Patents by Inventor Alex J. Crumlin

Alex J. Crumlin 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).

  • Patent number: 10631410
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to printed circuit board packages and methods of assembly that may be used in the fabrication of electrical devices. Printed circuit board packages may be manufactured by stacking printed circuit board assemblies. Each printed circuit board assembly may have multiple printed circuit boards supported by a resin mold. The printed circuit board assemblies may be shaped to improve space utilization efficiency and to accommodate large electrical components that are attached to the printed circuit board package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Corey S. Provencher, Meng Chi Lee, Derek J. Walters, Ian A. Spraggs, Flynn P. Carson, Shakti S. Chauhan, Daniel W. Jarvis, David A. Pakula, Jun Zhai, Michael V. Yeh, Alex J. Crumlin, Dennis R. Pyper, Amir Salehi, Vu T. Vo, Gregory N. Stephens
  • Patent number: 10455738
    Abstract: A circuit board assembly in an electronic is disclosed. To conserve space in the electronic device, the circuit board assembly includes stacked circuit boards in electrical communication with each other, such as a first circuit board stacked over a second circuit board. Each circuit board may include multiple surfaces that carry operational components. Moreover, the first circuit board may include a first surface and the second circuit board may include a second surface facing the first surface. The first and second surfaces may include operational components in corresponding locations. Also, the operational components may include corresponding shapes such that one component is positioned in another component. The components may electrically connect to each other. Also, the circuit board assembly may include EMI shields around an outer perimeter in order to shield the operational components form EMI and to components in the electronic device from EMI emanating from the operational components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Pakula, Daniel W. Jarvis, Gregory N. Stephens, Ian A. Spraggs, Vu Thanh Vo, Amir Salehi, Dennis R. Pyper, Alex J. Crumlin, Corey S. Provencher, Derek J. Walters, Michael V. Yeh
  • Patent number: 10009852
    Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates to low temperature power throttling at a mobile device to reduce the likelihood of an unexpected power down event in cold weather environments. A mobile device employing a power management solution may be configured to determine that a monitored temperature at the mobile device (at the battery of the mobile device) is below a first threshold level, and whether a hardware component (such as a camera) is active or inactive. Then, based on these determinations, the mobile device can select a throttle setting from a first set of throttle settings when the hardware component is active, and a second set of throttle settings when the hardware component is inactive. Subsequently the mobile device can throttle power consumption for one or more components of the mobile device according to the selected throttle setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Y. Law, Keith Cox, John M. Ananny, Stephen D. Sterz, Derek J. DiCarlo, Gaurav Kapoor, Jason L. Pang, Alex J. Crumlin
  • Publication number: 20180092213
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to printed circuit board packages and methods of assembly that may be used in the fabrication of electrical devices. Printed circuit board packages may be manufactured by stacking printed circuit board assemblies. Each printed circuit board assembly may have multiple printed circuit boards supported by a resin mold. The printed circuit board assemblies may be shaped to improve space utilization efficiency and to accommodate large electrical components that are attached to the printed circuit board package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Corey S. Provencher, Meng Chi Lee, Derek J. Walters, Ian A. Spraggs, Flynn P. Carson, Shakti S. Chauhan, Daniel W. Jarvis, David A. Pakula, Jun Zhai, Michael V. Yeh, Alex J. Crumlin, Dennis R. Pyper, Amir Salehi, Vu T. Vo, Gregory N. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20180084636
    Abstract: A circuit board assembly in an electronic is disclosed. To conserve space in the electronic device, the circuit board assembly includes stacked circuit boards in electrical communication with each other, such as a first circuit board stacked over a second circuit board. Each circuit board may include multiple surfaces that carry operational components. Moreover, the first circuit board may include a first surface and the second circuit board may include a second surface facing the first surface. The first and second surfaces may include operational components in corresponding locations. Also, the operational components may include corresponding shapes such that one component is positioned in another component. The components may electrically connect to each other. Also, the circuit board assembly may include EMI shields around an outer perimeter in order to shield the operational components form EMI and to components in the electronic device from EMI emanating from the operational components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: David A. PAKULA, Daniel W. JARVIS, Gregory N. STEPHENS, Ian A. SPRAGGS, Vu Thanh VO, Amir SALEHI, Dennis R. PYPER, Alex J. CRUMLIN, Corey S. PROVENCHER, Derek J. WALTERS, Michael V. YEH
  • Publication number: 20170156111
    Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates to low temperature power throttling at a mobile device to reduce the likelihood of an unexpected power down event in cold weather environments. A mobile device employing a power management solution may be configured to determine that a monitored temperature at the mobile device (at the battery of the mobile device) is below a first threshold level, and whether a hardware component (such as a camera) is active or inactive. Then, based on these determinations, the mobile device can select a throttle setting from a first set of throttle settings when the hardware component is active, and a second set of throttle settings when the hardware component is inactive. Subsequently the mobile device can throttle power consumption for one or more components of the mobile device according to the selected throttle setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick Y. LAW, Keith COX, John M. ANANNY, Stephen D. STERZ, Derek J. DICARLO, Gaurav KAPOOR, Jason L. PANG, Alex J. CRUMLIN
  • Patent number: 9585100
    Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates to low temperature power throttling at a mobile device to reduce the likelihood of an unexpected power down event in cold weather environments. A mobile device employing a power management solution may be configured to determine that a monitored temperature at the mobile device (at the battery of the mobile device) is below a first threshold level, and whether a hardware component (such as a camera) is active or inactive. Then, based on these determinations, the mobile device can select a throttle setting from a first set of throttle settings when the hardware component is active, and a second set of throttle settings when the hardware component is inactive. Subsequently the mobile device can throttle power consumption for one or more components of the mobile device according to the selected throttle setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Y. Law, Keith Cox, John M. Ananny, Stephen D. Sterz, Derek J. DiCarlo, Gaurav Kapoor, Jason L. Pang, Alex J. Crumlin
  • Publication number: 20160066266
    Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates to low temperature power throttling at a mobile device to reduce the likelihood of an unexpected power down event in cold weather environments. A mobile device employing a power management solution may be configured to determine that a monitored temperature at the mobile device (at the battery of the mobile device) is below a first threshold level, and whether a hardware component (such as a camera) is active or inactive. Then, based on these determinations, the mobile device can select a throttle setting from a first set of throttle settings when the hardware component is active, and a second set of throttle settings when the hardware component is inactive. Subsequently the mobile device can throttle power consumption for one or more components of the mobile device according to the selected throttle setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Y. Law, Keith Cox, John M. Ananny, Stephen D. Sterz, Derek J. DiCarlo, Gaurav Kapoor, Jason L. Pang, Alex J. Crumlin
  • Publication number: 20140225835
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide increased control of backlit keys for a keyboard. Some embodiments may include controllers within the keyboard that are capable of dynamically programming illumination of the keyboard based upon interaction, where each key of the keyboard may be individually programmed in a dynamic manner. For example, a spell checking function may be executing on a computer system, and as the user types various words, the keyboard may dynamically program the illumination of keyboard controllers such that the next letter of the word being typed is illuminated by the keyboard. Also, different keyboard illumination schemes may be generated based upon mouse movements by the user and/or based upon which application is currently executing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Alex J. Crumlin, Nicholas Vincent King, Duncan Kerr, Chris Ligtenberg, James E. Orr, IV
  • Patent number: 8578198
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that enables a portable computing device to receive power through multiple bus interfaces at the same time. When the system senses that a first power source is plugged into a first bus interface in the portable computing device, the system determines whether the first power source is a host or a power adapter. Next, based upon whether the first power source is a host or a power adapter, the system uses a first power manager coupled to the first bus interface to limit a first input current received from the first power source to power the computing device. The system also provides the maximum charging current to a rechargeable battery for the portable computing device by chaining together a second bus interface whether power is present on the second bus interface or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Yoshimoto, Alex J. Crumlin
  • Patent number: 8538084
    Abstract: A method for depth sensing keystoning. The method of depth sensing keystoning may include an optical system and electrical devices. The method of depth sensing keystoning may correct for image distortion using depth measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dean Slack, Aaron Leiba, Alex J. Crumlin, Jason Medeiros
  • Patent number: 8378972
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide increased control of backlit keys for a keyboard. Some embodiments may include controllers within the keyboard that are capable of dynamically programming illumination of the keyboard based upon interaction, where each key of the keyboard may be individually programmed in a dynamic manner. For example, a spell checking function may be executing on a computer system, and as the user types various words, the keyboard may dynamically program the illumination of keyboard controllers such that the next letter of the word being typed is illuminated by the keyboard. Also, different keyboard illumination schemes may be generated based upon mouse movements by the user and/or based upon which application is currently executing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Alex J. Crumlin, Nicholas Vincent King, Duncan Kerr, Chris Ligtenberg, James E. Orr, IV
