Patents by Inventor Thomas Howell

Thomas Howell 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).

  • Publication number: 20240094800
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset with an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector. The headset can also include a touch-sensitive input surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20240096473
    Abstract: A care system includes a mobile communication device, a remote server, and a patient support system that is in communication with either or both of the mobile communication device and the remote server. The mobile communication device may operate as a user interface for the patient support system. The remote server may provide computing power for the patient support system for resource intensive computing tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Eric D. Agdeppa, Steven A. Dixon, Charles A. Howell, Thomas M. Gillis, Keith A. Huster, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
  • Patent number: 11921355
    Abstract: Techniques for providing wearable electronic devices with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear to facilitate audio support including enhanced hearing. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. The wearable electronic devices with electronic components can, for example, provide audio output, audio enhancements, or event-related audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20240036361
    Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear or other head-worn personal electronic apparatus. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 11852901
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a lens holder, a first temple with a first end close to the lens holder and a second end, a second temple, an electrical connector and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board with at least one electrical component can be in the first temple. The connector can be close to the first end of the first temple, facing downward, and electrically connected to the at least one electrical component. In another embodiment, an eyeglass frame includes a first printed circuit board, with at least one electrical component. The first printed circuit board can be connected to an electrical component at the frame via a second printed circuit board. In an embodiment, a pair of glasses can perform hearing enhanced functions to enhance audio signals for the user to hear. One embodiment is configured to be a headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20230408850
    Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear, such as within an extended endpiece or a removable temple (or temple part). The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 11829518
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset with a touch-sensitive input surface and an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20230371892
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor or sensing element is configured to measure a health condition of a user. In one embodiment, the sensing element includes two water-impermeable layers with conductive lines in between. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. The sensing element or sensor can be for a skin-care product for the skin of the user. The skin-care product can include lotion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, Angeline Hadiwidjaja, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Publication number: 20230359266
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset with a touch-sensitive input surface and an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 11806164
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a hydration sensor or sensing element is configured to measure the hydration level of a user. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable material. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, Angeline Hadiwidjaja, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Patent number: 11803069
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear frame for a user includes at least a front portion with two side portions; two speakers, one in each side portion; a connection region at one side portion, with an electrical connector having two conductive pads to connect to corresponding conductive contacts of a counterpart connector; a rechargeable battery; a microphone in the frame; and wireless communication circuitry in the frame. The connection region can be provided at an inside surface of one of the side portions. The eyewear frame can also include a touch-sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the frame to perform a function. Another embodiment includes a headset at least with a touch-sensitive input surface and an electrical connector having a conductive pad to connect to a corresponding conductive contact of a counterpart connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20230331338
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns a propulsion and load distribution system for a pedal actuated vehicle. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to an electrically powered frame, trailer, vehicle, trailer, cart, and/or cycle coupled to at least one motorized wheel operably connected thereto. In some embodiments, the propulsion system can be operably associated with a load distribution system comprising a rocker arm and a spring that are configured to be associated with a frame having an axle or to which an axle can be mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Swenson, Ted Carton, Robert Howell, Thomas Howell, Laurie Delenin, Caitlin Swenson, Robert H.R. Carne, Anson Lundstrom, Kirk D. McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20230331052
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a load distribution system for vehicles and a method for mounting the load distribution system. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to a system comprising a rocker arm and a spring that are configured to be associated with a frame having an axle or to which an axle can be mounted. In some embodiments, the rocker arm can be rotatably coupled to at least one wheel. In some embodiments, an equalizer is attached to the rocker arm. In some embodiments, at least two wheels are rotatably coupled to the equalizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Swenson, Ted Carton, Robert Howell, Thomas Howell, Laurie Delenin, Caitlin Swenson, Robert H.R. Carne, Anson Lundstrom, Kirk D. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 11762224
    Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear, such as within an extended endpiece. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20230273464
    Abstract: Techniques for providing wearable electronic devices with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear to facilitate audio support including enhanced hearing. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. The wearable electronic devices with electronic components can, for example, provide audio output, audio enhancements, or event-related audio content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 11733549
    Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear, such as within an extended endpiece or a removable temple (or temple part). The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 11721183
    Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus regarding electronic eyewear are disclosed. Different embodiments can be applicable for seniors. One embodiment includes an eyewear that can charge when placed in an eyewear case. A user can access a live operator by tapping a button at the eyewear. The live operator can connect the user to a person. The eyewear can detect falls. In another embodiment, the eyewear with a digital assistant can be voice activated, and can provide assistance via the digital assistant. In yet another embodiment, the eyewear includes a position identifying system to identify a position of the eyewear. In one embodiment, the eyewear could wirelessly interact with a device coupled to an apparatus in the vicinity of the eyewear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20230236444
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear for a user includes an eyewear frame, electrical circuitry at least partially in the eyewear frame, and a touch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the electrical circuitry to perform a function via touching the touch sensitive input surface. In another embodiment, the eyewear includes a switch with at least two operational states. The operational states of the switch can be configured to be changed by sliding a finger across the touch sensitive input surface of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 11644693
    Abstract: Techniques for providing wearable electronic devices with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear to facilitate audio support including enhanced hearing. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. The wearable electronic devices with electronic components can, for example, provide audio output, audio enhancements, or event-related audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Patent number: 11644361
    Abstract: Eyewear having monitoring capability, such as for radiation or motion, is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Motion can be measure by a detector, and the measured motion can be used to determine whether the eyewear is being worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: IngenioSpec, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong