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).

  • Patent number: 12063481
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Monti, Thomas E. Miller, Charles B. King, Kalyan Nadella, Mohammad Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 11655654
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Level Home, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 11555332
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Level Home, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 11384566
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Level Home, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 11377875
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Level Home, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain, Wael S. Barakat
  • Patent number: 11174658
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Level Home, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 11124989
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Level Home, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 11041325
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Publication number: 20210172197
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 10954693
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 10844629
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain, Wael S. Barakat
  • Publication number: 20200354986
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 10829954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 10787840
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Publication number: 20200284063
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: John H. MARTIN, Kenneth D. GOTO, Thomas E. KING, Jordan R. FOUNTAIN
  • Patent number: 10753124
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Publication number: 20200263450
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Patent number: 10704292
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain
  • Publication number: 20200071958
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain, Wael S. Barakat
  • Patent number: 10577831
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: LEVEL HOME, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Martin, Kenneth D. Goto, Thomas E. King, Jordan R. Fountain