Patents by Inventor John Tam

John Tam 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: 8008613
    Abstract: A light sensing device has a first filter to block visible light in a light path. The light sensing device also has a first color sensor and a clear sensor, to detect light in the light path after the first filter. A light intensity calculator computes a measure of the intensity of visible light in the light path, based on a difference between (a) an output signal of the first color sensor, and (b) an output signal of the clear sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Ching Yu John Tam
  • Publication number: 20100282953
    Abstract: A light sensing device has a first filter to block visible light in a light path. The light sensing device also has a first color sensor and a clear sensor, to detect light in the light path after the first filter. A light intensity calculator computes a measure of the intensity of visible light in the light path, based on a difference between (a) an output signal of the first color sensor, and (b) an output signal of the clear sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Ching Yu John Tam
  • Publication number: 20100277128
    Abstract: A controller detects the temperature of a portable electronic device as being below a battery charging threshold, and in response signals one or more of the electronic circuit components that make up the device to enter an increased power consumption state so as to generate more heat in the device for warming up the battery. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ching Yu John Tam, Parin Patel
  • Publication number: 20100273530
    Abstract: Portable electronic devices are provided. A device may include cover glass with a light mask. The light mask may be microperforated to allow light to pass through the light mask. The microperforations may allow light to pass through the light mask. The devices may include sensors and light emitters that receive and transmit light through the microperforations. The devices may include a variable cantilever spring as part of a button assembly. The spring may be flattened against itself without exceeding its elastic limit. The devices may include display modules. The display module may include structures that block light from leaking out of the module. The structures may include opaque tapes, opaque enclosures for the display module, and other suitable structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel W. Jarvis, Adam D. Mittleman, Ming Xu, Ching Yu John Tam
  • Patent number: 7728558
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively changing the current threshold of current limiting circuitry are provided. The current limit threshold of current limiting circuitry may be selectively changed based on a detected power source using a resistive network. The current limiting threshold may be selected by changing a resistance value of a resistive network electrically coupled to an input on the current limiting circuitry (e.g., battery controller) for programming the current limiting threshold. The resistance value received by the currently limiting circuitry at this input may set the current threshold and thus the maximum magnitude of current that may be provided to charge a battery or other energy storage device located in the electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Tam, Timothy Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100130249
    Abstract: An electronic device such as a handheld electronic device may include wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include a radio-frequency receiver circuit or other circuitry that is sensitive to noise. Audio amplifier circuitry may be provided in the electronic device to amplify audio signals for a speaker. The audio amplifier circuitry may include class AB amplifier circuitry for operating in a low noise mode and class D amplifier circuitry for operating in a low power mode. The audio amplifier circuitry may include a control input path that receives control signals in real time. When it is determined that the wireless receiver or other sensitive circuit is active, the audio amplifier can be configured to operate in its low noise mode using the class AB amplifier. When it is determine that the wireless receiver is not being used, the class D circuitry may be switched into use to conserve power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Ching Yu John Tam
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080286756
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of immunochemistry and pharmacology. Methods and compositions are described for the diagnosis and treatment of SARS CoV infection. More specifically, the application discloses nucleic acids and peptides of the spike glycoprotein of SARS CoV that provide prognostic and therapeutic compositions in treatment of individuals contracting, or in danger of contracting SARS CoV. The peptides of the invention are also useful in producing antibodies against the SARS CoV glycoprotein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Kwok Wing TSUI, Kwok Pui Fung, Mary Miu Yee Waye, Yuk Ming Dennis Lo, Siu Chung Stephen Chim, Wai Kwun Rossa Chiu, Siu Lun John Tam, Kay Sheung Paul Chan
  • Publication number: 20080219672
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to detect and emit various infrared (IR) and ambient light signals using an integrated sensor and emitter device. Embodiments include a sensor to sense proximity, to sense IR data signals, and to sense ambient light; and an emitter of an IR proximity signal. The sensor detects the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, detects IR data signals when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and detects ambient light when the apparatus sensing light. The IR data signals may include IR remote control (IR RC) and/or IR data association (IRDA) signals. The signals may be detected simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands. According to embodiments, such an emitter may also emit an IR data signals, such as IR RC and/or IRDA signals. These signals may be emitted simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: John Tam, David Tupman, Steve Hotelling
  • Publication number: 20080164855
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively changing the current threshold of current limiting circuitry are provided. The current limit threshold of current limiting circuitry may be selectively changed based on a detected power source using a resistive network. The current limiting threshold may be selected by changing a resistance value of a resistive network electrically coupled to an input on the current limiting circuitry (e.g., battery controller) for programming the current limiting threshold. The resistance value received by the currently limiting circuitry at this input may set the current threshold and thus the maximum magnitude of current that may be provided to charge a battery or other energy storage device located in the electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: John Tam, Timothy Johnson
  • Patent number: 7371525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of immunochemistry and pharmacology. Methods and compositions are described for the diagnosis and treatment of SARS CoV infection. More specifically, the application discloses nucleic acids and peptides of the spike glycoprotein of SARS CoV that provide prognostic and therapeutic compositions in treatment of individuals contracting, or in danger of contracting SARS CoV. The peptides of the invention are also useful in producing antibodies against the SARS CoV glycoprotein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwok Wing Tsui, Siu Chung Stephen Chim, Mary Miu Yee Waye, Kwok Pui Fung, Yuk Ming Dennis Lo, Wai Kwun Rossa Chiu, Siu Lun John Tam, Kay Sheung Paul Chan
  • Publication number: 20020032183
    Abstract: A method of promoting neuronal survival and helping prevent neuronal death administers (di-substituted-phenyl) pyrimidinyl imidazole derivative compounds represented by 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Philip LoGrasso, JeanMarie Lisnock-Geissler, Steven Xanthoudakis, John Tam, Sarah J. Harper, James G. Bilsland, Lisa Young
  • Patent number: 5754460
    Abstract: A method for signed integer division. Typically, the two's complement of the dividend is stored as an adjusted dividend. The upper half of the adjusted dividend is shifted left one bit. The LSB of the upper half of the adjusted dividend is set equal to the MSB of the lower half of the adjusted dividend. The lower half of the adjusted dividend is shifted left one bit. The LSB of the lower half of the adjusted dividend is set equal to zero. A temporary register stores the result of subtracting a constant from the adjusted divisor. The temporary register is updated by subtracting it from the adjusted upper dividend, The adjusted divisor is subtracted from the adjusted dividend, then the adjusted dividend is shifted left one bit and stored in the upper half of the adjusted dividend. A temporary remainder is set equal to the upper half of the adjusted dividend. A first temporary quotient is set equal to the lower half of the adjusted dividend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Hon-Kai John Tam
  • Patent number: 5682339
    Abstract: A method for performing a rotate through carry operation utilizing a barrel shifter and a counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Hon-Kai John Tam
  • Patent number: 5655139
    Abstract: A microprocessor execution unit includes an arithmetic unit and an addressing unit. The arithmetic unit performs arithmetic and logical operations on operands. The addressing unit operates in conjunction with the arithmetic unit to calculate offsets, limits, and linear addresses in a single cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas William Schaw Thomson, HonKai John Tam, Alexander Perez, Mario Nemirovsky
  • Patent number: 5652718
    Abstract: A barrel shifter performs multi-bit shift and rotate operations on data of different lengths using multiplexors to preprocess the data prior to introducing the data to a transistor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas William Schaw Thomson, Hon-Kai John Tam
  • Patent number: D246816
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Inventors: John Tam, Leonard Horowitz