Patents Examined by Lam P Pham
  • Patent number: 7652588
    Abstract: A signalling element, which can be adapted to a light emitter, such as a lamp, the element for signalling includes an external double laminar body of plastic material, with a tronco-conical general shape extended by its larger base into a straight section and open via said larger base, housing two plastic layers of PVC and in its interior, the the external double laminar body defining a space for housing the pair of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Barbolight, S.L.
    Inventor: Javier Lopez Barbarin
  • Patent number: 7646311
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relation to traffic control systems. In one embodiment, a traffic condition is identified by capturing a traffic image, masking the traffic image to obtain an image portion including a traffic image object, and generating the traffic condition based on the traffic image object and the traffic image portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Nitin Afzulpurkar, Huynh Huu Phuong
  • Patent number: 7642920
    Abstract: A method of analyzing participant activity includes providing an identification unit to a participant, receiving signals from the identification unit, determining location of the participant based on the received signals, storing the location information and the associated timestamp and analyzing the stored information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Ari Craine
  • Patent number: 7642916
    Abstract: An RFID bridge antenna is positioned between a tag antenna associated with a tag and a reader antenna associated with a reader. The bridge includes at least two RF antenna elements spaced apart from one another and coupled together by an electrical conductor. The first RF antenna element is located proximate to the tag antenna and the second RF antenna element is located proximate to the reader antenna. An electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna is received by one of the RF antenna element and retransmitted to the tag antenna by the other RF antenna element, increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the RFID bridge antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader. The reader may also be located external to the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: William Phipps, Alberto Rodriguez, Scott J. Bell, Heiko Rommelmann
  • Patent number: 7639151
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a liquid blocking apparatus and a system thereof, wherein if the liquid contained in an IV bag or a liquid tank is oozed out completely, the flow of liquid is blocked, the alarm lamp is turned on, the alarm sound is generated, and then the supply of liquid is maintained for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Sang-dae Lee
  • Patent number: 7626504
    Abstract: A system and method for silencing communication devices is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a silencing system having a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RF receiver of a mobile communication device. An audible alerting function of the mobile communication device can be adjusted in response to the RF signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Wayne Chang
  • Patent number: 7619538
    Abstract: This invention pertains to evacuation systems, more particularly, it pertains to single or networked guiding devices that utilizing pre-programming and/or virtual programming, sensing and detecting means, illumination and alarming means, symbols and text messages to direct traffic to safety. The networked guiding devices of the system are configured to systematically and progressively direct traffic from one device to the next, directing traffic to safety. The system is configured to be controlled locally or remotely, on-demand. The evacuation system is applicable to people's traffic, vehicular traffic and/or other transportation modes. The evacuation system may be used in emergency or non-emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sanrose, LLC
    Inventor: James R. Zarian
  • Patent number: 7616117
    Abstract: An RFID ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) that can receive and store digital data from at least one of sensors and A/D converter devices. The ASIC can include one or more of the following components as desired for a given application: a passive power/communications coupling component with antenna that couples power into the ASIC when employed as a passive device, and for facilitating communications with the device when powered; a control module that control or facilitates the control of all onboard functions; a memory for storing data (e.g., timestamp and event information) and/or programs; a clock for the generation of clock signals and in support of onboard timing requirement; and, a digital I/O interface that facilitates interfacing to digital inputs such as from sensors and/or A/D converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Streeb, Stefan Winzinger
  • Patent number: 7605690
    Abstract: A rail vehicle includes an underbody which is subjected to thrown up ballast when the rail vehicle is operating on a ballasted section of track. In at least one embodiment, the underbody is equipped with at least one acoustic signal pickup which acoustically senses ballast stones striking the underbody; a signal processing device is provided to which a signal is fed from the at least one acoustic signal pickup and which processes the signal in such a way that a thrown up ballast signal is generated which represents the impacting of ballast stones on the underbody; and the thrown up ballast signal from the signal processing device is included in a mode of operation of the rail vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Kaspar Schroeder-Bodenstein
  • Patent number: 7605712
    Abstract: A generator monitoring system and method includes a plurality of sensors (12) disposed within a generator enclosure (18) to sense health conditions of a generator (10) housed within the enclosure. The sensors are interconnected to provide a single communication path (14) for allowing communication with the plurality of sensors. A monitoring device (16) outside the generator enclosure receives health condition information from each of the plurality of sensors via the single communication path. A sensor may be disposed within the generator enclosure to detect particulates emitted from a monitored portion (e.g., 52) of the generator housed within the enclosure. A sensor may be disposed proximate a bus bar connection (130) of the generator to sense a health condition of the bus bar connection and generate corresponding health condition information provided to the monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Twerdochlib, David Bateman
  • Patent number: 7602315
    Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a map data storage for storing a map data, a picture frame image storage for storing one or more images, a mode-based setting storage for storing mode-based settings required in operating the navigation apparatus in a drive guide mode, a picture frame mode or a combination mode, and a control unit for, based on the mode-based settings, providing a drive guide information using the map data in the drive guide mode, providing drive guide information by use of the map data in the drive guide mode, providing a picture frame image by using the images in the picture frame mode and providing the picture frame image and the drive guide information in the combination mode, the drive guide information being displayed over the picture frame image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: SK C&C Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Myung Shin
