Radio Patents (Class 340/13.25)
  • Patent number: 11958724
    Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of providing a work vehicle that can prevent mistakes and confusion in primary settings even when a plurality of operators each operate a remote operation terminal. This work vehicle (crane 1) comprises a work device 40 that is operable using a remote operation terminal 13, wherein a primary setting of the work device 40 can be changed with the remote operation terminal 13 and when one of the plurality of remote operation terminals 13 changes a primary setting, the change is reflected in the other remote operation terminals 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: TADANO LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamauchi, Hiroyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11854371
    Abstract: An emergency alarm activation radio device for preventing false alarms includes a radio being a handheld radio transceiver in wireless communication with a plurality of radio devices. In addition, the radio has a microprocessor containing functions of the radio. An emergency alarm is integrated within the radio for signifying an emergency when actuated. The emergency alarm includes a trigger and a cord protruding out from the trigger and enwrapping a spool for unwinding the cord thus reducing an unintentional engagement with the trigger. The spool is rotatable and a knob rotates the spool when turned by the hand of the user. A handle is attached to the cord of the trigger and is pulled to actuate the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Paul Nicholson
  • Patent number: 11824369
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission system includes a transmission line, one end of which is connected to a power reception unit configured to receive AC power, a splitting unit, one end of which is connected to an other end of the transmission line and an other end of which is split into a plurality of transmission lines, a first rectification unit connected to a second transmission line of the splitting unit, and a second rectification unit connected to a third transmission line. A transmission line length of the second transmission line and a transmission line length of the third transmission line are each substantially equal to one fourth of a wavelength of the AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Yukimasa
  • Patent number: 11652400
    Abstract: A method of operating a power protection system coupled between a power source and a power converter includes producing, by a controller of the power protection system, a driving signal to a cut-off switch of the power protection system to electrically couple the power source to the power converter; detecting, by the controller of the power protection system, a fault condition of the power converter while the power converter is in operation, where the detecting includes detecting, by the controller of the power protection system, that a current flowing through the cut-off switch is above a pre-determined threshold while a gate control signal from the power converter indicates an OFF state for a first current path of the power converter; and in response to detecting the fault condition, turning off, by the controller of the power protection system, the cut-off switch to isolate the power source from the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Cristian Garbossa, Enrico Orietti
  • Patent number: 11038335
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed that monitor an area adjacent to power system components and detect objects that may pose a probable risk of causing a fault, for example, making contact with the power system component. Various embodiments initiate a preventative, a corrective, and/or a mitigative action in advance of the fault. Examples of possible actions include, but are not limited to, an audible alert, a visual alert, a tactile alert, a remote notification, a limiting of machinery motion, a stopping of machinery motion, a reversing of machinery motion, de-energization of the power system component, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Avista Corporation
    Inventor: Greg Johnson
  • Patent number: 10970986
    Abstract: A device and process for optimizing fall detection determined by a wireless device includes receiving with a server potential fall parameter data from a fall detection device associated with a wireless device and analyzing with the server the potential fall parameter data to determine whether the data is consistent with a real fall. The device and process further include sending with the server an alert to the wireless device if the potential fall parameter data is indicative of a real fall and receiving with the server an indication from the wireless device in response to the alert, wherein the indication includes an indication that the potential fall parameter data was one of the following: a real fall or a false positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TracFone Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Vagelos
  • Patent number: 10863528
    Abstract: A wireless device is configured to receive scheduling information at a predetermined time interval from a wireless node. The scheduling information includes a plurality of reception definitions. Each reception definition indicates a reception start time, a reception duration, and assigned frequency information. Each reception definition is derived from a wireless device identification associated with the reception definition. The wireless device is configured to receive data associated with at least one of the reception definitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: III Holdings 1, LLC
    Inventors: Brig Barnum Elliott, David Spencer Pearson
  • Patent number: 10665079
    Abstract: A device and process for optimizing fall detection determined by a wireless device includes receiving with a server potential fall parameter data from a fall detection device associated with a wireless device and analyzing with the server the potential fall parameter data to determine whether the data is consistent with a real fall. The device and process further include sending with the server an alert to the wireless device if the potential fall parameter data is indicative of a real fall and receiving with the server an indication from the wireless device in response to the alert, wherein the indication includes an indication that the potential fall parameter data was one of the following: a real fall or a false positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: TracFone Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Vagelos
  • Patent number: 10643468
    Abstract: A traffic light control method includes: receiving a crossing request from a vehicle approaching an intersection on a first road; determining whether traffic status at the intersection satisfies a crossing condition; and controlling the traffic light based on a determination result of the traffic status. A traffic light control device is configured to control a traffic light at an intersection, and includes a first receiving circuit, a processing circuit, and a control circuit. The first receiving circuit is configured to receive a crossing request from a vehicle approaching the intersection on a first road. The processing circuit is configured, upon the crossing request, to determine whether traffic status at the intersection satisfies a crossing condition, and to generate a control instruction based on a determination result of the traffic status. The control circuit is configured to control the traffic light based on the control instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jian Gao
  • Patent number: 10462139
    Abstract: A scalable universal full spectrum cyber determining process for accurately and reliably determining and reporting at least one cyber determination from a full spectrum of possible cyber determinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffry David Aronson
  • Patent number: 10338193
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for RSS/AoA target 3-D localization in wireless networks and wireless sensor networks (WSNs), utilizing combined measurements of received signal strength (RSS) and angle of arrival (AoA) are disclosed herein. By using the spherical coordinate conversion and available AoA observations to establish new relationships between the measurements and the unknown target location, a simple closed-form solution is developed. The method disclosed herein has a straightforward adaptation to the case where the target's transmit power is also not known. A representative set of simulations and experiments verify the potential performance improvement realized with embodiments of the method for RSS/AoA target 3-D localization in wireless networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventors: Marko Beko, Slavisa Tomic, Rui Dinis, Paulo Carvalho
  • Patent number: 10107013
    Abstract: A method and system of gaining authorized entry into a secure location is provided. The method includes providing an electronic lock having a dial, the lock operably coupled to a microprocessor having memory for storing a user input code and a valid code. The user rotates the dial to activate power to the lock and a first random character is generated. The user again rotates the dial until a first user input character displays in the display. The first user input character is stored in memory and a second random character is generated. After the user has entered all characters of the access code, the microprocessor compares the user input characters with the valid access code stored in memory and if it is an authorized code, an indicia is generated on the display to visually indicate to a user that the lock is capable of moving to the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Klaus W. Gartner
  • Patent number: 10088551
    Abstract: It is proposed to provide a system for localizing a vehicle in a marked environment, provided with a set of markers, e.g. on a road side, the markers emitting a position signal indicative of a respective marker's known geographical position. The system comprises a distance detection unit and a processing unit provided in the vehicle, the processing unit adapted to receive said position signal of a respective marker. The processing unit is adapted to receive said known geographical position from the position signal of said respective marker; and to estimate a first distance measure of the vehicle relative to the respective marker based on a position signal measurement. The processing unit feeds said estimated first distance measure to the distance detection unit; the distance detection unit being adapted to detect said marker within the first distance measure by a second distance measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Maurice Rogier Jozef Arthur Emanuel Kwakkernaat, Tjerk Bijlsma
  • Patent number: 10063073
    Abstract: A universal serial bus (USB) charger provides power to a client device. A USB connector interfaces with a client device and receives a request for the output voltage of the USB charger to be at a specific value. If the requested voltage level is lower than the current output voltage level, the output voltage level is set to the requested level and a bleeder circuit is enabled to discharge the output capacitor of the USB charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Jianming Yao, Yimin Chen, Yong Li, Junjie Zheng, Dickson T. Wong
  • Patent number: 9921188
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a detection system includes a plurality of sensor nodes and a sensor module. The plurality of sensor nodes detects sound waves generated from a prestressed concrete and converts the detected sound waves into detection signals. The sensor module is connected to the plurality of sensor nodes and receives the detection signals. The plurality of sensor nodes includes the sensor nodes in an operating state and the sensor nodes in a dormant state in which power consumption is held down as compared to the operating state. When magnitude of the detection signals is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the sensor module switches the sensor node in the dormant state to the operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hidefumi Takamine, Kazuo Watabe, Takahiro Omori, Takashi Usui, Junko Hirokawa, Akihiro Kasahara
  • Patent number: 9874042
    Abstract: A method of gaining authorized entry into a secure location is provided. The method includes providing an electronic lock having a dial, the lock operably coupled to a microprocessor having memory for storing a user input code and a valid code. The user rotates the dial to activate power to the lock and a first random character is generated. The user again rotates the dial until a first user input character displays in the display. The first user input character is stored in memory and a second random character is generated. After the user has entered all characters of the access code, the microprocessor compares the user input characters with the valid access code stored in memory if the user inputted code comprises an authorized code an indicia is generated on the display to visually indicate to a user that the lock is capable of moving to the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Klaus W. Gartner
  • Patent number: 9831694
    Abstract: A method for operating a microradio is provided. The method includes storing first parasitic energy received during a first charging cycle, powering a receiver with the stored first parasitic energy during a listening period, receiving a wireless control signal during the listening period, storing second parasitic energy received during a second charging cycle, selectively powering a transmitter with the stored second parasitic energy, and transmitting a signal responsive to the received wireless control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: RadioFIDO, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Brommer, Tracey Brommer
  • Patent number: 9809163
    Abstract: A directional alert system within a vehicle is configured to transmit an alert signal towards a specifically targeted area without substantially affecting the acoustic environment in a broader surrounding area. The directional alert system determines the target area by processing sensor data reflects a direction that a driver of the vehicle is looking or facing. The directional alert system then positions an acoustic transducer to generate an acoustic signal towards the direction of interest. The directional alert system may also wirelessly pair with computing devices residing in a target region associated with the direction of interest, and transmit wireless notifications to those computing devices to alert the users of those devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATION
    Inventors: Davide Di Censo, Stefan Marti
  • Patent number: 9642224
    Abstract: An illumination controller includes a communication interface circuit configured to communicate with a luminaire via radio waves; an input device configured to obtain a manipulation instruction; and a control processor configured to generate at least a first command and a second command according to a corresponding manipulation instruction obtaining state of the input device, and transmit the command generated to the luminaire via the communication interface circuit, wherein, when the control processor has generated the first command according to the manipulation instruction obtaining state, the control processor is configured to repeatedly transmit the first command, generated to the luminaire at first transmission intervals, and when the control processor has generated the second command according to the manipulation instruction obtaining state, the control processor is configured to repeatedly transmit the second command generated to the luminaire at second transmission intervals different from the first t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Murakami
  • Patent number: 9635025
    Abstract: A scalable universal full spectrum cyber determining machine for accurately and reliably determining and reporting any cyber determination from a full spectrum of possible cyber determinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffry David Aronson
  • Patent number: 9578511
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for configuring wireless devices are described. To configure a wireless target device to access a network and/or network-based services, a wireless connection may be formed between the wireless target device and a wireless source device storing configuration data for accessing one or more networks and/or network-based services. The source device may determine whether it is authorized to send at least a portion of the configuration data to the target device. The target device may determine whether it is authorized to accept at least a portion of the configuration data provided by the source device. The target device may accept at least a portion of the configuration data by storing the accepted configuration data in a memory (e.g., a non-volatile memory) and/or by using the configuration data to access a wireless network and/or a network-based service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Libre Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hooman Kashef, Hariharan Bojan, Jordan Watters
  • Patent number: 9576451
    Abstract: A tampering resistant device has housing, a circuit board fitted with electronic components, and a key pad for command input. A security wrap is disposed between the circuit board and the key pad. The security wrap has a substrate and a security screen formed thereon and connected to a first alarm. The security screen has a conductive trace extending over the substrate between a pair of screen terminals that are electrically connected to respective alarm terminals. An alarm switch is located between the substrate and the circuit board and connected to a second alarm. The alarm switch is held closed by a spigot pressing on the alarm switch through the substrate. The spigot extends from the housing and releases the alarm switch when the housing is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC S.A.
