Patents by Inventor Derek Richardson

Derek Richardson 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: 20230419672
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for configurable modular devices are disclosed. For example, a system may be configured for swappable wiring configurations, LED light engine encodings, wireless network health determination and wireless health heatmap generation, wireless power transfer and replaceable batteries, AI modules for switch configurations, and/or the like individually and/or in combination. The system may include a modular control unit with a backplate. The backplate may include a first assembly configured to be fastened to a junction box and a removably couplable cup portion configured to be removably couplable to the first assembly and configured to electrically couple to wires of the junction box. The removably couplable cup portion may include a recess that includes a set of backplate electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Patrick Prendergast, Kirkwood Hines, Nathan Diehl, Derek Richardson, Stephen Bird, Nathan Weathers
  • Publication number: 20230281995
    Abstract: A system for occupancy detection and prediction is disclosed. The system may include a modular control unit configured to control power to at least one load device, which may include a device control assembly configured to be removably coupled to a backplate. The device control assembly may include an occupancy sensor configured to detect a current occupancy state of a detection zone. The device control assembly may be configured to determine occupancy routines based on historical occupancy states of the detection zone and to predict future occupancy states. The device control assembly may be configured to control the power to the at least one load device based on the predicted future occupancy states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Dana Olson
  • Publication number: 20230230381
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system may include a modular control unit configured to control power to at least one load device. The modular control unit may include a backplate with a recess that includes a set of backplate electrical contacts. The system may also include a contact element configured to receive the power. The system may also include at least one device control assembly configured to be removably coupled to the backplate. The device control assembly may include a set of device control assembly electrical contacts configured to electrically couple with the set of backplate electrical contacts of the backplate when the at least one device control assembly is coupled to the backplate and configured to electrically decouple from the set of backplate electrical contacts when the at least one device control assembly is decoupled from the backplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Dana Olson
  • Patent number: 11615625
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a configurable system may be capable of verification and include a modular control unit configured to control power. The modular control unit may include a first contact element configured to receive the power, a backplate, and at least one device control assembly. Other embodiments may include a system configured for dynamically assignable pairings. Further embodiments may include a backplate configured to control power to at least one load device, the backplate including one or more power control elements. Additional embodiments may include a system including a receptacle. The system with the receptacle may include a modular control unit, a backplate, a contact element, and at least one device control assembly configured to be removably coupled to the backplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEAKO, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Cole Wilson, Erik Anderson, Dana Olson
  • Publication number: 20220262120
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a configurable system may be capable of verification and include a modular control unit configured to control power. The modular control unit may include a first contact element configured to receive the power, a backplate, and at least one device control assembly. Other embodiments may include a system configured for dynamically assignable pairings. Further embodiments may include a backplate configured to control power to at least one load device, the backplate including one or more power control elements. Additional embodiments may include a system including a receptacle. The system with the receptacle may include a modular control unit, a backplate, a contact element, and at least one device control assembly configured to be removably coupled to the backplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Cole Wilson, Erik Anderson, Dana Olson
  • Patent number: 11367288
    Abstract: A backplate may include a backplate housing providing a cavity to removably accept any of a plurality of device control assemblies, where a device control assembly of the plurality of device control assemblies includes a set of device control assembly electrical contacts. The backplate housing may mount to an electrical junction box. The backplate may further include a backplate junction box electrical connector to connect to electrical wiring within the electrical junction box, and a set of backplate electrical contacts to couple to the set of device control assembly electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Deako, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Chris Keeser, Allen Stedman
  • Publication number: 20220167040
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to voice control of a video playback system. In an aspect, a device, such as an audio device (e.g., a soundbar) includes one or more speakers, one or more microphones, and one or more processors. The device also includes a connection to a display device (e.g., a television), where the speakers are configured to output audio related to video content displayed by the display device (such as playing audio for the video of a connected television). The device also includes one or more processors configured to, in response to the one or more microphones receiving a voice command, perform an action to cause a change in the video content displayed by the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Sisi Sun, Ann Clark, Melvin Chacko Kanasseril
  • Patent number: 10961741
    Abstract: A portable confinement apparatus having an enclosure for confining a person upon a mattress. The enclosure is formed of a flexible material having a base face, at least four side faces and a roof which define a void, with a pocket for the mattress. A frame has four base members arranged in a rectangle with two bridge members, arranged over the base members. At least part of each base member is integrally secured to the base section and at least part of each bridge member is integrally secured to the roof section. The enclosure is provided with at least two closable openings on different sides. An opening may extend into the roof section. Support struts and a stabilisation system are also described to increase stability and prevent tipping. Members may be telescopic to increase the portability of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: HKD Solutions Limited
    Inventors: Heather Ling, Derek Richardson, Scott Ling
  • Patent number: 10944220
    Abstract: A modular device backbone may include a controller and two or more backplates configured to be distributed throughout a user space and further configured to couple with swappable devices. Any of the two or more backplates may include a configuration storage device to store backplate-based configuration information including a backplate identifier and a controller address for communicating with the controller, and a communication unit to transmit the backplate-based configuration information. Upon coupling of a particular swappable device to a particular backplate, the particular swappable device may receive the backplate-based configuration information from the particular backplate and further communicate with the controller using the controller address to receive controller-based configuration information from the controller, which may include information for communicating with additional swappable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Deako, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Kyle Montgomery
  • Patent number: 10741960
    Abstract: A living space feature control apparatus includes a living space feature controller, a junction box controller receiver, wireless capabilities, and a programmable user interface. The living space feature control apparatus is configured with modular units including a junction box, backplate, device control assembly and faceplate making the control apparatus toollessly exchanged, upgraded or replaced. The control apparatus functions in a variety of ways including identifying different users, recording user preferences, automatically turning lights on and off according to user preferences, closing blinds automatically, initiating security actions, acting as an intercom system and triangulating occupant location. The living space feature controller may include inductive coils for inductive signal and power transfer and a rotary optical encoder for selectable user living space control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Deako, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Allen Stedman, Dan Blase, Chris Keeser
  • Patent number: 10700477
    Abstract: A modular device backbone includes two or more backplates configured to be distributed throughout a user space and further configured to couple with swappable devices. Each of the one or more backplates may include a configuration storage device to store configuration information for communicating with additional swappable devices coupled to additional backplates. Each of the one or more backplates may further include a communication unit to provide the configuration information to a coupled swappable device, where the coupled swappable device unit establishes a communication link to the additional swappable devices based on the configuration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Deako, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Kyle Montgomery
  • Patent number: 10699131
    Abstract: A method for installing a user-upgradeable load control network includes mounting backplates to electrical junction boxes throughout a building, where at least some backplates include a cavity to interchangeably accept device control assemblies, electrical contacts, and a translatable cover to shield the electrical contacts from the cavity when translated to a closed position and to expose the electrical contacts to inserted device control assemblies. The method may further include connecting the electrical contacts to electrical loads throughout the building. The method may further include installing device control assemblies into the backplates by inserting the one or more device control assemblies and translating the respective covers to the open positions. Further, an installed device control assembly is upgradeable by translating the cover to the closed position, removing the installed device control assembly, inserting device control assembly, and translating the cover to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Deako, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Chris Keeser, Allen Stedman
  • Publication number: 20190252814
    Abstract: A living space feature control apparatus includes a living space feature controller, a junction box controller receiver, wireless capabilities, and a programmable user interface. The living space feature control apparatus is configured with modular units including a junction box, backplate, device control assembly and faceplate making the control apparatus toollessly exchanged, upgraded or replaced. The control apparatus functions in a variety of ways including identifying different users, recording user preferences, automatically turning lights on and off according to user preferences, closing blinds automatically, initiating security actions, acting as an intercom system and triangulating occupant location. The living space feature controller may include inductive coils for inductive signal and power transfer and a rotary optical encoder for selectable user living space control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Allen Stedman, Dan Blase, Chris Keeser
  • Publication number: 20190156127
    Abstract: A method for installing a user-upgradeable load control network includes mounting backplates to electrical junction boxes throughout a building, where at least some backplates include a cavity to interchangeably accept device control assemblies, electrical contacts, and a translatable cover to shield the electrical contacts from the cavity when translated to a closed position and to expose the electrical contacts to inserted device control assemblies. The method may further include connecting the electrical contacts to electrical loads throughout the building. The method may further include installing device control assemblies into the backplates by inserting the one or more device control assemblies and translating the respective covers to the open positions. Further, an installed device control assembly is upgradeable by translating the cover to the closed position, removing the installed device control assembly, inserting device control assembly, and translating the cover to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Chris Keeser, Allen Stedman
  • Publication number: 20190099011
    Abstract: A portable confinement apparatus having an enclosure for confining a person upon a mattress. The enclosure is formed of a flexible material having a base face, at least four side faces and a roof which define a void, with a pocket for the mattress. A frame has four base members arranged in a rectangle with two bridge members, arranged over the base members. At least part of each base member is integrally secured to the base section and at least part of each bridge member is integrally secured to the roof section. The enclosure is provided with at least two closable openings on different sides. An opening may extend into the roof section. Support struts and a stabilisation system are also described to increase stability and prevent tipping. Members may be telescopic to increase the portability of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Heather LING, Derek RICHARDSON, Scott LING
  • Patent number: 10153113
    Abstract: A system for occupancy prediction includes one or more occupancy sensors configured to detect a current occupancy state of one or more detection zones including at least one of occupied by one or more occupants or vacant of occupants. The system including one or more occupancy sensors configured to predict a future occupancy state of the one or more zones based on the current occupancy state and one or more historical occupancy states, wherein at least one occupancy sensor of the one or more occupancy sensor is communicatively coupled to an electrical load. The system including at least one occupancy sensor is configured to actuate the electrical load based on the predicted future occupancy state of the one or more zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Deako, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Cole Wilson, Erik Anderson, Dana Olson
  • Patent number: 10078786
    Abstract: An occupancy-sensing apparatus a device control assembly including a detector configured to generate an image wherein the device control assembly includes one or more illumination sources configured to emit illumination including at least one wavelength of radiation measurable by the detector. The apparatus includes a controller communicatively coupled to the detector configured to detect occupants based on the image generated by the detector, wherein the controller is configured to determine an active state of the detected occupants, the activity state including at least one of a stationary state or moving state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Deako, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Cole Wilson, Erik Anderson, Dana Olson
  • Patent number: 10069235
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a backplate including at least one backplate contact, a cover, and a lock. The at least one backplate contact facilitates an electrical connection to a power source. The cover shields the at least one backplate contact when the cover is placed in a closed position. The cover is further translatable to an open position to conditionally expose the at least one backplate contact. The lock applies a force to the cover and positions the cover in the closed position unless a counter-force greater than the force is received by the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Deako, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Blase, Chris Keeser, Patrick Prendergast, Derek Richardson, Allen Stedman
  • Patent number: 10063002
    Abstract: A network includes a first device control assembly and at least one second device control assembly. The first device control assembly is electrically connected to a power distribution panel. The first device control assembly is further configured to regulate a load. The at least one second device control assembly is electrically connected to a power distribution panel. The first device control assembly is in data communication with the at least one second device control assembly. The first device control assembly regulating the load based on the data communication from the at least one second device control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: DEAKO, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Cole Wilson, Erik Anderson, Dana Olson
  • Publication number: 20170117108
    Abstract: A system for occupancy prediction includes one or more occupancy sensors configured to detect a current occupancy state of one or more detection zones including at least one of occupied by one or more occupants or vacant of occupants. The system including one or more occupancy sensors configured to predict a future occupancy state of the one or more zones based on the current occupancy state and one or more historical occupancy states, wherein at least one occupancy sensor of the one or more occupancy sensor is communicatively coupled to an electrical load. The system including at least one occupancy sensor is configured to actuate the electrical load based on the predicted future occupancy state of the one or more zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Cole Wilson, Erik Anderson, Dana Olson