Patents by Inventor William J. Rintz

William J. Rintz 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).

  • Patent number: 11837077
    Abstract: An instant alert notifier and docking station for use in emergency situations. Several notifiers and docking stations can be located through a building. In use, the user presses a button and pulls the device cover, which causes the notifier to (1) snap a still image of the person removing the notifier, (2) trigger a “code red” alert and/or activate flashing red LEDS on the docking stations where they are located throughout the building and/or (3) switch from a front to a rear camera operation. Using the notifier, real time video and still images can be captured and uploaded to first responder devices. The pressing of the button or removal of the notifier from the docking station can also cause the system to stream live video to the first responders from all of the other notifiers in the building still contained within their docking stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 11521472
    Abstract: A portable programmable display and control module which serves as a basic light switch and a digital custom light switch display. The control module can be removed from the electrical box when power fails to provide for an emergency flashlight. The control module can be provided with a mini-hard drive and microprocessor in order to be able to download digital content and display it on a lighted touch screen. The control module can also be controlled and programmed wirelessly by a computer or smart phone to control light switches, outlets, and other devices. The control module can also include a built-in solar cell to charge the module for prolonged power failures. A battery back-up can also be provided. The module can be provided with a front camera and a rear camera and can be used in emergency events to transmit images and video to first responders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventors: William J. Rintz, Terri-Ann K. Adrian
  • Patent number: 11217073
    Abstract: An instant alert notifier and docking station for use in emergency situations. Several notifiers and docking station can be located through a building. In a use, the user presses a button and pulls the device cover, which causes the notifier to (1) snap a still image of the person removing the notifier, (2) trigger a “code red” alert and/or activate flashing red LEDS on the docking stations where they are located throughout the building and/or (3) switch from a front to a rear camera operation. Using the notifier, real time video, and still images can be captured and uploaded to first responder devices. The pressing of the button or removal of the notifier from the docking station can also cause the system to stream live video to the first responders from all of the other notifiers in the building still contained within their docking stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 10225914
    Abstract: A portable programmable display and control module which serves as a basic light switch and a digital custom light switch display. The control module can be removed from the electrical box when power fails to provide for an emergency flashlight. The control module can be provided with a mini-hard drive and microprocessor in order to be able to download digital content and display it on a lighted touch screen. The control module can also be controlled and programmed wirelessly by a computer or smart phone to control light switches, outlets, and other devices. The control module can also include a built-in solar cell to charge the module for prolonged power failures. A battery back-up can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Publication number: 20180197693
    Abstract: A portable programmable display and control module which serves as a basic light switch and a digital custom light switch display. The control module can be removed from the electrical box when power fails to provide for an emergency flashlight. The control module can be provided with a mini-hard drive and microprocessor in order to be able to download digital content and display it on a lighted touch screen. The control module can also be controlled and programmed wirelessly by a computer or smart phone to control light switches, outlets, and other devices. The control module can also include a built-in solar cell to charge the module for prolonged power failures. A battery back-up can also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventor: WILLIAM J. RINTZ
  • Patent number: 9679711
    Abstract: A portable programmable display and control module which serves as a basic light switch and a digital custom light switch display. The control module can be removed from the electrical box when power fails to provide for an emergency flashlight. The control module can be provided with a mini-hard drive and microprocessor in order to be able to download digital content and display it on a lighted touch screen. The control module can also be controlled and programmed wirelessly by a computer or smart phone to control light switches, outlets, and other devices. The control module can also include a built-in solar cell to charge the module for prolonged power failures. A battery back-up can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 8003886
    Abstract: A light switch assembly to replace an existing light switch, which generally includes a mounting bracket attached to an electrical box. The assembly slides into the mounting bracket and is locked into place with the mounting bracket. A decorative light switch cover and custom artwork within the frame snaps and locks onto the outer perimeter of the mounting bracket to complete the assembly. The assembly provides for a battery hack-up system for power failure situations to illuminate the white, light emitting diodes in the event of a loss of power. The assembly senses the loss of power and unlocks the switch assembly from attachment to the mounting bracket. Unsnapping the decorative cover exposes the switch assembly so it can be removed from the mounting bracket. The switch assembly then becomes a mobile, hand-held emergency flashlight. The battery back-up system also allows for communication with first responders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 7273983
    Abstract: A light switch assembly to replace an existing light switch, which generally includes a mounting bracket attached to an electrical box. The assembly slides into the mounting bracket and is locked into place with the mounting bracket. A decorative light switch cover and custom artwork within the frame snaps and locks onto the outer perimeter of the mounting bracket to complete the assembly. The assembly provides for a battery back-up system for power failure situations to illuminate the white, light emitting diodes in the event of a loss of power. The assembly senses the loss of power and unlocks the switch assembly from attachment to the mounting bracket. Unsnapping the decorative cover exposes the switch assembly so it can be removed from the mounting bracket. The switch assembly then becomes a mobile, hand-held emergency flashlight. The battery back-up system also allows for communication with first responders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 7009111
