Patents by Inventor William T. Stoner
William T. Stoner 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: 9027840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, William T. Stoner, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150069967Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: David W. Baarman, Sean T. Eurich, William T. Stoner, Joshua B. Taylor, Richard J. Weber
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Patent number: 8937454Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8912686Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: William T. Stoner, Jr., Colin J. Moore, Benjamin C. Moes, Joshua K. Schwannecke, David W. Baarman, Richard J. Weber, Ryan D. Schamper
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Patent number: 8893977Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, William T. Stoner, Jr., Cody D. Dean
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Patent number: 8890369Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8866495Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua K. Schwannecke, William T. Stoner, Jr., Scott A. Gauche, Ryan Joseph Nussbaum, Nicholas J. VanderStel, Jeffrey Lee VanOss
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Patent number: 8692639Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20140045405Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Richard B. Bylsma, Hai D. Nguyen, Joshua B. Taylor, William T. Stoner, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140035387Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, JR., Hai D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8598721Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, Jr., David B. Fry
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Patent number: 8558411Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, Jr., Hai D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8545284Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Richard B. Bylsma, Hai D. Nguyen, Joshua B. Taylor, William T. Stoner, Jr.
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Patent number: 8373310Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20120145618Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Kenneth E. Conrad, William T. Stoner, JR., Terry L. Lautzenheiser
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Publication number: 20120112553Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: William T. Stoner, JR., Colin J. Moore, Benjamin C. Moes, Joshua K. Schwannecke, David W. Baarman, Richard J. Weber, Ryan D. Schamper
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Publication number: 20120112552Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, JR., Joshua K. Schwannecke, Kaitlyn J. Turner, Benjamin C. Moes
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Publication number: 20120049991Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, William T. Stoner, JR., Benjamin C. Moes, Joseph C. Van Den Brink, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Neil W. Kuyvenhoven
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Publication number: 20120000903Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua B. Taylor, Scott A. Mollema, William T. Stoner, JR.
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Publication number: 20120001644Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Joshua K. Schwannecke, William T. Stoner, JR., Scott A. Gauche, Ryan Joseph Nussbaum, Nicholas J. VanderStel, Jeffrey Lee VanOss