Abstract: A headset can include a cable structure connecting non-cable components such as jacks and headphones. The cable structure can include several legs connected at a bifurcation. An extrusion process can be used to manufacture legs of a multi-segment cable structure. As material is processed by an extruder, one or more system factors of the extruder can be dynamically adjusted to change a diameter of the resulting leg (e.g., to provide a smooth leg having a changing size). Once the leg is extruded, portions of the leg can be reformed to create undercuts used to connect the legs at a bifurcation region. In some cases, an extrusion process can be used to construct a jointly formed multi-leg cable structure having an integral bifurcation region and split.

Abstract: A protective film configured to protect a substrate such as a glass panel for a display is provided. The protective film may include a discontinuous outer layer including a multitude of panels and gaps positioned therebetween. Further, the protective film may include a flexible layer positioned between the discontinuous outer layer and the substrate. When panels of the discontinuous outer layer are impacted by a foreign object, the force may be transferred to the flexible layer, rather than propagating through the outer layer. In this regard, the gaps between the panels of the discontinuous outer layer may prevent the formation of cracks that may otherwise occur. Related assemblies and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Molded splitter structures and systems and methods for manufacturing molded splitter structures are disclosed.

Abstract: Molded splitter structures and systems and methods for manufacturing molded splitter structures are disclosed.

Abstract: A mold assembly or system includes a moldbase that holds mold inserts and has embedded fluid lines to facilitate cooling during part formation. Mold inserts combine to form mold cavities that receive carbon fiber and resin components to form a carbon composite based part. A permanent release coating along a mold component surface that contacts the carbon fiber and resin components facilitates the release of the finished part from the mold component. Guide pins and guide pin receiving holes facilitate accurate alignment of mold components. Ejector pins within respective ejector pin shafts help eject a finished part from a respective mold component. An ejector pin shaft cover transfers force from an ejector pin to eject a finished part and also prevents substantial passage of resin into the ejector pin shaft. A fluid actuated ejection system provides fluid based mechanical forces to the ejector pins to facilitate finished part ejection.

Abstract: A packaging film including one or more layers of biaxially oriented polypropylene film and an antiblocking agent. The type and amount of antiblocking agent can be tailored such that the film does not visibly scratch an item in contact with the film during normal distribution and handling. For example, the film can be tailored to reduce or eliminate scratches on a polycarbonate polymer surface. In some embodiments, the film is clear and transparent and has a crinkly texture. One or both sides of the film can also be heat sealable. Additional additives or surface treatments can be used to achieve desired effects.

Abstract: A method for forming a relatively transparent fiber composite is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively transparent fiber composite can include glass fibers with a relatively low amount of iron oxide. In another embodiment, the transparent fiber composite can include a selected resin, a sizing and glass fibers where the index of refraction of the glass fibers, the sizing and the resin can be similar, within a tolerance amount. In yet another embodiment, the resin can be relatively clear and free from pigments and tints. In one embodiment, the glass fibers can be formed into a mat. In another embodiment, glass fibers can be chopped or milled and a relatively transparent part can be formed through injection molding.

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.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. The markings provided on products can be textual and/or graphic. The techniques or processes can provide high resolution markings on surfaces that are flat or curved. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, the housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface. The markings can be formed using a ultra-violet (UV) curable material that can be selectively cured on a surface (e.g., housing surface) in places where markings, namely text and/or graphics, are to be provided.

Abstract: Anodized electroplated aluminum structures and methods for making the same are disclosed. Cosmetic structures according to embodiments of the invention are provided by electroplating a non-cosmetic structure with aluminum and then anodizing the electroplated aluminum. This produces cosmetic structures that may possess desired structural and cosmetic properties and that may be suitable for use as housing or support members of electronic devices.

