Patents by Inventor Michael Varanka

Michael Varanka 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: 10827584
    Abstract: A system for controlling a load including a plurality of LEDs includes a timing circuit, an encoder and a configuration switching circuit. The timing circuit generates time-off switching points and time-on switching points. The encoder generates a load voltage by modifying a rectified line voltage using the time-off switching points and the time-on switching points. The configuration switching circuit determines a maximum voltage of a line voltage input to the driver system, selects a configuration for the plurality of LEDs based on the maximum voltage, communicates the configuration for the plurality of LEDs to the load, dynamically reconfigures the configuration for the plurality of LEDs based on the modified rectified line voltage, the dynamically reconfiguration of the configuration including changing at least one of the first quantity of LEDs in electrically coupled in series and the second quantity of LEDs electrically coupled in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: LiteIdeas, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Hodrinsky, James Epperson, Calvin McCoy Winey, III, Karl Kenneth Karash, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20200033176
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Tank Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20190335554
    Abstract: A system for controlling a load including a plurality of LEDs includes a timing circuit, an encoder and a configuration switching circuit. The timing circuit generates time-off switching points and time-on switching points. The encoder generates a load voltage by modifying a rectified line voltage using the time-off switching points and the time-on switching points. The configuration switching circuit determines a maximum voltage of a line voltage input to the driver system, selects a configuration for the plurality of LEDs based on the maximum voltage, communicates the configuration for the plurality of LEDs to the load, dynamically reconfigures the configuration for the plurality of LEDs based on the modified rectified line voltage, the dynamically reconfiguration of the configuration including changing at least one of the first quantity of LEDs in electrically coupled in series and the second quantity of LEDs electrically coupled in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Todd Hodrinsky, James Epperson, Calvin McCoy Winey, III, Karl Kenneth Karash, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20190178696
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: Tank Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Patent number: 10267665
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Tank Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Patent number: 10261523
    Abstract: A latching solenoid slave valve for wirelessly receiving watering instructions from an irrigation controller via acoustical waves or pulses. The latching solenoid slave valve comprises a diaphragm in direct communication with a main water distribution conduit of the irrigation system for detecting acoustical waves or pulses transmitted by pressurized water of the main water distribution conduit. An accelerometer is supported by the diaphragm for generating an output signal as the diaphragm vibrates due to detection of the acoustical waves or pulses. A microcontroller is electrically coupled to the accelerometer for processing the output signals of the accelerometer, and the microcontroller determining, from the processed output signals of the accelerometer, whether or not the latching solenoid slave valve is to commence a watering cycle for a desired duration of time. An irrigation controller is wirelessly coupled to the latching solenoid slave valve for controlling operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Rainboxx, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Khabbaz, Steve Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Patent number: 10197428
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Tank Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Patent number: 10101191
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Tank Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Patent number: 10027795
    Abstract: A mobile device case and monitor for discouraging cell device usage (web, texting, voicemail, games, apps, etc.) device during specific activities (while driving, working, at school, etc.) The case has a photodetector inside it and a flash on a cell phone is activated (flashed) and it is determined whether the photodetector detects the flash or not. If the flash is detected, then it is assumed that the cell phone is in the case, while if the flash is not detected then it is assumed that the cell phone is not in the case. If an employee's cell device is not placed inside the case with the lid closed and the employee is on company time, then an alert is generated indicated that the employee is not adhering to corporate procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Maguire, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20180106657
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Tank Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Patent number: 9900425
    Abstract: A mobile device case and monitor for discouraging cell device usage (web, texting, voicemail, games, apps, etc.) device during specific activities (while driving, working, at school, etc.) The case has a photodetector inside it and a flash on a cell phone is activated (flashed) and it is determined whether the photodetector detects the flash or not. If the flash is detected, then it is assumed that the cell phone is in the case, while if the flash is not detected then it is assumed that the cell phone is not in the case. If an employee's cell device is not placed inside the case with the lid closed and the employee is on company time, then an alert is generated indicated that the employee is not adhering to corporate procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Maguire, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20180042188
    Abstract: An irrigation system having a user interface, a master valve, at least one conduit coupling the master valve with at least one slave valve; and a communication system for wirelessly communicating operating instructions between the master valve and the at least one slave valve. The medium of the communication system, for transmitting instructions, is located along the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Alex KHABBAZ, Steve Cratus OWENS, Michael VARANKA, Karl KARASH
  • Patent number: 9874470
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Tank Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Patent number: 9742208
    Abstract: A charging case for a plurality of headsets is disclosed. Each headset includes two headphone units connected together in opposing relationship along a diametric axis by a headband. Each headset contains a battery and a charge receiving circuit coupled to the battery. The charging case comprises a portable, cylindrically shaped carrying case and a charging station contained in the carrying case. The charging station includes a plurality of charging receptacles and a charge distribution circuit. The charging receptacles are disposed in a circular pattern about a center area and are configured to support the headsets, respectively, in an orientation where the diametric axes of the headsets are positioned radially in the circular pattern. The distribution circuit distributes electricity to the charging receptacles. At each receptacle electricity is transferred to the charge receiving circuit of a headset when the headset is in the receptacle, to charge the battery of the headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Headphone Events, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Kenneth Stratton, Roy Elliott Whitson, III, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20170199069
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Island Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20170200362
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Island Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20170200361
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Island Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20170199071
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: Island Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McBride, James E. McMann, Steven Cratus Owens, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20170104352
    Abstract: A charging case for a plurality of headsets is disclosed. Each headset includes two headphone units connected together in opposing relationship along a diametric axis by a headband. Each headset contains a battery and a charge receiving circuit coupled to the battery. The charging case comprises a portable, cylindrically shaped carrying case and a charging station contained in the carrying case. The charging station includes a plurality of charging receptacles and a charge distribution circuit. The charging receptacles are disposed in a circular pattern about a center area and are configured to support the headsets, respectively, in an orientation where the diametric axes of the headsets are positioned radially in the circular pattern. The distribution circuit distributes electricity to the charging receptacles. At each receptacle electricity is transferred to the charge receiving circuit of a headset when the headset is in the receptacle, to charge the battery of the headset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Alan Kenneth Stratton, Roy Elliott Whitson, III, Michael Varanka
  • Publication number: 20170049061
    Abstract: A latching solenoid slave valve for wirelessly receiving watering instructions from an irrigation controller via acoustical waves or pulses. The latching solenoid slave valve comprises a diaphragm in direct communication with a main water distribution conduit of the irrigation system for detecting acoustical waves or pulses transmitted by pressurized water of the main water distribution conduit. An accelerometer is supported by the diaphragm for generating an output signal as the diaphragm vibrates due to detection of the acoustical waves or pulses. A microcontroller is electrically coupled to the accelerometer for processing the output signals of the accelerometer, and the microcontroller determining, from the processed output signals of the accelerometer, whether or not the latching solenoid slave valve is to commence a watering cycle for a desired duration of time. An irrigation controller is wirelessly coupled to the latching solenoid slave valve for controlling operation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Alex KHABBAZ, Steve Cratus OWENS, Michael VARANKA