Patents Examined by Son M. Tang
  • Patent number: 11972649
    Abstract: A system and method for using a portable device to communicate with a vehicle to authorize one or more vehicle operations. The portable device may authorize the vehicle to unlock/lock doors, start the vehicle engine, or mobilize the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The vehicle may include a vehicle transmitter system with one or more transmitters disposed at various locations on the vehicle, and the portable device may be configured to monitor a communication strength between the portable device and the one or more transmitters of the transmitter system. Based on the monitored signal strength, the portable device may determine location information about itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: J. Michael Ellis, Eric Smith, Aaron Day, Kurt Dykema, Warren E. Guthrie, Brent Bouws, David L Klamer, Kent D. Pilcher
  • Patent number: 11967222
    Abstract: A method performed at a computer system includes: obtaining door lock activation data for a door of a dwelling of the user; obtaining current occupancy data for the dwelling; setting a configuration of a controller for the dwelling, based at least in part on the door lock activation data for the door and the current occupancy data for the dwelling; the first configuration including for each sensor in a set of sensors coupled to the controller, disabling the sensor or disabling alerts from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Jesse William Boettcher, Sophie Solveig Le Guen, Jason Rundle Rukes, Ted Stephen Boda, David Sloo
  • Patent number: 11961386
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining an operational state of an industrial plant includes acquiring alarms raised within the plant and adding them to a pool of important alarms, determining whether a physical state of the plant indicated by a first alarm causes a second alarm or meets a predetermined state-dependent condition and, if so, moving the first alarm to a pool of informative alarms; and determining the operational state of the plant and/or a corrective action for improving this operational state based on the alarms in the pool of important alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Mario Hoernicke, Katharina Stark, Dirk Schulz
  • Patent number: 11935386
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products for alerting a user of a wearable device to adjust the position of the device are provided. An example method includes receiving environment data from a wearable device sensor connected to the wearable device, wherein the wearable device is mountable on an arm of the user such that the wearable device sensor is directed toward a hand of the user. Additionally, the example method determines a position of the wearable device on the arm of the user relative to a calibrating object based at least in part on the captured environment data. Further, the example method alerts the user to adjust the position of the wearable device in an instance in which the position of the wearable device relative to the calibrating object exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Emily N. Cort, Dwight Linwood Franz, Blake E. Dunbar
  • Patent number: 11928949
    Abstract: Phone reminder device (PRD) apparatus, systems, and methods for pairing with a protected phone include a processor, a memory unit that stores program instructions, a user input device, a Bluetooth low energy radio transceiver, an accelerometer, and an integral power source. PRD processor control routines, including visual feedback and customized auditory alerts, are based on selected modes of method and system operation, persistence of inferred or measured lack of proximity, history and frequency of alerts, current and historical PRD and/or phone movement, historical bases for lack of proximity, and loss of phone connection. User input or separate processor control adjust the transmission power level up with adjusted transmission power level in detecting protected phone proximity saved to the memory unit. Based on user input and PRD system and/or method dynamics, the memory unit maximizes integral power source life. PRD remote control of the protected phone camera application is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: PROX DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael M. McCrary, Robert T. Hulet
  • Patent number: 11919477
    Abstract: An embodiment system includes a vehicle configured to generate a message for informing a tagging status of a portable terminal, in response to the portable terminal entering the tagging status to a door handle, and to control the door handle to be developed over time after the tagging status of the portable terminal is changed to an untagging status, in response to the tagging status of the portable terminal being changed to the untagging status, and a server configured to receive the message for informing the tagging status from the vehicle and transmit the message for informing the tagging status to the portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Da Ye Oh
  • Patent number: 11919644
    Abstract: A system for securement of galley trolleys in aircraft comprises a motion sensor mounted to monitor a trolley in a trolley bay; a controller connected to the motion sensor, and an output device operatively connected to the controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the motion sensor to detect unsecured motion of a trolley in the trolley bay and the output device is configured to alert a user upon detection of unsecured motion of a trolley in the trolley bay. A method for securement of galley trolleys in aircraft includes monitoring a trolley in a trolley bay of an aircraft for motion and alerting a user upon unsecure motion of the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeevkumar Agadi, Praveen Kumar Rai
  • Patent number: 11922802
    Abstract: There is provided a method for generating traffic data indicative of a traffic volume and/or traffic density within a navigable network in an area covered by an electronic map, the electronic map comprising a plurality of segments representing navigable elements of the navigable network. The method generally comprises obtaining positional data relating to the movement of a plurality of devices along the navigable elements represented by the segments of the electronic map; determining, using (at least) positional data relating to one or more congested segments within a region of the navigable network, an estimate of one or more average penetration rates for the region; determining a sample volume for a non-congested segment within the region based on the obtained positional data; and estimating, using the determined sample volume and a selected one of the average penetration rates for the region, a traffic volume and/or traffic density for the non-congested segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TomTom Traffic B.V.
