Patents by Inventor Francis Michael Kelly

Francis Michael Kelly 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: 10694611
    Abstract: Techniques and systems for wirelessly switching electrical power on and off are provided. The systems include in-wall network devices having a user-facing restore button for restoring some or all of the customizable settings to a factory default state. The systems include in-wall network devices having a user-facing restart button for temporarily removing power to at least a processing element of the network device to simulate disconnecting power from the in-wall network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Michael Kelly
  • Patent number: 10455670
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a network video camera device. Specifically, various techniques and systems are provided for embodiments of a network video camera with a blocking mechanism for privacy and control of the blocking mechanism. Embodiments of the present invention include a network video capture device. The network video capture device comprises a lens connected to a housing; a blocking mechanism, wherein the a blocking mechanism is configured to selectively block the lens from capturing video images, and wherein the blocking mechanism includes a physical body; an indication device, wherein the indication device is configured to provide visible feedback that the lens is blocked; and a circuit board having a data processor, a wireless transceiver, and a memory configured to store a customizable setting associated with the blocking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ohad Zeira, Thorben Neu, Jon Plummer, Dale Honda, Steve Lane, Joseph August, Peter Taylor, Oliver Duncan Seil, Michael Wick, Paer Saangloef, Matt Glidden, Francis Michael Kelly
  • Publication number: 20190274208
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a network video camera device. Specifically, various techniques and systems are provided for embodiments of a network video camera with a blocking mechanism for privacy and control of the blocking mechanism. Embodiments of the present invention include a network video capture device. The network video capture device comprises a lens connected to a housing; a blocking mechanism, wherein the a blocking mechanism is configured to selectively block the lens from capturing video images, and wherein the blocking mechanism includes a physical body; an indication device, wherein the indication device is configured to provide visible feedback that the lens is blocked; and a circuit board having a data processor, a wireless transceiver, and a memory configured to store a customizable setting associated with the blocking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ohad Zeira, Thorben Neu, Jon Plummer, Dale Honda, Steve Lane, Joseph August, Peter Taylor, Oliver Duncan Seil, Michael Wick, Paer Saangloef, Matt Glidden, Francis Michael Kelly
  • Publication number: 20190124752
    Abstract: Techniques and systems for wirelessly switching electrical power on and off are provided. The systems include in-wall network devices having a user-facing restore button for restoring some or all of the customizable settings to a factory default state. The systems include in-wall network devices having a user-facing restart button for temporarily removing power to at least a processing element of the network device to simulate disconnecting power from the in-wall network device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Michael Kelly
  • Patent number: 10194512
    Abstract: A network device for controlling an electric light or other remote electrical device. In addition to features found in standard light switches, such as cover plates, housings, switching elements, and internal wiring, the network device may include a cover plate with embedded cover circuitry for performing advanced functions unavailable to standard light switches. Functions performed by the cover circuitry include advanced electrical communication, data processing, user interfacing, sensing, displaying, rule creation, and the like. The cover circuitry may receive electric power via a set of contact elements located on the wall-facing side of the cover plate that electrically couple with a similar set of contact elements located on the room-facing side of the housing. The coupling of contact elements may form a set of buses that enable data communication between the cover circuitry and circuitry within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Strods, Francis Michael Kelly
  • Patent number: 10171939
    Abstract: A network device capable of performing rule-based actions dependent on geolocation-based conditions or realtime conditions from an external source. The network device can obtain its geolocation, obtain a rule based on a condition, query sources for and/or calculate updated statuses of the condition based on the geolocation, and perform actions based on the updated status of the condition, the geolocation, and the rule. The network device is capable of safely shutting down when voltage supplied to the network device falls outside of and acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Yong Kim, Venkata Subba Rao Pathuri, Francis Michael Kelly, Ohad Zeira, Brian Van Harlingen
  • Patent number: 10076014
    Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a networked light switch. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a light switch that, in response to detecting a local input or motion, transmits a communication that causes another light switch to change a state of a light. This disclosure further relates to techniques for detecting an abnormal current draw state of an electrical device such as a lighting device are described; systems including in-wall network devices having a user-facing restore button for restoring some or all of the customizable settings to a factory default state; and techniques for controlling device operations in accordance with scenes or modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Francis Michael Kelly, Jon Plummer, Ryan Yong Kim, Li-ter Chen
  • Patent number: 10028359
    Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a networked light switch. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a light switch that, in response to detecting a local input or motion, transmits a communication that causes another light switch to change a state of a light. This disclosure further relates to techniques for detecting an abnormal current draw state of an electrical device such as a lighting device are described; systems including in-wall network devices having a user-facing restore button for restoring some or all of the customizable settings to a factory default state; and techniques for controlling device operations in accordance with scenes or modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Francis Michael Kelly, Jon Plummer, Ryan Yong Kim, Li-ter Chen
  • Patent number: 10021517
    Abstract: A network device capable of performing rule-based actions dependent on geolocation-based conditions or realtime conditions from an external source. The network device can obtain its geolocation, obtain a rule based on a condition, query sources for and/or calculate updated statuses of the condition based on the geolocation, and perform actions based on the updated status of the condition, the geolocation, and the rule. The network device is capable of safely shutting down when voltage supplied to the network device falls outside of and acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Yong Kim, Venkata Subba Rao Pathuri, Francis Michael Kelly, Ohad Zeira, Brian Van Harlingen
  • Publication number: 20180124903
    Abstract: A network device for controlling an electric light or other remote electrical device. In addition to features found in standard light switches, such as cover plates, housings, switching elements, and internal wiring, the network device may include a cover plate with embedded cover circuitry for performing advanced functions unavailable to standard light switches. Functions performed by the cover circuitry include advanced electrical communication, data processing, user interfacing, sensing, displaying, rule creation, and the like. The cover circuitry may receive electric power via a set of contact elements located on the wall-facing side of the cover plate that electrically couple with a similar set of contact elements located on the room-facing side of the housing. The coupling of contact elements may form a set of buses that enable data communication between the cover circuitry and circuitry within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Strods, Francis Michael Kelly
  • Patent number: 9858771
    Abstract: Techniques can relate to generating inferences based on network devices' measuring of environmental data points and generating notifications or controlling devices based on the inferences. One or more environmental data points can be accessed. Each environmental data point in the one or more environmental data points can include one measured by a detector device and that characterizes a corresponding environmental stimulus. At least one of the environmental data points can be indicative of a light intensity or power usage measured by a first device. An inference can be generated based on the one or more environmental data points. A notification or device control can be identified based on the inference. A communication can be generated and transmitted to a second device. Receipt of the communication can cause the second device to present the notification or to be controlled in accordance with the device control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Francis Michael Kelly, Ryan Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20170318421
    Abstract: A network device capable of performing rule-based actions dependent on geolocation-based conditions or realtime conditions from an external source. The network device can obtain its geolocation, obtain a rule based on a condition, query sources for and/or calculate updated statuses of the condition based on the geolocation, and perform actions based on the updated status of the condition, the geolocation, and the rule. The network device is capable of safely shutting down when voltage supplied to the network device falls outside of and acceptable range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Yong Kim, Venkata Subba Rao Pathuri, Francis Michael Kelly, Ohad Zeira, Brian Van Harlingen
  • Patent number: 9713231
    Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a networked light switch. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a light switch that, in response to detecting a local input or motion, transmits a communication that causes another light switch to change a state of a light. This disclosure further relates to techniques for detecting an abnormal current draw state of an electrical device such as a lighting device are described; systems including in-wall network devices having a user-facing restore button for restoring some or all of the customizable settings to a factory default state; and techniques for controlling device operations in accordance with scenes or modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Belkin International Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Michael Kelly, Jon Plummer, Ryan Yong Kim, Li-ter Chen
  • Patent number: 9647888
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an interface device to control an appliance through a network. The interface device can be device-agnostic and can be incorporated into any suitable appliance. Upon initialization, the interface device can determine the capabilities of the attached appliance and send out update information that can be received by a controller. The controller can send commands designated to control the appliance, which are received by the interface device and translated into appropriate commands that are transmitted to the appliance. The interface device can turn the appliance into a network device, such as a home automation network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Yong Kim, Venkata Subba Rao Pathuri, Francis Michael Kelly, David Allen Glawson, Jason Lynn Whitney
  • Patent number: 9508233
    Abstract: Techniques can relate to a multi-purpose a detector surface on a network device. A stimulus variable can be identified at a detector device based on an environmental stimulus detected by a sensor. The detector device can include the sensor. The detector device can transmit an initial communication to a device. The first communication can include the stimulus variable. A new communication that includes data corresponding to another device can be received at the detector device. The detector device can determine, based on the stimulus detected by the sensor and is further based on the new communication, that a visual stimulus is to be presented. The visual stimulus can be presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Michael Kelly, Ryan Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20160174345
    Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a networked light switch. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a light switch that, in response to detecting a local input or motion, transmits a communication that causes another light switch to change a state of a light. This disclosure further relates to techniques for detecting an abnormal current draw state of an electrical device such as a lighting device are described; systems including in-wall network devices having a user-facing restore button for restoring some or all of the customizable settings to a factory default state; and techniques for controlling device operations in accordance with scenes or modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Michael Kelly, Jon Plummer, Ryan Yong Kim, Li-ter Chen
  • Publication number: 20160157326
    Abstract: This disclosure relates in general to a networked light switch. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a light switch that, in response to detecting a local input or motion, transmits a communication that causes another light switch to change a state of a light. This disclosure further relates to techniques for detecting an abnormal current draw state of an electrical device such as a lighting device are described; systems including in-wall network devices having a user-facing restore button for restoring some or all of the customizable settings to a factory default state; and techniques for controlling device operations in accordance with scenes or modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Michael Kelly, Jon Plummer, Ryan Yong Kim, Li-ter Chen
  • Publication number: 20160078731
    Abstract: Techniques can relate to a multi-purpose a detector surface on a network device. A stimulus variable can be identified at a detector device based on an environmental stimulus detected by a sensor. The detector device can include the sensor. The detector device can transmit an initial communication to a device. The first communication can include the stimulus variable. A new communication that includes data corresponding to another device can be received at the detector device. The detector device can determine, based on the stimulus detected by the sensor and is further based on the new communication, that a visual stimulus is to be presented. The visual stimulus can be presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Michael Kelly, Ryan Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20160042283
    Abstract: Techniques can relate to generating inferences based on network devices' measuring of environmental data points and generating notifications or controlling devices based on the inferences. One or more environmental data points can be accessed. Each environmental data point in the one or more environmental data points can include one measured by a detector device and that characterizes a corresponding environmental stimulus. At least one of the environmental data points can be indicative of a light intensity or power usage measured by a first device. An inference can be generated based on the one or more environmental data points. A notification or device control can be identified based on the inference. A communication can be generated and transmitted to a second device. Receipt of the communication can cause the second device to present the notification or to be controlled in accordance with the device control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Michael Kelly, Ryan Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20160021502
    Abstract: A network device capable of performing rule-based actions dependent on geolocation-based conditions or realtime conditions from an external source. The network device can obtain its geolocation, obtain a rule based on a condition, query sources for and/or calculate updated statuses of the condition based on the geolocation, and perform actions based on the updated status of the condition, the geolocation, and the rule. The network device is capable of safely shutting down when voltage supplied to the network device falls outside of and acceptable range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan Yong Kim, Venkata Subba Rao Pathuri, Francis Michael Kelly, Ohad Zeira, Brian Van Harlingen