Patents by Inventor Scott A. Mullin

Scott A. Mullin 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: 20190033998
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for operating a computing device including determining an amount of pressure exerted on a touch-sensitive surface of the computing device. According to the various embodiments, a touch input is received by the touch-sensitive surface. The amount of pressure exerted by the touch input on the touch-sensitive surface is then determined. The computing device operates in a first manner when a first amount of pressure is received and operates in a second manner when a second amount of pressure is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan J. Garrone, Sean A. Mayo, Scott A. Mullin, Gordon C. Cameron
  • Patent number: 10120469
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for operating a computing device including determining an amount of pressure exerted on a touch-sensitive surface of the computing device. According to the various embodiments, a touch input is received by the touch-sensitive surface. The amount of pressure exerted by the touch input on the touch-sensitive surface is then determined. The computing device operates in a first manner when a first amount of pressure is received and operates in a second manner when a second amount of pressure is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Garrone, Sean A. Mayo, Scott A. Mullin, Gordon C. Cameron
  • Publication number: 20180191930
    Abstract: This application is directed to a doorbell camera for illuminating and capturing scenes. The doorbell camera includes at least a subset of processors for operating a camera module, an image sensor having a field of view of a scene and configured to capture video of a portion of the scene, one or more infrared (IR) illuminators for providing illumination, a waterproof button assembly, and a microphone and a speaker for enabling a real-time conversation between a visitor located at the doorbell camera and a user of a remote client device. The waterproof button assembly is configured to receive a user press on a button top, block water from entering the electronic device, and display a visual pattern uniformly at a peripheral region of the button assembly using LEDs and light guide component that are disposed under the button top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Haerim Jeong, Rengarajan Aravamudhan, Jacobi Grillo, Michael Dixon, Yu-An Lien, Minjung Kim, Etienne Bérubé, Rochus Jacob, Brian Conner, Scott Mullins
  • Patent number: 9964973
    Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Patent number: 9958885
    Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Patent number: 9851699
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interfacing a hazard detection device with a control panel system via a dongle are provided. The dongle may be configured to alternate between drawing first and second amounts of power from the control panel system in response to the hazard detection device alternating between operating in a normal mode when no hazard is detected and an alarm mode when a hazard is detected. The hazard detection device may operate independently of any characteristics of the control panel system. For example, the hazard detection device may operate without drawing any power from the control panel system. Therefore, the dongle may allow for various types of hazard detection devices to interface with a common two-line power control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner, Ian C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9710001
    Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Patent number: 9712654
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods, apparatus, systems and means for distinguishing between microphone line signals resulting from: actuation of a microphone button of a headset plugged into a telephone device jack, and removal of the headset plug form the jack. During a telephone call, a first signal can be detected on a microphone line of a headset jack to indicate whether a microphone button of the headset is actuated. Also, while the headset plug is being disconnected from the jack, a transition on the microphone line can be detected, from a second signal indicating that the microphone is being disconnected, to a third signal indicating that the microphone button is actuated. Consequently, to avoid erroneously hanging up a call, transitions to the third signal when removing the plug form the jack can be ignored and the call can be maintained. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnson, Scott Mullins, Hugo Fiennes
  • Patent number: 9667007
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jahan Minoo
  • Publication number: 20170131805
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for operating a computing device including determining an amount of pressure exerted on a touch-sensitive surface of the computing device. According to the various embodiments, a touch input is received by the touch-sensitive surface. The amount of pressure exerted by the touch input on the touch-sensitive surface is then determined. The computing device operates in a first manner when a first amount of pressure is received and operates in a second manner when a second amount of pressure is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Ryan J. Garrone, Sean A. Mayo, Scott A. Mullin, Gordon C. Cameron
  • Patent number: 9612602
    Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Patent number: 9557843
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for operating a computing device including determining an amount of pressure exerted on a touch-sensitive surface of the computing device. According to the various embodiments, a touch input is received by the touch-sensitive surface. The amount of pressure exerted by the touch input on the touch-sensitive surface is then determined. The computing device operates in a first manner when a first amount of pressure is received and operates in a second manner when a second amount of pressure is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Garrone, Sean A. Mayo, Scott A. Mullin, Gordon C. Cameron
  • Patent number: 9424432
    Abstract: An information processing system provisions a client account for a user to enable a client computer associated with the user to store information in an elastic storage system and to prohibit the client computer, the information processing system, and the elastic storage system from altering and from deleting the stored information during an authorized retention period. Data messages are received from one or more client computers and include information that is required to be stored for the authorized retention period. That information is transmitted via one or more data communications networks to the elastic storage system for storage so that the stored information is non-rewriteable and non-erasable during the authorized retention period. The secure data center receives the retrieved copy and provides it to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Nasdaq, Inc., Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Christopher Holland, Thomas C. Stickle, Malcolm Gary Lafever, Edward Scott Mullins
  • Publication number: 20160154446
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terilizzi
  • Patent number: 9293876
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jahan Minoo
  • Patent number: 9274578
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi
  • Patent number: 9244474
    Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Patent number: 9223742
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Scott Krueger, John Ananny
  • Patent number: 9166345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jahan Minoo
  • Patent number: 9077178
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a connector port that accommodates reversible connector plugs. The connector port may include protection circuitry that protects other components in the electronic device from undesired power supply voltages. The protection circuitry may form a first branch and a second branch opposite to the first branch. The protection circuitry may receive control signals from power polarity detection circuitry. The power polarity detection circuitry may detect the presence of power supply voltages at the first branch and the second branch. In response to detecting the presence of a power supply voltage at a given branch, the power polarity detection circuitry may disable a power supply signal path through the opposite branch and enable a power supply signal path through the given branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Mullins