Patents by Inventor Martin J. Auclair
Martin J. Auclair 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: 11955696Abstract: A device includes a display and a housing. The housing surrounds the display and has four corners defining portions of an exterior surface of the device. The housing includes a first housing segment defining at least part of a first corner of the four corners and configured to operate as an antenna; a second housing segment defining at least part of a second corner of the four corners; and a third housing segment defining at least part of a third corner of the four corners. The third corner forms part of the housing diagonally opposite the second corner. The housing further includes a non-conductive housing component that structurally couples the first housing segment to another portion of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Kevin M. Froese, Paul U. Leutheuser, Martin J. Auclair, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham, Lucy E. Browning, Sawyer I. Cohen, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Donald J. Parr
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Publication number: 20230104743Abstract: To eliminate galvanic corrosion, a housing includes a clad material. The clad material includes an interior metal disposed within an exterior metal. The exterior metal is different from the interior metal. The housing further includes a clad interface and a melt interface. The melt interface includes a layer of hardened flux disposed on a portion of the interior metal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Matthew J. Cheung, Burak Metin, Martin J. Auclair, Hongsheng Lin, Huai Z. Yang, Jurgen Shestani, Logan M. Ames
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Patent number: 11606450Abstract: This disclosure describes features and methods of formation of a data port for a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a device housing having a wall defining a data port opening. An anchoring feature is formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. A structural support member is positioned within the data port opening and reinforces the data port opening. A polymer material fills a gap between the structural support member and a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. The polymer material engages the anchoring feature to retain the structural support member within the data port opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Logan M. Ames, Lucy E. Browning, Martin J. Auclair, Ricky C. Lee, Paul U. Leutheuser, Yaocheng Zhang, John J. Baker
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Publication number: 20220059928Abstract: A device includes a display and a housing. The housing at least partially surrounds the display. The housing includes a first housing segment defining at least a first portion of an exterior surface of the device and a first interlock feature having an interlock surface that is offset with respect to an end surface of the first housing segment. The first interlock feature has a first opening formed in the interlock surface. The housing further includes a second housing segment defining at least a second portion of the exterior surface of the device and a second interlock feature having a second opening aligned with the first opening, and a non-conductive housing component defining a third portion of the exterior surface of the device and extending into the first opening and the second opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Paul U. Leutheuser, Martin J. Auclair, Kevin M. Froese, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham, Lucy E. Browning, Sawyer I. Cohen, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Donald J. Parr
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Patent number: 11258163Abstract: A device includes a display and a housing. The housing surrounds the display and has four corners defining portions of an exterior surface of the device. The housing includes a first housing segment defining at least part of a first corner of the four corners and configured to operate as an antenna; a second housing segment defining at least part of a second corner of the four corners; and a third housing segment defining at least part of a third corner of the four corners. The third corner forms part of the housing diagonally opposite the second corner. The housing further includes a non-conductive housing component that structurally couples the first housing segment to another portion of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Kevin M. Froese, Paul U. Leutheuser, Martin J. Auclair, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham, Lucy E. Browning, Sawyer I. Cohen, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Donald J. Parr
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Publication number: 20220006176Abstract: A device includes a display and a housing. The housing surrounds the display and has four corners defining portions of an exterior surface of the device. The housing includes a first housing segment defining at least part of a first corner of the four corners and configured to operate as an antenna; a second housing segment defining at least part of a second corner of the four corners; and a third housing segment defining at least part of a third corner of the four corners. The third corner forms part of the housing diagonally opposite the second corner. The housing further includes a non-conductive housing component that structurally couples the first housing segment to another portion of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Kevin M. Froese, Paul U. Leutheuser, Martin J. Auclair, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham, Lucy E. Browning, Sawyer I. Cohen, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Donald J. Parr
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Patent number: 11189909Abstract: A device includes a display and a housing. The housing at least partially surrounds the display. The housing includes a first housing segment defining at least a first portion of an exterior surface of the device and a first interlock feature having an interlock surface that is offset with respect to an end surface of the first housing segment. The first interlock feature has a first opening formed in the interlock surface. The housing further includes a second housing segment defining at least a second portion of the exterior surface of the device and a second interlock feature having a second opening aligned with the first opening, and a non-conductive housing component defining a third portion of the exterior surface of the device and extending into the first opening and the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul U. Leutheuser, Martin J. Auclair, Kevin M. Froese, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham, Lucy E. Browning, Sawyer I. Cohen, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Donald J. Parr
