Patents by Inventor Timothy N. Comerford

Timothy N. Comerford 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: 11562608
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Earles, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Todd Eberwine, Brian Sherman, Ryan C. Kincaid, Jeffrey S. Neafsey, Michael P. Hogan, Timothy N. Comerford
  • Patent number: 11282311
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joseph W. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20220058900
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Jeremy Earles, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Todd Eberwine, Brian Sherman, Ryan C. Kincaid, Jeffrey S. Neafsey, Michael P. Hogan, Timothy N. Comerford
  • Publication number: 20210174618
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joseph W. Lyon
  • Patent number: 10997806
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Earles, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Todd Eberwine, Brian Sherman, Ryan C. Kincaid, Jeffrey S. Neafsey, Michael P. Hogan, Timothy N. Comerford
  • Patent number: 10720000
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock end alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joseph W. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20200134949
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Jeremy Earles, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Todd Eberwine, Brian Sherman, Ryan C. Kincaid, Jeffrey S. Neafsey, Michael P. Hogan, Timothy N. Comerford
  • Patent number: 10403072
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Earles, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Todd Eberwine, Brian Sherman, Ryan C. Kincaid, Jeffrey S. Neafsey, Michael P. Hogan, Timothy N. Comerford
  • Publication number: 20190206166
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock end alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joseph W. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20190102961
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Jeremy Earles, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Todd Eberwine, Brian Sherman, Ryan C. Kincaid, Jeffrey S. Neafsey, Michael P. Hogan, Timothy N. Comerford
  • Patent number: 10169942
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joseph W. Lyon
  • Patent number: 10043330
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Earles, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Todd Eberwine, Brian Sherman, Ryan C. Kincaid, Jeffrey S. Neafsey, Michael P. Hogan, Timothy N. Comerford
  • Publication number: 20180158268
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joe Lyon
  • Patent number: 9836903
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joe Lyon
  • Publication number: 20170301166
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Jeremy Earles, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Todd Eberwine, Brian Sherman, Ryan C. Kincaid, Jeffrey S. Neafsey, Michael P. Hogan, Timothy N. Comerford
  • Publication number: 20160292944
    Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joe Lyon
  • Publication number: 20100204834
    Abstract: A thermostat includes a present lifestyle activity comfort level corresponding to each of at least three thermostat user interface buttons. The thermostat user interface buttons can be preset using a “radio preset” style of setting. A method of selecting a comfort level includes the step of presetting user operable buttons labeled with a lifestyle activity comfort choice to a comfort level choice using a “radio preset” style of presetting. Also, a thermostat for controlling the comfort level in a building space includes a receiver coupled to a microcomputer, wherein the receiver reacts responsively to a signal indicating the presence of a person in the building space such that on detection of the presence of the person by the receiver, the thermostat sets a comfort level preferred by that person according to a preset comfort level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, Shannie Van Ostrand
  • Patent number: 7755220
    Abstract: An electronic thermostat circuit has improved power stealing for controlling an AC control device. The circuit comprises a source of AC control power coupled to an electronic switch means having an electronic switch means control input. The electronic switch means controls the AC control device. The diode bridge controls the electronic switch means by a DC control signal applied to the diode bridge means DC connection. The amplifier means has an amplifier input for controlling the state of the amplifier and an amplifier output for generating the DC control signal. An isolated gate FET means is electrically coupled to the amplifier input for controlling the state of the amplifier. The isolated gate FET means is powered by the current derived from the source of AC control power by power stealing. The digital signal controls the state of the AC control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Sorg, Timothy N. Comerford, Donald R. Means
  • Publication number: 20100146071
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically achieving outbound broadband connectivity to a remote server including the steps of sending a message to the remote server, waiting for an inbound connection request, setting an inbound method of connectivity if an inbound connection request is received, sending an outbound poll if the inbound connection request is not received, setting an outbound method of connectivity, and retrying to connect via the inbound or the outbound method until either of the inbound or outbound methods successfully connects to the remote server
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, Jerry L. Proffitt, Priya Bhatt
  • Patent number: 6831976
    Abstract: A telephone line-powered power supply, a method of operating the same and telephone line-powered ancillary equipment. In one embodiment, the power supply includes: (1) a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding and (2) an energy storage device (which may, but is not required to, be a capacitor) series-coupled to the primary winding, the primary winding and the energy storage device adapted to be coupled to, and provide a terminating resistance for, a telephone line. A node between the primary winding and the energy storage device provides DC power. Another embodiment employs a control switch to regulate an energy storage device, thereby dispensing with a need for the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Agere Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy N. Comerford, Dale H. Nelson, Xiqun Zhu