Patents Examined by Kam Ma
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Patent number: 9541763Abstract: An active HUD boresight alignment system for correcting a boresight of a HUD in an aircraft relative to an aircraft boresight is described. The system has an aircraft IRU, a HUD angular orientation detector and a detector. The aircraft IRU is rigidly coupled with the aircraft and configured to define an aircraft boresight indicative of a three axis angular orientation of the aircraft. The HUD angular orientation detector is rigidly arranged relative to at least one component of the HUD in the aircraft, and configured to determine a HUD boresight indicative of a three axis angular orientation of the HUD. The processor is coupled with the aircraft IRU and the HUD angular orientation detector and configured to determine a boresight angular offset of the HUD boresight to the aircraft boresight for at least one axis of the three axis angular orientation, and to correct for the boresight angular offset based on the determined boresight angular offset.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Ronald E. Heberlein, Byron B. Roethler, Lincoln J. Burns
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Patent number: 9516724Abstract: A method of automatically programming a new load control device that replaces an old load control device takes advantage of a remote identification tag (e.g., an RFID tag) located in the vicinity of the old device. The remote identification tag stores an identifier that is representative of a location in which the old device is installed. The method includes the steps of: (1) storing a setting of an old device in a memory of a controller; (2) associating the setting with the identifier of the old device in the memory of the controller; (3) the new device retrieving the identifier from the remote identification tag after the new device is installed in the location of the old device; (4) the new device transmitting the identifier to the controller; and (5) the controller transmitting the setting of the old device to the new device in response to receiving the identifier.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventor: Dragan Veskovic
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Patent number: 9495628Abstract: A passive tag embedded in a package includes multiple conductive coils. A first coil receives radio frequency (RF) energy used to power the tag. Additional coils receive and/or transmit data signals, clock signals, and carrier signals. The RF energy and other signals may be at different frequencies. An RF probe includes a first coil to emit the RF energy to power the tag. The RF probe includes additional coils corresponding to the additional coils in the tag. The RF probe may turn off the RF signal used for power during communication. The RF energy may be rectified to provide DC power to circuits in the tag, or may be used directly for adiabatic circuits. The RF probe and the package may have complementary shapes to facilitate alignment of the coils.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Tyfone, Inc.Inventor: Siva G. Narendra
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Patent number: 9361796Abstract: System which comprises a plurality of devices for acquiring (1) identifiers of transmitter devices (2) by means of radio frequency in the 2.4 GHz band, these acquisition devices (1) being connected to a central management computer (3) for sending the captured identifiers of the transmitter devices (2) in form of tags (32) in order to include the latter in a database (31). The method comprises the stages of: —acquiring the identifier of the transmitter devices (2) at particular points; —extracting the exclusive part; —encrypting said exclusive part in a tag (32); —sending the tag (32), acquisition point and time (33) to a database (31) of a central computer (3); —comparing the tag (32) and time (33) with the previously stored data in the database (31).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: WORLDSENSING, S.L.Inventor: Marti Mendez Falcato
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Patent number: 9324230Abstract: A system for mounting in a vehicle and for providing a control signal to a remote device based on information stored in a portable electronic device includes a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting a control signal to the remote device. The system also includes a first circuit configured to receive first information from the portable electronic device via inductive-coupling between the portable electronic device and the first circuit when the portable electronic device is brought within the induction field of the first circuit. The system also includes a second circuit configured to use the first information received from the portable electronic device and to at least one of format the control signal in accordance with the first information and to cause the radio frequency transmitter to format the control signal in accordance with the first information.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Richard J. Chutorash, Philip J. Vanderwall, Mark Zeinstra, James E. Trainor
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Patent number: 9196101Abstract: An automated control system for multi-level authority to operate electronic and electrical equipment, the system including one or more wireless or wired controlled devices and one or more separate communicator and/or transmitter devices for an operation authorizing code and/or separate user identifiers for communicating the codes to a customer or a device. In the process of granting authorities to operate, the system utilizes, as positional data for a user or a device, the base station information of a mobile phone network and/or at close range a wired or wireless communication link, such as a bluetooth communication link.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Innohome OyInventor: Matti Myllymaki
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Patent number: 9176003Abstract: A system and method of monitoring vibrations, in a machine having a rotating element, where composite vibration signals are measured and filtered into discreet vector components associated with machine operating frequency. The filtered vectors are then evaluated to obtain a mean and standard deviation, whereupon a further value is obtained and compared to the prior values. Trip conditions may be set to initiate certain actions based on the meeting of the conditions. Additional data related to operating conditions of the machine may be analyzed in conjunction with the vibration data to be considered as providing a cause for vibration anomalies that may be observed. The operating, conditions of the machine may be displayed on a computer display in association with the discreet vector components, for example in a second level folder to the first level folder of the discreet vector components.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Yanxia Sun, Peter J. Clayton, Albert C. Sismour, Jr.
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Patent number: 9164496Abstract: An intelligent switching method and system. The method includes retrieving by a computer processor of an intelligent switching device, detection data indicating that an individual is located within a specified proximity of an apparatus. The intelligent switching device is lockably attached to the apparatus. The computer processor receives a request from an individual for enabling the apparatus. The computer processor determines that the individual is in compliance with safety procedures associated with operating the apparatus and generates an enable signal. The enable signal enables a power signal for the apparatus. The computer processor indicates that the apparatus has been enabled and is operational.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark A. Nelson, Kevin H. Peters, Louis R. Ruggiero
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Patent number: 9159230Abstract: A vehicle communication system including a communications link and optionally a vehicle position indicator provided at a facility. A visual indicator is provided that is attachable to or usable in a non-official passenger vehicle to alert other road users that a vehicle is traveling in an emergency situation. A communications link and optionally a vehicle position locator are also attachable to or usable in a non-official passenger vehicle to communicate with the facility to alert the facility that the vehicle is traveling to the facility in an emergency situation. The visual indicator may be a flashing light, or a lighted warning message or symbol, and may be a one-time use light or may be operable only after receipt of an activation code from the facility.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Inventor: Mark Tremonti
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Patent number: 9148709Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a sensor interface module that delivers a supply voltage to a plurality of sensors, and which exchanges data signals between the plurality of sensors and a control unit (e.g., an ECU). The sensor interface often employs a single-bit comparator (or a coarse analog to digital converter (ADC), e.g., a 2-bit or 3-bit ADC) to track signals to be exchanged between the sensors and controller over the sensor interface. Compared to power hungry ADC with more bits (e.g., 32 bit ADC), the single-bit comparator/coarse ADC limits hardware complexity and power consumption. In addition, in some embodiments the sensor interface module can include an estimator and assist comparators to speed up the tracking ability of the sensor interface module. In this way, techniques provided herein facilitate reliable, low-power communication between a control unit (e.g., an ECU) and its corresponding sensors.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
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Patent number: 9136911Abstract: To realize a transmission function of power line communication by a further simplified and cost-effective circuit configuration, in a PLC modem installed in an electric appliance such as a household electrical appliance. A semiconductor switching element that is present on an electric circuit connected to a power line is driven by a modulator unit. The modulator unit controls ON/OFF operations of the semiconductor switching element, to thereby cause a communication signal of a modulated rectangular wave to be output to the power line for a prescribed period.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignees: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., KYOTO UNIVERSITYInventors: Takashi Hikihara, Tsuguhiro Takuno, Kenichi Hirotsu, Takefumi Shimoguchi, Toshikazu Shibata, Takashi Tsuno, Satoshi Hatsukawa
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Patent number: 9131741Abstract: System and methods are provided for detecting helmet contact. A first helmet (e.g., an offensive player's helmet) detects an impact, and transmits a signal indicating the detected impact. A second helmet (e.g., a defensive player's helmet) detects the impact and transmits a signal indicating a detected impact. In response to analyzing the signal transmissions of first and second helmets, a monitor determines that a helmet-to-helmet contact has occurred between the first and second helmets. To minimize the occurrence of false positive determinations, especially in the event that multiple helmets detect impacts, the helmets may be enabled to only transmit a signal if the impact exceeds a first impact threshold. Another means of minimizing false positives is for the helmets to transmit a timestamp associated with a time of impact occurrence. Further, helmets may collect and transmit information regarding the proximity of other helmets.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Inventors: Gerald Maliszewski, Alan Sorgi, George Bendak
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Patent number: 8970394Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for the reporting of status changes, such as but not limited to power outages and/or power restorations, throughout a smart grid system. Through the use of location-based reporting period selection and/or status change report aggregation, embodiments may provide efficient reporting processes that timely and accurately report status change information from the point(s) of the change to a back-end system via an access point.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Trilliant Holdings Inc.Inventor: Michel Veillette
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Patent number: 8928474Abstract: A charged-amount display part displays a battery charge rate of an entire battery pack according to kinds of charge sources. An example of displaying the battery charge rate in the form of a bar chart is shown. A speed display part displays a vehicle speed of a running electric vehicle. The running cost display part displays a running cost calculated based on consumed electric power of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Toshihide Satake, Akinobu Sugiyama, Hiroshi Fujioka, Takanori Matsunaga, Kouhei Mori
