Patents by Inventor Michael R Johnston
Michael R Johnston 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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Publication number: 20200258359Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20200178704Abstract: A sensor for a merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. The security system includes a merchandise bracket configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a sensor configured to releasably engage the merchandise bracket and to detect unauthorized removal of the merchandise bracket or the sensor from the article of merchandise. The sensor is configured to be releasably engaged with the merchandise bracket such that the sensor is removable from the merchandise bracket while the merchandise bracket remains secured to the article of merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Michael R. Johnston, Robert Schultz, David N. Berglund, Robert O. Hartweg
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Publication number: 20200082686Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to removably engage an input port of an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range, and wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal in response to the sensor being removed from the input port of the item of merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20200051410Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
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Publication number: 20190392690Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise, wherein the sensor includes an electrical connector. The security system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the base includes an electronics module having a connector. The connector of the sensor and the connector of the electronics module are configured to electrically connect with one another when the sensor is supported on the base, and the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the item of merchandise from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2018Publication date: December 26, 2019Inventors: Christopher Richard Helman, Kyle Baker, Jonathon D. Phillips, Daniel G. Dugas, Michael R. Johnston, Daniel C. Symons, A. Reneau Van Landingham, Jr., Eric Brutke
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Patent number: 10482734Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to removably engage an input port of an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range, and wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal in response to the sensor being removed from the input port of the item of merchandise.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Patent number: 10475307Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
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Publication number: 20190180580Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Patent number: 10223881Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20190059612Abstract: A sensor for a merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. The security system includes a merchandise bracket configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a sensor configured to releasably engage the merchandise bracket and to detect unauthorized removal of the merchandise bracket or the sensor from the article of merchandise. The sensor is configured to be releasably engaged with the merchandise bracket such that the sensor is removable from the merchandise bracket while the merchandise bracket remains secured to the article of merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Michael R. Johnston, Robert Schultz, David N. Berglund, Robert O. Hartweg
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Patent number: 10111537Abstract: A sensor for a merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. The security system includes a merchandise bracket configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a sensor configured to releasably engage the merchandise bracket and to detect unauthorized removal of the merchandise bracket or the sensor from the article of merchandise. The sensor is configured to be releasably engaged with the merchandise bracket such that the sensor is removable from the merchandise bracket while the merchandise bracket remains secured to the article of merchandise.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Johnston, Robert Schultz, David N. Berglund, Robert O. Hartweg
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Publication number: 20180293856Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
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Publication number: 20180174410Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2018Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
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Patent number: 10002505Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2018Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
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Publication number: 20180094455Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to merchandise security devices, systems, and methods for protecting an item of merchandise from theft. For example, a merchandise security device may include a lock configured to be secured to a merchandise fixture and a strike plate configured to be secured to the merchandise fixture. The lock includes an actuator configured to extend into operable engagement with the strike plate in a locked state and to retract out of operable engagement with the strike plate in an unlocked state. In addition, the actuator includes a curved portion at its free end and a straight portion extending from the curved portion, and the strike plate is configured to receive the entire curved portion in the locked state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, David N. Berglund, Karen Bellum Bomber
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Patent number: 9928703Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
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Publication number: 20180047263Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2016Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20170301198Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
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Patent number: 9728054Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips
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Publication number: 20170092087Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Michael R. Johnston, Jonathon D. Phillips