Patents Examined by Kerri McNally
  • Patent number: 9676325
    Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an unattended child left in a vehicle includes receiving acoustic data obtained from inside a vehicle, determining if the vehicle is running or not in response to the acoustic data, determining if all windows in the vehicle are closed when the vehicle is not running, determining if sound volume inside the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold when all of the windows are closed, determining if a predetermined high-frequency word is spoken inside the vehicle when all of the windows are closed, and outputting an alert indicating that an unattended child is left in the vehicle when the sound volume inside the vehicle exceeds the predetermined threshold and when the predetermined high-frequency word is spoken inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ning Duan, Guoqiang Hu, Jingchang Huang, Peng Ji, Jun Zhu
  • Patent number: 9679472
    Abstract: There is described a system for measuring energy consumption of individual electrical devices amongst a plurality of electrical devices. The system is adapted to determine in real time energy consumption while reducing its own consumption of energy by adjusting a transmission rate to between status sensing devices and a consumption evaluation device. The transmission rate is adjusted as a function of learned energy consumption habits and/or consumption characteristics of individual electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SOCOVAR S.E.C.
    Inventors: Ghyslain Gagnon, Tommy Bouchard, Olivier Tremblay-Munger, Remi Paquette, Francois Gagnon
  • Patent number: 9669850
    Abstract: In a method and system for monitoring rail operations and transport of commodities via rail, a monitoring device including a radio receiver is positioned to monitor a rail line and/or trains of interest. The monitoring device including a radio receiver configured to receive radio signals from trains, tracks, or trackside locations in range of the monitoring device. The monitoring device receives radio signals, which are demodulated into a data stream. That data stream is then decoded to find an identification number, which identifies a particular train carrying a commodity. From an analysis of the radio signals and/or identification of the position of the train, information about the train and/or the commodity it is carrying is derived and then reported to an interested party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Genscape Intangible Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Fuchs, Deirdre Alphenaar, Susan Olson
  • Patent number: 9672711
    Abstract: A method of preventing the theft of packaged products from a building, in which the method includes the steps of incorporating an electronic device into the packaging material for the packaged product, and configuring the electronic device to activate an alarm if the packaged product is removed from the building prior to deactivation of the electronic device. In a particular embodiment, the method further includes configuring the electronic device to impair the function or appearance of the packaged product if the packaged product is removed from the building prior to deactivation of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventor: Joerg Niederhuefner
  • Patent number: 9674651
    Abstract: A device and software utilizing Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technologies for monitoring and recovering portable computing devices and, a method and system for acquiring such devices, protecting data on such devices, and for compensating owners of devices. A GPS mechanism of the invention provides real time tracking of missing devices that may be coordinated with security agencies to intercept and recover missing computing devices. When a stolen device is unrecoverable, the invention may receive a signal to initiate data recovery where a wireless network is available to recover data for the owner. Alternatively, the GPS mechanism instructs the device to encrypt or destroy stored data files to prevent commercial espionage or privacy violations. The invention discloses a software system and method for computing a purchase price of the GPS mechanism, computing compensation for loss of the device and lost data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: APOGEE TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANTS, LLC
    Inventor: John J. Madsen
  • Patent number: 9665999
    Abstract: A method for tracking procedures performed on personal protection equipment (PPE) and actions of individuals includes the following steps. An article of PPE configured with a smart tag is provided to an individual prior to performance of a task. After the individual performs the task, the article of PPE is processed. Information is retrieved from the smart tag during at least one of: before, during and after processing the article of PPE. After the performance of the task, the individual's data is read and the individual enters into a designated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Luca D. Farioli Brioschi, Luis V. Ramirez Chaidez, Lawrence J. Ptasienski, Mark T. Anderson, Michael E. Hamerly
  • Patent number: 9666055