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Patent number: 11133572Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a multi-segment housing for an electronic device that includes multiple conductive segments that are structurally coupled by one or more non-conductive housing segments or splits. One or more of the conductive segments may be configured to operate as an antenna and the non-conductive housing segments may provide electrical insulation between the conductive segment and one or more adjacent housing segments. The non-conductive housing segment may be formed from a polymer having an array of fibers dispersed within the polymer. The fibers may be aligned along one or more fiber directions, which may be substantially perpendicular to an exterior surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Yaocheng Zhang, John J. Baker, Martin J. Auclair, Paul U. Leutheuser, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham
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Patent number: 10877517Abstract: Electronic devices, such as mobile communication devices, may include several enhancements and modification not found on traditional electronic devices. Parts of the electronic device can be welded together to provide structural support and or functional connections between operating components of the electronic device. Within a band, a back plate can support multiple operable components of the electronic device. The band, the welds, and/or the back plate can provide electrical connections between components. Conductive pathways provided by the welds can be provided with adequate strength and durability to reduce and avoid breakage so that sensitive components, such as a compass module, can operate without alterations that would cause interference. The welds can be provided in a sequence that mitigates the effects of heating during the welding process.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John J. Baker, Yaocheng Zhang, Robert T. Carson, Matthew D. Walker, Martin J. Auclair, Paul U. Leutheuser, Christopher J. Durning
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Publication number: 20200081488Abstract: Electronic devices, such as mobile communication devices, may include several enhancements and modification not found on traditional electronic devices. Parts of the electronic device can be welded together to provide structural support and or functional connections between operating components of the electronic device. Within a band, a back plate can support multiple operable components of the electronic device. The band, the welds, and/or the back plate can provide electrical connections between components. Conductive pathways provided by the welds can be provided with adequate strength and durability to reduce and avoid breakage so that sensitive components, such as a compass module, can operate without alterations that would cause interference. The welds can be provided in a sequence that mitigates the effects of heating during the welding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: John J. BAKER, Yaocheng ZHANG, Robert T. CARSON, Matthew D. WALKER, Martin J. Auclair, Paul U. Leutheuser, Christopher J. Durning
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Publication number: 20200084306Abstract: This disclosure describes features and methods of formation of a data port for a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a device housing having a wall defining a data port opening. An anchoring feature is formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. A structural support member is positioned within the data port opening and reinforces the data port opening. A polymer material fills a gap between the structural support member and a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. The polymer material engages the anchoring feature to retain the structural support member within the data port opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Logan M. Ames, Lucy E. Browning, Martin J. Auclair, Ricky C. Lee, Paul U. Leutheuser, Yaocheng Zhang, John J. Baker
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Publication number: 20200076058Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a multi-segment housing for an electronic device that includes multiple conductive segments that are structurally coupled by one or more non-conductive housing segments or splits. One or more of the conductive segments may be configured to operate as an antenna and the non-conductive housing segments may provide electrical insulation between the conductive segment and one or more adjacent housing segments. The non-conductive housing segment may be formed from a polymer having an array of fibers dispersed within the polymer. The fibers may be aligned along one or more fiber directions, which may be substantially perpendicular to an exterior surface of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Yaocheng Zhang, John J. Baker, Martin J. Auclair, Paul U. Leutheuser, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham
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Publication number: 20200076057Abstract: A device includes a display and a housing. The housing at least partially surrounds the display. The housing includes a first housing segment defining at least a first portion of an exterior surface of the device and a first interlock feature having an interlock surface that is offset with respect to an end surface of the first housing segment. The first interlock feature has a first opening formed in the interlock surface. The housing further includes a second housing segment defining at least a second portion of the exterior surface of the device and a second interlock feature having a second opening aligned with the first opening, and a non-conductive housing component defining a third portion of the exterior surface of the device and extending into the first opening and the second opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Paul U. Leutheuser, Martin J. Auclair, Kevin M. Froese, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham, Lucy E. Browning, Sawyer I. Cohen, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Donald J. Parr
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Publication number: 20200076056Abstract: A device includes a display and a housing. The housing surrounds the display and has four corners defining portions of an exterior surface of the device. The housing includes a first housing segment defining at least part of a first corner of the four corners and configured to operate as an antenna; a second housing segment defining at least part of a second corner of the four corners; and a third housing segment defining at least part of a third corner of the four corners. The third corner forms part of the housing diagonally opposite the second corner. The housing further includes a non-conductive housing component that structurally couples the first housing segment to another portion of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Kevin M. Froese, Paul U. Leutheuser, Martin J. Auclair, Christopher J. Durning, Jun Ham, Lucy E. Browning, Sawyer I. Cohen, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Donald J. Parr
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Patent number: 10477742Abstract: An electronic device having one or more magnets disposed within it (e.g., such as in a speaker) is equipped with a magnetic shield that attenuates magnetic fields propagating outside of the electronic device. The magnetic shield may be placed within the device such that it redirects the magnetic fields to contain them better within the one or more magnets, resulting in improved magnetic efficiency. In further embodiments, the magnetic shield may also function as a structural part of the electronic device and/or an electronic component with in the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jared M. Kole, Martin J. Auclair, Richard A. Besen
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Patent number: 10401167Abstract: An electronic device includes at least a housing having a force transmissive surface capable of receiving a force, a force sensor configured to sense the force received from the force transmissive surface in accordance with a force path and respond by outputting a signal that indicates a magnitude of the force at a first sensitivity level when the magnitude of the force is less than a threshold level, otherwise, the signal indicates the magnitude of the force in accordance with a second sensitivity level. The electronic device includes a processor in communication with the force sensor that uses the signal to alter an operation of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device is wearable.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Edward S. Huo, Scott A. Myers, Martin J. Auclair, William C. Lukens, Tyler S. Bushnell
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Publication number: 20190033934Abstract: An electronic device is configured to detect the presence or absence of a case that is positioned over at least one surface of the electronic device. When a case is present, the electronic device is configured to determine one or more characteristics of the case and adjust one or more operations of the electronic device based on at least one characteristic of the case.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Myers, Ihtesham H. Chowdhury, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Benjamin J. Pope, Matthew D. Hill, Dhaval N. Shah, Martin J. Auclair
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Patent number: 10154327Abstract: An electronic device has a speaker housing secured within the device housing. The speaker housing has a cavity with a speaker at one end and a port at the other configured to communicate through an aperture in the housing of the electronic device. A panel of acoustic mesh is integrally formed within the cavity of the housing and is disposed between the port and the speaker. In other embodiments flexible structures are integrally molded onto a plate or the acoustic device and used to secure and acoustically seal the acoustic device within the device housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Martin J. Auclair, Jared M. Kole, Marwan Rammah, David A. Pakula, Scott P. Porter
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Patent number: 10095287Abstract: An electronic device is configured to detect the presence or absence of a case that is positioned over at least one surface of the electronic device. When a case is present, the electronic device is configured to determine one or more characteristics of the case and adjust one or more operations of the electronic device based on at least one characteristic of the case.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Myers, Ihtesham H. Chowdhury, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Benjamin J. Pope, Matthew D. Hill, Dhaval N. Shah, Martin J. Auclair
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Patent number: 10028397Abstract: An electronic device having several modifications designed to prevent liquid ingress into an opening (or openings) of the electronic device is disclosed. For example, the electronic device includes a SIM tray having a sealing element designed to provide a seal at an opening that receives the SIM tray. The sealing element may include a first section and a second section extending from the first section, with the first section designed to bend with respect to (and in some cases collapse onto) the second section. The electronic device may further include an audio module fitted with a sealing element. The sealing element may include extensions extending away from a main body of the sealing element, with some extension designed to engage the audio module, and other extensions designed to engage an audio module interface. The sealing element provides a seal against liquid ingress into the audio module.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Xiao Ying Zhao, Timothy S. Lui, Tyler B. Cater, Rasamy Phouthavong, Scott A. Myers, Benjamin J. Pope, David A. Hurrell, Christopher R. Xydis, Edward S. Huo, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Michael W. Firka, Martin J. Auclair, Kurtis J. Mundell, Salome Bavetta, Paul Leutheuser, Hani Esmaeili, Kevin M. Froese, Ihtesham H. Chowdhury, Tang Yew Tan, Eric W. Bates, Yaocheng Zhang