Patents by Inventor Thomas E. King
Thomas E. King 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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Patent number: 12063481Abstract: A balanced armature receiver can include a motor disposed in a case. The motor can include an armature having a first portion fixed to and extending from a yoke and a second portion extending through a coil tunnel. The second portion can have a free end-portion movably disposed in a magnet gap. The balanced armature receiver can include a damping compound-locating structure disposed on one or both of the armature and another portion of the receiver proximate the armature. The balanced armature receiver can include damping compound contacting the damping compound-locating structure and located between the armature and another portion of the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2022Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLCInventors: Christopher L. Monti, Thomas E. Miller, Charles B. King, Kalyan Nadella, Mohammad Mohammadi
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Patent number: 11655654Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a tapered bolt receiver for a door lock to accommodate misalignment, between a deadbolt mounted to a door, and an opposing jamb. The tapered bolt receiver can be configured to accommodate misalignment for a deadbolt having a non-tapered bolt, such as for an electromechanical smart lock having a battery stored within a battery compartment that is integrated with an enhanced bolt. Also disclosed are embodiments of a deadbolt plate pivot assembly that is pivotably mountable to a corresponding deadbolt assembly to define a plate pivot system, to accommodate a beveled door edge. An illustrative embodiment of the deadbolt plate pivot assembly includes opposing plate that captures a hinge assembly, which can include plastic plate hinges, which serve to locate the deadbolt plate pivot assembly with respect to a corresponding bolt housing, and can provide a spring force and/or constant torque when mounted to a beveled door.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2020Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Level Home, Inc.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 11555332Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for storing energy in a electromechanical lock. The electromechanical lock can include a main housing and a deadbolt. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door. The deadbolt can have a hollow inner region configured to receive an energy storage device. The energy storage device within the deadbolt can be electrically connected to the main housing. The energy storage device can be used to power an actuator and/or accelerometer in the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Level Home, Inc.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 11384566Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting a deadbolt to a main housing of a lock. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door while receiving electrical energy from an energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt. The energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt can be proximate to one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to one or more components in the main housing via conductive components of a bolt carriage. The bolt carriage includes a groove attachable to a male detent connector attached to the deadbolt. The groove in the bolt carriage provides a mechanical connection to the deadbolt and also aligns pogo pins with electrical components of the bolt carriage to enable electrical transmission from the deadbolt to the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Level Home, Inc.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 11377875Abstract: Determining a position of a deadbolt used to lock and unlock a door is disclosed. An electromechanical lock can include a deadbolt that can retract or extend along a linear path as the door is to be locked and unlocked. A sensor such as an accelerometer can rotate along a non-linear path as the deadbolt moves along a linear path. The accelerometer can determine a gravity vector that can be indicative of a position of the accelerometer along the non-linear path. A controller can then determine a position of the deadbolt based on the gravity vector.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Level Home, Inc.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain, Wael S. Barakat
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Patent number: 11174658Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing energy in a electromechanical lock. The electromechanical lock can include a main housing and a deadbolt. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door. The deadbolt can have a hollow inner region configured to receive an energy storage device. The energy storage device within the deadbolt can be electrically connected to the main housing. The energy storage device can be used to power an actuator and/or accelerometer in the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Level Home, Inc.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 11124989Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for a extending a deadbolt. The electromechanical lock can include a deadbolt extending device disposed between a main housing and a deadbolt. The deadbolt extension device can be used to adapt the electromechanical lock to doors of various sizes. The deadbolt extension device can include another electrical connection and another attachment mechanism for the deadbolt. The another electrical connection can be configured to electrically connect the deadbolt with the main housing. The another attachment mechanism can be configured to attach the deadbolt a pre-defined distance apart from the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Level Home, Inc.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 11041325Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a tapered bolt receiver for a door lock to accommodate misalignment, between a deadbolt mounted to a door, and an opposing jamb. The tapered bolt receiver can be configured to accommodate misalignment for a deadbolt having a non-tapered bolt, such as for an electromechanical smart lock having a battery stored within a battery compartment that is integrated with an enhanced bolt. Also disclosed are embodiments of a deadbolt plate pivot assembly that is pivotably mountable to a corresponding deadbolt assembly to define a plate pivot system, to accommodate a beveled door edge. An illustrative embodiment of the deadbolt plate pivot assembly includes opposing plate that captures a hinge assembly, which can include plastic plate hinges, which serve to locate the deadbolt plate pivot assembly with respect to a corresponding bolt housing, and can provide a spring force and/or constant torque when mounted to a beveled door.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Publication number: 20210172197Abstract: Mechanically or electromechanically positioning a deadbolt used to lock or unlock a door is disclosed. An electromechanical lock can include a deadbolt to be positioned to lock or unlock a door. The deadbolt can be mechanically positioned based on the rotation of a paddle of the electromechanical lock or electromechanically positioned via a motor being turned on to position the deadbolt. A disengagement mechanism can disengage an engagement cog from a worm gear hub of a gear train of the motor upon the mechanical positioning, but remain engaged upon the electromechanical positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 10954693Abstract: Mechanically or electromechanically positioning a deadbolt used to lock or unlock a door is disclosed. An electromechanical lock can include a deadbolt to be positioned to lock or unlock a door. The deadbolt can be mechanically positioned based on the rotation of a paddle of the electromechanical lock or electromechanically positioned via a motor being turned on to position the deadbolt. A disengagement mechanism can disengage an engagement cog from a worm gear hub of a gear train of the motor upon the mechanical positioning, but remain engaged upon the electromechanical positioning.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 10844629Abstract: Determining a position of a deadbolt used to lock and unlock a door is disclosed. An electromechanical lock can include a deadbolt that can retract or extend along a linear path as the door is to be locked and unlocked. A sensor such as an accelerometer can rotate along a non-linear path as the deadbolt moves along a linear path. The accelerometer can determine a gravity vector that can be indicative of a position of the accelerometer along the non-linear path. A controller can then determine a position of the deadbolt based on the gravity vector.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain, Wael S. Barakat
