Patents by Inventor Kurt Thomas
Kurt Thomas 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).
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Publication number: 20240122441Abstract: A vessel rinsing apparatus including a mounting base, a fluid discharge member including a plurality of nozzles, a valve member operably coupled to the fluid discharge member and configured to control water flow through the nozzles, and an escutcheon supported by the mounting base.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Mark Cipriani, Todd Huffington, Alfred Nelson, Michael Veros, Kyle Davidson, Kurt Thomas, Jeffrey Moore
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Publication number: 20240125327Abstract: The present invention is an HVAC fan array wiring system that provides a quick connect box that is provided within the air stream of an HVAC air handler. Because the wiring for each fan within the fan array is to be connected to the quick connect box, the wiring materials and placement of the wiring can be predetermined at the time the fan array is designed. Accordingly, the novel wiring system and quick connect box reduces redundancies in manufacturing and installation of the fan array. Furthermore, the quick connect box and wiring system allows for easy installation of the HVAC fan array at a job site and improves a customer's experience with the control panel. This is primarily because, with the use of the claimed invention, an electrician need only link a main control and power line to the quick connect box and therefore, can install the control panel in a location that provides ease of access to the customer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Q-PAC Systems Inc.Inventors: Robert Clarke Story, Matthew Wayne Kent, David Kurt Thomas
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Publication number: 20240098450Abstract: Systems and methods for localizing portable devices are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for locating a portable device in a network that includes several reference devices. The method measures characteristics of signals transmitted via signal paths between reference devices and a portable device, normalizes the measurements to estimate characteristics of the signal paths, and estimates the likelihood that the portable device is in a particular location. Systems and methods for training prediction models include a method that includes steps for receiving context data for a portable device in a system, wherein the context data includes localization data that describes a location of the portable device, identifying a predicted stationary device based on the context data using a prediction model, identifying a target stationary device from the several stationary devices, training the prediction model based on based on the predicted stationary device and the received input.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
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Patent number: 11915687Abstract: Systems and methods for generating training data are described herein. Pieces of metadata captured by a plurality of networked sensor systems can be captured, where each piece of metadata is associated with a specific set of sensor data captured by one of the plurality of networked sensor systems and includes a set of characteristics for the specific set of captured sensor data. A probabilistic model can be generated based on the received metadata and simulations can be performed based upon a training corpus by generating multiple scenarios, and, for each scenario, a scenario specific version of a particular annotated sample is generated by performing a simulation using the particular annotated sample. The scenario specific versions of annotated samples from the training corpus can be stored as a training data set on the at least one network device.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2023Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
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Patent number: 11895557Abstract: Systems and methods for training prediction models are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for training a prediction model in a network. The method includes steps for receiving context data for a portable device in a system, wherein the context data includes localization data that describes a location of the portable device, identifying a predicted stationary device from several stationary devices that is predicted based on the context data using a prediction model, receiving input identifying a target stationary device from the several stationary devices, generating training data based on the predicted stationary device and the received input, updating the prediction model based on the generated training data.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
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Publication number: 20240004609Abstract: In one aspect, a network microphone device includes a plurality of microphones and is configured to detect sound via the one or more microphones. The network microphone device may capture sound data based on the detected sound in a first buffer, and capture metadata associated with the detected sound in a second buffer. The network microphone device may classify one or more noises in the detected sound and cause the network microphone device to perform an action based on the classification of the respective one or more noises.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Nick D'Amato, Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith
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Patent number: 11852151Abstract: The present invention is an HVAC fan array wiring system that provides a quick connect box that is provided within the air stream of an HVAC air handler. Because the wiring for each fan within the fan array is to be connected to the quick connect box, the wiring materials and placement of the wiring can be predetermined at the time the fan array is designed. Accordingly, the novel wiring system and quick connect box reduces redundancies in manufacturing and installation of the fan array. Furthermore, the quick connect box and wiring system allows for easy installation of the HVAC fan array at a job site and improves a customer's experience with the control panel. This is primarily because, with the use of the claimed invention, an electrician need only link a main control and power line to the quick connect box and therefore, can install the control panel in a location that provides ease of access to the customer.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Q-PAC SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Robert Clarke Story, Matthew Wayne Kent, David Kurt Thomas
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Publication number: 20230412998Abstract: Systems and methods for determining and adapting to changes in microphone performance of playback devices are disclosed herein. In one example, an audio input is received at an array of individual microphones of a network microphone device. Output microphone signals are generated from each of the individual microphones based on the audio input. The output microphone signals are analyzed to detect a trigger event. After detecting the trigger event, the output microphone signals are compared to detect aberrant behavior of one or more of the microphones. Optionally, corrective actions can be taken or suggested based on the detection of aberrant behavior of one or more microphones.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith, Roberto Maria Dizon, Patrick Kevin McPherson, Charles Conor Sleith
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Publication number: 20230410837Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device detect sound. The sound data is captured in a first buffer and analyzed to detect a trigger event. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a second buffer and provided to at least one network device to determine at least one characteristic of the detected sound based on the metadata. The network device provides a response that includes an instruction, based on the determined characteristic, to modify at least one performance parameter of the NMD. The NMD then modifies the at least one performance parameter based on the instruction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
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Publication number: 20230402039Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device (NMD) based on a selected voice-assistant service (VAS) are disclosed herein. In one example, the NMD detects sound via individual microphones and selects a first VAS to communicate with the NMD. The NMD produces a first sound-data stream based on the detected sound using a spatial processor in a first configuration. Once the NMD determines that a second VAS is to be selected over the first VAS, the spatial processor assumes a second configuration for producing a second sound-data stream based on the detected sound. The second sound-data stream is then transmitted to one or more remote computing devices associated with the second VAS.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
