Patents by Inventor Theodore Brent Freese

Theodore Brent Freese 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: 9728020
    Abstract: An at least partially secure communication environment is provided in which accessory devices can be communicated with and controlled in the context of a movable barrier operator system. In one example approach, a gateway device can be configured to coordinate and control such communications in a secure manner. Three example approaches to such a communication environment include: a gateway device's receiving an accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device; receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a command signal to an accessory device; and receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device. Combinations are possible. An integrated system provides for automatic functioning of one device in response to status changes of one or more other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Brent Freese, Randall Lee Planck
  • Publication number: 20150193999
    Abstract: An at least partially secure communication environment is provided in which accessory devices can be communicated with and controlled in the context of a movable barrier operator system. In one example approach, a gateway device can be configured to coordinate and control such communications in a secure manner. Three example approaches to such a communication environment include: a gateway device's receiving an accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device; receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a command signal to an accessory device; and receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device. Combinations are possible. An integrated system provides for automatic functioning of one device in response to status changes of one or more other devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Theodore Brent Freese, Randall Lee Planck
  • Patent number: 8994496
    Abstract: An at least partially secure communication environment is provided in which accessory devices can be communicated with and controlled in the context of a movable barrier operator system. In one example approach, a gateway device can be configured to coordinate and control such communications in a secure manner. Three example approaches to such a communication environment include: a gateway device's receiving an accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device; receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a command signal to an accessory device; and receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device. Combinations are possible. An integrated system provides for automatic functioning of one device in response to status changes of one or more other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Brent Freese, Randall Lee Planck
  • Patent number: 8584401
    Abstract: A post (200) for use with an automatically-movable barrier (1203) and a motive actuator (1204) is configured to interact with the barrier to thereby facilitate movement of the barrier with respect to the post. This post can have at least one cavity (201, 801) formed axially therein and a mains-power-bearing pathway (202) disposed within this at least one cavity to convey mains electrical power to movable barrier control circuitry (1202) as well as the motive actuator. Such a post can further comprise one or more integral pivot points (1001) that are configured to pivotally engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the automatically-movable barrier can selectively pivot about the integral pivot point. By another approach, such a post can further comprise one or more rollers (1101) that are configured to engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the latter can selectively move in a lateral direction through engagement with the roller(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Planck, Theodore Brent Freese, William G. Gioia
  • Publication number: 20120249289
    Abstract: An at least partially secure communication environment is provided in which accessory devices can be communicated with and controlled in the context of a movable barrier operator system. In one example approach, a gateway device can be configured to coordinate and control such communications in a secure manner. Three example approaches to such a communication environment include: a gateway device's receiving an accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device; receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a command signal to an accessory device; and receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device. Combinations are possible. An integrated system provides for automatic functioning of one device in response to status changes of one or more other devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Theodore Brent Freese, Randall Lee Planck
  • Publication number: 20100139170
    Abstract: A post (200) for use with an automatically-movable barrier (1203) and a motive actuator (1204) is configured to interact with the barrier to thereby facilitate movement of the barrier with respect to the post. This post can have at least one cavity (201, 801) formed axially therein and a mains-power-bearing pathway (202) disposed within this at least one cavity to convey mains electrical power to movable barrier control circuitry (1202) as well as the motive actuator. Such a post can further comprise one or more integral pivot points (1001) that are configured to pivotally engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the automatically-movable barrier can selectively pivot about the integral pivot point. By another approach, such a post can further comprise one or more rollers (1101) that are configured to engage the automatically-movable barrier such that the latter can selectively move in a lateral direction through engagement with the roller(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Randy L. Planck, Theodore Brent Freese, William G. Gioia
  • Patent number: 6139046
    Abstract: A stroller includes a latching mechanism for a foldable frame that is remotely actuated through a sliding actuator on an upper frame member of the stroller frame. The sliding actuator is attached via a wire to pins which can be selectively placed in or out of engagement with a notch defined on a surface associated with the lower front frame member. A seat assembly on the stroller includes a seat back which is pivotably attached to the adjacent seat portions to allow the seat back to be folded when the stroller is folded. A canopy with dual extendable visors is removably attachable to the seat assembly. The canopy can be moved pivotably to a fully forward, fully backward, or any intermediate position, and the dual extendable visors on either end thereof can be selectively retracted or extended so as to achieve the desired amount of blocking of the sun and elements as well as to provide the desired ventilation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Aalund, William B. Stephens, Theodore Brent Freese, Alan David Bengtson, Cynthia R. Nelson, Donna K. Finney
  • Patent number: 5988669
    Abstract: An infant stroller with a conventional frame which can be collapsed by releasing a latch mechanism mounted on a central portion of the frame. The handle arms of the frame terminate in a handle assembly which includes a handle bar portion designed for two-handed operation and a handle grip designed for one-handed operation of the stroller. The handle grip is provided at an ergonomically comfortable angle in the range of 60 degrees from horizontal. A console tray is provided in the vicinity of the handle assembly for the operator to conveniently store various sundry items. The console tray supports a back edge of a canopy on the infant stroller. The canopy includes a canopy frame and a sunshade depending therefrom which is supported by a separate sunshade frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Brent Freese, Alan David Bengtson
  • Patent number: D414144
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Gerry Baby Products
    Inventors: Theodore Brent Freese, Alan David Bengtson