Patents by Inventor David M. Linhoff

David M. Linhoff 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: 9514637
    Abstract: A system and method for integrating furniture accessories and generic devices with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to wirelessly control a generic device wirelessly coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. The remote device may control features of the generic device based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the remote device receives a user environment selection, which is communicated to the control component of the automated furniture item. The automated furniture item then communicates at least a portion of the received command to a corresponding generic device, according to the settings of the selected user environment. In further embodiments, an occupancy detection indication for the automated furniture item may result in a change in one or more settings corresponding to the user environment, as communicated to the generic device(s) by the control component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Chad Baker, Ryan Edward Chacon, Dave Jones, William Rohr, Vinod Kumar Gopalakrishnan, David M. Linhoff
  • Patent number: 9412262
    Abstract: A system and method for integrating furniture accessories with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to control an automated furniture accessory coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. Items of identifying information are provided to a control component based on coupling the automated furniture accessory to the CAN bus of the control component. According to the communication protocol, one or more packets of information are provided to the remote device using a wireless communication device of the control component. The remote device may then be used to control features of the automated furniture accessory, based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the firmware of the remote device may be updated to enable the control component to be coupled to updated automated furniture accessories, and enable the remote device to control such accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Chad Baker, Ryan Edward Chacon, Dave Jones, David M. Linhoff, William Rohr
  • Patent number: 9070280
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically pairing wireless remotes to the control components of automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a pairing mode selection indication is received, indicating a universal mode selection or a normal mode selection. In universal mode, the control component and the remote device are automatically paired based on commands received from the remote device. In normal mode, the control component and the remote component are automatically paired upon confirmation that the unique ID of the remote device corresponds to an ID database. Having paired the control component with the remote device, the control component may execute commands received from at least one remote device. In embodiments, the pairing method includes applying priority rules for particular remote devices. Further, the automatic pairing of remote devices may include varying levels of authorization for different users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: L&P PROPERTY MANGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Chad Baker, Ryan Edward Chacon, Dave Jones, David M. Linhoff, Larry Nicholas Nibert, William Rohr
  • Publication number: 20140203920
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically pairing wireless remotes to the control components of automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a pairing mode selection indication is received, indicating a universal mode selection or a normal mode selection. In universal mode, the control component and the remote device are automatically paired based on commands received from the remote device. In normal mode, the control component and the remote component are automatically paired upon confirmation that the unique ID of the remote device corresponds to an ID database. Having paired the control component with the remote device, the control component may execute commands received from at least one remote device. In embodiments, the pairing method includes applying priority rules for particular remote devices. Further, the automatic pairing of remote devices may include varying levels of authorization for different users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: CHAD BAKER, RYAN EDWARD CHACON, DAVE JONES, DAVID M. LINHOFF, LARRY NICHOLAS NIBERT, WILLIAM ROHR
  • Publication number: 20140203921
    Abstract: A system and method for integrating furniture accessories and generic devices with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to wirelessly control a generic device wirelessly coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. The remote device may control features of the generic device based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the remote device receives a user environment selection, which is communicated to the control component of the automated furniture item. The automated furniture item then communicates at least a portion of the received command to a corresponding generic device, according to the settings of the selected user environment. In further embodiments, an occupancy detection indication for the automated furniture item may result in a change in one or more settings corresponding to the user environment, as communicated to the generic device(s) by the control component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: CHAD BAKER, RYAN EDWARD CHACON, DAVE JONES, WILLIAM ROHR, VINOD KUMAR GOPALAKRISHNAN, DAVID M. LINHOFF
  • Publication number: 20140203919
    Abstract: A system and method for integrating furniture accessories with automated furniture items is provided. In embodiments, a communication protocol enables a remote device to control an automated furniture accessory coupled to a control component of an automated furniture item. Items of identifying information are provided to a control component based on coupling the automated furniture accessory to the CAN bus of the control component. According to the communication protocol, one or more packets of information are provided to the remote device using a wireless communication device of the control component. The remote device may then be used to control features of the automated furniture accessory, based on wireless communication with the control component. In some embodiments, the firmware of the remote device may be updated to enable the control component to be coupled to updated automated furniture accessories, and enable the remote device to control such accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: CHAD BAKER, RYAN EDWARD CHACON, DAVE JONES, DAVID M. LINHOFF, WILLIAM ROHR
  • Patent number: 7151237
    Abstract: A control housing is provided which encases a control board. The housing has a cover and a backing which are fixed together to secure the control board within the housing. The control board includes a plurality of switches, and the housing includes a plurality of corresponding buttons to activate the switches. The cover includes a cover surface having at least one button hole in register with the control board switch; operating insignia integrally formed on the cover surface adjacent the button hole; and a membrane which closes said button hole to form a button surface. The insignia is exposed through the membrane to be exposed and visible. The membrane is fused to the cover, thereby providing a housing which is sealed to substantially prevent gases, liquids or solids from entering the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Neeco-Tron, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Mahoney, L. Nicholas Nibert, David M. Linhoff
  • Patent number: 7146701
    Abstract: A control housing is provided which encases a control board. The housing has a cover and a backing which are fixed together to secure the control board within the housing. The control board includes a plurality of switches, and the housing includes a plurality of corresponding buttons to activate the switches. The cover includes a cover surface having at least one button hole in register with the control board switch; operating insignia integrally formed on the cover surface adjacent the button hole; and a membrane which closes said button hole to form a button surface. The insignia is exposed through the membrane to be exposed and visible. The membrane is fused to the cover, thereby providing a housing which is sealed to substantially prevent gases, liquids or solids from entering the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Neeco-Tron, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Mahoney, L. Nicholas Nibert, David M. Linhoff