Patents by Inventor Paul J. Costa
Paul J. Costa 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).
-
Publication number: 20240093845Abstract: A system may have a support structure that separates an exterior region from an interior region. The system may include a lighting system with interior and/or exterior lights with adjustable diffusers. An interior light may be used as a task light, a cabin light, a sensor indicator light, or a trim light. Adjustments to the adjustable diffusers can be used to adjust the angular spread of emitted light for operation in different lighting modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Clarisse Mazuir, Paul J Costa, Stephen B Lynch, Kurt R Stiehl, Christopher P Child, Xiaofeng Tang, Christopher L Porritt, Michael C Wharton, Peter F Masschelein, Mark A Zurcher, Xin Li, Ryan J Garrone
-
Patent number: 11545823Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide power supply voltages in a safe and reliable manner that meets safety and regulatory concerns and does not exceed physical limitations of cables and other circuits and components used to provide the power supply voltages. One example may provide a cable having a sufficient number of conductors to provide power without exceeding a maximum current density for the conductors. Another example may provide a cable having more than the sufficient number of conductors in order to provide an amount of redundancy. Current sense circuits may be included for one or more conductors. When an excess current is sensed, a power source in the power supply may be shut down, the power source may be disconnected from one or more conductors, or both events may occur.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Costa, Bharat K. Patel, Neal V. Cecil, Timur O. Starobinets, Ruenjou Lu, Dane Oleson, Fei Ni
-
Publication number: 20210021117Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide power supply voltages in a safe and reliable manner that meets safety and regulatory concerns and does not exceed physical limitations of cables and other circuits and components used to provide the power supply voltages. One example may provide a cable having a sufficient number of conductors to provide power without exceeding a maximum current density for the conductors. Another example may provide a cable having more than the sufficient number of conductors in order to provide an amount of redundancy. Current sense circuits may be included for one or more conductors. When an excess current is sensed, a power source in the power supply may be shut down, the power source may be disconnected from one or more conductors, or both events may occur.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Costa, Bharat K. Patel, Neal V. Cecil, Timur O. Starobinets, Ruenjou Lu, Dane Oleson, Fei Ni
-
Patent number: 10734799Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide power supply voltages in a safe and reliable manner that meets safety and regulatory concerns and does not exceed physical limitations of cables and other circuits and components used to provide the power supply voltages. One example may provide a cable having a sufficient number of conductors to provide power without exceeding a maximum current density for the conductors. Another example may provide a cable having more than the sufficient number of conductors in order to provide an amount of redundancy. Current sense circuits may be included for one or more conductors. When an excess current is sensed, a power source in the power supply may be shut down, the power source may be disconnected from one or more conductors, or both events may occur.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Costa, Bharat K. Patel, Neal V. Cecil, Timur O. Starobinets, Ruenjou Lu, Dane Oleson, Fei Ni
-
Patent number: 9912899Abstract: A system that displays a video signal on a display for a computer system is presented. During operation, the system receives a signal to switch from displaying a video signal from an internal video source to displaying a video signal from an external video source. In this system, the internal and external video sources are coupled to a bi-directional video port for the computer system, wherein the internal video source generates an output video signal and the external video source generates an input video signal. The system then determines whether the external video source is coupled to the bi-directional video port. If so, the system couples the external video source to the display and determines whether the external video source is a valid video source. If the external video source is a valid video source, the system displays the video signal from the external video source on the display.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: David R. Cox, Derek J. DiCarlo, Paul J. Costa
-
Publication number: 20170288386Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide power supply voltages in a safe and reliable manner that meets safety and regulatory concerns and does not exceed physical limitations of cables and other circuits and components used to provide the power supply voltages. One example may provide a cable having a sufficient number of conductors to provide power without exceeding a maximum current density for the conductors. Another example may provide a cable having more than the sufficient number of conductors in order to provide an amount of redundancy. Current sense circuits may be included for one or more conductors. When an excess current is sensed, a power source in the power supply may be shut down, the power source may be disconnected from one or more conductors, or both events may occur.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2014Publication date: October 5, 2017Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Costa, Bharat K. Patel, Neal V. Cecil, Timur O. Starobinets, Ruenjou Lu, Dane Oleson, Fei Ni
-
Patent number: 9746904Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering from a low power state in a computing system is disclosed. In one embodiment of the method, the computing system enters the low power state from a standard power state after an activity detector indicates a user controlled peripheral device connected to the computer system has been inactive for a period of time. To enter the low power state, the method disconnects the user controlled peripheral device from a host controller, while continuing to supply power to the user controlled peripheral device and shutting off power to the host controller. The method returns the computer system to the standard power state when the activity detector indicates the user controlled peripheral device has become active. To return to the standard power state, power is restored to the host controller and the user controlled peripheral device is reconnected to the host controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Fiyinfolu O. Adewale, Paul J. Costa, David R. Cox, Michael J. Giles, Steven I. Kuo, Nicholas W. Ruhter, Steven J. Sfarzo
-
Patent number: 9552804Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that manages the acoustic noise produced by a device. During operation, the system receives a set of acoustic characteristics for the device. The system then uses these acoustic characteristics to estimate the acoustic noise being generated by the device. Next, the system uses the estimated acoustic noise to adjust a setting in the device to manage the acoustic noise produced by the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Costa, David R. Cox, Benjamin A. Bard
-
Patent number: 9152193Abstract: A method and system for reducing acoustic power supply noise, specifically acoustic noise related to power supply switching frequencies in a computing device, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a controller can monitor power consumed by the computing device, and an operational state of the computing device can be determined. If the computing device is in a first operational state and the power consumed is greater than a threshold amount, then the power supply can be operated at a first switching frequency or mode of operation, thereby avoiding switching frequencies that can produce acoustic noise.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Costa, David R. Cox, Bharat K. Patel, Nicholas W. Ruhter, Xiaoyang Zhang, Steve X. Zhou
-
Publication number: 20150227190Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering from a low power state in a computing system is disclosed. In one embodiment of the method, the computing system enters the low power state from a standard power state after an activity detector indicates a user controlled peripheral device connected to the computer system has been inactive for a period of time. To enter the low power state, the method disconnects the user controlled peripheral device from a host controller, while continuing to supply power to the user controlled peripheral device and shutting off power to the host controller. The method returns the computer system to the standard power state when the activity detector indicates the user controlled peripheral device has become active. To return to the standard power state, power is restored to the host controller and the user controlled peripheral device is reconnected to the host controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Inventors: Fiyinfolu O. ADEWALE, Paul J. COSTA, David R. COX, Michael J. GILES, Steven I. KUO, Nicholas W. RUHTER, Steven J. SFARZO
-
Patent number: 9021288Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering from a low power state in a computing system is disclosed. In one embodiment of the method, the computing system enters the low power state from a standard power state after an activity detector indicates a user controlled peripheral device connected to the computer system has been inactive for a period of time. To enter the low power state, the method disconnects the user controlled peripheral device from a host controller, while continuing to supply power to the user controlled peripheral device and shutting off power to the host controller. The method returns the computer system to the standard power state when the activity detector indicates the user controlled peripheral device has become active. To return to the standard power state, power is restored to the host controller and the user controlled peripheral device is reconnected to the host controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Fiyinfolu O. Adewale, Paul J. Costa, David R. Cox, Michael J. Giles, Steven I. Kuo, Nicholas W. Ruhter, Steven J. Sfarzo
-
Patent number: 8891251Abstract: The disclosure describes a processing system with a soft power switch assembly configured to include a zero-power off mode that would allow an off state with no power drain by the device while maintaining all other soft power off mode capabilities, including low power modes, (e.g., sleep, hibernation modes). The processing system can be restored from the zero-power off mode using the same actuation mechanism used when switching from a power on mode to a soft power off mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Paul J. Costa
-
