Patents by Inventor Kenneth A. Jenks

Kenneth A. Jenks 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: 20140243052
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Michael Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard H. Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman, Bartley K. Andre, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De luliis, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. lve, Steven P. Jobs, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Douglas B. Satzger, Calvin Q. Seid, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zorkendorfer
  • Publication number: 20140233170
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Michael Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard H. Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman, Bartley K. Andre, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Steven P. Jobs, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Douglas B. Satzger, Calvin Q. Seid, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zorkendorfer
  • Publication number: 20140233168
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Michael Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard H. Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman, Bartley K. Andre, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. lve, Steven P. Jobs, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Douglas B. Satzger, Calvin Q. Seid, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zorkendorfer
  • Publication number: 20140233169
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Michael Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard H. Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman, Bartley K. Andre, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iuliis, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Steven P. Jobs, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Douglas B. Satzger, Calvin Q. Seid, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zorkendorfer
  • Patent number: 8804353
    Abstract: A trim is provided which may be substantially concealed in an electronic device housing. Embodiments may be configured to distribute received forces away from internal components of an electronic device. Further some embodiments may be configured to align an electronic device housing with the internal plug receptacle for ease of assembly. Some embodiments may be configured to align a plug with the plug receptacle during plug attachment to ensure the correct attachment of the plug. Further embodiments may be made of a substantially rigid material to sustain repeated cycles plug insertion and removal. Additional embodiments may limit the ability for moisture to access the internal components of the electronic device. Certain embodiments may be interposed between a plug receptacle and an electronic device housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony S. Montevirgen, Emery A. Sanford, Kenneth A. Jenks, Anna K. Shedletsky, Daniele De Iuliis
  • Patent number: 8767381
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with an ejectable component assembly having a connector that can receive and retain a removable module within a housing of the electronic device. The ejectable component assembly may also be provided with an ejector mechanism for at least partially ejecting the removable module from the connector. The ejector mechanism may receive a user input force at an ejector user interface, translate that user input force into an ejection force, and apply that ejection force onto the removable module for ejecting the module. The ejector user interface may be provided at any suitable position of the housing that may not interfere with other functions of the device. The path along which the ejector mechanism translates the user input force into the ejection force between the ejector user interface and the removable module may be provided in any suitable way throughout the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Shukla, Benjamin Pope, Kenneth Jenks, Scott Myers
  • Publication number: 20140132463
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Michael Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard H. Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman, Bartley K. Andre, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele De Iullis, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Steve Jobs, Ducan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Douglas B. Satzger, Calvin Q. Seid, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zorkendorfer
  • Patent number: 8681056
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman
  • Publication number: 20140078682
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with an ejector mechanism for at least partially ejecting a removable module (e.g., a SIM card tray) from the device. The ejector mechanism may include a user interface portion and a tray interface portion, and each interface portion may include a first end fixed to the device and a second end coupled to the second end of the other interface portion. Tension between the fixed first ends may bias the ejector mechanism to alternate between two ejector mechanism states when the ejector mechanism receives either a user input force to eject the removable module from the connector or a tray input force to insert the removable module into the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Jenks
  • Publication number: 20140069712
    Abstract: A trim is provided which may be substantially concealed in an electronic device housing. Embodiments may be configured to distribute received forces away from internal components of an electronic device. Further some embodiments may be configured to align an electronic device housing with the internal plug receptacle for ease of assembly. Some embodiments may be configured to align a plug with the plug receptacle during plug attachment to ensure the correct attachment of the plug. Further embodiments may be made of a substantially rigid material to sustain repeated cycles plug insertion and removal. Additional embodiments may limit the ability for moisture to access the internal components of the electronic device. Certain embodiments may be interposed between a plug receptacle and an electronic device housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony S. Montevirgen, Emery A. Sanford, Kenneth A. Jenks, Anna K. Shedletsky, Daniele De Iuliis
  • Publication number: 20130335899
    Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided. Each device may be formed from two parts. A first part may be provided with components such as a display, a touch screen, a cover glass, and a frame. A second part may be provided with a plastic housing, circuit boards containing electrical components, and a bezel. Engagement members may be connected to the first and second parts. The engagement members may be formed from metal clips with holes and springs with flexible spring prongs that mate with the holes in the clips. The metal clips may be welded to frame struts on the frame and the springs may be welded to the bezel. Hard stop structures may be used to vertically align the first and second parts. A frame in the device may have an integral gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik L. Wang, Phillip M. Hobson, Kenneth A. Jenks, Adam D. Mittleman
  • Patent number: 8591240
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with an ejector mechanism for at least partially ejecting a removable module (e.g., a SIM card tray) from the device. The ejector mechanism may include a user interface portion and a tray interface portion, and each interface portion may include a first end fixed to the device and a second end coupled to the second end of the other interface portion. Tension between the fixed first ends may bias the ejector mechanism to alternate between two ejector mechanism states when the ejector mechanism receives either a user input force to eject the removable module from the connector or a tray input force to insert the removable module into the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Jenks
  • Publication number: 20130267106
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with an ejector mechanism for at least partially ejecting a removable module (e.g., a SIM card tray) from the device. The ejector mechanism may include a user interface portion and a tray interface portion, and each interface portion may include a first end fixed to the device and a second end coupled to the second end of the other interface portion. Tension between the fixed first ends may bias the ejector mechanism to alternate between two ejector mechanism states when the ejector mechanism receives either a user input force to eject the removable module from the connector or a tray input force to insert the removable module into the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Jenks
  • Patent number: 8537543
    Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided. Each device may be formed from two parts. A first part may be provided with components such as a display, a touch screen, a cover glass, and a frame. A second part may be provided with a plastic housing, circuit boards containing electrical components, and a bezel. Engagement members may be connected to the first and second parts. The engagement members may be formed from metal clips with holes and springs with flexible spring prongs that mate with the holes in the clips. The metal clips may be welded to frame struts on the frame and the springs may be welded to the bezel. Hard stop structures may be used to vertically align the first and second parts. A frame in the device may have an integral gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Erik L. Wang, Phillip M. Hobson, Kenneth A. Jenks, Adam D. Mittleman
  • Publication number: 20130237289
    Abstract: A portable electronic device such as a handheld electronic device is provided. The device may have upper and lower portions. The upper portion may have clips that attach to springs on the lower portion. The device may have a housing with a bezel. A prong on the springs may ground the bezel. A vibrator mounting bracket may hold a vibrator in place within the housing. The vibrator mounting bracket may have an end that engages the housing. A threaded insert may be welded to the spring. A screw that passes through a hole in the vibrator mounting bracket may be screwed into the threaded insert to attach the vibrator to the housing. An elastomeric member may bias the vibrator towards the bracket. An acoustic module may serve as a subassembly for the device. Components such as an antenna, dock connector, microphone, and speaker may be attached to the acoustic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Mittleman, Kenneth A. Jenks, Karen Y. Cheng
  • Patent number: 8417298
    Abstract: A portable electronic device such as a handheld electronic device is provided. The device may have upper and lower portions. The upper portion may have clips that attach to springs on the lower portion. The device may have a housing with a bezel. A prong on the springs may ground the bezel. A vibrator mounting bracket may hold a vibrator in place within the housing. The vibrator mounting bracket may have an end that engages the housing. A threaded insert may be welded to the spring. A screw that passes through a hole in the vibrator mounting bracket may be screwed into the threaded insert to attach the vibrator to the housing. An elastomeric member may bias the vibrator towards the bracket. An acoustic module may serve as a subassembly for the device. Components such as an antenna, dock connector, microphone, and speaker may be attached to the acoustic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Mittleman, Kenneth A. Jenks, Karen Y. Cheng
  • Patent number: 8395555
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Stephen P. Zadesky, Erik L. Wang, Tang Yew Tan, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Adam D. Mittleman, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub
  • Publication number: 20120307451
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with an ejectable component assembly having a connector that can receive and retain a removable module within a housing of the electronic device. The ejectable component assembly may also be provided with an ejector mechanism for at least partially ejecting the removable module from the connector. The ejector mechanism may receive a user input force at an ejector user interface, translate that user input force into an ejection force, and apply that ejection force onto the removable module for ejecting the module. The ejector user interface may be provided at any suitable position of the housing that may not interfere with other functions of the device. The path along which the ejector mechanism translates the user input force into the ejection force between the ejector user interface and the removable module may be provided in any suitable way throughout the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Shukla, Benjamin Pope, Kenneth Jenks, Scott Myers
  • Publication number: 20120257341
    Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided. Each device may be formed from two parts. A first part may be provided with components such as a display, a touch screen, a cover glass, and a frame. A second part may be provided with a plastic housing, circuit boards containing electrical components, and a bezel. Engagement members may be connected to the first and second parts. The engagement members may be formed from metal clips with holes and springs with flexible spring prongs that mate with the holes in the clips. The metal clips may be welded to frame struts on the frame and the springs may be welded to the bezel. During assembly, the first part may be rotated into place within the second part. Retention clips attached to the frame may be used to secure the two parts together. Assembly instructions and associated connector numbers may be provided within the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Erik L. Wang, Phillip M. Hobson, Kenneth A. Jenks, Adam D. Mittleman
  • Patent number: 8233950
    Abstract: A handheld device may include one or more antennas and a connector both disposed at a base of the handheld device. The connector may have a shell comprising a conductive material. The connector shell may include at least one opening in a portion of the conductive material to reduce electromagnetic interference between the connector shell and the one or more antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Juan Zavala, Tang Yew Tan, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert Sean Murphy, Erik L. Wang