Patents Examined by Edward Cosimano
  • Patent number: 9874457
    Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating lifestyle metrics with a wearable electronic device are disclosed herein. One disclosed system may include the wearable electronic device comprising a processor and a sensor system providing inputs to the processor. The sensor system may include a high power sensor and a low power sensor. The processor may operate in a high power mode in which both sensors are operational and a low power mode in which the high power sensor is not operational. In the high power mode, the processor may compute a lifestyle metric about a user for a first time period based on first data from the high power sensor. In the low power mode, the processor may compute the lifestyle metric for a second time period based on second data from the low power sensor and the first data and/or a derivative of the first data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Han Yee Mimi Fung, Haithem Albadawi
  • Patent number: 9846191
    Abstract: Integrated circuit systems, such as sensor systems, having on-board-diagnostic (OBD) circuits for the detection of errors presenting internal to the systems are disclosed, along with related methods. In one embodiment, an ADC multiplexer receives analog output readback from an output driver and provides a signal triggering an OBD circuit for internal error indication performed completely independent of digital-to-analog converters (DAC) and output drivers, which can be the point of failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Granig, Harald Witschnig, Andrea Morici
  • Patent number: 9847558
    Abstract: The disclosed battery system comprises a three-electrode metal-ion battery configured with voltage meters connected between anode and cathode, between anode and a reference electrode, and between cathode and the reference electrode; a current source connecting the anode and cathode; and a programmable computer. The system is configured to control the current source to drive the battery with a current cycling profile, and to measure current signals between anode and cathode, and voltage signals derived from the voltage meters. An impulse response is then calculated for each of the anode and cathode, to dynamically estimate open-circuit potential and impedance of each of the anode and cathode. Battery aging, battery capacity fading, and other diagnostics are provided in real time. This invention can characterize each individual electrode of a battery, even when the battery is cycling away from equilibrium states, which is important for electric vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Shuoqin Wang, John Wang, Souren Soukiazian, Elena Sherman
  • Patent number: 9819754
    Abstract: Methods, devices and system are provided. One method includes capturing activity data associated with activity of a user via a device. The activity data is captured over time, and the activity data is quantifiable by a plurality of metrics. The method includes storing the activity data in storage of the device and, from time to time, connecting the device with a computing device over a wireless communication link. The method defines using a first transfer rate for transferring activity data captured and stored over a period of time. The first transfer rate is used following startup of an activity tracking application on the computing device The method also defines using a second transfer rate for transferring activity data from the device to the computing device for display of the activity data in substantial-real time on the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: James Park, Barry Burton, Heiko Panther, Eric Friedman
  • Patent number: 9752913
    Abstract: A method for determining the empty state of an IV bottle is provided in an IV infusion monitoring device or in a networking monitoring system, which is cable to monitor the infusion data during whole infusion process. The infusion data includes the weight of remaining medical liquid in the IV bottle, the infusion rate and the remaining time from completion as well as the empty state. It also gives alarm as the measured gross weight of the IV bottle drops to the empty state. The empty state is determined preferably in terms of necking effect and needle tip effect, or their combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Jun Feng, Xueming Miao
  • Patent number: 9733112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating an ultrasonic flow meter by digitally sampling received signals. Acoustic wave packets are transmitted through a measuring distance in opposite directions, and the received signals are digitized at a sampling frequency being below the Nyquist-limit of two times the signal frequency of the wave packet to generate digitized under-sampled signals 31. From the digitized under-sampled signals, the difference in propagation time along the measuring distance is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Kamstrup A/S
    Inventors: Jens Lykke Sørensen, Paul Martin Bendixen
  • Patent number: 9668675
    Abstract: A sensing device including a sensor, a triggering mechanism is provided. The sensing device is attachable to a covering positioned in contact with a body such that the triggering mechanism extends between first and second segments of the body. Movement of at least one of the first and second segments activates the triggering mechanism to provide an input to the sensor, actuating the sensor to generate an output defining at least one measurement of the movement. The measurement may be one or more of rotation, translation, velocity, acceleration, and joint angle. An intermediate mechanism may be interposed between the triggering mechanism and the sensor. The sensing device may include a means to process or record measurements corresponding to movement. A system and method of measuring the movement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas J. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 9649165
