Patents by Inventor Michael D. Hillman
Michael D. Hillman 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: 11465704Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wireless remote control or remote control application for controlling the lighting of an electronic personal transportation vehicle. Embodiments can solve problems related to sharing electronic personal transportation vehicles by uniquely identifying a user, and allowing that user to control the lighting of the electronic personal transportation vehicle. In this manner, other users can control the lighting at different times, depending on the specific person that is using the electronic personal transportation vehicle at any given time.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: NEUTRON HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Michael D. Hillman, Blair Williams, Paul Jackson, Matthew J. Cheung, Angus Peart, Chris Rieger, John Ulmen, Brennan Vandenhoek, Peng Peng, Levi Price
-
Publication number: 20210107582Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wireless remote control or remote control application for controlling the lighting of an electronic personal transportation vehicle. Embodiments can solve problems related to sharing electronic personal transportation vehicles by uniquely identifying a user, and allowing that user to control the lighting of the electronic personal transportation vehicle. In this manner, other users can control the lighting at different times, depending on the specific person that is using the electronic personal transportation vehicle at any given time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Michael D. HILLMAN, Blair WILLIAMS, Paul JACKSON, Matthew J. CHEUNG, Angus PEART, Chris RIEGER, John ULMEN, Brennan VANDENHOEK, Peng PENG, Levi PRICE
-
Patent number: 10790561Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a portable and cost-effective fuel cell system for a portable computing device. This fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack which converts fuel into electrical power. It also includes a fuel source for the fuel cell stack and a controller which controls operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel system also includes an interface to the portable computing device, wherein the interface comprises a power link that provides power to the portable computing device, and a bidirectional communication link that provides bidirectional communication between the portable computing device and the controller for the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bradley L. Spare, Vijay M. Iyer, Jean L. Lee, Gregory L. Tice, Michael D. Hillman, David I. Simon
-
Patent number: 10288937Abstract: A display system with a distributed LED backlight includes: providing a plurality of tile LED light sources, each tile LED light source having a tile and a plurality of similar LED light sources on each tile connected for emitting light therefrom; orienting the plurality of tile LED light sources for illuminating a display from the back of the display; and integrating the plurality of tile LED light sources into a thermally and mechanically structurally integrated distributed LED tile matrix backlight light source.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Hillman, Gregory L. Tice, William Sauway Law, Sean Bailey, Ann Torres, Efrain Alcorta, Perry Anderson
-
Publication number: 20180183123Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a portable and cost-effective fuel cell system for a portable computing device. This fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack which converts fuel into electrical power. It also includes a fuel source for the fuel cell stack and a controller which controls operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel system also includes an interface to the portable computing device, wherein the interface comprises a power link that provides power to the portable computing device, and a bidirectional communication link that provides bidirectional communication between the portable computing device and the controller for the fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2018Publication date: June 28, 2018Inventors: Bradley L. Spare, Vijay M. Iyer, Jean L. Lee, Gregory L. Tice, Michael D. Hillman, David I. Simon
-
Patent number: 9917340Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a portable and cost-effective fuel cell system for a portable computing device. This fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack which converts fuel into electrical power. It also includes a fuel source for the fuel cell stack and a controller which controls operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel system also includes an interface to the portable computing device, wherein the interface comprises a power link that provides power to the portable computing device, and a bidirectional communication link that provides bidirectional communication between the portable computing device and the controller for the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bradley L. Spare, Vijay M. Iyer, Jean L. Lee, Gregory L. Tice, Michael D. Hillman, David I. Simon
-
Patent number: 9590352Abstract: Security devices and methods of securely coupling electronic devices and peripherals are provided. In one embodiment, a peripheral has a first coded magnet on a first surface of a first device. The first coded magnet has at least two different polarity regions on the first surface. A second coded magnet on a second surface of a second device is also provided. The first coded magnet is configured to securely provide data to a device associated with the second coded magnet, if the first and second coded magnets' patterns are keyed to one another.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett Bilbrey, Aleksandar Pance, Peter Arnold, David I. Simon, Jean Lee, Michael D Hillman, Gregory L. Tice, Vijay Iyer, Bradley Spare
-
Publication number: 20160231624Abstract: A display system with a distributed LED backlight includes: providing a plurality of tile LED light sources, each tile LED light source having a tile and a plurality of similar LED light sources on each tile connected for emitting light therefrom; orienting the plurality of tile LED light sources for illuminating a display from the back of the display; and integrating the plurality of tile LED light sources into a thermally and mechanically structurally integrated distributed LED tile matrix backlight light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Michael D. Hillman, Gregory L. Tice, William Sauway Law, Sean Bailey, Ann Torres, Efrain Alcorta, Perry Anderson
-
Patent number: 9316863Abstract: A display system with a distributed LED backlight includes: providing a plurality of tile LED light sources, each tile LED light source having a tile and a plurality of similar LED light sources on each tile connected for emitting light therefrom; orienting the plurality of tile LED light sources for illuminating a display from the back of the display; and integrating the plurality of tile LED light sources into a thermally and mechanically structurally integrated distributed LED tile matrix backlight light source.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Hillman, Gregory L. Tice, William Sauway Law, Sean Bailey, Ann Torres, Efrain Alcorta, Perry Anderson
-
Patent number: 9165607Abstract: A portable electronic device having an outer housing, a component, and a shock-absorption assembly is disclosed. A shock-absorption assembly located within the outer housing and coupled to the component can include one or more elements adapted to dampen a mechanical shock to the component. The shock-absorption assembly elements can be mounted to corners and/or edges of the component. Shock-absorption assembly elements can include a first portion comprising protrusions that provide initial damping of the mechanical shock and a second portion comprising an elastic block that provides final damping of the mechanical shock.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Cheng Ping Tan, Con Phan, Steven Lee Owen, Michael D. Hillman
-
Publication number: 20150249280Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a portable and cost-effective fuel cell system for a portable computing device. This fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack which converts fuel into electrical power. It also includes a fuel source for the fuel cell stack and a controller which controls operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel system also includes an interface to the portable computing device, wherein the interface comprises a power link that provides power to the portable computing device, and a bidirectional communication link that provides bidirectional communication between the portable computing device and the controller for the fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Bradley L. Spare, Vijay M. Iyer, Jean L. Lee, Gregory L. Tice, Michael D. Hillman, David I. Simon
-
Patent number: 8980491Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a portable and cost-effective fuel cell system for a portable computing device. This fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack which converts fuel into electrical power. It also includes a fuel source for the fuel cell stack and a controller which controls operation of the fuel cell system. The fuel system also includes an interface to the portable computing device, wherein the interface comprises a power link that provides power to the portable computing device, and a bidirectional communication link that provides bidirectional communication between the portable computing device and the controller for the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bradley L. Spare, Vijay M. Iyer, Jean L. Lee, Gregory L. Tice, Michael D. Hillman, David I. Simon
-
Patent number: 8963666Abstract: Connectors and methods of coupling electronic devices and cables are provided. In one embodiment, a connector has a first coded magnet on a first surface of a first device. The first coded magnet has at least two different polarity regions on the first surface. A second coded magnet on a second surface of a second device is also provided. The second coded magnet is configured to provide identifying information regarding the device on which it is located.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett Bilbrey, Aleksandar Pance, Peter Arnold, David I. Simon, Jean Lee, Michael D. Hillman, Gregory L. Tice, Vijay Iyer, Bradley Spare
-