  • Patent number: 7592901
    Abstract: There are provided an input means 2 that allows information to be input as touched by an operator, a vibration application means 3 disposed on a back side of the input means 2, and a control means 5. The input means 2 is a touch panel 6. The vibration application means 3 is shaped like a flexible sheet, and includes a plurality of actuators 17 arranged as vibration sources. Each of the actuators 17 includes a first electrode 13, a second electrode 14, and an insulating layer 15 is provided between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 and containing a ferroelectric layer. The control means 5 drives a preset actuator 17 of the actuators 17 according to input from the control panel 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetaka Furusho
  • Patent number: 7589622
    Abstract: A system for providing warning lights for emergency vehicles in which the warning lights are incorporated into standard appearing accessories of the vehicle. A hood mounted deflector includes warning lights and takedown lights. Side window vent visors include warning lights, alley lights, and a convenience light. A rear spoiler includes warning lights. The warning lights are connected to at least one controller that provides various patterns of warning lights involving at least one color. In one embodiment, the takedown lights are connected to a controller that provides for flashing the takedown lights in addition to operating them continuously. The convenience light is connected to the interior lights of the vehicle. An operator panel in the vehicle is connected to the controllers and the alley lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Farley's Custom Auto Services, LLC
    Inventor: William Farley
  • Patent number: 7576642
    Abstract: A safety belt has an inner face turned toward the body of a user and an outer face turned away from the user. A plurality of sensor are mounted on the outer face, and the inner face is devoid of sensors. A selector connected to the sensors determines which sensor is best positioned for signal quality and for using the signal therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Paragon AG
    Inventor: Klaus Rodemer
  • Patent number: 7570156
    Abstract: The system comprises: a signaling device able to provide the driver with a sensorial alarm signal indicating a danger situation; detectors able to provide signals and/or data representing the situation outside the motor vehicle and/or the travel conditions of the vehicle itself; and electronic processing and control devices designed to analyze the signals and/or data provided by the detectors and determine the occurrence of predetermined operating situations, such as the presence of any obstacles along the travel path of the motor vehicle, and generate, under predetermined conditions and in accordance with a predefined procedure, warning signals and/or data which can be used for activating the signaling device. The signaling device comprises an electrically operated actuator associated with the accelerator pedal of the motor vehicle and able, when activated, to apply to said pedal a stress with predefined characteristics, which is perceivable by the driver's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Renzo Cicilloni, Patrizio Turco, Alessandro Gallione
  • Patent number: 7567166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety/security method and device for two-wheeled vehicles and similar. The inventive device comprises a processor which is connected to a geographic positioning centre (CL) and to a communication unit (UT) with a cellular telephone system which can communicate with a party. The aforementioned processor is also connected to a start/stop sensor (M/A), a movement sensor (AC) and an inclinometer (CV) and to means of identifying the vehicle and/or the driver. The processor is programmed so as to: centralise and store the data originating from the above-mentioned sensors; select a device state from numerous pre-determined states including one or more sensitive states; and, when a sensitive state has been selected, compose and transmit a message containing data relating to said state, vehicle and/or driver identification data and geographic positioning data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Laurent Bourgine De Meder
  • Patent number: 7567181
    Abstract: A child cushion monitor apparatus provided in two embodiments, a seat insert and a pillow, each providing for detection of occupancy. Each embodiment further provides for temperature sensing and display. Each embodiment is also flexibly coupled to a vibration sensor to detect vibration of a nearby device, auto or otherwise. The keychain provides for function and remote monitoring of the embodiments of the apparatus. Both the seat insert and pillow provide visual display of operable functions of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Zenobia F. Davison
  • Patent number: 7564342
    Abstract: An audio signal system for a vehicle remote locking mechanism provides an audio signal that is more intricate than a simple, sounding of the vehicle's horn or beep tone. Preferably, the audio signal may be varied among many possible sounds by the operator. More preferably, the system includes a digital audio source with a signal amplifier and loudspeaker. Most preferably, the digital audio source is programmable with recorded sounds that can be transferred from a remote bank of digital sounds, for example by being downloaded from an internet website.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ridetones, Inc.
    Inventor: David Erik Klein
  • Patent number: 7561064
    Abstract: A vehicle light control apparatus includes an illumination control unit for executing illumination control on the mode of illumination of a subject vehicle based on signal transmission of a vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle and signal reception of the vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle. The control unit identifies a vehicle having brightness exceeding a predetermined threshold from an image of other vehicles acquired through an image recognition MPU as a vehicle having an illumination adjustment failure, and returns the same vehicle identification signal transmitted from the other vehicle thus identified to vehicles other than the subject vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7561046
    Abstract: A reader antenna is connected to an interrogator. Conductors are arranged at two places at the opposed marginal edge portions of a radiation plane of the reader antenna along a radiation direction of an electromagnetic wave from the reader antenna. The conductors raises the electric power density above the reader antenna. A storage case is set above the reader antenna and has many items arranged at narrow intervals with radio tags attached thereto. The storage container has the radio tags arranged substantially parallel to the polarization direction of the reader antenna. By doing so, adequate drive power is applied to the radio tag by an electromagnetic wave from the reader antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Kato, Sadatoshi Oishi