Timer Control Patents (Class 340/309.16)
  • Patent number: 8199008
    Abstract: A personal alarm system can help a user to wake up in a preset time. A sensor can sense operations of the personal alarm system and output sense signals. A control unit can calculate a sum of the sense signals to obtain a number of operations of the personal alarm system, and stop an alarm from sounding in response to the sum of the sense signals meeting the condition to stop the alarm from sounding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Shiu Ou Yang, Chung-Jen Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8199006
    Abstract: A computing device is configured to make a determination as to whether a device is being held in a hand. In response to determining that the device is being held, the device transitions itself, or one or more of its hardware or software component, into a particular state of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric Liu, Sagar Savant, Peter Sobczak, Charles Lee, Peter Skillman
  • Patent number: 8193918
    Abstract: This invention provides a medication dispensing system that instructs the user through visual and audio cues, such as the illumination of individual medication cups that are arrayed in accordance with a daily and weekly schedule in separate orifices within the dispenser body. The system and method monitors compliance by determining when an indicated cup is accessed, based upon at least one of manipulating a lid and/or placing into, removing from, or replacing into the correct orifice based upon the indication. The cups can be refilled at an appropriate time based upon an indication by the system, and/or can be provided in removable refill tray (that is prefilled by a pharmacist) which simplifies the refill process. The dispenser can include an on-board processor that stores a current configuration including the treatment schedule. The configuration can be programmed/re-programmed, and compliance can be monitored, via a wired or wireless server connection that communicates with interested parties (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: MedMinder Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eran Shavelsky, Woodie C. Flowers, Justin F. Aiello
  • Patent number: 8174370
    Abstract: An automated dosage reminder console uses a plurality of trays with dosage medication compartments, each dosage medication compartment including a basket having an integrally formed light pipe. Each compartment is selectively illuminated through the use of a program which controls corresponding light emitting diodes for alerting a user to consume a preselected dosage of medication on a preselected day at a preselected time. Sample pill identification boxes are aligned with corresponding dosage medication compartments to indicate the medication found in each basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: MedFolio
    Inventor: Julie Fulmer-Mason
  • Patent number: 8154390
    Abstract: A computer-based system for monitoring medication compliance. The system can include one or more processors configured to process and manage data. Additionally, the system can also include one or more medication packagings comprising a machine-readable medium. Notably, the machine-readable medium can comprise medication information among other types of information. The one or more processors can be configured to receive the medication information of the machine-readable medium. The machine-readable medium and corresponding medication information can be adjustable based on a dispensing of a medication from the one or more medication packagings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Quantum Group
    Inventors: Chester Heath, Pedro Martinez
  • Patent number: 8149104
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing utilization of rooms in a clinic, for example, include a visible display, for example, colored lights at an examining room, indicating one or more of several available room status values for the room. An input device including, e.g., push buttons, is coupled to the display and adapted for selecting the room status value. A timer coupled to the input device and display automatically changes the status value of a room when a predetermined time period has elapsed after the status value is first selected, except when a third room status value is selected. This feature notifies personnel if, for example, a patient has been left alone in a room too long. A central control provides a database to accumulate minute-by-minute utilization data of the clinic rooms and also programs to access and compute from the data the overall utilization by variable periods. This utilization data are useful for planning, reallocation and investment in new space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: David A Crum
  • 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: 8138939
    Abstract: A display for use on medical dispensing equipment, and the resulting medical device and its method of display. In particular, provided are a number of specific embodiments of such a display on a medical device, including a film display for use on pill bottles and pill dispensers that utilize colored images as a dosage reminder for the user, a conformable bistable reflective display for use on drug delivery devices, and a conformable bistable reflective display for use on blood glucose meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Manning Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: William Manning, Sarah Kwon, Albert Green, Joel Domino, Asad Khan, J. William Doane
  • Patent number: 8138690
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Digital Lumens Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Chemel, Colin Piepgras, Steve T. Kondo, Scott D. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8125319
    Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provide an automatic notification 105 produced by a standalone equipment 100 to indicate that the equipment 100 is due to be returned to an issuing organization or individual. Only the issuing organization or individual has the capability to reset 104 or disable the automatic notification 105. Return notification comprises visual 107 108 and/or audible 106 components that are triggered by the expiration of a timer 102 204. Optionally, for non-essential equipment, the equipment is disabled 109 until reset 104 by the issuing organization or individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV
    Inventor: Curtis Freeman
  • Patent number: 8120995
    Abstract: An electronic timer graphically displaying programmed ON/OFF settings includes a microprocessor; a time setting unit electrically connected to the microprocessor for a user to set at least one programmed ON/OFF setting for at least one selected day; a memory unit electrically connected to the microprocessor for storing the programmed ON/OFF setting; a clock signal generating unit electrically connected to the microprocessor for generating a clock signal to the microprocessor; and a graphic time scale display unit electrically connected to the microprocessor and including a plurality of time scale segments, each of which represents a predetermined time period. The microprocessor calculates based on the programmed ON/OFF settings to derive all the time scale segments that are corresponding to the programmed ON/OFF settings, and drives the graphic time scale display unit to show the time scale segments corresponding to the programmed ON/OFF settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Liu
  • Patent number: 8115615
    Abstract: A status indicator and reminder system for use with a vehicle having a tire sealant-containing temporary mobility kit is provided. The system includes a signal provided for viewing by the operator which indicates that the temporary mobility kit requires servicing. The need for servicing can be based on certain variables, including the passage of a pre-determined period of time or on changes in temperature which may impact the effective life of the sealing compound. In addition, the need for servicing can be based on a sensed of the temporary mobility kit from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Kimberly Ann Steele, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Patent number: 8102246
    Abstract: A power reset module may reset an automatic shut-off module of a target device by momentarily disrupting power to the automatic shut-off module at a determined interval and automatically restoring power after a time period of up to two minutes. In multiple embodiments, the power reset module comprises an activation switch with an activation switch output coupled to a frequency module. The frequency module may output a frequency module signal on a determined interval via a frequency module output coupled with a reset module. The reset module momentarily transitions a reset switch to a reset state periodically at the determined interval for up to two minutes prior to automatically transitioning the reset switch to a non-reset state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Grover C. Davidson, II
  • Patent number: 8085135
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medication dispensing system comprising a container including at least two compartments each compartment including a cavity configured to contain at least one first medication, a covering over the cavity configured to break under pressure, and an elongate conductive element on at least a portion of the covering and configured sever upon breaking the covering. The medication dispensing system further includes one interrogator-readable RFID circuit operatively associated with the container and connected to the elongate conductive element of each of the at least two compartments, and one RFID circuit interrogator configured to interrogate the one RFID circuit and determine whether the elongate conductive element is severed on either on at least one of the at least two compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Cohen Alloro, Batami Sadan, Gilead Asseo, Tomer Gofer
  • Patent number: 8086088
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a digital video recording method, and in particular, when a recording mode is audio detection, according to an audio signal transmitted from a mike mounted on a camera or a mike mounted separately, this method records the video taken by said camera during the time period for which a recording speed and video resolution is already set as super-high speed and high video resolution. After the elapse of an already set time period, when the audio signal is sensed, this method records the video by varying the recording speed and video resolution from super-high speed and high video resolution into low-speed and low video resolution at a time interval which is already set. Therefore, it becomes possible to obtain the specific information about the video data which is important in an unmanned security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sam Myung Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Jae Park
  • Patent number: 8077016
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling usage times for at least one device, including the steps of: (a) identifying a device to be controlled; (b) utilizing the device by a user; (c) tracking a device usage value for the device as the user utilizes the device; and (d) initiating an action sequence based upon the device usage value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for controlling usage times for at least one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Scheidner Research LLC
    Inventor: Richard S. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8072344
    Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
  • Patent number: 8068015
    Abstract: A medication dispensing system for use with a medication dispenser, includes a physiological module and an ingestion module. The physiological module receives information regarding time-based medication intake, information regarding event-based medication prescription, and sensory input indicating occurrences of events indicative of a patient's physiological condition and/or the patient's physiological clock. The physiological module then determines physiological event-based medication intake based on the information regarding the event-based medication prescription and physiological rules regarding the patient's physiological condition and/or the patient's physiological clock. The ingestion module merges event-based medication intake and time-based medication intake by delaying or accelerating dispensing of a time-based medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard Burg
  • Patent number: 8063751
    Abstract: A graphical indicator, menu and method for modifying and displaying more than two states for the indicator is provided. An alarm indicator algorithm modifies and displays the indicator according to user-selectable options that enables a user to determine at first glance the nature of the next alarm and in particular when an alarm is not set to go off on a particular day to avoid accessing the alarm menu every time this knowledge is desired or whenever the user is uncertain of the settings. Various visual cues such as color, graphical and textual elements can be used and the algorithm can associate these cues with appropriate alarm states. When the number of settings for the multi-state alarm is relatively large, a desktop web-based application program interface (API) may be used to facilitate setting and updating the alarm functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Keizo Marui
  • Patent number: 8063788
    Abstract: A warning system for notifying another person when a child is left in a child safety seat. The system recognizes a child in a child safety seat by either a pressure pad or a secured child seat lap belt. The system is activated by the release of the driver's seat belt. Should a child remain in the seat when the driver's seat belt is disengaged, the system alarms notifying the driver of such. The alarm would include a calm audio output such as a lullaby, a song, or a story. The system can be integrated into the OEM features to provide an alert escalation process using a local alert, a vehicle alert, a wireless alert and ultimately a 911 alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: James Morningstar
  • Publication number: 20110273281
    Abstract: A method of controlling reminders for an electronic calendar event record includes: displaying a reminder notification at a first electronic device, the reminder notification associated with the calendar event record, displaying an option at the first electronic device for taking a first action at the first electronic device, sending an update command for a second electronic device, the update command for taking a second action at the second electronic device in response to receipt of selection of the option at the first electronic device the first action differing from the second action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: Neil ADAMS
  • Patent number: 8054174
    Abstract: A referee's wireless horn indicator system having sensory alerts for aiding a referee in accurately officiating a sports event. The system includes a controller and a sensory receiver. The controller includes an official time clock for the sports event, a control circuit coupled to the official time clock, and a radio transmitter activated by a control circuit for sending a radio signal including time information to the sensory receiver. The sensory receiver is worn by the referee, for instance, on the wrist and includes a radio receiver and a sensory alerting device, such as a piezoelectronic speaker and a vibrator, where such sensory receiver is battery powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy S. Uehran
  • Publication number: 20110253586
    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: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Metry, Pierre-Alain Gaillard, John Urquhart, Bernard Vrijens
  • Patent number: 8040236
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication delivery device comprising a reminder unit for reminding an individual having a medical diseases to take a medicament. The reminder unit comprises means for providing a reminder signal to the individual having the medical disease, the reminder signal being triggered by data associated with a previously occurred event, the associated data being stored in a storage means. Alternatively, the reminder signal may be triggered by a position signal generated by position determining means adapted to determine the position of the medication delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventor: Andre Larsen
  • Patent number: 8035504
    Abstract: A child restraint warning system configured to be secured to a child seat/carrier having a base, a seat detachably connected to the base, where the child seat/carrier includes a harness configured to be releasably secured with a latch. When the seat is secured on the base a seat position sensor sends a signal to a control unit positioned on the back of the seat. The control unit is switched into an active status for detecting an unlocked condition of the harness latch. A first series of audible warning signals is produced by the control unit if the latch remains unlocked for a pre-determined period of time. If the latch continues to be in an unlocked condition after the first series of warning signals the control unit generates a second series of signals, which can be spoken messages pre-programmed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Julie White
  • Patent number: 8026797
    Abstract: An emergency reporting apparatus includes a power supply circuit, a control circuit, and a timer. The power supply circuit generates operating power of the emergency reporting apparatus from a vehicle battery in a vehicle battery mode and from an auxiliary battery in an auxiliary battery mode. The control circuit causes the power supply circuit to switch from the vehicle battery mode to the auxiliary battery mode in response to a trigger event and starts an emergency reporting procedure using the auxiliary battery. The timer measures time elapsed since the power supply circuit switches to the auxiliary battery mode. The control circuit causes the power supply circuit to switch back to the vehicle battery mode, when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8026796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system which reminds the user of the time at which they must take their medication through the use of an alarm using light and sound which, thanks to an apparatus that is activated at the initial opening of the cap (2) of the medicine bottle (10) and which is positioned on the medicine bottle's (10) cap (2) allows the user to administer drugs which can only be effective when taken at the right time. The system can be set in advance in accordance with the time intervals, drug types and the amount of drugs associated with the drugs in the medicine bottle (10). The system provides alerts for patients who may be blind or deaf by using a warning which utilizes both light and sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Kazim Kiran
  • Patent number: 8018327
    Abstract: A night light that transitions between at least two states to provide a visual indication to a child as to whether it is time for the child to get out of bed or that the child should stay in bed. The night light shows an illuminated sun to indicate that the child can get out of bed. The night light shows an illuminated moon with a border of Z's to indicate that the child should stay in bed. The transitions between modes are based on information entered into a user interface, the current time, and/or the actuation of buttons on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Good Nite Lite, LLC
    Inventor: Adam Nelson
  • Patent number: 7990258
    Abstract: An oil exchange timing indicating apparatus for vehicles capable of informing a user of an exchange timing of oil on the basis of the degree of degradation of oil as quickly as possible. An oil exchange timing indicating apparatus includes an odometer for integrating vehicle travel distances, an operation time integrator for integrating operation times of an engine mounted on the vehicle, an oil exchange informing device for informing a user of an exchange timing of oil, and a controlling device for starting, when either an integrated value of the travel distances or an integrated value of the operation times, based on signals from the odometer and the operation time integrator exceeds a preset value, the oil exchange informing device to inform the user of the exchange timing of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kasbushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunihiko Fukui
  • Patent number: 7986221
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus system and a control method of an information processing apparatus are provided. The information processing apparatus includes a network unit which receives user recognition information having time data from an external device; and a processor which outputs a user recognition signal corresponding to the time data if a current time reaches a time corresponding to the time data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eun-seop Cho
  • Patent number: 7982587
    Abstract: Alarms are often required on various vehicles and equipment such as fork lifts, dump trucks, bulldozers, etc. An alarm is disclosed controlled by a microprocessor, which is an integral part of the basic circuit. The microprocessor is relied upon for adjusting alarm output based on source voltage, time of day, ambient noise, ambient frequencies, and ambient temperature. Additional features include sensing the alarm's own output to adjust alarm output in a feedback control loop, alarm self diagnosis using a current sensor, and using the microprocessor to operate a digital radio, such as Bluetooth, for intelligent alarm communication into a monitoring system for vehicle alarm status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Longwood Corporation
    Inventors: Albert S. Thanhauser, Russell W. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 7982602
    Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7982622
    Abstract: Visual and audio communication interface for a perishable integrity indicator system which includes a RFID transponder and perishable integrity sensor. A perishable integrity indicator system includes a RFID transponder and a perishable integrity sensor. The RFID transponder includes a RF integrated circuit coupled with an antenna. The sensor monitors the time and temperature of the perishable. A freshness determining module receives time- and temperature-dependent measurement data from the perishable integrity sensor and determines a current freshness status. A communications interface to the RFID transponder permits a RFID reader to retrieve current freshness status data corresponding to the freshness status determined by the freshness determining module. The system further includes a power management module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Infratab, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Burchell, Therese E. Myers, Stanton Kaye, Gary W. Pope, Fred Eversley, Michael Patterson, Kenji Ono
  • Publication number: 20110169620
    Abstract: A communication device locks input of the communication device and executes an alarm if a current time reaches a set alarm time. When the alarm is executed, an unlock input set is generated for unlocking the input and an alarm disable button set is generated for disabling the alarm. If an unlock input set is the same as the generated unlock keypad set, the locked input is unlocking. If the alarm disable button set input by the user is the same as the generated alarm disable button set, the communication device disables the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Yao-Yu YANG
  • Publication number: 20110163859
    Abstract: A sleep management application on a computing device having a processor and a storage medium executes code that establishes to a server that maintains data pertaining to the computing device or to a user, retrieves data from the remote server, and generates a custom interface to configure a feature of the computing device. The custom interface is used to program a sleep management setting. In one implementation, a method uses the sleep management application to provide an alarm function using external data from a remote server. The sleep management application can receive the external data from the remote server and analyze the external data to identify elements that pertain to the sleep management application. Then, the sleep management application can generate a control signal based on the elements, and modify a setting governing an operation of the alarm function in accordance with the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: SDI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Chraime, Micah Collins, Andrew Skurdal, Ezra Ashkenazi
  • Patent number: 7969314
    Abstract: A personal athletic device is worn by a runner during a race. A race course is provided with a plurality of mats along the race course. The mats have antennas and generate a magnetic field. The personal athletic device has a chip system having an RFID tag and a display. As the runner progress along the course, the RFID tag is triggered at each mat and race data is displayed on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Boyd, Charles W. Case, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7962383
    Abstract: Provided is a sealed cartridge for housing audio video media, the cartridge comprising an electrical counter displaying at least two different counting languages. The electrical counter configured to increment a count when the cartridge is in an audio video player device and the housed audio video media is accessed. An audio video media incorporating the electrical counter and a method of monitoring access to audio video media are also provided. Communication of usage counts over the Internet and processing payments to retailers, copyright holder and others are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Harris H. Egendorf
  • Patent number: 7956727
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a patient's compliance with a medication regimen may include identifying a patient, identifying a medication prescribed to the patient and determining one or more intake times associated with the medication. For each intake time, an alert reminding the patient to take the medication may be generated, and the alert may be transmitted to a mobile device associated with the patient. Receipt of the alert by the mobile device may trigger one or more of an audible alarm, a visual alarm and a tactile alarm on the mobile device. If an indication of compliance is not received from the mobile device within a predefined period of time, a caregiver associated with the patient may be notified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Carespeak Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Srdjan Loncar
  • Patent number: 7928835
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for drug compliance monitoring. A drug compliance monitoring system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a portable drug containment unit, which has a drug container, such as a pill bottle, for holding prescription or non-prescription drugs. The drug containment unit also comprises at least one sensor and control logic. The sensor is configured to automatically sense a parameter indicating when a drug, such as one or more pills or an amount of liquid, has been or is about to be removed from the drug container. The system, based on the sensor, automatically estimates and tracks drug consumption and provides a patient with reminders when a dosage is currently due. If the patient deviates from an expected drug regime, the system automatically senses this event and provides a notification to the patient or caregiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in Huntsville
    Inventors: Emil Jovanov, Robert Gold
  • Publication number: 20110074558
    Abstract: An electronic device 10 has an alarm 13; an alarm execution portion 170 making the alarm 13 execute an alarm operation at a previously set alarm time T(ALM); and a determination portion 170 determining whether or not an alarm stop condition for stopping in advance the alarm operation of the alarm execution portion 170 is satisfied in a first period PBAL from a predetermined time before the alarm time to the alarm time. The alarm execution portion 170 does not operate the alarm at the alarm time T(ALM) when the determination portion 170 determines that the alarm stop condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroaki Miura
  • Patent number: 7916036
    Abstract: A patient position pad is provided that includes a timer. The patient position pad is configured to detect the position of a patient. The timer is configured to track the useful life of the patient position pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Kevin Pope, Joel R. Hoerth, Harold Todd Tyler
  • Patent number: 7911326
    Abstract: A master generator that updates time data of remote devices comprises an acquisition module, a clock module, an encoding module, and a transmission module. The acquisition module acquires time data representing current time of day. The clock module receives and stores the time data from the acquisition module and periodically updates the time data. The encoding module encodes the time data from the clock module into time messages. The transmission module selectively superimposes the time messages onto a power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventor: Sehat Sutardja
  • Patent number: 7889089
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the self-testing of an auxiliary generator provides an alarm signal if the generator does not start and operate within a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel L. Bollin
  • Patent number: 7889082
    Abstract: An expiration management method and system. The method includes transmitting by an RFID tag reader within an enclosure, a plurality of continuous timing signals. The enclosure comprises a container comprising a product and an RFID tag. The RFID tag comprises data indicating a first state for the RFID tag and a first time period. The RFID tag reader receives the data and generates a first time stamp. The RFID tag reader transmits a first message commanding the RFID tag to enter a second state. The RFID tag reader transmits the first time stamp and generates a second time stamp. The RFID tag reader transmits the second time stamp. The RFID tag reader receives results from a comparing process performed by the RFID tag. The RFID tag reader performs a function indicating the results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic Bauchot, Jean-Yves Clement, Gerard Marmigere, Carole Truntschka
  • Publication number: 20110032104
    Abstract: A medicine management apparatus comprises a medicine storage casing for storing medicines, a display unit for displaying medication times for the medicines and temperature and humidity within the medicine storage casing, an audio unit for informing the medication times on a periodic basis, a timer for setting the medication times on a periodic basis and outputting the medication times through the audio unit or the display unit, a message transmission module for transmitting a message to an administrator over a wireless communication network when there is no open signal detected when doors provided in the medicine storage casing are opened using the open signal as a medication signal, and a control unit for performing an overall control operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Gil-Hyeong CHO
  • Patent number: 7868742
    Abstract: An emergency reporting apparatus includes a power supply circuit, a control circuit, and a timer. The power supply circuit generates operating power of the emergency reporting apparatus from a vehicle battery in a vehicle battery mode and from an auxiliary battery in an auxiliary battery mode. The control circuit causes the power supply circuit to switch from the vehicle battery mode to the auxiliary battery mode in response to a trigger event and starts an emergency reporting procedure using the auxiliary battery. The timer measures time elapsed since the power supply circuit switches to the auxiliary battery mode. The control circuit causes the power supply circuit to switch back to the vehicle battery mode, when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7868741
    Abstract: A medication managing apparatus includes a medicine package case and a main body unit removably storing the medicine package case. The medicine package case includes blocks each storing a medicine package, openings provided at walls of each block and formed at positions facing each other such that the medicine package stored in the block is sandwiched therebetween, and an openable/closable cover. The main body unit includes a sensor portion (a medicine package sensor) disposed corresponding to each opening at the opposing walls of each block, to sense a medicine package based on that the medicine package stored in the block blocks a gap between a pair of openings, and a switch lever and a micro-switch (a medicine package case sensor) sensing attachment/removal of the medicine package case to/from the main body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignees: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Imai, Tomonori Inoue, Kiichiro Miyata, Takahide Tanaka, Akihisa Narai, Bunichiro Ohe, Yukitoshi Kurata
  • Patent number: 7868743
    Abstract: An alarm that uses a floor situated apparatus so that when the alarm goes off, the user must place their feet on the apparatus for a predetermined period of time to deactivate the alarm. The alarm sequence optionally provides that the apparatus cover may be translucent and/or transparent with a plurality of illuminable elements thereunder providing an alarm visual display. Also provided is a remote control for actuating a projected display of time onto the wall. The apparatus is also a scale for displaying the user's weight. The weight requirement for deactivating the alarm can extend from placing the feet on the apparatus while still in bed or require the user to stand on the apparatus for said period of time. Further provided for is the removal of the alarm clock portion from the floor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Chester Brown
  • Patent number: 7864042
    Abstract: The method for monitoring engagement time in daily life includes receiving a first radio frequency signal from a first signal source containing a first identification information of the first signal source; matching the first identification information with pre-defined identification information; storing in-time of the said first radio frequency signal with respect to the first identification information; checking the existence of the first radio frequency signal; storing the out-time when the first radio frequency signal is out of range. The engagement time duration between the in-time and the out-time with respect to the first identification information can be computed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Sze Ho Samuel Au
  • Patent number: 7839302
    Abstract: An electronic timer system includes a first unit. The first unit includes a memory device configured to store predetermined parking rule data, a timer device configured to determine at least one of a day, a date and a time of day, and an alert device configured to emit an alert in accordance with the predetermined parking rule data and based on at least one of the day, the date and the time of day determined by the timer device. A method includes storing predetermined parking rule data in a memory device, determining at least one of a day, a date and a time of day, and emitting an alert in accordance with the predetermined parking rule data stored in the storing step and at least one of the day, the date and the time of day determined in the determining step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: John T. Staniszewski