Patents by Inventor Paul J. Thompson
Paul J. Thompson 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: 11159047Abstract: This application relates to a wireless charger with reduced heat generation during operation. The wireless charger includes a connector, a charging assembly and a cable connecting the connector and the charging assembly. A converter component has been moved away from the charging assembly, where an electronic device is placed for charging, to the connector. In some embodiments, one or more electromagnetic shielding components protect the components of the wireless charger.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Christopher S. Graham, Aaron A. Oro, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20210099028Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Thompson, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly
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Publication number: 20210099030Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Walton, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20210099027Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20210099031Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson, Joshua A. Mendoza
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Publication number: 20210035708Abstract: A cable can include a cable core surrounded by an outer sleeve having a uniform thickness and further having a first longitudinal section having a first stiffness (e.g., corresponding to a flexible cable), a second longitudinal section having a second stiffness (e.g., corresponding to a rigid cable), and a third longitudinal section between the first and second longitudinal sections, where the second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness and where a stiffness of the third longitudinal section varies between the first stiffness and the second stiffness. The second longitudinal section can provide strain relief for the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Aaron A. Oro, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Paul J. Thompson, Joseph I. Briskey
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Publication number: 20210036557Abstract: This application relates to a wireless charger with reduced heat generation during operation. The wireless charger includes a connector, a charging assembly and a cable connecting the connector and the charging assembly. A converter component has been moved away from the charging assembly, where an electronic device is placed for charging, to the connector. In some embodiments, one or more electromagnetic shielding components protect the components of the wireless charger.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Christopher S. Graham, Aaron A. Oro, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20200337162Abstract: A mounting base for use with a wirelessly locatable tag may include a base portion defining a latching member configured to engage a wirelessly locatable tag to releasably retain the wirelessly locatable tag to the mounting base, a contact block attached to the base portion and configured to be positioned at least partially within a battery cavity of the wirelessly locatable tag, the contact block defining a top side and a peripheral side. The mounting base may further include a first conductive member positioned along the peripheral side of the contact block and configured to contact a first battery contact in the battery cavity of the wirelessly locatable tag, a second conductive member outwardly biased from the top side of the contact block, the second conductive member configured to contact a second battery contact in the battery cavity of the tag, and a power cable coupled to the base portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 10714951Abstract: Embodiments describe a wireless charging device including: a housing having a charging surface and first and second walls that define an interior cavity; a transmitter coil arrangement disposed within the interior cavity, an interconnection structure positioned within the interior cavity below the transmitter coil arrangement, the interconnection structure including a plurality of packaged electrical components mounted on the interconnection structure and configured to operate the plurality of transmitter coils during wireless power transfer, where the plurality of packaged electrical components is located below the transmitter coil arrangement; and a frame comprising a plurality of openings positioned corresponding to the plurality of packaged electrical components, each opening providing space within which a respective packaged electrical device is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Darshan R. Kasar, Paul J. Thompson, Eric S. Jol, Grant S. Haug, Karl Ruben F. Larsson
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Patent number: 10699842Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic device includes an electronic component that is at least partially encapsulated by an adhesive doped with soft magnetic material that functions as an EMI shield for the electronic component. In various embodiments, an electronic device includes a first magnetic component separated from a second magnetic component by a gap within which is positioned an adhesive doped with soft magnetic material. The doped adhesive is positioned in a magnetic path between the first and second magnetic components and aids in magnetically coupling the first and second magnetic components and/or guides magnetic flux between the first and second magnetic components.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2015Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Karl Ruben K. Larsson, Paul J. Thompson, Eric S. Jol, John S. Mosy, Albert J. Golko, Stephen E. Yao, Makiko K. Brzezinski
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Publication number: 20200091755Abstract: An inductive charging dock is disclosed that includes a charging dock housing defining an interior volume. The inductive charging dock housing is configured to support a portable electronic device during a wireless charging operation and includes a radio frequency (RF) transparent window. An induction coil is disposed within the interior volume and configured to generate a magnetic flux that exits the charging dock housing through the RF transparent window.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Karl Ruben Fredrik Larsson, Paul J. Thompson, Christopher S. Graham
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Publication number: 20200014236Abstract: A charging assembly for wireless power transfer. In embodiments, the charging assembly comprises a housing, a cap structure, a ferrimagnetic sleeve, an inductive coil, a magnet, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and a four-pin connector extending from a bottom surface of the PCBA. A ridge of the cap structure can be coupled to a lip of the housing. The housing can include a bottom housing surface having an aperture, and a sidewall extending between the bottom housing surface and the lip that extends outward from the sidewall along a perimeter of the housing parallel to the bottom housing surface. The four-pin connector can extend through the aperture of the housing. Some embodiments are directed to a charging device that incorporates the charging assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Paul J. Thompson
