Systems Patents (Class 340/286.01)
  • Patent number: 9053619
    Abstract: An LED strobe notification device and method for operating an LED strobe notification device is provided. The LED strobe notification device is configured to generate an output at two or more candela settings and is configured to generate the output at the two or more candela settings having a human-perceived pulse duration with a fixed width. The LED strobe device includes: an LED strobe element; and an LED controller in communication with the LED strobe element with the LED controller configured to: receive a candela selection for the LED strobe element, the candela selection selected from the two or more candela settings; receive a command to activate the LED strobe element of the LED strobe notification device; and in response to receiving the command, control the LED strobe element in order to generate the output from the LED strobe element having the human-perceived pulse duration with the fixed width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9014840
    Abstract: A cargo loading system for a cargo compartment of a means of transport, for example a cargo aircraft or a passenger aircraft, is provided. The system includes at least one power drive unit for transporting cargo of the means of transport. The power drive unit and a control module are coupled to a BUS system. The control module generates control signals for the power drive unit and maintenance data of the power drive unit for the control and maintenance of the power drive unit. The BUS system transmits the control signals and maintenance data of the power drive unit between the control module and the power drive unit. In this manner an existing hardware platform of the means of transport can be used, and weight and cabling as well as the number of control boxes of the means of transport can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Scherenberger, Bernd Schnoerwangen
  • Patent number: 8976011
    Abstract: A circuit board structure for a low noise block down-converter is disclosed. The circuit board structure is used for transmitting a first radio-frequency signal and a second radio-frequency signal across each other, and includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a first wire for transmitting the first radio-frequency signal, a first grounded wire formed in parallel to a side of the first wire, and a second grounded wire formed in parallel to another side of the first wire. The second substrate is electrically connected to the first substrate, and includes a second wire for transmitting the second radio-frequency signal, a third wire formed on a side of the second wire and a fourth wire formed on another side of the second wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corporation
    Inventors: Hsiang-Chen Kuo, Tsung-Hsing Tsai
  • Patent number: 8957767
    Abstract: In a distributed computing system including a nodes organized for collective operations: initiating, by a root node through an active message to all other nodes, a collective operation, the active message including an instruction to each node to store operating parameter data in each node's send buffer; and, responsive to the active message: storing, by each node, the node's operating parameter data in the node's send buffer and returning, by the node, the operating parameter data as a result of the collective operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Archer, James E. Carey, Matthew W. Markland, Philip J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8947194
    Abstract: A system for generation of electrical power including an inverter connected to a photovoltaic source including a theft prevention and detection feature. A first memory is permanently attached to the photovoltaic source. The first memory is configured to store a first code. A second memory is attached to the inverter. The second memory configured to store a second code. During manufacture or installation of the system, the first code is stored in the first memory attached to the photovoltaic source. The second code based on the first code is stored in the second memory. Prior to operation of the inverter, the first code is compared to the second code and based on the comparison; the generation of the electrical power is enabled or disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy Sella, Meir Adest, Meir Gazit, Lior Handelsman, Ilan Yoskovitch, Amir Fishelov, Yaron Binder, Yoav Galin
  • Publication number: 20150022329
    Abstract: Artifacts of a communication are received from an animal through interface features of one or more devices. The artifacts are interpreted by computer to derive an interpreted communication represented by the artifacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Nissim Shani, Daniel Shani, Roni Shani
  • Patent number: 8866599
    Abstract: A system and method for signaling users including a control device electrically connected to a transceiver. The transceiver has a specified frequency. A first mobile signal device being activated by a first user and electrically communicating with a first transmitter having a selectable signal frequency. The first transmitter electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. A second signal device includes a second receiver for receiving an activation signal from the transceiver. The second receiver electrically communicates with the transceiver using the specified frequency. The second signal device is activated by the activation of the first mobile signal device using the transceiver for alerting other persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Delia, Wayne M. Delia, Edward E. Kelley
  • Patent number: 8854195
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing access to a network via a first one of a plurality of network access nodes in the network. The network access nodes each have a network address associated therewith which is unique on the network, the first network access node having a first network address associated therewith. The first network address is associated with a first computer while the first computer is connected to the first network access node thereby providing access to the network. When implemented at a hospitality structure such as a hotel, as a guest is checking in or in response to some other appropriate event, information regarding the guest's room environment and other preferences in a database record is transmitted from a head-end module to the network access node in the guest's assigned room. The assigned room is then automatically configured to suit the guest's preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Guest Tek Interactive Entertainment Ltd.
