Patents by Inventor William C. Lukens
William C. Lukens 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: 20250134403Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume of the electronic device, an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector disposed in the internal volume, and an optical component disposed in the aperture. The optical component can include a first and second transparent portions disposed above the electromagnetic radiation detector and the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an opaque portion disposed between the first and second transparent portions and extending a thickness of the optical component. The first transparent portion, the second transparent portion, and the opaque portion can define a flush exterior surface of the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2025Publication date: May 1, 2025Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
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Publication number: 20250103084Abstract: A pressure compensating button can include a depressible interface. The depressible interface can define an external surface of the electronic device. The button can include a tactile switch. The button can include a first pressure accumulator, such as a first piston or plunger. The first pressure accumulator can be associated with the depressible interface. The first pressure accumulator can be configured to receive a first hydrostatic pressure. The button can include a second pressure accumulator, such as a second piston or plunger. The second pressure accumulator can be configured to receive a second hydrostatic pressure. The second pressure accumulator can counteract the first pressure accumulator, such as via a mechanical linkage, to limit an actuation of the tactile switch via the first hydrostatic pressure. Additional systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Inventors: William C. Lukens, Michael R. Parker
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Patent number: 12226197Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume of the electronic device, an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector disposed in the internal volume, and an optical component disposed in the aperture. The optical component can include a first and second transparent portions disposed above the electromagnetic radiation detector and the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an opaque portion disposed between the first and second transparent portions and extending a thickness of the optical component. The first transparent portion, the second transparent portion, and the opaque portion can define a flush exterior surface of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
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Patent number: 12231836Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing including a sidewall having an interior surface defining a first aperture and an internal volume. The device can also include a microphone port disposed in the internal volume. The microphone port can include a structure having a cylindrical sidewall and a shelf extending radially inward from the cylindrical sidewall. The microphone port can also include a mesh fixed to the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2022Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Megan L. Banh, William C. Lukens
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Patent number: 12201196Abstract: Wearable electronic devices, such as watches, can be provided with an attachment system for connecting and releasing a removable module that interfaces with some portion of the electronic device. For example, a watch housing includes a main body having a channel for receiving a watchband and a first opening extending to the channel. A rear cover coupled to the main body provides a second opening. A unibody button is positioned between the main body and the rear cover. The button is biased against the rear cover and is moveable toward the channel to release a watchband engaged therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: William C. Lukens, Colin M. Ely, Adam T. Clavelle
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Publication number: 20250013205Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing at least partially defining an interior cavity divided into at least a first volume and a second volume, a pressure-sensing component positioned within the first volume, a speaker positioned within the first volume, a processor positioned within the second volume, a battery positioned within the second volume, and a barometric vent that allows air pressure equalization between the first volume and an external environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2024Publication date: January 9, 2025Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Shannon X. Yang, William C. Lukens, Mandeep Gill, Jeanny Wang, William S. Lee, Stephen P. Jackson, Rex T. Ehman, Colin M. Ely, Nikolas T. Vitt, Trevor J. Ness
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Patent number: 12178029Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume of the electronic device, an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector disposed in the internal volume, and an optical component disposed in the aperture. The optical component can include a first and second transparent portions disposed above the electromagnetic radiation detector and the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an opaque portion disposed between the first and second transparent portions. A conductive component can be in electrical communication with the opaque portion and one or more components of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
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Patent number: 12099331Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing at least partially defining an interior cavity divided into at least a first volume and a second volume, a pressure-sensing component positioned within the first volume, a speaker positioned within the first volume, a processor positioned within the second volume, a battery positioned within the second volume, and a barometric vent that allows air pressure equalization between the first volume and an external environment.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2023Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Shannon X. Yang, William C. Lukens, Mandeep Gill, Jeanny Wang, William S. Lee, Stephen P. Jackson, Rex T. Ehman, Colin M. Ely, Nikolas T. Vitt, Trevor J. Ness
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Patent number: 11986318Abstract: A wearable consumer electronic product includes at least a housing arranged to carry operational components comprising a processor and a band having a pliable band body and a securing means arranged to secure the band body to the housing. In one embodiment, the pliable band body has a size and shape suitable for wrapping around an individual appendage and that includes an opening that leads to a cavity within the band body suitable for accumulating an amount of water and a band sensor embedded within the band body in communication with the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2020Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Steven P. Cardinali, William C. Lukens, Katherine E. Tong, Trevor J. Ness
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Publication number: 20240073573Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing including a sidewall having an interior surface defining a first aperture and an internal volume. The device can also include a microphone port disposed in the internal volume. The microphone port can include a structure having a cylindrical sidewall and a shelf extending radially inward from the cylindrical sidewall. The microphone port can also include a mesh fixed to the shelf.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Megan L. Banh, William C. Lukens
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Publication number: 20240008233Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume of the electronic device, an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector disposed in the internal volume, and an optical component disposed in the aperture. The optical component can include a first and second transparent portions disposed above the electromagnetic radiation detector and the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an opaque portion disposed between the first and second transparent portions. A conductive component can be in electrical communication with the opaque portion and one or more components of the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
