Patents by Inventor Matthew W. Blum

Matthew W. Blum 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).

  • Patent number: 10228721
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Houtan R. Farahani, Craig C. Leong, Matthew W. Blum, Zheng Gao, Kevin M. Robinson, Keith J. Hendren
  • Patent number: 10134539
    Abstract: A venting system for a keyboard assembly is disclosed. A keyboard assembly including a printed circuit board defining a set of apertures, and a group of switch housings coupled to the printed circuit board. Each switch housing of the group of switch housings may define a switch opening positioned above one of the set of apertures of the printed circuit board. The keyboard assembly may also include a shield defining at least one channel of a venting system formed below the printed circuit board. The at least one channel may be in fluid communication with at least one aperture, and at least one of the switch openings positioned above the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Craig C. Leong, Bradford J. Zercoe, Thai Quoc La, Nicholas I Reid, Keith J. Hendren, John M. Brock, Matthew W. Blum
  • Patent number: 10133314
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Houtan R. Farahani, Craig C. Leong, Matthew W. Blum, Zheng Gao, Kevin M. Robinson, Keith J. Hendren
  • Patent number: 10126783
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Houtan R. Farahani, Craig C. Leong, Matthew W. Blum, Zheng Gao, Kevin M. Robinson, Keith J. Hendren
  • Patent number: 9955570
    Abstract: The subject matter of this disclosure relates to a flexible circuit for carrying a signal between electrical components that includes boosting circuitry for mitigating the effects of signal degradation. More particularly the flexible circuit can carry a signal between a main logic board and an input/output board supporting input/output ports of a portable electronic device. The flexible circuit can be configured with bends in order to meet packaging constraints such as avoiding contact with components obstructing a direct path between connectors of the electrical components. Additional bends can also be included in the flexible that facilitate the assembly of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Blum, Christine A. Laliberte, Corey N. Axelowitz, James Y. Yap
  • Patent number: 9882323
    Abstract: Connector receptacles that are able to withstand insertion and other forces, are reliable, and are easy to manufacture. One example may provide a connector receptacle having one or more movable portions. These movable portions may move relative to an enclosure for an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. When a connector insert is inserted into the receptacle, the movable portions may move to help absorb insertion forces thereby protecting the connector receptacle from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: George Tziviskos, Paul J. Hack, Matthew W. Blum
  • Patent number: 9841787
    Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device includes a retention member that provides a force to a flexible circuit disposed in a top portion and a bottom portion of the portable computing device. The retention member limits movement of the flexible circuit when, for example, the flexible circuit receives a force in response to the top portion pivoting with respect to the bottom portion. The bottom portion of the portable computing devices includes a bottom case having multiple terraced regions. The terraced regions allow the bottom portion to receive additional internal components, such as one or more battery packs, a main logic board, and/or one or more speaker modules. The battery packs are secured to the terraced region via adhesive rings. Although the terraced regions require additional material removed from the bottom case, the internal components secured to the bottom case provide structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas I. Reid, Matthew W. Blum, Fabio T. Campos, Houtan R. Farahani
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20160327980
    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: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Houtan R. FARAHANI, Craig C. LEONG, Matthew W. BLUM, Zheng GAO, Kevin M. ROBINSON, Keith J. HENDREN
  • Publication number: 20160327986
    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: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Houtan R. FARAHANI, Craig C. LEONG, Matthew W. BLUM, Zheng GAO, Kevin M. ROBINSON, Keith J. HENDREN
  • Patent number: 9461390
    Abstract: An externally accessible component in an electronic device is described. The component may be installed within an enclosure without being properly aligned with an opening of the enclosure. A tool external to the electronic device may be inserted into the component and into a rear member located behind the component. The tool may actuate the rear member in a manner that actuates the component to move in a direction toward the opening, in order to align the component with the opening. A method of aligning the component is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Blum, Stephen V. Jayanathan
  • Patent number: 9411380
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Houtan R. Farahani, Craig C. Leong, Matthew W. Blum, Zheng Gao, Kevin M. Robinson, Keith J. Hendren
  • Publication number: 20160216735
    Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device includes a retention member that provides a force to a flexible circuit disposed in a top portion and a bottom portion of the portable computing device. The retention member limits movement of the flexible circuit when, for example, the flexible circuit receives a force in response to the top portion pivoting with respect to the bottom portion. The bottom portion of the portable computing devices includes a bottom case having multiple terraced regions. The terraced regions allow the bottom portion to receive additional internal components, such as one or more battery packs, a main logic board, and/or one or more speaker modules. The battery packs are secured to the terraced region via adhesive rings. Although the terraced regions require additional material removed from the bottom case, the internal components secured to the bottom case provide structural support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Nicholas I. REID, Matthew W. BLUM, Fabio T. CAMPOS, Houtan R. FARAHANI
  • Publication number: 20160205766
    Abstract: The subject matter of this disclosure relates to a flexible circuit for carrying a signal between electrical components that includes boosting circuitry for mitigating the effects of signal degradation. More particularly the flexible circuit can carry a signal between a main logic board and an input/output board supporting input/output ports of a portable electronic device. The flexible circuit can be configured with bends in order to meet packaging constraints such as avoiding contact with components obstructing a direct path between connectors of the electrical components. Additional bends can also be included in the flexible that facilitate the assembly of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew W. BLUM, Christine A. LALIBERTE, Corey N. AXELOWITZ, James Y. YAP
  • Publication number: 20160189890
    Abstract: A venting system for a keyboard assembly is disclosed. A keyboard assembly including a printed circuit board defining a set of apertures, and a group of switch housings coupled to the printed circuit board. Each switch housing of the group of switch housings may define a switch opening positioned above one of the set of apertures of the printed circuit board. The keyboard assembly may also include a shield defining at least one channel of a venting system formed below the printed circuit board. The at least one channel may be in fluid communication with at least one aperture, and at least one of the switch openings positioned above the at least one aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Craig C. Leong, Bradford J. Zercoe, Thai Quoc La, Nicholas I Reid, Keith J. Hendren, John M. Brock, Matthew W. Blum
  • Patent number: 9214268
    Abstract: Method, system, and apparatus for optimizing kinematics of a magnetic latch having a magnetic element is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Fabio T. Campos, Jonathan E. Borkowski, Chee How Chong, Matthew W. Blum, William A. Tashman, Michelle R. Goldberg, Stefano Tizianel, Noemi Novello
  • Publication number: 20150338887
    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: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Houtan R. Farahani, Craig C. Leong, Matthew W. Blum, Zheng Gao
  • Publication number: 20150338883
    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: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Houtan R. FARAHANI, Craig C. LEONG, Matthew W. BLUM, Zheng GAO
  • Publication number: 20150316090
    Abstract: An externally accessible component in an electronic device is described. The component may be installed within an enclosure without being properly aligned with an opening of the enclosure. A tool external to the electronic device may be inserted into the component and into a rear member located behind the component. The tool may actuate the rear member in a manner that actuates the component to move in a direction toward the opening, in order to align the component with the opening. A method of aligning the component is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Blum, Stephen V. Jayanathan
  • Publication number: 20150295356
    Abstract: Connector receptacles that are able to withstand insertion and other forces, are reliable, and are easy to manufacture. One example may provide a connector receptacle having one or more movable portions. These movable portions may move relative to an enclosure for an electronic device housing the connector receptacle. When a connector insert is inserted into the receptacle, the movable portions may move to help absorb insertion forces thereby protecting the connector receptacle from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: George Tziviskos, Paul J. Hack, Matthew W. Blum