Patents by Inventor Laura M. DeForest
Laura M. DeForest 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: 20170248816Abstract: A display device having a flexured element. More particularly, the display device may incorporate a cover glass with one or more flexure bearing sections. The flexure bearing may permit the cover glass to flex and/or bend in response to stresses or strains while still maintaining contact with an attachment point. If the attachment points have different heights, for example, the cover glass may flex at the flexure bearing, thereby permitting the portion of the cover glass between the attachment points to maintain a relatively planar alignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2017Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Laura M. DeForest, James M. Cuseo
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Patent number: 9684196Abstract: A display device having a flexured element. More particularly, the display device may incorporate a cover glass with one or more flexure bearing sections. The flexure bearing may permit the cover glass to flex and/or bend in response to stresses or strains while still maintaining contact with an attachment point. If the attachment points have different heights, for example, the cover glass may flex at the flexure bearing, thereby permitting the portion of the cover glass between the attachment points to maintain a relatively planar alignment.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Laura M. DeForest, James M. Cuseo
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Patent number: 9563239Abstract: Examples of computing devices and assemblies for mounting computer components to an enclosure or other structure of the computing device are described. In some examples, the mounting assembly may include a compliant member having a plurality of corner portions configured to engage the corners of the component. The mounting assembly may also include a bracket configured to enclose at least a portion of the compliant member. The mounting bracket may be configured to mount the component at an angle relative to the enclosure or other structure, and may include one or more features adapted for improved cooling of the component mounted therein. The compliant member may include a plurality of ribs or other retaining elements for maintaining the component in a spaced apart position relative to the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anthony Pham Nguyen, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle Goldberg, Stephen Vincent Jayanathan, Kevin Scott Fetterman, James M. Cuseo, Joshua Ryan Funamara
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Publication number: 20160259380Abstract: A portable computing device includes at least a base portion of a lightweight material that includes at least a wedge shaped top case having a trough formed at an interfacing edge thereof. The trough includes a raised portion having a first contact surface and a receiving area, and a bottom case coupled to the top case to form a complete housing for at least a portion of the portable computing device for enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. The portable computing device also includes at least a lid portion pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge assembly. In the described embodiments, the lid portion has a display in communication with one or more of the plurality of components in the base portion by way of or more electrical conductors that electrically connect the base portion to the lid portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2016Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Euan ABRAHAM, John M. BROCK, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Robert L. COISH, Laura M. DeFOREST, Michelle GOLDBERG, Bradley Joseph HAMEL, Ron HOPKINSON, Jim HWANG, Caitlin E. KALINOWSKI, Steven KEIPER, Patrick KESSLER, Eugene KIM, Chris LIGTENBERG, Jay K. OSBORN, John RAFF, Nicholas A. RUNDLE, David J. YEH
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Publication number: 20160077371Abstract: A display device having a flexured element. More particularly, the display device may incorporate a cover glass with one or more flexure bearing sections. The flexure bearing may permit the cover glass to flex and/or bend in response to stresses or strains while still maintaining contact with an attachment point. If the attachment points have different heights, for example, the cover glass may flex at the flexure bearing, thereby permitting the portion of the cover glass between the attachment points to maintain a relatively planar alignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Laura M. DeForest, James M. Cuseo
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Patent number: 9223162Abstract: A display device having a flexured element. More particularly, the display device may incorporate a cover glass with one or more flexure bearing sections. The flexure bearing may permit the cover glass to flex and/or bend in response to stresses or strains while still maintaining contact with an attachment point. If the attachment points have different heights, for example, the cover glass may flex at the flexure bearing, thereby permitting the portion of the cover glass between the attachment points to maintain a relatively planar alignment.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Laura M. DeForest, James M. Cuseo
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Publication number: 20150246394Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to methods for forming structures by solid state deposition processes. More specifically a method for depositing cold spray over a removable body is disclosed. Methods are also disclosed for affixing operational and structural components to a surface of a device housing with cold spray.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2014Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Simon Regis Louis Lancaster-Larocque, Ari P. Miller, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle R. Goldberg, William F. Leggett, Adam T. Garelli
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Patent number: 9066172Abstract: Computing devices and microphone assemblies including acoustic waveguides are described. According to some examples, a computing device may include an enclosure, a microphone which may be spaced apart and angled relative to the interior surface of the enclosure to which the microphone may be coupled. The computing device may further include an acoustic waveguide disposed between the microphone and the interior surface of the enclosure, the acoustic waveguide having a passage for allowing acoustic energy to be transmitted from a microphone opening in the enclosure to the receiving element of the microphone (also referred to as sensing element, or microphone sensor).Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Anthony Pham Nguyen, Kevin Scott Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Michael K. Morishita, Michelle Goldberg, Stephen Vincent Jayanathan
