Patents by Inventor Alexei Kosut
Alexei Kosut 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).
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Patent number: 10677827Abstract: An alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power converter may have a connector with a pair of power supply contacts and a pair of data contacts. An electronic device may be connected to the connector of the power converter. The power converter may supply DC power to the electronic device using the power supply contacts. The power converter may include control circuitry that has a resistor coupled across the data contacts. When the electronic device and the power converter are connected to each other, each may advertise to the other that capabilities are present that exceed industry standards. At the same time, standard-compliant discovery operations may be performed to probe the value of the resistance of the resistor that is coupled across the data contacts. When extended capabilities are discovered, extended functions may be performed including accelerated charging functions and data communications functions.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Sims, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Alexei Kosut, Timothy Johnson, Barry Corlett
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Patent number: 10324507Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for enabling a power path between a power source and a host device via an accessory. A host device may send, to an accessory arranged within the power path, via a first data pin arranged in the host device, a request for an accessory identifier. The accessory identifier identifies the accessory. The host device may then determine whether the accessory identifier is received from the accessory within a specified period of time or whether a received accessory identifier is valid. If the accessory identifier is not received from the accessory within the specified period of time, or a received accessory identifier is not valid, the host device sends a new request for the accessory identifier to the accessory via a second data pin different than the first data pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
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Patent number: 9906062Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for charging a host device from a charging source through an accessory are described. Upon detecting an input power signal from the charging source, an accessory may send an identification request to the host device and authenticate the host device based on the identification information received from the host device. Upon authenticating the host device, the accessory may enable a power path between the charging source and the host device to supply a charging current to charge the host device.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jonathan J. Andrews, Alexei Kosut, James M. Hollabaugh, Zachary C. Rich, Daniel J. Fritchman
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Publication number: 20170219641Abstract: An alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power converter may have a connector with a pair of power supply contacts and a pair of data contacts. An electronic device may be connected to the connector of the power converter. The power converter may supply DC power to the electronic device using the power supply contacts. The power converter may include control circuitry that has a resistor coupled across the data contacts. When the electronic device and the power converter are connected to each other, each may advertise to the other that capabilities are present that exceed industry standards. At the same time, standard-compliant discovery operations may be performed to probe the value of the resistance of the resistor that is coupled across the data contacts. When extended capabilities are discovered, extended functions may be performed including accelerated charging functions and data communications functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Nicholas A. Sims, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Alexei Kosut, Timothy Johnson, Barry Corlett
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Patent number: 9667007Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring contacts of a first connector includes detecting mating of a second connector with the first connector and in response to the detection, sending a command over one of the contacts and waiting for a response to the command. If a valid response to the command is received, the system determines the orientation of the second connector. The response also includes configuration information for contacts in the second connector. The system then configures some of the other contacts of the first connector based on the determined orientation and configuration information of the contacts of the second connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jahan Minoo
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Patent number: 9651593Abstract: An alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power converter may have a connector with a pair of power supply contacts and a pair of data contacts. An electronic device may be connected to the connector of the power converter. The power converter may supply DC power to the electronic device using the power supply contacts. The power converter may include control circuitry that has a resistor coupled across the data contacts. When the electronic device and the power converter are connected to each other, each may advertise to the other that capabilities are present that exceed industry standards. At the same time, standard-compliant discovery operations may be performed to probe the value of the resistance of the resistor that is coupled across the data contacts. When extended capabilities are discovered, extended functions may be performed including accelerated charging functions and data communications functions.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Sims, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Alexei Kosut, Timothy Johnson, Barry Corlett
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Publication number: 20160154446Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for enabling a power path between a power source and a host device via an accessory. A host device may send, to an accessory arranged within the power path, via a first data pin arranged in the host device, a request for an accessory identifier. The accessory identifier identifies the accessory. The host device may then determine whether the accessory identifier is received from the accessory within a specified period of time or whether a received accessory identifier is valid. If the accessory identifier is not received from the accessory within the specified period of time, or a received accessory identifier is not valid, the host device sends a new request for the accessory identifier to the accessory via a second data pin different than the first data pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terilizzi
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Publication number: 20160094061Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for charging a host device from a charging source through an accessory are described. Upon detecting an input power signal from the charging source, an accessory may send an identification request to the host device and authenticate the host device based on the identification information received from the host device. Upon authenticating the host device, the accessory may enable a power path between the charging source and the host device to supply a charging current to charge the host device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jonathan J. Andrews, Alexei Kosut, James M. Hollabaugh, Zachary C. Rich, Daniel J. Fritchman
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Patent number: 9293876Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring contacts of a first connector includes detecting mating of a second connector with the first connector and in response to the detection, sending a command over one of the contacts and waiting for a response to the command. If a valid response to the command is received, the system determines the orientation of the second connector. The response also includes configuration information for contacts in the second connector. The system then configures some of the other contacts of the first connector based on the determined orientation and configuration information of the contacts of the second connector.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jahan Minoo