    Abstract: A switch assembly is disclosed which can serve as a custom night light and a light switch assembly with a battery back-up system that automatically unlocks in the event of a power failure. The switch assembly can be removed from an electrical box for mobile emergency use as a flashlight. The assembly can also have a mini-membrane switch, which when actuated, can emit or transmit a RF/Microwave signal to outside emergency response personal, providing location information to the response personal. The personal locator system can use battery back-up power to communicate with established emergency response frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 6608253
    Abstract: A light switch cover is disclosed for use with conventional “rocker” and “toggle” type switches. The cover generally includes a mounting bracket which is attached to the electrical box, along with the switch and a face plate which is attached to the mounting bracket. For “rocker” type switches, the face plate is preferably constructed from a soft material to allow the user to operate the covered “rocker” switch, but can be made of a combination of hard and soft materials. For “toggle” type switches an aperture is provided in the face plate to operate the toggle. Preferably, the outer surface of the face plate is provided with a decorated design or other indicia. The light switch can also be utilized where more than one switch is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 6355885
    Abstract: A light switch cover is disclosed for use with conventional “rocker or tactile” and “toggle” type switches. The cover generally includes a mounting bracket which is attached to the electrical box, along with the switch and a face plate which is attached to the mounting bracket. For “rocker or tactile” type switches, the face plate is preferably constructed from a soft material to allow the user to operate the covered “rocker” switch, but can be made of a combination of hard and soft materials. For “toggle” type switches an aperture is provided in the face plate to operate the toggle. Preferably, the outer surface of the face plate is provided with a decorated design or other indicia. The light switch can also be utilized where more than one switch is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Rintz, Angel L. Colon
  • Patent number: 6051787
    Abstract: A light switch cover is disclosed for use with conventional "rocker" and "toggle" type switches. The cover generally includes a mounting bracket which is attached to the electrical box, along with the switch and a face plate which is attached to the mounting bracket. For "rocker" type switches, the face plate is preferably constructed from a soft material to allow the user to operate the covered "rocker" switch, but can be made of a combination of hard and soft materials. For "toggle" type switches an aperture is provided in the face plate to operate the toggle. Preferably, the outer surface of the face plate is provided with a decorated design or other indicia. The light switch can also be utilized where more than one switch is provided. For multiple "rocker" switches, a diverter bar is provided on the mounting bracket, to absorb pressure being asserted on one "rocker" switch from also transferring to an adjacent "rocker" switch and inadvertently turning "off" or "on" the adjacent "rocker" switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 5874693
    Abstract: A light switch cover is disclosed for use with conventional "rocker" and "toggle" type switches. The cover generally includes a mounting bracket which is attached to the electrical box, along with the switch and a face plate which is attached to the mounting bracket. For light switches cover can also be utilized where more than one switch is provided. An electroluminescent lighting sheet can also be provided between the face plate and mounting bracket to highlight and enhance any decorative features of the light switch cover. A battery back-up and power loss sensing circuit can be included that illuminates the lighting sheet whenever power to the light switch is lost. Upon loss of power, the lighting sheet can be illuminated steadily or can blink at a preselected frequency. An on/off switch can be provided to manually turn the illuminated light switch cover off. The invention can be also utilized with pressure sensitive dome-type switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 5811730
    Abstract: A light switch cover is disclosed for use with conventional "rocker" and "toggle" type switches. The cover generally includes a mounting bracket which is attached to the electrical box, along with the switch and a face plate which is attached to the mounting bracket. For "rocker" type switches, the face plate is preferably constructed from a soft material to allow the user to operate the covered "rocker" switch, but can be made of a combination of hard and soft materials. For "toggle" type switches an aperture is provided in the face plate to operate the toggle. Preferably, the outer surface of the face plate is provided with a decorated design or other indicia. The light switch can also be utilized where more than one switch is provided. For multiple "rocker" switches, a diverter bar is provided on the mounting bracket, to absorb pressure being asserted on one "rocker" switch from also transferring to an adjacent "rocker" switch and inadvertently turning "off" or "on" the adjacent "rocker" switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 5811729
    Abstract: A light switch cover is disclosed for use with a conventional "rocker" type switch. The cover generally includes a mounting bracket which is attached to the electrical box, along with the "rocker" switch and a face plate which is attached to the mounting bracket. The face plate is preferably constructed from a soft material, to allow the user to operate the covered "rocker" switch. Preferably, the outer surface of the face plate is provided with a decorated design or other indicia. The light switch can also be utilized where more than one "rocker" switch is provided. In these cases, a diverter bar is provided on the mounting bracket, to absorb pressure being asserted on one "rocker" switch from also transferring to an adjacent "rocker" switch and inadvertently turning "off" or "on" the adjacent "rocker" switch. An electroluminescent lighting sheet can also be provided between the face plate and mounting bracket to highlight and enhance the decorative features of the present invention light switch cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: William J. Rintz