  • Publication number: 20120331194
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates communication between components in a portable electronic device. The system includes a first hub that couples a first set of interfaces to a high-speed link and a second hub that couples a second set of interfaces to the high-speed link. The first hub may receive a communication from a first component through a first interface in the first set of interfaces and transmit the communication through the high-speed link. The second hub may receive the communication from the high-speed link and transmit the communication to a second component through a second interface in the second set of interfaces. The first and second hubs may thus reduce the number of wires required to transmit communications between the first and second sets of interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Alex J. Crumlin
  • Patent number: 8332667
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that configures a battery for a computer system. During operation, the system disconnects the battery by simulating a fault condition using a safety circuit of the battery. The fault condition may be simulated to facilitate safe assembly of a computer system containing the battery. After assembly is complete, the system enables use of the battery in the computer system by applying external power to the computer system, which resets the safety circuit and reconnects the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Thompson, Mark A. Yoshimoto, Alex J. Crumlin, Val Valentine, Aaron J. Barber
  • Publication number: 20110167290
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that enables a portable computing device to receive power through multiple bus interfaces at the same time. When the system senses that a first power source is plugged into a first bus interface in the portable computing device, the system determines whether the first power source is a host or a power adapter. Next, based upon whether the first power source is a host or a power adapter, the system uses a first power manager coupled to the first bus interface to limit a first input current received from the first power source to power the computing device. The system also provides the maximum charging current to a rechargeable battery for the portable computing device by chaining together a second bus interface whether power is present on the second bus interface or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Yoshimoto, Alex J. Crumlin
  • Publication number: 20110167289
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that configures a battery for a computer system. During operation, the system disconnects the battery by simulating a fault condition using a safety circuit of the battery. The fault condition may be simulated to facilitate safe assembly of a computer system containing the battery. After assembly is complete, the system enables use of the battery in the computer system by applying external power to the computer system, which resets the safety circuit and reconnects the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Thompson, Mark A. Yoshimoto, Alex J. Crumlin, Val Valentine, Aaron J. Barber
  • Publication number: 20100306683
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide user interface behaviors for input devices with individually controlled illuminated input elements. Some embodiments may include receiving a request for input device lighting from a program, determining illumination information for light sources coupled to input elements of an input device based on the request, and dynamically controlling illumination of the light sources based on the illumination information. The illumination information may include brightness, color, and/or duration. The input device may constitute a keyboard with individually controlled illuminated keys. In some embodiments, the illumination may present information related to the program, functionality of input elements, and/or notifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Alex J. Crumlin, Nicholas Vincent King, Duncan Kerr, James E. Orr, IV
  • Publication number: 20100302169
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide increased control of backlit keys for a keyboard. Some embodiments may include controllers within the keyboard that are capable of dynamically programming illumination of the keyboard based upon interaction, where each key of the keyboard may be individually programmed in a dynamic manner. For example, a spell checking function may be executing on a computer system, and as the user types various words, the keyboard may dynamically program the illumination of keyboard controllers such that the next letter of the word being typed is illuminated by the keyboard. Also, different keyboard illumination schemes may be generated based upon mouse movements by the user and/or based upon which application is currently executing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Alex J. Crumlin, Nicholas Vincent King, Duncan Kerr, Chris Ligtenberg, James E. Orr, IV
  • Publication number: 20100061659
    Abstract: A method for depth sensing keystoning. The method of depth sensing keystoning may include an optical system and electrical devices. The method of depth sensing keystoning may correct for image distortion using depth measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Dean Slack, Aaron Leiba, Alex J. Crumlin, Jason Medeiros