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Publication number: 20150131220Abstract: A portable computing device includes at least a base portion of a lightweight material that includes at least a wedge shaped top case having a trough formed at an interfacing edge thereof. The trough includes a raised portion having a first contact surface and a receiving area, and a bottom case coupled to the top case to form a complete housing for at least a portion of the portable computing device for enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. The portable computing device also includes at least a lid portion pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge assembly. In the described embodiments, the lid portion has a display in communication with one or more of the plurality of components in the base portion by way of or more electrical conductors that electrically connect the base portion to the lid portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2015Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Euan ABRAHAM, John M. BROCK, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Robert L. COISH, Laura M. DeFOREST, Michelle GOLDBERG, Bradley Joseph HAMEL, Ron HOPKINSON, Jim HWANG, Caitlin E. KALINOWSKI, Steven KEIPER, Patrick KESSLER, Eugene KIM, Chris LIGTENBERG, Jay K. OSBORN, John RAFF, Nicholas A. RUNDLE, David J. YEH
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Patent number: 8995115Abstract: A portable computing device includes at least a base portion of a lightweight material that includes at least a wedge shaped top case having a trough formed at an interfacing edge thereof. The trough includes a raised portion having a first contact surface and a receiving area, and a bottom case coupled to the top case to form a complete housing for at least a portion of the portable computing device for enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. The portable computing device also includes at least a lid portion pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge assembly. In the described embodiments, the lid portion has a display in communication with one or more of the plurality of components in the base portion by way of or more electrical conductors that electrically connect the base portion to the lid portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Euan Abraham, John M. Brock, Matthew P. Casebolt, Robert L. Coish, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley Joseph Hamel, Ron Hopkinson, Jim Hwang, Caitlin E. Kalinowski, Steven Keiper, Patrick Kessler, Eugene Kim, Chris Ligtenberg, Jay K. Osborn, John Raff, Nicholas A. Rundle, David J. Yeh
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Publication number: 20140310943Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to methods of assembly of electronic devices. In particular, a rotationally induced pressure is used to activate a securing mechanism positioned between a component and an enclosure. The component and the securing mechanism may be located in an inaccessible region of the enclosure such that traditional, direct, assembly processes may not be feasible. The securing mechanism may take the form of a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive or a fastener between the component and an interior surface of the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Fabio T. Campos, Keith J. Hendren, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle R. Goldberg, Kelsey J. MacMillan, Bryan J. Licata
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Publication number: 20140102162Abstract: Examples of tooling fixtures and methods for manufacturing computing devices are described. According to some examples, a computer component may be shaped using successive steps of forging after deep drawing. In some examples, certain components may be assembled to form sub-assemblies of computer components and the sub-assembly may then be machined to drive closer tolerances. According to other examples, a work holding tool is described which may include a first plurality of individually movable pins for supporting a first surface of a work piece, the tool also having a second plurality of individually movable pins for applying a restraining force over a second opposite surface of the work piece to retain the work piece in position while maintaining it in its natural state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: David J. Morgenstern, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle R. Goldberg, Nicholas Alan Rundle, Yuna Hu, Michael K. Morishita, Jacek M. Kolodziejski
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Publication number: 20140093114Abstract: Computing devices and microphone assemblies including acoustic waveguides are described. According to some examples, a computing device may include an enclosure, a microphone which may be spaced apart and angled relative to the interior surface of the enclosure to which the microphone may be coupled. The computing device may further include an acoustic waveguide disposed between the microphone and the interior surface of the enclosure, the acoustic waveguide having a passage for allowing acoustic energy to be transmitted from a microphone opening in the enclosure to the receiving element of the microphone (also referred to as sensing element, or microphone sensor).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anthony Pham Nguyen, Kevin Scott Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Michael K. Morishita, Michelle Goldberg, Stephen Vincent Jayanathan
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Publication number: 20140071611Abstract: Examples of computing devices and assemblies for mounting computer components to an enclosure or other structure of the computing device are described. In some examples, the mounting assembly may include a compliant member having a plurality of corner portions configured to engage the corners of the component. The mounting assembly may also include a bracket configured to enclose at least a portion of the compliant member. The mounting bracket may be configured to mount the component at an angle relative to the enclosure or other structure, and may include one or more features adapted for improved cooling of the component mounted therein. The compliant member may include a plurality of ribs or other retaining elements for maintaining the component in a spaced apart position relative to the mounting bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anthony Pham Nguyen, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle Goldberg, Stephen Vincent Jayanathan, Kevin Scott Fetterman, James M. Cuseo, Joshua Ryan Funamara
