of the printed circuit board. Additionally, the keyboard assembly can include a dome switch surrounding the inner contact component. The dome switch may contact and may be in electrical communication with the first electrical connector of the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Bradford J. Zercoe, Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL KEYBOARD ASSEMBLIES
    Publication number: 20170315624
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    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
  • COMPUTER DISPLAY OR COVER GLASS/CELL ATTACHMENT TO FRAME
    Publication number: 20170308124
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to computing devices including liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and more particularly to methods for attaching a cover glass layer to a structural housing while minimizing an amount of stress transferred through the cover glass layer to the LCD module. A continuous and compliant foam adhesive can be used to bond the cover glass layer to a structural. The compliant bond can absorb and distribute local stress concentrations caused by structural loads, mismatched surfaces and differing thermal expansion rates between various structures and cover glass layer. This can reduce stress concentrations in the cover glass layer that can lead to stress induced birefringence in the LCD cell. In other embodiments, the cover glass layer can be attached using magnets or a tongue and groove design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Edward J. Cooper, Brett W. Degner, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholas Alan Rundle, Dave Tarkington
  • KEYCAPS HAVING REDUCED THICKNESS
    Publication number: 20170301487
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Craig C. Leong, Derrick T. Jue, Hilbert T. Kwan, Keith J. Hendren
  • Keyboard hinge mechanism
    Patent number: 9793066
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a low travel switch mechanism. The low travel switch mechanism may include a substrate, a dome coupled to the substrate, a keycap, and an integrated pivot component disposed between the keycap and the dome. The integrated pivot component may include a hinge assembly coupled to a light guide structure. The hinge assembly may secure to the substrate, via one or more hinge interconnects, joints, or interlock features to form a pivot point. When the keycap receives a keystroke, the integrated pivot component may be operative to pivot about the pivot point and contact the dome to cause a switching event or operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: John M. Brock, Patrick Kessler, Craig C. Leong, Keith J. Hendren, James J. Niu
  • Keyboard with position sensing mechanism
    Patent number: 9779888
    Abstract: An input device configured to communicate with a computing device includes at least one keycap, a support mechanism operably connected to the keycap and configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position, a feature plate operably connected to the support mechanism, and a sensing member. The sensing member is configured to detect at least one of a change of position of the at least one keycap, a speed of the at least one keycap, an amount of force applied to the at least one keycap, or a location of a finger. The sensing member may be a capacitive sensor. In some embodiments, the input device may not include the support mechanism and the sensing member may be configured to detect the location of a finger regardless whether or not the keycap moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, Keith J. Hendren, John M. Brock, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Brad Patton, Omar Sze Leung
  • Low-travel key mechanisms with butterfly hinges
    Patent number: 9761389
    Abstract: A key mechanism can include one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge includes 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Bruce E. Berg
  • Computer display or cover glass/cell attachment to frame
    Patent number: 9733670
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to computing devices including liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and more particularly to methods for attaching a cover glass layer to a structural housing while minimizing an amount of stress transferred through the cover glass layer to the LCD module. A continuous and compliant foam adhesive can be used to bond the cover glass layer to a structural. The compliant bond can absorb and distribute local stress concentrations caused by structural loads, mismatched surfaces and differing thermal expansion rates between various structures and cover glass layer. This can reduce stress concentrations in the cover glass layer that can lead to stress induced birefringence in the LCD cell. In other embodiments, the cover glass layer can be attached using magnets or a tongue and groove design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Edward J. Cooper, Brett W. Degner, Keith J. Hendren, Nicholas Alan Rundle, Dave Tarkington
  • Low travel switch assembly
    Patent number: 9715978
    Abstract: A key of a keyboard and a low travel dome switch utilized in the key. The key may comprise a key cap, and a low travel dome positioned beneath the key cap, and operative to collapse when a force is exerted on the low travel dome by the key cap. The low travel dome may comprise a top portion, and a group of arms extending from the top portion to a perimeter of the low travel dome and at least partially defining a tuning member located between two of the group of arms. The low travel dome may also comprise a group of elongated protrusions. Each of the group of elongated protrusions may extend from one of the top portion, or one of the group of arms. At least one of the group of elongated protrusions may extend into the tuning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Keith J. Hendren
  • Flexible printed circuit having flex tails upon which keyboard keycaps are coupled
    Patent number: 9710069
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: 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
  • Keycaps having reduced thickness
    Patent number: 9704670
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Craig C. Leong, Derrick T. Jue, Hilbert T. Kwan, Keith J. Hendren
  • Keycaps with reduced thickness
    Patent number: 9640347
    Abstract: An illuminated metal keycap having a legend diffuser material that may diffuse light through a legend opened in a background layer. The background layer may be opaque and the legend may be transparent. The metal 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 metal keycap, around the perimeter of the metal keycap, and/or through the background layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Hilbert T. Kwan, Jeffrey L. Yen, Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, Keith J. Hendren, Yanyang Yuan, Feng Zhao, Wanshan Li, Derrick T. Jue, Ze Hong
  • LOW-TRAVEL KEY MECHANISMS USING BUTTERFLY HINGES
    Publication number: 20170076880
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: James J. Niu, Keith J. Hendren, Craig C. Leong, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Bruce E. Berg, John M. Brock
  • PORTABLE COMPUTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170003718
    Abstract: A portable electronic device having several features is disclosed. The device can include a retention member that retains flexible circuits extending from a top portion to a bottom portion of the device, thereby allowing some components to be moved from a top portion of the device to a bottom portion. The device may include a cover plate can be secured with a display in the top portion to cover the retention member and other internal components. The device can include an omni-directional port designed to receive a connector different orientations and provide power to the device. The device can include a flexible keyboard having butterfly keycaps. The device can include an array of openings for an audio driver, with some of the array including through holes and blind holes. The device can also include a touch pad having a force feedback sensor and a haptic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Houtan R. FARAHANI, Craig C. LEONG, Matthew W. BLUM, Zheng GAO, Kevin M. ROBINSON, Keith J. HENDREN
  • LOW-TRAVEL KEY MECHANISMS WITH BUTTERFLY HINGES
    Publication number: 20170004937
    Abstract: A key mechanism can include one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge includes 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Bruce E. Berg
  • KEYCAPS WITH REDUCED THICKNESS
    Publication number: 20170004939
    Abstract: An illuminated metal keycap having a legend diffuser material that may diffuse light through a legend opened in a background layer. The background layer may be opaque and the legend may be transparent. The metal 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 metal keycap, around the perimeter of the metal keycap, and/or through the background layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Hilbert T. Kwan, Jeffrey L. Yen, Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, Keith J. Hendren, Yanyang Yuan, Feng Zhao, Wanshan Li, Derrick T. Jue, Ze Hong
  • LOW TRAVEL SWITCH ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20160343523
    Abstract: A low travel switch assembly and systems and methods for using the same are disclosed. The low travel dome may include a domed surface having upper and lower portions, and a set of tuning members integrated within the domed surface between the upper and lower portions. The tuning members may be operative to control a force-displacement curve characteristic of the low travel dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., John M. Brock, Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, Satoshi Okuma, Shinsuke Watanabe
  • Keyboard
    Patent number: D776114
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, Jeremy Bataillou, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, M. Evans Hankey, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Duncan Robert Kerr, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Mikael Silvanto, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer, Keith J. Hendren, Craig C. Leong