    Abstract: Distress signal transmitters of the present invention are designed to maximize the chance for a victim to survive an accident, and minimize the time for a rescue party to find a victim. The preferred embodiments of the distress signal transmitters of the present invention are to be self-powered, self-activated, and to remain fully functional when dropped into salt water. This will allow the Radio Frequency (RF) distress signals to be sent over a long distance, even if the user is unconscious or severely injured. Furthermore, a set of coordinates determined by a Global Positioning System will be transmitted with the S.O.S message in order for search parties to quickly and efficiently pinpoint the location of the victim(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: David Yen Shau, Jeng-Jye Shau
  • Patent number: 9666067
    Abstract: An turn detection system is configured to determine headings or a course of a vehicle over a period of time and evaluate whether the vehicle has registered a turn based on these headings/course. In some arrangements, upon detecting a turn, sensor data may be collected to determine one or more characteristics or attributes of the turn. Such data may indicate a loss event associated with the turn and be used to calculate a probability or risk of loss given the various characteristics of the turn. These probabilities may further be applied to determine various costs and premiums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Varun Nagpal, Yasir Mukhtar, Jared S. Snyder, Connor Walsh
  • Patent number: 9666039
    Abstract: A visual notification device in a fire-fighting system may include an input end, a booster circuit, an energy storage element, at least one flash element, and a flash control circuit, for causing energy in the energy storage element to be applied to the at least one flash element to make it flash. At least one of the booster circuit, the at least one flash element, and the flash control circuit is designed such that a residual voltage across the energy storage element in each flash operation is greater than or equal to the input voltage. The visual notification device may enable the occurrence of a repetitive inrush current to be suppressed effectively without the addition of a current-limiting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Li Guo Chen, Rui Ting Ren, Xue Song Shen, Jian Tan
  • Patent number: 9655565
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing sensitive and specific alarms indicative of glycemic condition are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method of processing sensor data by a continuous analyte sensor includes: evaluating sensor data using a first function to determine whether a real time glucose value meets a first threshold; evaluating sensor data using a second function to determine whether a predicted glucose value meets a second threshold; activating a hypoglycemic indicator if either the first threshold is met or if the second threshold is predicted to be met; and providing an output based on the activated hypoglycemic indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Hari Hampapuram, Anna Leigh Rack-Gomer, Naresh C. Bhavaraju, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Claudio Cobelli, Giovanni Sparacino, Andrea Facchinetti, Chiara Zecchin
  • Patent number: 9659487
    Abstract: Utilizing remote control profile information for configuration of a remote control device. A media processing device may store a remote control profile, locally or on a server accessible via a wide area network, which may include information for configuring a remote control device to utilize one or more wireless remote control commands for controlling the media processing device. The media processing device may also detect one or more wireless remote control commands for controlling one or more other electronic devices and update the remote control profile to include information for configuring a remote control device to utilize those commands. It may be determined to configure a remote control device according to the remote control profile based at least in part on proximity of the remote control device to the media processing device. The remote control device may then be configured according to the remote control profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Liquan Tan, Daniel R. Fletcher, Wing Kong Low, Jonah A. Harley
  • Patent number: 9661747
    Abstract: Tamper-respondent assemblies and fabrication methods are provided which incorporate enclosure to circuit board protection. The tamper-respondent assemblies include a circuit board, and an electronic enclosure mounted to the circuit board and facilitating enclosing at least one electronic component within a secure volume. A tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure facilitates defining the secure volume, and the tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure includes a tamper-respondent circuit. An adhesive is provided to secure, in part, the electronic enclosure to the circuit board. The adhesive contacts, at least in part, the tamper-respondent circuit so that an attempted separation of the electronic enclosure from the circuit board causes the adhesive to break the tamper-respondent circuit, facilitating detection of the separation by a monitor circuit of the tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, James A. Busby, Edward N. Cohen, Silvio Dragone, Michael J. Fisher, David C. Long, Michael T. Peets, William Santiago-Fernandez, Thomas Weiss
  • Patent number: 9659415
    Abstract: Proposed is a warning system which includes: a warning device; a display device; an IC CPU for controlling the operation of the display device and the warning device; and a master ECU for, connected to the IC CPU through a communication channel and connected to one or more warning devices through a hardware channel, controlling the operation of the warning device through the IC CPU. The master ECU includes an error detection module to monitor regularly the data validity of the communication channel, the warning device and the response of the IC CPU, and an on/off module to operate the warning device. When the error detection module detects an error in the data validity of the communication channel, the warning device and the response of the IC CPU, the master ECU controls the on/off module to operate directly the warning device using the hardware channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Chan-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9652959
    Abstract: Methods and systems for security and/or automation systems are described. In some embodiments, the methods may include identifying an area of a premises associated with an occupant, identifying a wake up time associated with the occupant, identifying a location associated with the occupant, and initiating one or more automated actions based at least in part on the wake up time and the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Warren, Matthew J. Eyring, James E. Nye
  • Patent number: 9652969
    Abstract: A portable device for improving hygiene, comprising at least one warning unit that cooperates with a unit for detection of a disinfection treatment in such a way that a signal can be activated, said warning unit being operatively connected to at least one step counting unit; and, a method and a system for improving hygiene in medical facilities, including the use of a portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: United-Ventures GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Herzog
  • Patent number: 9649033
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for remote non-contact monitoring of vital signs of a living being. The present disclosure enables improved measurement accuracy and reliability, increased operating range and reduced likelihood of mistakenly detecting extraneous objects. The device comprises at least one measuring unit, at least one control and data processing unit, and at least one interface unit, connected to each other. The measuring unit comprises a radio transmitting module and a radio receiving module. The control and data processing unit is configured to generate control pulses for each of the radio transmitting and radio receiving modules delayed for arbitrary time periods between each other, and is additionally configured to generate control pulses of arbitrary duration for each of the radio transmitting and radio receiving modules. Each radio transmitting module and/or each radio receiving module contained in the measuring unit is made independent of the other modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Nanopulse, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduard Gusmanovich Ziganshin, Mikhail Andreevich Numerov
  • Patent number: 9649753
    Abstract: A wrench with multiple display windows includes a body, two side display window lighting modules and a main display window lighting module. The two side display window lighting modules are illuminated synchronously with each other. The two side display window lighting modules are corresponding to each other. The two side display window lighting modules, are illuminated toward a first optical axis and a second optical axis. The side display window lighting module includes side display window lighting elements configured to generate side display window colors which are turned on or turned off according to the torque. The main display window lighting module is connected to the body and illuminated toward the first optical axis. The main display window lighting module includes main display window lighting elements configured to generate main display window colors which are turned on or turned off according to the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9643069
    Abstract: A sensor unit includes a sensor section adapted to detect a motion, and an announcement section adapted to announce a state of an output signal of the sensor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuo Nomura
  • Patent number: 9639724
    Abstract: An article having a conductive body, a magnetic diverter, and a communication device is described. The magnetic diverter is positioned on an outer surface of the conductive body. The magnetic diverter covers a substantial portion of the outer surface of the conductive body. A communication device is positioned on the outer surface of the diverter or may be recessed therein. The communication device is capable of signal coupling with a reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: DURACELL U.S. OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jordan Todorov Bourilkov, Steven Jeffrey Specht, Sergio Coronado Hortal, Konstantin Dimitrov Stefanov, Suat Ayoz
  • Patent number: 9633554
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a two-wire loop having first and second conductors that connect a monitoring system with a plurality of addressable sensors and alarm devices of the monitoring system, the two-wire loop having first and second ends connected to the monitoring system, a memory that contains first respective resistance values of the first and second conductors and second respective resistance values between the first and second ends and each of the plurality of addressable sensors and alarm devices, and a processor that detects a fault in the two-wire loop by measuring third resistance values from opposing ones of the first and second ends of the two-wire loop during a scan of the plurality of addressable sensors and alarm devices and compares the third resistance values with corresponding ones of the first and second respective resistance values in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Michael Barson