Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Lanni

Thomas W. Lanni 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: 20230129085
    Abstract: Exemplary electronic apparatus include an electrical device configured to attach to and to provide direct current (DC) power to a connector of a cable assembly. The cable assembly includes a first conductor configured to receive the DC power from the electrical device. The cable assembly also includes a second conductor, and the second conductor includes a ground conductor. The cable assembly also includes one or more other conductors and circuitry configured to receive a first signal from the electrical device. At least one of the one or more other conductors, in response to the first signal, is configured to send a second signal to the electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventor: THOMAS W. LANNI
  • Publication number: 20230129357
    Abstract: Exemplary portable electronic devices include a housing and a power connector interface. The housing has a power input opening and includes a controller, a rechargeable battery, and battery charging circuitry coupled to the rechargeable battery. The power input opening is sized to receive an electrical connector of a cable assembly. The power connector interface includes a power conductor, a ground conductor, and other conductors and is configured to attach to the electrical connector of the cable assembly. At least one of the other conductors is configured to receive a signal, and the controller is responsive to the signal and is configured to control the battery charging circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventor: THOMAS W. LANNI
  • Publication number: 20230127095
    Abstract: Exemplary cable assemblies include a first conductor, a second conductor, and one or more other conductors, and circuitry. The first conductor is configured to receive power from a power source. The second conductor includes a ground conductor. The circuitry is configured to receive a first signal from the power source. At least one of the one or more other conductors, in response to the first signal, is configured to provide a second signal to the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventor: THOMAS W. LANNI
  • Patent number: 11586233
    Abstract: Exemplary power supply systems and methods according to the present invention include circuitry that is configured to provide DC power and configured to receive a input signal that originates from a portable electronic device (the “PED”) and to provide a output signal to be sent to the PED. Such circuitry is configured to be coupled to the PED via a connector having a first, second, third, and fourth conductor. Such a connector is configured to be detachably mated with a power input interface of the PED to transfer the DC power to the PED, a ground reference to the PED, the input signal from the PED to the circuitry, and, in coordination with the input signal, the output signal from the circuitry to the PED, which is usable by the PED in connection with control of charging a battery of the PED based on the DC power provided by the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: COMARCO WIRELESS SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Publication number: 20210159708
    Abstract: Exemplary power supply systems and methods according to the present invention include circuitry that is configured to provide DC power and configured to receive a input signal that originates from a portable electronic device (the “PED”) and to provide a output signal to be sent to the PED. Such circuitry is configured to be coupled to the PED via a connector having a first, second, third, and fourth conductor. Such a connector is configured to be detachably mated with a power input interface of the PED to transfer the DC power to the PED, a ground reference to the PED, the input signal from the PED to the circuitry, and, in coordination with the input signal, the output signal from the circuitry to the PED, which is usable by the PED in connection with control of charging a battery of the PED based on the DC power provided by the circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventor: THOMAS W. LANNI
  • Patent number: 10951042
    Abstract: Exemplary power supply systems according to the present invention include circuitry that is configured to provide DC power and configured to receive a input signal that originates from a portable electronic device (the “PED”) and to provide a output signal to be sent to the PED. Such circuitry is configured to be coupled to the PED via a connector having a first, second, third, and fourth conductor. Such a connector is configured to be detachably mated with a power input interface of the PED to transfer the DC power to the PED, a ground reference to the PED, the input signal from the PED to the circuitry, and, in coordination with the input signal, the output signal from the circuitry to the PED, which is usable by the PED in connection with control of charging a battery of the PED based on the DC power provided by the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: COMARCO WIRELESS SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Publication number: 20210044118
    Abstract: Exemplary power supply systems according to the present invention include circuitry that is configured to provide DC power and configured to receive a input signal that originates from a portable electronic device (the “PED”) and to provide a output signal to be sent to the PED. Such circuitry is configured to be coupled to the PED via a connector having a first, second, third, and fourth conductor. Such a connector is configured to be detachably mated with a power input interface of the PED to transfer the DC power to the PED, a ground reference to the PED, the input signal from the PED to the circuitry, and, in coordination with the input signal, the output signal from the circuitry to the PED, which is usable by the PED in connection with control of charging a battery of the PED based on the DC power provided by the circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventor: THOMAS W. LANNI
  • Patent number: 10855087
    Abstract: Exemplary power supply systems according to the present invention include circuitry that is configured to provide DC power and configured to receive a input signal that originates from a portable electronic device (the “PED”) and to provide a output signal to be sent to the PED. Such circuitry is configured to be coupled to the PED via a connector having a first, second, third, and fourth conductor. Such a connector is configured to be detachably mated with a power input interface of the PED to transfer the DC power to the PED, a ground reference to the PED, the input signal from the PED to the circuitry, and, in coordination with the input signal, the output signal from the circuitry to the PED, which is usable by the PED in connection with control of charging a battery of the PED based on the DC power provided by the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: COMARCO WIRELESS SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 10855086
    Abstract: A detachable tip is used in conjunction with a power adapter to provide DC power to an electronic device. The tip includes an input connector which detachably mates with a connector which is electrically coupled to the power adapter. An output connector of the tip detachably mates with the electronic device. Conductors within the tip transfer the DC power from the input connector to the output connector to provide the DC power to the electronic device. Circuitry within the tip transmits to the electronic device, via the output connector, a power output indication signal representative of an amount of power available to be supplied to the electronic device by the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: COMARCO WIRELESS SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Publication number: 20200373762
    Abstract: Exemplary power supply systems according to the present invention include circuitry that is configured to provide DC power and configured to receive a input signal that originates from a portable electronic device (the “PED”) and to provide a output signal to be sent to the PED. Such circuitry is configured to be coupled to the PED via a connector having a first, second, third, and fourth conductor. Such a connector is configured to be detachably mated with a power input interface of the PED to transfer the DC power to the PED, a ground reference to the PED, the input signal from the PED to the circuitry, and, in coordination with the input signal, the output signal from the circuitry to the PED, which is usable by the PED in connection with control of charging a battery of the PED based on the DC power provided by the circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventor: THOMAS W. LANNI