    Inventor: Martin Wallace Edmonds
  • Patent number: 9548787
    Abstract: Antenna structures and methods of operating the same of an electronic device with an integrated power button-antenna structure are described. One apparatus includes a substrate, a first conductive trace disposed on the substrate, a second conductive trace disposed on the substrate and a switch mechanism including a non-conductive portion and a conductive portion. The switch mechanism electrically connects the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace to produce a first signal when the switch mechanism is activated. The second conductive trace forms an antenna element to radiate or receive electromagnetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 9286562
    Abstract: A sensor is provided with an RFID reader, RFID chip, and an antenna electrically coupled to the RFID chip and configured to received signals from and transmit signals to the RFID reader. A sensing material is also electrically connected to the RFID chip and has a variable electrical property. The RFID chip is configured to modulate a signal received by the antenna and drive the sensing material using the modulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Ian J. Forster
  • Patent number: 9041519
    Abstract: A model aircraft control and receiving device in a housing, comprising an electronic, gyroscopic multi-axis programmable flight attitude controller, having control inputs for a plurality of control channels and inputs for gyroscope signals, wherein the flight attitude controller provides at least one input for a receiver module disposed inside or outside of the housing of the flight attitude controller. The device may be used in a method for controlling and stabilizing a model helicopter, wherein the control comprises a self-learning function and/or the control comprises a coupling of the tail controller to the swashplate controller and/or the control comprises a stopping support function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: MIKADO MODEL HELICOPTERS GMBH
    Inventor: Ulrich Röhr
  • Patent number: 8929805
    Abstract: A radio frequency communication system, method, and device operate in the VHF, UHF, or SHF range, where a controller controls the radio-frequency communication range provided by the VHF, UHF, or SHF radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Nationz Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Yunbo Yu, Shan Zhu, Xikui Li, Zhiqin Hao, Yan Lu, Jianhua Liang
  • Patent number: 8830040
    Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to communicate information to a direct current (DC) powered electronic device. An exemplary embodiment receives alternating current (AC) power with an AC information signal modulated thereon, converts the received AC power to DC power, demodulates the received AC information signal to determine information, modulates the information onto the transmitted DC power as a DC information signal, transmits the DC power with the DC information signal over a DC connector to the DC powered electronic device, detects the DC information signal on the modulated DC power at the DC powered electronic device, demodulates the DC information signal from the received DC power, and determines the information at the DC powered electronic device based upon the demodulated DC information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Eldon Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Robert Burton, Martyn Ward
  • Patent number: 8810378
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhanced control of user configurable devices, such as robots. One system may include a user-configurable device and an on-vehicle programmable controller coupled to the user-configurable device. This system may further include a wireless receiver coupled to the on-vehicle programmable controller via one signal wire, where a substantial portion of the receiver-controlled communications occur using the one signal wire. Another system may include (alternatively or in combination as appropriate) a user-configurable device including an on-vehicle programmable controller and a first tether port. The system may also include a remote control transmitter with at least one wireless output and a second tether port, where the transmitter is communicably coupled to the user-configurable remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Norman, Robert H. Mimlitch, Corey Lee Chitwood, Richard D. Torrance, Mark J. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8803664
    Abstract: A radio wave control apparatus includes a detecting unit that detects an object, other than a communication target device, in a radiation range to which a radio wave radiating unit radiates predetermined radio waves in each of a plurality of radiation directions; and a radiation range determining unit that determines a radiation range in each of the radiation directions such that the predetermined radio waves are radiated over a predetermined communication range, in which the communication target device is communicable using the predetermined radio waves, and no no-communication area that is caused when the predetermined radio waves reflected on the object is caused in the communication range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Teruhisa Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 8792939
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes a mobile communication device and a secure element physically coupled to the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device includes a first wireless transceiver, first processor, first memory, first speaker, first microphone, first Audio To Digital conversion (ADC), and audio port. The secure element includes a second wireless transceiver, second processor, second memory, second Audio To Digital conversion (ADC), second Digital To Audio conversion (DAC), and cable with 3.55 mm plug that is inserted into the audio port of the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device is configured to transmit data non-wirelessly via the cable to the secure element using an analog signal. The secure element is configured to transmit data non-wirelessly via the cable inserted into the audio port of the the mobile communication device using an analog signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Michelle Fisher
  • Patent number: 8792936
    Abstract: Methods and devices detect a near field communication (NFC) from a near field wireless communication device of an external computerized device, using an apparatus near field wireless communication device. Based on detecting the NFC, the methods/devices generate random identification and security codes, transmit the identification code and the security code from the apparatus near field wireless communication device to the device near field wireless communication device, and place the previously inactive apparatus wide-range wireless communication device in an active state. In response, the method receives the security code from a wide-range wireless communication device of the external computerized device using the apparatus wide-range wireless communication device. Then the method establishes a network communication session only between the external computerized device and the apparatus based on receiving the security code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Premkumar Rajendran, Gavan L. Tredoux, Peter J. Zehler
  • Patent number: 8786883
    Abstract: Devices and methods for tracking a print job using an assignable electronic device on a print service provider (PSP) production floor are provided. One such method includes scanning a barcode-enabled job ticket assigned to a print job using a mobile electronic device assigned to a location on a print service provider production floor and sending barcode data from the barcode-enabled job ticket from to a PSP controller. The mobile electronic device may receive workflow instructions associated with the print job from the PSP controller. In addition, the mobile electronic device may display a representation of the workflow instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Hoarau, Jun Zeng, Giordano B. Beretta, I-Jong Lin
  • Patent number: 8787969
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for storing, securing, identifying, authenticating and retrieving multimedia messages using low-cost barcode or RFID tags are disclosed. Additionally, a set of software features facilitate the easy and intuitive storage and retrieval of multimedia information using a mobile telephone acting on the media tags. Such tags can be attached or affixed to physical, real-world objects thus allowing multimedia messages associated with the tags to be retrieved with the real-world objects in a time-shifted and space-shifted manner from when and where they were recorded. The present invention uses low-cost (metal, paper or plastic) tags—encoded using barcodes or RFID—as virtual message storage units and commercially-available terminals equipped with appropriate software and sensors, such as mobile telephones, as recording and reading devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Air Arts, Inc.
    Inventors: Ven Chava, Prasad Ravva
  • Patent number: 8779905
    Abstract: The method of the present invention allows a first wireless control device that is operable to communicate on a predetermined one of a plurality of channels to establish communication with a second wireless control device that may be communicating on any of the plurality of channels. A beacon message is first transmitted repeatedly by the wireless control device on the predetermined channel. The second wireless control device listens for the beacon message for a predetermined amount of time on each of the plurality of channels. When the second control device receives the beacon message on the predetermined channel, the second control device begins communicating on the predetermined channel. The second wireless device may begin listening for the beacon message in response to powering up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Michael Courtney, Lawrence R. Carmen, Jr., Justin Mierta, Daniel Curtis Raneri
  • Patent number: 8760267
    Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Bos, Carl L. Shearer, David A. Blaker, John D. Spencer, Todd R. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 8760691
    Abstract: Devices and methods for tracking the status of a print job using electronic devices on a print service provider (PSP) production floor are provided. One such method includes reading a radio frequency identification (RFID) code from an RFID badge assigned to, attached to, and traveling with a print job through production using an electronic device and sending an indication of the RFID code a PSP controller. In response, workflow instructions may be received from the PSP controller. The electronic device may display a representation of the workflow instructions and a user-selectable representation of job status information. When the representation of the job status information is selected, the electronic device may send an indication of the job status information to the print service provider controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Fabio Giannetti
  • Patent number: 8730018
    Abstract: A system and method of communicating between a master and a slave device for managing home energy are provided. A transmitter is operatively associated with one of a meter and a home energy manager for emitting a carrier signal at a selected frequency. A tone is superimposed on the selected carrier frequency and represents an operational energy cost level output from an associated utility. A receiver receives the emitted carrier signal with superimposed tone. A microcontroller associated with the home appliance then controls the home appliance in response to the emitted carrier signal with superimposed tone. Multiple distinct frequencies correlate to specific rates, and decoding or detecting the presence of one or more tones can be used to represent a binary number that allows the meter/controller to communicate “intelligence” with the home appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John K. Besore, Michael Thomas Beyerle
  • Patent number: 8665105
    Abstract: A mobile computing device may include an interface device, a near field communication (NFC) device, and a processor coupled with the interface device and the NFC device. The processor may be capable of detecting proximity of an encasement based upon the NFC device, and changing an operational mode of the interface device based upon detecting the proximity of the encasement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Kirkup, Sean Wilson, Christopher Pattenden, Vahid Moosavi
  • Patent number: 8655350
    Abstract: A pn junction type solar cell is formed in a predetermined region on a substrate made of glass. Light emitted from a light emitting unit reaches an n-type semiconductor layer after it passed through substrate. The solar cell generates electromotive force corresponding to a quantity of the emitted light. A control circuit, a mask ROM, a transmitting circuit and an antenna are formed on an upper side of the solar cell. A surface of a semiconductor storage device is entirely covered with an insulating film to block entry of outside air. The insulating film is typically formed of physicochemically stable glass or silicon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Kyoto University, Keio University
    Inventors: Shigeki Imai, Yukihiro Nakamura, Hiroyuki Ochi, Naohisa Ohta, Sadayasu Ono
  • Patent number: 8653936
    Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a remote control device for an air conditioner which makes it possible for a user to fully use added functions of the air conditioner without being unable to make a quick decision about or giving up added value functions, and to realize energy savings in the air conditioner without difficulty, by not adopting input with buttons, but by adopting inputs describing scenes in a daily life of the user by words. The remote control device for the air conditioner according to the present invention includes a chassis; an interface display unit, which is placed in a front surface of the chassis, and is formed by a full dot liquid crystal display; and a scene button, which is placed in a front surface of the chassis, to select and decide a scene selection that is displayed on the interface display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8643475
    Abstract: An approach for defending radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and other contactless cards against ghost-and-leech (a.k.a. proxying, relay, or man-in-the-middle) attacks incorporates gesture recognition techniques directly implemented with the RFID tags or contactless cards. These tags or cards will only engage in wireless communications when they internally detect “secret handshakes.” A secret handshake recognition system is implemented on a passive WISP RFID tag having a built-in accelerometer. This approach is backward compatible with existing deployments of RFID tag and contactless card readers and is also designed to minimize the changes to the existing usage model of certain classes of RFID and contactless cards, such as access cards that are kept in a wallet or purse, by enabling execution of secret handshakes without removing the card. This novel approach can also improve the security and privacy properties in other uses of RFID tags, e.g., contactless payment cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: Tadayoshi Kohno, Alexei Czeskis, Karl Koscher, Joshua R Smith
  • Patent number: 8638199
    Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to communicate information to a direct current (DC) powered electronic device. An exemplary embodiment receives alternating current (AC) power with an AC information signal modulated thereon, converts the received AC power to DC power, demodulates the received AC information signal to determine information, modulates the information onto the transmitted DC power as a DC information signal, transmits the DC power with the DC information signal over a DC connector to the DC powered electronic device, detects the DC information signal on the modulated DC power at the DC powered electronic device, demodulates the DC information signal from the received DC power, and determines the information at the DC powered electronic device based upon the demodulated DC information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Eldon Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Robert Burton, Martyn Ward
  • Patent number: 8602731
    Abstract: A rotor blade is used in combination with a submersible electrical generator for generating electricity to be put into the grid, where the pitch of the rotor blade is controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls a radio frequency transmitter which emits signals to a receiver which controls a hydraulic value. The hydraulic valve controls a push-pull arrangement which through a right angle gear and pitch adjustment axial adjust the rotor pitch according to pre-programmed conditions stored in the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Fred K. Carr
  • Patent number: 8598993
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling lighting fixtures over a wireless network that includes connecting a junction box to a power source, connecting a lighting fixture to the junction box, establishing a connection over a wireless network between the junction box and a controller, and controlling a function of the lighting fixture by transmitting a signal from the controller to the junction box over the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Homerun Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Yan Rodriguez, Thomas Bennett, III
  • Patent number: 8570186
    Abstract: A wireless sensor reader is provided to interface with a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor reader transmits an excitation pulse to cause the wireless sensor to generate a ring signal. The wireless sensor reader receives and amplifies the ring signal and sends the signal to a phase-locked loop. A voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop locks onto the ring signal frequency and generates a count signal at a frequency related to the ring signal frequency. The voltage-controlled oscillator is placed into a hold mode where the control voltage is maintained constant to allow the count signal frequency to be determined. The reader uses an ambient reading or other information to select a subset of the possible ring signal frequencies, and tunes or adjusts its circuits and algorithms to focus on that subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Endotronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Nagy, Harry D. Rowland, Roger Dwight Watkins, Balamurugan Sundaram
  • Patent number: 8519833
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coupling/uncoupling between a transmitter (1) and a receiver (2) capable of communicating with one another via a wireless link, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: transmission of a first signal by the transmitter (1), transmission of a second signal by said transmitter (1), amplitude processing by the receiver (2) of the first signal (30, 32) and of the second signal (31, 33) received and storage or deletion by the receiver of an identification code (C1, C2, Cn) of the transmitter (1) according to the processing carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Michel Emmanuel, Francis Chauvet
  • Patent number: 8493187
    Abstract: A wireless sensor reader is provided to interface with a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor reader transmits a narrowband, fixed frequency excitation pulse to cause the wireless sensor to generate a ring signal. The ring signal corresponds to the value of the physical parameter being sensed. The wireless sensor reader receives and amplifies the ring signal and sends the signal to a phase-locked loop. A voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop locks onto the ring signal frequency and generates a count signal at a frequency related to the ring signal frequency. The voltage-controlled oscillator is placed into a hold mode where the control voltage is maintained constant to allow the count signal frequency to be determined. The low power, simple circuitry required to generate the excitation pulse allows the reader to be a small, battery operated unit. Alternative methods of frequency determination are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Endotronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry D. Rowland, Roger Dwight Walking, Balamurugan Sundaram, Bryan Paul, In Soo Ahn, Michael Nagy
  • Patent number: 8477019
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to wireless remote control are described. A communications device, such as a cell phone with peer to peer signaling capability, supports remote control functionality. The same communications device can be used as a universal wireless remote controller for a plurality of different remotely controllable devices including, e.g., a television, a DVD player, a light switch, a garage door opener, etc. The communications device monitors for and detects peer to peer signals from remotely controllable devices in its local vicinity. The communications device maintains a list of remotely controllable devices in its vicinity based on the detected peer to peer signals. The universal remote control user interface is configured in accordance with the maintained list. The universal remote controller provides a user interface which varies based on the device to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Rajiv Laroia, Junyi Li, Vincent D. Park
  • Patent number: 8471698
    Abstract: An RNSS based street light controller pluggable into a standard electrical interface of a street light for drawing power and controlling a lamp of the street light eliminates the need for photosensors, wiring terminals and related components and yields a street light controller with modest installation and configuration requirements and robust performance and failure recovery characteristics. In some embodiments, the RNSS based street light controller comprises an RNSS receiver, a first electrical interface and a lamp controller, wherein the first electrical interface is adapted to couple with a second electrical interface of a street light and the lamp controller is adapted to regulate a supply of power to a lamp of the street light via the first electrical interface based at least in part on information received by the RNSS receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory C. Petrisor, Ryan A. Perdue
  • Publication number: 20130127605
    Abstract: A wireless control device may include an antenna and a power harvester configured to generate power for the device from a radio frequency signal incident on the antenna. The device may further include an upconverter stage comprising a first port to receive a control signal to be upconverted and a second port to receive the incident radio frequency signal and to output the upconverted control signal at upper and lower sideband frequencies. The antenna may be coupled to the second port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Beasley, Oliver Heid