Patents by Inventor Phillip M. Hobson
Phillip M. Hobson 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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Publication number: 20120046780Abstract: A microphone assembly for an electronic device is described. The microphone assembly can include a microphone, a microphone boot and a printed circuit board. The microphone boot can be a composite microphone boot that is formed from multiple materials. A hardness of the each of the materials used in the microphone boot can be selected to improve sealing integrity and reduce shock transmission. In one embodiment, the composite microphone boot can be formed using a double-shot injection molding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Phillip M. Hobson, Adam Mittleman, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky
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Publication number: 20120044636Abstract: A memory unit for a computing device is described. The memory device can include a number of memory chips, such as flash nand chips, linked together via a flexible circuit connector. During installation of the memory device, portions of the flexible circuit connector can be bent or folded in different locations to allow an orientation of the memory chips to be changed relative to one another. In one embodiment, a memory device with a number of chips can be provided in a flat configuration and then can be folded to allow the chips to be installed in a stacked configuration. In another embodiment, the flexible circuit connector can be grounded to other conductive components to allow the flexible circuit connector to be used as part of a faraday cage surrounding the memory chips.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Phillip M. Hobson, Adam Mittleman, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky
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Publication number: 20120044635Abstract: A thin portable electronic device with a display is described. The components of the electronic device can be arranged in stacked layers within an external housing where each of the stacked layers is located at a different height relative to the thickness of the device. One of the stacked layers can be internal metal frame. The internal metal frame can be configured to act as a heat spreader for heat generating components located in layers adjacent to the internal frame. Further, the internal metal frame can be configured to add to the overall structural stiffness of the device. In addition, the internal metal frame can be configured to provide attachment points for device components, such as the display, so that the device components can be coupled to the external housing via the internal metal frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Phillip M. Hobson, Adam Mittleman, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky
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Publication number: 20120044123Abstract: A modular material antenna assembly is provided that includes an antenna block having a portion with a shape that interlocks with a corresponding portion of an electrically non-conductive frame and secures the antenna block to the electrically non-conductive frame. The electrically non-conductive frame is attached to an interior of an electrically conductive housing so that the electrically non-conductive frame and the electrically conductive housing form an integrated structure. An antenna flex is then mechanically secured to the antenna block. The antenna flex may also be electrically connected to a circuit board. The frame is designed to support a cover glass for the portable electronic device and may be affixed to a housing. The dielectric constant of the antenna block is substantially less than the dielectric constant of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Fletcher R. ROTHKOPF, Phillip M. HOBSON, Adam MITTLEMAN, Anna-Katrina SHEDLETSKY
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Publication number: 20120044637Abstract: Methods for forming PCBs that can be used in a portable computing device are described. The PCBs can be installed in the portable computing device in a bent configuration. In a particular embodiment, a contiguously formed PCB can be shaped with two large regions connected a thin connector portion. The thin connector portion can connect components one each of the two large regions and can be used in lieu of a flex connector. In one embodiment, the PCB can be formed from multiple layers including trace and substrate layers. The trace and substrate layer can be adjusted to affect the stiffness of the PCB in various regions, such as to allow the PCB to hold a bent configuration after a bending moment is applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Phillip M. Hobson, Adam Mittleman, Anna-Katrina Shedletsky
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Patent number: 8068336Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Wim Crooijmans, Richard P. Howarth, Phillip M. Hobson
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Publication number: 20110242747Abstract: An integrated switch assembly is described, the integrated switch assembly including at least an actuator and a flexible membrane mechanically coupled to the actuator, the flexible membrane formed of a resilient, electrically conductive material. In the described embodiment, the flexible membrane is held at a first electrical potential. The integrated switch assembly also includes at least an electrical contact at a second electrical potential connected to an electrical circuit. The integrated switch assembly is engaged when the actuator applies a mechanical force to the flexible membrane causing the flexible membrane to deflect to a point of contact with the electrical contact causing the electrical potential of the electrical contact to change from the second potential to the first potential. The electrical circuit detects the change in potential of the electrical contact as a signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Stephen Brian Lynch
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Publication number: 20110188225Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided. Each device may be formed from two parts. A first part may be provided with components such as a display, a touch screen, a cover glass, and a frame. A second part may be provided with a plastic housing, circuit boards containing electrical components, and a bezel. Engagement members may be connected to the first and second parts. The engagement members may be formed from metal clips with holes and springs with flexible spring prongs that mate with the holes in the clips. The metal clips may be welded to frame struts on the frame and the springs may be welded to the bezel. During assembly, the first part may be rotated into place within the second part. Retention clips attached to the frame may be used to secure the two parts together. Assembly instructions and associated connector numbers may be provided within the devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Erik L. Wang, Phillip M. Hobson, Kenneth A. Jenks, Adam D. Mittleman
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Publication number: 20110109516Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Stephen P. Zadesky, Erik L. Wang, Tang Yew Tan, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Adam D. Mittleman, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub
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Patent number: 7933117Abstract: A docking station is disclosed. The docking station has an adjustable opening that accommodates portable electronic devices with differing sizes and shapes. The opening is capable of expanding to accommodate larger devices and retracting to accommodate smaller devices while still supporting the portable electronic device in its proper position within the docking station.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Howarth, Phillip M. Hobson, Wim Crooijmans
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Patent number: 7933123Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided. Each device may be formed from two parts. A first part may be provided with components such as a display, a touch screen, a cover glass, and a frame. A second part may be provided with a plastic housing, circuit boards containing electrical components, and a bezel. Engagement members may be connected to the first and second parts. The engagement members may be formed from metal clips with holes and springs with flexible spring prongs that mate with the holes in the clips. The metal clips may be welded to frame struts on the frame and the springs may be welded to the bezel. During assembly, the first part may be rotated into place within the second part. Retention clips attached to the frame may be used to secure the two parts together. Assembly instructions and associated connector numbers may be provided within the devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Erik L. Wang, Phillip M. Hobson, Kenneth A. Jenks, Adam D. Mittleman
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Publication number: 20110051360Abstract: A handheld computing device is disclosed. The handheld computing device includes a seamless housing formed from an extruded tube. The extruded tube includes open ends and internal rails which serve as a guide for slidably assembling an operational assembly through the open ends of the extruded tube, a reference surface for positioning the operational assembly relative to an access opening in the seamless housing, and a support structure for supporting the operational assembly during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Teodor Dabov, Phillip M. Hobson, Anthony Montevirgen
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Patent number: 7889139Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman
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Patent number: 7876274Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. The conductive elements may form an antenna ground plane. One or more antennas for the handheld electronic device may be formed from the ground plane and one or more associated antenna resonating elements. Transceiver circuitry may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. Ferrules may be crimped to the coaxial cables. A bracket with extending members may be crimped over the ferrules to ground the coaxial cables to the housing and other conductive elements in the ground plane. The ground plane may contain an antenna slot. A dock connector and flex circuit may overlap the slot in a way that does not affect the resonant frequency of the slot. Electrical components may be isolated from the antenna using isolation elements such as inductors and resistors.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Stephen P. Zadesky, Erik L. Wang, Tang Yew Tan, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Adam D. Mittleman, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub
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Publication number: 20100188808Abstract: A docking station is disclosed. The docking station has an adjustable opening that accommodates portable electronic devices with differing sizes and shapes. The opening is capable of expanding to accommodate larger devices and retracting to accommodate smaller devices while still supporting the portable electronic device in its proper position within the docking station.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Howarth, Phillip M. Hobson, Wim Crooijmans
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Patent number: 7719830Abstract: A docking station is disclosed. The docking station has an adjustable opening that accommodates portable electronic devices with differing sizes and shapes. The opening is capable of expanding to accommodate larger devices and retracting to accommodate smaller devices while still supporting the portable electronic device in its proper position within the docking station.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Howarth, Phillip M. Hobson, Wim Crooijmans
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Publication number: 20100117841Abstract: An electronic device having an enclosure is disclosed. The electronic device includes a hole disposed at least partially through the enclosure. The electronic device also includes a detector configured to provide at least one visual indication after being immersed in water. The detector may include a moisture-indicating portion and a light-permitting moisture-proof membrane. The detector may be disposed inside at least one of the enclosure and the hole such that at least a portion of the detector is visible through the hole from outside of the enclosure without dismantling or opening the electronic device. The distance between the light-permitting moisture-proof membrane and an opening of the hole in the enclosure may be less than the distance between the moisture-indicating portion and the opening of the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Emery Sanford, Stephen P. Zadesky, Phillip M. Hobson, M. Evans Hankey, Stephen Brian Lynch, Tang Yew Tan, Erik L. Wang
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Publication number: 20100118485Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Wim Crooijmans, Richard P. Howarth, Phillip M. Hobson
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Patent number: 7675746Abstract: A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Wim Crooijmans, Richard P. Howarth, Phillip M. Hobson
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Publication number: 20090257207Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided. Each device may be formed from two parts. A first part may be provided with components such as a display, a touch screen, a cover glass, and a frame. A second part may be provided with a plastic housing, circuit boards containing electrical components, and a bezel. Engagement members may be connected to the first and second parts. The engagement members may be formed from metal clips with holes and springs with flexible spring prongs that mate with the holes in the clips. The metal clips may be welded to frame struts on the frame and the springs may be welded to the bezel. During assembly, the first part may be rotated into place within the second part. Retention clips attached to the frame may be used to secure the two parts together. Assembly instructions and associated connector numbers may be provided within the devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventors: Erik L. Wang, Phillip M. Hobson, Kenneth A. Jenks, Adam D. Mittleman