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).
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Publication number: 20220416590Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Eric S. Jol, Christopher S. Graham, Karl Ruben Fredrik Larsson, Eric X. Zhou
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Publication number: 20220385106Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Grant S. Haug, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Demetrios B. Karanikos, Christopher J. Walton
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Patent number: 11476707Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Srinivasa V. Thirumalai Ananthan Pillai, Paul J. Hack, Timothy J. Rasmussen
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Patent number: 11342800Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20220109328Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2020Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: Srinivasa V. Thirumalai Ananthan Pillai, Paul J. Hack, Timothy J. Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20220042643Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol, Aaron A. Oro, Miranda L. Daly, Ibuki Kamei
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Patent number: 11159047Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20210099030Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20210099028Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20210099027Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20210099026Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Karl Ruben F. Larsson, Aaron A. Oro, Timothy J. Rasmussen, Christopher S. Graham, Eric S. Jol
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Publication number: 20210099031Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20210099029Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20210035708Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20210036557Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 10873204Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Graham, Ibuki Kamei, Timothy J. Rasmussen
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Patent number: 10838461Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Benjamin J. Kallman, Eric S. Jol, Timothy J. Rasmussen
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Patent number: 10804719Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ian P. Colahan, Darshan R. Kasar, Timothy J. Rasmussen, John J. Baker, Shannon X. Yang, Benjamin A. Cousins
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Publication number: 20190319468Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Ian P. COLAHAN, Darshan R. KASAR, Timothy J. RASMUSSEN, John J. BAKER, Shannon X. YANG, Benjamin A. COUSINS
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Patent number: 10447084Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Rasmussen, Eric S. Jol, Paul J. Thompson