Patents by Inventor Thomas Martin Lill

Thomas Martin Lill 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).

  • Machine or device monitoring and alert method and system
    Patent number: 8862428
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring of one or more machines or devices, such as washers and dryers, for a change of state and indicating when the change of state has occurred. In one aspect, the system comprises a monitor and alert unit which generates a signal indicative of the change of the state of the machine or device being monitored and a device or system to produce an alert notification based upon the signal. The monitor and alert unit includes an operational state sensor, a signal conditioner, and a comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Martin Lill, Ralph Shoemaker
  • MACHINE OR DEVICE MONITORING AND ALERT METHOD AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140132418
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring of one or more machines or devices, such as washers and dryers, for a change of state and indicating when the change of state has occurred. In one aspect, the system comprises a monitor and alert unit which generates a signal indicative of the change of the state of the machine or device being monitored and a device or system to produce an alert notification based upon the signal. The monitor and alert unit includes an operational state sensor, a signal conditioner, and a comparator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Martin Lill, Ralph Shoemaker
  • Remote appliance or machine monitoring method and system
    Patent number: 8594969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring operational cycles of one or more appliances, such as washers and dryers, and remotely indicating when such operating cycles have terminated. In one aspect, the present invention provides an appliance or machine monitoring system. The system includes a monitor and transmitter unit configured to monitor an operation cycle of an appliance or machine and transmit a wireless signal upon completion of the operation cycle. The monitor and transmitter unit includes an operation cycle sensor, a signal conditioner, a comparator, and a wireless transmitter broadcasting a wireless signal based upon the signal generated by the comparator. The system further includes a portable receiver and alert unit configured to receive signals generated by the wireless transmitter and generate a signal indicative of completion of an operation cycle of an appliance or machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Martin Lill, Ralph Shoemaker
  • REMOTE APPLIANCE OR MACHINE MONITORING METHOD AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110246124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring operational cycles of one or more appliances, such as washers and dryers, and remotely indicating when such operating cycles have terminated. In one aspect, the present invention provides an appliance or machine monitoring system. The system includes a monitor and transmitter unit configured to monitor an operation cycle of an appliance or machine and transmit a wireless signal upon completion of the operation cycle. The monitor and transmitter unit includes an operation cycle sensor, a signal conditioner, a comparator, and a wireless transmitter broadcasting a wireless signal based upon the signal generated by the comparator. The system further includes a portable receiver and alert unit configured to receive signals generated by the wireless transmitter and generate a signal indicative of completion of an operation cycle of an appliance or machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Martin Lill, Ralph Shoemaker