Patents by Inventor James W. Teetzel

James W. Teetzel 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: 12285069
    Abstract: A helmet accessory system comprises first and second ear brackets, for attachment to a helmet, having a side shroud housing for securing to the side of the helmet and an extension portion curving toward the rear of the helmet. The extension portions enclose circuitry electrically coupled to first sets of electrical contacts on the ear brackets and second sets of electrical contacts on the extension portion. An electrical hot shoe mounting member disposed on the rear portion of the helmet is configured for electrical communication with a helmet power and data circuit. A hot shoe adapter bridge for detachably and electrically coupling to the electrical hot shoe mounting member is operable to couple first and second ear brackets to the helmet power and data circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner, Mathew A. Reichl
  • Publication number: 20250085080
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrical power and communication of data and control signals to a weapon rail interface includes a controller with a battery adaptor for attaching a power supply. A connector element on the controller allows devices to interface with the controller via a cable connection. Additional devices can be connected in sequential manner via daisy chaining, using inserts chainable together and configured to mechanically attach to slots on a legacy slot rail interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner, Robert Riel
  • Patent number: 12235074
    Abstract: A grenade launcher apparatus having an integral fire control system includes a receiver having a fore end portion, a pivotally attached to the fore end portion, the barrel having a muzzle end and a breech end. A trigger assembly is coupled to the receiver adjacent the breech end of the barrel and a hand grip is attached to the receiver adjacent the trigger assembly. A buttstock assembly is coupled to the receiver and a fire control system secured to the fore end portion of the receiver. In another aspect, a fire control system is provided. In yet another aspect, a method aiming a grenade launcher apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire
  • Patent number: 12228376
    Abstract: A central network controller for a weapon comprises a plurality of computer ports for attaching electronic weapon accessory devices. Each of the computer ports is configured to permit interchangeable use of the electronic weapon accessory devices on a weapon. A processor and an associated electronic memory are operably coupled to the plurality of computer ports. One or more input devices are operably coupled to the processor and are configurable to control operation of an attached one or more of said electronic weapon accessory devices. The central network controller is configured to permit communication between the electronic weapon accessory devices and the processor to permit control of the electronic weapon accessory devices based on input from the one or more input devices. The central network controller is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the electronic weapon accessory devices by mediating transmission of signals between the electronic weapon accessory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner, Mathew A. Reichl
  • Patent number: 12196529
    Abstract: An accessory control handgrip apparatus for weapon includes a rail clamp assembly, a grip base extending from the grip base assembly, a grip sleeve slidably received on the grip base, a keypad disposed on the grip sleeve, and one or more connectors for operably coupling the keypad to an accessory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire
  • Publication number: 20250009063
    Abstract: A rail interface system for connecting a helmet accessory component to a helmet comprises an interface body configured for attachment to an exterior surface of a helmet. The interface body is configured for attachment of the helmet accessory component. A slotted interface portion on the interface body has opposing first and second surfaces. At least one elongated rail opening extends through the slotted interface portion and is configured to receive a retention clip on the helmet accessory device for detachably securing the helmet accessory device to the rail interface system. At least one electrical connector is positioned adjacent a respective one of the at least one elongated rail opening. The at least one electrical connector is operational to provide one or both of electrical power and data communication to the helmet accessory component when the helmet accessory component is attached to the rail interface system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner
  • Publication number: 20250003712
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting a weapon-mounted accessory to a computer comprises a first data and power port configured to provide data and power transmission between the computer and the weapon-mounted accessory. The first data and power port is configured to detachably couple to a slot in a slot rail weapon interface. In a further aspect, one or more additional data and power ports are capable of providing data and power transmission between the computer and one or more additional weapon-mounted accessories. Each of the one or more additional data and power ports is configured to detachably couple to a slot in a slot rail weapon interface. The first data and power port and the one or more additional data and power ports are configured to be operably connected to each other to form a serial chain in a custom configuration of data and power ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner
  • Publication number: 20240407493
    Abstract: In one aspect, a shroud assembly for headgear comprises a frame having a first side configured to face toward an exterior surface of the headgear and a second side opposite the first side and configured to face away from the headgear, the frame formed of a moldable material. An insert, which is configured for removable attachment to a helmet mount assembly, is coupled to the frame, wherein the frame is overmolded onto the insert. In further aspects, a helmet mounting system and method for the manufacture of a headgear shroud assembly are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: James W. TEETZEL, Gary M. LEMIRE
  • Publication number: 20240384968
    Abstract: A weapon sling includes a strap having first and second free ends and defining a main branch between the first and second free ends. The strap member is formed of an elongate hollow flexible, e.g., textile, element. A loop branch attached to the main branch is configured to be looped around a user's body. First and second connector assemblies are secured to the respective first and second free ends. The first connector assembly is for detachable coupling to a weapon connector on the weapon. The second connector assembly is for detachable coupling to a hub connector on a hub worn by the user. A plurality of electrical conductors extend within the elongate hollow flexible element for electrically coupling electrical contacts on the first connector assembly with electrical contacts on the second connector assembly for providing communications between a host computer on the weapon and the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner
  • Publication number: 20240377157
    Abstract: A buffer tube apparatus for a weapon includes an outer tube defining a longitudinal axis, the outer tube having a first end configured to be coupled to the weapon and a second end opposite the first end, the second end configured to be coupled to a stock. A buffer assembly includes a shock absorber and is disposed within the outer tube. The buffer assembly is configured to absorb an impact of recoil generated by the weapon. An adjustment bar is configured to interact with the stock. The adjustment bar is coupled to the buffer assembly and slidable with respect to the outer tube along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire
  • Publication number: 20240377872
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for providing power and transmitting one or both of data and control signals from an external source to an electronic device on a helmet mount assembly. The helmet mount assembly has a battery module interface configured to detachably couple to a battery module. The adapter assembly includes a main body having a pair of interface lugs, each having a magnetic fastener element and a plurality of power and data pins and configured to detachably couple to an aligned pair of lug receptacles on the battery module interface. A cable extends from the main body and has an electrical power and data connector. The main body is configured to interchangeably attach to the battery module interface in place of the battery module and to emulate physical and electrical characteristics of the battery module. In a further aspect, a battery interface system for a helmet mount assembly is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner, Patrick K. Graham
  • Publication number: 20240365913
    Abstract: A helmet mount apparatus for adjusting the position of a viewing device on a helmet includes a track assembly removably attachable to the helmet and a main carriage assembly slidably attached to and movable along the track assembly. A vertical adjustment assembly is pivotally coupled to the main carriage assembly and an axial sliding assembly is coupled to the vertical adjustment assembly, wherein the vertical adjustment subassembly is configured to detachably couple to the viewing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, Patrick K. Graham
  • Publication number: 20240365912
    Abstract: A helmet mount apparatus includes a track assembly and a sliding carriage assembly slidable coupled to the track assembly. A combined vertical adjustment and pivot assembly pivotally is coupled to the sliding carriage assembly, wherein the combined vertical adjustment and pivot assembly includes a bracket for attaching a viewing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, Patrick K. Graham
  • Publication number: 20240365911
    Abstract: A pivot assembly for pivoting a viewing device in relation to a helmet includes a connection plate configured to be coupled to a helmet interface assembly. A hinge barrel is pivotable about a pivot axis in relation to the connection plate among (a) a deployed position in which the hinge barrel is held relative to the connection plate in positive, locking retention; 5 (b) a stowed position in which the hinge barrel is held relative to the connection plate in positive, locking retention; and (c) an intermediate position between the deployed and stowed positions, wherein the hinge barrel is held relative to the connection plate by a threshold retentive force and wherein displacement of the hinge barrel from the intermediate position 10 relative to the connection plate requires application of an actuating force which exceeds the threshold retentive force. In a further aspect, a helmet mount apparatus is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire
  • Publication number: 20240356292
    Abstract: A powered helmet mount adaptor for a helmet-mounted viewing device includes a hot shoe assembly configured to replace an existing mounting adaptor on the helmet-mounted viewing device. The hot shoe assembly has a plurality of electrical contacts which are structured and operable to receive power via a receiver on an associated helmet mount assembly. A power cable integral with the hot shoe assembly has a first end integral with the hot shoe assembly and a second end opposite the first end. The second end has a connector configured to mate with a power inlet on the helmet-mounted viewing device. In another aspect, a method of replacing a mounting shoe of a viewing device with a powered helmet mount adaptor is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner, Patrick K. Graham
  • Publication number: 20240356143
    Abstract: In one aspect, a battery pack adapter comprises a first side configured for coupling to a helmet accessory control unit and a second side opposite the first side configured for detachably coupling to a battery pack. The first side comprises first and second protruding attachment lugs configured to be detachably received within first and second complementary receptacles, respectively, on the helmet accessory control unit. Each of the first and second protruding attachment lugs comprises a magnetic fastener element configured to magnetically engage with an aligned magnetic fastener element in a respective one of the complementary receptacles. Each of the first and second protruding attachment lugs comprise electrical connector elements configured to establish an electrical connection with aligned electrical contacts in a respective one of the complementary receptacles. In further aspects, battery pack system comprising the battery pack adapter are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner
  • Publication number: 20240349837
    Abstract: A modular side shroud assembly for a helmet mounting system associated with a helmet comprises a housing enclosing shroud circuitry, the housing configured to detachably couple to a side of the helmet. A proximal end of the housing is configured to couple to a rear battery interface of the helmet mounting system. A forward end of the housing has a receptacle configured to removably couple a plurality of modular and interchangeable accessory devices, wherein the receptacle includes an electrical connector for electrically coupling the plurality of modular and interchangeable accessory devices to the shroud circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner, Mathew A. Reichl
  • Patent number: 12123683
    Abstract: A junction box for a weapon accessory device is provided for electrically coupling a remote control unit to the weapon accessory device, the remote control unit having one or more manually actuatable switches. The junction box comprises a housing having a mounting face and a connection face, wherein the mounting face is configured to face a complementary mounting surface of the weapon accessory device when the junction box is mounted to the weapon accessory device. The connection face is configured to couple to an electrical cable electrically coupled to the remote control unit. A plurality of electrical conductors are held within the housing and comprise mating contact portions disposed at the mounting face and configured to contact aligned contacts on the weapon accessory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, Ned A. Dalzell
  • Publication number: 20240315372
    Abstract: A bridge link battery interface for a helmet accessory mounting system includes a housing enclosing a circuit and an electrical and mechanical coupling interface structured and operable to connect to an attachment point on the helmet accessory mounting system. A first battery interface is configured for detachable coupling to a first battery pack and a second battery interface configured for detachable coupling to a second battery pack. First and second electrical connector assemblies are disposed on the housing and electrically coupled to the circuit, wherein the circuit is operable to selectively electrically couple the first and second battery interfaces to the first and second electrical connector assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Elliott S. Turner
  • Publication number: 20240319488
    Abstract: In one aspect, a night vision recording and display module for removably attachment to night vision monocular device is provided. In another aspect, a night vision recording and display module further includes an integrated camera, preferably a thermal camera, which produces a video image which can be superimposed with the night vision display output. In yet further aspects, combinations or kits comprising the modular night vision systems disclosed herein in combination with the night vision devices are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, Roula Assadi