Patents by Inventor William T. Stoner, Jr.

William T. Stoner, Jr. 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: 8866495
    Abstract: The specification discloses a simple and effective system for tracking position and rotation of an object or portable device located within an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be produced by a primary coil, which inductively couples with one or more secondary coils located within a portable device. The relative strength of this inductive coupling may be used to determine the position, rotation, or both of the portable device relative to the primary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua K. Schwannecke, William T. Stoner, Jr., Scott A. Gauche, Ryan Joseph Nussbaum, Nicholas J. VanderStel, Jeffrey Lee VanOss
  • Patent number: 8692639
    Abstract: A flux concentrator and method for manufacturing a flux concentrator is provided. The method can include combining powdered soft magnetic material, a binder, a solvent, a internal lubricant; mixing the materials to create a mixture, evaporating the solvent from the mixture, molding the mixture to form a flux concentrator, and curing the flux concentrator. The flux concentrator may be laminated and broken into multiple pieces, which makes the flux concentrator more flexible. Breaking the flux concentrator does not significantly affect the magnetic properties. Since the permeability of the binder is very similar to that of air, adding tiny air gaps between the fractions is not significantly different than adding more binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Roy M. Taylor, Jr., Matthew J. Norconk, William T. Stoner, Jr., Kaitlyn J. Turner, Thomas J. Berwald, Michael E. Miles
  • Publication number: 20140045405
    Abstract: An inductively powered vehicle and an inductive charging segment. The vehicle may include a secondary coil, a drive motor, an electrical power storage device connected between said secondary coil and said drive motor, and a wireless communications unit. The charging segment may include a primary coil, a sense circuit operable to detect the presence of the vehicle based on a change in the detected impedance of the primary coil, and a power control unit operable to provide a time-varying current to the primary coil when the vehicle traverses the charging segment. The primary coil is positioned adjacent a track upper surface. The vehicle drive motor may be operable at first and second speed settings, and a remote control device can provide operating instructions to the vehicle wireless communications unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Richard B. Bylsma, Hai D. Nguyen, Joshua B. Taylor, William T. Stoner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140035387
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a universal power supply for wired and wireless electronic devices. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a universal power supply that is reconfigurable to provide a wide range of power supply options.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, JR., Hai D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8598721
    Abstract: Seating systems in which energy is harvested from the physical movement of the seat. The seating system includes a seating article, an electrical generator, a drive mechanism, and a battery. The generator, the drive mechanism, and the battery are supported on the seating article. The generator is powered by the drive mechanism in response to movement of the user. For example, the drive mechanism may be responsive to the vertical movements of a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, Jr., David B. Fry
  • Patent number: 8558411
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a universal power supply for wired and wireless electronic devices. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a universal power supply that is reconfigurable to provide a wide range of power supply options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, Jr., Hai D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8545284
    Abstract: An inductively powered toy vehicle and an associated track with inductive charging segment. The vehicle may include a secondary coil, a drive motor, an electrical power storage device connected between said secondary coil and said drive motor, and a wireless communications unit. The charging segment may include a primary coil, a sense circuit operable to detect the presence of the vehicle based on a change in the detected impedance of the primary coil, and a power control unit operable to provide a time-varying current to the primary coil when the vehicle traverses the charging segment. The primary coil is positioned within the race track adjacent the track upper surface. The vehicle drive motor may be operable at first and second speed settings, and a remote control device can provide operating instructions to the vehicle wireless communications unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Richard B. Bylsma, Hai D. Nguyen, Joshua B. Taylor, William T. Stoner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8373310
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply having a plunger for mechanically interconnecting a remote device with the power supply. The plunger may be extendable/retractable to interfit with the remote device. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply with a movable primary that allows for close alignment between the primary and the secondary when the remote device is disposed within a range of different positions with respect to the charging surface. The movable primary may, for example, be coupled to the remote device by a peg, a plunger or a magnet. Alternatively, the position of the movable primary may be adjusted manually. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a charging bowl having a plurality of charging stations disposed about a common axis. Each charging station may include a movable primary that permits some freedom in positioning of the remote device on the charging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, Jr., Matthew J. Norconk, Colin J. Moore, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Thomas Jay Leppien, Richard J. Weber, Ryan D. Schamper
  • Publication number: 20120145618
    Abstract: A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a primary disinfection system and a residual disinfection system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The residual disinfectant may be administered to the water at a level below the taste threshold to prevent backgrowth of bacteria while leaving the taste of the water unaffected. The portable water treatment system may be designed to dispense water at a high-flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Kenneth E. Conrad, William T. Stoner, JR., Terry L. Lautzenheiser
  • Publication number: 20120112553
    Abstract: A wireless power system that may align a portable electronic device with an inductive wireless power supply. The induction coils used for transferring power wirelessly may be used as DC electromagnets to align the portable electronic device with the inductive wireless power supply. A DC current may be supplied to the primary coil and to the secondary coil to generate DC electromagnetic fields and attractive force between the primary and secondary coils. This attractive force may be used for alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: William T. Stoner, JR., Colin J. Moore, Benjamin C. Moes, Joshua K. Schwannecke, David W. Baarman, Richard J. Weber, Ryan D. Schamper
  • Publication number: 20120112552
