Apple Inc.

Warren Taylor

Maegan K Spencer

Paul Choiniere

Scott W Slabaugh

Shannon X Yang

Jesse A Lippert

Amin M Younes

Liliya Lyandres

Sathyanarayanan Kaliyamoorthy

A composite is provided to include an elastomer substrate comprising methyl groups. The composite may also include a layer of glass comprising SiOformed over the elastomer substrate. A method of fabricating the composite is provided. The method may include diffusing an ozone-rich gas into the substrate of an elastomer substrate comprising methyl groups. The method may also include exposing the elastomer substrate to UV radiation for a period of time. The method may further include converting a surface portion of the elastomer substrate into a layer of glass formed over the elastomer substrate.

Surface modification of elastomers via encapsulated glass (SiO)

An electronic device with a port is disclosed. To expel liquid in the port, the port includes modifications to form a capillary pressure gradient with the liquid, causing uneven capillary forces to act on the liquid in the port. For example, the port may include an asymmetric profile with one section having a curved profile and another section having one or more linear profiles that join at an edge. The edge may form a relative higher curved surface as compared to the curved profile. As a result, the capillary pressure gradient may exert a higher capillary pressure in a location associated with the edge, as compared to a capillary pressure along the curved profile. The capillary pressure gradient causes ambient air into the port along the edge, and separates the liquid from the edge, allowing gravity to overcome atmospheric pressure and causing removal of the liquid from the port.

Electronic device with an irregular port to expel liquid

Growing community of inventors

Felton, CA, United States of America

Warren Taylor