Patents by Inventor Mikael M. Silvanto

Mikael M. Silvanto 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: 9904333
    Abstract: A removable assembly for quickly inserting and removing a mass storage device from a compartment situated on the case of a portable computing device is described. The removable assembly is made of a mass storage device, a bracket which serves as a carrier for the mass storage device, and a metal plate. In some embodiments, the mass storage device is a solid state drive (SSD) card. The bracket is a single-piece plastic structure that is deflected for snap insertion into the compartment and snap removal from the compartment. The metal plate conducts heat from the solid state drive (SSD) card to prevent the SSD from overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Eric A. Knopf, Bartley K. Andre, Matthew P. Casebolt, Houtan R. Farahani, William F. Leggett, Gavin J. Reid, Mikael M. Silvanto, Derek J. Yap
  • Patent number: 9886090
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a haptic input device, such as a haptic trackpad, that provides tactile feedback when receiving input. The electronic device may determine that one or more system level events occurs and utilize the haptic input device to provide one or more haptic notifications via one or more surfaces other than the haptic input device, such as a portion of a housing of the electronic device. In some cases, the electronic device may be configurable between a first position where the haptic input device is exposed and a second configuration where the haptic input device is covered but the surface via which the haptic notification may be provided is still exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg
  • Patent number: 9853402
    Abstract: An interconnect device can be aligned in a first plane and can include a printed circuit board having a tongue portion and a pin portion. The pin portion can include a plurality of pins extending away from the printed circuit board. The interconnect device can be configured to electrically couple with a main logic board aligned in a second plane. In particular, the plurality of pins can be inserted into corresponding electrical contact locations within the main logic board to form a biplanar connection. The biplanar connection can be made in way that minimizes signal loss for high speed data transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anton Talalayev, David H. Narajowski, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Mahmoud R. Amini, William F. Leggett, Mikael M. Silvanto, Christopher J. Stringer, George Tziviskos, Edward Cooper, Ron Alan Hopkinson, Ari Parsons Miller
  • Patent number: 9842711
    Abstract: Embodiments of keyboards having variations of electrically connecting keys to an internal component of an electronic device are described. Some embodiments include positioning several rows of conductive layers below several rows of keys. The conductive layers may be configured to receive a signal indicating a key has been depressed. Also, the internal component may be configured to scan the conductive layers to determine whether a key or keys have been depressed. In some embodiments, the conductive layers lie outside a portion of the electronic device in which internal components are traditionally located. In some embodiments, a substrate may be integrally connected with the keyboard. The substrate may receive some internal components of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Mikael M. Silvanto, Ron A. Hopkinson, Nicholas Alan Rundle
  • Publication number: 20170315622
    Abstract: A configurable, force-sensitive input structure for an electronic device is disclosed. The input structure has a metal contact layer, a sense layer positioned below the metal contact layer, and a drive layer capacitively coupled to the sense layer. The input structure may also have a compliant layer positioned between and coupled to the sense layer and the drive layer, a rigid base layer positioned below the drive layer, and a set of supports positioned between the metal contact layer and the rigid base layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: John B. Morrell, Ron A. Hopkinson, Peter M. Arnold, Mikael M. Silvanto, William F. Leggett
  • Publication number: 20170254760
    Abstract: An electronic device having an indication member for determining liquid exposure in an electronic device is disclosed. The indication member may include ink and a layer covering the ink. The layer may include a liquid-permeable layer that allows liquid to pass through the layer and contact the ink. In this regard, at least some of the ink may rise through the layer and to a top surface of the indication member. Although the ink may be exposed at the top surface, in some cases, the ink is visible or detectable when exposed to light from an ultraviolet light source. Also, the top surface may include a pattern or other indicia that is also visible or detectable when exposed to the light source. When the indication member is exposed to liquid, the pattern may be altered or disturbed in a location corresponding to an exposed portion of the indication member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Mikael M. SILVANTO, Simon Regis Louis LANCASTER-LAROCQUE, Alix McCABE, Sunita VENKATESH
  • Patent number: 9654863
    Abstract: A computer system having a loudspeaker mounted on a main logic board by a hermetic seal, is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the computer system include an acoustic cavity defined between the loudspeaker, the main logic board, and the hermetic seal. Embodiments of the computer system may include a compressible seal separated from the hermetic seal by the loudspeaker and/or the main logic board. The compressible seal may define an acoustic channel and the loudspeaker may emit sound in a high frequency range through the acoustic channel toward a system exit. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Justin D Crosby, Matthew A Donarski, Andrew P Bright, Joss N Giddings, Ron A Hopkinson, Nathan A Johanningsmeier, William F Leggett, Mikael M Silvanto
  • Patent number: 9644667
    Abstract: One or more floating fastener assemblies used to fasten components together are described. In some embodiments, the components are top and bottom portions of an enclosure of a computing device. Each floating fastener assembly can include a fastener having at least one surface that can engage with a surface of the enclosure to limit the rotation of the fastener during fastening. Each floating fastener can also include a clearance area for the fastener to “float” in a lateral direction with respect to the enclosure. Thus, when corresponding openings in the top and bottom portions of the enclosure are not exactly aligned, each fastener can shift laterally to allow screws to engage to fasten the top and bottom portions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Houtan R. Farahani, Brett W. Degner, William F. Leggett, Mikael M. Silvanto, Bartley K. Andre
  • Publication number: 20170093099
    Abstract: Interconnect devices are described. In some examples, an interconnect device can be aligned in a first plane and can include a printed circuit board having a tongue portion and a pin portion. The pin portion can include a plurality of pins extending away from the printed circuit board. The interconnect device can be configured to electrically couple with a main logic board aligned in a second plane. In particular, the plurality of pins can be inserted into corresponding electrical contact locations within the main logic board to form a biplanar connection. The biplanar connection can be made in way that minimizes signal loss for high speed data transfers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anton Talalayev, David H. Narajowski, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Mahmoud R. Amini, William F. Leggett, Mikael M. Silvanto, Christopher J. Stringer, George Tziviskos, Edward Cooper
  • Publication number: 20170090654
    Abstract: Embodiments related to an electronic device having an adaptive input row. The adaptive input row may be positioned within an opening of a device and include a cover for receiving a touch and a display that is configured to present an adaptable set of indicia. The adaptive input row may also include one or more sensors for detecting the location of a touch and/or the magnitude of a force of the touch. The adaptive input row may be positioned adjacent or proximate to a keyboard of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Erik A. Zweigle, Jun Qi, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Robert Y. Cao, Bartley K. Andre, Molly J. Anderson, ByoungSuk Kim, Dinesh C. Mathew, Victor H. Yin
  • Publication number: 20170090596
    Abstract: Embodiments related to an electronic device having an adaptive input row. The adaptive input row may be positioned within an opening of a device and include a cover for receiving a touch and a display that is configured to present an adaptable set of indicia. The adaptive input row may also include one or more sensors for detecting the location of a touch and/or the magnitude of a force of the touch. The adaptive input row may be positioned adjacent or proximate to a keyboard of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Erik A. Zweigle, Jun Qi, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Robert Y. Cao, Bartley K. Andre, Molly J. Anderson, ByoungSuk Kim, Dinesh C. Mathew, Victor H. Yin
  • Publication number: 20170090597
    Abstract: Embodiments related to an electronic device having an adaptive input row. The adaptive input row may be positioned within an opening of a device and include a cover for receiving a touch and a display that is configured to present an adaptable set of indicia. The adaptive input row may also include one or more sensors for detecting the location of a touch and/or the magnitude of a force of the touch. The adaptive input row may be positioned adjacent or proximate to a keyboard of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Erik A. Zweigle, Jun Qi, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Robert Y. Cao, Bartley K. Andre, Molly J. Anderson, ByoungSuk Kim, Dinesh C. Mathew, Victor H. Yin
  • Publication number: 20160277819
    Abstract: An electronic device including a frame member suitable for use with an audio driver is disclosed. The frame member may include a recessed region that receives the audio driver. The frame member may further include a flange member surrounding the recessed region. The frame member may be formed from a material having a relatively high coefficient of thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the frame member can dissipate thermal energy (heat) generated from the audio driver. In addition, the frame member may be seated in an enclosure of an electronic device in a manner that allows the frame member to pass the thermal energy to the enclosure. Also, the frame member may include a ferromagnetic material, which may cause the frame member to direct magnetic flux from a magnet of the audio driver in a desired manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Michael D. McBROOM, Bartley K. ANDRE, Mikael M. SILVANTO, Matthew A. DONARSKI, Alexander V. SALVATTI, Daniel K. BOOTHE, Ryan J. MIHELICH, Sabrina K. PASEMAN
  • Publication number: 20160259375
    Abstract: A cover plate for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The cover plate can be used as a cosmetic feature disposed on a display or cover glass of the portable computing device. For instance, the cover plate may include one or may layers disposed on a surface of the cover plate. In some cases, the layers are formed on a rear surface of the cover plate. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the portable electronic device, the cover plate provides additional a protective layer to internal components positioned behind the cover plate. Moreover, the cover plate may formed from an electromagnetically transparent material such as glass to allow receipt and/or transmission of electromagnetic waves in the form of radio frequencies. Also, the cover plate offers protection to the display and cover glass when the portable electronic device is in a closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Bartley K. ANDRE, Kevin M. ROBINSON, Mikael M. SILVANTO, Robert Y. CAO, Bryan W. POSNER, Wey-Jiun LIN, Dinesh C. MATHEW
  • Publication number: 20160165327
    Abstract: A computer system having a loudspeaker mounted on a main logic board by a hermetic seal, is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the computer system include an acoustic cavity defined between the loudspeaker, the main logic board, and the hermetic seal. Embodiments of the computer system may include a compressible seal separated from the hermetic seal by the loudspeaker and/or the main logic board. The compressible seal may define an acoustic channel and the loudspeaker may emit sound in a high frequency range through the acoustic channel toward a system exit. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Justin D. Crosby, Matthew A. Donarski, Andrew P. Bright, Joss N. Giddings, Ron A. Hopkinson, Nathan A. Johanningsmeier, William F. Leggett, Mikael M. Silvanto
  • Publication number: 20160098107
    Abstract: A configurable, force-sensitive input structure for an electronic device is disclosed. The input structure has a metal contact layer, a sense layer positioned below the metal contact layer, and a drive layer capacitively coupled to the sense layer. The input structure may also have a compliant layer positioned between and coupled to the sense layer and the drive layer, a rigid base layer positioned below the drive layer, and a set of supports positioned between the metal contact layer and the rigid base layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: John B. Morrell, Ron A. Hopkinson, Peter M. Arnold, Mikael M. Silvanto, William F. Leggett
  • Publication number: 20160042891
    Abstract: Embodiments of keyboards having variations of electrically connecting keys to an internal component of an electronic device are described. Some embodiments include positioning several rows of conductive layers below several rows of keys. The conductive layers may be configured to receive a signal indicating a key has been depressed. Also, the internal component may be configured to scan the conductive layers to determine whether a key or keys have been depressed. In some embodiments, the conductive layers lie outside a portion of the electronic device in which internal components are traditionally located. In some embodiments, a substrate may be integrally connected with the keyboard. The substrate may receive some internal components of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Mikael M. Silvanto, Ron A. Hopkinson, Nicholas Alan Rundle
  • Publication number: 20160011664
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a haptic input device, such as a haptic trackpad, that provides tactile feedback when receiving input. The electronic device may determine that one or more system level events occurs and utilize the haptic input device to provide one or more haptic notifications via one or more surfaces other than the haptic input device, such as a portion of a housing of the electronic device. In some cases, the electronic device may be configurable between a first position where the haptic input device is exposed and a second configuration where the haptic input device is covered but the surface via which the haptic notification may be provided is still exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Mikael M. Silvanto, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg
  • Patent number: 9191735
    Abstract: A portable computing device includes one or more microphones that function seamlessly with other components within the portable computing device. In one embodiment, a microphone opening is disposed on a side of the personal computing device and configured to be substantially perpendicular to a user. In another embodiment, a second microphone opening is disposed co-planar to the first microphone opening and positioned a predetermined distance apart. In another embodiment, one or more microphone openings can be disposed in a keyboard area and substantially between left and right sides of the portable computing device. In yet another embodiment, one or more microphone openings can be disposed underneath keycaps of the portable computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, Matthew P. Casebolt, Mikael M. Silvanto, Ron A. Hopkinson
  • Patent number: 8920189
    Abstract: A power adapter including a wing deployment mechanism for retaining a wing in a first undeployed position and the second deployed position. One example may provide a housing, a spring, a spring cover, and the wing. In one example, the wing may be pivotally attached to the housing and the spring and the spring cover may be fixedly attached to the housing. The spring may contact a portion of the wing and may, in one example, apply a position dependent force to the wing that biases the wing towards either the first or the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bartley K. Andre, Cesar Lozano Villarreal, Christopher J. Stringer, Mikael M. Silvanto, Ricardo A. Mariano