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: 20150070290
    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: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan J. Garrone, Sean A. Mayo, Scott A. Mullin, Gordon C. Cameron
  • Publication number: 20150021997
    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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Publication number: 20150022346
    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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner, Ian C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150022368
    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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Publication number: 20150022349
    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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Publication number: 20150021993
    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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Publication number: 20150022026
    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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ian C. Smith, Daniel Adam Warren, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner
  • Publication number: 20150004840
    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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jahan Minoo
  • Patent number: 8914555
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Zachary C. Rich
  • Patent number: 8892162
    Abstract: A portable device includes: an enclosure, one or more processors for executing one or more programs; one or more actuators in or on the enclosure for generating mechanical vibrations; one or more sensors in or on the enclosure for detecting mechanical vibrations; and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The device analyzes one or more signals produced by the one or more sensors with respect to mechanical vibrations to determine a holding state of the portable device, and conditionally modifies operation of at least one application executed by the one or more processors in accordance with the determined holding state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Garrone, Sean A. Mayo, Scott A. Mullin, Gordon C. Cameron
  • Patent number: 8891216
    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 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jahan Minoo
  • Patent number: 8878484
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Zachary C. Rich
  • Patent number: 8810367
    Abstract: An electronic device may operate a fingerprint reader in a stationary finger mode in which the fingerprint reader captures a fingerprint from a user's finger while the user's finger is in a stationary position and may operate the fingerprint reader in a moving finger mode in which the fingerprint reader captures a fingerprint from the user's finger while the user is swiping the finger across the fingerprint reader. The electronic device may use the moving finger mode when performing sensitive operations such as operations related to financial transactions. The electronic device may include near field communications circuitry. When activity is detected using the near field communications circuitry, the fingerprint reader may be operated in the moving finger mode. The fingerprint sensor may be activated when a proximity sensor detects the presence of a finger. Different actions may be taken by the device in response to detection of different fingerprints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Mullins
  • Patent number: 8806067
    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: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jahan Minoo
  • Patent number: 8799527
    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: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Scott Krueger, John Ananny
  • Publication number: 20140213327
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnson, Scott Mullins, Hugo Fiennes
  • Publication number: 20140181328
    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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jahan Minoo
  • Patent number: 8754612
    Abstract: A gas gauge circuit has a power supply pin, a power return pin, power-on reset capability, and a communications signal pin. A reset control circuit is coupled between the power supply pin and the communications signal pin, or between the power return pin and the communications signal pin. The reset control circuit removes power to the gas gauge circuit in accordance with a control signal asserted on the communications signal pin. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Johnson, Scott Mullins, David John Tupman
  • Publication number: 20140162496
    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: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Mullins
  • Patent number: 8724281
    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: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jahan Minoo