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Publication number: 20200354986Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting a deadbolt to a main housing of a lock. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door while receiving electrical energy from an energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt. The energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt can be proximate to one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to one or more components in the main housing via conductive components of a bolt carriage. The bolt carriage includes a groove attachable to a male detent connector attached to the deadbolt. The groove in the bolt carriage provides a mechanical connection to the deadbolt and also aligns pogo pins with electrical components of the bolt carriage to enable electrical transmission from the deadbolt to the main housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 10829954Abstract: Described are embodiments of a tapered bolt receiver for a door lock to accommodate misalignment, between a deadbolt mounted to a door, and an opposing jamb. The tapered bolt receiver can be configured to accommodate misalignment for a deadbolt having a non-tapered bolt, such as for an electromechanical smart lock having a battery stored within a battery compartment that is integrated with an enhanced bolt. Also described are embodiments of a deadbolt plate pivot assembly that is pivotably mountable to a corresponding deadbolt assembly to define a plate pivot system, to accommodate a beveled door edge. An illustrative embodiment of the deadbolt plate pivot assembly includes opposing plate that captures a hinge assembly, which can include plastic plate hinges, which serve to locate the deadbolt plate pivot assembly with respect to a corresponding bolt housing, and can provide a spring force and/or constant torque when mounted to a beveled door.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 10787840Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting a deadbolt to a main housing of a lock. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door while receiving electrical energy from an energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt. The energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt can be proximate to one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to one or more components in the main housing via conductive components of a bolt carriage. The bolt carriage includes a groove attachable to a male detent connector attached to the deadbolt. The groove in the bolt carriage provides a mechanical connection to the deadbolt and also aligns pogo pins with electrical components of the bolt carriage to enable electrical transmission from the deadbolt to the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Publication number: 20200284063Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for storing energy in a electromechanical lock. The electromechanical lock can include a main housing and a deadbolt. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door. The deadbolt can have a hollow inner region configured to receive an energy storage device. The energy storage device within the deadbolt can be electrically connected to the main housing. The energy storage device can be used to power an actuator and/or accelerometer in the main housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: John H. MARTIN, Kenneth D. GOTO, Thomas E. KING, Jordan R. FOUNTAIN
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Patent number: 10753124Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting a deadbolt to a main housing of a lock. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door while receiving electrical energy from an energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt. The energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt can be proximate to one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to one or more components in the main housing via conductive components of a bolt carriage. The bolt carriage includes a groove attachable to a male detent connector attached to the deadbolt. The groove in the bolt carriage provides a mechanical connection to the deadbolt and also aligns pogo pins with electrical components of the bolt carriage to enable electrical transmission from the deadbolt to the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Publication number: 20200263450Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a tapered bolt receiver for a door lock to accommodate misalignment, between a deadbolt mounted to a door, and an opposing jamb. The tapered bolt receiver can be configured to accommodate misalignment for a deadbolt having a non-tapered bolt, such as for an electromechanical smart lock having a battery stored within a battery compartment that is integrated with an enhanced bolt. Also disclosed are embodiments of a deadbolt plate pivot assembly that is pivotably mountable to a corresponding deadbolt assembly to define a plate pivot system, to accommodate a beveled door edge. An illustrative embodiment of the deadbolt plate pivot assembly includes opposing plate that captures a hinge assembly, which can include plastic plate hinges, which serve to locate the deadbolt plate pivot assembly with respect to a corresponding bolt housing, and can provide a spring force and/or constant torque when mounted to a beveled door.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Patent number: 10704292Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for storing energy in a electromechanical lock. The electromechanical lock can include a main housing and a deadbolt. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door. The deadbolt can have a hollow inner region configured to receive an energy storage device. The energy storage device within the deadbolt can be electrically connected to the main housing. The energy storage device can be used to power an actuator and/or accelerometer in the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
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Publication number: 20200071958Abstract: Determining a position of a deadbolt used to lock and unlock a door is disclosed. An electromechanical lock can include a deadbolt that can retract or extend along a linear path as the door is to be locked and unlocked. A sensor such as an accelerometer can rotate along a non-linear path as the deadbolt moves along a linear path. The accelerometer can determine a gravity vector that can be indicative of a position of the accelerometer along the non-linear path. A controller can then determine a position of the deadbolt based on the gravity vector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain, Wael S. Barakat
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Patent number: 10577831Abstract: Mechanically or electromechanically positioning a deadbolt used to lock or unlock a door is disclosed. An electromechanical lock can include a deadbolt to be positioned to lock or unlock a door. The deadbolt can be mechanically positioned based on the rotation of a paddle of the electromechanical lock or electromechanically positioned via a motor being turned on to position the deadbolt. A disengagement mechanism can disengage an engagement cog from a worm gear hub of a gear train of the motor upon the mechanical positioning, but remain engaged upon the electromechanical positioning.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain