Patents by Inventor Johannes Van Niekerk
Johannes Van Niekerk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11994434Abstract: A temperature indicator includes a housing having a temperature detection assembly, switch circuitry, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module coupled to the switch circuitry. Responsive to the temperature detection assembly being subjected to a temperature exceeding a threshold, the switch circuitry causes a change in a value output by the RFID module when activated.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Shock Watch, Inc.Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk
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Patent number: 11867715Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection includes a housing, switch circuitry having an omega-shaped switch element, and a mass member movable within the housing from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event. Movement of the mass member to the second position causes the mass member to move the switch element to change a state of a circuit condition of the switch circuitry, and the change of the state of the switch circuitry indicates receipt of the acceleration event.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Shock Watch, Inc.Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk, Francisco Javier Vega Triste, Alvaro Tijerina Ahjuech
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Publication number: 20230366751Abstract: A temperature indicator includes a transparent substrate with a first code and a second code disposed on a first side of the transparent substrate. The first code comprises a first color and the second code comprises a second color different than the first color. An absorbent medium is disposed on a second side of the transparent substrate opposite the first side and comprises a third color that contrasts with only the second color of the first and second colors. A substance is disposed between the absorbent medium and the transparent substrate. The substance comprises a fourth color that contrasts with only the first color of the first and second colors and is meltable and absorbed by the absorbent medium in response to a temperature exceeding a temperature threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Johannes van Niekerk, Chris Chapman, Mark Brady, Toby William Armstrong
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Publication number: 20230366752Abstract: A temperature indicator includes a compound comprising an ionic fluid disposed in contact with an absorbent medium at a first location. Detection circuitry is coupled to the absorbent medium at a second location spaced apart from the first location. Communications circuitry is coupled to the detection circuitry and is configured to output a value indicating an actuation state of the temperature indicator indicated by the detection circuitry. Responsive to the temperature indicator being exposed to a temperature exceeding a temperature threshold, the compound migrates along the absorbent medium from the first location toward the second location. The detection circuitry is configured to indicate the actuation state based on a presence of the compound at the second location.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Johannes van Niekerk, Philippe Marrec, Uma Shivkumar, Bagavant Shivkumar
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Patent number: 11645489Abstract: An impact indicator includes a micro-sensor having a mass element configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the mass element of an impact event. The micro-sensor includes detection circuitry configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to movement of the mass element from the first position to the second position. The detection circuitry is prevented from returning to the first state in response to changing to the second state. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) module is coupled to the detection circuitry and is configured to output a value indicating that the mass element is in the second position. An activator element is configured to maintain the mass element in the first position until removal of the activator element from the micro-sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: ShockWatch, Inc.Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk, Alissa M. Fitzgerald, Phillip W. Barth
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Publication number: 20220026283Abstract: A temperature indicator includes a micro-sensor having a sensing element with a first layer coupled to a second layer where the first and second layers have different coefficients of expansion. The sensing element is configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to exposure to a temperature event and has detection circuitry configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to movement of the sensing element to the second position. The detection circuitry is prevented from returning to the first state in response to changing to the second state. An RFID module is coupled to the detection circuitry and is configured to output a value indicating that the sensing element is in the second position. An activator element is configured to maintain the sensor element in the first position until removal of the activator element from the micro-sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk, Phillip W. Barth
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Publication number: 20210396782Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection includes a housing, switch circuitry having an omega-shaped switch element, and a mass member movable within the housing from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event. Movement of the mass member to the second position causes the mass member to move the switch element to change a state of a circuit condition of the switch circuitry, and the change of the state of the switch circuitry indicates receipt of the acceleration event.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk, Francisco Javier Vega Triste, Alvaro Tijerina Ahjuech
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Publication number: 20210365756Abstract: An impact indicator includes a micro-sensor having a mass element configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the mass element of an impact event. The micro-sensor includes detection circuitry configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to movement of the mass element from the first position to the second position. The detection circuitry is prevented from returning to the first state in response to changing to the second state. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) module is coupled to the detection circuitry and is configured to output a value indicating that the mass element is in the second position. An activator element is configured to maintain the mass element in the first position until removal of the activator element from the micro-sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk, Alissa M. Fitzgerald, Phillip W. Barth
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Patent number: 11112425Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection includes a housing and switch circuitry having an omega-shaped switch element. A passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) module is coupled to the switch circuitry and is configured to detect a state of a circuit condition of the switch circuitry. A mass member is movable within the housing from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event. Movement of the mass member to the second position causes the mass member to move the switch element to change the state of the circuit condition of the switch circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: ShockWatch, Inc.Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk, Francisco Javier Vega Triste, Alvaro Tijerina Ahjuech
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Publication number: 20210230909Abstract: This invention concerns a security lock for use with a lock unit. The security lock has a base, a casing in which the base is, in use, received, an elongate locking bolt, biasing means for urging the locking bolt towards its inoperative position, an externally accessible operating member for moving the locking bolt and a locking mechanism which is used to lock the bolt in its operative position. A securing mechanism is operable between a locked state in which the base and casing are locked to each other and a released state in which the base and casing are released from each other. A securing element is held captive such that it remains in position irrespective of whether the securing mechanism is in its locked or released state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2019Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventor: Hendrik Johannes VAN NIEKERK
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Publication number: 20210215551Abstract: A temperature indicator includes a housing having a temperature detection assembly, switch circuitry, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module coupled to the switch circuitry. Responsive to the temperature detection assembly being subjected to a temperature exceeding a threshold, the switch circuitry causes a change in a value output by the RFID module when activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk
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Publication number: 20210215482Abstract: A tilt indicator includes a housing having a tilt detection assembly, switch circuitry, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module coupled to the switch circuitry. Responsive to the tilt detection assembly being subjected to a tilt event exceeding a threshold, the switch circuitry causes a change in a value output by the RFID module when activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk
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Publication number: 20210212588Abstract: A wireless radio frequency triggered signal acquisition device includes three orthogonal pick up coils in which voltages will be induced by a time varying, spatially varying magnetic field inside a chamber of an MRI scanner. A radio frequency detection circuit detects radio frequency pulses emitted by an MRI scanner and a wireless transmission circuit transmits data from the device, A 3-axis magnetometer is used for measuring magnetic flux in the chamber of the MRI scanner. A processor uses the detected radio frequency pulses to synchronize measurements taken by the magnetometer and pick-up coils to a time frame of a gradient driver hardware, thereby matching the measurements to a pulse sequence waveform. The processor further combines measurements of induced voltages in the orthogonal pick up coils and the magnetic flux with the pulse sequence waveform in order to solve for the instantaneous position and orientation of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2019Publication date: July 15, 2021Applicant: University of Cape TownInventor: Adam Marthinus Johannes van Niekerk
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Publication number: 20210096151Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection includes a housing and switch circuitry having an omega-shaped switch element. A passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) module is coupled to the switch circuitry and is configured to detect a state of a circuit condition of the switch circuitry. A mass member is movable within the housing from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the housing of an acceleration event. Movement of the mass member to the second position causes the mass member to move the switch element to change the state of the circuit condition of the switch circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Anthony N. Fonk, Johannes A. van Niekerk, Francisco Javier Vega Triste, Alvaro Tijerina Ahjuech
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Patent number: 10674932Abstract: An orientation tracking device includes a memory for storing data including magnetic reference data relating to the direction of a static magnetic field of a magnetic imaging scanner in a selected principle co-ordinate frame and earth gravitational reference data relating to the direction of the gravitational field of the earth in the principle co-ordinate frame. The device also includes an accelerometer, magnetometer and communication module. A processor is adapted for receiving from the magnetometer measured magnetic field vector and from the accelerometer a measured acceleration vector. These vectors are in a co-ordinate frame of the orientation tracking device, within the magnetic imaging scanner in which the orientation tracking device is placed in use.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: University of Cape TownInventor: Adam Marthinus Johannes van Niekerk
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Publication number: 20190135419Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) having foldable arms is disclosed. The UAV comprises a main body housing an electrical circuitry and a payload, such as a camera. A set of arms are connected to the main body. The arms connected to the main body of the UAV comprise propellers connected to each of the arms. The arms connected to the main body of the UAV comprise of an impact protection mechanism. The impact protection mechanism allows an omni-directional movement of each of the arms. Therefore, the UAV gets protected using such design, and damage to the UAV and individuals present around is significantly reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicant: Vantage Robotics LLCInventors: Tobin Joseph Fisher, Johannes van Niekerk, Noah Gennaro Shartle, Aaron Robinson Breen
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Publication number: 20180184940Abstract: An orientation tracking device includes a memory for storing data therein including magnetic reference data relating to the direction of a static magnetic field of a magnetic imaging scanner in a selected principle co-ordinate frame and earth gravitational reference data relating to the direction of the gravitational field of the earth in the principle co-ordinate frame. The device also includes an accelerometer, a magnetometer and a communication module. A processor is connected to the accelerometer, the magnetometer and communication module and is adapted for receiving from the magnetometer a measurement of a magnetic field vector in a co-ordinate frame of the orientation tracking device, within the magnetic imaging scanner in which the orientation tracking device is placed in use. The processor further receives from the accelerometer a measurement of an acceleration vector in the orientation tracking device's.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2016Publication date: July 5, 2018Applicant: University of Cape TownInventor: Adam Marthinus Johannes van Niekerk
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Publication number: 20100006703Abstract: Release systems for tensioned lines, which release under a predetermined change in tension; particularly systems for use in towing airfoils for sports and recreational activities coupling the airfoil to a rider.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: HO SPORTS COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Corwin Hardham, Johannes Van Niekerk, Daniel W. Meyers, Gregory C. Ashton
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Publication number: 20090308984Abstract: A towable lift system and components and accessories therefore, particularly for use in sports and recreational activities coupling the airfoil to a rider.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: HO SPORTS COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Corwin Hardham, Johannes Van Niekerk, Kevin D. Johnson, Daniel W. Meyers, Gregory C. Ashton
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Patent number: 7575198Abstract: For use with towable airfoils used to supply lift to a towed rider to assist with jumping in sports and recreation, a handle system having one or more control lines for coupling to the airfoil, and a line for coupling the handle to a tow vehicle, the one or more control lines and line for coupling to the tow vehicle being coupled together by a tension translation mechanism that divides the tension from the line for the tow vehicle to the one or more control lines by a predetermined factor, which typically would be other than 1:1. The handle system may further include an engagement mechanism for engaging the one or more control lines to lock or brake a line.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Ho Sports CompanyInventors: Corwin Hardham, Johannes Van Niekerk