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Patent number: 9274578Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for enabling a power path between a power source and a host device via an accessory. A host device may send, to an accessory arranged within the power path, via a first data pin arranged in the host device, a request for an accessory identifier. The accessory identifier identifies the accessory. The host device may then determine whether the accessory identifier is received from the accessory within a specified period of time or whether a received accessory identifier is valid. If the accessory identifier is not received from the accessory within the specified period of time, or a received accessory identifier is not valid, the host device sends a new request for the accessory identifier to the accessory via a second data pin different than the first data pin.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
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Patent number: 9244492Abstract: Docking stations that may interface with various types of accessories. One example may physically and electrically support a connection to a portable computing device in either one or two orientations. One or more receptacles or dedicated or tethered cables may provide connections to one or more accessories. Examples may be able to authenticate and identify themselves to portable computing devices such that the devices know how to configure data outputs provided to the docking stations. An audio channel that converts digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal at an audio jack may be included. Multiplexing circuitry that allows reversible connectors to be used may also be included.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gerhard A. Schneider, Scott Krueger, Robert D. Watson, Alexei Kosut, Tony Chi Wang Ng
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Patent number: 9240700Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for charging a host device from a charging source through an accessory are described. Upon detecting an input power signal from the charging source, an accessory may send an identification request to the host device and authenticate the host device based on the identification information received from the host device. Upon authenticating the host device, the accessory may enable a power path between the charging source and the host device to supply a charging current to charge the host device.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jonathan J. Andrews, Alexei Kosut, James M. Hollabaugh, Zachary C. Rich, Daniel J. Fritchman
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Patent number: 9223742Abstract: Computer readable storage mediums, electronic devices, and accessories having stored thereon data structures. A data structure includes a pin selection field operable to identify a connector pin and cause a host device to select one of a plurality of communication protocols for communicating with an accessory over the identified connector pin. The data structure also includes an accessory capability field defining an accessory identifier that uniquely identifies the accessory.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Scott Krueger, John Ananny
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Patent number: 9166345Abstract: A system that detects electrical disconnection of one connector from another connector includes a detection circuitry and a protection circuitry. The detection circuitry detects that a plug connector has been electrically disconnected from a corresponding receptacle connector. In response to the detection, the detection circuitry sends a signal to the protection circuitry. In response to the signal, the protection circuitry lowers or terminates power being supplied to a host device via one of the contacts of the plug connector. This helps to prevent shocks/shorts that may be caused by accidental disconnection of the plug connector.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jahan Minoo
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Patent number: 9092233Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for booting an accessory with an accessory firmware image received from a host device are described. When the host device detects a connection between the accessory and the host device, the host device may send a request for an accessory identifier to the accessory. The accessory may send an accessory identifier to the host device in response. The host device may select an accessory firmware image that is suitable for the accessory, and may transmit the accessory firmware image to the accessory. The accessory firmware image may include information that the accessory can use to enable the accessory to exchange application data with the host device.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jonathan J. Andrews, Alexei Kosut
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Publication number: 20150077926Abstract: Docking stations that may facilitate the sharing or transfer of power among a portable computing device, a docking station, and an accessory. One example may provide power from an accessory to a portable computing device. Switches may be used to avoid harm from inadvertent contact with voltages on exposed terminals. Another example may provide power directly from a battery on a portable computing device to an accessory. Another may limit this direct connection to a first type of accessory. Examples may limit a power connection to another type of accessory through a regulator. Another example may power one or more internal circuits either through a portable computing device or an accessory, depending on a mode of operation of the portable computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Gerhard A. Schneider, Scott Krueger, Robert D. Watson, Alexei Kosut
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Publication number: 20150070832Abstract: Docking stations that may interface with various types of accessories. One example may physically and electrically support a connection to a portable computing device in either one or two orientations. One or more receptacles or dedicated or tethered cables may provide connections to one or more accessories. Examples may be able to authenticate and identify themselves to portable computing devices such that the devices know how to configure data outputs provided to the docking stations. An audio channel that converts digital audio signals and provides an analog audio signal at an audio jack may be included. Multiplexing circuitry that allows reversible connectors to be used may also be included.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gerhard A. Schneider, Scott Krueger, Robert D. Watson, Alexei Kosut, Tony Chi Wang Ng
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Publication number: 20150004840Abstract: A system that detects electrical disconnection of one connector from another connector includes a detection circuitry and a protection circuitry. The detection circuitry detects that a plug connector has been electrically disconnected from a corresponding receptacle connector. In response to the detection, the detection circuitry sends a signal to the protection circuitry. In response to the signal, the protection circuitry lowers or terminates power being supplied to a host device via one of the contacts of the plug connector. This helps to prevent shocks/shorts that may be caused by accidental disconnection of the plug connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jahan Minoo
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Patent number: 8914555Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for determining whether an accessory includes particular circuitry. A host device may measure a first voltage and a second voltage received from an accessory, where the voltages are provide through the accessory from a power source. Before measuring the second voltage, the host device may send an instruction to the accessory instructing the accessory to alter an impedance of the power path between the power source and the host device, and the host device may draw at least a threshold amount of current from the power source via the accessory. The host device may then determine whether the accessory includes particular circuitry based on the relationship between the first voltage and the second voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Zachary C. Rich
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Patent number: 8891216Abstract: A system that detects electrical disconnection of one connector from another connector includes a detection circuitry and a protection circuitry. The detection circuitry detects that a plug connector has been electrically disconnected from a corresponding receptacle connector. In response to the detection, the detection circuitry sends a signal to the protection circuitry. In response to the signal, the protection circuitry lowers or terminates power being supplied to a host device via one of the contacts of the plug connector. This helps to prevent shocks/shorts that may be caused by accidental disconnection of the plug connector.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jahan Minoo