    Inventors: William B. West, Wallace Eric Smith, Steven R. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8769013
    Abstract: A method of creating a projection of a situational network includes creating, by an event node server, an event node in a multi-dimensional personal information network, where the event node corresponds to a situation. A projection of nodes of the situational network is formed using geographic locations of a plurality of devices corresponding to nodes in the multi-dimensional personal information network. An invitation is transmitted to establish a link with the event node server to the devices corresponding to each node in the projection. A response is received from at least one of the devices accepting the invitation to establish a link with the event node server. A link with each device accepting the invitation is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Resource Consortium Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Cona, Patrick T. Igoe, Leonid Kravets, Edward A. Ehrlacher
  • Patent number: 8760301
    Abstract: An LED strobe notification device and method for operating an LED strobe notification device is provided. The LED strobe notification device is configured to generate an output at two or more candela settings and is configured to generate the output at the two or more candela settings having a human-perceived pulse duration with a fixed width. The LED strobe device includes: an LED strobe element; and an LED controller in communication with the LED strobe element with the LED controller configured to: receive a candela selection for the LED strobe element, the candela selection selected from the two or more candela settings; receive a command to activate the LED strobe element of the LED strobe notification device; and in response to receiving the command, control the LED strobe element in order to generate the output from the LED strobe element having the human-perceived pulse duration with the fixed width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8732270
    Abstract: A communication control method and system for controlling communication among multiple industrial control systems connected via a network. The communication control system includes: a communication relay apparatus for relaying communication between at least two of multiple industrial control systems; a monitoring section for monitoring the multiple industrial control systems; and a control section for switching, if the monitoring section detects an anomaly from at least one of the multiple industrial control systems, communication between an industrial control system detected with an anomaly and a second industrial control system so that the communication is performed via the communication relay apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhito Akiyama, Michiharu Kudo, Hitomi Takahashi, Naohiko Uramoto
  • Patent number: 8710964
    Abstract: A reception circuit according to the present invention is a reception circuit (6) that operates based on a first power supply GND1 belonging to a first power supply system and receives, through an AC coupling element (10), a transmission signal V1 output by a transmission circuit (5) that operates based on a second power supply GND2 belonging to a second power supply system, the reception circuit including: a noise rejection unit (21) that generates a transmission-use signal V2a by reducing a signal level of noise between the power supplies generated in the AC coupling element (10) due to a potential difference between the first power supply GND1 and the second power supply GND2; and a reception buffer (22) that reproduces a data signal based on the transmission-use signal. This prevents a malfunction from occurring due to noise between the power supplies caused by a relative potential variation between the power supply of the transmission circuit and the power supply of the reception circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Shunichi Kaeriyama
  • Patent number: 8686862
    Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring a running step and signaling the runner when a correction is desired. In one aspect, the portion of the foot that contacts the ground first is monitored to determine if a correction is desired. To monitor the running step, a step analyzing apparatus can be used that is positioned within a shoe. The step analyzing apparatus can include sensors that are positioned at the midfoot and the heal when the apparatus is within the shoe. To signal the runner, an indicator can be used that is positioned within the shoe or outside the shoe. The step analyzing apparatus can also be used in a ski boot to monitor proper ski form. Running cadence can also be monitored to determine if a correction is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Midfoot Performance LLC
    Inventor: Brady V. Dunham
  • Patent number: 8680988
    Abstract: An asset tracking unit, system, and method may include at least one transceiver having communicative connections with at least one SATCOM network and at least one GPS network via at least one antenna, wherein tracking information for at least one asset associated with the at least one transceiver is received from the GPS network and is communicated to the SATCOM network, a first link that provides a multi-code one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and the at least one SATCOM network, and a second link that provides a multi-channel one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and the at least one GPS network. The unit, system and method may additionally include at least one remote operations center remote from an asset to be tracked, wherein the asset to be tracked is geographically associated with the central processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Blackbird Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Furey, Louis F. Wise
  • Patent number: 8665080