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Publication number: 20130343589Abstract: A portable computing device having a substantially non-conducting outer housing and alternative electrical grounding and audio system architectures is disclosed. The device can be a laptop computer having a main logic board, a keyboard assembly, an audio source positioned below the keyboard assembly, and an equalizer electrically coupled to the audio source, with each of these components being electrically coupled to a universal grounding structure. The audio source emits sound waves that are propagated through the keyboard assembly and between gaps between keyboard keys and the outer housing. Settings for the equalizer can be selected to account for sound absorption and amplification characteristics of the sound waves along these sound transmission paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
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Patent number: 8605232Abstract: A display may include a backlight structure. The backlight structure may include a light guide plate. Holes in the light guide plate may be configured to receive corresponding light-emitting diodes. The holes may separate an edge portion of the light guide plate from a main central portion of the light guide plate. Adhesive may be attached to the lower surface of the edge portion. The adhesive may be attached to a device housing or may be attached to a flex circuit that is attached to the housing with additional adhesive. The light-emitting diodes may be mounted within packages in pairs. The packages may be mounted on the flex circuit. Traces on part of the flex circuit may be covered by part of the light guide plate without any intervening adhesive. A reflective structure may be interposed between the traces and parts of the main portion of the light guide plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jun Qi, Bryan W. Posner, Dinesh C. Mathew, Adam T. Garelli, Victor H. Yin, Keith J. Hendren, Laura M. DeForest, Peteris K. Augenbergs, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130271697Abstract: A display device having a flexured element. More particularly, the display device may incorporate a cover glass with one or more flexure bearing sections. The flexure bearing may permit the cover glass to flex and/or bend in response to stresses or strains while still maintaining contact with an attachment point. If the attachment points have different heights, for example, the cover glass may flex at the flexure bearing, thereby permitting the portion of the cover glass between the attachment points to maintain a relatively planar alignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Laura M. DeForest, James M. Cuseo
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Patent number: 8553907Abstract: A portable computing device having a substantially non-conducting outer housing and alternative electrical grounding and audio system architectures is disclosed. The device can be a laptop computer having a main logic board, a keyboard assembly, an audio source positioned below the keyboard assembly, and an equalizer electrically coupled to the audio source, with each of these components being electrically coupled to a universal grounding structure. The audio source emits sound waves that are propagated through the keyboard assembly and between gaps between keyboard keys and the outer housing. Settings for the equalizer can be selected to account for sound absorption and amplification characteristics of the sound waves along these sound transmission paths.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gary Thomason, Kevin S. Fetterman, Laura M. DeForest, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Ruchi Goel, John Raff, Timothy S. Hibbard
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Publication number: 20130003280Abstract: A portable computing device includes at least a base portion of a lightweight material that includes at least a wedge shaped top case having a trough formed at an interfacing edge thereof. The trough includes a raised portion having a first contact surface and a receiving area, and a bottom case coupled to the top case to form a complete housing for at least a portion of the portable computing device for enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. The portable computing device also includes at least a lid portion pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge assembly. In the described embodiments, the lid portion has a display in communication with one or more of the plurality of components in the base portion by way of or more electrical conductors that electrically connect the base portion to the lid portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Euan ABRAHAM, John M. BROCK, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Robert L. COISH, Laura M. DEFOREST, Michelle GOLDBERG, Bradley Joseph HAMEL, Ron HOPKINSON, Jim HWANG, Caitlin E. KALINOWSKI, Steven KEIPER, Patrick KESSLER, Eugene KIM, Chris LIGTENBERG, Jay K. OSBORN, John RAFF, Nicholas A. RUNDLE, David J. YEH
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Patent number: 8339775Abstract: A portable computing device includes at least a base portion of a lightweight material that includes at least a wedge shaped top case having a trough formed at an interfacing edge thereof. The trough includes a raised portion having a first contact surface and a receiving area, and a bottom case coupled to the top case to form a complete housing for at least a portion of the portable computing device for enclosing at least a plurality of operational components and a plurality of structural components. The portable computing device also includes at least a lid portion pivotally connected to the base portion by a hinge assembly. In the described embodiments, the lid portion has a display in communication with one or more of the plurality of components in the base portion by way of or more electrical conductors that electrically connect the base portion to the lid portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Euan Abraham, John M. Brock, Matthew P. Casebolt, Robert L. Coish, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle Goldberg, Bradley Joseph Hamel, Ron Hopkinson, Jim Hwang, Caitlin E. Kalinowski, Steven Keiper, Patrick Kessler, Eugene Kim, Chris Ligtenberg, Jay K. Osborn, John Raff, Nicholas A. Rundle, David J. Yeh