Patents by Inventor Timothy Willis

Timothy Willis 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: 11969962
    Abstract: A method for repairing composite components includes positioning repair material within a repair region of a composite component formed of a composite material. Furthermore, the method includes heating the repair region to a first temperature. Additionally, the method includes heating a remaining portion of the composite component to a second temperature. Moreover, the method includes melt infiltrating the repair region with an infiltrant to densify the repair material. The first temperature is at or above a melting point of the infiltrant and the second temperature is less than the melting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Timothy P. Coons, Gregory Willis
  • Patent number: 11886642
    Abstract: A system including a first luminaire housing, a second luminaire housing, and a controller. The first luminaire housing includes a first light source configured to provide illumination to a first location, and a first I/O device configured to sense a first data set corresponding the first location. The second luminaire housing is separate from the first luminaire housing and includes a second light source configured to provide illumination to a second location, and a second I/O device configured to sense a second data set corresponding to the second location. The controller is configured to receive a portion of the first data set and a portion of the second data set, combine the portion of the first data set and the portion of the second data set to form a third data set corresponding to the first location and second location, and output the third data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher Bailey, Timothy Willis, Thomas Hill, III, Pritam Yadav
  • Publication number: 20230109898
    Abstract: An apparatus for a wireless switch. In some embodiments, the wireless switch includes an input device, a radio, a memory, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to place a mode selection indicator in an asserted state in response to a first manipulation of the input device, and to operate the wireless switch in a wireless mesh network communication mode in response to the mode selection indicator being placed in the asserted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy Willis, Edward Rivas, Theodore Eric Weber, JIm Loring
  • Patent number: 11545314
    Abstract: An apparatus for a wireless switch. In some embodiments, the wireless switch includes a button, a battery, a radio, a memory, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor may be configured to operate the wireless switch in a wireless mesh network communication mode; and in response to a user input from the button, reboot the wireless switch; operate the wireless switch in a Bluetooth operating mode; receive a switch configuration; store the switch configuration in the memory; reboot the wireless switch a second time, and operate the switch in the wireless mesh network communication mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy Willis, Edward Rivas, Theodore Eric Weber, Jim Loring
  • Publication number: 20210346556
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate cleaning systems for cleaning cabin air and interior surfaces of a vehicle. For instance, a cleaning system may include a surface cleaning device including a UVC light source. In addition, a request for confirmation that the vehicle may not be occupied may be sent to a remote computing device. In response to the request, a signal indicating whether or not the vehicle is occupied may be received. The surface cleaning device may then be activated based on the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Roman Manka, Min Wang, Timothy Willis, Mark Alexander Shand
  • Patent number: 11168938
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance including both a user interface and door position sensor. The same devices and sensors are for both functions. The user interface is mounted on a door or mullion in such a way that all or nearly all of the input devices on the user interface are activated simultaneously or nearly simultaneously when a door is closed so that the user interface can distinguish this action from user inputs in which only one or two input devices are activated at a time. Likewise, when all input devices are inactivated nearly simultaneously, the user interface may know that a door has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Willis
  • Publication number: 20210335557
    Abstract: An apparatus for a wireless switch. In some embodiments, the wireless switch includes a button, a battery, a radio, a memory, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor may be configured to operate the wireless switch in a wireless mesh network communication mode; and in response to a user input from the button, reboot the wireless switch; operate the wireless switch in a Bluetooth operating mode; receive a switch configuration; store the switch configuration in the memory; reboot the wireless switch a second time, and operate the switch in the wireless mesh network communication mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy Willis, Edward Rivas, Theodore Eric Weber, JIm Loring
  • Publication number: 20200342238
    Abstract: A system including a first luminaire housing, a second luminaire housing, and a controller. The first luminaire housing includes a first light source configured to provide illumination to a first location, and a first I/O device configured to sense a first data set corresponding the first location. The second luminaire housing is separate from the first luminaire housing and includes a second light source configured to provide illumination to a second location, and a second I/O device configured to sense a second data set corresponding to the second location. The controller is configured to receive a portion of the first data set and a portion of the second data set, combine the portion of the first data set and the portion of the second data set to form a third data set corresponding to the first location and second location, and output the third data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Bailey, Timothy Willis, Thomas Hill, III, Pritam Yadav
  • Publication number: 20200064059
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance including both a user interface and door position sensor. The same devices and sensors are for both functions. The user interface is mounted on a door or mullion in such a way that all or nearly all of the input devices on the user interface are activated simultaneously or nearly simultaneously when a door is closed so that the user interface can distinguish this action from user inputs in which only one or two input devices are activated at a time. Likewise, when all input devices are inactivated nearly simultaneously, the user interface may know that a door has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventor: Timothy Willis
  • Patent number: 10101080
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a dispenser for dispensing water or ice into a receiver vessel. The dispenser includes a dispense command input for receiving a dispense command from a user and a code reader for interpreting an identification code associated with the receiver vessel. At least one controller is operatively connected to the dispense command input to receive the dispense command, and to the code reader to receive a vessel identification based on the interpreted identification code. The at least one controller controls the dispensing. A memory is configured to store the vessel identification in association with a usage parameter for the vessel. The at least one controller determines whether water/ice has been previously dispensed into the receiver vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Willis, Kurt Froehlich
  • Publication number: 20150053302
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a dispenser for dispensing water or ice into a receiver vessel. The dispenser includes a dispense command input for receiving a dispense command from a user and a code reader for interpreting an identification code associated with the receiver vessel. At least one controller is operatively connected to the dispense command input to receive the dispense command, and to the code reader to receive a vessel identification based on the interpreted identification code. The at least one controller controls the dispensing. A memory is configured to store the vessel identification in association with a usage parameter for the vessel. The at least one controller determines whether water/ice has been previously dispensed into the receiver vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Willis, Kurt Froehlich
  • Publication number: 20080114426
    Abstract: A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force is also applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Donald Korb, Stephen Grenon, Timothy Willis, Benjamin Gravely
  • Publication number: 20080114422
    Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force may also be applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the tissue that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reached desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Donald Korb, Stephen Grenon, Timothy Willis, John Jans
  • Publication number: 20080114427
    Abstract: A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force is also applied to tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in tissue that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands. Reducing the amount of time to reached desired temperature levels an aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Donald Korb, Stephen Grenon, Timothy Willis, John Jans
  • Publication number: 20080114420
    Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the inside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. Temperatures at the meibomian glands reach desired levels more quickly and efficiently when heating the inside of the eyelid. Reaching such higher temperature levels may be instrumental in removing obstructions in the meibomian glands. Less time may also be required to reach desired temperature levels when applying heat to the inside of the eyelid. A force may also be applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Donald Korb, Stephen Grenon, Timothy Willis, Benjamin Gravely
  • Publication number: 20080109053
    Abstract: Consistent with certain embodiments, an apparatus provides regulated heat to at least one of a patient's eyelids, using a heater unit having a heating element that produces heat that is transferred to the patient's eyelid when an electrical signal is applied thereto. A temperature regulator applies an electrical signal to the heating elements in order to achieve heating of the heating elements to a specified temperature range. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Grenon, Omer Barrier, David Foshee, Donald Korb, Timothy Willis
  • Publication number: 20080109052
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Grenon, Donald Korb, Timothy Willis, Benjamin Gravely
  • Publication number: 20080046048
    Abstract: In accordance with certain illustrative embodiments, methods and apparatuses of treating obstructive disorders of the structure of an eye or eyelid are disclosed. The treating may involve applying heat to the structure containing the obstructive disorder to melt an obstruction in the structure and place the obstruction in a melted state. The heat may be maintained for a time period to melt the obstruction and place the obstruction in the melted state. The structure may be treated by expressing the melted obstruction from the structure. The treating may be carried out either during the time period or after the time period when heat is applied but while the obstruction is in the melted state. In certain embodiments, the method further involves subsequently treating the structure by use of a pharmacological agent. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Grenon, Donald Korb, Timothy Willis
  • Publication number: 20070142911
    Abstract: A refractive intraocular lens adapted to be inserted within the human eye and to work in combination with the human crystalline lens and comprises an optic, a haptic, a riser and a connector. The optic has an anterior side and a posterior side and is adapted to produce a preselected refractive optical effect for the correction of presbyopia. A haptic is connected to the optic for fixating the refractive intraocular lens within the eye. A riser is operatively associated with the haptic for maintaining the optic in spaced relation from the iris. A connector for attaching the intraocular lens to the iris is provided that penetrates less than the entire thickness of the iris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Willis, Lyle Paul, Joseph Collin
  • Publication number: 20070142912
    Abstract: A refractive intraocular lens adapted to be inserted within the human eye and to work in combination with the human crystalline lens and comprises an optic, a haptic, a riser and a connector. The optic has an anterior side and a posterior side and is adapted to produce a preselected refractive optical effect for the correction of presbyopia. A haptic is connected to the optic for fixating the refractive intraocular lens within the eye. A riser is operatively associated with the haptic for maintaining the optic in spaced relation from the iris. A connector for attaching the intraocular lens to the iris is provided that penetrates less than the entire thickness of the iris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Willis, Lyle Paul, Joseph Collin