Patents by Inventor Jan F. Finlinson

Jan F. Finlinson 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: 8653939
    Abstract: A coded wireless sensor unit has a slot sized to receive a key card. When a key card is inserted into the slot, the act of insertion generates a energy-harvested power pulse, which powers circuitry that reads electrical device control information coded on the key card and creates a first information packet signal that is transmitted by an on-board transmitter. The signal can be read by a receiver and relayed to a control unit which controls certain electrical devices which consume line power in response to received information packet signals. The control unit decodes received information packet signals and either turns on or activates the electrical devices in accordance with the decoded device control information. Removal of a key card can also be used to generate a power pulse, which creates a second information packet signal that is used to turn off or deactivate the electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Martin R. Johnson, Jan F. Finlinson, Jeremy P. Willden, Robert E. Gooch
  • Patent number: 8592703
    Abstract: Tamper-resistant, longer-lasting energy-harvesting switch assemblies that can accommodate longer antennas required for operation in the 315 MHz radio frequency band are provided. In order to accommodate longer antenna that will not fit within the energy-harvesting module, the front major face of the back plate is equipped with a perimetric channel or trough into which a wire antenna can be installed. The problem of rocker wear in prior-art devices caused by abrasive action of the bows is rectified by a redesign of the rocker and the manufacture of a wear-resistant insert that snaps into place at the rear of the rocker. The potential theft problem associated with prior-art devices has been resolved by redesigning the back plate and the retainer clip that engages latches on the redesigned back plate. Non-destructive removal of the retainer clip can be effected only with a special tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Martin R. Johnson, Jan F. Finlinson, Jeremy P. Willden, Robert E. Gooch
  • Publication number: 20110272261
    Abstract: Tamper-resistant, longer-lasting energy-harvesting switch assemblies that can accommodate longer antennas required for operation in the 315 MHz radio frequency band are provided. In order to accommodate longer antenna that will not fit within the energy-harvesting module, the front major face of the back plate is equipped with a perimetric channel or trough into which a wire antenna can be installed. The problem of rocker wear in prior-art devices caused by abrasive action of the bows is rectified by a redesign of the rocker and the manufacture of a wear-resistant insert that snaps into place at the rear of the rocker. The potential theft problem associated with prior-art devices has been resolved by redesigning the back plate and the retainer clip that engages latches on the redesigned back plate. Non-destructive removal of the retainer clip can be effected only with a special tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Martin R. Johnson, Jan F. Finlinson, Jeremy P. Willden, Robert E. Gooch
  • Publication number: 20110090046
    Abstract: A coded wireless sensor unit has a slot sized to receive a key card. When a key card is inserted into the slot, the act of insertion generates a energy-harvested power pulse, which powers circuitry that reads electrical device control information coded on the key card and creates a first information packet signal that is transmitted by an on-board transmitter. The signal can be read by a receiver and relayed to a control unit which controls certain electrical devices which consume line power in response to received information packet signals. The control unit decodes received information packet signals and either turns on or activates the electrical devices in accordance with the decoded device control information. Removal of a key card can also be used to generate a power pulse, which creates a second information packet signal that is used to turn off or deactivate the electrical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Martin R. Johnson, Jan F. Finlinson, Jeremy P. Willden, Robert E. Gooch
  • Publication number: 20100070100
    Abstract: A wireless control system includes at least one remote actuator unit (RAU) and at least one local sensor units (LSU) or self-powered, wireless sensor (SPWS), and may further include a wireless commissioning system (WCS), which enables associations between devices to be established from a single location. The LSUs, RAUs, and SPWSs are each programmed to operate in harmony with one another by creating associations between each other, each being identifiable by the others using a unique identification number. This association can be accomplished using programming buttons on each type of unit. Alternatively, the associations between devices within a wireless controlled system can be greatly simplified using the WCS. Establishing associations between the various devices permits the devices to interact with each other. The absence of an association between devices prevents the devices from interacting with one another. Each device can be associated with zero, one, or multiple other devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Jan F. Finlinson, Martin R. Johnson, Jeremy P. Willden