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Patent number: 11860588Abstract: A watch can include a watch body and a band for securing the watch to the user. The watch body can detect an identification of the band or combination of band portions, which can serve as an input to initiate actions performed by the watch body. For example, a type, model, color, size, or other characteristic of a band can be determined and used to select a corresponding action performed by the watch body. Identification of the band can be performed by components of the watch body that also serve other purposes. The watch body can respond to the identification of a particular band by performing particular functions, such as changing an aspect of a user interface or altering settings of the watch body.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Ryan C. Perkins, Benjamin J. Kallman, Daniel J. Hiemstra, Colin M. Ely, William C. Lukens, Osamu Yabe, Jorge L. Rivera Espinoza, David D. Dashevsky, Eugene C. Cheung, Prashanth S. Holenarsipur, Tyler S. Bushnell, Zaki Moustafa
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Publication number: 20230414122Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume of the electronic device, an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector disposed in the internal volume, and an optical component disposed in the aperture. The optical component can include a first and second transparent portions disposed above the electromagnetic radiation detector and the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an opaque portion disposed between the first and second transparent portions and extending a thickness of the optical component. The first transparent portion, the second transparent portion, and the opaque portion can define a flush exterior surface of the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
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Patent number: 11805629Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume of the electronic device, an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector disposed in the internal volume, and an optical component disposed in the aperture. The optical component can include a first and second transparent portions disposed above the electromagnetic radiation detector and the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an opaque portion disposed between the first and second transparent portions. A conductive component can be in electrical communication with the opaque portion and one or more components of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
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Patent number: 11786139Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume of the electronic device, an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector disposed in the internal volume, and an optical component disposed in the aperture. The optical component can include a first and second transparent portions disposed above the electromagnetic radiation detector and the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an opaque portion disposed between the first and second transparent portions and extending a thickness of the optical component. The first transparent portion, the second transparent portion, and the opaque portion can define a flush exterior surface of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
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Patent number: 11784394Abstract: A wireless communication system may include an electronic device having a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module may include an antenna radiating element on a first surface, a ground ring surrounding the antenna radiating element on the first surface, and a radio component mounted to a second surface. The wireless communication module may be incorporated into a system package that also includes other components. Encapsulation material may cover the wireless communication module and other components. A shielding material may cover the encapsulation material and be coupled to the ground ring. An opening in the shielding material may be aligned with the antenna radiating element. If desired, the wireless communication system may include external equipment having a wireless communication module communicatively coupled to the wireless communication module to convey firmware testing, debugging, restore, and/or other data.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Xiaofang Mu, Annie Manuja, Christopher D. Guichet, Erik G. de Jong, Jorge L. Rivera Espinoza, Patrick J. Crowley, Steven C. Roach, Venkatesh Rajendran, William C. Lukens, Woojin Jung, Yue Chen, Zhiwei Gu, Derek Iwamoto, Siddharth Nangia, Scott D. Morrison, Kevin A. Klenk, Neeloy Roy
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Patent number: 11740591Abstract: An electronic watch may include a housing at least partially defining an interior cavity divided into at least a first volume and a second volume, a pressure-sensing component positioned within the first volume, a speaker positioned within the first volume, a processor positioned within the second volume, a battery positioned within the second volume, and a barometric vent that allows air pressure equalization between the first volume and an external environment.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Jiahui Liang, Shannon X. Yang, William C. Lukens, Mandeep Gill, Jeanny Wang, William S. Lee, Stephen P. Jackson, Rex T. Ehman, Colin M. Ely, Nikolas T. Vitt, Trevor J. Ness
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Publication number: 20230139537Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and a display assembly at least partially positioned in the aperture. The display assembly can include a substrate having a conductive portion, a display layer having pixels, a touch sensitive layer positioned on a first side of the substrate, an operational component positioned on a second side of the substrate opposite the first side, and a flexible electrical connector electrically coupled with the conductive portion and the operational component. The flexible electrical connector can include an electromagnetic antenna. A transparent cover can overlay the display assembly and can be secured to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Eric T. Chiang, Steven C. Roach, Ross L. Jackson, Maegan K. Spencer, William C. Lukens, Michael R. Parker, YoungHoon Kim
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Publication number: 20230084538Abstract: A wireless communication system may include an electronic device having a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module may include an antenna radiating element on a first surface, a ground ring surrounding the antenna radiating element on the first surface, and a radio component mounted to a second surface. The wireless communication module may be incorporated into a system package that also includes other components. Encapsulation material may cover the wireless communication module and other components. A shielding material may cover the encapsulation material and be coupled to the ground ring. An opening in the shielding material may be aligned with the antenna radiating element. If desired, the wireless communication system may include external equipment having a wireless communication module communicatively coupled to the wireless communication module to convey firmware testing, debugging, restore, and/or other data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2021Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Xiaofang Mu, Annie Manuja, Christopher D. Guichet, Erik G. de Jong, Jorge L. Rivera Espinoza, Patrick J. Crowley, Steven C. Roach, Venkatesh Rajendran, William C. Lukens, Woojin Jung, Yue Chen, Zhiwei Gu, Derek Iwamoto, Siddharth Nangia, Scott D. Morrison, Kevin A. Klenk, Neeloy Roy
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Patent number: 11573599Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and a display assembly at least partially positioned in the aperture. The display assembly can include a substrate having a conductive portion, a display layer having pixels, a touch sensitive layer positioned on a first side of the substrate, an operational component positioned on a second side of the substrate opposite the first side, and a flexible electrical connector electrically coupled with the conductive portion and the operational component. The flexible electrical connector can include an electromagnetic antenna. A transparent cover can overlay the display assembly and can be secured to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Eric T. Chiang, Steven C. Roach, Ross L. Jackson, Maegan K. Spencer, William C. Lukens, Michael R. Parker, YoungHoon Kim