Patents by Inventor Michael E. Leclerc
Michael E. Leclerc 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: 20260019749Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that reduce the size of headphones and allow for small form-factor storage configurations are discussed. User convenience features that include synchronizing earpiece stem positions and automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2025Publication date: January 15, 2026Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, David H. Narajowski, Kristopher P. Laurent, William K. Smith, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniele G. De Iuliis, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan
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Publication number: 20260019748Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that reduce the size of headphones and allow for small form-factor storage configurations are discussed. User convenience features that include synchronizing earpiece stem positions and automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2025Publication date: January 15, 2026Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, David H. Narajowski, Kristopher P. Laurent, William K. Smith, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniele G. De luliis, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan
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Patent number: 12321205Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (V/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2024Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Richard D. Kosoglow, Joshua D. Banko, David H. Narajowski, Jonathan L Berk, Michael E. Leclerc, Michael D. McBroom, Asif Iqbal, Paul S. Michelsen, Mark K. Sin, Paul A. Baker, Harold L Sontag, Wai Ching Yuen, Matthew P. Casebolt, Kevin S. Fetterman, Alexander C. Calkins, Daniel L. McBroom
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Publication number: 20250106558Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that reduce the size of headphones and allow for small form-factor storage configurations are discussed. User convenience features that include synchronizing earpiece stem positions and automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, David H. Narajowski, Kristopher P. Laurent, William K. Smith, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniele G. De Iuliis, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan
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Patent number: 12207069Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that reduce the size of headphones and allow for small form-factor storage configurations are discussed. User convenience features that include synchronizing earpiece stem positions and automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2023Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, David H. Narajowski, Kristopher P. Laurent, William K. Smith, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniele De luliis, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan
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Patent number: 12147071Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing that at least partially defines an exterior surface and an internal volume. The electronic device also includes a display assembly that is at least partially disposed in the internal volume. The display assembly includes a light guide including a transparent plate and a light source positioned at an end of the transparent plate. A light-blocking component is affixed to the housing and at least partially covers a portion of the transparent plate. A translucent portion extends from the light-blocking component and overlaps the transparent plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2024Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Chi Xu, Po-Wen Chiu
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Publication number: 20240345635Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (V/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Richard D. Kosoglow, Joshua D. Banko, David H. Narajowski, Jonathan L. Berk, Michael E. Leclerc, Michael D. McBroom, Asif Iqbal, Paul S. Michelsen, Mark K. Sin, Paul A. Baker, Harold L. Sontag, Wai Ching Yuen, Matthew P. Casebolt, Kevin S. Fetterman, Alexander C. Calkins, Daniel L. McBroom
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Patent number: 12055984Abstract: A computing device can include an enclosure that defines an internal volume and an external surface. An input component can be positioned at the external surface. A processing unit and a memory can be communicatively coupled and disposed within the internal volume. A singular input/output port can be positioned at an orifice defined by the enclosure. The singular input/output port can be communicatively coupled to the processing unit and the memory. The singular input/output port can be configured to receive data and power and configured to output data from the processing unit. The computing device can include an air-moving apparatus to move air along an airflow pathway. The enclosure can include a thermally conductive base.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2021Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Brett W. Degner, Ian P. Shaeffer
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Patent number: 12050494Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2023Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Richard D. Kosoglow, Joshua D. Banko, David H. Narajowski, Jonathan L. Berk, Michael E. Leclerc, Michael D. McBroom, Asif Iqbal, Paul S. Michelsen, Mark K. Sin, Paul A. Baker, Harold L. Sontag, Wai Ching Yuen, Matthew P. Casebolt, Kevin S. Fetterman, Alexander C. Calkins, Daniel L. McBroom
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Patent number: 12046534Abstract: This application relates to modifications and enhancements to assemblies used with integrated circuits. In the described embodiments, multiple thermal components (e.g., vapor chambers, fin stacks, heat pipes) can be used to provide a dual-sided thermal energy extraction solution for a circuit board and an integrated circuit located on the circuit board. The thermal components can provide thermal energy dissipation capabilities for additional heat-generating components on the circuit board. Additionally, multiple plates can provide a compression force used to maintain contact between the integrated circuit and the circuit board, and in particular, between contact pads of the integrated circuit and pins, or springs, of a socket located on the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Simon J. Trivett, Brett W. Degner, Mahesh S. Hardikar, Michael E. Leclerc, Eric R. Prather, Kevin J. Ryan
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Publication number: 20240210990Abstract: A laptop computer may include a lid portion including a housing structure, a glass cover positioned coupled to the housing structure and defining a concave region, and a display positioned below the concave region of the glass cover. The laptop computer may also include a base portion positionable in a closed configuration and an open configuration with respect to the lid portion and defining a convex region along a top side of the base portion, the convex region configured to extend into the concave region of the glass cover when the lid portion and the base portion is in the closed configuration, the base portion including a keyboard positioned at the convex region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2023Publication date: June 27, 2024Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ari P. Miller, Nicholas Alan Rundle, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon J. Trivett, Ron A. Hopkinson, Michael E. Leclerc
