Min Jeong Kim

US Patent:

7794263, Sep 14, 2010

Filed:

Sep 30, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/571376

Inventors:

Min Chul Kim - Santa Clara CA, US
Greg Springer - Sunnyvale CA, US
Joshua Funamura - San Jose CA, US
Stewart Shannon Fields - Bend OR, US

Assignee:

Apple Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

H01R 13/627

US Classification:

439357

Abstract:

Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.

US Patent:

7841910, Nov 30, 2010

Filed:

Sep 26, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/239099

Inventors:

Stewart Shannon Fields - Belmont CA, US
Matthew K. Herndon - San Carlos CA, US
Min Chul Kim - San Jose CA, US
Ron Larson - Mountain View CA, US
Richard J. Middlehurst - Fremont CA, US
Anilkumar R. Pannikkat - Mountain View CA, US
Glenn Wheelock - San Jose CA, US

Assignee:

Apple Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

H01R 13/64

US Classification:

439680, 439358

Abstract:

Connectors having a smaller profile. These connectors are useful as a reduced form factor DisplayPort connector. Keys on a receptacle are used to indicate when an insert is fully engaged. Edges of the receptacle and insert are chamfered in such a way as to prevent the pins of the connector from being damaged when an improper insertion is attempted. User experience is also enhanced by the use of one or more latches. As the connector is inserted, the latch provides resistance that builds until the connector is inserted a certain distance, after which the latch enters a cutout portion of the insert thus releasing the pressure and letting the user know the connection has been made. Fingers are employed to provide mechanical stability and electrical connection between receptacle and insert.

US Patent:

8011975, Sep 6, 2011

Filed:

Oct 29, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/916480

Inventors:

Min Chul Kim - Santa Clara CA, US
Paul Yuan - San Jose CA, US

Assignee:

Apple Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

H01R 13/64

US Classification:

439680, 439651, 439934

Abstract:

Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide protection from exposed wires or terminals when a power plug is damaged or destroyed. One example may provide a plug having an inner cover that shields power carrying wires or terminals when an outer shell is damaged or destroyed. The inner cover may include openings to receive conductors, where the openings may lead to terminals or wires that connect to plug prongs. The received conductors may attach directly or indirectly to an outer shell, and further to a power cord, circuitry, or other electronic components. When the outer shell is damaged or destroyed, the conductors may pull out of the openings in the inner cover, thus disconnecting from the wires or terminals. The wires or terminals may thus remain protected by the inner shell, avoiding exposure to contact by users or inadvertent conductors.

US Patent:

8152570, Apr 10, 2012

Filed:

Aug 18, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/213080

Inventors:

Min Chul Kim - Santa Clara CA, US
Paul Yuan - San Jose CA, US

Assignee:

Apple Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

H01R 13/64

US Classification:

439680

Abstract:

Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide protection from exposed wires or terminals when a power plug is damaged or destroyed. One example may provide a plug having an inner cover that shields power carrying wires or terminals when an outer shell is damaged or destroyed. The inner cover may include openings to receive conductors, where the openings may lead to terminals or wires that connect to plug prongs. The received conductors may attach directly or indirectly to an outer shell, and further to a power cord, circuitry, or other electronic components. When the outer shell is damaged or destroyed, the conductors may pull out of the openings in the inner cover, thus disconnecting from the wires or terminals. The wires or terminals may thus remain protected by the inner shell, avoiding exposure to contact by users or inadvertent conductors.

US Patent:

8162688, Apr 24, 2012

Filed:

Aug 11, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/854180

Inventors:

Min Chul Kim - Santa Clara CA, US
Greg Springer - Sunnyvale CA, US
Joshua Funamura - San Jose CA, US
Stewart Shannon Fields - Bend OR, US

Assignee:

Apple Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

H01R 13/627

US Classification:

439357

Abstract:

Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing.

US Patent:

8327536, Dec 11, 2012

Filed:

Feb 23, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/033562

Inventors:

Min Chul Kim - Santa Clara CA, US
Paul Yuan - San Jose CA, US
Josh Pong - San Jose CA, US
Joseph Tang - Cupertino CA, US

Assignee:

Apple Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

H01R 43/02

US Classification:

29861, 29857, 29860, 43960741

Abstract:

High speed connector inserts and cables having improved heat conduction, high strength, and may be manufactured in a reliable manner. One example may provide a connector insert having several paths by which heat may be removed from circuitry in the cable insert. In one example, heat may be removed from one or more circuits by forming a thermal path between a circuit and a shield of the connector insert. Another path may include one or more pads on a side of an integrated circuit board that are soldered directly to the shield. A braiding surrounding a cable may be soldered or otherwise thermally connected to the shield. Another example may provide a cable having a braiding that includes one or more types of fibers, such as aramid fibers. Another example may provide for increased manufacturability by using a wire comb and a solder bar.

US Patent:

8337253, Dec 25, 2012

Filed:

Sep 30, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/895277

Inventors:

Zheng Gao - San Jose CA, US
John Raff - Menlo Park CA, US
Bartley K. Andre - Menlo Park CA, US
Laura DeForest - Sunnyvale CA, US
Greg Springer - Sunnyvale CA, US
Min Chul Kim - Santa Clara CA, US
Joshua Funamura - San Jose CA, US

Assignee:

Apple Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

H01R 24/00

US Classification:

439660

Abstract:

Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted, or are very thin or have a low profile. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. Another example provides a super-thin connector receptacle by removing fingers and portions of a shell along one or more sides.

US Patent:

8425257, Apr 23, 2013

Filed:

Apr 25, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/093806

Inventors:

Zheng Gao - San Jose CA, US
George Tziviskos - Cupertino CA, US
Min Chul Kim - Cupertino CA, US
Vincent D. Duperron - Cupertino CA, US
George V. Anastas - Cupertino CA, US
Gregory A. Springer - Sunnyvale CA, US

Assignee:

Apple Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

H01R 13/648

US Classification:

439630, 43960717, 439108, 439736

Abstract:

Electrical connections that provide a highly manufacturable, well-shielded path from a cable to a printed circuit board. One example provides a path that includes a card and a connector. Conductors in a cable may be attached to a card. The card may be shielded with a ground plane on one or more sides and edges. The card may insert into a connector that may be attached to a printed circuit board. The connector may include a shield that may have a top portion that forms electrical contact with a ground plane on a top of a card inserted in the connector. The connector may have an opening for accepting the card that is defined by the top portion of the shield and a plurality of rows of contacts. The rows of contacts may include an outer row of ground contacts, and an inner row of signal contacts.