Abstract: A mold assembly or system includes a moldbase that holds mold inserts and has embedded fluid lines to facilitate cooling during part formation. Mold inserts combine to form mold cavities that receive carbon fiber and resin components to form a carbon composite based part. A permanent release coating along a mold component surface that contacts the carbon fiber and resin components facilitates the release of the finished part from the mold component. Guide pins and guide pin receiving holes facilitate accurate alignment of mold components. Ejector pins within respective ejector pin shafts help eject a finished part from a respective mold component. An ejector pin shaft cover transfers force from an ejector pin to eject a finished part and also prevents substantial passage of resin into the ejector pin shaft. A fluid actuated ejection system provides fluid based mechanical forces to the ejector pins to facilitate finished part ejection.

Abstract: A mold assembly or system includes a moldbase that holds mold inserts and has embedded fluid lines to facilitate cooling during part formation. Mold inserts combine to form mold cavities that receive carbon fiber and resin components to form a carbon composite based part. A permanent release coating along a mold component surface that contacts the carbon fiber and resin components facilitates the release of the finished part from the mold component. Guide pins and guide pin receiving holes facilitate accurate alignment of mold components. Ejector pins within respective ejector pin shafts help eject a finished part from a respective mold component. An ejector pin shaft cover transfers force from an ejector pin to eject a finished part and also prevents substantial passage of resin into the ejector pin shaft. A fluid actuated ejection system provides fluid based mechanical forces to the ejector pins to facilitate finished part ejection.

Abstract: Materials, apparatus and methods of forming structural components for consumer electronics devices are described. In one embodiment, ceramic fibers, such as alumina, are mixed with a thermoplastic, such as nylon, to form a composite material usable in an injection molding process. The volume percent of ceramic fibers used with the thermoplastic can be selected to improve the strength properties of the composite material. Pigments can be added to the composite material to affect its aesthetic appeal. In one embodiment, the composite material including the ceramic fibers can be used to form frame components usable in a consumer electronic device. The frame components can be load bearing structures that are externally visible or used within the interior of the device.

Abstract: Compression molded cable structures and systems and methods for manufacturing molded cable structures are disclosed.

Abstract: Compression molded cable structures and systems and methods for manufacturing molded cable structures are disclosed.

Abstract: Molded splitter structures and systems and methods for manufacturing molded splitter structures are disclosed.

Abstract: A headset can include a cable structure connecting non-cable components such as jacks and headphones. The cable structure can include several legs connected at a bifurcation. An extrusion process can be used to manufacture legs of a multi-segment cable structure. As material is processed by an extruder, one or more system factors of the extruder can be dynamically adjusted to change a diameter of the resulting leg (e.g., to provide a smooth leg having a changing size). Once the leg is extruded, portions of the leg can be reformed to create undercuts used to connect the legs at a bifurcation region. In some cases, an extrusion process can be used to construct a jointly formed multi-leg cable structure having an integral bifurcation region and split.

Abstract: A mold assembly or system includes a moldbase that holds mold inserts and has embedded fluid lines to facilitate cooling during part formation. Mold inserts combine to form mold cavities that receive carbon fiber and resin components to form a carbon composite based part. A permanent release coating along a mold component surface that contacts the carbon fiber and resin components facilitates the release of the finished part from the mold component. Guide pins and guide pin receiving holes facilitate accurate alignment of mold components. Ejector pins within respective ejector pin shafts help eject a finished part from a respective mold component. An ejector pin shaft cover transfers force from an ejector pin to eject a finished part and also prevents substantial passage of resin into the ejector pin shaft. A fluid actuated ejection system provides fluid based mechanical forces to the ejector pins to facilitate finished part ejection.

Abstract: A method of providing a protective barrier between a plastic casing and a rubber layer molded over the plastic casing. The protective barrier is applied to the plastic casing and then the rubber layer molded onto the plastic casing over the protective barrier. The protective barrier prevents the rubber layer from reacting with the underlying plastic casing. In one embodiment, the plastic casing comprises a polycarbonate resin and the protective barrier comprises a polyurethane coating.