Patents by Inventor Thomas Jay Leppien

Thomas Jay Leppien 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: 10170935
    Abstract: An inductive power supply that maintains resonance and adjusts duty cycle based on feedback from a secondary circuit. A controller, driver circuit and switching circuit cooperate to generate an AC signal at a selected operating frequency and duty cycle. The AC signal is applied to the tank circuit to create an inductive field for powering the secondary. The secondary communicates feedback about the received power back to the primary controller. The power transfer efficiency may be optimized by maintaining the operating frequency substantially at resonance, and the amount of power transferred may be controlled by adjusting the duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: PHILIPS IP VENTURES B.V.
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Kenneth Michael Burns
  • Publication number: 20160134134
    Abstract: An inductive power supply that maintains resonance and adjusts duty cycle based on feedback from a secondary circuit. A controller, driver circuit and switching circuit cooperate to generate an AC signal at a selected operating frequency and duty cycle. The AC signal is applied to the tank circuit to create an inductive field for powering the secondary. The secondary communicates feedback about the received power back to the primary controller. The power transfer efficiency may be optimized by maintaining the operating frequency substantially at resonance, and the amount of power transferred may be controlled by adjusting the duty cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Kenneth Michael Burns
  • Patent number: 9257851
    Abstract: An inductive power supply that maintains resonance and adjusts duty cycle based on feedback from a secondary circuit. A controller, driver circuit and switching circuit cooperate to generate an AC signal at a selected operating frequency and duty cycle. The AC signal is applied to the tank circuit to create an inductive field for powering the secondary. The secondary communicates feedback about the received power back to the primary controller. The power transfer efficiency may be optimized by maintaining the operating frequency substantially at resonance, and the amount of power transferred may be controlled by adjusting the duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Kenneth Michael Burns
  • Publication number: 20150078799
    Abstract: An inductively-heated applicator system including a heating module and applicator or applicator pen. The heating module includes a dock for seating the applicator. The heating module includes circuitry to selectively generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly provide energy to the applicator when it is positioned in the dock. The heating module may also include temperature control circuitry to at least one of monitor and control the temperature of the applicator. The applicator pen includes a heating element that may be heated through energy provided by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be directly inductively heated by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be a roller element that heats and applies the product. Alternatively, the applicator may include a secondary in which electrical power is induced when the electromagnetic field is present. In this alternative, the power may be applied to the heating element to produce resistive heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Richard Bylsma, Thomas Jay Leppien, Jesse C. Leverett, Steve O. Mork
  • Patent number: 8921746
    Abstract: An inductively-heated applicator system including a heating module and applicator or applicator pen. The heating module includes a dock for seating the applicator. The heating module includes circuitry to selectively generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly provide energy to the applicator when it is positioned in the dock. The heating module may also include temperature control circuitry to at least one of monitor and control the temperature of the applicator. The applicator pen includes a heating element that may be heated through energy provided by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be directly inductively heated by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be a roller element that heats and applies the product. Alternatively, the applicator may include a secondary in which electrical power is induced when the electromagnetic field is present. In this alternative, the power may be applied to the heating element to produce resistive heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Richard Bylsma, Thomas Jay Leppien, Jesse C. Leverett, Steve O. Mork
  • Patent number: 8890369
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply having a plunger for mechanically interconnecting a remote device with the power supply. The plunger may be extendable/retractable to interfit with the remote device. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply with a movable primary that allows for close alignment between the primary and the secondary when the remote device is disposed within a range of different positions with respect to the charging surface. The movable primary may, for example, be coupled to the remote device by a peg, a plunger or a magnet. Alternatively, the position of the movable primary may be adjusted manually. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a charging bowl having a plurality of charging stations disposed about a common axis. Each charging station may include a movable primary that permits some freedom in positioning of the remote device on the charging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, Jr., Matthew J. Norconk, Colin J. Moore, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Richard J. Weber, Ryan D. Schamper
  • Publication number: 20140335490
    Abstract: A behavior modification system includes a network of components that interact to collect various data and provide user feedback. The network may include a personal device, an Internet-enabled storage device and a hub capable of receiving communications from the personal device and communicating to the storage device. The personal device may include bio-impedance measurement circuitry, an accelerometer and a processor for determining energy expenditure based on data from the accelerometer(s). The system may include a smart hub capable of routing communications between various components within the system. The hub may include different transceivers for different communication protocols. The system may incorporate a low-power RF wake-up system. The system may include bio-impedance measurement circuitry that is reconfigurable to function as an alternative type of sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Matthew K. Runyon, Thomas Jay Leppien, Cody D. Dean, Benjamin C. Moes, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven, Patrick M. Burrell, Timothy D.B. Wolfe, Warren E. Guthrie, Dave Moelker, Ryan Johnson, Merdad Veiseh
  • Patent number: 8631126
    Abstract: A system and markup language for information extraction from stand-alone devices in webspace is disclosed. Devices are provided with Internet accessibility, thus becoming web objects, able to send and receive data through the Internet. A web object is assigned a static and dynamic serial number by its manufacturer which contains data pertaining to the web object/device. Also, the web object has the capability to report on its status, making such information available over the Internet. Thus, the device's owner can monitor the device by accessing it through the Internet and a web page, and the manufacturer or other authorized user can also securely access the device/web object to monitor its status. The web object can thus report that maintenance is required, a service part should be ordered, and maintains this information within the dynamic portion of its serial number, which updates based on changes to its status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Nima Veiseh, David W. Baarman, Thomas Jay Leppien
  • Patent number: 8373310
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply having a plunger for mechanically interconnecting a remote device with the power supply. The plunger may be extendable/retractable to interfit with the remote device. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply with a movable primary that allows for close alignment between the primary and the secondary when the remote device is disposed within a range of different positions with respect to the charging surface. The movable primary may, for example, be coupled to the remote device by a peg, a plunger or a magnet. Alternatively, the position of the movable primary may be adjusted manually. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a charging bowl having a plurality of charging stations disposed about a common axis. Each charging station may include a movable primary that permits some freedom in positioning of the remote device on the charging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, Jr., Matthew J. Norconk, Colin J. Moore, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Richard J. Weber, Ryan D. Schamper
  • Publication number: 20120119588
    Abstract: An inductive power supply that maintains resonance and adjusts duty cycle based on feedback from a secondary circuit. A controller, driver circuit and switching circuit cooperate to generate an AC signal at a selected operating frequency and duty cycle. The AC signal is applied to the tank circuit to create an inductive field for powering the secondary. The secondary communicates feedback about the received power back to the primary controller. The power transfer efficiency may be optimized by maintaining the operating frequency substantially at resonance, and the amount of power transferred may be controlled by adjusting the duty cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Kenneth Michael Burns
  • Publication number: 20120072535
    Abstract: A system and markup language for information extraction from stand-alone devices in webspace is disclosed. Devices are provided with Internet accessibility, thus becoming web objects, able to send and receive data through the Internet. A web object is assigned a static and dynamic serial number by its manufacturer which contains data pertaining to the web object/device. Also, the web object has the capability to report on its status, making such information available over the Internet. Thus, the device's owner can monitor the device by accessing it through the Internet and a web page, and the manufacturer or other authorized user can also securely access the device/web object to monitor its status. The web object can thus report that maintenance is required, a service part should be ordered, and maintains this information within the dynamic portion of its serial number, which updates based on changes to its status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Nima Veiseh, David W. Baarman, Thomas Jay Leppien
  • Patent number: 8129864
    Abstract: An inductive power supply that maintains resonance and adjusts duty cycle based on feedback from a secondary circuit. A controller, driver circuit and switching circuit cooperate to generate an AC signal at a selected operating frequency and duty cycle. The AC signal is applied to the tank circuit to create an inductive field for powering the secondary. The secondary communicates feedback about the received power back to the primary controller. The power transfer efficiency may be optimized by maintaining the operating frequency substantially at resonance, and the amount of power transferred may be controlled by adjusting the duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Kenneth Michael Burns
  • Publication number: 20110282860
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for data collection, media analysis, and web tracking. The collected data may include a broad search for a reference database and a narrow search for a comparative database. A contact relationship management database is used to store and distribute profiles for individuals and companies. An RSS feed database may update frequently and provide relevant search results. The system may analyze the collected data and tracking of that data. Analysis may be used to identify relevant data. Profiling of users and businesses may be used for targeting and generating profile data that may include specific information for a user or business. Monitoring and/or tracking may be used for identifying changes in data. The system may provide an analysis of impact of an event/source based on user impressions or web hits in view of a particular event/source. The impact may include a social influence value. In another embodiment, a return on investment (“ROI”) in view of the influence is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Patrick Burrell, Thomas Jay Leppien, Brian B. Steketee, David M. Baarman
  • Publication number: 20110006611
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply having a plunger for mechanically interconnecting a remote device with the power supply. The plunger may be extendable/retractable to interfit with the remote device. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply with a movable primary that allows for close alignment between the primary and the secondary when the remote device is disposed within a range of different positions with respect to the charging surface. The movable primary may, for example, be coupled to the remote device by a peg, a plunger or a magnet. Alternatively, the position of the movable primary may be adjusted manually. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a charging bowl having a plurality of charging stations disposed about a common axis. Each charging station may include a movable primary that permits some freedom in positioning of the remote device on the charging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, JR., Matthew J. Norconk, Colin J. Moore, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Richard J. Weber, Ryan D. Schamper
  • Patent number: 7725715
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three-phase encryption method and a three-phase decryption method, and an apparatus implementing the three-phase encryption method and/or the three-phase decryption method. To encrypt a message according to the three-phase encryption method, a content of a message is converted from a first form M to a second form M?; the content of the message is separated according to a spacing pattern; and the content of the message is scrambled according to a scrambling pattern. To decrypt the message encrypted using the three-phase encryption method, the scrambling and spacing patterns are reversed, and the content of the message is converted from the second form M? to the first form M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Nima Veiseh, David W. Baarman, Thomas Jay Leppien
  • Publication number: 20090289055
    Abstract: An inductively-heated applicator system including a heating module and an applicator, such as an applicator pen. The heating module include a dock for seating the applicator. The heating module includes circuitry to selectively generate an electromagnetic field to wirelessly provide energy to the applicator when it is positioned in the dock. The heating module may also include temperature control circuitry to monitor and/or control the temperature of the applicator. The applicator pen includes a heating element that it heated through energy provided by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be directly inductively heated by the electromagnetic field. The heating element may be a roller element that heats and applies the product. Alternatively, the applicator may include a secondary in which electrical power is induced when the electromagnetic field is present. In this alternative, the power may be applied to the heating element to produce resistive heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Richard Bylsma, Thomas Jay Leppien, Jesse C. Leverett, Steve O. Mork
  • Patent number: 7612528
    Abstract: A vehicle power interface includes an adaptive inductive power supply. The adaptive inductive power supply has a primary within a remote device holder. The adaptive inductive power supply is capable of providing power to remote devices placed within the remote device holder. A communication interface may be provided which can enable communication between the remote device and any data bus within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Thomas Jay Leppien
  • Publication number: 20090228554
    Abstract: A method and system for assigning unique static and dynamic information-carrying serial numbers is disclosed. The static portion of the serial number is assigned before the device enters service, such as at assembly. A serial number computer is used to store the static and dynamic serial number, such as an EEPROM. The computer is integrated into a device, or is fixedly connected to a device, such that computer has access to the sensors and other input devices contained with the device. Data from the sensors and input devices is processed by the computer and is converted into a numerical format, comprising the dynamic portion of the serial number. The computer then connects to the Internet, such as through a wireless connection, and communicates the serial number to authorized users. Alternatively, authorized users may seek out the device on the Internet and obtain the information contained in the serial number, converted to a webpage format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Nima Veiseh, David W. Baarman, Thomas Jay Leppien
  • Publication number: 20090228959
    Abstract: A system and markup language for information extraction from stand-alone devices in webspace is disclosed. Devices are provided with Internet accessibility, thus becoming web objects, able to send and receive data through the Internet. A web object is assigned a static and dynamic serial number by its manufacturer which contains data pertaining to the web object/device. Also, the web object has the capability to report on its status, making such information available over the Internet. Thus, the device's owner can monitor the device by accessing it through the Internet and a web page, and the manufacturer or other authorized user can also securely access the device/web object to monitor its status. The web object can thus report that maintenance is required, a service part should be ordered, and maintains this information within the dynamic portion of its serial number, which updates based on changes to its status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Nima Veiseh, David W. Baarman, Thomas Jay Leppien
  • Publication number: 20090174263
    Abstract: An inductive power supply that maintains resonance and adjusts duty cycle based on feedback from a secondary circuit. A controller, driver circuit and switching circuit cooperate to generate an AC signal at a selected operating frequency and duty cycle. The AC signal is applied to the tank circuit to create an inductive field for powering the secondary. The secondary communicates feedback about the received power back to the primary controller. The power transfer efficiency may be optimized by maintaining the operating frequency substantially at resonance, and the amount of power transferred may be controlled by adjusting the duty cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Kenneth Michael Burns