Patents by Inventor Steven Webster

Steven Webster 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: 20180048796
    Abstract: A camera module includes a lens barrel holder and a substrate. The substrate may include a circuit board embedded in the substrate. The circuit board may include multiple electrical components mounted to a first side of the circuit board, where the electrical components are not exposed outside. The circuit board may also include multiple electrical connections on another side of the circuit board, an image sensor mounted to the electrical connections, and an upper opening in the circuit board for light to pass through. The substrate may include an upper opening configured to receive, at least partially inside the substrate, a lower portion of the lens barrel holder. The substrate may include a lower opening connected to the upper opening and configured to receive the image sensor. The lens barrel holder may include extensions, such as a flange or tabs, and an adhesive bond between the extensions and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ya Wen Hsu, Douglas S. Brodie, Steven Webster
  • Patent number: 9869881
    Abstract: Passive dampers (e.g., a viscoelastic material such as a silicon gel) may be applied at one or more locations within an actuator module along wires suspending a moving component (an optics assembly) from a fixed component (e.g., a base of an actuator module). The passive dampers act to passively dampen the motion of the optics assembly on the XY plane within the actuator module during optical image stabilization (OIS) of the optics assembly when subjected to external excitation or disturbance, and may also provide Z (optical) axis damping and impact protection. Process control and automation manufacturing and assembly methods for an OIS voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module including passive dampers are described, as well as design elements that provide for the integrity and reliability of the passive dampers over the life cycle of the actuator module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelien R. Hubert, Steven Webster, Douglas S. Brodie
  • Publication number: 20170351902
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a set of capacitive elements configured for capacitively coupling to a user fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed under a control button or display element of an electronic device, for example one or more of a control button and a display component. A responsive element is responsive to proximity of the user fingerprint, for example one or both of a first circuit responsive to motion of the control button, and a second circuit responsive to a coupling between the fingerprint and a surface of the display element. The fingerprint sensor is disposed closer to the fingerprint than the responsive element. The control button or display component may include an anisotropic dielectric material, for example sapphire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pope, Shawn Arnold, Barry J. Corlett, Terry L. Gilton, Syed Husaini, Steven Webster, Scott A. Myers, Matthew D. Hill, Benjamin B. Lyon
  • Patent number: 9735191
    Abstract: An image sensor package includes an image sensor, a window, and a molding, where the molding includes a lens holder extension portion extending upwards from the window. The lens holder extension portion includes a female threaded aperture extending from the window such that the window is exposed through the aperture. A lens is supported in a threaded lens support. The threaded lens support is threaded into the aperture of the lens holder extension portion. The lens is readily adjusted relative to the image sensor by rotating the lens support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Steven Webster
  • Publication number: 20170227785
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Y. Chan, Richard J. Topliss, Steven Webster
  • Patent number: 9632327
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Y. Chan, Richard J. Topliss, Steven Webster
  • Publication number: 20170109565
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a set of capacitive elements configured for capacitively coupling to a user fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed under a control button or display element of an electronic device, for example one or more of a control button and a display component. A responsive element is responsive to proximity of the user fingerprint, for example one or both of a first circuit responsive to motion of the control button, and a second circuit responsive to a coupling between the fingerprint and a surface of the display element. The fingerprint sensor is disposed closer to the fingerprint than the responsive element. The control button or display component may include an anisotropic dielectric material, for example sapphire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pope, Shawn Arnold, Barry J. Corlett, Terry L. Gilton, Syed Husaini, Steven Webster, Scott A. Myers, Matthew D. Hill, Benjamin B. Lyon
  • Patent number: 9576178
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a set of capacitive elements configured for capacitively coupling to a user fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed under a control button or display element of an electronic device, for example one or more of a control button and a display component. A responsive element is responsive to proximity of the user fingerprint, for example one or both of a first circuit responsive to motion of the control button, and a second circuit responsive to a coupling between the fingerprint and a surface of the display element. The fingerprint sensor is disposed closer to the fingerprint than the responsive element. The control button or display component may include an anisotropic dielectric material, for example sapphire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pope, Shawn Arnold, Barry J. Corlett, Terry L. Gilton, Syed Husaini, Steven Webster, Scott A. Myers, Matthew D. Hill, Benjamin B. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20170048472
    Abstract: A camera module assembly including a circuit carrier substrate having a first region integrally formed with a second region, the second region being movable with respect to the first region. The camera module assembly may further include an image sensor device positioned within a cavity formed in the first region of the circuit carrier substrate. The image sensor device may have a conductive via and a redistribution layer formed therein. The conductive via and the redistribution layer are electrically connected to the circuit carrier substrate along the side of the image sensor device facing the circuit carrier substrate. The camera module assembly further includes an electronic component positioned within a second cavity formed in the first region, the electronic component being electrically connected to the circuit carrier substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Annabelle Q. Yang, Steven Webster, Reynaldo Vincent H. Sta Agueda, Christopher Hunat
  • Publication number: 20160380015
