Patents by Inventor John D. Spencer
John D. Spencer 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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Patent number: 9430945Abstract: A system for mounting in a vehicle and for providing route information calculated by a remote source (116) to a display is provided. The system includes a display interface (124) for providing a signal to the display (108). The system further includes a communications device (120). The system yet further includes a processor (122) operatively coupled to the communications device (120) and the display interface (124), wherein the processor (122) is configured to cause vehicle position information to be sent to the remote source (116) via the communications device (120). The processor is further configured to receive route information from the remote source (116) via the communications device (120). The processor (122) is yet further configured to provide a representation of the route information to the display interface (124), the route information conveying directions from a position of the vehicle to a destination.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Rodger W. Eich, Brian L. Douthitt, Richard J. Chutorash, John D. Spencer
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Patent number: 9007168Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jeremy Bos, Carl Shearer, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer, Todd R. Witkowski
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Patent number: 8760267Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jeremy Bos, Carl L. Shearer, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer, Todd R. Witkowski
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Patent number: 8174357Abstract: A method for training a trainable RF transmitter to transmit variable code signals used to actuate a remote device having a receiver where the transmitter includes a memory that has stored variable code characteristics for a plurality of different remote devices includes initiating a training sequence and generating at least one RF carrier signal having the variable code characteristics associated with one remote device of the plurality of different remote devices. The method further includes transmitting the at least one RF carrier signal to the receiver of the remote device and repeating the generating and transmitting steps for the variable code characteristics of each remote device in the plurality of different remote device until feedback is received from a user that the remote device is activated. Upon receiving an indication that the remote device is activated, the transmitter stores an identifier of the variable code characteristics that activated the remote device.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Loren D. Vredevoogd, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer
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Patent number: 7911358Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Jeremy Bos, Carl Shearer, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer, Todd R. Witkowski
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Patent number: 7902994Abstract: A method for training a trainable RF transmitter to transmit variable code signals used to actuate a remote device having a receiver where the transmitter includes a memory that has stored variable code characteristics for a plurality of different remote devices includes initiating a training sequence and generating at least one RF carrier signal having the variable code characteristics associated with one remote device of the plurality of different remote devices. The method further includes transmitting the at least one RF carrier signal to the receiver of the remote device and repeating the generating and transmitting steps for the variable code characteristics of each remote device in the plurality of different remote device until feedback is received from a user that the remote device is activated. Upon receiving an indication that the remote device is activated, the transmitter stores an identifier of the variable code characteristics that activated the remote device.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Loren D. Vredevoogd, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer
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Publication number: 20110025456Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Jeremy Bos, Carl Shearer, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer, Todd R. Witkowski
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Publication number: 20110018694Abstract: A method for training a trainable RF transmitter to transmit variable code signals used to actuate a remote device having a receiver where the transmitter includes a memory that has stored variable code characteristics for a plurality of different remote devices includes initiating a training sequence and generating at least one RF carrier signal having the variable code characteristics associated with one remote device of the plurality of different remote devices. The method further includes transmitting the at least one RF carrier signal to the receiver of the remote device and repeating the generating and transmitting steps for the variable code characteristics of each remote device in the plurality of different remote device until feedback is received from a user that the remote device is activated. Upon receiving an indication that the remote device is activated, the transmitter stores an identifier of the variable code characteristics that activated the remote device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Steven L. GEERLINGS, Loren D. Vredevoogd, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer
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Publication number: 20100100310Abstract: A system for mounting in a vehicle and for providing route information calculated by a remote source (116) to a display is provided. The system includes a display interface (124) for providing a signal to the display (108). The system further includes a communications device (120). The system yet further includes a processor (122) operatively coupled to the communications device (120) and the display interface (124), wherein the processor (122) is configured to cause vehicle position information to be sent to the remote source (116) via the communications device (120). The processor is further configured to receive route information from the remote source (116) via the communications device (120). The processor (122) is yet further configured to provide a representation of the route information to the display interface (124), the route information conveying directions from a position of the vehicle to a destination.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Rodger W. Eich, Brian L. Douthitt, Richard J. Chutorash, John D. Spencer
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Publication number: 20100007516Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2007Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventors: Jeremy Bos, Carl L. Shearer, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer, Todd R. Witkowski
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Patent number: 7493140Abstract: A system for providing communication between a vehicle and a plurality of wireless devices includes a receiver configured to receive wireless signals from the wireless devices. The received wireless signals are provided in accordance with a communication standard from the plurality of communication standards. The system also includes a wireless data transfer module coupled to the receiver and configured to support the plurality of communication standards, process the wireless signals and direct the data of the wireless signals to a corresponding vehicle system. The system may include a transmitter coupled to the wireless data transfer module. The transmitter is configured to transmit wireless signals from the vehicle to the wireless devices. The wireless data transfer module receives data from a vehicle system and provides the data to the transmitter in accordance with a communication standard from the plurality of communication standards.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Mark Michmerhuizen, Timothy J. Syfert, John D. Spencer, Joseph W. Strazanac
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Publication number: 20080186155Abstract: An instrument cluster includes a display using persistence of vision. The display includes a moving portion and light sources carried by the moving portion. The persistence of vision effect gives the display a resolution that is greater than the number of light sources carried by the moving portion. The display may be connected to a vehicle bus such that it can communicate with sensors and other devices connected to the vehicle bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2006Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: John D. Spencer, Richard J. Chutorash, Steven L. Geerlings, Jeffrey Golden, Michael J. Sims, Rodger W. Eich
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Patent number: 7186118Abstract: An electrification system for use with an article slidably supported on a track within a vehicle is provided. The electrification system comprises a conductor assembly including a positive conductive interface supported parallel and adjacent to a negative conductive interface. The conductor assembly is configured to extend substantially the length of the track. The electrification system further comprises a contact assembly including a positive contact in electrical communication with the positive conductive interface and a negative contact in electrical communication with the negative conductive interface. The contact assembly is configured to be fixed relative to the article. The contact assembly remains in electrical communication with the conductor assembly as the article is selectively moved along the track to provide continuous electrical power to the article as the article is moved.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Scott A. Hansen, John D. Spencer, Jeremy J. Gauthier, Miklos A. Kovach, Elindo G. Castro
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Patent number: 5345935Abstract: A non-invasive medical probe for monitoring a patient's condition in particular an intra-uterine device for monitoring fetal condition is featured. The medical probe includes a resilient walled suction cup having a peripheral rim for application to a patent's skin, a pump adapted for connection to the cup for evacuating the cup to adhere the cup to the patient's skin, and a pair of non-invasive skin contact electrodes for connection to diagnostic apparatus. One of the electrodes is disposed on a mounting located centrally within the cup to leave a channel to be evacuated by the pump and the second electrode is disposed externally of the cup adjacent to the cup to provide a second contact in the vicinity of the first electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1992Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Egnell Ameda LimitedInventors: Harold D. Hirsch, John A. D. Spencer, Ilan Z. Samson
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Patent number: 5229925Abstract: A housing for electronic apparatus, including an enclosure for housing power supply and amplifier circuits that are common to a number of different functional devices. A replaceable, hinged, modular front panel is provided and carries a control circuit on its inner face and switches, indicators, and control knobs on its outer face. Several front panels can be provided having different control circuits for connection with the power and amplifier circuits in the enclosure to thereby change the function of the device or the types of outputs and control functions that it can provide. The front panel is pivotable relative to the enclosure to permit quick and easy access to the interior of the enclosure for inspection and servicing, as well as ready accessibility to the control circuit that is mounted on the control panel. A metallic channel extends from the back panel to the control panel to provide a shielded wireway for input conductors connected with the control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1991Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Assignee: Valcom, Inc.Inventors: John D. Spencer, John W. Mason
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Patent number: 5107128Abstract: A method of detecting flame within a region where flame is expected. Radiation emissions from the region are measured within selected portions of the visible and infra-red frequency bands. Spectral characteristics of the two measurements, including their auto spectra, coherency and transfer function, are derived. The derived spectral characteristics are compared with prestored spectral signatures representative of the spectral characteristics of radiation emitted from the region within the selected portions of the visible and infra-red frequency bands while known flame conditions prevail within the region--thereby estimating the deviation of the derived spectral characteristics from the prestored spectral signatures. The deviations aforesaid are compared with predetermined threshold alarm values to assess the presence or absence of flame.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1990Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: Saskatchewan Power CorporationInventors: Peter W. N. Davall, John D. Spencer
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Patent number: 4983853Abstract: A method of detecting flame within a region where flame is expected. Radiation emissions from the region are measured within selected portions of the visible and infra-red frequency bands. Spectral characteristics of the two measurements, including their auto spectra, coherency and transfer function, are derived. The derived spectral characteristics are compared with prestored spectral signatures representative of the spectral characteristics of radiation emitted from the region within the selected portions of the visible and infra-red frequency bands while known flame conditions prevail within the region--thereby estimating the deviation of the derived spectral characteristics from the prestored spectral signatures. The deviations aforesaid are compared with predetermined threshold alarm values to assess the presence or absence of flame.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1989Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Assignee: Saskatchewan Power CorporationInventors: Peter W. N. Davall, John D. Spencer
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Patent number: 4482891Abstract: A robust electronic liquid level gauge apparatus, particularly suitable for use with boiler drum water column, comprises simple probe sensors in the water column, differential amplifier sensors, detectors responsive only to the simultaneous presence of a minimum level signal and a certain frequency, and logic circuits continuously processing outputs from four detectors: its associated probe detector, the one below, and the two above.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1981Date of Patent: November 13, 1984Inventor: John D. Spencer
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Patent number: 4157506Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing signals produced by a flame detector. A phase-locked loop is used to generate a binary indication of whether the signal from a flame probe is within a predetermined frequency band. A signal indicative of the average analog value of the resulting pulse train is produced and tested to determine whether it is in a range consistent with flame presence. The resultant binary signal is ANDed with a binary determination of whether the average DC value of the probe signal is within a range consistent with flame presence, and if both the DC and the frequency indications imply possible flame presence, then flame presence is indicated.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1977Date of Patent: June 5, 1979Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.Inventor: John D. Spencer