Patents Examined by Lam P Pham
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Patent number: 7551069Abstract: A vehicle tyre data monitoring system has a wheel mounted sensor means that is adapted to transmit one or more of pressure, temperature, angular velocity, and force vector data for a tyre as a digital serial datagram through a two-wire communication channel to a chassis mounted reader means. The communication channel is adapted to simultaneously supply power to the sensor means and receive the data for processing and subsequent display to a user of the system.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventor: Phillip Albert Cohen
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Patent number: 7551088Abstract: The present invention consists of an electronic vehicle tag (EVT), which is preferably 12×6 inches. It consists of an encasement mountable by 4 screws to a motor vehicle. The front face is comprised of an electronic paper display technology, which requires no power consumption to maintain its image. The electronic paper display will hold a high resolution full color graphic design relating to the vehicle tag selected and tag information depending on the state of issuances requirements. The display is reflective and can be easily read in sunlight or dimly lit environments and at virtually any angle. The plate has an electronic paper technology for display, wireless communication transmitter/receiver, logic board for electronic paper manipulation, high impact encasement, and a battery pack. The battery pack is used to change the display when required. The electronic vehicle tag is independent of the vehicle in which it is attached.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventors: W. David Findlay, Brian Bannister
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Patent number: 7548157Abstract: A self-contained backup power source such as a battery is provided for components within an electrically powered device such as a storage controller, photocopier or the like, to maintain diagnostic status data and to power a service indicator aid, or diagnostic indicator, such as an LED. A switch selects the backup power source when a primary power source of the electrically powered device is no longer available to the component, such as when the component is removed from the electrically powered device, the primary power source is disconnected as a safety precaution when servicing or replacing the component, or a higher-level assembly, in which the component is provided, is removed from the electrically powered device. The diagnostic indicator may be powered separately from the data storage device.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Carl E. Jones, Robert A. Kubo, Andrew D. Walls
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Patent number: 7548167Abstract: An RF tag to accompany a conductive object is disclosed that includes an antenna and an integrated circuit connected to the antenna. The antenna includes a first radiating element, a second radiating element, a feeding part connected in series between the first and second radiating elements, and an impedance control part connected parallel to the feeding part. The antenna has an effective length shorter than half of a wavelength used in communication.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Takashi Yamagajo, Toru Maniwa, Manabu Kai
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Patent number: 7538677Abstract: A contactless data communication system includes a reader-writer device, a contactless identification tag including a plurality of contactless identification tags, and baggage including multiple pieces of baggage. The reader-writer device includes a data reception part, a data transmission part, a control part, an operation part, and a display part. The contactless identification tag includes a data communication part, a data control part, a voltage monitoring part, a detachment detection part, a display processing part, and an electrophoresis display device. The voltage monitoring part and the detachment detection part detect a voltage change caused when the contactless identification tag is detached from the baggage, so as to detect that the contactless identification tag is detached.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Masaki Hoshina, Hirofumi Kurosawa
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Patent number: 7518488Abstract: The present invention discloses a motor vehicle identity anti-fake apparatus and method. The motor vehicle identity includes a microcomputer (1), communicators (2), member anti-fake apparatus (3) and information displays (4). The motor vehicle identity anti-fake apparatus is installed on vehicle license and members of the vehicle. The apparatus monitors, analyzes and judges the vehicle and the license plate and certificates thereof automatically under the control of the preloaded software or the wireless management of the administrative institution, and provide information of the self-detection to outside. The present invention is used for anti-fake of motor-vehicle-identity-status and provides to the enforcement organ for recognizing the legal status of motor-vehicle-identity.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventors: Wenming Dong, Guangming Dong
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Patent number: 7489247Abstract: A wireless system that detects the presence of a child in a safety seat located in the passenger cabin of a vehicle includes a controller responsive to signals generated by sensors monitoring predefined functions of the vehicle, RFID tag device attached to the safety seat and RFID tag reader mounted in the cabin. The system generates control signals which activate an alarm, open the doors of the vehicle and roll down windows if the child is left in the safety seat of an unattended vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Kinman Lee, Daniel Ray Spach, Prasanna Srinivasan, Darren Paul Umstead
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Patent number: 7482910Abstract: A system for providing directed advertising or informational messages specific to individual persons or vehicles. The system encompasses a sensing and evaluation mechanism to detect persons or vehicles, in conjunction with a billboard or other display device capable of delivering a message specific to one or more individuals.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Baglador S.A. LLCInventor: Stephen Waller Melvin
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Patent number: 7482925Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to shield contactless portable electronic consumer devices such as radio frequency identification devices (RFID), tokens, mini-cards, key fobs, cellular phones, smartcards, etc. from wireless interrogation. In one embodiment, a contactless portable consumer device which includes a first antenna is shielded from unauthorized wireless interrogation with a radio frequency (RF) shield. The RF shield includes electrically conductive, non-ferromagnetic material and is configured to prevent unauthorized data transfer between a second antenna external to the portable consumer device and the first antenna.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Visa U.S.A.Inventors: Ayman Hammad, Phil Dixon