    Abstract: Disclosed is a driving assistance apparatus for assisting a driving operation by outputting a reverse sound at the time of a reversing maneuver of a vehicle. The apparatus includes an information acquisition unit for acquiring driving assistance information including a vehicle condition and a vehicle surrounding condition, a reverse sound management unit for managing reverse sounds belonging in a musical scale including the reverse sound as the tonic note thereof as musical scale reverse sounds, an output reverse sound determination unit for determining a sequence of musical scale in the form of temporal sequence corresponding to the driving assistance information, and a reverse sound output control unit configured to select from the reverse sounds managed by the reverse sound management unit and output to a speaker reverse sounds suitable for the sequence of the musical scale determined by the reverse sound determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Nagamine, Kazuya Watanabe, Koichiro Honda
  • Patent number: 8666560
    Abstract: A power control system/method implementing Internet based access to hybrid home automation networks is disclosed. The system utilizes a smart gateway power controller (SGPC) to selectively switch an AC power source to a load device under control of local or remote network commands that may be routed through a variety of network interfaces and protocols present within home or other structure-local communications network. SGPC configurations may be nested within a home automation network to permit separation of control for load devices within a common home automation environment. Present invention methods may include routing protocols between disparate home automation networks as well as remote access protocols that permit control of disparate home automation networks via the Internet using a wide variety of remote access interfaces including mobile devices, tablet computers, laptops, desktop computers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Advanergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Lu, Todd Scott Kelly, Lee Cheung
  • Patent number: 8653965
    Abstract: A monitoring system of the present disclosure has at least one monitor that collects personal health data, stores the personal health data in memory, and transmits at least one data packet comprising the personal health data and at least one identifier for identifying the monitor and a gateway computing device communicatively coupled to the at least one monitor and communicatively coupled to a network, the gateway computing device receives from the monitor the at least one data packet and transmits the at least one data packet over the network. In addition, the monitoring system has a server computing device communicatively coupled to the network, the server computing device receives from the gateway computing device the data packet and stores the data packet in memory associated with a user identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Integrity Tracking, LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Otto, Chirag D. Patel, Hugh A. Hartwig, Corey L. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8633809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to coupler device, processing apparatus and method of processing a plurality of body-coupled communication signals which have been detected by using an electrode arrangement with a plurality of electrodes or electrode segments (40, 42; 40, 43). Respective transmission parameters of the body-coupled communication signals are estimated and at least one of a selecting and weighting processing is applied to the detected body-coupled communication signals based on the estimated transmission parameters. Then, the processed body-coupled communication signals are combined to generate a diversity output signal. Thereby, robustness against coupler misplacement and user convenience is increased in body-coupled or body-based communication systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Tim Corneel Wilhelmus Schenk, Johannes Aldegonda Theodorus Marie van den Homberg, Alberto Fazzi
  • Patent number: 8612036
    Abstract: When pairing an AV device with a controller for linking to and controlling the AV device, it was necessary for the user operating the controller to select an AV device near the user in accordance with the position of the user. A controller 2 specifies a nearby device based on audio characteristic information (an audio fingerprint) generated from audio obtained by an audio input portion (microphone) or content information specified from such audio characteristic information, and audio characteristic information of devices obtained with a communication portion or content information specified from such audio characteristic information, to carry out the pairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiki Yamamura
  • Patent number: 8590087
    Abstract: A safety system for a truck loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a hazard at the loading dock such as a forklift operating inside the truck or a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some examples, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Swessel, Timothy Muhl, Bradley J. Stone
  • Publication number: 20130241717
    Abstract: A mobile high-definition link with built-in power supply includes an adaptor module, a power supply module, and a battery. The power supply module is automatically or manually switchable between the battery and an external power source. When a transfer unit is to transfer a signal from a smart mobile phone or a tablet computer to a displaying device, a detection module automatically activates the transfer unit by using electrical power supplied from the power supply module. The power supply module may select the battery or the external power source based on a result of detection so as to realize a power saving function of automatic detection and activation/deactivation of the battery power source and also provide an advantage of requiring no seeking for an external power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: CHIN-MIN CHOU
