Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Wilson
Thomas W. Wilson 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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Publication number: 20230350457Abstract: An electronic device housing may have upper and lower portions that are attached with a hinge. At least one portion of the housing may have a rear planar surface and peripheral sidewalls having edges. A display module may be mounted in the housing. The display module may have glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate. The color filter glass layer may serve as the outermost glass layer in the display module. The edges of the display module may be aligned with the edges of the peripheral housing sidewalls to create the appearance of a borderless display for the electronic device. The display module may be provided with an opening that allows a camera or other electronic components to receive light. Traces may be provided on the underside of the thin-film transistor substrate to serve as signal paths for the electrical components.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs
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Patent number: 11772156Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for continuously producing cast metal components. An exemplary method includes feeding molten metal into a first mold at a fill station; maintaining a pressurized chamber at an elevated pressure; moving the first mold into the pressurized chamber, wherein the molten metal solidifies in the first mold under the elevated pressure; and removing the first mold from the pressurized chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Qigui Wang, Thomas W. Gustafson, Steven L Burkholder, Daniel J. Wilson, Gregory Melekian
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Patent number: 11740658Abstract: An electronic device housing may have upper and lower portions that are attached with a hinge. At least one portion of the housing may have a rear planar surface and peripheral sidewalls having edges. A display module may be mounted in the housing. The display module may have glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate. The color filter glass layer may serve as the outermost glass layer in the display module. The edges of the display module may be aligned with the edges of the peripheral housing sidewalls to create the appearance of a borderless display for the electronic device. The display module may be provided with an opening that allows a camera or other electronic components to receive light. Traces may be provided on the underside of the thin-film transistor substrate to serve as signal paths for the electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs
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Publication number: 20230243482Abstract: A light transmissive substrate for transforming a Lambertian light distribution into a batwing light distribution. The light transmissive substrate includes a first surface comprising a plurality of microstructures, and a second surface on a side of the substrate opposite the first surface. The substrate is configured to receive light in a Lambertian distribution from a light source at the first surface and transform the light into a batwing distribution exiting the second surface. The batwing distribution having a peak intensity at about ±30° to about ±60° from X and Y axes, and a minimum intensity at nadir.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Applicant: Brightview Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bing SHEN, Ken G. PURCHASE, Thomas A. RINEHART, John W. WILSON
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Patent number: 11655957Abstract: A light transmissive substrate for transforming a Lambertian light distribution into a batwing light distribution. The light transmissive substrate includes a first surface comprising a plurality of microstructures, and a second surface on a side of the substrate opposite the first surface. The substrate is configured to receive light in a Lambertian distribution from a light source at the first surface and transform the light into a batwing distribution exiting the second surface. The batwing distribution having a peak intensity at about ±30° to about ±60° from X and Y axes, and a minimum intensity at nadir.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Brightview Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bing Shen, Ken G. Purchase, Thomas A. Rinehart, John W. Wilson
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Patent number: 11163376Abstract: The present invention extends adjustable keyboard components. A user can selectively adjust height, tilt, and other keyboard positioning aspects (e.g., pitch, tilt, roll, yaw etc.), to accommodate the specific preferences and/or physical or anatomical characteristics of the user. Keyboard adjustments can tailor a solid foundational position for the user's fingers and hands. The keyboard can include separate left and right modules. Adjustability and separability facilitate highly variable and independent movement of the user's left and right hands. Adjustments and re-adjustments allow a user to make a wide range of alterations to their typing position at any point in time based on circumstances and comfort. As such, adjustments and re-adjustments can (potentially significantly) reduce discomfort and/or injuries associated with repetitive motion.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Inventor: Thomas W. Wilson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210223822Abstract: An electronic device housing may have upper and lower portions that are attached with a hinge. At least one portion of the housing may have a rear planar surface and peripheral sidewalls having edges. A display module may be mounted in the housing. The display module may have glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate. The color filter glass layer may serve as the outermost glass layer in the display module. The edges of the display module may be aligned with the edges of the peripheral housing sidewalls to create the appearance of a borderless display for the electronic device. The display module may be provided with an opening that allows a camera or other electronic components to receive light. Traces may be provided on the underside of the thin-film transistor substrate to serve as signal paths for the electrical components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2021Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs
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Patent number: 11023081Abstract: Multi-functional keyboard assemblies include an array of keys formed from stacked component layers. A top portion of the key may be capable of travelling vertically with respect to a base of the key. The top portion can include a keycap and a circuitry module coupled to the keycap. The keys may be capable of receive at least two distinct types of inputs and/or receiving at least one type of input and providing at least one type of output. Such output may include use of one or more light sources, displays, and/or haptic feedback devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Bartley K. Andre, Mikael Silvanto, Dinesh C. Mathew
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Patent number: 11003213Abstract: An electronic device housing may have upper and lower portions that are attached with a hinge. At least one portion of the housing may have a rear planar surface and peripheral sidewalls having edges. A display module may be mounted in the housing. The display module may have glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate. The color filter glass layer may serve as the outermost glass layer in the display module. The edges of the display module may be aligned with the edges of the peripheral housing sidewalls to create the appearance of a borderless display for the electronic device. The display module may be provided with an opening that allows a camera or other electronic components to receive light. Traces may be provided on the underside of the thin-film transistor substrate to serve as signal paths for the electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs
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Patent number: 10990127Abstract: An electronic device may have a housing in which a display is mounted. A gasket may be mounted in a groove between the display and housing. The gasket may contain an embedded stiffener. Corner brackets may be installed in the corners of the housing. The housing may have inner and outer concentric ribs. Recesses in the housing may be configured to receive the corner brackets. The recesses may be formed between the inner and outer concentric ribs. Gap filling structures such as a foam layer may be interposed between a rear housing wall and a display backlight unit. Display color variations may be corrected by using a backlight unit having an array of light-emitting diodes of different colors. An electrostatic discharge protection layer may be grounded to a housing using conductive tape. Black edge coatings and adhesive-based structures may block stray light. Camera window regions may be supported using adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Bryan W. Posner, Keith J. Hendren, Adam T. Garelli, Joss Nathan Giddings, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Victor H. Yin, Jun Qi, Paul Xiaopeng Wang
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Patent number: 10983390Abstract: An electronic device display may have a color filter layer and a thin film transistor layer. A layer of liquid crystal material may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin film transistor layer. A layer of polarizer may be laminated onto the surface of the color filter layer. Laser trimming may ensure that the edges of the polarizer are even with the edges of the color filter layer. The thin film transistor layer may have an array of thin film transistors that control pixels of the liquid crystal material in the display. Driver circuitry may be used to control the array. The driver circuitry may be encapsulated in a planarized encapsulant on the thin film transistor layer or may be mounted to the underside of the color filter layer. Conductive structures may connect driver circuitry on the color filter layer to the thin film transistor layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs, John Z. Zhong, Steve Hotelling, Lynn Youngs, Kuo-Hua Sung
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Patent number: 10796863Abstract: An input device, such as a keyboard, includes one or more keys that each includes a keycap operable to move within an aperture of a frame to activate a switch and fabric disposed over the frame and keycap. A first region of the fabric is bonded to the keycap and a second region of the fabric is bonded to the frame. The first region may be an embossed region and the second region may be an unembossed region. The fabric may dampen sound from within the keyboard, such as noise related to movement of the keycap, activation of the switch, and so on. The fabric may also form a barrier that restricts passage of contaminants into the aperture and/or other portions of the input device.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Christopher J. Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, Benjamin A. Shaffer, Benjamin A. Cousins, Melody Kuna, Sean S. Corbin, John M. Brock, Robert S. Murphy, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr.
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Patent number: 10777857Abstract: A portable computer may include battery indicator light structures. Battery status information in the portable computer may be presented to a user using an array of light-emitting diodes or other light emitters. Light-emitting diodes may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A stiffener may provide the printed circuit board with rigidity. The printed circuit board may include a connector that allows the board to be connected to a main logic board. A switch on the printed circuit board may be actuated by a power button on the portable computer. An opaque member with an array of holes may be used to reduce light bleed between adjacent light-emitting diodes. Diffusing plastic may be mounted within the array of holes. Bumps in the diffusing plastic may mate with corresponding holes on a portable computer housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Bartley K. Andre, Duncan Robert Kerr, Christopher J. Stringer, Daniel J. Coster, Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, John Brock, Thomas W. Wilson, Dinesh C. Mathew, Brett W. Degner, Tomas E. Ponce
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Patent number: 10699856Abstract: A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: James J. Niu, Keith J. Hendren, Craig C. Leong, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Bruce E. Berg, John M. Brock
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Publication number: 20200142502Abstract: The present invention extends adjustable keyboard components. A user can selectively adjust height, tilt, and other keyboard positioning aspects (e.g., pitch, tilt, roll, yaw etc.), to accommodate the specific preferences and/or physical or anatomical characteristics of the user. Keyboard adjustments can tailor a solid foundational position for the user's fingers and hands. The keyboard can include separate left and right modules. Adjustability and separability facilitate highly variable and independent movement of the user's left and right hands. Adjustments and re-adjustments allow a user to make a wide range of alterations to their typing position at any point in time based on circumstances and comfort. As such, adjustments and re-adjustments can (potentially significantly) reduce discomfort and/or injuries associated with repetitive motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventor: Thomas W. Wilson, JR.
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Publication number: 20190294214Abstract: An electronic device housing may have upper and lower portions that are attached with a hinge. At least one portion of the housing may have a rear planar surface and peripheral sidewalls having edges. A display module may be mounted in the housing. The display module may have glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate. The color filter glass layer may serve as the outermost glass layer in the display module. The edges of the display module may be aligned with the edges of the peripheral housing sidewalls to create the appearance of a borderless display for the electronic device. The display module may be provided with an opening that allows a camera or other electronic components to receive light. Traces may be provided on the underside of the thin-film transistor substrate to serve as signal paths for the electrical components.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs
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Patent number: 10353432Abstract: An electronic device housing may have upper and lower portions that are attached with a hinge. At least one portion of the housing may have a rear planar surface and peripheral sidewalls having edges. A display module may be mounted in the housing. The display module may have glass layers such as a color filter glass layer and a thin-film transistor substrate. The color filter glass layer may serve as the outermost glass layer in the display module. The edges of the display module may be aligned with the edges of the peripheral housing sidewalls to create the appearance of a borderless display for the electronic device. The display module may be provided with an opening that allows a camera or other electronic components to receive light. Traces may be provided on the underside of the thin-film transistor substrate to serve as signal paths for the electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs
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Publication number: 20190196603Abstract: Multi-functional keyboard assemblies include an array of keys formed from stacked component layers. A top portion of the key may be capable of travelling vertically with respect to a base of the key. The top portion can include a keycap and a circuitry module coupled to the keycap. The keys may be capable of receive at least two distinct types of inputs and/or receiving at least one type of input and providing at least one type of output. Such output may include use of one or more light sources, displays, and/or haptic feedback devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, John M. Brock, Keith J. Hendren, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Bartley K. Andre, Mikael Silvanto, Dinesh C. Mathew
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Publication number: 20190180955Abstract: A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: James J. Niu, Keith J. Hendren, Craig C. Leong, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Bruce E. Berg, John M. Brock
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Publication number: 20190179367Abstract: An electronic device display may have a color filter layer and a thin film transistor layer. A layer of liquid crystal material may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin film transistor layer. A layer of polarizer may be laminated onto the surface of the color filter layer. Laser trimming may ensure that the edges of the polarizer are even with the edges of the color filter layer. The thin film transistor layer may have an array of thin film transistors that control pixels of the liquid crystal material in the display. Driver circuitry may be used to control the array. The driver circuitry may be encapsulated in a planarized encapsulant on the thin film transistor layer or may be mounted to the underside of the color filter layer. Conductive structures may connect driver circuitry on the color filter layer to the thin film transistor layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Dinesh C. Mathew, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., Victor H. Yin, Bryan W. Posner, Chris Ligtenberg, Brett W. Degner, Peteris K. Augenbergs, John Z. Zhong, Steve Hotelling, Lynn Youngs, Kuo-Hua Sung