Patents by Inventor Chris Mullens

Chris Mullens 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).

  • Peek mode and graphical user interface (GUI) experience
    Patent number: 9575555
    Abstract: A tablet device determines a spatial relationship between the tablet device and a protective cover. The tablet device operates in accordance with the spatial relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel G. Smith, Matthew I. Brown, Nicholas Zambetti, Rohan Goel, Laura Charlotte Shumaker, Jeremy C. Franklin, Michael A. Cretella, Jr., Paul Meade, Chris Mullens
  • Detection system and method between accessory and electronic device
    Patent number: 9035872
    Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining information of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Matthew I. Brown, Nicholas Zambetti, Samuel G. Smith, Michael A. Cretella, Jr., Chris Mullens
  • PEEK MODE AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) EXPERIENCE
    Publication number: 20150077372
    Abstract: A tablet device determines a spatial relationship between the tablet device and a protective cover. The tablet device operates in accordance with the spatial relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Samuel G. Smith, Matthew I. Brown, Nicholas Zambetti, Rohan Goel, Laura Charlotte Shumaker, Jeremy C. Franklin, Michael A. Cretella, JR., Paul Meade, Chris Mullens
  • Peek mode and graphical user interface (GUI) experience
    Patent number: 8847979
    Abstract: A tablet device determines a spatial relationship between the tablet device and a protective cover. The tablet device operates in accordance with the spatial relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Samuel G. Smith, Matthew I. Brown, Nicholas Zambetti, Rohan Goel, Laura Charlotte Shumaker, Jeremy C. Franklin, Michael A. Cretella, Jr., Paul Meade, Chris Mullens
  • DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD BETWEEN ACCESSORY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130328825
    Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining information of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew I. BROWN, Nicholas Zambetti, Samuel G. Smith, Michael A. Cretella, JR., Chris Mullens
  • PEEK MODE AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) EXPERIENCE
    Publication number: 20130328914
    Abstract: A tablet device determines a spatial relationship between the tablet device and a protective cover. The tablet device operates in accordance with the spatial relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel G. SMITH, Matthew I. Brown, Nicholas Zambetti, Rohan Goel, Laura Charlotte Shumaker, Jeremy C. Franklin, Michael A. Cretella, JR., Paul Meade, Chris Mullens
  • Hidden sensors in an electronic device
    Patent number: 8324578
    Abstract: An electronic device having one or more sensors is provided. The sensors may include any suitable type of sensor, including for example a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor that emits or receives radiation (e.g., light waves) from the environment. The electronic device may include openings through which radiation may reach the sensors while keeping the sensors hidden from view. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed underneath an opening used for an audio receiver such that radiation is piped to the sensors using a light path or a chamfered surface along the opening. In some embodiments, the sensors may be embedded in a screen such that the radiation emitted by the sensors exits the screen instead of being reflected on the screen (e.g., to provide content displays).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Chris Mullens, John Tam, Brian Huppi
  • HIDDEN SENSORS IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
    Publication number: 20100078562
    Abstract: An electronic device having one or more sensors is provided. The sensors may include any suitable type of sensor, including for example a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor that emits or receives radiation (e.g., light waves) from the environment. The electronic device may include openings through which radiation may reach the sensors while keeping the sensors hidden from view. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed underneath an opening used for an audio receiver such that radiation is piped to the sensors using a light path or a chamfered surface along the opening. In some embodiments, the sensors may be embedded in a screen such that the radiation emitted by the sensors exits the screen instead of being reflected on the screen (e.g., to provide content displays).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Chris Mullens, John Tam, Brian Huppi