Patents by Inventor Sean A. Backs

Sean A. Backs 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).

  • Patent number: 9279189
    Abstract: Manufacturing methods related to anodizing of metal parts are described. In particular, pre-anodizing and post-anodizing methods for forming a consistent and defect-free interface between metal and non-metal sections of a part are described. Methods involve preventing residues from various manufacturing processes from entering a gap or space at the interface between the metal and non-metal section of the part and that can disrupt subsequent anodizing and anodic film dyeing processes. In particular embodiments, methods involve forming a barrier layer or filler layer between the metal and non-metal sections. Portions of the barrier layer or filler layer can be removed prior to anodizing. The resultant part has a well-defined and uniform space between the metal and non-metal sections that is free from visual defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Masashige Tatebe, Shi Hua Zhang, Michael W. Barnstead, Richard M. Bretherton, Takahiro Oshima, Sean A. Backs, Duy P. Le, Andrew J. Meschke, Thomas Johannessen
  • Publication number: 20150315715
    Abstract: Manufacturing methods related to anodizing of metal parts are described. In particular, pre-anodizing and post-anodizing methods for forming a consistent and defect-free interface between metal and non-metal sections of a part are described. Methods involve preventing residues from various manufacturing processes from entering a gap or space at the interface between the metal and non-metal section of the part and that can disrupt subsequent anodizing and anodic film dyeing processes. In particular embodiments, methods involve forming a barrier layer or filler layer between the metal and non-metal sections. Portions of the barrier layer or filler layer can be removed prior to anodizing. The resultant part has a well-defined and uniform space between the metal and non-metal sections that is free from visual defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Masashige Tatebe, Shi Hua Zhang, Michael W. Barnstead, Richard M. Bretherton, Takahiro Oshima, Sean A. Backs, Duy P. Le, Andrew J. Meschke, Thomas Johannessen