Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Rasmussen

Timothy J. Rasmussen 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: 20220416590
    Abstract: A bimodal annular magnetic alignment component can be included in an electronic device that attaches to other electronic devices using a magnetic alignment system that includes a primary annular alignment component and a secondary annular alignment component having complementary (and fixed) magnetic orientations. In a bimodal alignment component, a set of alignment magnets can be reoriented or shifted between a first position in which a magnetic orientation of the bimodal alignment component is complementary to a primary annular alignment component and a second position in which a magnetic orientation of the bimodal alignment component is complementary to a secondary annular alignment component. A bimodal electronic device incorporating a bimodal alignment component can be interchangeably attached to another device via either a primary annular alignment component or a secondary annular alignment component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Eric S. Jol, Christopher S. Graham, Karl Ruben Fredrik Larsson, Eric X. Zhou
  • Publication number: 20220385106
    Abstract: Wireless chargers that can properly align and securely hold an electronic device, provide power to more than one electronic device, and fold into a compact shape. One example can provide a wireless charger having an alignment feature to align an electronic device to the wireless charger. The wireless charger can include a first leaf having first charging components for charging a first electronic device and a second leaf having a charging puck that includes second charging components for charging a second electronic device. The charging puck can move between a down position and an up position. The charging puck can be moved away from the second leaf while in the up position. The charging puck can retract when moved to the down position. The first leaf and the second leaf can fold together into a compact shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher J. Walton
  • Patent number: 11476707
    Abstract: A wireless power system has a wireless power transmitting device such as a charging puck and a wireless power receiving device such as a battery-operated device. The charging puck may be connected to a plug via a cable. The plug may include a boot and a connector. The boot may house a printed circuit board that is positioned closer to one of the boot housing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivasa V. Thirumalai Ananthan Pillai, Paul J. Hack, Timothy J. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 11342800
    Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron A. Oro, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos
  • Publication number: 20220109328
    Abstract: A wireless power system has a wireless power transmitting device such as a charging puck and a wireless power receiving device such as a battery-operated device. The charging puck may be connected to a plug via a cable. The plug may include a boot and a connector. The boot may house a printed circuit board that is positioned closer to one of the boot housing walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Srinivasa V. Thirumalai Ananthan Pillai, Paul J. Hack, Timothy J. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20220042643
    Abstract: Adapters that can mount phones or other electronic devices on camera stabilizers, where the adapters are portable, can capable of charging, and can allow cameras on the phones to be easily leveled or adjusted to any orientation. An adapter can include a base portion having an opening, where a fastener in the opening can attach the adapter to a camera stabilizer, as well as an upright portion having an enclosure and a contacting surface. The enclosure can house a first magnet array for magnetically attracting a second magnet array in a phone, such that the phone can be readily mounted to a camera stabilizer. The enclosure can further house near-field communication circuits and components for identification. The upright portion and base portion can be connected by a fixed right angle or by a hinge, which can allow the adapter to fold into a more convenient form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Aaron A. Oro, Miranda L. Daly, Ibuki Kamei
  • Patent number: 11159047
    Abstract: This application relates to a wireless charger with reduced heat generation during operation. The wireless charger includes a connector, a charging assembly and a cable connecting the connector and the charging assembly. A converter component has been moved away from the charging assembly, where an electronic device is placed for charging, to the connector. In some embodiments, one or more electromagnetic shielding components protect the components of the wireless charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Christopher S. Graham, Aaron A. Oro, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Paul J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20210099030
    Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Walton, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20210099028
    Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Thompson, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly
  • Publication number: 20210099027
    Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20210099026
    Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol
  • Publication number: 20210099031
    Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Miranda L. Daly, Paul J. Thompson, Joshua A. Mendoza
  • Publication number: 20210099029
    Abstract: A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. Additional features, such as a rotational magnetic alignment component and/or an NFC coil and circuitry can be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron A. Oro, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, James C. Wu, Demetrios B. Karanikos
  • Publication number: 20210035708
    Abstract: A cable can include a cable core surrounded by an outer sleeve having a uniform thickness and further having a first longitudinal section having a first stiffness (e.g., corresponding to a flexible cable), a second longitudinal section having a second stiffness (e.g., corresponding to a rigid cable), and a third longitudinal section between the first and second longitudinal sections, where the second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness and where a stiffness of the third longitudinal section varies between the first stiffness and the second stiffness. The second longitudinal section can provide strain relief for the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron A. Oro, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Paul J. Thompson, Joseph I. Briskey
  • Publication number: 20210036557
    Abstract: This application relates to a wireless charger with reduced heat generation during operation. The wireless charger includes a connector, a charging assembly and a cable connecting the connector and the charging assembly. A converter component has been moved away from the charging assembly, where an electronic device is placed for charging, to the connector. In some embodiments, one or more electromagnetic shielding components protect the components of the wireless charger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Christopher S. Graham, Aaron A. Oro, Eric S. Jol, Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Paul J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10873204
    Abstract: An inductive coupling assembly for an electronic device is disclosed. The system may include an electronic device having an enclosure, and an internal inductive charging assembly positioned within the enclosure. The internal inductive charging assembly may include a receive inductive coil positioned within the enclosure. The system may also include a charger in electrical communication with the internal inductive charging assembly of the electronic device. The charger may include a transmit inductive coil aligned with the receive inductive coil. The transmit inductive coil may be configured to be in electrical communication with the receive inductive coil. Additionally, the system can include an inductive coupling assembly positioned between the electronic device and the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Ibuki Kamei, Timothy J. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 10838461
    Abstract: A case for an electronic device is disclosed. The case includes a body defining an interior volume configured to receive the electronic device therein. The body includes a user input region formed from a deformable material having an electrical resistance that decreases in response to a touch force on the deformable material, and an electrode pair in contact with the deformable material and configured to be operatively coupled to a sensing circuit configured to detect a change to the electrical resistance of the deformable material due to the touch force. The body also includes a connector configured to operatively couple the electrode pair to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Kallman, Eric S. Jol, Timothy J. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 10804719
    Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Darshan R. Kasar, Timothy J. Rasmussen, John J. Baker, Shannon X. Yang, Benjamin A. Cousins
  • Publication number: 20190319468
    Abstract: An accessory device for an electronic device is disclosed. The accessory device may include a unitary body having a first region, a second region, and a hinge positioned between the first region and the second region. When a force is applied to the first region, the first region may bend or pivot at the hinge. When bent, the first region allows the electronic device to slide into or out of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device may slide into or out of the accessory device in a straight or linear manner. Also, the accessory device may further include a power supply designed to supply electrical current to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a connector that electrically connects the power supply with the electronic device. The sliding motion of the electronic device prevents the connector from damage by bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Ian P. COLAHAN, Darshan R. KASAR, Timothy J. RASMUSSEN, John J. BAKER, Shannon X. YANG, Benjamin A. COUSINS
  • Patent number: 10447084
    Abstract: A wireless charging mat has a surface area for receiving an electronic device to be charged. The surface area of the charging mat includes an inner region having a rough surface texture and an outer region having s smooth surface texture, and the outer region is elevated relative to the inner region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Eric S. Jol, Paul J. Thompson