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).

  • Publication number: 20110227698
    Abstract: A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with a remote electronic system is provided. The wireless control system includes a transceiver for mounting in the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth communications standard. The transceiver is further configured to provide a control signal to the remote electronic system. The transceiver is also trainable to provide a carrier frequency and control information for the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Todd R. WITKOWSKI, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Patent number: 8000667
    Abstract: A method for compensating for frequency shifts during transmission of an RF control signal includes receiving a request to enter a transmission mode from a user. A carrier signal having a frequency is generated and the frequency of the carrier signal is measured. The measured frequency of the carrier signal is compared to a desired frequency to determine if there is a difference between the measured frequency and the desired frequency. If there is a difference, it is determined if data is being modulated on the carrier signal. If data is not being modulated on the carrier signal, a correction is applied to the carrier signal frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Jason L. Reene
  • Patent number: 7970446
    Abstract: A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with a remote electronic system is provided. The wireless control system includes a transceiver for mounting in the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth communications standard. The transceiver is further configured to provide a control signal to the remote electronic system. The transceiver is also trainable to provide a carrier frequency and control information for the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Patent number: 7911358
    Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Bos, Carl Shearer, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer, Todd R. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 7889050
    Abstract: A method for training a trainable transmitter in a vehicle that includes receiving a request to enter a training mode of the trainable transmitter from a user, beginning a training mode of the trainable transmitter, receiving a control signal from an original transmitter associated with a remote control system, detecting a frequency and control data of the control signal. The method further includes determining if the control signal is a fixed code signal or a rolling code signal. If the control signal is a fixed code signal, storing the detected frequency and control data. If the control signal is a rolling code signal, comparing the detected control signal frequency to a plurality of predetermined frequencies and based on the comparison, shifting the detected frequency to match one of the predetermined frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Todd R. Witkowski
  • Publication number: 20110025456
    Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jeremy Bos, Carl Shearer, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer, Todd R. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 7864070
    Abstract: A method for training a trainable transmitter in a vehicle includes receiving a request to enter a training mode of the trainable transmitter from a user. In response to the request, default mode data is retrieved from a memory and transmitted for a predetermined time. Upon expiration of the predetermined time, the trainable transmitter begins a training mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Jason L. Reene
  • Publication number: 20100240307
    Abstract: A system for communicating information and/or instructions includes a transmitter and receiver configured for wireless communication with a user interface. The information and/or instructions may be audibly communicated to the user. The system includes voice activation and controls. The wireless communication may utilize Bluetooth communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Sims, Carl L. Shearer, Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Paul S. Vanlente, Ted W. Ringold, James E. Trainor
  • Patent number: 7786843
    Abstract: A method for training a receiver of a remote control system to a trainable transmitter includes receiving a control signal from an original transmitter associated with the remote control system. A first period of time is started in response to receipt of the control signal. During the first period of time, a learn message is received from a trainable transmitter. In response to the learn message, the receiver begins a receiver training mode. During the training mode, a rolling code control signal is received from the trainable transmitter and the trainable transmitter is enrolled by storing an identifier of the trainable transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Todd R. Witkowski
  • Publication number: 20100159846
    Abstract: Control systems for mounting in a vehicle and for transmitting a signal to a receiver associated with a device for opening or closing a movable barrier when the receiver receives an authorized signal are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Carl Shearer, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas D. Klaver
  • Publication number: 20100063670
    Abstract: The present application relates to an in-vehicle control system for synchronizing files with a remote source. The remote source includes a storage device configured to store a first file. The system includes a communications device capable of establishing a wireless communication link with the remote source. The communications device is configured to send, receive, or both send and receive files to and/or from the remote source. The system further includes a memory device configured to store a second file. The system yet further includes a data processing device coupled to the communications device, the data processing device configured to perform a comparison of the first file of the remote source and the second file of the memory device, wherein the data processing device is further configured to synchronize the file of the remote source and the file of the in-vehicle control system based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel Brzezinski, Michael S. Bahamonde, Todd R. Witkowski, Michael A. Supanich
  • Publication number: 20100060505
    Abstract: A method for configuring a transmitter device to transmit a recognized transmission to a receiving device is provided. The method includes transmitting a first transmission and transmitting a second transmission after the first transmission. The method further includes receiving, during the second transmission, a user input signal from an interface for receiving signals from one or more user interface elements. The method further includes storing an attribute associated with the second transmission in a memory device in response to the user input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Steven L. Geerlings
  • Publication number: 20100007516
    Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Jeremy Bos, Carl L. Shearer, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer, Todd R. Witkowski
  • Publication number: 20090082928
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Publication number: 20080161047
    Abstract: A system for communicating information is described. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to a vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a personal digital assistant (PDA) located external to the transceiver using wireless RF signals to transmit information between the transceiver and the PDA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Todd R. WITKOWSKI, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Patent number: 7349722
    Abstract: A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver using a Bluetooth communications standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra
  • Publication number: 20080068205
    Abstract: A method for training a trainable transmitter in a vehicle that includes receiving a request to enter a training mode of the trainable transmitter from a user, beginning a training mode of the trainable transmitter, receiving a control signal from an original transmitter associated with a remote control system, detecting a frequency and control data of the control signal. The method further includes determining if the control signal is a fixed code signal or a rolling code signal. If the control signal is a fixed code signal, storing the detected frequency and control data. If the control signal is a rolling code signal, comparing the detected control signal frequency to a plurality of predetermined frequencies and based on the comparison, shifting the detected frequency to match one of the predetermined frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Todd R. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 7346374
    Abstract: A system for communicating information is described. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver coupled to a vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a personal digital assistant (PDA) located external to the transceiver using wireless RF signals to transmit information between the transceiver and the PDA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra, Robert F. Buege
  • Patent number: 7322117
    Abstract: A method for correcting a vehicle compass measurement for an interfering magnetic field generated by a vehicle accessory, where the interfering magnetic field has an intensity sufficient to cause a compass measurement error, includes monitoring the operation of the vehicle accessory and detecting a characteristic of operation of the vehicle accessory. A measurement or timing signal is then generated based on the characteristic of operation. A magnetic field for direction is measured in response to the measurement signal and an offset or correction value is determined based at least one the measured magnetic field and the characteristic of operation of the vehicle accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Olson, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright
  • Patent number: 7257426
    Abstract: A wireless communications system and method adapted for use in automotive applications for enabling automatic, high-speed, wireless voice and/or data communications link to be established between a wide variety of external devices and various electronic subsystems of a vehicle. The apparatus includes first and second RF transceivers which are operated in accordance with a communications specification to enable a seamless, automatic communications link to be created when the two RF transceivers come within a pre-determined proximity of one another, for example, within up to 100 meters of one another. Information from one device is then automatically transmitted over the wireless communications link to the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Kurt A. Dykema, Steven L. Geerlings, Mark L. Zeinstra