    Abstract: A medical device identifier can identify an implanted medical device. In one example arrangement, the medical device identifier sends electromagnetic signals to the implanted device according to one or more stored digitized waveforms. The device then senses any returned electromagnetic signals, and identifies the implanted device based on the returned electromagnetic signals. The medical device identifier may generate the electromagnetic signals from the stored digitized waveforms using an analog-to-digital converter, and may compare the returned electromagnetic signals with one or more stored digital templates corresponding to different device manufacturers. The comparison may be performed using cross correlation. In another aspect, a portal device includes an identification subsystem for identifying the provider of a medical device, and a communication subsystem for establishing two-way communication a call center servicing medical devices from an identified provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignees: Cardiac Innovation, LLC, Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System
    Inventors: Rodney P. Horton, John Anthony Pearce, Jonathan Walker Valvano
  • Patent number: 9625612
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying prominent landmarks in a geographic area are provided. More particularly, geographic imagery data, such as panoramic images captured by a camera from a perspective at or near ground level, can be analyzed to identify landmarks depicted in the geographic imagery data. For instance, structure-from-motion techniques can be used to generate a point cloud of tracked features that are located a threshold distance away from one or more camera perspectives associated with the geographic imagery data. Landmarks that are visible from multiple camera perspectives and that are visible from greater distances relative to one or more camera perspectives can be identified as prominent landmarks in a geographic area. A geographic information system can use the prominent landmarks for a variety of purposes, such as for use in providing travel directions, for rendering landmarks in an emphasized style, and/or for constructing/displaying a three-dimensional model of the landmark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Edmond Brewington, Bryan M. Klingner, David Martin, Kirk L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9625556
    Abstract: An impedance synthesis method for single and multi-probe high resolution slide screw impedance RF and microwave tuners employs a fast calibration algorithm, which creates appropriately distributed calibration points over the Smith chart and a second order interpolation algorithm between calibration points, optimized for best suitability to the natural behavior of the tuners. The fast tuning algorithm uses a general search in order to identify the closest calibrated points, followed by a gradient search using fine interpolation grid in order to reach the final target. The method is applicable, after proper data preparation, also to double and triple probe harmonic tuners. The method allows tuning accuracy as high as ?60 dB, or deviation-from-target vector distance of 0.001 units on the Smith chart, whereas absence of the fine grid interpolation typically yields accuracies of the order of ?20 dB, or a deviation-from-target vector distance of 0.1 reflection factor units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Christos Tsironis
  • Patent number: 9618496
    Abstract: A system configured to determine a property of a paving-related material is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured for measuring a property of a paving-related material and a cellular computer device configured for being in communication with and receiving data from the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Troxler
  • Patent number: 9575130
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the capacity of a battery cell. A battery cell current I is measured during a measurement period, and an open terminal voltage UOCV1,UOCV2 of the battery cell is measured at the beginning and end of the measuring period. The method has the steps of ascertaining a total battery cell current Iges from the measured battery cell current I, ascertaining charge states SOC1, SOC2 at the beginning and end of the measurement period using the measured open terminal voltage UOCV1,UOCV2, ascertaining an estimated value of the capacity Qest using the total battery cell current Iges and a difference between the charge states SOC1, SOC2, ascertaining a total measurement error of the estimated value of the capacity Qest from measurement errors of the total battery cell current Iges and the charge states SOC1, SOC2, and ascertaining a new value of the capacity Qnew using a known value of the capacity Qact, the estimated value of the capacity Q, and the total measurement error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rueger, Andre Boehm
  • Patent number: 9529057
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a device and method for predicting an out-of-step or transient instability condition in a power system due to a disturbance, such as a fault, where the power system comprises a power generator. The method comprises determining values for a state plane trajectory for the power generator during the disturbance based on using an internal voltage angle of the power generator or an equivalent power generator and a during fault rotor speed of the power generator or equivalent power generator as state variables, determining time scale values; determining values for a critical state plane trajectory for the power generator after clearing the fault, determining values for a state plane trajectory for the power generator after clearing the fault, determining a critical clearing angle and a critical clearing time, and predicting that the power generator will be stable or unstable by comparing the time to clear the fault with the critical clearing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventors: Binod Shrestha, Ramakrishna Gokaraju
  • Patent number: 9523706
    Abstract: A system and method automatically calibrate a posture sensor, such as by detecting a walking state or a posture change. For example, a three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect a patient's activity or posture. This information can be used to automatically calibrate subsequent posture or acceleration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hatlestad, Aaron Lewicke, Keith R. Maile
  • Patent number: 9499253
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for designing and manufacturing a composite structure, such as a composite rotor blade spar or composite rotor blade. A first mold may define a first mold surface and a second mold may include a rigid layer and a heated layer secured to the rigid layer and defining a second mold surface. A plurality of heating elements embedded in the second mold may be activated according to different temperature progressions to cure portions of the uncured composite rotor blade positioned coextensive therewith. In some embodiments, the second mold defines a root portion and first and second branch portions. A shear web may be placed between the branch portions during curing. The blade spar may define a complete airfoil contour or have fairings secured thereto having lines extending therethrough to a tip jet. A tip jet mounting structure and blade root attachment apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Owen White
  • Patent number: 9488749
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining a first small defect response at a given frequency of a first small defect on a first wellbore pipe positioned within a wellbore. A Fourier transform of the first small defect response is then calculated, and a first measured response at the given frequency of a first arbitrary metal loss defect in the first wellbore pipe is obtained with a sensor of a pipe inspection tool. A Fourier transform of the first measured response is then calculated, and a magnitude of the first arbitrary metal loss based on the Fourier transform of the first small defect response and the Fourier transform of the first measured response is then estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Reza Khalaj Amineh, Luis Sanmartin, Burkay Donderici
  • Patent number: 9482746
    Abstract: A method of measuring with a coordinate measurement device and a target sensor a sense characteristic and a surface set associated with the sense characteristic, the method including the steps of: providing the target sensor having a body, a first retroreflector, a sensor, and a sensor processor, providing the coordinate measurement device, sending the first beam of light from the coordinate measurement device to the first retroreflector; receiving the second beam of light from the first retroreflector; measuring the orientational set and the translational set, the translational set based at least in part on the second beam of light; determining the surface set; sensing the sense characteristic; and saving the surface set and the sense characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Patent number: 9476417
    Abstract: A method for detecting and localizing a valve leak in a piston machine having a shaft includes: attaching one or more vibration sensor to a valve block of the piston machine; measuring the vibrations from at least one of the vibration sensors; attaching a sensor to the piston machine where the sensor is designed to produce, directly or indirectly, an angular shaft position signal for the shaft; determining, directly or indirectly, an angular shaft position signal for the shaft; transforming vibration signals from the one or more vibration sensors into one envelope signal representing an instant vibration level; using the angular position signal for constructing window functions that pick the envelope signal in selected angular shaft sectors; using the window functions to find sector based averages of the vibration level; and comparing said averages with a critical ambient vibration level to detect and localize leaks in one or two valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO NORWAY AS
    Inventors: Åge Kyllingstad, Pål Jacob Nessjøen
  • Patent number: 9470554
    Abstract: A position detector includes a Hall element that detects a magnetic flux density and a temperature detection element that detects the temperature of the Hall element. In a rotation angle calculation process, a temperature correction value a is calculated by substituting a detection temperature t of the temperature detection element and a reference maximum voltage V0 at a reference temperature t0 for a=V0×k (t?t0). Next, a correction maximum voltage Vt is calculated by substituting the temperature correction value a for a temperature characteristic formula of Vt=V0+a. Further, a rotation angle ? of a magnet relative to the Hall element is calculated by substituting an output voltage VH of the Hall element and the correction maximum voltage Vt for ?=sin?1 (VH/Vt). Since the correction maximum voltage Vt is corrected according to the temperature, the rotation angle is accurately detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takamitsu Kubota, Akitoshi Mizutani, Yoshiyuki Kono
  • Patent number: 9471541
    Abstract: A method and wireless sensor device for determining a time period a person is in bed. In one aspect, a method includes utilizing a wireless sensor device to obtain a plurality of acceleration samples in relation to at least one axis associated with a person's body over a predetermined time window. The method also includes calculating a polar angle for each acceleration sample within the predetermined time window. The method also includes calculating a fraction of an amount of time within the predetermined time window that the polar angle is greater than an angle threshold that indicates that the person is lying down, where if the fraction is greater than a predetermined threshold, the predetermined time window is marked as a period the person is lying down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Vital Connect, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Chan, Ravi Narasimhan