    Abstract: A selectively controllable electromagnetic shield having an electromagnetic shielding material and a mechanism for selectively generating an aperture in the shield. The mechanism for selectively generating an aperture may be a magnetic field source that generates a magnetic field of sufficient strength to substantially saturate all or a portion of the shielding material. For example, a permanent magnet or DC electromagnet may be used to selectively saturate the shield. In its un-saturated state, the magnetic shield has a high permeability and functions as a flux path for the magnetic field. Once saturated, the permeability of the shield is substantially reduced so that the magnetic field lines are no longer drawn into the shield to the same degree. As a result, once saturated, a substantially greater amount of the electromagnetic field may flow through or around the shield in the saturated region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, JR., Joshua K. Schwannecke, Kaitlyn J. Turner, Benjamin C. Moes
  • Publication number: 20120049991
    Abstract: A wireless power supply includes a multi-layer shim assembly. Each shim aids in alignment of coils and routing of conductors in a multi-layer coil array. A shield or PCB can be used as part of the multi-layer shim assembly. Wires can be routed through channels to the edge of the shim assembly or wires can protrude through a portion of the multi-layer shim assembly. Traces can be used to route current through the multi-layer shim assembly. Plastic shims can be created by over-molding coils with plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, JR., Benjamin C. Moes, Joseph C. Van Den Brink, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven
  • Publication number: 20120000903
    Abstract: An inductively powered cooking appliance and an associated wireless power supply for producing an electromagnetic field. The cooking appliance may include a secondary and a metal portion where the wireless power supply is capable of providing power to both. The cooking appliance may communicate with the wireless power supply to control the temperature of the metal portion and the amount of power transferred to the secondary. A smart handle connected to the secondary may be capable of performing various functions. The smart handle may also be capable of displaying and monitoring temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua B. Taylor, Scott A. Mollema, William T. Stoner, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120001644
    Abstract: The specification discloses a simple and effective system for tracking position and rotation of an object or portable device located within an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be produced by a primary coil, which inductively couples with one or more secondary coils located within a portable device. The relative strength of this inductive coupling may be used to determine the position, rotation, or both of the portable device relative to the primary coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua K. Schwannecke, William T. Stoner, JR., Scott A. Gauche, Ryan Joseph Nussbaum, Nicholas J. VanderStel, Jeffrey Lee VanOss
  • Publication number: 20110303589
    Abstract: A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a flocculation system, a chlorination system, and a bio-sand filter system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The sand filter system may include a mini bio-sand filter, a foam filter, or a pressed block filter. The flocculation system may include a tank bottom that urges settling particles toward a sump and a ladle that removes settled particles. A manual pump or siphon may be included in the water treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Roy M. Taylor, JR., William T. Stoner, JR., Kenneth E. Conrad, Karen J. VanderKooi, Brian S. Beals, Ryan D. Schamper
  • Publication number: 20110297844
    Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly for a fluid treatment system. The lamp assembly can include an inductive secondary, first and second electrodes coupled to the inductive secondary, and a lamp including a dielectric barrier interposed between the first and second electrodes. The dielectric barrier can define a discharge chamber including a discharge gas, and one of the first and second electrodes can extend within the discharge chamber. The inductive secondary can be adapted to receive power from a nearby inductive primary to promote a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge chamber. The resulting dielectric barrier discharge can generate ultraviolet light for the treatment of air or water, or for other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Karlis Vecziedins, Michael E. Miles, Joshua K. Schwannecke, David A. Meekhof, Donovan L. Squires, William T. Stoner, JR., Matthew J. Norconk, Richard B. Bylsma, Matthew J. Lilley
  • Publication number: 20110259953
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the identification, powering and control of products and product packaging. The systems can include a point of sale display having a contactless power supply. The contactless power supply can provide a source of wireless power for products and product packaging. The products and product packaging can include light emitting diodes, e-ink displays and printed speaker circuits that activate as the operating frequency of the contactless power supply varies. Other embodiments include product level sensors, inductive reader networks, printed temperature sensors, product alignment systems, passive identification circuits and methods for controlling operation of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, William T. Stoner, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110260469
    Abstract: Seating systems in which energy is harvested from the physical movement of the seat. The seating system includes a seating article, an electrical generator, a drive mechanism, and a battery. The generator, the drive mechanism, and the battery are supported on the seating article. The generator is powered by the drive mechanism in response to movement of the user. For example, the drive mechanism may be responsive to the vertical movements of a seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, JR., David B. Fry
  • Publication number: 20110259960
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the identification, powering and control of products and product packaging. The systems can include a point of sale display having a contactless power supply. The contactless power supply can provide a source of wireless power for products and product packaging. The products and product packaging can include light emitting diodes, e-ink displays and printed speaker circuits that activate as the operating frequency of the contactless power supply varies. Other embodiments include product level sensors, inductive reader networks, printed temperature sensors, product alignment systems, passive identification circuits and methods for controlling operation of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, William T. Stoner, JR., Cody D. Dean
  • Publication number: 20110181240
    Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle that assists in aligning a primary charging coil and a secondary coil. The system may include a wheel chock that raises the primary coil into alignment with the secondary coil when a tire enters the wheel chock. The system may include a primary that is recessed below the surface supporting the vehicle and is protected by a cover. The secondary coil may be protected and supported by a skid plate mounted to the vehicle. The system may include a charging circuit that is controlled by signals transmitted by a garage door opener transmitter or a garage door opener. The system may include sensors that detect the presence of an animal or object in the space between the primary coil and the secondary coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Sean T. Eurich, William T. Stoner, JR., Joshua B. Taylor, Richard J. Weber, John J. Lord, Wesley J. Bachman, Kristen J. Zellers, Shawn C. Lord