Patents by Inventor Steven L. Geerlings

Steven L. Geerlings 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: 7902994
    Abstract: A method for training a trainable RF transmitter to transmit variable code signals used to actuate a remote device having a receiver where the transmitter includes a memory that has stored variable code characteristics for a plurality of different remote devices includes initiating a training sequence and generating at least one RF carrier signal having the variable code characteristics associated with one remote device of the plurality of different remote devices. The method further includes transmitting the at least one RF carrier signal to the receiver of the remote device and repeating the generating and transmitting steps for the variable code characteristics of each remote device in the plurality of different remote device until feedback is received from a user that the remote device is activated. Upon receiving an indication that the remote device is activated, the transmitter stores an identifier of the variable code characteristics that activated the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Loren D. Vredevoogd, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20100280956
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle and for conducting a transaction with a remote system includes a circuit configured to wirelessly obtain data from a payment mechanism brought into the vehicle and to wirelessly transmit the data to the remote system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Richard J. Chutorash, Mark Zeinstra, James E. Trainor, Jeffrey N. Golden, Steven L. Geerlings, Philip J. Vanderwall, Michael J. Sims, Rodger W. Eich, Brian L. Douthitt, Danny B. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20100240307
    Abstract: A system for communicating information and/or instructions includes a transmitter and receiver configured for wireless communication with a user interface. The information and/or instructions may be audibly communicated to the user. The system includes voice activation and controls. The wireless communication may utilize Bluetooth communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Sims, Carl L. Shearer, Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Paul S. Vanlente, Ted W. Ringold, James E. Trainor
  • Publication number: 20100159846
    Abstract: Control systems for mounting in a vehicle and for transmitting a signal to a receiver associated with a device for opening or closing a movable barrier when the receiver receives an authorized signal are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Carl Shearer, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas D. Klaver
  • Publication number: 20100060505
    Abstract: A method for configuring a transmitter device to transmit a recognized transmission to a receiving device is provided. The method includes transmitting a first transmission and transmitting a second transmission after the first transmission. The method further includes receiving, during the second transmission, a user input signal from an interface for receiving signals from one or more user interface elements. The method further includes storing an attribute associated with the second transmission in a memory device in response to the user input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Steven L. Geerlings
  • Publication number: 20090082928
    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: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Publication number: 20080186155
    Abstract: An instrument cluster includes a display using persistence of vision. The display includes a moving portion and light sources carried by the moving portion. The persistence of vision effect gives the display a resolution that is greater than the number of light sources carried by the moving portion. The display may be connected to a vehicle bus such that it can communicate with sensors and other devices connected to the vehicle bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: John D. Spencer, Richard J. Chutorash, Steven L. Geerlings, Jeffrey Golden, Michael J. Sims, Rodger W. Eich
  • Publication number: 20080161047
    Abstract: A system for communicating information is described. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to a vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a personal digital assistant (PDA) located external to the transceiver using wireless RF signals to transmit information between the transceiver and the PDA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Todd R. WITKOWSKI, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Patent number: 7349722
    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: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Patent number: 7346374
    Abstract: A system for communicating information is described. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to a vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a personal digital assistant (PDA) located external to the transceiver using wireless RF signals to transmit information between the transceiver and the PDA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Patent number: 7257426
    Abstract: A wireless communications system and method adapted for use in automotive applications for enabling automatic, high-speed, wireless voice and/or data communications link to be established between a wide variety of external devices and various electronic subsystems of a vehicle. The apparatus includes first and second RF transceivers which are operated in accordance with a communications specification to enable a seamless, automatic communications link to be created when the two RF transceivers come within a pre-determined proximity of one another, for example, within up to 100 meters of one another. Information from one device is then automatically transmitted over the wireless communications link to the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Publication number: 20040203379
    Abstract: A system for communicating vehicle diagnostic information includes a transmitter provided in a vehicle and configured to wirelessly transmit signals according to a Bluetooth protocol. The signals transmitted are representative of vehicle diagnostic information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Publication number: 20040110472
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a trainable transceiver provided in a vehicle. The trainable transceiver wirelessly communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Publication number: 20040048622
    Abstract: A system for communicating information is described. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to a vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a personal digital assistant (PDA) located external to the transceiver using wireless RF signals to transmit information between the transceiver and the PDA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Publication number: 20030228879
    Abstract: A system for communicating information includes a transceiver provided within a vehicle that is configured for wireless communication with a cellular phone and with a portable computing device. The wireless communication between the transceiver and the cellular phone utilizes a Bluetooth communications protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Publication number: 20030197594
    Abstract: A wireless control system for wireless control of a home electronic system based on the location of the wireless control system includes a transmitter circuit, an interface circuit, and a control circuit. The transmitter circuit is configured to transmit a wireless control signal having control data which will control the home electronic system. The interface circuit is configured to receive navigation data from a navigation data source. The control circuit is configured to receive the navigation data, to determine a distance between the wireless control system and the home electronic system based on the navigation data, and to command the transmitter circuit to transmit the wireless control signal based on the distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Olson, Michael R. Benson, Thomas S. Wright, Steven L. Geerlings
  • Publication number: 20030197595
    Abstract: A transmitter for wirelessly controlling a plurality of remote electronic systems includes a memory, a transmitter circuit, and a control circuit. The memory is configured to store a plurality of control data messages, each control data message configured to control a different remote electronic system. The control circuit is configured to command the transmitter circuit to transmit a plurality of wireless control signals in response to a single event, each wireless control containing a different control data message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Olson, Michael R. Benson, Thomas S. Wright, Steven L. Geerlings, David A. Blaker
  • Publication number: 20030063756
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system provides for enhanced communication with passengers using in-vehicle entertainment systems. A microphone is activated by a driver or passenger, and sound is broadcast from the microphone to at least one loudspeaker. In addition, a broadcast of audio signals from an in-vehicle entertainment systems to headphones worn by a passenger is interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas R. Olson, William E. Troutman
  • Publication number: 20020197955
    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: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Publication number: 20020190872
    Abstract: A receiver for use in a vehicle for communicating between an actuator and a remote device includes an antenna and a controller. The actuator is disposed within the vehicle for controlling the operation of a vehicle feature. The antenna receives a wireless signal generated by the remote device and including a control command. The controller is coupled to the antenna. The controller is configured to enter a training mode of operation wherein the controller polls a plurality of wireless frequencies to detect the wireless signal. The controller is configured to receive and interpret the control command on the wireless signal. The controller is further configured to communicate the control command to the actuator for execution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company.
    Inventors: Michael J. Suman, Steven L. Geerlings