Patents by Inventor Ron Hopkinson

Ron Hopkinson 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).

  • Publication number: 20220326777
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11366523
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 11360631
    Abstract: A configurable, force-sensitive input structure for an electronic device is disclosed. The input structure has a metal contact layer, a sense layer positioned below the metal contact layer, and a drive layer capacitively coupled to the sense layer. The input structure may also have a compliant layer positioned between and coupled to the sense layer and the drive layer, a rigid base layer positioned below the drive layer, and a set of supports positioned between the metal contact layer and the rigid base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Morrell, Ron A. Hopkinson, Peter M. Arnold, Mikael M. Silvanto, William F. Leggett
  • Patent number: 11275920
    Abstract: An elongated biometric device provides a slim solution for capturing biometric data, and may be placed on a portion of an electronic device having limited space, such as a side of the electronic device. The elongated biometric device may include a force sensor, which may be positioned within a housing of the electronic device and actuated through posts extending from the elongated biometric device through the housing to transfer an applied force to the force sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Sargent, Dale Setlak, Giovanni Gozzini, John Raff, Michael B Wittenberg, Richard H. Koch, Ron A. Hopkinson
  • Publication number: 20220012451
    Abstract: An elongated biometric device provides a slim solution for capturing biometric data, and may be placed on a portion of an electronic device having limited space, such as a side of the electronic device. The elongated biometric device may include a force sensor, which may be positioned within a housing of the electronic device and actuated through posts extending from the elongated biometric device through the housing to transfer an applied force to the force sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel B. Sargent, Dale Setlak, Giovanni Gozzini, John Raff, Michael B. Wittenberg, Richard H. Koch, Ron A. Hopkinson
  • Publication number: 20210373597
    Abstract: A top case assembly for a portable computer is disclosed. The assembly may include an integral unified (e.g., homogenous) top case formed from a single part. The integral top case provides an enclosure, frame and cosmetic exterior of the portable computer. The integral top case also serves as the primary structure of the portable computer. The assembly may include a variety of subassemblies such as keyboards, touchpads, circuit boards, and drives that are carried by the underside of the integral top case. The integral top case may be formed from aluminum slab that has been machined to form walls, openings, attachment areas and cosmetic areas of the top case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew Theobald, Jonathan P. Ive, Bartley K. Andre, Christopher Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, John Raff, Ron Hopkinson, John Brock, Chris Ligtenberg, Michelle Rae Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11112825
    Abstract: A top case assembly for a portable computer is disclosed. The assembly may include an integral unified (e.g., homogenous) top case formed from a single part. The integral top case provides an enclosure, frame and cosmetic exterior of the portable computer. The integral top case also serves as the primary structure of the portable computer. The assembly may include a variety of subassemblies such as keyboards, touchpads, circuit boards, and drives that are carried by the underside of the integral top case. The integral top case may be formed from aluminum slab that has been machined to form walls, openings, attachment areas and cosmetic areas of the top case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Theobald, Jonathan P. Ive, Bartley K. Andre, Christopher Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, John Raff, Ron Hopkinson, John Brock, Chris Ligtenberg, Michelle Rae Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11099649
    Abstract: A device includes a display portion that includes a display housing and a display within the display housing. The device also includes a base portion flexibly coupled to the display portion and comprising a glass member defining a keyboard region configured to receive user input, a first haptic actuator configured to produce a first haptic output at a first area of the keyboard region, and a second haptic actuator configured to produce a second haptic output at a second area of the keyboard region that is different from the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20210200385
    Abstract: A configurable, force-sensitive input structure for an electronic device is disclosed. The input structure has a metal contact layer, a sense layer positioned below the metal contact layer, and a drive layer capacitively coupled to the sense layer. The input structure may also have a compliant layer positioned between and coupled to the sense layer and the drive layer, a rigid base layer positioned below the drive layer, and a set of supports positioned between the metal contact layer and the rigid base layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: John B. Morrell, Ron A. Hopkinson, Peter M. Arnold, Mikael M. Silvanto, William F. Leggett
  • Patent number: 10983650
    Abstract: A dynamic input surface for an electronic device and a method of reconfiguring the same is disclosed. The input surface has a partially-flexible metal contact portion defining an input area, and a group of indicators. The indicators may be group of holes extending through the contact portion. The group of holes may be selectively illuminated based on a gesture performed on the contact portion. A size of the input area may be dynamically varied based on the gesture. Additionally, the group of indicators indicates a boundary of the input area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Daniel D. Sunshine, Ron A. Hopkinson, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, William F. Leggett, Patrick Kessler
  • Patent number: 10963117
    Abstract: A configurable, force-sensitive input structure for an electronic device is disclosed. The input structure has a metal contact layer, a sense layer positioned below the metal contact layer, and a drive layer capacitively coupled to the sense layer. The input structure may also have a compliant layer positioned between and coupled to the sense layer and the drive layer, a rigid base layer positioned below the drive layer, and a set of supports positioned between the metal contact layer and the rigid base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Morrell, Ron A. Hopkinson, Peter M. Arnold, Mikael M. Silvanto, William F. Leggett
