Patents Examined by Nam V Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11017625
    Abstract: A smart key box includes a key holding element, a housing, a power assembly, sensing units, an authentication module, and a control module. The housing is configured to contain the key holding element. The power assembly is disposed in the housing and configured to drive the key holding element to leave the housing or enter the housing along an access direction. The sensing units are disposed in the housing. When the key holding element leaves the housing or enters the housing, the key holding element is configured to trigger at least one of the sensing units. The authentication module is disposed at the housing. The control module is disposed in the housing and electrically connected with the power assembly, the sensing units, and the authentication module, and is configured to control the power assembly according to the at least one of the sensing units which is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: LUBN INC.
    Inventors: Shih-Hsun Ou, Chiu-Wan Li, Yuan-Chou Chung
  • Patent number: 11007978
    Abstract: A vehicular illumination system includes an illumination module disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle. The illumination module includes a reconfigurable display element and a light source operable to emit light. When the light source is operated, light emitted by the light source passes through the reconfigurable display element and the illumination module projects an icon established by the reconfigurable display element. The reconfigurable display element is reconfigurable to form the icon responsive to one of (i) a user selection of an icon and (ii) programming of the reconfigurable display element for an icon. When the light source is operated, light emitted by the light source passes through the reconfigurable display element and the illumination module projects the icon of the reconfigurable display element onto a surface exterior of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
  • Patent number: 11011053
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remote power tool control are provided. In one example, a battery pack is coupled to a power tool device. The battery pack includes a pack transceiver and a pack electronic processor. The pack electronic processor is coupled to the pack transceiver and is configured to determine that the power tool device is remotely controllable. The pack electronic processor is further configured to receive, wirelessly via a pack transceiver of the battery pack, a remote control command from a mobile device, and to provide the remote control command to the power tool device. The system further includes a tool electronic processor of the power tool device in communication with the pack electronic processor. The tool electronic processor is configured to control the power tool device to perform an action specified by the remote control command in response to receiving the remote control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Huggins, Tyler J. Rowe, Frederick W. Bryan, Mark K. Stokes
  • Patent number: 11000226
    Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for fostering wireless communication to and from orthopedic implants. Cuff and bandage devices provide a means of supporting a device which coordinates and optimizes communication with orthopedic implants. The devices support methods which can provide feedback to a user to optimize the signal strength and signal to noise aspects of wireless connections to and from orthopedic implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Flitsch, Filip Leszko, George A. Mikhail, Randall B. Pugh, Adam Toner
  • Patent number: 10997808
    Abstract: The present application provides an unlocking solution. In this solution, after obtaining a digital key seed, a user mobile device can generate a digital key for multiple times by using the digital key seed and first check data corresponding to a current unlocking operation, and then send the digital key to a smart door lock for verification and unlocking. Because the digital key includes the first check data only corresponding to the current unlocking operation, an attacker cannot use the digital key to perform unlocking again even if the attacker obtains the digital key. In addition, because the digital key seed can be used for multiple times, a smart door lock server does not need to be connected each time to obtain the digital key. Therefore, both security and ease of use are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Advanced New Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xi Sun, Hongwei Luo
  • Patent number: 10997806
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Earles, Joseph W. Baumgarte, Todd Eberwine, Brian Sherman, Ryan C. Kincaid, Jeffrey S. Neafsey, Michael P. Hogan, Timothy N. Comerford
  • Patent number: 10988113
    Abstract: A wireless controller is in communication with a plurality of wireless transceivers. An authentication controller is in communication with the wireless controller. The authentication controller is programmed to provide an initial authentication message to a user interface responsive to initiation of an authentication sequence between the vehicle and a mobile device initiating communication with the wireless transceivers, and responsive to completion of the authentication sequence, update the authentication message to indicate that the authentication sequence is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Hassani, Hamid M. Golgiri, Vivekanandh Elangovan, Gerard Edward Szczepaniak, Joshua Wheeler, Kirk Leonard
  • Patent number: 10984135
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to radio frequency identification (RFID)-based communications technologies. In one aspect, a radio-frequency-based communications apparatus includes an antenna, a near field communication (NFC) radio frequency module and an electronic product code (EPC) radio frequency module separately connected to the antenna, an NFC processing module connected to the NFC radio frequency module, and an EPC processing module connected to the EPC radio frequency module. The NFC radio frequency module and the NFC processing module are configured to process signals transmitted according to one or more predetermined NFC protocols. The EPC radio frequency module and the EPC processing module are configured to process signals transmitted according to one or more predetermined EPC protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Advantageous New Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong Zhang
  • Patent number: 10969412
    Abstract: A system for generation of electrical power including an inverter connected to a photovoltaic source including a theft prevention and detection feature. A first memory is permanently attached to the photovoltaic source. The first memory is configured to store a first code. A second memory is attached to the inverter. The second memory configured to store a second code. During manufacture or installation of the system, the first code is stored in the first memory attached to the photovoltaic source. The second code based on the first code is stored in the second memory. Prior to operation of the inverter, the first code is compared to the second code and based on the comparison; the generation of the electrical power is enabled or disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy Sella, Meir Adest, Meir Gazit, Lior Handelsman, Ilan Yoscovich, Amir Fishelov, Yaron Binder, Yoav Galin
  • Patent number: 10970498
    Abstract: An approach for training a system to decode a chipless RFID tag involves varying at least one reading parameter of an interrogation signal and acquiring a test response signal response to each variation of the interrogation signal. One or more simulated response signals are simulated for one or more variations of the reading parameter. A decoding processor is trained to decode the identification (ID) of the RFID tag using the test response signals and the simulated response signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry Arjomandi
  • Patent number: 10964146
    Abstract: An circuit includes a first inductive coil and a second inductive coil each including a plurality of metal traces. The first and second inductive coils are each configured to receive a first signal from an electromagnetic field and generate respective first and second output voltages. Each of the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil are configured to inductively couple to the electromagnetic field. A first circuit element is configured to receive the first output voltage and generate a first response at a first power level of the first output voltage. A second circuit element is configured to receive the second output voltage and transition to an active state to perform one or more functions when the second output voltage exceeds a second power level. The first and second power levels are related to movement of the first and second inductive coils through the electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: X-Card Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Cox
  • Patent number: 10956876
    Abstract: The disclosure proposes a method performed in an electronic device for minimizing downtime in operation of a door system. The method comprising obtaining a door system identification information, followed by obtaining a status pattern associated with the operation of the door system associating the obtained status pattern with the door system identification information. The method is determining if the obtained status pattern is associated with any of at least one reference status pattern, by comparing the obtained status pattern with the at least one reference status pattern. This is then followed by associating the determined reference status pattern with the door system identification information and generating a door maintenance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
    Inventor: Roger Dreyer
  • Patent number: 10957136
    Abstract: An information-based access control system for facilities. The control system includes a mobile app and securely connected central server, which is cloud-based. The app collects and transmits multiple biometric and other authentication factors and the facility enabling the server to verify identity and check to ensure the person is authorized to obtain access. If so, the server issues a limited-duration access token, which can be displayed to the facility guards and transmitted to signal lights and electronic gates to obtain access quickly, conveniently, inexpensively, and securely. In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle on the move can acquire access without having to slow down or stop. In this exemplary embodiment, an RFID device in a person's vehicle who is seeking access is provided, along with an RFID reader which obtains approval, based on the multiple authentication factors and the RFID tag, to permit access to the moving vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventors: Robert William Kocher, Douglas Earl Dyer
  • Patent number: 10954948
    Abstract: Systems, devices, controllers and methods for providing a DC (direct current) motor controller for ceiling fans, that can include retrofitting a DC motor controlled ceiling fan with a single remote control device. Another embodiment is for providing a DC motor controller for ceiling fans, that can include retrofitting a DC motor controlled ceiling fan with a single remote control device within the ceiling fan with a WiFi control device within the ceiling fan. Other embodiments can include using combinations of a wireless remote controller with a smart phone and with mechanical switches and/or with hardwired wall mounted controls, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Chen Luen Industries CO., LTD., INC.
    Inventors: Tien S. Lowe, Charles E. Bucher, Zachary Zauhar
  • Patent number: 10946832
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an interior of a motor vehicle using at least one camera directed into the interior during a temporary access to the interior or to a trunk of the motor vehicle, the camera being switched on by a control unit during the entire access or in the event of deviations from specified rules for the access and transmitting the recorded data to a storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Eberlein
  • Patent number: 10931619
    Abstract: An alert system and method may include receiving a notification message, identifying a content of the notification message, in response to receiving the notification message, analyzing a social media activity of the user to determine that the content of the notification message is relevant to the social media activity of the user, and alerting, by the processor, the user of the notification message in accordance with a modified alert preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa Seacat DeLuca, Jeremy Greenberger, Zachary Greenberger
  • Patent number: 10911427
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and/or devices for reconfiguring a wearable device. The methods, systems, apparatuses, and/or devices may include a first biometric sensor configured to take a first physiological measurement of a user corresponding to a first set of parameters, and wherein the first set of parameters is a first frequency that the first biometric sensor takes the first physiological measurement; a second biometric sensor configured to take a second physiological measurement of the user; and a processing device configured to, in response to receiving the reconfiguration request, reconfigure the first device to: activate the second biometric sensor to take the second physiological measurement; or take the first physiological measurement of the user corresponding to a second set of parameters that are different than the first set of parameters, wherein the second set of parameters is a second frequency that the first biometric sensor takes the first physiological measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventors: Rick V. Murakami, David Miller, Matthew W. Pettit, Larry V. Lunt
  • Patent number: 10902718
    Abstract: A wireless control device may include a housing, a yoke, an antenna, a communication circuit, and a control circuit. The yoke may be electrically conductive and be configured to mount the wireless control device to an electrical wallbox. The antenna may be configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. The antenna may be a slot antenna. The communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive the radio-frequency signals via the antenna, and the control circuit may be responsive to the communication circuit (e.g., the signals received via the communication circuit). The control device may also include a conductive component that is attached to a front surface of the housing. For example, the conductive component may be electrically connected to the yoke via a single electrical connection (e.g., a screw). Further, the conductive component may be parallel with the antenna and configured to be capacitively coupled to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William T. Shivell, Amy E. Yanek
  • Patent number: 10902407
    Abstract: A payment device includes a plurality of antennas and a payment unit. The payment unit performs a payment process for payment in which a payment service associated with a respective one of the plurality of antennas is used in accordance with start of wireless communication for the payment process via the respective one of the plurality of antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 10885289
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking medical articles, each having an RFID tag. The articles located in an EM shielded container that includes a probe that comprises a main conductive element having capacitive coupling across a slot to form an electric field and spacing above a ground plane to form an equally strong or stronger magnetic field, both fields filling the interior of the container to activate RFID tags therein. A parasitic element controls the energy pattern of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Elizondo, II