Publication number: 20140204270Abstract: A system that displays a video signal on a display for a computer system is presented. During operation, the system receives a signal to switch from displaying a video signal from an internal video source to displaying a video signal from an external video source. In this system, the internal and external video sources are coupled to a bi-directional video port for the computer system, wherein the internal video source generates an output video signal and the external video source generates an input video signal. The system then determines whether the external video source is coupled to the bi-directional video port. If so, the system couples the external video source to the display and determines whether the external video source is a valid video source. If the external video source is a valid video source, the system displays the video signal from the external video source on the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: APPLE INCInventors: David R. Cox, Derek J. DiCarlo, Paul J. Costa
-
Patent number: 8704833Abstract: A system that displays a video signal on a display for a computer system is presented. During operation, the system receives a signal to switch from displaying a video signal from an internal video source to displaying a video signal from an external video source. In this system, the internal and external video sources are coupled to a bi-directional video port for the computer system, wherein the internal video source generates an output video signal and the external video source generates an input video signal. The system then determines whether the external video source is coupled to the bi-directional video port. If so, the system couples the external video source to the display and determines whether the external video source is a valid video source. If the external video source is a valid video source, the system displays the video signal from the external video source on the display.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David R. Cox, Derek J. DiCarlo, Paul J. Costa
-
Publication number: 20130332765Abstract: A method and system for reducing acoustic power supply noise, specifically acoustic noise related to power supply switching frequencies in a computing device, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a controller can monitor power consumed by the computing device, and an operational state of the computing device can be determined. If the computing device is in a first operational state and the power consumed is greater than a threshold amount, then the power supply can be operated at a first switching frequency or mode of operation, thereby avoiding switching frequencies that can produce acoustic noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. COSTA, David R. COX, Bharat K. PATEL, Nicholas W. RUHTER, Xiaoyang ZHANG, Steve X. ZHOU
-
Publication number: 20130326251Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering from a low power state in a computing system is disclosed. In one embodiment of the method, the computing system enters the low power state from a standard power state after an activity detector indicates a user controlled peripheral device connected to the computer system has been inactive for a period of time. To enter the low power state, the method disconnects the user controlled peripheral device from a host controller, while continuing to supply power to the user controlled peripheral device and shutting off power to the host controller. The method returns the computer system to the standard power state when the activity detector indicates the user controlled peripheral device has become active. To return to the standard power state, power is restored to the host controller and the user controlled peripheral device is reconnected to the host controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Fiyinfolu O. Adewale, Paul J. Costa, David R. Cox, Michael J. Giles, Steven I. Kuo, Nicholas W. Ruhter, Steven J. Sfarzo
-
Publication number: 20130272534Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that manages the acoustic noise produced by a device. During operation, the system receives a set of acoustic characteristics for the device. The system then uses these acoustic characteristics to estimate the acoustic noise being generated by the device. Next, the system uses the estimated acoustic noise to adjust a setting in the device to manage the acoustic noise produced by the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Paul J. Costa, David R. Cox, Benjamin A. Bard
-
Patent number: 8462959Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that manages the acoustic noise produced by a device. During operation, the system receives a set of acoustic characteristics for the device. The system then uses these acoustic characteristics to estimate the acoustic noise being generated by the device. Next, the system uses the estimated acoustic noise to adjust a setting in the device to manage the acoustic noise produced by the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Costa, David R. Cox, Benjamin A. Bard
-
Publication number: 20110249471Abstract: The disclosure describes a processing system with a soft power switch assembly configured to include a zero-power off mode that would allow an off state with no power drain by the device while maintaining all other soft power off mode capabilities, including low power modes, (e.g., sleep, hibernation modes). The processing system can be restored from the zero-power off mode using the same actuation mechanism used when switching from a power on mode to a soft power off mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventor: Paul J. Costa
-
Publication number: 20090092262Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that manages the acoustic noise produced by a device. During operation, the system receives a set of acoustic characteristics for the device. The system then uses these acoustic characteristics to estimate the acoustic noise being generated by the device. Next, the system uses the estimated acoustic noise to adjust a setting in the device to manage the acoustic noise produced by the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Paul J. Costa, David R. Cox, Benjamin A. Bard