  • Patent number: 10948953
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to a component for use in a portable electronic device. The component includes a wall of the portable electronic device, containing an intake zone that includes a set of intake vents. The wall also includes an exhaust zone containing a set of exhaust vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bartley K. Andre, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Jay S. Nigen, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Charles A. Schwalbach, Matthew P. Casebolt, Nicholas A. Rundle, Frank F. Liang
  • Patent number: 10871828
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display, a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a glass top case. The glass top case defines an exterior surface and a keyboard opening through the glass top case from the exterior surface to an interior surface. The portable computer further includes a keyboard positioned at least partially within the keyboard opening and comprising a substrate, a key configured to move relative to the substrate, and a fabric cover disposed over the key and defining a user interface surface of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
  • Patent number: 10795451
    Abstract: A configurable, force-sensitive input structure for an electronic device is disclosed. The input structure has a metal contact layer, a sense layer positioned below the metal contact layer, and a drive layer capacitively coupled to the sense layer. The input structure may also have a compliant layer positioned between and coupled to the sense layer and the drive layer, a rigid base layer positioned below the drive layer, and a set of supports positioned between the metal contact layer and the rigid base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Morrell, Ron A. Hopkinson, Peter M. Arnold, Mikael M. Silvanto, William F. Leggett
  • Publication number: 20200278747
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display and a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion. The base portion may include a bottom case and a top case, formed from a dielectric material, coupled to the bottom case. The top case may include a top member defining a top surface of the base portion and a sidewall integrally formed with the top member and defining a side surface of the base portion. The portable computer may also include a sensing system including a first sensing system configured to determine a location of a touch input applied to the top surface of the base portion and a second sensing system configured to determine a force of the touch input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Ron A. Hopkinson, Asif Hussain, Dinesh C. Mathew, Mikael M. Silvanto, Chang Zhang, Zheng Gao, Robert Y. Cao, Keith J. Hendren, Bryan W. Posner, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque, Alex J. Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20200257375
    Abstract: A dynamic input surface for an electronic device and a method of reconfiguring the same is disclosed. The input surface has a partially-flexible metal contact portion defining an input area, and a group of indicators. The indicators may be group of holes extending through the contact portion. The group of holes may be selectively illuminated based on a gesture performed on the contact portion. A size of the input area may be dynamically varied based on the gesture. Additionally, the group of indicators indicates a boundary of the input area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Daniel D. Sunshine, Ron A. Hopkinson, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, William F. Leggett, Patrick Kessler
  • Patent number: 10705638
    Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device may include a display, a processor in communication with the display and an enclosure connected to the display. The computing device may also include an input/output (I/O) device in communication with the processor. The I/O device may also be connected to the enclosure. Additionally, the I/O device may include a modifiable display that may substantially match the appearance of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Chris Ligtenberg, Euan S. Abraham, Jun Qi, Paul S. Drzaic, Po-Wen Chiu, Ron Hopkinson, Michelle Goldberg, Victor H. Yin, Bartley K. Andre, Mikael Silvanto, Erin Turullols
  • Publication number: 20200187381
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to a component for use in a portable electronic device. The component includes a wall of the portable electronic device, containing an intake zone that includes a set of intake vents. The wall also includes an exhaust zone containing a set of exhaust vents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bartley K. Andre, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Jay S. Nigen, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Ron A. Hopkinson, Charles A. Schwalbach, Matthew P. Casebolt, Nicholas A. Rundle, Frank F. Liang
  • Patent number: 10673035
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is described. This portable electronic device includes an external housing with a cavity defined by an edge. A keyboard, having a front surface and a back surface, is disposed in the cavity with the front surface facing the external housing. Moreover, a tray is disposed over the back surface of the keyboard, and is mechanically coupled to the external housing adjacent to the edge. Furthermore, battery cells are mechanically coupled to an opposite side of the tray from the back surface of the keyboard. The tray may allow the battery cells to be removed from the portable electronic device without damaging the keyboard. In addition, the tray may increase the compression strength and/or the bending strength of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ron A. Hopkinson, Brett W. Degner, Robert S. Murphy, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Matthew P. Casebolt, Peter M. Arnold, Eric A. Knopf
  • Patent number: 10656719
    Abstract: A dynamic input surface for an electronic device and a method of reconfiguring the same is disclosed. The input surface has a partially-flexible metal contact portion defining an input area, and a group of indicators. The indicators may be group of holes extending through the contact portion. The group of holes may be selectively illuminated based on a gesture performed on the contact portion. A size of the input area may be dynamically varied based on the gesture. Additionally, the group of indicators indicates a boundary of the input area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Daniel D. Sunshine, Ron A. Hopkinson, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, William F. Leggett, Patrick Kessler