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Patent number: 7482941Abstract: The invention provides a system and battery including a state-of-charge indicator (SOCI) to monitor and display the amount of charge within the battery. The SOCI is capable of operating in a hibernate mode, an active mode, and/or a sleep mode. The battery may be manufactured, shipped and/or stored with the SOCI operating in a power-saving hibernate mode. The SOCI may exit the hibernate mode and begin operating in active mode if a physical key connected to the battery is removed. In addition, the SOCI may operate in a sleep mode while the battery is not being used to conserve power. Furthermore, the invention provides a method of making a battery including a SOCI to monitor and display the state of charge of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Eaglepicher Energy Products CorporationInventors: Gregg C. Bruce, Christo Brand
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Patent number: 7471212Abstract: A method and a system for guiding a vehicle are provided, which utilize information regarding the vehicle's position. The position of the vehicle is ascertained exactly to the correct lane, and for at least a part of the traffic lanes of specifiable traffic routes in the surroundings of the vehicle, the traffic situation is ascertained. An estimation of traffic lanes is undertaken in the light of specifiable criteria by the evaluation of the vehicle's position and the traffic situation, thereby enabling the driver to select the most favorable lane in terms of desired criteria, e.g., minimizing lane changes, minimizing travel time, etc.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Krautter, Dietrich Manstetten, Bilge Manga
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Patent number: 7468670Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon, a first antenna, a second antenna, a radio frequency receiver, a processor, and radiation absorbing material disposed between the first and second antennas and the path of travel, so that the absorbing material shields a portion of the radiation that would otherwise radiate into an area through which the items pass.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventors: Zhong-Min Liu, Raymond R. Hillegass
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Patent number: 7466217Abstract: A system for signaling that a person is in an vehicle is provided and includes a power source, a processing unit including a counter, a state monitoring unit configured to monitor an internal temperature of the vehicle and to monitor whether the vehicle is in an off state and a door monitoring unit configured to monitor whether any of the vehicle doors are open or closed, a first buckle receiver, including a first signal issuing unit, a first buckle to be removably inserted into the buckle receiver and to thereby cause the first signal issuing unit to issue an installation signal to the processing unit, a second buckle receiver, including a second signal issuing unit, a second buckle to be removably inserted into the second buckle receiver and to thereby cause the second signal issuing unit to issue an occupation signal to the processing unit, and an alarm unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alexander C. Johnson, Scott W. Nelson, Hal A. Porter, Joshua R. Paulson
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Patent number: 7450013Abstract: A system and method for releasing a security tag from an article automatically at a point of sale without the need for store employee involvement, assuming a valid sale is occurring. A system and method for releasing a security tag from an article automatically at a point of sale that tracks the detacher operation and the time and date of such operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Chechpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Terry Clancy, Peter Schneider, Peter Bremer
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Patent number: 7446658Abstract: An identification (ID) tag, in one exemplary embodiment of the invention, includes a motion sensor that generates a trigger signal upon sensing motion. The trigger signal is used to place the ID tag in either an active mode or a sleep mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: George Panotopoulos
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Patent number: 7446668Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Oliver Young, John F. Nathan, Christopher T. Ricard, Mark Sebby
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Patent number: 7443298Abstract: The invention provides an approach for automatic and dynamic mapping of zone boundaries for position-determination systems. The system of the present invention utilizes beacons (“position determining devices”) to identify the boundaries and limits of device area coverage (“zone”) for tracking objects with a position-determination system. Beacons, used both to identify zone boundaries and to tag assets to be tracked, are distributed within the zone. The beacon locations are then detected and displayed in the visualization application. Three or more beacons may be linked together, either manually or automatically, to establish a detection zone. Using beacons to establish detection zone boundaries eliminates guesswork and its associated errors, and produces a zone boundary that is actually valid.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Alan G. Cole, Jeffrey G. Elliott, Holger H. Maier, Paul A. Moskowitz, Amadeus Podvratnik
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Patent number: 7436302Abstract: A system for dispensing, reading and verifying RFID tags. The system includes a label dispenser that dispenses labels that contain RFID tags from a bulk label storage device, an RFID Reader/Writer device that is operatively connected to the label dispenser. The RFID Reader/Writer device reads and codes tags which are embedded within these labels. The RFID Reader/Writer is configured to function in close range and thus provide adequate fidelity of coding and transfer of individual program tags. The invention also includes an RFID reader/writer that is powered by its communications means.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Inventor: Steven C. Jessup
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Patent number: 7432828Abstract: A method of dynamically displaying lateral deviation in formats on a display is provided. The method comprises assigning one or more positional boundaries for displaying the lateral deviation information, wherein the one or more positional boundaries define areas on a display. The method also comprises calculating display positions of a lateral deviation symbology and determining if each calculated display position is allowed based on where the lateral deviation display would be located, if displayed at each calculated position, in relation to the one or more positional boundaries. The method further comprises, displaying the lateral deviation symbology at the calculated positions when the calculated positions are allowed, and displaying a lateral deviation indicator when the calculated positions are not allowed.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Gang He, Aaron J. Gannon
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Patent number: 7432801Abstract: A method of detecting a rapid leak of gas contained in an automobile tire based on periodic measurements of a pressure Pa and a temperature Ta of the gas. The method includes determining a reference pressure Pcref, calculating an alarm threshold pressure Sref from the reference pressure Pcref, calculating a temperature-compensated pressure Pc at each measurement acquisition period, and comparing the compensated pressure Pc with the alarm threshold pressure Sref, wherein the leak is detected if the compensated pressure Pc is less than the alarm threshold pressure Sref.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive ElectronicsInventors: Cyrille Verrier, Regis Leberon