Abstract: An integrated system of sensors that can be used to detect a direction of an externally applied magnetic field is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system can be incorporated into a compact package that can be used within an electronic device. A processor can use signals provided by the sensor system to provide an indication of the direction of the externally applied magnetic field. In one embodiment, the sensors can take the form of analog sensors such as Hall Effect sensors configured in such a way that the direction of the externally applied magnetic field can be deduced based in part upon detection signals provided by the Hall Effect sensors. In one embodiment, the Hall Effect sensors can be stacked one atop the other in such a way that relative signal strength of the detection signals from the sensors can indicate the direction of the externally applied magnetic field.

Abstract: An accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a lip that extends about an opening of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the lip is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein. The rear cover can include a shell formed from glass fiber reinforced plastics and a lip formed from a thermoplastic. The front flap may include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap hingedly couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations. Methods of manufacturing the accessory unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: An accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a lip that extends about an opening of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the lip is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein. The rear cover can include a shell formed from glass fiber reinforced plastics and a lip formed from a thermoplastic. The front flap may include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap hingedly couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations. Methods of manufacturing the accessory unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: An accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a lip that extends about an opening of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the lip is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein. The rear cover can include a shell formed from glass fiber reinforced plastics and a lip formed from a thermoplastic. The front flap may include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap hingedly couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations. Methods of manufacturing the accessory unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A balanced magnetic string and methods for forming same are described. The balanced magnetic string includes at least a plurality of magnetic elements linearly arranged in an alternating magnetic polarity pattern and each comprising a first magnetic volume and a compensating magnetic element having a second magnetic volume that is different than the first magnetic volume. The plurality of magnetic elements and the compensating magnetic element magnetically interact to provide a resultant magnetic field having a desired magnetic field strength at a point of interest.

Abstract: An accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a frame that extends about an opening of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the frame is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein. For example, the frame may define a multi-sided cross-section with an inner edge thereof configured to engage a chamfered edge of the consumer electronic device. The front flap may include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap hingedly couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations.

Abstract: An accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a frame that extends about an opening of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the frame is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein. For example, the frame may define a multi-sided cross-section with an inner edge thereof configured to engage a chamfered edge of the consumer electronic device. The front flap may include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap hingedly couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations.

Abstract: A balanced magnetic string and methods for forming same are described. The balanced magnetic string includes at least a plurality of magnetic elements linearly arranged in an alternating magnetic polarity pattern and each comprising a first magnetic volume and a compensating magnetic element having a second magnetic volume that is different than the first magnetic volume. The plurality of magnetic elements and the compensating magnetic element magnetically interact to provide a resultant magnetic field having a desired magnetic field strength at a point of interest.

Abstract: An accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a lip that extends about an opening of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the lip is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein. The rear cover can include a shell formed from glass fiber reinforced plastics and a lip formed from a thermoplastic. The front flap may include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap hingedly couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations. Methods of manufacturing the accessory unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated system of sensors that can be used to detect a direction of an externally applied magnetic field is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system can be incorporated into a compact package that can be used within an electronic device. A processor can use signals provided by the sensor system to provide an indication of the direction of the externally applied magnetic field. In one embodiment, the sensors can take the form of analog sensors such as Hall Effect sensors configured in such a way that the direction of the externally applied magnetic field can be deduced based in part upon detection signals provided by the Hall Effect sensors. In one embodiment, the Hall Effect sensors can be stacked one atop the other in such a way that relative signal strength of the detection signals from the sensors can indicate the direction of the externally applied magnetic field.

Abstract: An accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a frame that extends about an opening of the chamber. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the frame is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein. For example, the frame may define a multi-sided cross-section with an inner edge thereof configured to engage a chamfered edge of the consumer electronic device. The front flap may include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap hingedly couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations.