Patents by Inventor Keith A. Cox
Keith A. Cox 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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Publication number: 20180101205Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to provide a cooling arrangement for a system are described. The system includes a component coupled to a heat sink. A signal associated with a temperature control of the component is asserted. A target temperature of the heat sink is adjusted based on the signal. In one embodiment, a temperature control loop of the heat sink is operated. The temperature of the heat sink may be monitored using one or more sensors placed on the heat sink. An operation of the component, a cooling unit coupled to the heat sink, or both, may be adjusted based on a relationship between the temperature of the heat sink and an adjusted target temperature. Adjusting the target temperature of the heat sink based on the asserted signal increases efficiency of the system while decreasing cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 9671845Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to provide a cooling arrangement for a system are described. The system includes a component coupled to a heat sink. A signal associated with a temperature control of the component is asserted. A target temperature of the heat sink is adjusted based on the signal. In one embodiment, a temperature control loop of the heat sink is operated. The temperature of the heat sink may be monitored using one or more sensors placed on the heat sink. An operation of the component, a cooling unit coupled to the heat sink, or both, may be adjusted based on a relationship between the temperature of the heat sink and an adjusted target temperature. Adjusting the target temperature of the heat sink based on the asserted signal increases efficiency of the system while decreasing cooling.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 9274574Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to manage a power of a system that leverage intermediate power margins are described. One or more subsystems of the system are operated at one or more performance points. A power consumed by the one or more subsystems at each of the one or more performance points is measured. An operational power of the one or more subsystems at the one or more performance points is determined. The one or more subsystems are operated at well-known conditions at the one or more performance points. The operational power may be adjusted based on data associated with the one or more subsystems. The operational power is provided to a power lookup table. The power is distributed among the one or more subsystems based on the operational power.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Publication number: 20140351621Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to manage a power of a system that leverage intermediate power margins are described. One or more subsystems of the system are operated at one or more performance points. A power consumed by the one or more subsystems at each of the one or more performance points is measured. An operational power of the one or more subsystems at the one or more performance points is determined. The one or more subsystems are operated at well-known conditions at the one or more performance points. The operational power may be adjusted based on data associated with the one or more subsystems. The operational power is provided to a power lookup table. The power is distributed among the one or more subsystems based on the operational power.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 8751849Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to manage a power of a system that leverage intermediate power margins are described. One or more subsystems of the system are operated at one or more performance points. A power consumed by the one or more subsystems at each of the one or more performance points is measured. An operational power of the one or more subsystems at the one or more performance points is determined. The one or more subsystems are operated at well-known conditions at the one or more performance points. The operational power may be adjusted based on data associated with the one or more subsystems. The operational power is provided to a power lookup table. The power is distributed among the one or more subsystems based on the operational power.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Publication number: 20140121854Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to provide a cooling arrangement for a system are described. The system includes a component coupled to a heat sink. A signal associated with a temperature control of the component is asserted. A target temperature of the heat sink is adjusted based on the signal. In one embodiment, a temperature control loop of the heat sink is operated. The temperature of the heat sink may be monitored using one or more sensors placed on the heat sink. An operation of the component, a cooling unit coupled to the heat sink, or both, may be adjusted based on a relationship between the temperature of the heat sink and an adjusted target temperature. Adjusting the target temperature of the heat sink based on the asserted signal increases efficiency of the system while decreasing cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 8662943Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to provide a cooling arrangement for a system are described. The system includes a component coupled to a heat sink. A signal associated with a temperature control of the component is asserted. A target temperature of the heat sink is adjusted based on the signal. In one embodiment, a temperature control loop of the heat sink is operated. The temperature of the heat sink may be monitored using one or more sensors placed on the heat sink. An operation of the component, a cooling unit coupled to the heat sink, or both, may be adjusted based on a relationship between the temperature of the heat sink and an adjusted target temperature. Adjusting the target temperature of the heat sink based on the asserted signal increases efficiency of the system while decreasing cooling.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 8332679Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to manage a power of a system that leverage intermediate power margins are described. One or more subsystems of the system are operated at one or more performance points. A power consumed by the one or more subsystems at each of the one or more performance points is measured. An operational power of the one or more subsystems at the one or more performance points is determined. The one or more subsystems are operated at well-known conditions at the one or more performance points. The operational power may be adjusted based on data associated with the one or more subsystems. The operational power is provided to a power lookup table. The power is distributed among the one or more subsystems based on the operational power.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 8307224Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to dynamically redistribute power in a system that includes a plurality of subsystems are described. A load profile of the system is identified. The power is redistributed between the subsystems while tracking the load profile. The load profile may be an asymmetric, or a balanced load profile. The load profile is identified based on a utilization factor for each of the subsystems. In one embodiment, the power used by each of the subsystems is sensed by one or more sensors or predicted or estimated. A utilization factor, which may be a ratio of the actual power used by the subsystem to the power allocated to the subsystem, is calculated. The load profile is determined using the utilization factor of each of the subsystems. A power weighting arrangement between the subsystems, for example, a power distribution table, is selected based on the load profile.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Publication number: 20110093132Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that manages the temperature of a component in an electronic device. During operation, the system receives, from the component, a temperature offset of the component and a thermal state boundary associated with the temperature offset. Next, the system uses the temperature offset and the thermal state boundary to control the temperature of the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Cheng P. Tan, Keith A. Cox, Robert B. Sexton, Joseph J. Castro, Bryan R. Hoover
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Publication number: 20110060932Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to manage a power of a system that leverage intermediate power margins are described. One or more subsystems of the system are operated at one or more performance points. A power consumed by the one or more subsystems at each of the one or more performance points is measured. An operational power of the one or more subsystems at the one or more performance points is determined. The one or more subsystems are operated at well-known conditions at the one or more performance points. The operational power may be adjusted based on data associated with the one or more subsystems. The operational power is provided to a power lookup table. The power is distributed among the one or more subsystems based on the operational power.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Publication number: 20110001358Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to dynamically redistribute power in a system that includes a plurality of subsystems are described. A load profile of the system is identified. The power is redistributed between the subsystems while tracking the load profile. The load profile may be an asymmetric, or a balanced load profile. The load profile is identified based on a utilization factor for each of the subsystems. In one embodiment, the power used by each of the subsystems is sensed by one or more sensors or predicted or estimated. A utilization factor, which may be a ratio of the actual power used by the subsystem to the power allocated to the subsystem, is calculated. The load profile is determined using the utilization factor of each of the subsystems. A power weighting arrangement between the subsystems, for example, a power distribution table, is selected based on the load profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 7802120Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to dynamically redistribute power in a system that includes a plurality of subsystems are described. A load profile of the system is identified. The power is redistributed between the subsystems while tracking the load profile. The load profile may be an asymmetric, or a balanced load profile. The load profile is identified based on a utilization factor for each of the subsystems. In one embodiment, the power used by each of the subsystems is sensed by one or more sensors or predicted or estimated. A utilization factor, which may be a ratio of the actual power used by the subsystem to the power allocated to the subsystem, is calculated. The load profile is determined using the utilization factor of each of the subsystems. A power weighting arrangement between the subsystems, for example, a power distribution table, is selected based on the load profile.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 7788516Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to manage a power of a system that leverage intermediate power margins are described. One or more subsystems of the system are operated at one or more performance points. A power consumed by the one or more subsystems at each of the one or more performance points is measured. An operational power of the one or more subsystems at the one or more performance points is determined. The one or more subsystems are operated at well-known conditions at the one or more performance points. The operational power may be adjusted based on data associated with the one or more subsystems. The operational power is provided to a power lookup table. The power is distributed among the one or more subsystems based on the operational power.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 7721124Abstract: A signaling circuit may be implemented with a connection comprised of signal lines having predefined signals and/or functions. The predefined signals and/or functions may be defined by an individual entity or standards organization. The signaling circuit transmits information in addition to the predefined signals and/or functions. The information may be transmitted from a second device, such as a visual display screen, to a first device, such as a computing device, using at least one signal line in the connection. The information may include information about the state or status of the second device.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 7340622Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates selectively increasing the operating frequency of an electronic circuit, such as a computer system. The system begins by operating in a low-power state with the frequency and voltage of the electronic circuit set to low levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the low power level, the electronic circuit enters the first-intermediate power state. In this first-intermediate power state, the frequency and voltage are set to first-intermediate levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the first-intermediate power state, the electronic circuit enters the maximum-sustainable power state. In this power state, the frequency and voltage are set to maximum sustainable levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the maximum-sustainable power state, the electronic circuit temporarily enters a boosted power state beyond the maximum-sustainable power state.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Cox, William C. Athas
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Patent number: 7171570Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates selectively increasing the operating frequency of an electronic circuit, such as a computer system. The system begins by operating in a low-power state with the frequency and voltage of the electronic circuit set to low levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the low power level, the electronic circuit enters the first-intermediate power state. In this first-intermediate power state, the frequency and voltage are set to first-intermediate levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the first-intermediate power state, the electronic circuit enters the maximum-sustainable power state. In this power state, the frequency and voltage are set to maximum sustainable levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the maximum-sustainable power state, the electronic circuit temporarily enters a boosted power state beyond the maximum-sustainable power state.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Cox, William C. Athas
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Patent number: 7069454Abstract: A signaling circuit may be implemented with a connection comprised of signal lines having predefined signals and/or functions. The predefined signals and/or functions may be defined by an individual entity or standards organization. The signaling circuit transmits information in addition to the predefined signals and/or functions. The information may be transmitted from a second device, such as a visual display screen, to a first device, such as a computing device, using at least one signal line in the connection. The information may include information about the state or status of the second device. The signaling circuit may, for example, place the first device in a reduced power state by generating a signal transition on at least one of the signal lines when a switch associated with the second device is asserted.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Keith A. Cox
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Patent number: 6867631Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating a synchronous digital output signal stream from two digital input signal streams. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to generate a digital output signal stream from two digital input signal streams includes: detecting a first transition edge in a first digital input signal stream; and generating a third transition edge in a digital output signal stream. The third transition edge corresponds to the first transition edge; and the third transition edge is synchronized substantially with a second transition edge in a second digital input signal stream. In one example according to this aspect, a third digital signal stream is generated from synchronizing substantially transition edges of the first digital input signal stream with transition edges of the second digital input signal streams; and the first transition edge is detected using the third digital signal stream (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: William C. Athas, Keith A. Cox
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Publication number: 20040210787Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates selectively increasing the operating frequency of an electronic circuit, such as a computer system. The system begins by operating in a low-power state with the frequency and voltage of the electronic circuit set to low levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the low power level, the electronic circuit enters the first-intermediate power state. In this first-intermediate power state, the frequency and voltage are set to first-intermediate levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the first-intermediate power state, the electronic circuit enters the maximum-sustainable power state. In this power state, the frequency and voltage are set to maximum sustainable levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the maximum-sustainable power state, the electronic circuit temporarily enters a boosted power state beyond the maximum-sustainable power state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Keith A. Cox, William C. Athas