Patents by Inventor Zachary C. Rich

Zachary C. Rich 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).

  • Patent number: 9906062
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jonathan J. Andrews, Alexei Kosut, James M. Hollabaugh, Zachary C. Rich, Daniel J. Fritchman
  • Patent number: 9883274
    Abstract: A case for a pair of earbuds includes a housing having cavities to receive the pair of earbuds and charging circuitry that is configured to initiate charging of the pair of earbuds when an earbud detector detects that the earbuds are inserted within the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James L. McPeak, Chandrahas Aralaguppe Chandramohan, Rico L. Zörkendörfer, Lee M. Panecki, Darshan R. Kasar, Daniel C. Wagman, Zachary C. Rich
  • Patent number: 9883276
    Abstract: A case for a portable listening device includes a lid and a lid sensor to detect if the lid is in an open or a closed position. The case further includes circuitry configured to turn on a wireless radio within the portable listening device when the lid sensor detects the lid is moved from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James L. McPeak, Chandrahas Aralaguppe Chandramohan, Robert Doran Watson, Lee M. Panecki, Shannon X. Yang, Zachary C. Rich
  • Publication number: 20180026461
    Abstract: Simplified interfaces for charging and communication between accessories and docking stations. One example may provide an interface for charging and communication between an accessory and docking station where data and a charging voltage are provided over the same pins. An accessory may determine that it is in a powered docking station by receiving a charging voltage. The accessory may determine that it is in an unpowered docking station by providing a voltage to the unpowered docking station, where the unpowered docking station uses the voltage to power an oscillator. The oscillator signal may be received by the accessory, which may use the presence of the signal to determine that it is in an unpowered docking station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Daniel S. Naito, Kirill Kalinichev, Jahan C. Minoo, James L. McPeak, Jason W. Brinsfield
  • Publication number: 20170272058
    Abstract: Power transfer systems including a direct current source and a plurality of outputs operable in several modes. A ground mode may couple an output to circuit ground and a current mode may couple the output to the direct current source. The power transfer system may also include a controller configured to iteratively select a pair of outputs from the plurality of outputs. Once a pair is selected, the controller may set a first output of the pair of outputs to the current mode and the second to ground mode for a determined duration. After the duration has passed, the controller may set the first output to the ground mode and the second output to the current mode for the same duration. Thereafter the controller may select another pair of outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Brian C. Menzel, Jeffrey M. Alves, Kevin M. Keeler, Zachary C. Rich
  • Patent number: 9769558
    Abstract: A case for a pair of wireless earbuds includes a lid and a lid sensor configured to generate a detect signal when the lid is moved from a closed position to an open position. The case further includes circuitry configured to, in response to receiving the detect signal, send a signal to the wireless earbuds to turn them on and to initiate a pairing sequence between the wireless earbuds and an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chandrahas Aralaguppe Chandramohan, Rico L. Zörkendörfer, Robert Doran Watson, Patrick L. Coffman, Zachary C. Rich, Jason W. Brinsfield
  • Patent number: 9673784
    Abstract: Power transfer systems including a direct current source and a plurality of outputs operable in several modes. A ground mode may couple an output to circuit ground and a current mode may couple the output to the direct current source. The power transfer system may also include a controller configured to iteratively select a pair of outputs from the plurality of outputs. Once a pair is selected, the controller may set a first output of the pair of outputs to the current mode and the second to ground mode for a determined duration. After the duration has passed, the controller may set the first output to the ground mode and the second output to the current mode for the same duration. Thereafter the controller may select another pair of outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Menzel, Jeffrey M. Alves, Kevin M. Keeler, Zachary C. Rich
  • Publication number: 20170133792
    Abstract: Connector systems that may facilitate the insertion of connector inserts into connector receptacles, may eliminate the need for dedicated contacts to detect a connection, and may provide connector inserts that are rotatable even when the functions of the contacts on the connector inserts are not symmetrical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Charles W. Werley, George V. Anastas, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Robert D. Zupke, Scott Krueger, Todd K. Moyer, Zachary C. Rich, Jahan C. Minoo
  • Publication number: 20170094395
    Abstract: A case for a portable listening device includes a lid and a lid sensor to detect if the lid is in an open or a closed position. The case further includes circuitry configured to turn on a wireless radio within the portable listening device when the lid sensor detects the lid is moved from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: James L. McPeak, Chandrahas Aralaguppe Chandramohan, Robert Doran Watson, Lee M. Panecki, Shannon X. Yang, Zachary C. Rich
  • Publication number: 20170094396
    Abstract: A case for a pair of wireless earbuds includes a lid and a lid sensor configured to generate a detect signal when the lid is moved from a closed position to an open position. The case further includes circuitry configured to, in response to receiving the detect signal, send a signal to the wireless earbuds to turn them on and to initiate a pairing sequence between the wireless earbuds and an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Chandrahas Aralaguppe Chandramohan, Rico L. Zörkendörfer, Robert Doran Watson, Patrick L. Coffman, Zachary C. Rich, Jason W. Brinsfield
  • Publication number: 20170094394
    Abstract: A case for a pair of earbuds includes a housing having cavities to receive the pair of earbuds and charging circuitry that is configured to initiate charging of the pair of earbuds when an earbud detector detects that the earbuds are inserted within the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: James L. McPeak, Chandrahas Aralaguppe Chandramohan, Rico L. Zörkendörfer, Lee M. Panecki, Darshan R. Kasar, Daniel C. Wagman, Zachary C. Rich
  • Publication number: 20170094398
    Abstract: An earbud includes a housing having a touch sensitive region at an exterior surface of the housing. A capacitive sensor insert is disposed within the housing and has metallized circuitry formed on a first surface that is positioned adjacent an interior surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Cousins, Arun D. Chawan, Zachary C. Rich, Jonathan S. Aase, Marcus Albonico
  • Publication number: 20170094399
    Abstract: A case for a pair of wireless earbuds includes a lid and a lid sensor configured to generate a detect signal when the lid is moved from a closed position to an open position. The case further includes circuitry configured to, in response to receiving the detect signal, send a signal to the wireless earbuds to turn them on and to initiate a pairing sequence between the wireless earbuds and an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Chandrahas Aralaguppe Chandramohan, Rico L. Zörkendörfer, Robert Doran Watson, Patrick L. Coffman, Zachary C. Rich, Jason W. Brinsfield
  • Publication number: 20170064427
    Abstract: The wireless earphone (1) comprises a housing (2) having a bud portion abutting an elongated stem portion. The bud portion is to fit within an ear. The bud portion has a primary sound outlet (5) at its far end that is to be inserted into an outer ear canal, and abuts the stem portion at its near end. A speaker driver (6) is inside the bud portion. Electronic circuitry (7,24) inside the housing (2) includes a wireless communications interface (4) to receive audio content over-the-air and in response provides an audio signal to the speaker driver. A rechargeable battery (3) as a power source for the electronic circuitry is located inside a cavity of the stem portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Kurt R. Stiehl, Arun D. Chawan, Michael B. Howes, Jonathan S. Aase, Esge B. Andersen, Yacine Azmi, Jahan C. Minoo, David J. Shaw, Aarti Kumar, Augustin Prats, Robert D. Watson, Baptiste P. Paquier, Axel D. Berny, Benjamin W. Cook, Jerzy S. Guterman, Benjamin Adair Cousins
  • Patent number: 9459670
    Abstract: An adapter for enabling connection of a portable electronic device with an accessory includes two connectors, an identification device, a power control device, and power clamping circuitry. All of these components may be included in a single integrated housing. Another adapter may have a cable with two connectors connected to either end of the cable. One of the connectors may house the identification device and the power control device. Optionally, the adapter may also house the power clamp circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Edward Siahaan, Ian Colahan
  • Patent number: 9407981
    Abstract: A headphone is disclosed herein. The headphone includes a wireless transceiver, a wired communication module, a power storage device, a speaker, and control circuitry. The wireless transceiver and the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver are connected to the speaker via the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to determine whether to control the speaker according to data received via the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver and to seamlessly transition control of the speaker from data received from one of the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver to the other of the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Baptiste P. Paquier, Joseph A. Sarlo, Jahan C. Minoo
  • Publication number: 20160190840
    Abstract: Simplified interfaces for charging and communication between accessories and docking stations. One example may provide an interface for charging and communication between an accessory and docking station where data and a charging voltage are provided over the same pins. An accessory may determine that it is in a powered docking station by receiving a charging voltage. The accessory may determine that it is in an unpowered docking station by providing a voltage to the unpowered docking station, where the unpowered docking station uses the voltage to power an oscillator. The oscillator signal may be received by the accessory, which may use the presence of the signal to determine that it is in an unpowered docking station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Daniel S. Naito, Kirill Kalinichev, Jahan C. Minoo, James L. McPeak, Jason W. Brinsfield
  • Publication number: 20160112787
    Abstract: A headphone is disclosed herein. The headphone includes a wireless transceiver, a wired communication module, a power storage device, a speaker, and control circuitry. The wireless transceiver and the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver are connected to the speaker via the control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to determine whether to control the speaker according to data received via the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver and to seamlessly transition control of the speaker from data received from one of the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver to the other of the wired communication module and the wireless transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Zachary C. Rich, Baptiste P. Paquier, Joseph A. Sarlo, Jahan C. Minoo
  • Publication number: 20160094061
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jonathan J. Andrews, Alexei Kosut, James M. Hollabaugh, Zachary C. Rich, Daniel J. Fritchman
  • Patent number: 9240700
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Jonathan J. Andrews, Alexei Kosut, James M. Hollabaugh, Zachary C. Rich, Daniel J. Fritchman