Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110303447 | LOW PROFILE TAPE STRUCTURES - Electronic devices may include electronic device structures such substrates, structures with cavities, and housing structures. Tape may be used to seal components to the surface of a substrate or within a cavity. The tape may have a nonstick polymer layer such as a layer of parylene and one or two layers of adhesive. The nonstick layer may be formed in a pattern so that some of the layer of adhesive is uncovered by the nonstick layer. The nonstick layer may be oriented so that the adhesive is interposed between the nonstick layer and a sealed component or may be oriented so that the nonstick layer is interposed between the adhesive layer and the sealed component. The component that is sealed by the tape may be an electrical component such as a dome switch or other mechanical or electrical component. | 12-15-2011 |
20120157175 | Peripheral Electronic Device Housing Members with Gaps and Dielectric Coatings - An electronic device such as a handheld device may have a rectangular housing with a rectangular periphery. A conductive peripheral housing member may run along the rectangular periphery and may surround the rectangular housing. Radio-frequency transceiver circuitry within the electronic device may be coupled to antenna structures for transmitting and receiving radio-frequency signals. The conductive peripheral housing member may form part of the antenna structures. A gap in the conductive peripheral housing member may be filled with dielectric. The conductive peripheral housing member may be configured to form a recess. The recess may have the shape of a rectangle, oval, diamond, or other shape that overlaps and is bisected by the gap. The recess may also have the shape of a groove that extends around the entire periphery of the housing. The dielectric in the recess may include one or more different materials such as clear and opaque polymers. | 06-21-2012 |
20120194976 | Wrist-Worn Electronic Device and Methods Therefor - Embodiments of electronic wristwatches are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. | 08-02-2012 |
20120268910 | PIEZOELECTRIC VIBRATOR WITH DOUBLE-ENDED SHAFT SUPPORT - An electronic device may be provided with a vibrator. The vibrator may vibrate to alert a user to an incoming cellular telephone call or other events. The vibrator may have a piezoelectric vibrator motor. The piezoelectric vibrator motor may rotate a shaft about a rotational axis. A weight may be attached to the shaft so that the vibrator vibrates when the shaft is rotated. The shaft may have opposing first and second ends. To help prevent damage to the vibrator during a drop event, the first and second ends of the shaft may be supported by support structures and end caps or other structures for retarding axial movement may be provided. The support structures may be formed from a bracket having vertical members with holes that respectively receive the first and second ends. The stop structures may prevent movement of the shaft along its rotational axis. | 10-25-2012 |
20130075149 | CONDUCTIVE FRAME FOR AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. | 03-28-2013 |
20130078869 | D-SHAPED CONNECTOR - The present disclosure relates generally to connector plugs and jacks and in particular to an audio connector plug and jack that can be used in place of the a standard low profile plug and electronic devices using low profile plug receptacles. The connector plug has a reduced plug length and thickness, an intuitive insertion orientation and a smooth, consistent feel when inserted and extracted from its corresponding receptacle connector. A portion or all of the plug connector may include a flexible material that allows the connector to bend with respect to an insertion axis along which the plug connector is designed to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector. A corresponding connector jack may be configured to receive the reduced length and thickness connector plug. | 03-28-2013 |
20130084745 | Connector Devices Having a Flushed and Zero Gap Finish and Methods of Manufacture - Devices and methods of manufacture for improved connector plugs are provided herein. In one aspect, an exemplary connector plug comprises a shield shell having a proximal stepped-down portion and a boot member that fittingly receives the stepped-down proximal portion so that an outer surface of the distal shield shell and the boot member is about flush with a minimal or negligible space therebetween. In some embodiments, the shield shell comprises a separate front shield shell and a reduced profile rear shield shell welded together so as to provide the advantageous reduced profile and improved aesthetic appearance, while maintaining the structural integrity of the connector. In many embodiments, weld strength of the shield shells is improved by providing line-to-line contact between shield shells by using deflectable tabs and/or utilizing thermal expansion properties of one or both shield shells. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084746 | Connector Devices Having Increased Weld Strength and Methods of Manufacture - Devices and methods of manufacture for improved connector plugs are provided herein. In one aspect, an exemplary connector plug comprises a shield shell having a proximal stepped-down portion and a boot member that fittingly receives the stepped-down proximal portion so that an outer surface of the distal shield shell and the boot member is about flush with a minimal or negligible space therebetween. In some embodiments, the shield shell comprises a separate front shield shell and a reduced profile rear shield shell welded together so as to provide the advantageous reduced profile and improved aesthetic appearance, while maintaining the structural integrity of the connector. In many embodiments, weld strength of the shield shells is improved by providing line-to-line contact between shield shells by using deflectable tabs and/or utilizing thermal expansion properties of one or both shield shells. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084760 | CONNECTOR WITH MULTI-LAYER NI UNDERPLATED CONTACTS - A corrosion-resistant electrical connector is disclosed. A multi-layer nickel underplating is applied to the substrate material of the connector contacts. The three layers of nickel include a leveling nickel layer, a sulfumate nickel layer, and a high-phosphorous nickel layer. A layer of gold is applied to the nickel underplating in an embodiment. | 04-04-2013 |
20130087690 | OPTICAL CONNECTION OF DEVICES - Optical connectors, adapters, and devices with such are provided. Optical connectors can have a relatively large diameter for the optical interface. For example, optical connectors can include a collector for receiving optical signals at a large opening and providing signals to a photodiode at a small opening of the collector. Such optical connectors with a large diameter for an optical interface can advantageously provide reduced alignment tolerances and/or provide high data rates. Adapters can use a collector to convert optical data signals from a large width fiber to a smaller width fiber. An optical connector can be in a docking station, and lie underneath a bottom surface of a recess in the docking station. | 04-11-2013 |
20130089290 | HYBRID OPTICAL CONNECTOR - Connector systems that carry electrical signals and optical signals in a single connector are provided. A male electro-optical connector can have an electrical insert portion that fits into a receptacle of a female electro-optical connector to provide a structural connection. The optical interface can be advantageously near a front of the connectors for easy maintenance. Optical connectors with a relatively large diameter for the optical interface are also provided. Optical connectors can include a collector for receiving optical signals at a large opening and providing signals to a photodiode at a small opening of the collector. Such optical connectors with a large diameter for an optical interface can advantageously provide reduced alignment tolerances. Adapters, cable adapters, docking stations, and other apparatus can also be provided. | 04-11-2013 |
20130095701 | EXTERNAL CONTACT PLUG CONNECTOR - The present disclosure relates generally to connectors such as audio and data connectors and in particular to low profile audio connectors that can be used in place of standard audio and data connectors currently used. The plug connector has a reduced plug length and thickness, an intuitive insertion orientation and a smooth, consistent feel when inserted and extracted from its corresponding receptacle connector. The plug connector may be characterized by a flat tip portion at its distal end, a base portion near its proximal end, a shell coupled at the base portion and a plurality of external contacts. | 04-18-2013 |
20130095702 | EXTERNAL CONTACT PLUG CONNECTOR - A dual orientation plug connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts may include a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts may be symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab may be shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. A receptacle connector corresponding to the plug connector. | 04-18-2013 |
20130115821 | DUAL ORIENTATION CONNECTOR WITH EXTERNAL CONTACTS AND CONDUCTIVE FRAME - A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are directly opposite each other are coupled together. In some other embodiments, contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are in a cater cornered relationship with each other are coupled together. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. | 05-09-2013 |
20130122754 | PLUG CONNECTOR WITH EXTERNAL CONTACTS - A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are directly opposite each other are coupled together. In some other embodiments, contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are in a cater cornered relationship with each other are coupled together. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. | 05-16-2013 |
20130149911 | PLUG CONNECTOR WITH EXTERNAL CONTACTS - A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are directly opposite each other are coupled together. In some other embodiments, contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are in a cater cornered relationship with each other are coupled together. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. | 06-13-2013 |
20130175326 | Hotbar Device and Methods for Assembling Electrical Contacts to Ensure Co-Planarity - Devices and methods for assembling co-planar electrical contacts in a connector are provided herein. In one aspect, an exemplary method of assembly comprises depositing solder in a connector plug enclosure, positioning electrical contacts on the solder deposits, advancing the hotbar toward the enclosure contacting each of the electrical contacts so as to planarize a top surface of each of the electrical contacts with the enclosure and melting the solder with the heated hotbar to solder the electrical contacts to the enclosure. In one aspect, an exemplary hotbar device includes a magnet for releasably coupling the electrical contacts to the hotbar. In another aspect, the hotbar includes metallic portions for heating the electrical contacts and insulated ceramic portions for contacting the enclosure. In another aspect, an electrically conductive hotbar includes side portions that extend away from the bottom heating surface facilitating more uniform current flow through the hotbar. | 07-11-2013 |
20130217253 | DUAL ORIENTATION CONNECTOR WITH EXTERNAL CONTACTS - A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. | 08-22-2013 |
20130244492 | DUAL ORIENTATION ELECTRONIC CONNECTOR - A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. | 09-19-2013 |
20130244496 | CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE WITH SIDE GROUND CONTACTS - Connector receptacles having a contoured form factor that allows their use in stylized enclosures. These receptacles may also be contoured to avoid circuitry internal to the device enclosure. The contoured form factor may also simplify the assembly of the connector receptacle. | 09-19-2013 |
20140004741 | EXTERNAL CONTACT CONNECTOR | 01-02-2014 |
20140021243 | HOTBAR DEVICE AND METHODS FOR ASSEMBLING ELECTRICAL CONTACTS TO ENSURE CO-PLANARITY - Devices and methods for assembling co-planar electrical contacts in a connector are provided herein. In one aspect, an exemplary method of assembly comprises depositing solder in a connector plug enclosure, positioning electrical contacts on the solder deposits, advancing the hotbar toward the enclosure contacting each of the electrical contacts so as to planarize a top surface of each of the electrical contacts with the enclosure and melting the solder with the heated hotbar to solder the electrical contacts to the enclosure. In one aspect, an exemplary hotbar device includes a magnet for releasably coupling the electrical contacts to the hotbar. In another aspect, the hotbar includes metallic portions for heating the electrical contacts and insulated ceramic portions for contacting the enclosure. In another aspect, an electrically conductive hotbar includes side portions that extend away from the bottom heating surface facilitating more uniform current flow through the hotbar. | 01-23-2014 |
20140069682 | CABLE STRUCTURES AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Cable structures for use in cable assemblies that interconnect portable electronic devices with various other devices, such as power adaptors, computers, media playback devices, etc. are shown. The cable structures can include a ground conductor that is broken up into multiple, smaller ground conductors that are physically separate and distinct from each other with the cable structure (and which can be terminated together in, for example, the connectors at the ends of the cable assembly). The cable structure may also include conductors having insulating material formed from FEP and/or wire mesh shield elements configured for high durability during bending and twisting of the assembled cable. An extrusion process can be used to manufacture the final, fully-assembled cable structure. | 03-13-2014 |
20140069709 | CONNECTORS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING CONNECTORS - Frames for plug connectors capable of being a reduced size may include features to support contacts, house circuitry for coupling with the contacts, facilitate the flow of molten material during the molding of the frame, and allow for ease of insertion and removal of the plug connector to and from a corresponding receptacle connector. For example, a frame may include ledges, interlocks, and rounded and tapered openings. Methods for manufacturing the frame are also provided. | 03-13-2014 |
20140069713 | LOAD SHARING DEVICE AND I/O ARCHITECTURE AGAINST IMPARTED ABUSE LOADS - A bracket configured to be interposed between the housing of a mobile electronic device and an electrical receptacle that is disposed in the mobile electronic device. The bracket includes a bracket body, an elongated opening through the bracket and a sheath surrounding portions of the bracket body. The bracket body includes an elongated protrusion extending in a front direction from the front face of the bracket body and a pair of fastener accommodations extending through the bracket body, each fastener accommodation disposed on opposite sides of the elongated protrusion. The sheath includes a first portion surrounding a portion of the bracket body elongated protrusion and a second portion including a pair of fastener openings. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073170 | CONNECTOR ARCHITECTURE AND INSERTION PROFILE - Connector inserts and receptacles that provide a clear response to a user when a connector insert is properly inserted into a connector receptacle. One example may provide a connector system that provides a tactile response to a user when a connector insert is properly inserted into a connector receptacle. In other examples, the response provided to the user may be audible as well. The insertion of the connector insert into the connector receptacle may follow a force profile that includes an insertion profile defined by a substantially monotonically increasing resistance force from the beginning of insertion until an insertion peak is reached, followed by a click-through event leading to a final mating position. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073183 | PLUG CONNECTOR MODULES - A plug connector module that includes a metal frame having a base portion, an insertion end and a cavity that extends from the base portion into the insertion end. The insertion end is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a corresponding receptacle connector. A substrate extends through the base portion of the frame and into the insertion end. A first plurality of external contacts is positioned in a first opening and a second plurality of contacts positioned within a second opening. One or more electronic components is coupled to the substrate, and a first encapsulant that covers and environmentally seals the one or more electronic components. A second encapsulant covers and environmentally seals a metal shield and at least a portion of a leg that extends from the shield. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073206 | Contacts for an Electrical Connector - An improved electronic contact assembly for electrical connectors is disclosed. A plurality of elongated metallic contacts may be formed, each having one or more protrusions that enable precision alignment within a connector. A plurality of the contacts may be insert-molded in a dielectric frame which may have alignment tabs, resilient alignment bosses, alignment posts and crushable combs, all enabling precise alignment of contacts within a connector. | 03-13-2014 |
20140170907 | DUAL ORIENTATION ELECTRONIC CONNECTOR - A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. Each individual contact in the first plurality of contacts is electrically connected within the tab or body to a corresponding contact in the second plurality of contacts. In some embodiments contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are directly opposite each other are coupled together. In some other embodiments, contacts in the first and second pluralities of contacts that are in a cater cornered relationship with each other are coupled together. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. | 06-19-2014 |
20140206209 | REVERSIBLE USB CONNECTOR - Embodiments can provide reversible or dual orientation USB plug connectors for mating with standard USB receptacle connectors, e.g., a standard Type A USB receptacle connector. Accordingly, the present invention may be compatible with any current or future electronic device that includes a standard USB receptacle connector. USB plug connectors according to the present invention can have a 180 degree symmetrical, double orientation design, which enables the plug connector to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two intuitive orientations. Some embodiments of the present invention may be used with or require a non-standard USB receptacle connector. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may reduce the potential for USB connector damage and user frustration during the incorrect insertion of a USB plug connector into a corresponding USB receptacle connector of an electronic device. | 07-24-2014 |
20140235095 | REVERSIBLE USB CONNECTOR WITH COMPLIANT MEMBER TO SPREAD STRESS AND INCREASE CONTACT NORMAL FORCE - Embodiments can provide reversible or dual orientation USB plug connectors for mating with standard USB receptacle connectors, e.g., a standard Type A USB receptacle connector. Accordingly, the present invention may be compatible with any current or future electronic device that includes a standard USB receptacle connector. USB plug connectors according to the present invention can have a 180 degree symmetrical, double orientation design, which enables the plug connector to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two intuitive orientations. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may reduce the potential for USB connector damage and user frustration during the incorrect insertion of a USB plug connector into a corresponding USB receptacle connector of an electronic device. Reversible USB plug connectors according to the present invention may include a compliant member or structural support for distributing stress and increasing contact normal force at the tongue of the reversible USB plug connector. | 08-21-2014 |
20140242848 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAVING A DESIGNED BREAKING STRENGTH - An improved method is employed to produce a plug connector having a defined breaking strength. The plug connector is receivable in a receptacle connector disposed in an electronic device. The plug connector has an inner enclosure bonded to a tab of the connector. The bonds are designed to break at a torque that is less than the breaking strength of the tab of the connector and/or the receptacle connector. The designed breaking strength protects the receptacle connector and/or the electronic device from damage when a force is applied to the plug connector. | 08-28-2014 |
20140313128 | WRIST-WORN ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHODS THEREFOR - Embodiments of electronic wristwatches are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. | 10-23-2014 |
20140329416 | CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations. | 11-06-2014 |
20150072565 | PLUG CONNECTOR HAVING LOW PROFILE AND FLEXIBLE INTERCONNECT - A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing surfaces and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. A retainer is positioned at an entrance end of the tab and is overmolded on a portion of a carrier. The carrier has a first portion positioned within the tab, a second portion extending through the retainer and a third portion extending out of the retainer at an angle with respect to the longitudinal plane of the tab. The carrier has a plurality of conductors formed thereon and extending from the first portion to the third portion. | 03-12-2015 |