Patents by Inventor Napthaneal Y. Tan

Napthaneal Y. Tan 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: 11540408
    Abstract: Methods and structures for forming anodization layers that protect and cosmetically enhance metal surfaces are described. In some embodiments, methods involve forming an anodization layer on an underlying metal that permits an underlying metal surface to be viewable. In some embodiments, methods involve forming a first anodization layer and an adjacent second anodization layer on an angled surface, the interface between the two anodization layers being regular and uniform. Described are photomasking techniques and tools for providing sharply defined corners on anodized and texturized patterns on metal surfaces. Also described are techniques and tools for providing anodizing resistant components in the manufacture of electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Charles B. Woodhull, Bryan Patrick Kiple, David A. Pakula, Tang Yew Tan, Julie Hanchak-Connors, John Murray Thornton, III, Thomas Johannessen, Peter Russell-Clarke, Masashige Tatebe, Napthaneal Y. Tan
  • Patent number: 9663869
    Abstract: A metal part is surface treated using anodization and plating processes to produce different finishes on selective regions of the metal part. The different finishes can contrast in decorative appearance (such as color, shininess and texture) and structural properties (such as wear resistance).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Demers, Napthaneal Y. Tan, John M. Thornton
  • Patent number: 9545024
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems, and structures for cutting a part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface thereon. In some embodiments, the part includes substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces with edges and corners. In described embodiments, a diamond cutter is used to cut a surface of the part during a milling operation where the diamond cutter contacts the part a number of times with each rotation of the spindle of a milling machine. The diamond cutter has a cutting edge and a land. The cutting edge cuts the surface of the part and the land burnishes the surface of the part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface. Thus, the diamond cutter cuts and burnishes portions of the part, thereby eliminating a subsequent polishing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Napthaneal Y. Tan, Chien-Ming Huang, Long Hin Lee, Lu Guojin, Yu Yundi, Lv Peng, Yu Yifeng, Wu Chendong, Shi Ze
  • Publication number: 20160330852
    Abstract: Methods and structures for forming anodization layers that protect and cosmetically enhance metal surfaces are described. In some embodiments, methods involve forming an anodization layer on an underlying metal that permits an underlying metal surface to be viewable. In some embodiments, methods involve forming a first anodization layer and an adjacent second anodization layer on an angled surface, the interface between the two anodization layers being regular and uniform. Described are photomasking techniques and tools for providing sharply defined corners on anodized and texturized patterns on metal surfaces. Also described are techniques and tools for providing anodizing resistant components in the manufacture of electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth BROWNING, Charles B. WOODHULL, Bryan Patrick KIPLE, David A. PAKULA, Tang Yew TAN, Julie HANCHAK-CONNORS, John Murray THORNTON, III, Thomas JOHANNESSEN, Peter RUSSELL-CLARKE, Masashige TATEBE, Napthaneal Y. TAN
  • Patent number: 9420713
    Abstract: Methods and structures for forming anodization layers that protect and cosmetically enhance metal surfaces are described. In some embodiments, methods involve forming an anodization layer on an underlying metal that permits an underlying metal surface to be viewable. In some embodiments, methods involve forming a first anodization layer and an adjacent second anodization layer on an angled surface, the interface between the two anodization layers being regular and uniform. Described are photomasking techniques and tools for providing sharply defined corners on anodized and texturized patterns on metal surfaces. Also described are techniques and tools for providing anodizing resistant components in the manufacture of electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Charles B. Woodhull, Bryan Patrick Kiple, David A. Pakula, Tang Yew Tan, Julie Hanchak-Connors, John Murray Thornton, III, Thomas Johannessen, Peter Russell-Clarke, Masashige Tatebe, Napthaneal Y. Tan
  • Patent number: 9338908
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems, and structures for cutting a part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface thereon. In some embodiments, the part includes substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces with edges and corners. In described embodiments, a diamond cutter is used to cut a surface of the part during a milling operation where the diamond cutter contacts the part a number of times with each rotation of the spindle of a milling machine. The diamond cutter has a cutting edge and a land. The cutting edge cuts the surface of the part and the land burnishes the surface of the part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface. Thus, the diamond cutter cuts and burnishes portions of the part, thereby eliminating a subsequent polishing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Napthaneal Y. Tan, Lucy Elizabeth Browning
  • Patent number: 9302334
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems, and structures for cutting a part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface. In some embodiments, the part includes substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces with edges and corners. In described embodiments, a diamond cutter can be used to cut a surface of the part during a milling operation where the diamond cutter contacts the part a number of times with each rotation of the spindle of a milling machine. In some embodiments, a complex feature having planar and curved surfaces is cut into a part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Napthaneal Y. Tan, Chien-Ming Huang, Yu Yundi, Zhoujun Lu
  • Patent number: 9138814
    Abstract: A method for machining may include providing a workpiece with a major (e.g., top) surface and an edge at a perimeter thereof. The method may also include providing a machining tool including an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter. The workpiece may be machined in a single pass of the machining tool around the perimeter thereof. Machining the workpiece may include simultaneously machining the edge with the inner rotary cutter and machining at least a portion of the major surface with the outer rotary cutter. Accordingly, the edge and at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece may be simultaneously machined in a single pass. The inner rotary cutter may also simultaneously machine an undercut at the edge of the workpiece. A related machining apparatus including the machining tool is provided. Further, a computer readable medium may include program code for performing the above-described operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Piotr S. Trzaskos, Donald Q. Ross, III, William S. Masek, Brian K. Copeland, John P. Ternus, Erik D. Gillow, Napthaneal Y. Tan
