Patents by Inventor William B. Howell
William B. Howell 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: 20240185703Abstract: A communications system for emergency personnel comprising a plurality of beacons disposed in a building or large structure, wherein each beacon is placed in a location such that it can communicate with at least its next nearest beacon when activated and/or nearby emergency personnel. Each beacon comprises a low power consumption PCBA, a battery, and a housing. Each beacon is installed in the building or large structure prior to a disaster incident or emergency event.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2023Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: Darin K. Thompson, Longin J. Kloc, Traian Morar, William B. Howell, Richard J. Sabacinski, Dana C. DeMeo, Brian C. Myers
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Publication number: 20230394937Abstract: 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: August 17, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20230306829Abstract: 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: May 19, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Patent number: 11749076Abstract: 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: May 13, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: In Vue 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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Patent number: 11694527Abstract: 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: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20220270452Abstract: 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 13, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20210027588Abstract: A merchandise security device for securing items of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device may include a printed circuit board and a base containing the printed circuit board. The security device may include a sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board and configured to engage a support surface for detecting unauthorized removal of the base from the support surface. The security device may also include a tether configured to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise, and a spool rotatably disposed within the base for winding and unwinding the tether, wherein the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The printed circuit board is coupled to the spool such that the printed circuit board is configured to rotate relative to the base when the tether is extended and retracted, and the sensor is configured to remain stationary when the tether is extended and retracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2020Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Robert Bisesti, William B. Howell
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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: 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: 20200082687Abstract: A merchandise security device for securing items of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device may include a printed circuit board and a base containing the printed circuit board. The security device may include a sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board and configured to engage a support surface for detecting unauthorized removal of the base from the support surface. The security device may also include a tether configured to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise, and a spool rotatably disposed within the base for winding and unwinding the tether, wherein the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The printed circuit board is coupled to the spool such that the printed circuit board is configured to rotate relative to the base when the tether is extended and retracted, and the sensor is configured to remain stationary when the tether is extended and retracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Robert Bisesti, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20200083651Abstract: In one example, a connector for providing security to an article of merchandise is provided, wherein the article of merchandise includes an input port and internal circuitry. The connector includes a connection portion configured to releasably engage the input port of the article of merchandise. The connector also includes a conductive shield and at least one pair of ground conductors. At least one of the ground conductors is configured to electrically connect to the conductive shield to define a sense loop when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise. Interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2018Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: William B. Howell, Darin J. Shaw, Jonathon D. Phillips, Eric Brutke
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Patent number: 10482735Abstract: A merchandise security device for securing items of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device may include a printed circuit board and a base containing the printed circuit board. The security device may include a sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board and configured to engage a support surface for detecting unauthorized removal of the base from the support surface. The security device may also include a tether configured to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise, and a spool rotatably disposed within the base for winding and unwinding the tether, wherein the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The printed circuit board is coupled to the spool such that the printed circuit board is configured to rotate relative to the base when the tether is extended and retracted, and the sensor is configured to remain stationary when the tether is extended and retracted.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Robert Bisesti, William B. Howell
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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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Publication number: 20190180582Abstract: A merchandise security device for securing items of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device may include a printed circuit board and a base containing the printed circuit board. The security device may include a sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board and configured to engage a support surface for detecting unauthorized removal of the base from the support surface. The security device may also include a tether configured to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise, and a spool rotatably disposed within the base for winding and unwinding the tether, wherein the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The printed circuit board is coupled to the spool such that the printed circuit board is configured to rotate relative to the base when the tether is extended and retracted, and the sensor is configured to remain stationary when the tether is extended and retracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Robert Bisesti, William B. Howell
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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: 10223884Abstract: A merchandise security device for securing items of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device may include a printed circuit board and a base containing the printed circuit board. The security device may include a sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board and configured to engage a support surface for detecting unauthorized removal of the base from the support surface. The security device may also include a tether configured to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise, and a spool rotatably disposed within the base for winding and unwinding the tether, wherein the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The printed circuit board is coupled to the spool such that the printed circuit board is configured to rotate relative to the base when the tether is extended and retracted, and the sensor is configured to remain stationary when the tether is extended and retracted.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Robert Bisesti, 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: 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: 20170076569Abstract: A merchandise security device for securing items of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device may include a printed circuit board and a base containing the printed circuit board. The security device may include a sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board and configured to engage a support surface for detecting unauthorized removal of the base from the support surface. The security device may also include a tether configured to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise, and a spool rotatably disposed within the base for winding and unwinding the tether, wherein the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The printed circuit board is coupled to the spool such that the printed circuit board is configured to rotate relative to the base when the tether is extended and retracted, and the sensor is configured to remain stationary when the tether is extended and retracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Robert Bisesti, William B. Howell
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Patent number: 9437088Abstract: 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 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell