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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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
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Publication number: 20230147273Abstract: Electronic assemblies and methods of assembly are described. In an embodiment, an electronic assembly includes a stiffener structure shear bonded to an opposite side of a module substrate from a ball grid array (BGA) package. The stiffener structure may be shear bonded at elevated temperature after bonding of the BGA package to lock in a flat or near-flat surface contour of the module substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2022Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Jie-Hua Zhao, Kristopher P. Laurent, Michael E. Leclerc, Rangaraj Dhanasekaran, Simon J. Trivett
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Patent number: 11570549Abstract: 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: February 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20220354031Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2021Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Michael E. LECLERC, Kevin J. RYAN, Brett W. DEGNER
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Publication number: 20220342144Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Michael E. Leclerc, Chi Xu, Po-Wen Chiu
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Patent number: 11477575Abstract: 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 26, 2021Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Michael E. Leclerc, David H. Narajowski, Kristopher P. Laurent, William K. Smith, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniele de Iuliis, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan
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Publication number: 20220290798Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: 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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Publication number: 20220244764Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Eric R. Prather, Michael E. Leclerc
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Patent number: 11371644Abstract: 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: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: 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: 11343931Abstract: 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: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Eric R. Prather, Michael E. Leclerc
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Patent number: 11339793Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for mitigating recirculation of backflow fluid through a fan. The fan includes a housing having a channel that extends from an inlet to an outlet of the housing. A rotor assembly is positioned within the channel and is configured to direct a fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The rotor assembly includes a hub, a plurality of fan blades, and a shroud disposed about a circumference of the fan blades, where a radial gap extends between the shroud and the housing. The radial gap is configured to receive a portion of the fluid flow from the outlet as backflow fluid. The rotor assembly also includes an inlet flange that is configured receive the backflow fluid from the radial gap and to direct the backflow fluid in a direction away from the inlet prior to discharge of the backflow fluid from the radial gap.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Aiello, Cheng P. Tan, Jesse T. Dybenko, Arash Naghib Lahouti, Eric R. Prather, Philippe P. Herrou, Ashkan Rasouli, Brett W. Degner, Michael E. LeClerc
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Publication number: 20220155830Abstract: 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: February 1, 2022Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: 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: 11330354Abstract: 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: October 15, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniel R. Bloom, Michael E. Leclerc, David H. Narajowski, Kristopher P. Laurent, Daniele de Iuliis, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan
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Patent number: 11323793Abstract: 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: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Kristopher P. Laurent, David H. Narajowski, Michael E. Leclerc, Brett W. Degner, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniele de Iuliis, Markus Diebel, Sung-Ho Tan