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Publication number: 20200000616Abstract: Several gastrointestinal surgery procedures are effective as treatments for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Minimally invasive procedures including intra-luminal gastrointestinal implants have been proposed to mimic the anatomical, physiological and metabolic changes achieved by these procedures. Many of these designs include long sleeve like elements that prevent contact of food with the walls of the small intestine. It is desirable to have simple delivery systems that can place these implants under endoscopic guidance. However, in order to anchor these sleeve elements safely and reliably, the inventors have previously disclosed anchoring means that anchor the sleeves at the junctions of the stomach and the intestine or the stomach and esophagus.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: Kedar R. Belhe, Paul J. Thompson, Alexander D. Grafov, Werner Schwarz
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Patent number: 10447084Abstract: A wireless charging mat has a surface area for receiving an electronic device to be charged. The surface area of the charging mat includes an inner region having a rough surface texture and an outer region having s smooth surface texture, and the outer region is elevated relative to the inner region.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Eric S. Jol, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 10447079Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for improved efficiency of power transfer across an inductive charging interface by selectively activating, deactivating, or modifying one or more of a plurality of transmit coils associated with an inductive power transmitter are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Daniel C. Wagman, Eric S. Jol, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 10424962Abstract: A charging assembly for wireless power transfer. In embodiments, the charging assembly comprises a housing, a cap structure, a ferrimagnetic sleeve, an inductive coil, a magnet, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and a four-pin connector extending from a bottom surface of the PCBA. A ridge of the cap structure can be coupled to a lip of the housing. The housing can include a bottom housing surface having an aperture, and a sidewall extending between the bottom housing surface and the lip that extends outward from the sidewall along a perimeter of the housing parallel to the bottom housing surface. The four-pin connector can extend through the aperture of the housing. Some embodiments are directed to a charging device that incorporates the charging assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Paul J. Thompson
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Patent number: 10340711Abstract: Embodiments describe a wireless charging device including: a housing having a planar charging surface and one or more walls that define an interior cavity; a transmitter coil arrangement positioned within the interior cavity; and a faraday cage enclosing the transmitter coil arrangement. The faraday cage includes: an electromagnetic shield positioned between the transmitter coil arrangement and the first shell; an interconnection structure positioned within the interior cavity below the transmitter coil arrangement, the interconnection structure including a plurality of packaged electrical components mounted on the interconnection structure; a ferromagnetic shield positioned between the transmitter coil arrangement and the interconnection structure; and a conductive grounding fence disposed around a perimeter of the interconnection structure and between the electromagnetic shield and the interconnection structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Darshan R. Kasar, Paul J. Thompson, Eric S. Jol, Grant S. Haug, Karl Ruben F. Larsson
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Patent number: 10322021Abstract: Several gastrointestinal surgery procedures are effective as treatments for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Minimally invasive procedures including intra-luminal gastrointestinal implants have been proposed to mimic the anatomical, physiological and metabolic changes achieved by these procedures. Many of these designs include long sleeve like elements that prevent contact of food with the walls of the small intestine. It is desirable to have simple delivery systems that can place these implants under endoscopic guidance. However, in order to anchor these sleeve elements safely and reliably, the inventors have previously disclosed anchoring means that anchor the sleeves at the junctions of the stomach and the intestine or the stomach and esophagus.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: METAMODIX, INC.Inventors: Kedar R. Belhe, Paul J. Thompson, Alexander D. Grafov, Werner Schwarz
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Patent number: 10320230Abstract: A thermal management system for an electromagnetic induction-power transfer system. The system may include a charging apparatus including a housing that defines an interface surface. An accessory or induction-power consuming apparatus may be positioned proximate to the interface surface. The housing of the charging apparatus may include a power source and a power-transferring coil coupled to the power source and positioned below the interface surface. A thermal mass may be positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the interface surface. The housing may include a thermal path that is configured to conduct heat from the interface surface to the thermal mass.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Albert J. Golko, Eric S. Jol, Christopher S. Graham, Paul J. Thompson, Jeffrey M. Alves, Stephen E. Yao, Makiko K. Brzezinski, Todd K. Moyer, Daniel Wagman, Micah Lewis-Kraus
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Patent number: 10277043Abstract: Embodiments describe a wireless charging device including a housing having a charging surface and first and second walls defining an interior cavity, and a transmitter coil arrangement disposed within the interior cavity and configured to generate a time-varying magnetic flux and an electric field during wireless power transfer, where each of the plurality of transmitter coils has a central axis positioned a lateral distance away from the central axes of all other transmitter coils of the plurality of transmitter coils.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Darshan R. Kasar, Paul J. Thompson, Eric S. Jol, Grant S. Haug, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Stefan A. Kowalski