Patents by Inventor Patrick J. Crowley

Patrick J. Crowley 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: 12656619
    Abstract: A facial interface for a head-mounted display device can include a first frame, a second frame, and a linear actuator movably coupling the first frame to the second frame. The linear actuator can be coupled to the first frame at a first end and defines a spherical portion at a second end opposite the first end. The facial interface can further include a plate movably secured to the second frame, and the plate can define a slot configured to receive the spherical portion of the linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2025
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Trevor S. Chambers, Barry D. Curtin, Adam Y. Kollgaard, Joel Ebers, Thomas R. Matzinger, Patrick J. Crowley, Matin Seadat Beheshti, Kevin Ceurter, John Cagle, Killian J. Poore
  • Patent number: 12659659
    Abstract: A wearable device includes a housing, a speaker, and a processor. The housing defines an internal volume and the speaker is located within the internal volume. The process is also located within the internal volume and generates a modulated acoustic signal comprising a first audio wave and a second audio wave. The speaker is configured to output the modulated acoustic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Collin J. Richardson, Christopher M. Werner, Jason A. Granger, Brad G. Boozer, Sameer Pandya
  • Patent number: 12603711
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing, a securement feature, a noise generator, a receiver, and a processor. The housing can define an internal volume. The securement feature can be connected to at least a first side and a second side of the housing and can extend between the first side and the second side. The noise generator can be connected to the securement featured and be configured to generate a sound with a frequency. The receiver can be disposed within the internal volume and be configured to receive the sound. The processor can be disposed within the internal volume and in communication with the receiver, and be configured to process the sound and perform an operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2026
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Jason A. Granger, Collin J. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20260023266
    Abstract: A facial interface for a head-mounted display device can include a first frame, a second frame, and a linear actuator movably coupling the first frame to the second frame. The linear actuator can be coupled to the first frame at a first end and defines a spherical portion at a second end opposite the first end. The facial interface can further include a plate movably secured to the second frame, and the plate can define a slot configured to receive the spherical portion of the linear actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2025
    Publication date: January 22, 2026
    Inventors: Trevor S. Chambers, Barry D. Curtin, Adam Y. Kollgaard, Joel Ebers, Thomas R. Matzinger, Patrick J. Crowley, Matin Seadat Beheshti, Kevin Ceurter, John Cagle, Killian J. Poore
  • Publication number: 20250253548
    Abstract: Electronic devices including antennas disposed outside a device housing are disclosed. In an example, an electronic device includes a device housing defining an internal volume, a radio disposed in the internal volume, an antenna disposed outside the internal volume and coupled to the radio through the device housing, and a conductive element coupled to a ground of the radio. The conductive element can extend from the internal volume through the device housing to an exterior of the device housing. The conductive element can define at least a portion of an exterior surface of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2024
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Collin J. Richardson, Nicholas S. Brodine, Eric T. Chiang, Mario Martinis, Zhe Wang
  • Publication number: 20250189935
    Abstract: An electronic device, such as a watch, may include a crown and a button assembly alongside an external side surface the device. The button assembly may have a button portion that includes a cap, a base, an electrical component, and an intermediate structure overmolded between the cap and the base. The intermediate structure may encapsulate the electrical component. Due to this configuration, a cap can be effectively electrically isolated from the base at certain states or electrically coupled under different states dictated by the electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Inventors: Nicholas L. Qu, Patrick J. Crowley, Sameer Pandya, Jafir A. Haidri, Muhammad Ahmadi
  • Publication number: 20240364430
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing, a securement feature, a noise generator, a receiver, and a processor. The housing can define an internal volume. The securement feature can be connected to at least a first side and a second side of the housing and can extend between the first side and the second side. The noise generator can be connected to the securement featured and be configured to generate a sound with a frequency. The receiver can be disposed within the internal volume and be configured to receive the sound. The processor can be disposed within the internal volume and in communication with the receiver, and be configured to process the sound and perform an operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Jason A. Granger, Collin J. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20240361730
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device can include a housing defining an internal volume, a sensor configured to detect an environment of the wearable electronic device. A display can be movably connected to the housing, and an actuator disposed in the internal volume and connected to the display. The actuator can move the display based on a detected change in the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Collin J. Richardson, Jason A. Granger
  • Publication number: 20240340585
    Abstract: A wearable device includes a housing, a speaker, and a processor. The housing defines an internal volume and the speaker is located within the internal volume. The process is also located within the internal volume and generates a modulated acoustic signal comprising a first audio wave and a second audio wave. The speaker is configured to output the modulated acoustic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Collin J. Richardson, Christopher M. Werner, Jason A. Granger, Brad G. Boozer, Sameer Pandya
  • Patent number: 12003019
    Abstract: A portable or wearable electronic device can include a device housing defining an internal volume, and an electronic component disposed in the internal volume. The electronic component can be an input component and can have a component housing. The electronic device can also include an antenna feed assembly disposed in the internal volume. The antenna feed assembly can include a conductive grounding component electrically connected to the component housing and the device housing, and an antenna feed component electrically connected to the grounding component and disposed adjacent to the component housing. The conductive grounding component can surround a first major surface and a second major surface of the component housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Erik G. de Jong, Junlin Mu, Sameer Pandya, Patrick J. Crowley, Antonio F. Herrera, James G. Horiuchi, Sherry Tang, Mario Martinis
  • Publication number: 20240077911
    Abstract: In at least one example of the present disclosure, a portable electronic device includes a housing, an internal volume within the housing, a port having a perimeter defined by the housing, the port in fluid communication with the internal volume and an external environment, a water deflector disposed inside the housing adjacent to the port, the water deflector extending at least a length and a width of the port, and openings disposed in the water deflector. The openings in the water deflector are aligned outside of the perimeter of the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Woojin Jung, Eric T. Chiang, Ross L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11860585
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a smartwatch including a housing that at least partially defines an internal volume, and a touch-sensitive display positioned at least partially within the internal volume. A front cover can be positioned over the touch-sensitive display and can define a front exterior surface. A seal can be positioned between the housing and the front cover and configured to transition between an uncompressed state and a compressed state in response to an increase from a first external pressure on the front cover to a second external pressure. In the uncompressed state, the seal has a first density and is air-permeable allowing an internal pressure of the internal volume to equalize with external air at the first pressure. In the compressed state, the seal has a second density, greater than the first density, and is configured to inhibit ingress of water at the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Eric T. Chiang, Ross L Jackson
  • Patent number: 11784394
    Abstract: A wireless communication system may include an electronic device having a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module may include an antenna radiating element on a first surface, a ground ring surrounding the antenna radiating element on the first surface, and a radio component mounted to a second surface. The wireless communication module may be incorporated into a system package that also includes other components. Encapsulation material may cover the wireless communication module and other components. A shielding material may cover the encapsulation material and be coupled to the ground ring. An opening in the shielding material may be aligned with the antenna radiating element. If desired, the wireless communication system may include external equipment having a wireless communication module communicatively coupled to the wireless communication module to convey firmware testing, debugging, restore, and/or other data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaofang Mu, Annie Manuja, Christopher D. Guichet, Erik G. de Jong, Jorge L. Rivera Espinoza, Patrick J. Crowley, Steven C. Roach, Venkatesh Rajendran, William C. Lukens, Woojin Jung, Yue Chen, Zhiwei Gu, Derek Iwamoto, Siddharth Nangia, Scott D. Morrison, Kevin A. Klenk, Neeloy Roy
  • Patent number: 11681327
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing at least partially defining an internal volume and an aperture in communication with the internal volume and an ambient environment. A speaker module can be positioned at the aperture and sealed to the housing to define a liquid barrier. The speaker module can include a metallic support member partially defining the internal volume and a flat mounting surface, a magnet affixed to the flat surface, a speaker module enclosure affixed to the metallic support member, and a diaphragm carried by the speaker module enclosure and positioned opposite the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Rebecca J. Mikolajczyk
  • Publication number: 20230084538
    Abstract: A wireless communication system may include an electronic device having a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module may include an antenna radiating element on a first surface, a ground ring surrounding the antenna radiating element on the first surface, and a radio component mounted to a second surface. The wireless communication module may be incorporated into a system package that also includes other components. Encapsulation material may cover the wireless communication module and other components. A shielding material may cover the encapsulation material and be coupled to the ground ring. An opening in the shielding material may be aligned with the antenna radiating element. If desired, the wireless communication system may include external equipment having a wireless communication module communicatively coupled to the wireless communication module to convey firmware testing, debugging, restore, and/or other data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Xiaofang Mu, Annie Manuja, Christopher D. Guichet, Erik G. de Jong, Jorge L. Rivera Espinoza, Patrick J. Crowley, Steven C. Roach, Venkatesh Rajendran, William C. Lukens, Woojin Jung, Yue Chen, Zhiwei Gu, Derek Iwamoto, Siddharth Nangia, Scott D. Morrison, Kevin A. Klenk, Neeloy Roy
  • Publication number: 20220271419
    Abstract: A portable or wearable electronic device can include a device housing defining an internal volume, and an electronic component disposed in the internal volume. The electronic component can be an input component and can have a component housing. The electronic device can also include an antenna feed assembly disposed in the internal volume. The antenna feed assembly can include a conductive grounding component electrically connected to the component housing and the device housing, and an antenna feed component electrically connected to the grounding component and disposed adjacent to the component housing. The conductive grounding component can surround a first major surface and a second major surface of the component housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Erik G. de Jong, Junlin Mu, Sameer Pandya, Patrick J. Crowley, Antonio F. Herrera, James G. Horiuchi, Sherry Tang, Mario Martinis
  • Patent number: 11375629
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic device is disclosed. The housing includes housing components and a connector. The connector can be positioned between adjacent edges of two housing components. The connector can rotate from a first position to a second position to form a sealed joint between two adjacent housing components. The sealed joint can prevent moisture and debris from entering the housing of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Maegan K. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20210397140
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a smartwatch including a housing that at least partially defines an internal volume, and a touch-sensitive display positioned at least partially within the internal volume. A front cover can be positioned over the touch-sensitive display and can define a front exterior surface. A seal can be positioned between the housing and the front cover and configured to transition between an uncompressed state and a compressed state in response to an increase from a first external pressure on the front cover to a second external pressure. In the uncompressed state, the seal has a first density and is air-permeable allowing an internal pressure of the internal volume to equalize with external air at the first pressure. In the compressed state, the seal has a second density, greater than the first density, and is configured to inhibit ingress of water at the second pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Eric T. Chiang, Ross L. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20210392422
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing at least partially defining an internal volume and an aperture in communication with the internal volume and an ambient environment. A speaker module can be positioned at the aperture and sealed to the housing to define a liquid barrier. The speaker module can include a metallic support member partially defining the internal volume and a flat mounting surface, a magnet affixed to the flat surface, a speaker module enclosure affixed to the metallic support member, and a diaphragm carried by the speaker module enclosure and positioned opposite the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Rebecca J. Mikolajczyk
  • Publication number: 20210100117
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic device is disclosed. The housing includes housing components and a connector. The connector can be positioned between adjacent edges of two housing components. The connector can rotate from a first position to a second position to form a sealed joint between two adjacent housing components. The sealed joint can prevent moisture and debris from entering the housing of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Crowley, Maegan K. Spencer