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Publication number: 20230391133Abstract: A collectible card defect correction tool has a cylindrical handle and a ductile, resilient tubing coupled to and extending from a first end of the handle. The handle has a first diameter over a first length. The tubing has an inner diameter. The card tool easily eliminates dents and bends on collectible cards, such as sports cards and gaming cards, making them more presentable and valuable. The handle is comfortable to use, like holding a paint brush.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventor: Kurt Thomas Colone
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Publication number: 20230385017Abstract: A playback device comprises at least one speaker, at least one processor and data storage having instructions stored thereon that are executed by the at least one processor to cause the playback device to perform functions comprising: receiving input representing one or more environmental characteristics of a real-world environment; determining at least one change in the one or more environmental characteristics based on the input, wherein the one or more environmental characteristics are representative of at least one of a proximity of at least one person to the playback device and a detected sound. An output volume of the playback device and/or a keyword detection threshold are adjusted based on the determined change in the one or more environmental characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2021Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventor: Kurt Thomas Soto
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Patent number: 11830495Abstract: In one aspect, a playback deice is configured to identify in an audio stream, via a second wake-word engine, a false wake word for a first wake-word engine that is configured to receive as input sound data based on sound detected by a microphone. The first and second wake-word engines are configured according to different sensitivity levels for false positives of a particular wake word. Based on identifying the false wake word, the playback device is configured to (i) deactivate the first wake-word engine and (ii) cause at least one network microphone device to deactivate a wake-word engine for a particular amount of time. While the first wake-word engine is deactivated, the playback device is configured to cause at least one speaker to output audio based on the audio stream. After a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the playback device is configured to reactivate the first wake-word engine.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2023Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Charles Conor Sleith, Kurt Thomas Soto
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Patent number: 11800318Abstract: Systems and methods for managing playback devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for modifying a system that includes several devices. The method includes steps for measuring a first signal pattern for wireless signals between the several devices, measuring a second signal pattern for the wireless signals after measuring the first signal pattern between the several devices, determining an updated state of the system based on a difference between the second signal pattern and the first signal pattern, and modifying state variables of one or more devices of the playback system based on the determined updated state.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventor: Kurt Thomas Soto
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Patent number: 11792590Abstract: Systems and methods for determining and adapting to changes in microphone performance of playback devices are disclosed herein. In one example, an audio input is received at an array of individual microphones of a network microphone device. Output microphone signals are generated from each of the individual microphones based on the audio input. The output microphone signals are analyzed to detect a trigger event. After detecting the trigger event, the output microphone signals are compared to detect aberrant behavior of one or more of the microphones. Optionally, corrective actions can be taken or suggested based on the detection of aberrant behavior of one or more microphones.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith, Roberto Maria Dizon, Patrick Kevin McPherson, Charles Conor Sleith
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Patent number: 11790937Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device detect sound. The sound data is captured in a first buffer and analyzed to detect a trigger event. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a second buffer and provided to at least one network device to determine at least one characteristic of the detected sound based on the metadata. The network device provides a response that includes an instruction, based on the determined characteristic, to modify at least one performance parameter of the NMD. The NMD then modifies the at least one performance parameter based on the instruction.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
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Patent number: 11727936Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing voice detection via a network microphone device (NMD) based on a selected voice-assistant service (VAS) are disclosed herein. In one example, the NMD detects sound via individual microphones and selects a first VAS to communicate with the NMD. The NMD produces a first sound-data stream based on the detected sound using a spatial processor in a first configuration. Once the NMD determines that a second VAS is to be selected over the first VAS, the spatial processor assumes a second configuration for producing a second sound-data stream based on the detected sound. The second sound-data stream is then transmitted to one or more remote computing devices associated with the second VAS.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Kurt Thomas Soto, Charles Conor Sleith
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Patent number: 11714600Abstract: In one aspect, a network microphone device includes a plurality of microphones and is configured to detect sound via the one or more microphones. The network microphone device may capture sound data based on the detected sound in a first buffer, and capture metadata associated with the detected sound in a second buffer. The network microphone device may classify one or more noises in the detected sound and cause the network microphone device to perform an action based on the classification of the respective one or more noises.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Nick D'Amato, Kurt Thomas Soto, Connor Kristopher Smith
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Publication number: 20230237998Abstract: In one aspect, a playback deice is configured to identify in an audio stream, via a second wake-word engine, a false wake word for a first wake-word engine that is configured to receive as input sound data based on sound detected by a microphone. The first and second wake-word engines are configured according to different sensitivity levels for false positives of a particular wake word. Based on identifying the false wake word, the playback device is configured to (i) deactivate the first wake-word engine and (ii) cause at least one network microphone device to deactivate a wake-word engine for a particular amount of time. While the first wake-word engine is deactivated, the playback device is configured to cause at least one speaker to output audio based on the audio stream. After a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the playback device is configured to reactivate the first wake-word engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Connor Kristopher Smith, Charles Conor Sleith, Kurt Thomas Soto
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Publication number: 20230217165Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing network microphone devices using noise classification are disclosed herein. In one example, individual microphones of a network microphone device (NMD) detect sound. The sound data is analyzed to detect a trigger event such as a wake word. Metadata associated with the sound data is captured in a lookback buffer of the NMD. After detecting the trigger event, the metadata is analyzed to classify noise in the sound data. Based on the classified noise, at least one performance parameter of the NMD is modified.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventor: Kurt Thomas Soto