    Abstract: An image sensor package includes an image sensor, a window, and a molding, where the molding includes a lens holder extension portion extending upwards from the window. The lens holder extension portion includes a female threaded aperture extending from the window such that the window is exposed through the aperture. A lens is supported in a threaded lens support. The threaded lens support is threaded into the aperture of the lens holder extension portion. The lens is readily adjusted relative to the image sensor by rotating the lens support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Webster
  • Patent number: 9506232
    Abstract: A toilet bowl lid actuated linkage toilet flushing system wherein a conventional toilet-flushing flapper is actuated by a drain pull chain controlled relative to the positioning of the toilet bowl lid to the toilet. The toilet bowl lid must be moved from an upward position to a downward position to flush the toilet, which a magnetic plastic ribbon actuator mechanism is provided for completion of the toilet flush even when the toilet bowl lid remains in the downward position. Movement of the lid actuates a magnetic flush pull of a plastic ribbon that is linked to a drain pull chain connected to the flapper. An alternate version of the toilet bowl lid actuated linkage toilet flushing system is compatible with flushometer toilets and enables an opening and closing of a valve controlling outflow of a pressurized water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Webster Terry
  • Patent number: 9465221
    Abstract: A digital camera component is described that has a light splitter cube having an entrance face to receive incident light from a camera scene. The cube splits the incident light into first, second, and third color components that emerge from the cube through a first face, a second face, and a third face of the cube, respectively. First, second, and third image sensors are provided, each being positioned to receive a respective one of the color components that emerge from the first, second, and third faces of the cube. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Webster, Ning Y. Chan
  • Publication number: 20160266400
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Y. Chan, Richard J. Topliss, Steven Webster
  • Publication number: 20160267313
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a set of capacitive elements configured for capacitively coupling to a user fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed under a control button or display element of an electronic device, for example one or more of a control button and a display component. A responsive element is responsive to proximity of the user fingerprint, for example one or both of a first circuit responsive to motion of the control button, and a second circuit responsive to a coupling between the fingerprint and a surface of the display element. The fingerprint sensor is disposed closer to the fingerprint than the responsive element. The control button or display component may include an anisotropic dielectric material, for example sapphire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pope, Shawn Arnold, Barry J. Corlett, Terry L. Gilton, Syed Husaini, Steven Webster, Scott A. Myers, Matthew D. Hill, Benjamin B. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20160193500
    Abstract: Raw motion data generated by sensors affixed to a user performing exercises or poses in response to perceiving content annotated with a motion track and presented to the user, the motion track generated using a posture dictionary is collected. The exercises or poses are determined from the raw motion data using the posture dictionary. Motion data indicating the exercises or poses within the raw motion data is generated using the raw motion data. The user is graded in performing the exercises or poses by comparing the motion data with the motion track. The content is presented to the user based on the grading of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicant: ASENSEI, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Webster, Ross Arnott, William Burgar
  • Patent number: 9332164
    Abstract: An image sensor package includes an image sensor, a window, and a molding, where the molding includes a lens holder extension portion extending upwards from the window. The lens holder extension portion includes a female threaded aperture extending from the window such that the window is exposed through the aperture. A lens is supported in a threaded lens support. The threaded lens support is threaded into the aperture of the lens holder extension portion. The lens is readily adjusted relative to the image sensor by rotating the lens support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Webster
  • Patent number: 9285566
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Y. Chan, Richard J. Topliss, Steven Webster
  • Publication number: 20160070114
    Abstract: Passive dampers (e.g., a viscoelastic material such as a silicon gel) may be applied at one or more locations within an actuator module along wires suspending a moving component (an optics assembly) from a fixed component (e.g., a base of an actuator module). The passive dampers act to passively dampen the motion of the optics assembly on the XY plane within the actuator module during optical image stabilization (OIS) of the optics assembly when subjected to external excitation or disturbance, and may also provide Z (optical) axis damping and impact protection. Process control and automation manufacturing and assembly methods for an OIS voice coil motor (VCM) actuator module including passive dampers are described, as well as design elements that provide for the integrity and reliability of the passive dampers over the life cycle of the actuator module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelien R. Hubert, Steven Webster, Douglas S. Brodie
  • Publication number: 20160060552
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing fouling, including particulate-induced fouling, in a hydrocarbon refining process including the steps of providing a crude hydrocarbon for a refining process; adding at least one polyalkyl succinic anhydride derivative additive disclosed herein. The additive can be complexed with a boronating agent, such as boric acid, to yield a boron-containing polyalkyl succinic anhydride derivative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Man Kit Ng, Glen Barry Brons, Steven Webster Levine, Kevin Mallory, Hong Cheng, Patrick Brant, Donna J. Crowther
  • Patent number: 9268989
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor having a set of capacitive elements configured for capacitively coupling to a user fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed under a control button or display element of an electronic device, for example one or more of a control button and a display component. A responsive element is responsive to proximity of the user fingerprint, for example one or both of a first circuit responsive to motion of the control button, and a second circuit responsive to a coupling between the fingerprint and a surface of the display element. The fingerprint sensor is disposed closer to the fingerprint than the responsive element. The control button or display component may include an anisotropic dielectric material, for example sapphire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pope, Shawn Arnold, Barry J. Corlett, Terry L. Gilton, Syed Husaini, Steven Webster, Scott A. Myers, Matthew D. Hill, Benjamin B. Lyon