Patents by Inventor William B. Howell
William B. Howell 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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Publication number: 20250218436Abstract: A head worn device configured to be worn by a user is provided. The head worn device includes at least one microphone and processing circuitry configured to receive an audio signal detected by the at least one microphone, wherein the audio signal represents the user's speech. The processing circuitry is configured to evaluate the received audio signal and determine at least one intent based on the received audio signal. The evaluating and determining are performed by the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform at least one action based on the determined intent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2023Publication date: July 3, 2025Inventors: William B. Howell, Darin K. Thompson, Richard J. Sabacinski, Traian Morar
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Publication number: 20250209680Abstract: An imaging unit is described. The imaging unit includes processing circuitry configured to determine an edge overlay including at least one detected edge of at least one object having at least one object edge. Composite image is determined. The composite image includes at least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being configurable to show a base image including the at least one object. The second layer being configurable to show the determined edge overlay. In addition, the at least one detected edge is laid over the at least one object edge of the at least one object.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2023Publication date: June 26, 2025Inventors: Traian Morar, William B. Howell, Darin K. Thompson, Richard J. Sabacinski
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Publication number: 20250104545Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to removably engage an input port of an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range, and wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal in response to the sensor being removed from the input port of the item of merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20250095461Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2024Publication date: March 20, 2025Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20250030492Abstract: An article of personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a plurality of communication circuits corresponding to a plurality of communication channels, and a controller communicably coupled to the communication circuits. The controller is configured to receive data signals. The controller is further configured to determine a signal strength of the communication channels and generate available connections data for the communication channels. The controller is further configured to determine corresponding data types of the data signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2022Publication date: January 23, 2025Inventors: Adam R. Krause, Darin K. Thompson, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20250007298Abstract: The present disclosure provides a charging system. The charging system includes a first device. The first device includes a first power interface. The first device further includes a first communication module. The first communication module includes at least one first transceiver. The first device further includes a second communication module. The second communication module includes at least one second transceiver. The first device further includes an intrinsic barrier disposed between and physically separating the first communication module from the second communication module. The first communication module and the second communication module are configured to wirelessly exchange data signals therebetween. The charging system further includes a second device including a second power interface. The first power interface and the second power interface are configured to be electrically connected to each other to transfer electrical power between the first and second devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2022Publication date: January 2, 2025Inventors: Darin K. Thompson, William B. Howell, David A. Amero, Ivan M. Delamer
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Patent number: 12165483Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to removably engage an input port of an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range, and wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal in response to the sensor being removed from the input port of the item of merchandise.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2023Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Patent number: 12159517Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2023Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20240185703Abstract: A communications system for emergency personnel comprising a plurality of beacons disposed in a building or large structure, wherein each beacon is placed in a location such that it can communicate with at least its next nearest beacon when activated and/or nearby emergency personnel. Each beacon comprises a low power consumption PCBA, a battery, and a housing. Each beacon is installed in the building or large structure prior to a disaster incident or emergency event.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2023Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: Darin K. Thompson, Longin J. Kloc, Traian Morar, William B. Howell, Richard J. Sabacinski, Dana C. DeMeo, Brian C. Myers
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Publication number: 20230394937Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20230306829Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to removably engage an input port of an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range, and wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal in response to the sensor being removed from the input port of the item of merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Patent number: 11749076Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: In Vue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Patent number: 11694527Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to removably engage an input port of an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range, and wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal in response to the sensor being removed from the input port of the item of merchandise.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20220270452Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20210027588Abstract: A merchandise security device for securing items of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device may include a printed circuit board and a base containing the printed circuit board. The security device may include a sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board and configured to engage a support surface for detecting unauthorized removal of the base from the support surface. The security device may also include a tether configured to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise, and a spool rotatably disposed within the base for winding and unwinding the tether, wherein the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The printed circuit board is coupled to the spool such that the printed circuit board is configured to rotate relative to the base when the tether is extended and retracted, and the sensor is configured to remain stationary when the tether is extended and retracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2020Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Robert Bisesti, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20200258359Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20200083651Abstract: In one example, a connector for providing security to an article of merchandise is provided, wherein the article of merchandise includes an input port and internal circuitry. The connector includes a connection portion configured to releasably engage the input port of the article of merchandise. The connector also includes a conductive shield and at least one pair of ground conductors. At least one of the ground conductors is configured to electrically connect to the conductive shield to define a sense loop when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise. Interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2018Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: William B. Howell, Darin J. Shaw, Jonathon D. Phillips, Eric Brutke
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Publication number: 20200082687Abstract: A merchandise security device for securing items of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device may include a printed circuit board and a base containing the printed circuit board. The security device may include a sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board and configured to engage a support surface for detecting unauthorized removal of the base from the support surface. The security device may also include a tether configured to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise, and a spool rotatably disposed within the base for winding and unwinding the tether, wherein the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The printed circuit board is coupled to the spool such that the printed circuit board is configured to rotate relative to the base when the tether is extended and retracted, and the sensor is configured to remain stationary when the tether is extended and retracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Robert Bisesti, William B. Howell
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Publication number: 20200082686Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to removably engage an input port of an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range, and wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal in response to the sensor being removed from the input port of the item of merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
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Patent number: 10482735Abstract: A merchandise security device for securing items of merchandise from theft is provided. The merchandise security device may include a printed circuit board and a base containing the printed circuit board. The security device may include a sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board and configured to engage a support surface for detecting unauthorized removal of the base from the support surface. The security device may also include a tether configured to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise, and a spool rotatably disposed within the base for winding and unwinding the tether, wherein the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base. The printed circuit board is coupled to the spool such that the printed circuit board is configured to rotate relative to the base when the tether is extended and retracted, and the sensor is configured to remain stationary when the tether is extended and retracted.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: Robert Bisesti, William B. Howell