Patents Examined by Vernal Brown
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Patent number: 9843358Abstract: A device, system, and method for communicating with a power inverter of an array of inverters includes transmitting a relay message from an inverter array controller to a relay inverter in response to failing to receive a response from at least one power inverter of the array. The relay inverter is configured to retransmit a message from the inverter array controller to a non-responsive power inverter of the array of inverters in response to receiving the relay message. The relay inverter may subsequently retransmit a reply received from the non-responsive power inverter to the inverter array controller or to another power inverter of the array of inverters.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Philip Rothblum, Brian T. Kuhn, Jonathan Ehlmann, Patrick L. Chapman
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Patent number: 9836103Abstract: An apparatus for tracking, security, badging, and reporting is disclosed, as is a method of use. The apparatus may take the form of a keycard, fob, badge, or other encapsulated electronic device. The incorporation of an electronic compass, accelerometer, and wireless transceiver allows for the more dynamic uses of the apparatus when compared to existing radio frequency identification (RFID) cards. The power is supplied by a thin film micro energy cell (MEC) battery. Additionally, the apparatus has energy harvesting capabilities to recharge the battery. The apparatus interacts with various communication points, including but not limited to, computer terminals, mobile devices, security points, and entryways. This is achieved using a protocol such as Bluetooth Low Energy. The apparatus interacts and communicates with a host system employed on the premises.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Inventors: Mark Kramer, Wilfred Tucker, John Sample, Christopher Bermel
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Patent number: 9836629Abstract: Method for capturing, organizing and retrieving data for utility assets using RFID tags, including: storing data related to a plurality of utility assets in a database, wherein the stored data include data about type of the utility asset; repair, documentation, testing validation, and inspection of the utility asset; programming a plurality of RFID tags for placement on a utility asset, by one or more processors; placing the programmed RFID tags on the utility asset; linking stored data related to the utility asset with the programmed data for the placed RFID tags, including location data of the placed RFID tags; and querying one or more of the placed RFID tags to retrieve data about the utility asset including data about the location of the utility asset, the specific segment and the specific joint, the type of the utility asset; repair, documentation, testing validation, and inspection of the utility asset, by one or more processors.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: ECHORFID LLCInventors: Layne D. Tucker, Gordon R. Hockridge, Tom Y. Sawyer, Jr., Tom D. Petty
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Patent number: 9820010Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for controlling, from a mobile device, media content stored on the mobile device to a media client for presentation on a display device. Data can be provided from the mobile device to the media client for identifying the location of the media content and a playback time. Based on the data, the media client can obtain a portion of the media content associated with the playback time. Also, playback of the media content on the display device can be controlled by a user of the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Thomas Matthieu Alsina, Bob Bradley, Alan C. Cannistraro, Scott Forstall, Amandeep Jawa, Nicholas V. King, Lucas Newman, Daniel Trent Preston, Jai Chulani, Jeffrey Robbin
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Patent number: 9808730Abstract: In an embodiment, a transmit controller capable of automatic configuration is provided. In another embodiment, an auxiliary user interface device for automatically configuring a transmit controller is provided. In another embodiment, an auxiliary user interface device for transmitting operational parameter settings is provided. In another embodiment, an auxiliary user interface device for receiving operational parameter settings is provided. In another embodiment, an auxiliary user interface device for updating an application program of a receiving device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: TRAXXAS LPInventors: Michael S. Jenkins, Gary DeWitt, Brad Shirley, Richard Dale Rice, Jr., Lane Roathe, Chris Russell, Larry DeFauw
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Patent number: 9805228Abstract: There is described a method of checking whether a transponder device (220) is in proximity of a reader device (210), the method comprising (a) transmitting a first command (331) from the reader device to the transponder device, (b) in response to receiving the first command at the transponder device, transmitting a first response (332) to the reader device, the first response including an expected transponder device response time (pubRespTime) which is stored in a memory (224) of the transponder device, (c) transmitting a second command (333) from the reader device to the transponder device, (d) in response to receiving the second command at the transponder device, transmitting a second response (334) to the reader device, (e) at the reader device, determining the transponder device response time as the difference in time between transmitting the second command and receiving the second response from the transponder device, and (f) determining whether the determined transponder device response time matches theType: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventor: Pieter Janssens
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Patent number: 9807202Abstract: A connecting device operating as a gateway in communicating information to a lock device using a first bandwidth wireless communication protocol, and which also operates temporarily as an access point for communicating other information with the lock device using a second bandwidth wireless communication protocol. Temporary, random credential may be used to establish a one-time connection with the connecting device via the access point. Upon completion of the transfer of information using the second bandwidth wireless communication protocol, the access point may be terminated, and the generated credential may become obsolete. The server may also attempt to balance a load on the server by scheduling the timing of at least certain types of communications to lock device based on matching periods of time in which usage of the lock device is low with times that would allow for a balance of the load on the server.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Joseph W. Baumgarte, Scott Daub
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Patent number: 9799155Abstract: An apparatus may include a controller that may include one or more processors, and memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, may cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations may include receiving key fob data from a reader. The key fob data may include ID information of a user. The operations may further include determining authorization privileges associated with the received ID information of the user, and controlling a lock system of a gas flow valve in response to the determination of the authorization privileges associated with the received ID information of the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Bohnas LLCInventors: Casey Johnson, Greg Bauer, Doran Thomas
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Patent number: 9779596Abstract: Devices and methods for locating accessories of an electronic device are provided. In one example, a method may include detecting parameters associated with disconnecting an accessory from the electronic device. The electronic device, or an associated device, may store the detected parameters so that the detected parameters are accessible if the accessory becomes lost. The electronic device may receive a request from a user of the electronic device for assistance in locating the accessory. In response to the request for assistance in locating the accessory, the electronic device may provide the stored parameters to the user of the electronic device to aid them in searching for their lost accessory.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Michael Ignazio Ingrassia, Jr., Nathaniel P. Hramits
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Patent number: 9773134Abstract: An apparatus (such as but not limited to an RFID tag) includes an RFID transceiver that is configured to automatically switch from a readable state to a quiescent read state upon being read and to remain in the quiescent read state at least while provisioned with reader-based power. The apparatus further includes a read-state changer disposed locally with respect to the RFID transceiver and configured to switch the RFID transceiver from the quiescent read state to the readable state notwithstanding current availability of the reader-based power.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Inventors: Nicholaus A. Jones, Bruce W. Wilkinson, Abu Rasel
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Patent number: 9773409Abstract: Intuitive methods of automatically configuring a remote control for multiple electronic devices are disclosed. The remote control can be automatically configured with the help of a first electronic device that is connected to one or more additional electronic devices. The first electronic device aids in the configuration of the remote control by gathering information about the one or more additional electronic devices and configuring the remote control in accordance. The information about the one or more additional electronic devices may be gathered from the devices themselves, from additional remote controls associated with the devices, and/or from a user, among other possibilities.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventor: Christopher J. Sanders
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Patent number: 9767633Abstract: A remote keyless system having a light; and a controller coupled to the light. The controller has a processor and memory having stored thereon a plurality of executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a door closing signal from a door locking system. The door closing signal indicates that one or more doors of a vehicle have been opened and then closed within a predetermined amount of time. The instructions further cause the computer to turn the light on in response to receiving the door closing signal, send a locking signal to the door locking system, and receive a confirmation signal from the door locking system. The confirmation signal indicates that all doors of the vehicle have been successfully locked. The instructions further cause the computer to turn the light off in response to receiving the confirmation signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Inventors: Thomas Zane Pramudji, Ari Pramudji
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Patent number: 9761129Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a remote controller with a device are provided. The systems and methods generally relate to receiving a request from a remote controlled to pair the remote controller to a device at several devices and determining at each of the several devices the strength of the wireless pairing request signal received by that device. If a device determines that its received signal is the strongest, the device may be paired with the remote controller. If instead a device determines that its received signal is not the strongest, it may ignore subsequent communications received from the remote controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Nicholas Vincent King
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Patent number: 9746936Abstract: A controller includes a substrate is fixed relative to a movable plate. When a movement or an input operation on the movable plate or surface is detected, a drive signal is directed to drive electrodes or elements related to the substrate. The drive signal is modulated with signals dependent on the location of the movable plate. The movable plate is part of a including a plate being flat plate-like in shape. A movable plate support section supports the movable plate on a support structure so as to permit the movable plate to be moved along a plane lateral and parallel to the plate surface of the movable plate. An actuator is configured to respond to the movable plate; an actuator drive control section for outputting an actuator drive signal to drivingly control a sensor as signaled by the actuator drive control section.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: DONGGUAN SILVERLIT TOYS, CO., LTD.Inventor: Kwok Leung Wong
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Patent number: 9741184Abstract: A door handle including light emitters for emitting light out of the handle, light detectors, lenses oriented relative to the emitters and detectors such that for each emitter-detector pair, when a reflective object is located at a target position near the handle, corresponding to that emitter-detector pair, then the light emitted by that emitter passes through one of the lenses and is reflected by the object back through one of the lenses to that detector, a keyless lock that, when activated, scans for a digital key via wireless communication, and a processor operable to synchronously activate emitter-detector pairs, to recognize from the amounts of light received by the activated detectors, and from the target positions corresponding to the activated emitter-detector pairs, that the object is approaching the handle and performing a sweep gesture and, in response thereto, to activate the keyless lock.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Neonode Inc.Inventors: Sairam Iyer, Stefan Holmgren, Per Rosengren
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Patent number: 9734705Abstract: A logo assembly, a control method, a controller and an electronic device are provided. The logo assembly comprises: a front case of a logo and a touchpad attached to a backside of the front case of the logo. The touchpad comprises a touch sensor configured to send a control signal to the controller when detecting a touch control operation to the front case of the logo, such that the controller performs a control operation to the electronic device after receiving the control signal. By attaching the touchpad to the backside of the front case of the logo, it solves the issue that a logo has a negative impact on the design of the position of buttons at the front panel of the electronic device, thus reducing the impact of the logo on the position of the buttons.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: XIAOMI INC.Inventors: Jun Wan, Qiang Xu, Yongjian Sun
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Patent number: 9728018Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to dynamically configure a passive entry, passive start system to issue passive and active commands upon authentication of a remote keyless fob with a body control module in a given vehicle selected from a fleet of vehicles. In particular, a UID secret key data field is generated in the FOB data store using a fleet secret key data field and a vehicle secret key field retrieved from the BCM data store. A wakeup pattern data field stored in the FOB data store is generated with a fleet wakeup pattern data field and a master wakeup pattern data field retrieved from the BCM data store such that an approach wakeup pattern data field stored in the BCM data field is written to an approach wakeup pattern data field in the FOB data store when the remote fob is authenticated with the body control module.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David T. Proefke, Ron Y. Asmar, Thomas E. Utter, Aaron P. Creguer
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Patent number: 9728025Abstract: A communication system includes: a vehicle-mounted communication device and a portable device. The communication device includes: a vehicle transmission unit which transmits a plurality of first signals to the portable device, and a vehicle reception unit which receives a second signal transmitted from the portable device. The portable device includes: a portable device reception unit which receives the first signals, a portable device controller which detects signal intensities of the received first signals, and which compares the signal intensities of the first signals, and a portable device transmission unit which transmits the second signal according to control of the portable device controller. The portable device controller sets an output value of the second signal to a predetermined value when a difference between the compared signal intensities of the first signals is equal to or less than a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuya Hamada, Takahiro Inaguma, Yosuke Tomita
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Patent number: 9729209Abstract: A Near Field Communication method performed by a tag reader detects whether a tag is present. The method includes stimulating the tag reader's transmitter to generate an impulse response, evaluating the impulse response generated by the transmitter to obtain an evaluated impulse response, and assessing whether a tag is present based on the evaluated impulse response.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Optis Circuit Technology, LLCInventor: Achraf Dhayni
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Patent number: 9723428Abstract: An Internet-of-Things (IoT) system for public transportation service and a method of operating the same are disclosed. The IoT system includes on-vehicle devices, a management server, a plurality of bus stop access points (APs), and a wired/wireless bus stop access point (AP) communication network. The on-vehicle devices are mounted within a bus, i.e., a public transportation means. The management server is connected to the bus over an Internet, i.e., a wireless communication means. The plurality of bus stop APs are short distance communication APs, and are each provided in each bus stop at which the bus stops and configured to enable information to be exchanged between the bus stop and the bus. The wired/wireless bus stop AP communication network connects the plurality of bus stop APs. The management server performs Internet access processing to connect the bus stop AP communication network and an external terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Jung-Soo Park, Yong-Geun Hong, Myung-Ki Shin