Patents by Inventor Kevin C. Armendariz
Kevin C. Armendariz 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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Publication number: 20240103640Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
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Patent number: 11868542Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
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Publication number: 20230142264Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an electronic device that includes a cover and a haptic module positioned below the cover. The haptic module includes a substrate positioned below the cover and offset from the cover, a spacer positioned between the substrate and the cover and coupling the substrate to the cover, and a piezoelectric element positioned on a surface of the substrate and offset from the cover to define a gap between the piezoelectric element and the cover. The electronic device can also include a sensor coupled to the cover and configured to detect an input, and a processing unit operably coupled to the piezoelectric element and configured to cause the piezoelectric element to deflect the cover in response to the sensor detecting the input.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2022Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Alex J. Lehmann, Joonas I. Ponkala, Keith J. Hendren, Xian Wang, Yu-Lin Kao, Kevin C. Armendariz
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Publication number: 20220300088Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
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Patent number: 11379049Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
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Patent number: 10739870Abstract: An input device, such as a hand-held, wireless stylus, can be used to measure coordinates of a three-dimensional object. Position data can be calculated based on, for example, acceleration, orientation, and static parameters of a stylus. As the stylus contacts contours of the object, the position data of the stylus can allow mapping of the object as well as digital rendering thereof. The stylus can also be used to virtually create three-dimensional illustrations.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Collin A. Huston, Joel N. Ruscher, Kevin C. Armendariz
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Publication number: 20190212831Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
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Patent number: 10275040Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
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Publication number: 20190056794Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2017Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Michelle R. Goldberg, Kathleen A. Bergeron, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, William P. Yarak, III, Kevin C. Armendariz, Zheng Gao
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Patent number: 10198089Abstract: An electrode for an input device can be designed to reduce wobble over a range of input device orientations. The electrode can include a spherical portion and a tapered portion. In some examples, the electrode can linearly taper away from the spherical portion. In other examples, the electrode can non-linearly taper away forming an elliptical flare. Additionally or alternatively, the electrode can include a spring-loaded member that can couple the electrode to other circuitry of the input device. Additionally or alternatively, the electrode can include a neck portion coupled to the tapered portion, and part of the neck portion can be shielded. The input device can include a first non-conductive material disposed on part of the spherical portion of the electrode and a second non-conductive material disposed between part of the electrode and the first non-conductive material.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Priyanka Bhandari, Blake R. Marshall, Li-Quan Tan, Reza Nasiri Mahalati, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Ryan P. Brooks, Kevin C. Armendariz
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Patent number: 10025401Abstract: A ring electrode to determine the orientation of the stylus relative to the surface. The stylus can include a ring electrode configuration which can improve capacitive coupling between the ring electrode and the touch panel. The ring electrode configuration can include a ring electrode and ground ring, and ground plate. By varying the lengths of ring electrode, ground ring, ground plate, and the distance between these elements, the electric field emanating from the ring electrode can be tuned to optimize the capacitive coupling between the ring electrode and surface. In some examples, the ring electrode can include multiple sub-rings. In some examples, the ring electrode can comprise a crown shape including projections, each having a width that tapers to a minimum width along the length of the ring electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Priyanka Bhandari, Blake R. Marshall, Li-Quan Tan, Reza Nasiri Mahalati, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Ryan P. Brooks, Kevin C. Armendariz
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Publication number: 20180081455Abstract: An input device, such as a hand-held, wireless stylus, can be used to measure coordinates of a three-dimensional object. Position data can be calculated based on, for example, acceleration, orientation, and static parameters of a stylus. As the stylus contacts contours of the object, the position data of the stylus can allow mapping of the object as well as digital rendering thereof. The stylus can also be used to virtually create three-dimensional illustrations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Collin A. HUSTON, Joel N. RUSCHER, Kevin C. ARMENDARIZ
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Publication number: 20170068344Abstract: An electrode for an input device can be designed to reduce wobble over a range of input device orientations. The electrode can include a spherical portion and a tapered portion. In some examples, the electrode can linearly taper away from the spherical portion. In other examples, the electrode can non-linearly taper away forming an elliptical flare. Additionally or alternatively, the electrode can include a spring-loaded member that can couple the electrode to other circuitry of the input device. Additionally or alternatively, the electrode can include a neck portion coupled to the tapered portion, and part of the neck portion can be shielded. The input device can include a first non-conductive material disposed on part of the spherical portion of the electrode and a second non-conductive material disposed between part of the electrode and the first non-conductive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Priyanka BHANDARI, Blake R. MARSHALL, Li-Quan TAN, Reza NASIRI MAHALATI, Aidan N. ZIMMERMAN, Ryan P. BROOKS, Kevin C. ARMENDARIZ
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Publication number: 20170068337Abstract: A ring electrode to determine the orientation of the stylus relative to the surface. The stylus can include a ring electrode configuration which can improve capacitive coupling between the ring electrode and the touch panel. The ring electrode configuration can include a ring electrode and ground ring, and ground plate. By varying the lengths of ring electrode, ground ring, ground plate, and the distance between these elements, the electric field emanating from the ring electrode can be tuned to optimize the capacitive coupling between the ring electrode and surface. In some examples, the ring electrode can include multiple sub-rings. In some examples, the ring electrode can comprise a crown shape including projections, each having a width that tapers to a minimum width along the length of the ring electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2015Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Priyanka BHANDARI, Blake R. MARSHALL, Li-Quan TAN, Reza NASIRI MAHALATI, Aidan N. ZIMMERMAN, Ryan P. BROOKS, Kevin C. ARMENDARIZ
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Patent number: 9582085Abstract: An electronic device may have printed circuits to which electrical components are mounted. Plastic may be molded over a printed circuit. Vias may be formed in the printed circuit that connect metal traces on the surface of the molded plastic to metal traces on the printed circuit. The vias may be formed by drilling or by covering the metal traces on the printed circuit with mold pins in a molding tool during plastic molding operations. Plated metal traces or other metal traces may extend onto the interior surface of via holes. Vias may also be filled with conductive material such as solder or conductive adhesive. Metal members that are soldered or otherwise connected to printed circuit traces may be used in coupling surface metal traces to printed circuit traces. Antenna structure, shielding structures, and electrodes for a stylus may be formed using the metal traces on the molded plastic.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aidan N. Zimmerman, Bruce E. Berg, Glenn Aune, Kevin C. Armendariz, Ryan P. Brooks
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Publication number: 20160091991Abstract: An electronic device may have printed circuits to which electrical components are mounted. Plastic may be molded over a printed circuit. Vias may be formed in the printed circuit that connect metal traces on the surface of the molded plastic to metal traces on the printed circuit. The vias may be formed by drilling or by covering the metal traces on the printed circuit with mold pins in a molding tool during plastic molding operations. Plated metal traces or other metal traces may extend onto the interior surface of via holes. Vias may also be filled with conductive material such as solder or conductive adhesive. Metal members that are soldered or otherwise connected to printed circuit traces may be used in coupling surface metal traces to printed circuit traces. Antenna structure, shielding structures, and electrodes for a stylus may be formed using the metal traces on the molded plastic.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Aidan N. Zimmerman, Bruce E. Berg, Gleen Aune, Kevin C. Armendariz, Ryan P. Brooks