US Patent Application Review Series

Apple

Week of 8 April 2010 Issue

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Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 1

A few words from the editor

A few words from the editor

If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.
- Issac Newton

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Structure of this review IPC Catchword Index is an alphabetical sorted list of

catchwords of the IPC appeared in the review.
The Table of Contents is created based on
alphabetical order of IPC. The patent applications
are also sorted by alphabetical order of IPC. A brief How to use this review?
description of each IPC is shown. We find that the IPC
description could help ‘deciphering’ the abstract of an For creativity stimulation purpose:
patent application. If a patent application belongs to • quickly flip the pages and write down the page
multiple IPC, the patent application will only be shown number of the diagrams that interests you for
under the section of first IPC. later review.
For each patent application, the following information
will be shown: • look up the IPC Catchword Index and go to the
IPC that you are interested
1. App. No. – patent application no. – it is unique
to each patent application. For business intelligent purpose:
2. Assignee – this is owner of the patent • quickly flip the pages and identify the IPC that
application. If there is no assignee being could “ring a bell”
specified, either the inventor of the patent
application own the patent application or the • study all patent applications belong to the
owner of the patent application did not record identified IPC.
such information when the patent application
was filed. For engineering design purpose:

3. Title – this is the title of the patent application. • quickly flip the pages and identify the diagrams
that may be similar to your work.
4. Abstract – this is the abstract of the patent
application. There are rules on how an abstract • click on the patent application link and visit the
should be drafted. Most patent attorneys like to US server for more detailed information of the
have the abstract based on the first claim of the patent application.
patent application.
• read the description of IPC carefully.
5. Pri. Date – priority date – it is the date
of filing of the first application of the patent • if you are interested in IPC, compare the patent
application (a patent application could have applications belong to it.
multiple application dates because of divisional
patents as well as overseas patent applications). Copyright
It is considered to be the effective date of filing
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step or non-obviousness for the subsequent inventor specifically stated so in the patent application.
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Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 2

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A few words from the editor
Table of Contents
G06 - Electric digital data processing
G06F 13/00 - Interconnection of, or transfer
of information or other signals between,
memories, input/output devices or
central processing units . . . . . . . . .
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more
digital computers each having at least
an arithmetic unit, a programme unit
and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous
processing of several programmes . . .
G06F 15/173 - using an interconnection
network, e.g. matrix, shuffle, pyramid,
star, snowflake . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G09 - Arrangements or circuits for control of
indicating devices using static means to
present variable information 6
G09G 03/36 - using liquid crystals . . . . . . 6 IPC Catchword Index
Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications
H01 - Electrically-conductive connections 6
H01R 11/30 - End pieces held in contact by
a magnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
H01R 13/648 - Protective earth or shield
arrangements on coupling devices . . . 7
H01R 24/00 - Two-part coupling devices,
or either of their cooperating parts,
characterised by their overall structure . 9
H01R 24/04 - having the contacts of each
coupling part arranged in line parallel
with the direction of coupling-engaging
motion, e.g. telephone-jack type . . . . 10
2 H01R 43/20 - for assembling or
disassembling contact members with
3 insulating base, case or sleeve . . . . . 12
4 H02 - Circuit arrangements or systems for
supplying or distributing electric power 12
H02J 07/00 - Circuit arrangements for
4 charging or depolarising batteries or for
supplying loads from batteries . . . . . . 12
H02J 07/04 - Regulation of the charging
current or voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4 H04 - Pictorial communication, e.g. television 13
H04N 07/26 - using bandwidth reduction . . . 13
H04N 17/00 - Diagnosis, testing or
5 measuring for television systems or
their details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Patent Index 15
16
3
G06F 15/16

G06F 13/00: Electric digital data processing Ü Interconnection of, or

transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output
devices or central processing units
App. No. 20100088450 Assignee APPLE INC.
Title Component retention mechanism
Abstract A component retention mechanism facilitates improved installation, retention and removal of
hardware components (e.g., PCI cards) on a personal computer. The retention mechanism
includes a locking component, support member, and release mechanism coupled to each other.
The locking component can be a steel bar or other stiff item positioned proximate to multiple
socket connectors on a circuit board. The locking component moves between unlocked and
locked positions that mechanically and simultaneously unlock or lock in place multiple add-in cards
inserted into the socket connectors. The support member moves and thereby facilitates movement
of the locking component between locked and unlocked positions. The release mechanism
facilitates movement of the support member and is actuated when a force is exerted by a user
thereto. An associated slider housing coupled to the release mechanism and support member
includes a fan, support shelves and a door that provides additional support to oversized PCI
cards.
Pri. Date 20081008 App. Date 20081219 Pub. Date 20100408

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 4

G09G 03/36

G06F 15/16: Electric digital data processing Ü Digital computers in

general Ü Combinations of two or more digital computers each having
at least an arithmetic unit, a programme unit and a register, e.g. for a
simultaneous processing of several programmes
App. No. 20100088387 Assignee APPLE INC.
Title Email notification proxy
Abstract Among other things, techniques and systems are disclosed for exchanging notifications and
data between a client device and a server. A system includes a server configured to maintain
a first persistent connection to a mobile electronic device. The first persistent connection is
configured to push at least service specific data to the mobile electronic device. The server is
further configured to maintain a second persistent connection to a third party server. The second
persistent connection is configured to monitor for availability, at the third party server, of new data
associated with the mobile electronic device. The server is also configured to notify the mobile
electronic device via the first persistent connection when new data becomes available at the third
party server.
Pri. Date 20081006 App. Date 20081003 Pub. Date 20100408

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 5

H01R 11/30

G06F 15/173: Electric digital data processing Ü Digital computers in

general Ü Combinations of two or more digital computers each having
at least an arithmetic unit, a programme unit and a register, e.g. for
a simultaneous processing of several programmes Ü Interprocessor
communication Ü using an interconnection network, e.g. matrix, shuffle,
pyramid, star, snowflake
Patent applications also belong to this classification and have been already shown:
20100088387 page 5

G09G 03/36: Arrangements or circuits for control of indicating devices

using static means to present variable information Ü Control arrangements
or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other
than cathode-ray tubes Ü for presentation of an assembly of a number
of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination
of individual elements arranged in a matrix Ü by control of light from
an independent source Ü using liquid crystals
App. No. 20100085290 Assignee Apple Inc.
Title Use of on-chip frame buffer to improve lcd response time by overdriving
Abstract A method and system is disclosed for improving the response time of displays, such as liquid
crystal displays (LCDs). The method includes receiving a target picture frame and comparing it
to a current picture frame. If the comparison shows that a display may be unable to transition
from a current pixel intensity level to a target pixel intensity level within a specified time period,
then the pixels that correspond to those current pixel intensities that may not be reach target pixel
intensities may be overdriven. This overdriving of one or more pixels may allow the pixel to reach
the target pixel intensity within the specified time period.
Pri. Date 20081003 App. Date 20090122 Pub. Date 20100408

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 6

H01R 13/648

H01R 11/30: Electrically-conductive connections Ü Individual connecting

elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive
members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces
for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means
for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or
conductive member, blocks of binding posts Ü End pieces or tapping
pieces for wires or cables, supported by the wire or cable and having
means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal,
or conductive member Ü End pieces held in contact by a magnet
App. No. 20100087071 Assignee Apple Inc.
Title Electromagnetic connector for electronic device
Abstract An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain
contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for
connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes
electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle.
The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the
plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the
other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought
into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement,
whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically
conductive relationship.
Pri. Date 20081007 App. Date 20091208 Pub. Date 20100408

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 7

H01R 13/648

H01R 13/648: Electrically-conductive connections Ü Details of coupling

devices of the kinds covered by groups or Ü Protective earth or shield
arrangements on coupling devices
App. No. 20100087096 Assignee Apple Inc.
Title Reduced size multi-pin male plug connector
Abstract Receptacle connectors and male plug connectors having a reduced size in at least one direction
can be provided. One example reduces height by not including a center contact tab or tongue,
but instead places contacts on an insulator that is adjacent to a bottom portion of the receptacle.
Another example may reduce width by reducing contact pitch, and may use a particular shape
of contact to achieve god signal quality. Receptacle connectors and male plug connectors can
also provide support for one or more new high-speed communication standards, such as USB
3.0 and DisplayPort. Methods can provide one or more standardized connector components to
speed connector design and manufacture of new electronic devices such as media players, thus
reducing their time to market.
Pri. Date 20081002 App. Date 20090929 Pub. Date 20100408

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 8

H01R 24/00

H01R 24/00: Electrically-conductive connections Ü Two-part coupling

devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall
structure
App. No. 20100087098 Assignee Apple Inc.
Title Reduced size multi-pin female receptacle connector
Abstract Receptacle connectors and male plug connectors having a reduced size in at least one direction
can be provided. One example reduces height by not including a center contact tab or tongue,
but instead places contacts on an insulator that is adjacent to a bottom portion of the receptacle.
Another example may reduce width by reducing contact pitch, and may use a particular shape
of contact to achieve god signal quality. Receptacle connectors and male plug connectors can
also provide support for one or more new high-speed communication standards, such as USB
3.0 and DisplayPort. Methods can provide one or more standardized connector components to
speed connector design and manufacture of new electronic devices such as media players, thus
reducing their time to market.
Pri. Date 20070314 App. Date 20090929 Pub. Date 20100408

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 9

H01R 24/04

Patent applications also belong to this classification and have been already shown:
20100087096 page 8

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 10

H01R 24/04

H01R 24/04: Electrically-conductive connections Ü Two-part coupling

devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall
structure Ü having the contacts of each coupling part arranged in line
parallel with the direction of coupling-engaging motion, e.g. telephone-
jack type
App. No. 20100087099 Assignee APPLE INC.
Title Male plug connector
Abstract A male plug connector for connecting to a corresponding receptacle connector of a media player.
In one embodiment the connector comprises a housing designed to accommodate a plurality of
contacts spaced apart in a single row of contact locations that are sequentially numbered from
a first end to a second end. The contact locations include first, second and third ground contact
locations designated for ground, the first ground contact location at the first end, the second
ground contact location at the second end, and the third ground contact location between the
first end and the second end; a first group of digital contact locations designated for one or more
digital signals including USB contact locations interleaved with contact locations designated for
non-USB digital signals, the first group of digital contact locations being disposed between the
first ground contact location and the third ground contact location; and a second group of analog
contact locations designated for one or more analog signals including at least one audio signal,
the second group of analog contact locations being disposed between the third ground contact
location and the second ground contact location.
Pri. Date 20070314 App. Date 20091103 Pub. Date 20100408

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 11

H02J 07/00

H01R 43/20: Electrically-conductive connections Ü Apparatus or processes

specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing
of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
Ü for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating
base, case or sleeve
Patent applications also belong to this classification and have been already shown:
20100087098 page 9

H02J 07/00: Circuit arrangements or systems for supplying or distributing

electric power Ü Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries
or for supplying loads from batteries
App. No. 20100085011 Assignee APPLE INC.
Title Methods and apparatus for charging a battery in a peripheral device
Abstract A power manager for managing power delivered to a battery operated peripheral device is
disclosed. The power manager includes an input current limiter arranged to suppress a power
surge associated with an insertion event by a power cable arranged to provide an external voltage.
A voltage converter unit coupled to the input current limiter converts the received external voltage
to a supply voltage that is transmitted by way of a main bus to a voltage sensor unit coupled
thereto. During the insertion event, a comparator unit coupled to the voltage sensor, sends a first
switching signal to a switchover circuit that responds by connecting the peripheral device and an
uncharged battery to the main bus such that the supply voltage is provided thereto. When the
battery is substantially fully charged, the switchover circuit responds by electrically disconnecting
the battery so as to not overcharge the battery.
Pri. Date 20090116 App. Date 20091209 Pub. Date 20100408

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 12

H04N 07/26

H02J 07/04: Circuit arrangements or systems for supplying or distributing

electric power Ü Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries
or for supplying loads from batteries Ü for charging batteries from ac
mains by converters Ü Regulation of the charging current or voltage
Patent applications also belong to this classification and have been already shown:
20100085011 page 12

H04N 07/26: Pictorial communication, e.g. television Ü Television systems

Ü Systems for the transmission of television signals using pulse code
modulation Ü using bandwidth reduction
App. No. 20100086063 Assignee APPLE INC.
Title Quality metrics for coded video using just noticeable difference models
Abstract Systems and methods for applying a new quality metric for coding video are provided. The
metric, based on the Just Noticeable Difference (JND) distortion visibility model, allows for efficient
selection of coding techniques that limit perceptible distortion in the video while still taking into
account parameters, such as desired bit rate, that can enhance system performance. Additionally,
the unique aspects of each input type, system and display may be considered. Allowing for
a programmable minimum viewing distance (MVD) parameter also ensures that the perceptible
distortion will not be noticeable at the specified MVD, even though the perceptible distortion may
be significant at an alternate distance.
Pri. Date 20081003 App. Date 20090331 Pub. Date 20100408

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 13

H04N 17/00

H04N 17/00: Pictorial communication, e.g. television Ü Diagnosis, testing

or measuring for television systems or their details

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 14

Patent Index

Patent Index
Patent Application Page Patent Application Page Patent Application Page
20100085011 12 20100085290 6 20100086063 13
20100087071 7 20100087096 8 20100087098 9
20100087099 11 20100088387 5 20100088450 4

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 15

IPC Catchword Index

IPC Catchword Index

Catch Word IPC Page

BANDWIDTH reduction for television signal transmission H04N 07/26 13
BATTERY(-IES) charging electric BATTERY(-IES) H02J 07/00 12
CHARGING of batteries H02J 07/00 12
COMPILING statistics G06 4
COMPUTER(S) G06 4
DATA processing G06 4
DEPOLARISING, DEPOLARIZING circuits for DEPOLARISING H02J 07/00 12
ELECTRICITY distribution of ELECTRICITY H02 12
EQUATIONS solving EQUATIONS G06 4
FUNCTIONS evaluating FUNCTIONS G06 4
GENERATION of electricity H02 12
JACK(S) telephone JACK(S) H01R 24/04 11
MONITORING of television communication systems H04N 17/00 14
STORES for storage of data combined with electric digital computers G06F 13/00 4

Apple - Week of 8 April 2010 USPTO Patent Applications 16