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).

  • Publication number: 20240073573
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Megan L. Banh, William C. Lukens
  • Publication number: 20240008233
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
  • Patent number: 11860588
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230414122
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
  • Patent number: 11805629
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
  • Patent number: 11786139
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
  • Patent number: 11784394
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11740591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20230139537
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Eric T. Chiang, Steven C. Roach, Ross L. Jackson, Maegan K. Spencer, William C. Lukens, Michael R. Parker, YoungHoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20230084538
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    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
  • Patent number: 11573599
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Eric T. Chiang, Steven C. Roach, Ross L. Jackson, Maegan K. Spencer, William C. Lukens, Michael R. Parker, YoungHoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20220269221
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    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
  • Patent number: 11334032
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20210389797
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Eric T. Chiang, Steven C. Roach, Ross L. Jackson, Maegan K. Spencer, William C. Lukens, Michael R. Parker, YoungHoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20210177108
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: William C. LUKENS, Colin M. ELY, Adam T. CLAVELLE
  • Patent number: 10973285
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Lukens, Colin M. Ely, Adam T. Clavelle
  • Publication number: 20210068688
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
  • Publication number: 20210076545
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Brian R. Land, Naoto Matsuyuki, Erik L. Wang, William C. Lukens, Steven C. Roach
  • Patent number: 10831299
    Abstract: An input device for an electronic device includes one or more pressure sensors for detecting inputs. In one embodiment, a pressure sensor is operably coupled to a compression chamber and configured to detect changes in pressure in the compression chamber. The changes in pressure in the compression chamber may be registered as inputs by the electronic device. The pressure sensor may be located next to, instead of below, the input member, and therefore, the thickness of the button assembly can be reduced compared to conventional designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Lukens, Adam T. Clavelle, Steven P. Cardinali
  • Patent number: 10707032
    Abstract: Electronic devices having input structures that are operative to translate a relatively small travel of an input surface to a larger travel elsewhere. For example, force exerted on an input surface of an input body may cause a corresponding input body to move a first distance. An arm, lever mechanism, or the like may have an end or other portion that moves a second distance in response to the input body's motion. The second distance may be greater than the first; in some embodiments, the second distance may be an order of magnitude or more than the first distance. The travel may close or open a switch in response to the force exerted on the input surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Daniel William Jarvis, Benjamin J. Pope, Erik G. de Jong, Tyler S. Bushnell, Christopher T. Cheng, Trevor J. Ness, William C. Lukens, Steven P. Cardinali, Robert D. Turner