  • Patent number: 8536987
    Abstract: A patient-portable medication event monitor is disclosed which is capable of detecting the dispensing of doses of a particular medication from the monitor, comparing the dispensing detected with information concerning the desired dosing regimen for the certain medication and displaying graphically to the patient at least one feedback indication of the patient's degree of compliance or deviation with the desired regimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Metry, Pierre-Alain Gaillard, John Urquhart, Bernard Vrijens
  • Patent number: 8436720
    Abstract: In a distributed computing system including a nodes organized for collective operations: initiating, by a root node through an active message to all other nodes, a collective operation, the active message including an instruction to each node to store operating parameter data in each node's send buffer; and, responsive to the active message: storing, by each node, the node's operating parameter data in the node's send buffer and returning, by the node, the operating parameter data as a result of the collective operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Archer, James E. Carey, Matthew W. Markland, Philip J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8427285
    Abstract: A server computer system includes a set of visual indicators for representing status of one or more data storage devices that are connected to one or more nodes of the server system. Control circuitry has at least first and second bus interfaces and is configured to set the state of the visual indicators responsive to signals received through the bus interfaces, and to operate in at least first and second configurable modes. In the first mode, both of the first and the second bus interfaces communicate with a single node. In the second mode, the first bus interface communicates with a first node and the second bus interface communicates with a second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Larry E Wilson, Masud M Reza, Hank Dao
  • Publication number: 20130082828
    Abstract: An asset tracking unit, system, and method may include at least one transceiver having communicative connections with at least one SATCOM network and at least one GPS network via at least one antenna, wherein tracking information for at least one asset associated with the at least one transceiver is received from the GPS network and is communicated to the SATCOM network, a first link that provides a multi-code one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and the at least one SATCOM network, and a second link that provides a multi-channel one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and the at least one GPS network. The unit, system and method may additionally include at least one remote operations center remote from an asset to be tracked, wherein the asset to be tracked is geographically associated with the central processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Blackbird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Furey, Louis F. Wise
  • Publication number: 20130076495
    Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize low performance circuitry to provide received signal power detection without unacceptably impacting operation of a receiver circuit are shown. Circuitry utilized to provide received signal power detection according to embodiments comprises circuitry dedicated for use with respect to received signal power detection. Performance of the circuitry of the detection path may be lower than that required of circuitry of the signal processing path. However, performance parameters are selected to provide power detection of desired accuracy (e.g., flat gain) and to meet other performance metrics. Embodiments provide a low performance power detection circuit comprising a low performance tuner configuration. Further embodiments provide a low performance power detection circuit comprising a low performance data converter configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Tim Magnusen, Michael D. Womac
  • Publication number: 20130072770
    Abstract: A system level scheme for networking of implantable devices, electronic patch devices/sensors coupled to the body, and wearable sensors/devices with cellular telephone/mobile devices, peripheral devices and remote servers is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicants: IP HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: IP Holdings, Inc., Rekha K. Rao
  • Patent number: 8390432
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling digital appliances based on parking management is disclosed. The apparatus includes an interface unit, connected to a control terminal through a wired/wireless communication network, for providing an interface for establishing a home network service environment that is dependent upon information about incoming or outgoing vehicle; a storage unit for storing the home network service environment established by the interface; and an appliance controller for controlling the digital appliances based on the home network service environment stored in the storage unit, upon receipt of the information about incoming or outgoing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Yu Seok Bae, Bong Jin Oh, Kyeong Deok Moon
  • Patent number: 8390435
    Abstract: Power line communication (PLC) systems are presented for connecting dimming switches with electronic ballasts for driving compact fluorescent lamps and other applications using a power distribution network, including a transmitter and a receiver connected in a series circuit for transmission of multi-bit data, where the receiver has a load control circuit for selectively adjusting the receiver loading and to sense current interruptions to provide a data output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: István Maros, Sándor Viktor Szabó
  • Patent number: 8355693
    Abstract: A mobile device collects information about application usage and associates collected application information with a location of the mobile device and/or a time that the application is accessed. The application is stored on the mobile device or on an external device and accessed via a network. The application information, location of the mobile device and time the application is accessed are communicated to another device and stored in a storage device which may be operated or managed by a service provider or another entity. The application information may comprise identification of a website, a network device or URL, the application and/or data that is input and/or output from the application. The location of the mobile device and/or the time, are determined utilizing a GNSS receiver and/or utilizing information from a network device. The application information, the location of the mobile device and/or the time may be utilized for targeted advertizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, Charles Abraham, Mark Buer, David Garrett, David Albert Lundgren, David Murray
  • Patent number: 8334759
    Abstract: A semiconductor device (100) includes: a substrate (102); a bonding pad (110) provided above the substrate (102); and an inductor (112) provided above the substrate (102) and below the bonding pad (110) for carrying out signal transmission/reception to/from the external in a non-contact manner by electromagnetic induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yasutaka Nakashiba
  • Patent number: 8280070
    Abstract: An arrangement includes an input, a modulation circuit, an isolation circuit, a demodulator circuit, a detector circuit and at least two outputs. The input is configurable to receive an audio signal and a DC voltage. The modulation circuit is configured to modulate the audio signal and the DC voltage. The isolation circuit has an input electrically isolated from the output, wherein its input coupled to the modulation circuit. The demodulator circuit is operably coupled to the output of the isolation circuit and configured to extract the audio signal therefrom. The detector circuit is operably coupled to the output of the demodulator, and is configured to generate a first signal responsive to detection of a modulated signal corresponding to the DC voltage modulated by the modulation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen D. Lontka
  • Patent number: 8248215
    Abstract: A dynamic condition monitoring system is disclosed, such as for monitoring vibrations in complex machine systems. The system includes monitors on which server software is provided. The server software may access pre-defined graphical user interface pages that can be populated and served directly from the monitors. The data may be accessed via conventional networks for viewing and analyzing monitored data, as well as for configuration of the individual dynamic condition monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bibelhausen, Thomas Lee Alford, George F. Hofer
  • Patent number: 8228176
    Abstract: Incident response methods include receiving notification that an incident has occurred, determining a source of the notification, the source being near the incident, and establishing at least one guided path configured to direct a first person, a first animal, or a first movable device positioned near the source away from the incident and/or to direct a second person, a second animal, or a second movable device toward the incident. Electronic guides include an indicator, and processing circuitry configured to receive a request to configure the indicator from an inactive state to an active state in which the indicator encourages a first person positioned near a first side of the electronic guide to move toward the electronic guide and encourages a second person positioned near a second side of the electronic guide to move away from the electronic guide and configure the indicator according to the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy John Lewis
  • Patent number: 8224282
    Abstract: An automation component configured for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a multi-sensor package, a wireless communications component, a processor in communication with the wireless communications component and the sensor package, and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory configured to store sensor data provided by the sensor package and computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor, wherein the computer readable instructions are programmed to receive status information related to sensor data in control at a second automation component in communication with the building automation system, and communicate a portion of the stored sensor data corresponding to the received status information to the second automation component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Pornsak Songkakul, William Thomas Pienta, James J. Coogan, Randall J. Amerson
  • Patent number: 8219219
    Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ameritech Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond W. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20120172095
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for locating devices comprises a two-way locator comprising a first locator removably coupled to a first item and a second locator coupled to a second item. The first locator is configured to transmit a first trigger signal, the second locator is configured to receive the first trigger signal, and the second locator is configured to generate at least one location indicator signal in response to the first trigger signal. The second locator is configured to transmit a second trigger signal, the first locator is configured to receive the second trigger signal, and the first locator is configured to generate at least one location indicator signal in response to the second trigger signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Landon McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8212405
