Patents Examined by Vernal Brown
  • Patent number: 9396374
    Abstract: An electronic baggage tag is self-reliant and self-regulating and provides the underlying foundation for a baggage tracking and management system, the center of which operates one or more tag service provider servers. The tag is attached to a baggage and is loaded with various data, including passenger itinerary, GPS data, and journey profile data. The tag has sensors, such for detecting different vibrations, electro-magnetic sensor, GPS, and others. As the baggage to which the tag is attached goes on its journey, the sensors detect stimuli and ascertain where in the journey the baggage is and use itinerary and other data to determine where the baggage should be. The tag service provider server communicates with the tag at various stages in the journey, providing up-to-date itinerary data to the tag. The tag automatically shuts off to be compliant with government regulations for devices in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: PINGER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Cleveland A. Motley, III, Enrique A. Salgado, Roland F. Bryan
  • Patent number: 9389076
    Abstract: A laser device operating system includes a laser device generating a laser beam when receiving a remote control unit command signal. The remote control unit operates in a public or private mode. In public mode the remote control unit generates a command signal transmitted to the laser device. In private mode the remote control unit generates a unique identifier prepended to the command signal. The laser device operates in a laser device public or private mode. In public mode the laser device responds to the remote control unit command signal or the command signal if transmitted by a second remote control unit. In private mode the laser device operates only upon receipt of the command signal and unique identifier, preventing laser device operation by the second remote control unit if the second unit does not include the unique identifier with the command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: John K. Horky, Geoffrey S. Howard, James P. Bascom, Stamati Arakas, Gabriel E. Concari, Gary Noffke
  • Patent number: 9389638
    Abstract: A device for detecting a carrying case, and methods there for, are provided. The device includes: an orientation sensor; a near field communication (NFC) reader; and, a processor configured to place the device in a carrying case mode when an orientation of the device is within a given angular range as determined using the orientation sensor, and the NFC reader detects an NFC tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ahmed Abdelsamie, Marc Elis Meunier, Omar George Joseph Barake, Steven Anthony Lill, Guowei Zhang
  • Patent number: 9384606
    Abstract: A passive keyless system includes an in-vehicle control unit, an in-vehicle transmitter wirelessly sending a request signal, a portable device that is activated by a battery, has a standby function of receiving a request signal, and sends an ID signal when the request signal is received, and an in-vehicle receiver receiving the ID signal. The in-vehicle control unit allows various operations of the vehicle when an authentication of the ID signal received by the in-vehicle receiver is established. When a remaining amount value of the battery is less than a reference value, the portable device can stop the standby function, can restore the standby function according to an operation using the portable device, and can stop the standby function again after the standby function is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 9367977
    Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a system are provided for controlling a smart key. The smart key control apparatus includes a smart key controller that is configured to transmit a wake-up signal for a smart key when a start-up command is detected in a start-off state of a vehicle and authenticate the smart key based on a response of the smart key that corresponds to the wake-up signal. In addition, a peripheral controller is configured to adjust a power level of a neighboring portable terminal when an authentication for the smart key fails and a communicator is configured to transmit and receive a signal between the smart key and the portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 9361791
    Abstract: A system and method for promoting enhanced healing of a medical patient includes a patient room having accommodations for the medical patient, a central computer connected to a media server, a main display located in the patient room, the main display connected to the central computer and including at least a navigation pane and a content pane, an audio system connected to the central computer and capable of providing sound to the patient room, and a remote unit directly accessible to the medical patient, the remote unit having a capability to control the central computer and a content of the main display and a content of the audio system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Gerard Eisterhold
  • Patent number: 9361491
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits are described. According to one embodiment, a radio frequency identification circuit includes an antenna network and an integrated circuit configured to operate as a reader and a tag in combination with the antenna network. The integrated circuit is configured to provide an output admittance determined by a ratio of current and voltage negative feedback signals such that a frequency response of the combined integrated circuit and antenna network is adjustable when operating as a reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gay, Francois Louis Dorel, Frederic Declercq
  • Patent number: 9361786
