Patents by Inventor Todd Zimmerman

Todd Zimmerman 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: 11950754
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base defining a suction chamber, a user-manipulatable handle coupled to the base, a brushroll driven by a brushroll motor, a transmitter and a receiver both of which are in wireless communication with a user-controlled electronic device, and a controller in communication with the transmitter and the receiver. The controller controls the brushroll motor in a default mode wherein the brushroll is configured to run at a first percent of power on a first floor surface and a second percent of power on a second floor surface. The controller receives a communication from the user-controlled electronic device via the receiver and configured to cause the controller to turn off the default mode and run the brushroll at a third percent of power at both the first floor surface and the second floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Truitt, Todd Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20230400163
    Abstract: A recessed light fixture includes a first light source that emits a first light, a second light source that emits a second light and a reflector positioned to reflect at least a portion of the first light. The recessed light fixture further includes a lightguide trim positioned around at least a portion of the reflector. The second light source is positioned to emit the second light toward a narrow edge of the lightguide trim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: JYOTI KUMAR, JACOB TODD ZIMMERMAN, YING CHEN
  • Publication number: 20230113195
    Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner is provided having a suction source, a dirt collector, a floor sensor, a primary brush, and an auxiliary brush. The floor sensor includes an emitter and a detector having an intersecting region. The auxiliary brush includes microfiber fingers that are spaced around a perimeter of the brush, or the auxiliary brush includes a pad having apertures, the apertures allow the emitter and detector to sense whether a floor surface is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin L. Thomas, David Khalil, James Materdo, Todd Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20230054401
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base defining a suction chamber, a user-manipulatable handle coupled to the base, a brushroll driven by a brushroll motor, a transmitter and a receiver both of which are in wireless communication with a user-controlled electronic device, and a controller in communication with the transmitter and the receiver. The controller controls the brushroll motor in a default mode wherein the brushroll is configured to run at a first percent of power on a first floor surface and a second percent of power on a second floor surface. The controller receives a communication from the user-controlled electronic device via the receiver and configured to cause the controller to turn off the default mode and run the brushroll at a third percent of power at both the first floor surface and the second floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Patrick Truitt, Todd Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11541473
    Abstract: Cutting torch guide structures, systems, and kits include a base structure having a bottom surface and a channel formed in the base structure, a mechanically switched permanent magnet coupled to the base structure and configured to mechanically switch between two magnetic states, and a cutting torch guide structure configured to be releasably received in the channel and magnetically coupled to the base structure by magnetic attraction between a at least one permanent magnet fixed in at least one recess in the channel and a guide structure permanent magnet fixed to the cutting torch guide structure, where the cutting torch guide structure is configured with a first portion that is removable received in the channel of the base structure and a second portion that overhangs the base structure and includes an edge that defines a predefined shape and is configured to be in slidable contact with a cutting torch tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventors: Todd Zimmerman, Dennis J. Cory
  • Patent number: 11503972
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base defining a suction chamber, a brushroll driven by a brushroll motor, a transmitter and a receiver both of which are in wireless communication with a user-controlled electronic device, and a controller in communication with the transmitter, the receiver, the brushroll sensor, and the floor sensor. The controller controls the brushroll motor. The controlling the brushroll motor includes controlling the brushroll motor to a first value or a second value based on a user selected factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Truitt, Todd Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11471017
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base defining a suction chamber, a brushroll driven by a brushroll motor, a transmitter and a receiver both of which are in wireless communication with a user-controlled electronic device, and a controller in communication with the transmitter, the receiver, the brushroll sensor, and the floor sensor. The controller controls the brushroll motor. The controlling the brushroll motor includes controlling the brushroll motor to a first value or a second value based on a user selected factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Truitt, Todd Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10968072
    Abstract: The automatic diving tending system (ADTS) includes a buoyant sealed torsional apparatus having a plate with a perimeter seal to which is affixed a cover with a perimeter flange forming a dry buoyant cavity. On the plate is mounted a bridge supporting a drive shaft, a locking mechanism, a constant torque spring motor, and an overdrive transmission linkage. A tether spool apparatus is mounted on the exterior bottom side of the plate. It includes a frame with a guide, a spool, and coaxial connecting structure that connects to the drive shaft. A line wound on the spool that is pulled off tightens the spring motor, enabling the full length of the line to be rewound back onto the spool and to be stopped at any time by a diver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Zachary Vardian, Todd Zimmerman, Ramon M. Colon Montes, Aaron O'Toole
  • Publication number: 20200406384
    Abstract: Cutting torch guide structures, systems, and kits include a base structure having a bottom surface and a channel formed in the base structure, a mechanically switched permanent magnet coupled to the base structure and configured to mechanically switch between two magnetic states, and a cutting torch guide structure configured to be releasably received in the channel and magnetically coupled to the base structure by magnetic attraction between a at least one permanent magnet fixed in at least one recess in the channel and a guide structure permanent magnet fixed to the cutting torch guide structure, where the cutting torch guide structure is configured with a first portion that is removable received in the channel of the base structure and a second portion that overhangs the base structure and includes an edge that defines a predefined shape and is configured to be in slidable contact with a cutting torch tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Todd ZIMMERMAN, Dennis J. CORY
  • Publication number: 20200060487
    Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner is provided having a suction source, a dirt collector, a floor sensor, a primary brush, and an auxiliary brush. The floor sensor includes an emitter and a detector having an intersecting region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin L. Thomas, David Khalil, James Materdo, Todd Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20190387942
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base defining a suction chamber, a brushroll driven by a brushroll motor, a transmitter and a receiver both of which are in wireless communication with a user-controlled electronic device, and a controller in communication with the transmitter, the receiver, the brushroll sensor, and the floor sensor. The controller controls the brushroll motor. The controlling the brushroll motor includes controlling the brushroll motor to a first value or a second value based on a user selected factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick Truitt, Todd Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10237996
    Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED
    Inventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
  • Publication number: 20190063735
    Abstract: A light directing apparatus is disclosed. The light directing apparatus including a light mounting fixture, a ball joint including a ball stud having a round head on a first end and a stud shaft on a second end in which the stud shaft mounted to the light mounting fixture and a magnetic housing magnetically coupling the ball joint and the magnetic housing by a magnetic force of the magnetic housing such that the magnetic housing has a concave mount surface to accommodate the round head of the ball joint therein allowing the ball joint to move freely within the concave opening such that the light mounting fixture is rotatable in a 360 degree range around the ball joint and movable 180 degrees in a latitudinal and a longitudinal direction. The light directing apparatus further includes a moveable arm affixed to the magnetic housing by a sleeve mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventor: Todd Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10215386
    Abstract: A light directing apparatus is disclosed. The light directing apparatus including a light mounting fixture, a ball joint including a ball stud having a round head on a first end and a stud shaft on a second end in which the stud shaft mounted to the light mounting fixture and a magnetic housing magnetically coupling the ball joint and the magnetic housing by a magnetic force of the magnetic housing such that the magnetic housing has a concave mount surface to accommodate the round head of the ball joint therein allowing the ball joint to move freely within the concave opening such that the light mounting fixture is rotatable in a 360 degree range around the ball joint and movable 180 degrees in a latitudinal and a longitudinal direction. The light directing apparatus further includes a moveable arm affixed to the magnetic housing by a sleeve mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Todd Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20180263129
    Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
  • Patent number: 10015898
    Abstract: A modular garage door opener system and method including a garage door opener having a motor that is configured to be coupled to a garage door to open and close the garage door. The garage door opener includes a first accessory port including a first accessory mounting interface and a second accessory port disposed on the garage door opener including a second accessory mounting interface. An accessory device including a first mounting interface engages the first accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the first accessory port. The accessory device may be disengaged from the first accessory mounting interface and then engage the second accessory mounting interface to couple the accessory device to the second accessory port. Additionally, a second accessory device may engage the first accessory port after disengagement of the accessory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED
    Inventors: J. Porter Whitmire, Todd Zimmerman, Mark Huggins, Michael Preus, Parke Pleasants, J. Luke Jenkins, Robert E. McCracken, Kenneth M. Brazell, Taku Ohi, C. Eric Lagman
  • Patent number: 9868143
    Abstract: A paintless dent removal (PDR) tool includes a detachable head, tubing assembly and handle. The tubing assembly includes a plurality of tubing segments having different lengths that are detachable and interchangeable. The length of the tubing assembly may be adjusted by attaching together one or more of the tubing segments having different lengths. One or more different types of heads may be attached to the tubing assembly depending on the type of dent to be repaired. One type of head includes a t-bar with two ends, each end configured for attachment to one of a plurality of different types of tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Todd Zimmerman
  • Patent number: D822704
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ADP, LLC
    Inventors: John Christiana, Jennifer Anne Herman, Todd Zimmerman, Wayne C. Lincoln, Jr., Dominic Gadoury, Dan Kirschbaum, Cynthea Ryder, Leesa Walker, Tricia Squitieri, Shreya Shah
  • Patent number: D883770
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Todd Zimmerman
  • Patent number: RE49436
    Abstract: A light directing apparatus is disclosed. The light directing apparatus including a light mounting fixture, a ball joint including a ball stud having a round head on a first end and a stud shaft on a second end in which the stud shaft mounted to the light mounting fixture and a magnetic housing magnetically coupling the ball joint and the magnetic housing by a magnetic force of the magnetic housing such that the magnetic housing has a concave mount surface to accommodate the round head of the ball joint therein allowing the ball joint to move freely within the concave opening such that the light mounting fixture is rotatable in a 360 degree range around the ball joint and movable 180 degrees in a latitudinal and a longitudinal direction. The light directing apparatus further includes a moveable arm affixed to the magnetic housing by a sleeve mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Todd Zimmerman