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for alternate power delivery are provided. A metering assembly includes a power meter module. The power meter module includes a power control module and a power monitor. The power control module is coupled to a transfer switch that receives both primary power and alternate power. The transfer switch has an output coupled to an electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to receive a request from the transfer switch for the alternate power to be supplied through the transfer switch to the electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to enable the transfer switch to supply the alternate power to the electrical circuit load in response to the request. The power monitor is configured to determine an amount of the alternate power provided to the electrical circuit load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: OfficePower, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Pifer, Andrew J. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8193917
    Abstract: A method includes accessing building automation data comprising a plurality of data objects, each data object corresponding to a device in a building automation system, the data objects interrelated in a first hierarchy. The method also includes receiving an event condition indication from a first device in the building automation system, and storing an indication of the event condition in a first data object corresponding to the first device. The method also includes propagating an indication of the event condition to upstream objects in the first hierarchy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schmickley, Neil Rhodes, Steven Brandt, Patrick Doran, Maurizio Bigoloni
  • Patent number: 8169315
    Abstract: A device and method for sending medic alert information electronically. The device may have a memory component and a processing component. The memory component may store medic alert information. The processing component may generate an electronic message containing the medic alert information and send the electronic message via a communications network. The device may also have an input component for receiving a user request to initiate a connection with an emergency contact, such as a 911 dispatcher. The electronic message may be automatically generated and sent in response to the user request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Keith Shane Smith, Jeffrey Clinton Mikan
  • Patent number: 8164435
    Abstract: An alarm provision system comprises a recognizer component that receives an alarm/event and recognizes the alarm/event. A provision component analyzes hierarchical relationships associated with an industrial environment and automatically provides a subscribing entity with the alarm/event and at least one other alarm/event that is related to the received alarm/event, the provision of the at least one other alarm/event is based at least in part upon the analysis of the hierarchical relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenwood H. Hall, Eric G. Dorgelo, David K. Johnson, Dale Sapach
  • Patent number: 8164466
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a communication abnormality in a multi-type air conditioner is disclosed. The apparatus, which performs data communication with peripheral devices having an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, a repeater and a wired remote controller, includes a level converter for serving as an interface to allow multiplex communication between the apparatus and the peripheral devices; and an abnormality detector connectable with the peripheral devices from a remote site through the level converter, the abnormality detector detecting a communication abnormality in the peripheral devices by automatically changing an operation mode thereof into a slave or master mode depending on whether an operation mode of each of the peripheral devices connected thereto is the master or slave mode. Thus, when the communication abnormality occurs, the communication abnormality can be detected in a convenient way by using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Hwan Jang
  • Patent number: 8149096
    Abstract: A patient-portable medication event monitor is disclosed which is capable of detecting the dispensing of doses of a particular medication from the monitor, comparing the dispensing detected with information concerning the desired dosing regimen for the certain medication and displaying graphically to the patient at least one feedback indication of the patient's degree of compliance or deviation with the desired regimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Aardex Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Metry, Pierre-Alain Gaillard, John Urquhart, Bernard Vrijens
  • Patent number: 8149095
    Abstract: A gateway device includes a base processor which converts a signal input from an IP network to a signal which can be handled by the gateway device, and a home appliance control processor having a controller which converts the signal which can be handled by the gateway device to a control signal in compliance with the communications protocol of a home appliance to be controlled. The controller stores, on a table, information about the communications protocol, driver, controllable setting condition and status of respective appliances to be controlled in association with each other. The controller also includes a conversion functional block which converts information supplied to the control information of the communications protocol of the respective appliances to be controlled on the basis of the stored information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignees: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., Nara Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jun Hayashi, Takaaki Horibuchi, Mitsuharu Ozawa, Yoshinobu Kimura, Masahide Nakamura, Yusuke Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 8144008
    Abstract: An asset tracking unit, system, and method. The asset tracking unit, system, and method may include at least one transceiver having communicative connections with at least one SATCOM network and at least one GPS network via at least one antenna, wherein tracking information for at least one asset associated with the at least one transceiver is received from the GPS network and is communicated to the SATCOM network, a first link that provides a multi-code one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and the at least one SATCOM network, and a second link that provides a multi-channel one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and he at least one GPS network. The unit system and method may additionally include at least one remote operations center remote from an asset to be tracked, wherein the asset to be tracked is geographically associated with the central processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Blackbird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Furey, Louis F. Wise
  • Patent number: 8138914
    Abstract: A method and a system for securing a device in a single embodiment or in some embodiments, the system comprises a remote module which comprises a switch electrically connected to an electrical input or at electrical output of the device, a serial link comprising a first attribute and configured to connect to at least some of the plurality of portions of the device, and a panel control logic module operatively coupled to the switch, wherein the panel control logic module is configured to issue a first instruction to actuate the switch based at least in part upon a result of checking the first attribute of the serial link. In the single embodiment or in some embodiments, the system comprises a control center comprising a command control logic module and a communication interface configured for wired or wireless communication between the control center and the remote module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Man Kit Wong, Ivan C. Eng
  • Patent number: 8089345
    Abstract: A power and data delivery system for a machine. The system includes a conductor located throughout at least a portion of the machine for delivering power, a plurality of nodes, each connected to the conductor at a respective location, and a plurality of devices, each connected to a corresponding node. At least one node controls the delivery of power and data by way of a message containing a unique identifier for that one node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel W. Berglund, David C. Freeman, Daniel K. Dunn, III, John W. Crayton
  • Publication number: 20110316677
    Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring one or more electrical waveguides in an integrated circuit by adjusting a geometry of the one or more electrical waveguides, and communicating one or more electrical signals between components within the integrated circuit via the one or more electrical waveguides. The geometry of the one or more electrical waveguides may be configured by adjusting a length of the one or more electrical waveguides utilizing switches in the integrated circuit. The switches may include CMOS transistors. The one or more signals may include a microwave signal and a low frequency digital control signal that configures the microwave signal. The electrical waveguides may include metal and/or semiconductor layers deposited on and/or embedded within the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8077015
    Abstract: A method and a system for data transmission between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device is in a sleep mode. Transmission of data between the first electronic device and the second electronic device occurs while a microprocessor in the second device is in sleep mode and the wireless transceiver is in a wake mode. The first electronic device transmits data signals and the second electronic device detects the transmitted signal. A base band processor in the second electronic device optionally determines if the signal is from a known source. If the first electronic device is a known electronic device, an interrupt signal is generated to wake up the microprocessor in the second electronic device. The wakened microprocessor opens a communication port and disables the wake-up interrupt. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the data receive line is directly coupled to a line that triggers an interrupt when a signal is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Kammer, Mark T. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110291819
    Abstract: A reception circuit according to the present invention is a reception circuit (6) that operates based on a first power supply GND1 belonging to a first power supply system and receives, through an AC coupling element (10), a transmission signal V1 output by a transmission circuit (5) that operates based on a second power supply GND2 belonging to a second power supply system, the reception circuit including: a noise rejection unit (21) that generates a transmission-use signal V2a by reducing a signal level of noise between the power supplies generated in the AC coupling element (10) due to a potential difference between the first power supply GND1 and the second power supply GND2; and a reception buffer (22) that reproduces a data signal based on the transmission-use signal. This prevents a malfunction from occurring due to noise between the power supplies caused by a relative potential variation between the power supply of the transmission circuit and the power supply of the reception circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Shunichi Kaeriyama