    Inventors: Christian Lorenz, Sören Sonnenburg, Robin Tenhagen, Arne Kesting, Vinh Tho Ma
  • Patent number: 11915571
    Abstract: A dynamic spatial monitoring platform is disclosed that provides improved management and compliance with guest-spacing requirements. The spatial monitoring platform may include a plurality of tracking modules that are configured to capture environmental data of an environment with guests. The environmental data is processed to identify spacing or distancing between guests and in response, cause one or more images to be displayed or projected by the tracking modules to provide visual feedback to one or more guests relating to their spatial relationship with other guests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventors: Joshua Updike, Joseph White, Michael King, Natalie Concors
  • Patent number: 11904772
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method and system for providing an acoustic sound design for an electrified vehicle Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). The method minimizes annoyance from sound leaking into a vehicle compartment. Road and other functional vehicle made sounds (tread noise, fans, wind noise etc.) are used to create an alert sound that mimics these existing vehicle sounds and can be potentially masked, interiorly, by those same sounds. The sounds are recorded and thereafter shaped, amplified and broadcast by speaker(s) placed outside the interior cabin, i.e., one in an engine compartment and another at a rear of the vehicle, so that vulnerable road users can hear the approaching hybrid/electric vehicle. The sound meets jurisdictional requirements in accord with specified frequencies and sound levels. The result is an alert sound perceived as non-irritating and pleasant outside the vehicle, and unobtrusive and background inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aleksandra Pyzik, Pontus Larsson
  • Patent number: 11881902
    Abstract: Remote configuration of an industrial or remote telemetry device using sound. Acoustic energy directed from a remote programming device to a remote industrial or telemetry device has tones indicating a request to establish communication. By directing further acoustic energy from the remote programming device to the remote industrial or telemetry device, the remote programming device requests information relating to a current configuration of the remote industrial or telemetry device. The remote industrial or telemetry device processes the tones to identify the request and replies with acoustic energy that has associated tones indicating the information relating to the current configuration of the remote industrial or telemetry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SYSTEMS USA, INC.
    Inventors: James Redmond, Stephen Neave, Scott Guimond, Zackery Sobin
  • Patent number: 11839785
    Abstract: A communications hub for a hydrant can include a plug comprising a non-metallic material and configured to be sealably received within a plug bore defined in a flange of a bonnet of the hydrant, the flange separating an interior cavity of the hydrant from a bonnet cavity of the hydrant; a PCB; at least one battery in electrical communication with the PCB; and an antenna configured for wireless communication with a sensing device located within the interior cavity of the hydrant and in electrical communication with the PCB, the antenna able to receive a wireless signal from the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timofey Sitnikov, Paul S. Gifford, Carlos Stephen Moreno, Daryl Lee Gibson
  • Patent number: 11842591
    Abstract: Embodiments herein are directed a vehicle authorization system for a parking facility. The system includes a gate assembly and a communication system. The gate assembly includes a gate, a gate actuator configured to move the gate, and a gate controller that receives and transmits wireless long range signals. The gate controller is configured to actuate the gate actuator to move the gate. The communication system includes a remote server computing device that is positioned offsite of the parking facility and a gateway device positioned at the parking facility and communicatively coupled to the gate controller and to the remote server computing device. The remote server computing device provides the wireless long range signals to the gate controller via the gateway device such that a construction material of the parking facility and the housing of the gate assembly minimally interferes with the wireless long range signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Spothero, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Stephen Svitak
  • Patent number: 11835179
    Abstract: A system for monitoring compressed fluid sources of an evacuation assembly may comprise a controller and a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicate with the controller. The controller may perform operations, which may comprise receiving a series of first pressure measurements from a first sensor system, receiving a series of second pressure measurements from a second sensor system, calculating a first pressure trend using the series of first pressure measurements, calculating a second pressure trend using the series of second pressure measurements, and comparing each of the first pressure trend and the second pressure trend to a threshold pressure trend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sivakumar Laguduwa, Jeffrey Martin Werbelow, Arun Prasad
  • Patent number: 11828172
    Abstract: Communication networks, relay nodes for communication networks, and methods of transmitting data among a plurality of relay nodes utilizing non-dispersive guided acoustic waves are disclosed herein. The communication networks include an elongate tubular body and a wireless data transmission network including a plurality of relay nodes. The relay nodes include an electro-acoustic transmitter array and an electro-acoustic receiver. The methods include inducing a first acoustic wave within the elongate tubular body with a first relay node, conveying the first acoustic wave along the elongate tubular body to a second relay node, and receiving the first acoustic wave with the second relay node. The methods further include inducing a second acoustic wave within the elongate tubular body with the second relay node, conveying the second acoustic wave along the elongate tubular body to a third relay node, and receiving the second acoustic wave with the third relay node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Yibing Zhang, Limin Song, Mark M. Disko
  • Patent number: 11819460
    Abstract: A collision prevention system for a surgical suite includes a supply unit adjustable along a movement path from an initial position to a subsequent position within the surgical suite. A sensor is operably coupled to the supply unit. The sensor is configured to sense an object proximate to the supply unit. A controller is communicatively coupled with the sensor. The controller monitors the object sensed by the sensor. An alert device is communicatively coupled with the controller. The alert device provides a notification when the object is sensed within the movement path and provides a prevention indicator corresponding to an alternate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Baxter Medical Systems GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Timotheus Bachinger-Colling, Andreas Huber, Felix Jochen Hempel
  • Patent number: 11804121
    Abstract: A device can include a stand that includes a base and a pole; and a monitoring unit coupled to the pole, where the monitoring unit includes a sensor and a status indicator that changes from an unoccupied illumination to an occupied illumination responsive to detection via the sensor of human presence in a region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Stewart, Ellis Anderson
  • Patent number: 11795753
    Abstract: A garage door status monitoring and control system includes a control module for receiving door position information and receiving change of door position commands from a remote Internet access device. The control module includes a programmable platform configured to: route door position information to a wireless interface for transmission to the Internet access device; and cause said change of door position commands to generate a light and sound command and a door position command. A Bluetooth microprocessor generates a wireless signal to actuate a light fixture in response to the light and sound command. The light fixture includes a microprocessor for wirelessly returning an acknowledge signal. The acknowledge signal is conductively transmitted to the programmable platform from the Bluetooth microprocessor. Receipt of the acknowledge signal allows the door position command to be generated only after a defined period of time following the generation of the light and sound command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: GMI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Ikeler, LeRoy G. Krupke, Brent Buescher, Brent Alan Rauscher, Michael Dragomier
  • Patent number: 11786769
    Abstract: A communications hub for a hydrant can include a plug comprising a non-metallic material and configured to be sealably received within a plug bore defined in a flange of a bonnet of the hydrant, the flange separating an interior cavity of the hydrant from a bonnet cavity of the hydrant; a PCB; at least one battery in electrical communication with the PCB; and an antenna configured for wireless communication with a sensing device located within the interior cavity of the hydrant and in electrical communication with the PCB, the antenna able to receive a wireless signal from the sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timofey Sitnikov, Paul S. Gifford, Carlos Stephen Moreno, Daryl Lee Gibson
  • Patent number: 11756402
    Abstract: An infrastructure article includes a signal receiver device configured to receive a wireless signal from a signal emitter device configured at an electrically powered scooter; and a controller configured to determine information, coded in the wireless signal, that is based on an operator proficiency of an operator of the electrically powered scooter; and to perform, based at least in part on the information that indicates the operator proficiency of the operator of the electrically powered scooter, at least one operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kristen J. Hansen, Douglas S. Dunn, Jonathan D. Gandrud