Patents by Inventor Storrs T. Hoen
Storrs T. Hoen 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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Patent number: 10180721Abstract: A fabric-based item such as a fabric glove may include force sensing circuitry. The force sensing circuitry may include force sensor elements formed from electrodes on a compressible substrate such as an elastomeric polymer substrate. The fabric may include intertwined strands of material including conductive strands. Signals from the force sensing circuitry may be conveyed to control circuitry in the item using the conductive strands. Wireless circuitry in the fabric-based item may be used to convey force sensor information to external equipment. The compressible substrate may have opposing upper and lower surfaces. Electrodes for the force sensor elements may be formed on the upper and lower surfaces. Stiffeners may overlap the electrodes to help decouple adjacent force sensor elements from each other. Integrated circuits can be attached to respective force sensing elements using adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Daniel D. Sunshine, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Daniel A. Podhajny, Maurice P. May
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Publication number: 20180364804Abstract: A fabric-based item such as a fabric glove may include force sensing circuitry. The force sensing circuitry may include force sensor elements formed from electrodes on a compressible substrate such as an elastomeric polymer substrate. The fabric may include intertwined strands of material including conductive strands. Signals from the force sensing circuitry may be conveyed to control circuitry in the item using the conductive strands. Wireless circuitry in the fabric-based item may be used to convey force sensor information to external equipment. The compressible substrate may have opposing upper and lower surfaces. Electrodes for the force sensor elements may be formed on the upper and lower surfaces. Stiffeners may overlap the electrodes to help decouple adjacent force sensor elements from each other. Integrated circuits can be attached to respective force sensing elements using adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Daniel D. Sunshine, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Daniel A. Podhajny, Maurice P. May
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Patent number: 10088937Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a bending beam sensor coupled to a touch input device. The method includes providing a bending beam. The method also includes placing a first strain gauge and a second strain gauge on a surface of the beam near a first end of the beam, and aligning the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge with the beam along an axis. The first end is attached to a base. The method further includes coupling the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge to a plate of the touch input device and electrically connecting the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge such that a differential signal is obtained from the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge when a load is applied on the plate of the touch input device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Peteris K. Augenbergs, John M. Brock, Jonah A. Harley, Sam Rhea Sarcia
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Patent number: 10069392Abstract: Embodiments described herein may take the form of an electromagnetic actuator that produces a haptic output during operation. Generally, an electromagnetic coil is wrapped around a central magnet array. A shaft passes through the central magnet array, such that the central array may move along the shaft when the proper force is applied. When a current passes through the electromagnetic coil, the coil generates a magnetic field. The coil is stationary with respect to a housing of the actuator, while the central magnet array may move along the shaft within the housing. Thus, excitation of the coil exerts a force on the central magnet array, which moves in response to that force. The direction of the current through the coil determines the direction of the magnetic field and thus the motion of the central magnet array.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bradley J. Hamel, David H. Narajowski, Jonah A. Harley, Michael E. Leclerc, Patrick Kessler, Samuel Bruce Weiss, Storrs T. Hoen
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Publication number: 20180217708Abstract: An electronic device has a force sensor that determines a measure of applied force from a user contacting a cover glass of the device. In one embodiment, a frame at least partially encloses an interior of the electronic device and has an open end. A cover glass covers the open end of the frame and is movably connected to the frame to allow movement of the cover glass in response to one or more forces applied to an external surface of the cover glass. A plurality of strain probes is positioned under the cover glass, between the cover glass and the frame, and is arranged to output a plurality of strain signals response to the one or more forces applied to the cover glass. A force processing module is configured to at least calculate an amount of force applied to the cover glass based on the plurality of strain signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Kristina A. Babiarz, Miguel C. Christophy, Romain A. Teil, Sinan Filiz, Vivek Katiyar
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Patent number: 10032592Abstract: A force sensing switch for use in an electronic device can include one or more dome switches disposed over a top surface of a deflectable beam. One or more strain gauges can be disposed over at least one surface of the deflectable beam. An electronic device that includes at least one force sensing switch can further include a processing device operatively connected to the one or more strain gauges. Alternatively or additionally, an electrode can be disposed under a bottom surface of the deflectable beam and a capacitance measured between the bottom surface and the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2014Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Ryan P. Brooks, John M. Brock, Storrs T. Hoen
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Patent number: 9983696Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a stylus for use with a portable electronic device. The stylus includes a force sensing device to measure three dimensional force components exerted by the stylus on the portable electronic device. The output of the portable electronic device is adjusted based upon the force components.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Shingo Yoneoka, Brenton A. Baugh, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Jonah A. Harley, Storrs T. Hoen
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Patent number: 9952703Abstract: An electronic device has a force sensor that determines a measure of applied force from a user contacting a cover glass of the device. In one embodiment, a frame at least partially encloses an interior of the electronic device and has an open end. A cover glass covers the open end of the frame and is movably connected to the frame to allow movement of the cover glass in response to one or more forces applied to an external surface of the cover glass. A plurality of strain probes is positioned under the cover glass, between the cover glass and the frame, and is arranged to output a plurality of strain signals responsive to the one or more forces applied to the cover glass. A force processing module is configured to at least calculate an amount of force applied to the cover glass based on the plurality of stain signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Kristina A. Babiarz, Miguel C. Christophy, Romain A. Teil, Sinan Filiz, Vivek Katiyar
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Patent number: 9928950Abstract: A polarized electromagnetic actuator includes a movable armature, a stator, and at least one coil wrapped around the stator. At least one permanent magnet is disposed over the stator. When a current is applied to the at least one coil, the at least one coil is configured to reduce a magnetic flux of at least one permanent magnet in one direction and increase a magnetic flux of at least one permanent magnet in another direction. The movable armature moves in the direction of the increased magnetic flux.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nicholaus Ian Lubinski, James E. Wright, Jonah A. Harley, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Storrs T. Hoen
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Publication number: 20180075715Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a haptic actuator or a device having a haptic actuator that is capable of producing short, sharp and crisp pulses in a short amount of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: John B. Morrell, Jonah A. Harley, Storrs T. Hoen, Brett W. Degner, Camille Moussette, Anthnoy Guetta, Samuel B. Weiss, Douglas A. Scott
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Patent number: 9830782Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a haptic actuator or a device having a haptic actuator that is capable of producing short, sharp and crisp pulses in a short amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John B. Morrell, Jonah A. Harley, Storrs T. Hoen, Brett W. Degner, Camille Moussette, Anthony Guetta, Samuel B Weiss, Douglas A. Scott
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Patent number: 9779592Abstract: A thin haptic feedback element suitable to provide a perceivable single pulse haptic feedback including an electromagnetic coil, a permanent magnet or other magnetic field source rotatably coupled to an eccentric mass through a torque-increasing drive train. The haptic feedback element may rapidly accelerate and decelerate the eccentric mass to produce a perceivable haptic feedback.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Storrs T. Hoen
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Patent number: 9608506Abstract: Embodiments described herein may take the form of an electromagnetic actuator that produces a haptic output during operation. Generally, an electromagnetic coil is wrapped around a central magnet array. A shaft passes through the central magnet array, such that the central array may move along the shaft when the proper force is applied. When a current passes through the electromagnetic coil, the coil generates a magnetic field. The coil is stationary with respect to a housing of the actuator, while the central magnet array may move along the shaft within the housing. Thus, excitation of the coil exerts a force on the central magnet array, which moves in response to that force. The direction of the current through the coil determines the direction of the magnetic field and thus the motion of the central magnet array.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bradley J. Hamel, David H. Narajowski, Jonah A. Harley, Michael E. Leclerc, Patrick Kessler, Samuel Bruce Weiss, Storrs T. Hoen
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Patent number: 9564029Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a haptic actuator or a device having a haptic actuator that is capable of producing short, sharp and crisp pulses in a short amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John B. Morrell, Jonah A. Harley, Storrs T. Hoen, Brett W. Degner, Camille Moussette, Anthony Guetta, Samuel B Weiss, Douglas A. Scott
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Publication number: 20160358737Abstract: A force sensing switch for use in an electronic device can include one or more dome switches disposed over a top surface of a deflectable beam. One or more strain gauges can be disposed over at least one surface of the deflectable beam. An electronic device that includes at least one force sensing switch can further include a processing device operatively connected to the one or more strain gauges. Alternatively or additionally, an electrode can be disposed under a bottom surface of the deflectable beam and a capacitance measured between the bottom surface and the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2014Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Ryan P. Brooks, John M. Brock, Storrs T. Hoen
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Publication number: 20160315511Abstract: One or more embodiments may take the form of a motor having a magnetically-driven mass. In certain embodiments, the mass or masses may be rotated about a connected shaft through axial or radial magnetic flux. Generally, embodiments described herein employ radial or axial magnetic flux to turn one or more magnets affixed to a central shaft, thereby rotating the shaft through the magnet(s') motion to produce a desired output or effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Tommaso P. Rivellini, Storrs T. Hoen, Christof Zwyssig, Andreas Looser, Daniel Krähenbühl, Thomas Ivar Baumgartner, Samuel Jakob Stauber
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Publication number: 20160233012Abstract: A polarized electromagnetic actuator includes a movable armature, a stator, and at least one coil wrapped around the stator. At least one permanent magnet is disposed over the stator. When a current is applied to the at least one coil, the at least one coil is configured to reduce a magnetic flux of at least one permanent magnet in one direction and increase a magnetic flux of at least one permanent magnet in another direction. The movable armature moves in the direction of the increased magnetic flux.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: August 11, 2016Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nicholaus Ian Lubinski, James E. Wright, Jonah A. Harley, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Storrs T. Hoen
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Publication number: 20160188013Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a stylus for use with a portable electronic device. The stylus includes a force sensing device to measure three dimensional force components exerted by the stylus on the portable electronic device. The output of the portable electronic device is adjusted based upon the force components.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2015Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Shingo Yoneoka, Brenton A. Baugh, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Jonah A. Harley, Storrs T. Hoen
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Publication number: 20160172953Abstract: Embodiments described herein may take the form of an electromagnetic actuator that produces a haptic output during operation. Generally, an electromagnetic coil is wrapped around a central magnet array. A shaft passes through the central magnet array, such that the central array may move along the shaft when the proper force is applied. When a current passes through the electromagnetic coil, the coil generates a magnetic field. The coil is stationary with respect to a housing of the actuator, while the central magnet array may move along the shaft within the housing. Titus, excitation of the coil exerts a force on the central magnet array, which moves in response to that force. The direction of the current through the coil determines the direction of the magnetic field and thus the motion of the central magnet array.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Brett W. Degner, Bradley J. Hamel, David H. Narajowski, Jonah A. Harley, Michael E. Leclerc, Patrick Kessler, Samuel Bruce Weiss, Storrs T. Hoen
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Publication number: 20160163165Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a haptic actuator or a device having a haptic actuator that is capable of producing short, sharp and crisp pulses in a short amount of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: John B. Morrell, Jonah A. Harley, Storrs T. Hoen, Brett W. Degner, Camille Moussette, Anthony Guetta, Samuel B. Weiss, Douglas A. Scott