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Patent number: 12016123Abstract: Computer modules that can have a high-capacity, can simplify the design of a computer system housing the modules, can utilize system resources in a highly configurable manner, can provide a variety of functionality, and can be readily inserted into, and removed from, a computer system.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, Eric R. Prather, Scott J. Campbell, James M. Cuseo, Rodrigo Dutervil Mubarak, Ian A. Guy, Daniel D. Hershey, Mariel L. Lanas, Michael D. McBroom, David C. Parell, Bartley K. Andre, Danny L. McBroom, Houtan R. Farahani
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Patent number: 12000524Abstract: A display stand has two spaced apart legs connected by a horizontal support bar that is attachable to multiple displays. Carriage assemblies allow the stand to adjust the vertical position of the displays, shuttles and rails allow the stand to adjust the horizontal positions of the displays, and a central joint on the support bar allows the stand to adjust the angle between the displays. The carriage assemblies can convert rotational movement of adjustment handles into vertical movement of the support bar that is synchronized at both legs whether the support bar is in a straight or angled configuration. Wheels on the shuttles can provide smooth, consistent contact with rails in the support bar despite changes in the nominal dimensions of the rails. The display stand provides improved smoothness, rigidity, and comfort for the user to support and use multiple displays on a single stand.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2022Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Brett W. Degner, Danny L. McBroom, David H. Narajowski, Denis H. Endisch, Kristopher P. Laurent, Simon J. Trivett
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Patent number: 11971759Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing that defines an internal volume. The electronic device can also include a component within the internal volume that divides the internal volume into a first volume and a second volume. The first volume and second volume can be fluidically isolated except at an aperture defined by the component. An air-moving system can produce a positive air pressure in the first volume and a negative air pressure in the second volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Eric R. Prather, Michael E. Leclerc
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Publication number: 20240094765Abstract: A laptop computer may include a base portion including a keyboard, and a display portion flexibly coupled to the base portion. The display portion may include a housing component formed of metal and defining a set of side surfaces, a front cover assembly coupled to the housing component and including a first glass member defining at least a portion of a front exterior surface of the display portion, and a display coupled to the first glass member, and a rear cover assembly coupled to the housing component and including a second glass member defining at least a portion of a rear exterior surface of the display portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Simon J. Trivett, Lauren M. Farrell, Nicholas A. Rundle
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Patent number: 11906775Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing that at least partially defines an exterior surface and an internal volume. The electronic device also includes a display assembly that is at least partially disposed in the internal volume. The display assembly includes a light guide including a transparent plate and a light source positioned at an end of the transparent plate. A light-blocking component is affixed to the housing and at least partially covers a portion of the transparent plate. A translucent portion extends from the light-blocking component and overlaps the transparent plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Chi Xu, Po-Wen Chiu
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Publication number: 20230282544Abstract: This application relates to modifications and enhancements to assemblies used with integrated circuits. In the described embodiments, multiple thermal components (e.g., vapor chambers, fin stacks, heat pipes) can be used to provide a dual-sided thermal energy extraction solution for a circuit board and an integrated circuit located on the circuit board. The thermal components can provide thermal energy dissipation capabilities for additional heat-generating components on the circuit board. Additionally, multiple plates can provide a compression force used to maintain contact between the integrated circuit and the circuit board, and in particular, between contact pads of the integrated circuit and pins, or springs, of a socket located on the circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2022Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Simon J. TRIVETT, Brett W. DEGNER, Mahesh S. HARDIKAR, Michael E. LECLERC, Eric R. PRATHER, Kevin J. RYAN
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Publication number: 20230251694Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. DEGNER, Caitlin Elizabeth KALINOWSKI, Richard D. KOSOGLOW, Joshua D. BANKO, David H. NARAJOWSKI, Jonathan L. BERK, Michael E. LECLERC, Michael D. MCBROOM, Asif IQBAL, Paul S. MICHELSEN, Mark K. SIN, Paul A. BAKER, Harold L. SONTAG, Wai Ching YUEN, Matthew P. CASEBOLT, Kevin S. FETTERMAN, Alexander C. CALKINS, Daniel L. MCBROOM
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Patent number: 11665869Abstract: This application relates to display devices and the layout/architecture of various internal components to enhance thermal energy management. A display device described herein may include one or more fan assemblies that drive ambient air into the display device to cool heat-generating components of the display device, and also to drive the ambient air, once heated through convectively cooling the heat-generating components, out of the display device. Further, the location of the heat-generating components is such that the heat-generating components upstream relative to the one or more fan assemblies. In this manner, the ambient air can pass over or through the heat-generating components prior to reaching the one or more fan assemblies. Additionally, heat-generating components, such as a backlit device and a power supply unit, are positioned relatively close to vent inlets in the display device. As a result, these heat-generating devices are immediately cooled with the ambient air.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Kevin J. Ryan, Brett W. Degner
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Patent number: 11650634Abstract: An internal component and external interface arrangement for a cylindrical compact computing system is described that includes at least a structural heat sink having triangular shape disposed within a cylindrical volume defined by a cylindrical housing. A computing engine having a generally triangular shape is described having internal components that include a graphics processing unit (GPU) board, a central processing unit (CPU) board, an input/output (I/O) interface board, an interconnect board, and a power supply unit (PSU).Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2022Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Caitlin Elizabeth Kalinowski, Richard D. Kosoglow, Joshua D. Banko, David H. Narajowski, Jonathan L. Berk, Michael E. Leclerc, Michael D. McBroom, Asif Iqbal, Paul S. Michelsen, Mark K. Sin, Paul A. Baker, Harold L. Sontag, Wai Ching Yuen, Matthew P. Casebolt, Kevin S. Fetterman, Alexander C. Calkins, Daniel L. McBroom