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).

  • Publication number: 20260019749
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20260019748
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 12321205
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20250106558
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 12207069
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 12147071
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Chi Xu, Po-Wen Chiu
  • Publication number: 20240345635
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 12055984
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Brett W. Degner, Ian P. Shaeffer
  • Patent number: 12050494
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 12046534
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Simon J. Trivett, Brett W. Degner, Mahesh S. Hardikar, Michael E. Leclerc, Eric R. Prather, Kevin J. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20240210990
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ari P. Miller, Nicholas Alan Rundle, Dinesh C. Mathew, Simon J. Trivett, Ron A. Hopkinson, Michael E. Leclerc
  • Patent number: 12016123
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 12000524
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Brett W. Degner, Danny L. McBroom, David H. Narajowski, Denis H. Endisch, Kristopher P. Laurent, Simon J. Trivett
  • Patent number: 11971759
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Eric R. Prather, Michael E. Leclerc
  • Publication number: 20240094765
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Simon J. Trivett, Lauren M. Farrell, Nicholas A. Rundle
  • Patent number: 11906775
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Chi Xu, Po-Wen Chiu
  • Publication number: 20230282544
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Simon J. TRIVETT, Brett W. DEGNER, Mahesh S. HARDIKAR, Michael E. LECLERC, Eric R. PRATHER, Kevin J. RYAN
  • Publication number: 20230251694
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: 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
  • Patent number: 11665869
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Kevin J. Ryan, Brett W. Degner
  • Patent number: 11650634
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    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