  • Publication number: 20200044469
    Abstract: A detachable tip is used in conjunction with a power adapter to provide DC power to an electronic device. The tip includes an input connector which detachably mates with a connector which is electrically coupled to the power adapter. An output connector of the tip detachably mates with the electronic device. Conductors within the tip transfer the DC power from the input connector to the output connector to provide the DC power to the electronic device. Circuitry within the tip transmits to the electronic device, via the output connector, a power output indication signal representative of an amount of power available to be supplied to the electronic device by the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Publication number: 20180006450
    Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The power supply equipment includes circuitry which produces a data signal for use by the electronic device to control power drawn by the electronic device. A cable extends from the adapter. The power supply equipment further includes a tip which has an input side and an output side. The input side of the tip is detachable mateable to the cable. The output side of the tip is detachably mateable to the electronic device. The tip output side has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device. The tip provides the data signal, as well as the DC power, to the electronic device. Different tips may be used to provide appropriate data signals to different electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas W. LANNI
  • Patent number: 9806548
    Abstract: A power supply system includes data circuitry as well as power circuitry to generate DC power for use by a portable electronic device having a rechargeable battery. The DC power, ground and two signaling lines are provided in a power supply connector which detachably mates with an electronic device power input port. In response to a first signal from the electronic device transmitted over one of the signaling lines, the data circuitry provides an analog signal to the electronic device over the other signaling line. The electronic device determines a parameter level, such as a current level, of the analog signal, and based on the determined parameter level controls charging of its battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: COMARCO WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 9647477
    Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The power supply equipment includes circuitry which produces a data signal for use by the electronic device to control power drawn by the electronic device. A cable, extends from the adapter. The power supply equipment further includes a tip which has an input side and an output side. The input side of the tip is detachable mateable to the cable. The output side of the tip is detachably mateable to the electronic device. The tip output side has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device. The tip provides the data signal, as well as the DC power, to the electronic device. Different tips may be used to provide appropriate data signals to different electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 9601922
    Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The power supply equipment includes circuitry which produces a data signal for use by the electronic device to control power drawn by the electronic device. A cable, extends from the adapter. The power supply equipment further includes a tip which has an input side and an output side. The input side of the tip is detachable mateable to the cable. The output side of the tip is detachably mateable to the electronic device. The tip output side has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device. The tip provides the data signal, as well as the DC power, to the electronic device. Different tips may be used to provide appropriate data signals to different electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: COMARCO WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Publication number: 20160380459
    Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The power supply equipment includes circuitry which produces a data signal for use by the electronic device to control power drawn by the electronic device. A cable, extends from the adapter. The power supply equipment further includes a tip which has an input side and an output side. The input side of the tip is detachable mateable to the cable. The output side of the tip is detachably mateable to the electronic device. The tip output side has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device. The tip provides the data signal, as well as the DC power, to the electronic device. Different tips may be used to provide appropriate data signals to different electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas W. LANNI
  • Publication number: 20160344215
    Abstract: A power supply system includes data circuitry as well as power circuitry to generate DC power for use by a portable electronic device having a rechargeable battery. The DC power, ground and two signaling lines are provided in a power supply connector which detachably mates with an electronic device power input port. In response to a first signal from the electronic device transmitted over one of the signaling lines, the data circuitry provides an analog signal to the electronic device over the other signaling line. The electronic device determines a parameter level, such as a current level, of the analog signal, and based on the determined parameter level controls charging of its battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas W. LANNI
  • Patent number: 9413187
    Abstract: A power supply system includes data circuitry as well as power circuitry to generate DC power for use by a portable electronic device having a rechargeable battery. The DC power, ground and two signaling lines are provided in a power supply connector which detachably mates with an electronic device power input port. In response to a first signal from the electronic device transmitted over one of the signaling lines, the data circuitry provides an analog signal to the electronic device over the other signaling line. The electronic device determines a parameter level, such as a current level, of the analog signal, and based on the determined parameter level controls charging of its battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: COMARCO WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 9153960
    Abstract: Power supply equipment includes an adapter which converts power from a power source to DC power for powering an electronic device. The power supply equipment includes circuitry which produces a data signal for use by the electronic device to control power drawn by the electronic device. A cable extends from the adapter. The power supply equipment further includes a tip which has an input side and an output side. The input side of the tip is detachable mateable to the cable. The output side of the tip is detachably mateable to the electronic device. The tip output side has a shape and size dependent on the shape and size of a power input opening of the electronic device. The tip provides the data signal, as well as the DC power, to the electronic device. Different tips may be used to provide appropriate data signals to different electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Publication number: 20150280431
    Abstract: Power supply equipment is provided for supplying an appropriate power adapter identification signal, as well as DC power, to various types, brand and models of electronic devices. The equipment includes a power adapter having conversion circuitry for converting power from an external power source to the DC power utilized by a particular electronic device. The power adapter also includes circuitry to generate a plurality of power adapter identification signals. Selection circuitry, responsive to user selection or to the configuration of a cable, connector or connector adapter included with the power supply equipment, selects a particular one of power adapter identification signals appropriate for the particular electronic device. The selected power adapter identification signal and the DC power are transferred to the power input port of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: COMARCO WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni