Patents Examined by Daniel J. Wu
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Patent number: 6816078Abstract: A method and a system for estimating electricity consumption of electric appliances and an abnormality alarm system, enabling estimation of individual electricity consumption of electric appliances in operation in a building or the like by a non-intrusive method, and comprising a measuring sensor (11), data extracting means (12), and estimating means (13) such as an LMC. The estimating means (13) learns based on a training set in advance, and is able to estimate individual electricity consumption of electric appliances in operation. Fundamental and higher harmonics of total load current and their phase differences from voltage are obtained by the data extracting means (12) from measurement data VA, VB, IA, IB detected by an instrument transformer (111) and an instrument current transformer (112) provided in the vicinity of a service entrance 6 of a feeder 4 to a user 2. They are inputted to the estimating means (13) as inputs, thereby estimating individual electricity consumption of the electric appliances.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Central Research Institute of Electric Power IndustryInventors: Takashi Onoda, Yukio Nakano, Katsuhisa Yoshimoto
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Patent number: 6816064Abstract: A survival device for use in an emergency situation includes a battery, a lamp, and a detection circuit for detecting an occurrence of the emergency situation and for switching the lamp to be powered by the battery when such an occurrence is detected. In one form, the detection circuit detects a presence of water along a surface of the device, with safety tools for escaping from an submerged vehicle being provided. In another form, the detection circuit detects a failure of electrical service within a building, with safety tools for escaping a fire being provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Inventor: Carmelo C. Ruiz
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Patent number: 6812855Abstract: A self-luminous road sign system comprises a plurality of sensor units 1 . . . 1 each of which is equipped at least with a visibility meter and an illuminance meter, or which may be equipped with an anemovane and a thermometer as well as the visibility meter and the illuminance meter; and an information processing and management department 2 for centralized management of weather information detected by the plural sensor units in order to predict any danger in the road observation area, wherein the output information from the information processing and management department 2 is displayed on road installations 4 . . . 4 connected via a network. Based on the road background brightness obtained by the illuminance meter in the sensor unit, the optimum luminous brightness which provides a predetermined contrast is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Sekisui Jushi Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Terumasa Sudou, Youichirou Hishigaki, Shigeki Kondou, Motonori Ogata, Ryuji Imazu, Masaya Yuasa
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Patent number: 6812828Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a drive motor and a gearbox with a device for automatically actuating a clutch in the drivetrain, and to a control method. According to said method, if the gear ratio is less than a threshold value and the actuation of a driving pedal is not equal to zero and is less than a threshold value, warning measures are initiated to alert the driver to misuse.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Mario Jung
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Patent number: 6812837Abstract: An automatic door system capable of distinguishing between a door closing action for when an object leaves a prescribed area, which results from a “signal discontinuation due to the exit of an object”, and a door closing action for when an object remains stationary within the area for a certain period of time, which results from a “forced signal discontinuation in the presence of a stationary object”. Regarding the latter case, the automatic door system protects a person who stops in the area by setting the door to close at a low speed and/or issuing a vocal warning. The door closing action of the automatic door system can thereby reduce the risk of hitting the person with the door.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akihiro Ikeuchi
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Patent number: 6809633Abstract: A method and system are given for a coupling a data signal over a power distribution system. An inductive signal coupler has two windings. The first winding is in series with a line conductor of the power distribution system. A capacitor is connected between the first line conductor and a second line conductor of the distribution system such that the capacitor presents a high impedance to a power signal and a low impedance to a data signal. A communication device is connected to the second winding so that a data signal can be coupled between the communication device and the distribution system.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Ambient CorporationInventor: Yehuda Cern
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Patent number: 6809648Abstract: An aerial sampler system includes an enclosure, a transfer system, and a measurement system. The enclosure is connected to an external surface of an aerial vehicle and receives atmospheric flow from the external surface of the aerial vehicle. The enclosure also directs at least some of the atmospheric flow into an aperture in the external surface. The transfer system transfers some of the atmospheric flow from the aperture to a measurement system. The measurement system is internal to the external surface of the aerial vehicle and measures atmospheric trace gases in the atmospheric flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: University Corporation for Atmospheric ResearchInventor: Rex J. Fleming
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Patent number: 6809638Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a controller (82) for receiving a control parameter. At least one tire condition sensor (26-32) senses a tire condition and transmits a tire condition signal (34) indicative of the sensed tire condition. A receiver (78) receives the tire condition signal (34) and compares the received tire condition signal (34) to a changeable threshold to output a digital signal indicative of the received tire condition signal (34). The changeable threshold changes at time intervals determined by a time constant of the receiver (78). The time constant of the receiver (78) is variable. The controller (82) is operatively connected to the receiver (78) and varies the time constant of the receiver (78) in response to the received control parameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Xing Ping Lin
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Patent number: 6806811Abstract: A very reliable alarm system is comprised of transceiver node devices interconnected via infrared links forming a secure perimeter, whereby each transceiver node in the perimeter receives an infrared transmission from a previous transceiver node, and itself transmits an infrared signal to the next transceiver node in the perimeter. If a break of an infrared link occurs, such as would happen if an intruder enters the perimeter area, an indication of the break is communicated around to a base unit device either by each subsequent node device inhibiting its infrared transmission, or changing its transmission to that of a special alarm signal. Upon receiving an indication of a perimeter break the base unit device alerts alarm signaling devices such as audible or visual alarm indicators.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Inventor: Blaine C. Readler
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Patent number: 6806809Abstract: A control system for estimating the tongue length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle in connection with a front wheel steering with or without a coordinated rear wheel steering associated with the vehicle. The control signal system employs an algorithm that calculates an estimated hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on an estimated tongue length, a front wheel steering angle, a rear wheel steering angle, a measured hitch angle, vehicle speed and vehicle yaw rate. The estimated hitch angle is compared to the measured hitch angle to generate a hitch angle error that is converted to a tongue length error. The tongue length error is compared to the estimated tongue length to become a corrected estimated tongue length for a next computation period. After a few seconds of processing, the corrected estimated tongue length will be the actual tongue length of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Yong Han Lee, Weiwen Deng
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Patent number: 6798354Abstract: A device for the radio-transmission of a hazard warning to the driver of a motor vehicle includes a data transmission device for transmitting and receiving data. The data transmission device exchanges data with data transmission devices of other motor vehicles, including data to warn other motor vehicles of the hazard, evaluates received data and outputs warning signals to the driver when a hazard is detected. The transmitted data includes information on the position, speed and direction of travel of the transmitting motor vehicle, as well as the type of road on which the transmitting motor vehicle is moving. The information on the position, the type of road and the direction of travel is generated by a navigation system. A warning zone around the current position of the transmitting vehicle is calculated by a computer unit and emitted by means of the data transmission device.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventor: Robert Schuessler
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Patent number: 6798339Abstract: A vehicle security system is for a vehicle having a door lock circuit including a door lock switch, and a door lock controller responsive to the door lock switch. The security system includes a security controller for operating the door lock controller, and a multi-vehicle compatible interface module for interfacing to the door lock circuit of a given vehicle from among a plurality of different vehicles. In particular, the vehicle may include a single-wire door lock circuit having at least one of a lock resistance and an unlock resistance associated with a door switch. The multi-vehicle compatible interface module may include a circuit board carrying at least one variable resistor that is settable to match the lock/unlock resistance and thereby permit the security controller to operate the door lock controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael Stephen Thompson
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Patent number: 6798345Abstract: An administrative system provided with surveillance equipment, which is arranged in a plurality of locations on a patrol surveillance route, for (1) reading identification information stored in an information storage medium carried by surveillance staff, and (2) transmitting the identification information. The system is also provided with management devices for (1) receiving the identification information transmitted by the surveillance equipment and (2) storing the identification information in relation to identification information that identifies the surveillance equipment.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Allied Telesis K.K.Inventor: Kazuhiko Satoh
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Patent number: 6794991Abstract: A monitoring system includes a master station and a plurality of monitor stations which are spaced from the master station. Each of the monitor stations includes a programmable computer which is connected with a radio and a sensor. The computer and radio may be enclosed in an explosion-proof housing. To change a program in the computer at a monitor station, the program change may be transmitted from the master station to the monitor station. In addition, data relating to a condition to be sensed may be transmitted from the master station to the monitor station.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Gastronics′ Inc.Inventor: Cornelius P. Dungan
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Patent number: 6791454Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable (K1, K2) which has integrated identification transmitters (KG1-KG5) for cable-specific data. This data can be checked by using wires or without wires. In this way, for example, extensive details relating to the cable (K1, K2) and the wiring of the cable (K1, K2) can be provided by electrical means to a fitter at any time.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Mangold, Kurt Sellner
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Patent number: 6791460Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient comprises a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a patient position detection system including an alarm and at least one sensor configured to detect a position of the patient relative to the mattress. The patient position detection system has at least three different modes of operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Stephen A. Dixon, Douglas J. Menkedick, William L. Jacques, James W. Jones, James K. Findlay, Carl W. Riley
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Patent number: 6788208Abstract: A method and a fire-alarm system controls stationary fire-extinguishing systems. The fire-alarm devices of the fire-alarm system are equipped with one or more detectors. If at least one pre-adjustable alarm threshold of a fire identification characteristic is reached, the fire-extinguishing device is activated and the fire detectors are selectively switched to a higher stage of sensitivity. The detectors to be switched are locally selected depending on the actual development of the fire in terms of space. The dynamic adaptation of the sensitivity of the detectors to the development of a fire permits analyzing the development of the fire through the generated smoke, water vapor or extinguishing-water mist, and to influence the fire-extinction process in a targeted manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Minimax GmbHInventor: Hauke Dittmer
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Patent number: 6788201Abstract: A motion sensitive device for causing an electronic signal to be sent to one or more output devices, comprising a printed circuit board, a battery connected to the printed circuit board, electrical circuitry connected to the printed circuit board, a motion sensitive switch connected to the printed circuit board, electrical output devices such as light emitting diodes connected to the printed circuit board and electrical circuits all providing means whereby the motion sensitive switch causes a signal to be transmitted to the output device when movement is sensed by the switch. The device is small enough to be used in wearing apparel and can provide safety vis-à-vis increased visibility for the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Skechers U.S.A., Inc. IIInventors: Wen-Hsien Chen, Grant Tsao, Alex Kotoff
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Patent number: 6788188Abstract: A multi-function electronic warning horn system comprises a couple of horns (1, 2) and a microprocessor (6), integrated in an electronic module (16) comprising a voltage adjuster (13), an oscillator (17), power stages (3, 4) and a control circuit (7). Horns (1, 2) are controlled by either the push-button (5) of the steering wheel for the traditional function of acoustic signaling or by a coded signal transmitted to microprocessor (6) by the “intelligent” electronic unit or onboard computer of the vehicle for the function of buzzer.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Fabbrica Italiana Accumulatori MotocarriInventor: Alain Sague
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Patent number: RE38584Abstract: A meteorological information system useable by aircraft pilots and others. A receiver-calculator unit receives raw meteorological data and site-specific physical data from a ground-based weather station having a signal transmitter for broadcasting signals conveying data about weather conditions at the station. The transmitted raw data signals are received by the receiver-calculator unit in the aircraft. The receiver-calculator unit may feature an input with which the operator inputs information about the physical character, such as the heading, of the runway of interest. The receiver-calculator unit processes both received raw weather data and received site-specific physical data, and/or operator-input data, to derive additional meteorological information. The raw and derived weather conditions information is displayed by the unit to be available to the aircraft pilot during landing or take-off maneuvers.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Belfort Instrument, Inc.Inventor: Bruce R. Robinson