Patent number: 8576034Abstract: A plug or connector including a coded magnet and an electrical contact. As the plug approaches a corresponding port, the coded magnet interacts with a magnet within the port. The interaction between the plug coded magnet and the port coded magnet provides a force to connect and/or align the plug with the port. Once the plug is received within the port, if a process is completed, the coded magnets polarities are altered to eject the plug from the port.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett Bilbrey, Aleksandar Pance, Peter Arnold, David I. Simon, Jean Lee, Michael D. Hillman, Gregory L. Tice, Vijay Iyer, Bradley Spare
-
Patent number: 8564955Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for distributing a thermal interface material. The system includes: an integrated circuit chip; a heat sink; and a compliant thermal interface material (TIM) between the integrated circuit chip and the heat sink. During assembly of the system, a mating surface of the heat sink and a mating surface of the integrated circuit chip are shaped to distribute the TIM in the predetermined pattern as the TIM is pressed between the mating surface of heat sink and a corresponding mating surface of the integrated circuit chip.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Chad C Schmidt, Richard Lidio Blanco, Jr., Douglas L Heirich, Michael D Hillman, Phillip L Mort, Jay S Nigen, Gregory L Tice
-
Patent number: 8506322Abstract: Portable computer battery structures are provided. The portable computer battery structures may include a battery with a metal enclosure and a battery cable with a floating end. The battery may have six cells. Three pairs of parallel-connected cells may be connected together in series. The six cells may be substantially planar in shape. The battery may have a connector with at least five conductive pins and six recesses. The battery cable may have a cable with at least five conductive pins that mate with the five pins of the battery's connector and with six support pins that slide into the six recesses of the battery's connector. The batter connector may be formed on a printed circuit board substrate that folds over on itself.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bradley L. Spare, Michael D. Hillman, Robert L. Coish, Chris Ligtenberg
-
Publication number: 20120236436Abstract: A portable electronic device having an outer housing, a component, and a shock-absorption assembly is disclosed. A shock-absorption assembly located within the outer housing and coupled to the component can include one or more elements adapted to dampen a mechanical shock to the component. The shock-absorption assembly elements can be mounted to corners and/or edges of the component. Shock-absorption assembly elements can include a first portion comprising protrusions that provide initial damping of the mechanical shock and a second portion comprising an elastic block that provides final damping of the mechanical shock.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Cheng Ping TAN, Con PHAN, Steven Lee OWEN, Michael D. HILLMAN
-
Publication number: 20120214035Abstract: Portable computer battery structures are provided. The portable computer battery structures may include a battery with a metal enclosure and a battery cable with a floating end. The battery may have six cells. Three pairs of parallel-connected cells may be connected together in series. The six cells may be substantially planar in shape. The battery may have a connector with at least five conductive pins and six recesses. The battery cable may have a cable with at least five conductive pins that mate with the five pins of the battery's connector and with six support pins that slide into the six recesses of the battery's connector. The batter connector may be formed on a printed circuit board substrate that folds over on itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Bradley L. Spare, Michael D. Hillman, Robert L. Coish, Chris Ligtenberg
-
Patent number: 8223482Abstract: A portable computing device having an outer housing, and internal hard disk drive and a shock damping mounting assembly is disclosed. Multiple outer dimensions of the portable computing device can be less than the width of the hard drive due to a diagonal arrangement of the hard drive within the overall device. The hard drive can comply with a standardized form factor, such as a 3.5 inch form factor. A mounting assembly located within the outer housing and coupled to the hard drive can include one or more components adapted to damp a mechanical shock to the hard drive, which components can be mounted to corners and/or edges of the hard drive. Mounting assembly components can includes a first stage spring comprising a finger geometry that provides initial damping of the mechanical shock and a second stage spring comprising an elastic block that provides final damping of the mechanical shock.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Cheng Ping Tan, Con Phan, Steven Lee Owen, Michael D. Hillman
-
Publication number: 20120120633Abstract: A display system with a distributed LED backlight includes: providing a plurality of tile LED light sources, each tile LED light source having a tile and a plurality of similar LED light sources on each tile connected for emitting light therefrom; orienting the plurality of tile LED light sources for illuminating a display from the back of the display; and integrating the plurality of tile LED light sources into a thermally and mechanically structurally integrated distributed LED tile matrix backlight light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael D. HILLMAN, Gregory L. Tice, William Sauway Law, Sean Bailey, Ann Torres, Efrain Alcorta, Perry Anderson