Patents by Inventor Kurt Dykema

Kurt Dykema 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).

  • Publication number: 20150311935
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver using a Bluetooth communications standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. WITKOWSKI, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Publication number: 20150235486
    Abstract: A system and method for using a portable device to communicate with a vehicle to authorize one or more vehicle operations. The portable device may authorize the vehicle to unlock/lock doors, start the vehicle engine, or mobilize the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The vehicle may include a vehicle transmitter system with one or more transmitters disposed at various locations on the vehicle, and the portable device may be configured to monitor a communication strength between the portable device and the one or more transmitters of the transmitter system. Based on the monitored signal strength, the portable device may determine location information about itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: J. Michael Ellis, Eric Smith, Aaron Day, Kurt Dykema, Warren E. Guthrie, Brent Bouws, David L. Klamer, Kent D. Pilcher
  • Publication number: 20150200070
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is a fault interrupter device comprising at least one sensor comprising at least one first transformer having at least one outer region forming an outer periphery and at least one inner hollow region. There is also at least one second transformer that is disposed in the inner hollow region of the at least one first transformer. The transformers can be substantially circular in configuration, and more particularly, ring shaped. In another embodiment there is a rotatable latch which is used to selectively connect and disconnect a set of separable contacts to selectively disconnect power from the line side to the load side. The rotatable latch is in one embodiment coupled to a reset button. In at least one embodiment there is a slider which is configured to selectively prevent the manual tripping of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Michael Kamor, James Porter, Kurt Dykema
  • Patent number: 9053886
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is a fault interrupter device comprising at least one sensor comprising at least one first transformer having at least one outer region forming an outer periphery and at least one inner hollow region. There is also at least one second transformer that is disposed in the inner hollow region of the at least one first transformer. The transformers can be substantially circular in configuration, and more particularly, ring shaped. In another embodiment there is a rotatable latch which is used to selectively connect and disconnect a set of separable contacts to selectively disconnect power from the line side to the load side. The rotatable latch is in one embodiment coupled to a reset button. In at least one embodiment there is a slider which is configured to selectively prevent the manual tripping of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kamor, James Porter, Kurt Dykema
  • Patent number: 8897708
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver using a Bluetooth communications standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Patent number: 8853965
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting light fixture failure and for enhancing energy efficient operation of multiple light fixtures. The system includes multiple light control modules and a gateway. The light control modules alert the gateway of a bulb or ballast failure based on light fixture power consumption. The light control module can indicate a sudden failure, a slow failure, a striating failure, a stuck relay failure and a start-up failure. The light control modules can include a photo-sensor and an occupancy sensor for measuring brightness and occupancy, respectively, in the vicinity of one or more light fixtures. The gateway can distribute operating instructions to the light control modules based on changes in the ambient temperature and based on the power consumption of nearby light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Twisthink, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brent Bouws, Warren E. Guthrie, Pat Burel, Kurt Dykema
  • Publication number: 20140184393
    Abstract: A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with a remote electronic system is provided. The wireless control system includes a transceiver for mounting in the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth communications standard. The transceiver is further configured to provide a control signal to the remote electronic system. The transceiver is also trainable to provide a carrier frequency and control information for the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Publication number: 20140055904
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is a fault interrupter device comprising at least one sensor comprising at least one first transformer having at least one outer region forming an outer periphery and at least one inner hollow region. There is also at least one second transformer that is disposed in the inner hollow region of the at least one first transformer. The transformers can be substantially circular in configuration, and more particularly, ring shaped. In another embodiment there is a rotatable latch which is used to selectively connect and disconnect a set of separable contacts to selectively disconnect power from the line side to the load side. The rotatable latch is in one embodiment coupled to a reset button. In at least one embodiment there is a slider which is configured to selectively prevent the manual tripping of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kamor, James Porter, Kurt Dykema
  • Patent number: 8634888
    Abstract: A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with a remote electronic system is provided. The wireless control system includes a transceiver for mounting in the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth communications standard. The transceiver is further configured to provide a control signal to the remote electronic system. The transceiver is also trainable to provide a carrier frequency and control information for the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Patent number: 8587914
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is a fault interrupter device comprising at least one sensor comprising at least one first transformer having at least one outer region forming an outer periphery and at least one inner hollow region. There is also at least one second transformer that is disposed in the inner hollow region of the at least one first transformer. The transformers can be substantially circular in configuration, and more particularly, ring shaped. In another embodiment there is a rotatable latch which is used to selectively connect and disconnect a set of separable contacts to selectively disconnect power from the line side to the load side. The rotatable latch is in one embodiment coupled to a reset button. In at least one embodiment there is a slider which is configured to selectively prevent the manual tripping of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kamor, James Porter, Kurt Dykema
  • Publication number: 20130285796
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Todd R. WITKOWSKI, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Patent number: 8494449
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Publication number: 20130130626
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver using a Bluetooth communications standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Todd R. WITKOWSKI, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Patent number: 8380251
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver using a Bluetooth communications standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Patent number: 8274928
    Abstract: A wireless mesh network where a portion of the nodes have reduced receive sensitivity. The negative effects of the density of the wireless mesh network, such as interference, are reduced when fewer nodes receive messages to rebroadcast. In an alternative embodiment, some of the nodes of the mesh network are configured to not rebroadcast even if they receive a message. A method for configuring a dense mesh network is also provided. As many nodes as possible are discovered and registered in the network. Node characteristics of those nodes are adjusted to reduce or eliminate the negative effects of the dense mesh network so that additional nodes may be discovered and registered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Light Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt A. Dykema, Brent K. Bouws, Thomas J. Doman, Lawrence F. Leete, III, William C. Schenck, Warren E. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8193903
    Abstract: A method of associating a transmitter and a receiver in a supplemental remote control system for materials handling vehicles includes initiating a power on sequence to enable a vehicle for operation, the vehicle having a receiver for receiving wirelessly transmitted travel commands, and pairing and synchronizing the receiver and a corresponding vehicle controller to a select one of a plurality of wireless remote control devices. Pairing mode confidence signals are received at the vehicle receiver, wherein each pairing mode confidence signal provides a transmitter identification that uniquely identifies a corresponding wireless remote control device within range of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: James V. Kraimer, Jay G. Pollack, Timothy A. Wellman, Eric Jensen, Monty Crabill, Kurt Dykema, Paul Duckworth, Todd A. Zeilinger
  • Publication number: 20120038455
    Abstract: A method of associating a transmitter and a receiver in a supplemental remote control system for materials handling vehicles includes initiating a power on sequence to enable a vehicle for operation, the vehicle having a receiver for receiving wirelessly transmitted travel commands, and pairing and synchronizing the receiver and a corresponding vehicle controller to a select one of a plurality of wireless remote control devices. Pairing mode confidence signals are received at the vehicle receiver, wherein each pairing mode confidence signal provides a transmitter identification that uniquely identifies a corresponding wireless remote control device within range of the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: James V. Kraimer, Jay G. Pollack, Timothy A. Wellman, Eric Jensen, Monty Crabill, Kurt Dykema, Paul Duckworth, Todd A. Zeilinger
  • Patent number: 8072309
    Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to advance the vehicle in a first direction. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter. A traction control of the vehicle is responsive to a receipt of the first type signal by the receiver to cause the vehicle to advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: James V. Kraimer, Jay G. Pollack, Timothy A. Wellman, Eric Jensen, Monty Crabill, Kurt Dykema, Paul Duckworth, Todd A. Zeilinger
  • Publication number: 20110227698
    Abstract: A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with a remote electronic system is provided. The wireless control system includes a transceiver for mounting in the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth communications standard. The transceiver is further configured to provide a control signal to the remote electronic system. The transceiver is also trainable to provide a carrier frequency and control information for the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Todd R. WITKOWSKI, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Publication number: 20110187271
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting light fixture failure and for enhancing energy efficient operation of multiple light fixtures. The system includes multiple light control modules and a gateway. The light control modules alert the gateway of a bulb or ballast failure based on light fixture power consumption. The light control module can indicate a sudden failure, a slow failure, a striating failure, a stuck relay failure and a start-up failure. The light control modules can include a photo-sensor and an occupancy sensor for measuring brightness and occupancy, respectively, in the vicinity of one or more light fixtures. The gateway can distribute operating instructions to the light control modules based on changes in the ambient temperature and based on the power consumption of nearby light fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: TWISTHINK, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brent Bouws, Warren E. Guthrie, Pat Burel, Kurt Dykema