Patents by Inventor Todd R. Witkowski
Todd R. Witkowski 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).
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Patent number: 11908260Abstract: A control module for a remote device comprises a trainable transmitter configured to communicate a radio frequency signal configured to control the remote device via a first communication protocol. The control module further comprises a communication circuit configured to communicate with a mobile device via a second communication protocol and a user interface comprising at least one user input. The control module comprises a controller configured to communicate the programming information for the remote device with the remote server via the second communication interface and assign the programming information to the at least one user input. The controller is further configured to control the trainable transmitter to output a control signal based on the programming information in response to the at least one user input. The control signal is configured to control the remote device.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin J. Key, Thomas D. Klaver, Nicholas J. Goote, Timothy E. Martin, Todd R. Witkowski, Joshua P. Holtrop, Zachary J. Walton, Jacob K. Walton, Jason K. Jamieson, Troy A. Redder, Ryan J. Pusztai, Carl L. Shearer
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Patent number: 11470063Abstract: A configurable transmitter is provided for a vehicle for transmitting signals to a device remote from the vehicle. The configurable transmitter includes an RF transmitter that receives an RF signal during a training mode to learn characteristics of the received RF signal, and to transmit an RF signal to the remote device in an operating mode where the transmitted RF signal includes the learned characteristics of the received RF signal; a local memory device for storing channel data representing the learned characteristics and for storing a unique identification code and a cloud encryption key; an interface that communicates with an Internet server; and a controller coupled to the local memory device and the interface, the controller retrieves the channel data from the local memory device, encrypts the channel data using the cloud encryption key and transfers the encrypted channel data for remote storage in the Internet server through the interface.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Steven L. Willard, II
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Patent number: 11456780Abstract: A system, device, and method are disclosed for reducing or eliminating interference between proximate electronic devices. The system, device, and method rely on a switch communicatively disposed between a signal origination device and an antenna. Further, the switch is connected to an electronic device and is operable to receive a signal from the electronic device corresponding to whether the electronic device is in an activated or de-activated state. Additionally, when the electronic device is in an activated state, the switch is operable to open, preventing communication between the signal origination device and the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jonathan E. Dorst, Thomas D. Klaver, Todd R. Witkowski
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Publication number: 20210358239Abstract: A control module for a remote device comprises a trainable transmitter configured to communicate a radio frequency signal configured to control the remote device via a first communication protocol. The control module further comprises a communication circuit configured to communicate with a mobile device via a second communication protocol and a user interface comprising at least one user input. The control module comprises a controller configured to communicate the programming information for the remote device with the remote server via the second communication interface and assign the programming information to the at least one user input. The controller is further configured to control the trainable transmitter to output a control signal based on the programming information in response to the at least one user input. The control signal is configured to control the remote device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin J. Key, Thomas D. Klaver, Nicholas J. Goote, Timothy E. Martin, Todd R. Witkowski, Joshua P. Holtrop, Zachary J. Walton, Jacob K. Walton, Jason K. Jamieson, Troy A. Redder, Ryan J. Pusztai, Carl L. Shearer
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Patent number: 11145190Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured, based on training information, to control the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, coupled to the communications device, and coupled to the output device. The control circuit is configured to receive notification information from the mobile communications device via the communications device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to generate an output using the output device based on the notification information.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Publication number: 20210279541Abstract: A system, device, and method are disclosed for reducing or eliminating interference between proximate electronic devices. The system, device, and method rely on a switch communicatively disposed between a signal origination device and an antenna. Further, the switch is connected to an electronic device and is operable to receive a signal from the electronic device corresponding to whether the electronic device is in an activated or de-activated state. Additionally, when the electronic device is in an activated state, the switch is operable to open, preventing communication between the signal origination device and the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jonathan E. Dorst, Thomas D. Klaver, Todd R. Witkowski
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Patent number: 11024192Abstract: A trainable transceiver is provided for a vehicle for transmitting signals to a device remote from the vehicle. The trainable transceiver includes an RF transceiver configured to receive an RF signal during a training mode in order to learn characteristics of the received RF signal, and to transmit an RF signal to the remote device in an operating mode where the transmitted RF signal includes the learned characteristics of the received RF signal; a local memory device for storing channel data representing the learned characteristics of the received RF signal; an interface configured to communicate with an Internet-connected device; and a controller coupled to the local memory device and the interface, the controller configured to retrieve the channel data from the local memory device and transfer the channel data for storage remote from the vehicle using the interface. The controller may also receive channel data from the remote memory device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas D. Klaver, Jonathan E. Dorst, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright
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Patent number: 10964138Abstract: A system is provided for allowing temporary access to a desired area. The temporary access may be for the purposes of making a delivery. The system comprises a trainable transceiver configured to transmit an activation signal to a remote device; a mobile communications device in selective communication with the trainable transceiver; and an accessory selectively securable to mobile communications device and capable of transmitting information to trainable transceiver.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas D. Klaver, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Matthew W. Chiodo
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Patent number: 10957138Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a barrier operator system to direct operation of a barrier. The system and method may include adaptively updating an expected time duration for an operational sequence that includes occurrence of an event relating to operation of the barrier operator system and receipt of a status message from the barrier operator system. The system may monitor and record the elapsed time for the operational sequence, and determine the expected time duration for the operational sequence based on the recorded history of elapsed times. If the status message is not received within the expected time duration after occurrence of the event, the system may transmit a status request message to the barrier operator system to obtain information relating to the status of the barrier operator system or the barrier, or both.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas D. Klaver, Kevin J. Key, Steven L. Willard, II, Kelly S. Harrelson
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Patent number: 10950115Abstract: A system for detecting broken springs in overhead doors having automatic door openers includes an automatic door opener having a motor, a sensor configured to monitor performance of the motor in the door opener, and a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to compare the motor performance with a predetermined threshold level and send an alert when motor performance exceeds the predetermined threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Todd R. Witkowski
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Publication number: 20200234567Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured, based on training information, to control the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, coupled to the communications device, and coupled to the output device. The control circuit is configured to receive notification information from the mobile communications device via the communications device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to generate an output using the output device based on the notification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Patent number: 10713937Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured based on training information to communicate with the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, and coupled to the communications device. The control circuit is configured to transmit diagnostic information related to the trainable transceiver to a mobile communications device via the communications device.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Publication number: 20200219340Abstract: A system is provided for allowing temporary access to a desired area. The temporary access may be for the purposes of making a delivery. The system comprises a trainable transceiver configured to transmit an activation signal to a remote device; a mobile communications device in selective communication with the trainable transceiver; and an accessory selectively securable to mobile communications device and capable of transmitting information to trainable transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas D. Klaver, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Matthew W. Chiodo
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Patent number: 10665090Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured, based on training information, to control the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, coupled to the communications device, and coupled to the output device. The control circuit is configured to receive notification information from the mobile communications device via the communications device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to generate an output using the output device based on the notification information.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Publication number: 20200126392Abstract: A system for detecting broken springs in overhead doors having automatic door openers includes an automatic door opener having a motor, a sensor configured to monitor performance of the motor in the door opener, and a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to compare the motor performance with a predetermined threshold level and send an alert when motor performance exceeds the predetermined threshold level.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Todd R. Witkowski
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Patent number: 10621803Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device includes a trainable transceiver and a remote button module. The trainable transceiver base station configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a first location and the remote button module separated from the base station and configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a second location. The remote button module is configured to wirelessly transmit a command signal to the base station in response to receiving a user input at a user input device, and the base station responds to receiving the command signal by transmitting an activation signal to the remote device, wherein the activation signal is formatted to control the remote device.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Bradley R. Hamlin
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Publication number: 20200098214Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device includes a trainable transceiver and a remote button module. The trainable transceiver base station configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a first location and the remote button module separated from the base station and configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a second location. The remote button module is configured to wirelessly transmit a command signal to the base station in response to receiving a user input at a user input device, and the base station responds to receiving the command signal by transmitting an activation signal to the remote device, wherein the activation signal is formatted to control the remote device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Bradley R. Hamlin
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Publication number: 20200059456Abstract: A configurable transmitter is provided for a vehicle for transmitting signals to a device remote from the vehicle. The configurable transmitter includes an RF transmitter that receives an RF signal during a training mode to learn characteristics of the received RF signal, and to transmit an RF signal to the remote device in an operating mode where the transmitted RF signal includes the learned characteristics of the received RF signal; a local memory device for storing channel data representing the learned characteristics and for storing a unique identification code and a cloud encryption key; an interface that communicates with an Internet server; and a controller coupled to the local memory device and the interface, the controller retrieves the channel data from the local memory device, encrypts the channel data using the cloud encryption key and transfers the encrypted channel data for remote storage in the Internet server through the interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2019Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Steven L. Willard, II
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Patent number: 10510244Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of selectively transmitting commands associated with a single channel. A trainable transceiver may include a channel, an electronic display, and a container element. The channel may be trained to control one or more functions of the remote device. The electronic display may display one or more container elements. The container element of the electronic display may include a first soft key and a second soft key. The container element may be associated with the channel. The first soft key may control a first function of the remote device. The second soft key may control a second function of the remote device.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas D. Klaver, Kelly S. Harrelson, Steven L. Willard, II, Kevin J. Key
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Publication number: 20190327072Abstract: A trainable transmitter comprises a user interface and a memory. The memory comprises control data configured to control a plurality of remote control devices. The transmitter further comprises a transmitter circuit configured to generate and transmit signals in response to an input received by the user interface and comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to retrieve the control data from the memory in response to actuation of the user interface. The control circuit is further configured to control the transmitter circuit to transmit a plurality of control messages comprising coded transmissions for a plurality of remote control devices. The coded transmissions for the remote control devices are interleaved over a shared temporal period.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Steven L. Geerlings