  • Publication number: 20150196981
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems, and structures for cutting a part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface thereon. In some embodiments, the part includes substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces with edges and corners. In described embodiments, a diamond cutter is used to cut a surface of the part during a milling operation where the diamond cutter contacts the part a number of times with each rotation of the spindle of a milling machine. The diamond cutter has a cutting edge and a land. The cutting edge cuts the surface of the part and the land burnishes the surface of the part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface. Thus, the diamond cutter cuts and burnishes portions of the part, thereby eliminating a subsequent polishing step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Napthaneal Y. TAN, Lucy Elizabeth BROWNING
  • Patent number: 9061358
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems, and structures for cutting a part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface thereon. In some embodiments, the part includes substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces with edges and corners. In described embodiments, a diamond cutter is used to cut a surface of the part during a milling operation where the diamond cutter contacts the part a number of times with each rotation of the spindle of a milling machine. The diamond cutter has a cutting edge and a land. The cutting edge cuts the surface of the part and the land burnishes the surface of the part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface. Thus, the diamond cutter cuts and burnishes portions of the part, thereby eliminating a subsequent polishing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Napthaneal Y. Tan, Lucy Elizabeth Browning
  • Publication number: 20140069245
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems, and structures for cutting a part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface. In some embodiments, the part includes substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces with edges and corners. In described embodiments, a diamond cutter can be used to cut a surface of the part during a milling operation where the diamond cutter contacts the part a number of times with each rotation of the spindle of a milling machine. In some embodiments, a complex feature having planar and curved surfaces is cut into a part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Napthaneal Y. TAN, Chien-Ming HUANG, Yu YUNDI, Zhuojun LU
  • Publication number: 20140010609
    Abstract: A method for machining may include providing a workpiece with a major (e.g., top) surface and an edge at a perimeter thereof. The method may also include providing a machining tool including an outer rotary cutter and an inner rotary cutter. The workpiece may be machined in a single pass of the machining tool around the perimeter thereof. Machining the workpiece may include simultaneously machining the edge with the inner rotary cutter and machining at least a portion of the major surface with the outer rotary cutter. Accordingly, the edge and at least a portion of the major surface of the workpiece may be simultaneously machined in a single pass. The inner rotary cutter may also simultaneously machine an undercut at the edge of the workpiece. A related machining apparatus including the machining tool is provided. Further, a computer readable medium may include program code for performing the above-described operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Piotr S. Trzaskos, Donald Q. Ross, III, William S. Masek, Brian K. Copeland, John P. Ternus, Erik D. Gillow, Napthaneal Y. Tan
  • Publication number: 20130319865
    Abstract: Methods and structures for forming anodization layers that protect and cosmetically enhance metal surfaces are described. In some embodiments, methods involve forming an anodization layer on an underlying metal that permits an underlying metal surface to be viewable. In some embodiments, methods involve forming a first anodization layer and an adjacent second anodization layer on an angled surface, the interface between the two anodization layers being regular and uniform. Described are photomasking techniques and tools for providing sharply defined corners on anodized and texturized patterns on metal surfaces. Also described are techniques and tools for providing anodizing resistant components in the manufacture of electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Charles B. Woodhull, Bryan Patrick Kiple, David A. Pakula, Tang Yew Tan, Julie Hanchak-Connors, John Murray Thornton, III, Thomas Johannessen, Peter Russell-Clarke, Masashige Tatebe, Napthaneal Y. Tan
  • Publication number: 20130322976
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems, and structures for cutting a part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface thereon. In some embodiments, the part includes substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces with edges and corners. In described embodiments, a diamond cutter is used to cut a surface of the part during a milling operation where the diamond cutter contacts the part a number of times with each rotation of the spindle of a milling machine. The diamond cutter has a cutting edge and a land. The cutting edge cuts the surface of the part and the land burnishes the surface of the part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface. Thus, the diamond cutter cuts and burnishes portions of the part, thereby eliminating a subsequent polishing step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Napthaneal Y. TAN, Lucy Elizabeth Browning
  • Publication number: 20130322975
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods, systems, and structures for cutting a part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface thereon. In some embodiments, the part includes substantially horizontal and vertical surfaces with edges and corners. In described embodiments, a diamond cutter is used to cut a surface of the part during a milling operation where the diamond cutter contacts the part a number of times with each rotation of the spindle of a milling machine. The diamond cutter has a cutting edge and a land. The cutting edge cuts the surface of the part and the land burnishes the surface of the part to form a highly reflective and smooth surface. Thus, the diamond cutter cuts and burnishes portions of the part, thereby eliminating a subsequent polishing step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Napthaneal Y. Tan, Chien-Ming Huang, Long Hin Lee, Lu Guojin, Yu YunDi, Lv Peng, Yu YiFeng, Wu Chendong, Shi Ze
  • Publication number: 20130043135
    Abstract: A metal part is surface treated using anodization and plating processes to produce different finishes on selective regions of the metal part. The different finishes can contrast in decorative appearance (such as color, shininess and texture) and structural properties (such as wear resistance).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Demers, Napthaneal Y. Tan, John M. Thornton