    Abstract: An electronic window covering control system automatically controls raising, lowering, and rotating a window covering of a window. A window covering controller interfaces with an electronic window covering, sends messages including sensor data to a local receiver, and receives messages including window covering commands from the local receiver. In turn, the local receiver interfaces with a hub device through a mesh network. The hub receives the sensor data, applies a rule set to make window covering operation decisions, and sends messages, which may comprise commands to operate the window covering, through the mesh network to the local receiver. The local receiver decodes the messages and passes the window covering commands to the window covering controller to automatically control the electronic window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: SMARTLABS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Brian Cregg, Joseph J. Dada, Marcus Paul Escobosa
  • Patent number: 9355553
    Abstract: Upon receiving a keystroke indicator signal from a remote control device, a key code generator device identifies a codeset usable to communicate with a selected consumer device. The keystroke indicator signal contains an indication of a pressed key, which corresponds to a function of the selected consumer device. Using the identified codeset and the key indication, the key code generator device generates a key code and modulates that key code onto a radio frequency carrier signal, thereby generating a first key code signal. The remote control device receives the first key code signal from the key code generator device and modulates the key code onto an infrared frequency carrier signal, thereby generating a second key code signal. The remote control device relays the key code to the selected consumer device in the second key code signal. The key code causes the selected consumer device to perform the desired function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: UEI Cayman Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel SauFu Mui
  • Patent number: 9349276
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for receiving sensor configuration information from a remote security, monitoring and automation (SMA) controller, storing that sensor configuration information, and transmitting the sensor configuration information to a remote central station alarm monitoring system in a form usable by the remote central station. In addition, a mechanism is provided for receiving account configuration information from a remote node, storing that account configuration information, and transmitting the account configuration information to the remote central station in a form usable by that remote central station. In this manner, inefficiencies during installation and modification of a security system using the SMA controller can be avoided through automated provision of the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Wade Cohn, Gary Robert Faulkner, James Edward Kitchen, David Leon Proft, Corey Wayne Quain
  • Patent number: 9336669
    Abstract: The system in at least one embodiment includes a tamper evident specimen sample locking device that in a further embodiment includes an embedded data storage mechanism. A method for using the system in at least one embodiment allows for efficiently and securely creating, maintaining, identifying, tracking, and controlling inventories (either prospective or retrospective) of biological and chemical sample containers and their contents, while eliminating potential loss and degradation associated with handling the samples. The system in at least one embodiment includes a sample container tray or cryogenic box having one or more integrated RFID readers within an associated smart lid that sense RFIDs associated with the individual samples thereby eliminating the need to remove, visually inspect, and/or handle the samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by The Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert A. Bowden, Michelle Hossenlopp
  • Patent number: 9332388
    Abstract: A composite device includes an RFID device and a controller. The controller allows the RFID to respond to a query from an external source only when the composite device is at a predetermined location. In this manner, a code associated with the RFID is not released by the RFID anywhere in the world except at the location of the query requester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor Johns
  • Patent number: 9330399
    Abstract: A method for verifying a location of a user of a mobile device is disclosed. The method involves: receiving an indicia of a location of the mobile device based on an at-location element proximate to the mobile device; receiving a global positioning system (GPS) position associated with the mobile device; determining whether at least one security condition is satisfied based on the indicia of the location and the GPS position; and causing a next action to occur when the at least one security condition is satisfied, or not causing the next action to occur when the at least one security condition is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Reed Morse, Grantland Chew
  • Patent number: 9317727
    Abstract: An electronic baggage tag is self-reliant and self-regulating and provides the underlying foundation for a baggage tracking and management system, the center of which operates one or more tag service provider servers. The tag is attached to a baggage and is loaded with various data, including passenger itinerary, GPS data, and journey profile data. The tag has sensors, such for detecting different vibrations, electro-magnetic sensor, GPS, and others. As the baggage to which the tag is attached goes on its journey, the sensors detect stimuli and ascertain where in the journey the baggage is and use itinerary and other data to determine where the baggage should be. The tag service provider server communicates with the tag at various stages in the journey, providing up-to-date itinerary data to the tag. The tag automatically shuts off to be compliant with government regulations for devices in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: PINGER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Cleveland A. Motley, III, Enrique A. Salgado, Roland F. Bryan
  • Patent number: 9317728
    Abstract: An electronic baggage tag is self-reliant and self-regulating and provides the underlying foundation for a baggage tracking and management system, the center of which operates one or more tag service provider servers. The tag is attached to a baggage and is loaded with various data, including passenger itinerary, GPS data, and journey profile data. The tag has sensors, such for detecting different vibrations, electro-magnetic sensor, GPS, and others. As the baggage to which the tag is attached goes on its journey, the sensors detect stimuli and ascertain where in the journey the baggage is and use itinerary and other data to determine where the baggage should be. The tag service provider server communicates with the tag at various stages in the journey, providing up-to-date itinerary data to the tag. The tag automatically shuts off to be compliant with government regulations for devices in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: PINGER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Cleveland A. Motley, III, Enrique A. Salgado, Roland F. Bryan
  • Patent number: 9304206
    Abstract: A locatable object includes a microprocessor for operating the object, and a memory for storing at least a first position and a second position. The locatable object also includes an instrument recovery system integrated into the object. The instrument recovery system further includes a receiver for determining the location of an object, and a communications device for communicating at least the second position to another system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: Walter Fields, Donald Michael Shields
  • Patent number: 9306419
    Abstract: A first device may have a processor and a power management system configured to receive a request from a second device. The first device may receive attribute data from the second device and compare the attribute data of the second device to attribute data of the first device. The first device may then determine whether the second device is a qualifying device based on the comparison and it may also determine a power transfer mode of the first device based on whether the device is a qualifying device and on the attribute data of the first and second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Nanjun Qian, Yuk Lun Li, Christopher Schmidt, Balaji Raghavachari, Praveen Venkataramu
  • Patent number: 9299204
    Abstract: A locking system with infrared communications includes a lock (1) and a programming key (2). The lock (1) includes an interacting device (3) for interacting with the user, a first communications module (4) having an infrared sensor which receives and sends information when communications with the key (2) is established. A first control module (5) manages the received information and a mechanical device (6) opens and locks the locking system a first warning (7) and a first power supply (8). The programming key (2) includes a second communications module (10) including an infrared sensor for communicating with the lock (1), a second control module (11), a storage module (12), a second warning (13), a connector for connection externally (14) and a second power supply (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: OJMAR, S.A.
    Inventors: Ricardo Sendín Martín, Sergio Pérez Urruticoechea
  • Patent number: 9293032
    Abstract: Systems and devices for controlling at least one entertainment device include at least one remote in two-way communication with a base device. Memories of the remote and the base device are operable to store substantially the same data as the other such that if the remote or base device fails, data in the memory of the non-failing device is loaded into a memory of a replacement device. A memory of a second remote may also store the same data as the remote memory such that if either the first remote or the base device fails, data in the memory of the second remote is loaded into a memory of a replacement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ECHOSTAR TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: John William Linebarger, Jr., Anthony George Dower, III, Henry Gregg Martch, Leslie Ann Harper, Jan Johnson, David Arthur Innes, Joshua Alan Gatewood, Matthew Paul Zenthoefer, William Michael Beals
  • Patent number: 9292720
    Abstract: A tag communication method includes providing a tag reader operating at a first frequency and having transmit and receive antenna ports, providing a frequency converter module having transmit and receive plugs adapted to directly mate with the transmit and receive ports, and directly mating the transmit plug with the transmit port and the receive plug with the receive port. A transmit signal at the first frequency is received from the reader by the converter module by way of the directly mated transmit plug and converted to a second frequency differing from the first frequency to provide a converted transmit signal which is transmitted to the tag. A receive signal is received from the tag at the second frequency and converted to the first frequency to provide a converted receive signal which is applied by the conversion module to the reader by way of the directly mated receive plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventors: Steve Wang, Ben J. Wild