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Patent number: 8902047Abstract: Provided are a radio frequency identification (RFID) system including an RFID reading apparatus and a passive RFID tag and a method of transferring and/or processing data using the same. An RFID reading apparatus includes a data input unit which receives data to be transferred to a passive RFID tag, a control unit which generates a transmission packet containing the data and a command directing data transfer, and a communication unit which converts the generated transmission packet into an RF signal and transfers the converted RF signal to the passive RFID tag.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Korea University Industrial & Academic Collaboration FoundationInventors: Ja-nam Ku, Seon-wook Kim, Joon-goo Lee
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Patent number: 8872645Abstract: A method is provided of estimating a road grade of a current driven road. A nominal value of a vehicle operating parameter is measured during a nominal vehicle operating condition. The vehicle operating parameter is related to a vehicle thrust power. The nominal value of the vehicle operating condition is comprised of a nominal acceleration corresponding to the nominal value when the vehicle is driven on a substantially non-inclined road. The nominal value and nominal acceleration is stored in a memory. An actual value of the vehicle operating parameter is determined during a current vehicle operating condition. A vehicle acceleration corresponding to the actual value of the vehicle operating parameter is measured. The road grade of the current driven road is estimated as a function of a comparison between the measured acceleration value and the nominal acceleration that would be expected for the actual value of the vehicle operating parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jin-Woo Lee, Bakhtiar Brian Litkouhi, Elizabeth S Nunning
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Patent number: 8823519Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for gathering data are disclosed. For example, a plant matter sensor includes a pair of parallel spaced apart sensor arms and a control console, a first of the arms having a plurality of emitter spaced along its length, each emitter configured to emit a signal substantially perpendicularly to the arm to be received by a corresponding receiver on the second arm. The console contains controller means to control the rate, strength and regularity of the signal emitted by each of the emitters, collectors to collect data from each receiver as to the existence or absence of receipt of a signal, a processor to process data received from the controllers and the collectors and determine the height of any plant matter traversed by the plant matter sensor and predetermined intervals, and storage to store the plant matter height data generated by the processor for subsequent download or analysis.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignees: C-Dax Limited, Massey UniversityInventors: Ian Yule, Robert Murray, Hayden Lawrence, James Frederick Stewart, Willem-Peter Vander Laan
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Patent number: 8803694Abstract: A driver-assistance system for a motor vehicle includes a recording device for recording an environment of the motor vehicle including a rear environment of the motor vehicle, a warning device for generating a warning signal, and an evaluation device. The evaluation device is configured to analyze a current driving behavior of the driver on the basis of the recorded environment of the motor vehicle, and to induce the warning device to generate a warning signal if the evaluation device detects a deviation of the driving behavior from a predetermined setpoint behavior.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Niem
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Patent number: 8797138Abstract: Systems and methods for providing one-time access to electronic locking devices for non-keyholders. The one-time access rights are delivered from a server to the electronic locking device in real-time, or in near-real time, over short and long-range wireless communication links in a manner that is secure and traceable. A handheld device is coupled with the electronic locking device via the short-range communication link, and is coupled with the server via a long-range wireless communication link.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Peter Christian Myers, Teri Lynné Briskey, Ryan DeVore, Rick Dunn, Jonathan Gordon Hays, Ali Hodroj, Adam Kuenzi, Wayne F. Larson, James Speir, Gregory Russell, Kim Vertner
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Patent number: 8760262Abstract: A method of automatically programming a new load control device that replaces an old load control device takes advantage of a remote identification tag (e.g., an RFID tag) located in the vicinity of the old device. The remote identification tag stores an identifier that is representative of a location in which the old device is installed. The method includes the steps of: (1) storing a setting of an old device in a memory of a controller; (2) associating the setting with the identifier of the old device in the memory of the controller; (3) the new device retrieving the identifier from the remote identification tag after the new device is installed in the location of the old device; (4) the new device transmitting the identifier to the controller; and (5) the controller transmitting the setting of the old device to the new device in response to receiving the identifier.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventor: Dragan Veskovic