Patents by Inventor Stephen Willes

Stephen Willes 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: 12188789
    Abstract: A rotary transducer is described. The rotary transducer includes a Hall effect sensor, a rotary dial comprising at least two recessed pockets, a first magnet that is positioned within one of the at least two recessed pockets, and a second magnet that is positioned within another one of the at least two recessed pockets. In an acceleration only mode, the rotary dial is rotatable from a center position in a first direction and is not rotatable from the center position in a second direction. This mode is selected when a mode selection screw is inserted into a mode selection orifice. In a bi-directional acceleration/deceleration mode, the rotary dial is rotatable from the center position in the first direction and is rotatable from the center position in the second direction. This mode is selected when the mode selection screw is not inserted into the mode selection orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: Mark Hall, Pablo Penailillo, Colby Robbins, Stephen Willes, Bryan Goings
  • Publication number: 20230264787
    Abstract: A training hydrofoil system for connection with a watercraft comprises a first wing including at least one adjustable surface and a second wing including at least one adjustable portion. The system further includes a fuselage extending longitudinally and the first and second wing connected to the fuselage and extending latitudinally relative to the fuselage, the fuselage including an attachment feature for attaching to the watercraft. The system further includes an electronic control unit capable of actuating at least one of the adjustable surface and adjustable portion to modify a course of the watercraft, and a power source. Both the power source and the electronic control unit are positioned in the fuselage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: MHL Custom, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Leason, Stephen Willes
  • Publication number: 20230119380
    Abstract: A rotary transducer is described. The rotary transducer includes a Hall effect sensor, a rotary dial comprising at least two recessed pockets, a first magnet that is positioned within one of the at least two recessed pockets, and a second magnet that is positioned within another one of the at least two recessed pockets. In an acceleration only mode, the rotary dial is rotatable from a center position in a first direction and is not rotatable from the center position in a second direction. This mode is selected when a mode selection screw is inserted into a mode selection orifice. In a bi-directional acceleration/deceleration mode, the rotary dial is rotatable from the center position in the first direction and is rotatable from the center position in the second direction. This mode is selected when the mode selection screw is not inserted into the mode selection orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: Mark Hall, Pablo Penailillo, Colby Robbins, Stephen Willes, Bryan Goings
  • Patent number: 11352817
    Abstract: An electronic lock includes a lock body and a shackle selectively securable via one or more ball bearings. An asymmetric cam can be rotated by a key or an electric motor to: a locked state in which the ball bearing secures the shackle within the lock body via at least one lock notch in the shackle, an unlocked state in which the ball bearing is released from the lock notch to unlock the shackle and subsequently engages a revolved notch on a distal end of the shackle to prevent removal of the shackle from the lock body, and a removal state in which the ball bearing is released from the lock notch and the revolved notch to allow the shackle to be removed from the lock body. A shackle detector can detect a shackle in the locked state. Externally accessible electrical contacts allow for jumpstarting a discharged battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: NOKE, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Gengler, Jay Ballard, Stephen Willes, Rajiv Mantena, Nathan Perry, Jacob Gosling
  • Patent number: 10905213
    Abstract: A case for protecting a portable electronic device includes a cushion member formed from a single piece of elastomeric material and having a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge portion connecting the first portion to the second portion permitting articulation of the installed portable electronic device. The case also includes a first rigid shell member removably attachable to the portable electronic device over the first portion of the cushion member, wherein the cushion member extends substantially between the first rigid shell member and the installed portable electronic device. The case also includes a second rigid shell member removably attachable to the portable electronic device over the second portion of the cushion member, wherein the cushion member extends substantially between the second rigid shell member and the installed portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Stephen Willes, W. Travis Smith, Jonathan Watt
  • Publication number: 20200242868
    Abstract: An electronic lock includes a lock body and a shackle selectively securable via one or more ball bearings. An asymmetric cam can be rotated by a key or an electric motor to: a locked state in which the ball bearing secures the shackle within the lock body via at least one lock notch in the shackle, an unlocked state in which the ball bearing is released from the lock notch to unlock the shackle and subsequently engages a revolved notch on a distal end of the shackle to prevent removal of the shackle from the lock body, and a removal state in which the ball bearing is released from the lock notch and the revolved notch to allow the shackle to be removed from the lock body. A shackle detector can detect a shackle in the locked state. Externally accessible electrical contacts allow for jumpstarting a discharged battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: David P. Gengler, Jay Ballard, Stephen Willes, Rajiv Mantena, Nathan Perry, Jacob Gosling
  • Patent number: 10258127
    Abstract: A case for protecting a portable electronic device includes a first member, a second member, and a flexible hinge member. The first member is removably attachable to a first portion of the portable electronic device for covering an outer surface of the first portion of the portable electronic device while not covering a display screen area of the portable electronic device. The second member of the case is removably attachable to a second portion of the portable electronic device for covering the outer surface of the second portion of the portable electronic device while not covering the display. The flexible hinge member is in proximity to a hinging portion of the portable electronic device when the case is attached. The flexible hinge member permits articulation of the portable electronic device when the case is attached to the portable electronic device due to flexing of a flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Stephen Willes, W. Travis Smith, Jonathan Watt
  • Publication number: 20190053592
    Abstract: A case for protecting a portable electronic device includes a cushion member formed from a single piece of elastomeric material and having a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge portion connecting the first portion to the second portion permitting articulation of the installed portable electronic device. The case also includes a first rigid shell member removably attachable to the portable electronic device over the first portion of the cushion member, wherein the cushion member extends substantially between the first rigid shell member and the installed portable electronic device. The case also includes a second rigid shell member removably attachable to the portable electronic device over the second portion of the cushion member, wherein the cushion member extends substantially between the second rigid shell member and the installed portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Stephen Willes, Travis W. Smith, Jonathan Watt
  • Publication number: 20180242704
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device includes an elastomeric cover having a single piece of elastomeric material that conforms to the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The cover includes a button actuator to transfer a force applied on an outside surface of the elastomeric cover to a control button of the electronic device inside the elastomeric cover and a front opening in the elastomeric cover that provides access to a touch screen interface of a front of the electronic device. The cover also includes a plurality of recesses formed in at least one interior side surface of the elastomeric cover. The plurality of recesses soften the elastomeric cover in the selected area by reducing an average density of the elastomeric cover in the selected area of the elastomeric cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Jamie L. Johnson, Alan V. Morine, Stephen Willes, Matthew M. Glanzer
  • Patent number: 10016039
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device includes a first hardshell member, a second hardshell member, and a flexible hinge member. The first hardshell member removably attaches to a first portion of the electronic device to protect the first portion of the electronic device. The second hardshell member removably attaches to a second portion of the electronic device to protect the second portion of the electronic device. The flexible hinge member includes a flexible material and is attached to the first hardshell member and the second hardshell member such that the flexible hinge member aligns with a hinge of the electronic device. The flexible hinge member flexes to allow the second portion of the electronic device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the electronic device when the protective cover is on the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Stephen Willes, W. Travis Smith, Jonathan Watt
  • Patent number: 9986802
    Abstract: Disclosed is a protective cover for an electronic device that is made from an elastomeric material that simultaneously provides cushioning that would otherwise be provided by a softer, thicker material, while utilizing a single, denser material that provides a slim profile and has sufficient density to conform well to the electronic device and prevent the transmission of impacts with hard surfaces directly to the electronic device. Although a denser material is used for the protective cover, recesses are formed in thicker portions at impact points that create compressible ribs. The ribs provide softer, cushioned portions of the cover in the impact areas, which are capable of absorbing the shock and energy of impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Jamie L. Johnson, Alan V. Morine, Stephen Willes, Matthew M. Glanzer
  • Publication number: 20180049526
    Abstract: A case for protecting a portable electronic device includes a first member, a second member, and a flexible hinge member. The first member is removably attachable to a first portion of the portable electronic device for covering an outer surface of the first portion of the portable electronic device while not covering a display screen area of the portable electronic device. The second member of the case is removably attachable to a second portion of the portable electronic device for covering the outer surface of the second portion of the portable electronic device while not covering the display. The flexible hinge member is in proximity to a hinging portion of the portable electronic device when the case is attached. The flexible hinge member permits articulation of the portable electronic device when the case is attached to the portable electronic device due to flexing of a flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Stephen Willes, Travis W. Smith, Jonathan Watt
  • Patent number: 9703330
    Abstract: A protective cover for a portable computing device includes a first hardshell component, a second hardshell component, and a hinging element. The first hardshell component removably snaps onto a first portion of the portable computing device to protect the first portion of the portable computing device. The second hardshell component removably snaps onto a second portion of the portable computing device to protect the second portion of the portable computing device. The hinging element comprises a flexible material and is attached to the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component such that the hinging element of the protective cover aligns with the hinging structure of the portable computing device. The hinging element flexes to allow the second portion of the portable computing device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Stephen Willes, W. Travis Smith, Jonathan Watt
  • Publication number: 20170164705
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device includes a first hardshell member, a second hardshell member, and a flexible hinge member. The first hardshell member removably attaches to a first portion of the electronic device to protect the first portion of the electronic device. The second hardshell member removably attaches to a second portion of the electronic device to protect the second portion of the electronic device. The flexible hinge member includes a flexible material and is attached to the first hardshell member and the second hardshell member such that the flexible hinge member aligns with a hinge of the electronic device. The flexible hinge member flexes to allow the second portion of the electronic device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the electronic device when the protective cover is on the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Stephen Willes, Travis W. Smith, Jonathan Watt
  • Publication number: 20150265035
    Abstract: A holder for a device may have a receiver that captures an end of the device, and an engagement mechanism that may latch or secure the device into the holder. The holder may permit the device to be held in two or more different positions, and may secure the device in the holder when the holder may be oriented in several different orientations. The holder may operate in conjunction with a removable protective cover that may include features that interact with the engagement mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: CURTIS R. RICHARDSON, STEPHEN WILLES
  • Publication number: 20150205332
    Abstract: A protective cover for a portable computing device includes a first hardshell component, a second hardshell component, and a hinging element. The first hardshell component removably snaps onto a first portion of the portable computing device to protect the first portion of the portable computing device. The second hardshell component removably snaps onto a second portion of the portable computing device to protect the second portion of the portable computing device. The hinging element comprises a flexible material and is attached to the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component such that the hinging element of the protective cover aligns with the hinging structure of the portable computing device. The hinging element flexes to allow the second portion of the portable computing device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Stephen Willes, Travis W. Smith, Jonathan Watt
  • Patent number: 9078498
    Abstract: A holder for a device may have a receiver that captures an end of the device, and an engagement mechanism that may latch or secure the device into the holder. The holder may permit the device to be held in two or more different positions, and may secure the device in the holder when the holder may be oriented in several different orientations. The holder may operate in conjunction with a removable protective cover that may include features that interact with the engagement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Stephen Willes
  • Patent number: 9025317
    Abstract: A two-piece hard shell case with a silicone or other flexible component may protect devices that hinge, slide, or otherwise articulate. A front surface hard cover may snap or connect to the front of the device while a back surface hard cover may snap or connect to the back of the device. A flexible component may be held in place under one or both of the hard shell pieces. The flexible component may be held under one or both of the hard shell covers and may have button pushers, covers, or other features to allow a user to operate a protected device while still covering the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Richardson, John Loudenslager, Jamie Johnson, Stephen Willes, Travis Smith, Alan Morine, Matthew Glanzer, Jane Michie, Cameron Magness
  • Patent number: 8973752
    Abstract: A cover for a camera device with a flash may incorporate a light absorbing isolation mechanism in areas near the flash and camera. In some cases, the isolation mechanism may be conformable to press against the camera device, or may come in partial contact or no contact with the device in the area of the flash and camera. The isolation mechanism may be formed as part of a cover, or may be a second component that may be added to a cover in various designs. The isolation mechanism may operate with devices that have a glass or other translucent outer case, as well as those devices without such an outer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie Johnson, Stephen Willes, William Travis Smith, Alan Morine
  • Patent number: D845293
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Grady E. Barfoot, Stephen Willes, Patrick G. Skovsted