Patents by Inventor Thomas S. Hulbert

Thomas S. Hulbert 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: 20260089823
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to providing outputs. Some techniques are for providing an output in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for outputting illumination in accordance with some embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2025
    Publication date: March 26, 2026
    Inventors: Brian T. GLEESON, Steven J. TAYLOR, Thomas S. HULBERT, Arian BEHZADI, Megan M. SAPP, Peter RIERING-CZEKALLA
  • Publication number: 20260075182
    Abstract: This relates generally to systems and methods for changing tinting levels of one or more displays, and more particularly to changing tinting levels of one or more displays of an electronic device based on the satisfaction of one or more criteria. In some examples, an electronic device (e.g., an HMD) presents content in a first manner including a first tint. In some examples, in response to determining that one or more criteria are satisfied, the electronic device presents the content in a second manner and changes the tinting level from the first tinting level to the second tinting level. Changing the tinting level and the presentation of the content allows a user to seamlessly see and/or focus on different objects in the physical environment without having to manually change the tint of the display and/or without having to manually change the presentation of the content presented on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2025
    Publication date: March 12, 2026
    Inventors: Devin W. CHALMERS, Rahul NAIR, Manuel C. CLEMENT, William D. LINDMEIER, Luis R. DELIZ CENTENO, Giancarlo YERKES, David H. BLOOM, Thomas S. HULBERT
  • Publication number: 20250392849
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2025
    Publication date: December 25, 2025
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Patent number: 12506860
    Abstract: This relates generally to systems and methods for changing tinting levels of one or more displays, and more particularly to changing tinting levels of one or more displays of an electronic device based on the satisfaction of one or more criteria. In some examples, an electronic device (e.g., an HMD) presents content in a first manner including a first tint. In some examples, in response to determining that one or more criteria are satisfied, the electronic device presents the content in a second manner and changes the tinting level from the first tinting level to the second tinting level. Changing the tinting level and the presentation of the content allows a user to seamlessly see and/or focus on different objects in the physical environment without having to manually change the tint of the display and/or without having to manually change the presentation of the content presented on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2025
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Devin W. Chalmers, Rahul Nair, Manuel C. Clement, William D. Lindmeier, Luis R. Deliz Centeno, Giancarlo Yerkes, David H. Bloom, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20250377692
    Abstract: An electronic device may include first and second modular components removably coupled to one another along a hinge axis. The first component may include a display and may be configured to operate as a stand-alone electronic device when decoupled from the second component. The display may be movable between a first orientation facing toward the second component and a second orientation facing away from the second component. The second component may have one or more input-output devices and/or other components that are not present in the first component to enhance the functionality of the first component. For example, a photography-focused second component may include a visible light camera aligned with an interchangeable lens. An outdoor-focused second component may include a weather-resistant enclosure that receives the first component and that has a replaceable battery and global positioning system receiver circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2024
    Publication date: December 11, 2025
    Inventors: Miao He, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20250301262
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2025
    Publication date: September 25, 2025
    Inventors: David Chance GRAHAM, Patrick L. COFFMAN, Thomas S. HULBERT, Cyrus Daniel IRANI, Daniel Max STRONGWATER
  • Publication number: 20250286946
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2025
    Publication date: September 11, 2025
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 12413880
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20250260800
    Abstract: This relates generally to systems and methods for changing tinting levels of one or more displays, and more particularly to changing tinting levels of one or more displays of an electronic device based on the satisfaction of one or more criteria. In some examples, an electronic device (e.g., an HMD) presents content in a first manner including a first tint. In some examples, in response to determining that one or more criteria are satisfied, the electronic device presents the content in a second manner and changes the tinting level from the first tinting level to the second tinting level. Changing the tinting level and the presentation of the content allows a user to seamlessly see and/or focus on different objects in the physical environment without having to manually change the tint of the display and/or without having to manually change the presentation of the content presented on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2025
    Publication date: August 14, 2025
    Inventors: Devin W. CHALMERS, Rahul NAIR, Manuel C. CLEMENT, William D. LINDMEIER, Luis R. DELIZ CENTENO, Giancarlo YERKES, David H. BLOOM, Thomas S. HULBERT
  • Patent number: 12335426
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Publication number: 20250150742
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing defining an internal volume and an external surface. The electronic device can also include a cavity and a charging system disposed within the internal volume and electrically connected to the cavity. A user interface touchpad of the electronic device defines a portion of the exterior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Darius A. Satongar, Per Haakan Linus Persson, Thomas S. Hulbert, William D. Lindmeier
  • Patent number: 12256205
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David Chance Graham, Patrick L. Coffman, Thomas S. Hulbert, Cyrus Daniel Irani, Daniel Max Strongwater
  • Patent number: 12238237
    Abstract: A method includes, at a computer system with a display, a housing, and an attachment mechanism, detecting attachment of an accessory to the computer system, where the accessory, while attached, has a predetermined orientation relative to the attachment mechanism, and in response to detecting the attachment of the accessory to the computer system in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a first accessory with first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display, a first visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the first visual indication indicates at least one property of the first physical dimensions, and in accordance with a determination that the accessory is a second accessory with second physical dimensions that are different from the first physical dimensions, displaying, on the display a second visual indication that the accessory has been attached to the computer system, wherein the second visual indication indicates at least one property o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Brian T. Gleeson, David C. Graham, Deena Khattab, Gemma A. Roper, Arian Behzadi, Alan C. Dye
  • Publication number: 20240406304
    Abstract: A computer system detects a first event. In response to detecting the first event: if first criteria are met as a result of the first event, wherein the first criteria require that the orientation of the display generation component is a first orientation, and that the computer system is charging, in order for the first criteria to be met, the computer system displays a first customizable user interface that was not displayed prior to detecting the first event; and, if the first criteria are not met as a result of the first event, the computer system forgoes displaying the first customizable user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher P. Foss, Arian Behzadi, Seyit Yilmaz, Caelan G. Stack, Thomas S. Hulbert, Gemma A. Roper, Zaid A. AbuKhalaf, Eric Lance Wilson, William M. Tyler, Chanaka G. Karunamuni, Bryant A. Jow, Patrick L. Coffman, Diogo J. Da Silva Valente Soares, Elizabeth A. Ottens, Michael J. Elzinga, Jonathan B. Koch, Benjamin Guild
  • Publication number: 20240129670
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: David Chance GRAHAM, Patrick L. COFFMAN, Thomas S. HULBERT, Cyrus Daniel IRANI, Daniel Max STRONGWATER
  • Patent number: 11893154
    Abstract: An electronic device, while the electronic device is worn over a predefined portion of the user's body, displays, via a display generation component arranged on the electronic device opposite the predefined portion of the user's body, a graphical representation of an exterior view of a body part that corresponds to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device detects a change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body. The electronic device, in response to detecting the change in the position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body, modifies the graphical representation of the exterior view of the body part that corresponds to predefined portion of the user's body in accordance with the detected change in position of the electronic device with respect to the predefined portion of the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Alfred B. Huergo Wagner, Seung Wook Kim, Felipe Bacim De Araujo E Silva, William A. Sorrentino, III, Thomas S. Hulbert, Karlin Y. Bark
  • Patent number: 11863954
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David Chance Graham, Patrick L Coffman, Thomas S. Hulbert, Cyrus Daniel Irani, Daniel Max Strongwater
  • Publication number: 20230345155
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert
  • Publication number: 20230300234
    Abstract: A system may include an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a transparent cover. The electronic device may also include a display positioned below the transparent cover and configured to display a first graphical user interface and a second graphical user interface different from the first graphical user interface, and a touch sensor positioned below the transparent cover and configured to detect touch inputs applied to the transparent cover. The system may also include a protective case that includes a shell defining a cavity and configured to at least partially cover the enclosure of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the cavity, and a near-field wireless communication antenna coupled to the shell and detectable by the electronic device. In response to detecting the near-field wireless communication antenna, the electronic device may be configured to switch from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hulbert, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Gemma A. Roper, Brian T. Gleeson, Miao He, Benjamin G. Jackson, David C. Burns
  • Patent number: 11743623
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Jackson, Brenton A. Baugh, David H. Bloom, Gemma A. Roper, Karlin Y. Bark, Thomas S. Hulbert