Enable/disable (e.g., Kill Machine Signal, Etc.) Patents (Class 340/4.34)
  • Patent number: 9898919
    Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems is described. In one embodiment, the method may include detecting a proximity of a user at a home automation device. The method may further include projecting an external display of home automation system information from the home automation device onto a surface. In some embodiments, the external display may be projected based, at least in part, on the detected proximity of the user at the home automation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20150145641
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, at an information handling device, input of a sensor; mapping, using a processor, the sensor input to a sensor disabling condition; selecting, using a processor, a sensor based on the mapping; and disabling, using a processor, the sensor according to the sensor disabling condition. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert James Kapinos, Axel Ramirez Flores, Suzanne Marion Beaumont, James Anthony Hunt, Rod D. Waltermann
  • Patent number: 9013265
    Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a target operating device of a process control system. The method comprises: detecting activation of one or more parts of the target operating device with a sensor of a wireless latching unit; latching a switch of the wireless latching unit from an active state to an inactive state upon detecting the activation of the one or more parts; transmitting one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to abuse station upon latching the switch to the active state; detecting deactivation of the one or more parts of the target operating device with the sensor of the wireless latching unit; ignoring the detected deactivation at the wireless latching unit; and continuing to transmit the one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to the base station. A wireless monitoring and control system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Panther, Kurtis K. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8890652
    Abstract: In a method for the access control to an automation unit (01), access rights predetermined by the access control are dependant on the operating state of the automation unit (01), wherein at least during an emergency, expanded access rights in relation to normal operation are granted independently of the access rights during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Falk, Florian Kohlmayer, Andreas Köpf
  • Patent number: 8816816
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a portable device is described. The portable device includes a housing having a mating feature adapted to mate with a corresponding mating feature of the cradle. The cradle includes a locking mechanism that is capable of locking the portable device to the cradle. A transceiver is positioned in the housing. The transceiver is capable of communicating with a remote server containing data of a registered user. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader is positioned in the housing. The RFID reader controls the locking mechanism such that the locking mechanism releases the portable device from the cradle when a RFID tag storing the data of the registered user is positioned proximate to the RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Ciervo, Nadim Ghafoor
  • Patent number: 8810360
    Abstract: The status of a device is controlled by detecting (403) the presence of a user; changing the status of a device to a first state (405) if the presence of a user is detected within a first, predetermined zone; changing the status of the device to the second state (407) if the presence of a user is detected outside a second, predetermined zone, the first, predetermined zone being smaller than and being wholly contained within the second, predetermined zone; and maintaining (407) the current state of the device if the presence of a user is detected outside of the first, predetermined zone and within the second predetermined zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: TP Vision Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Tommaso Gritti, Steven Leonardus Josephus Dimphina Elisabeth Van De Par
  • Publication number: 20140125452
    Abstract: It is inter alia disclosed an apparatus (1; 3) with a detecting means (2) for detecting whether a transport unit (4) to be transported by a vehicle is secured by at least one securing means (5; 7) against a movement in at least one direction relative to the vehicle, and with a means (10; 30) for changing an operating mode of an electronic device associated with the transport unit (4) depending upon a result of the detecting, or for outputting a signal for changing the operating mode depending on a result of the detecting. Moreover, a corresponding method (200; 300; 400), a corresponding computer program and an apparatus (1?) for receiving the output signal and for changing the operating mode on the basis of the received signal are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventor: Frank Josefiak
  • Publication number: 20140118105
    Abstract: A system of electrical distribution within a building, which selectively energizes power sockets only when an appliance is connected to the socket and in need of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Vikrant Sharma
  • Patent number: 8707483
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure, such as a bed frame or mattress or both, that is configured to support a patient in a recumbent position. The patient support structure is configured to provide at least one therapy to a patient. A therapy enabler token is coupleable to the patient support structure. The at least one therapy is disabled when the therapy enabler token is decoupled from the patient support structure and the at least one therapy is enabled in response to the therapy enabler token being coupled to the patient support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Stephen L. Douglas, Ruchik A. Amin, Timothy J. Receveur, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III
  • Publication number: 20130257585
    Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a target operating device of a process control system. The method comprises: detecting activation of one or more parts of the target operating device with a sensor of a wireless latching unit; latching a switch of the wireless latching unit from an active state to an inactive state upon detecting the activation of the one or more parts; transmitting one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to abuse station upon latching the switch to the active state; detecting deactivation of the one or more parts of the target operating device with the sensor of the wireless latching unit; ignoring the detected deactivation at the wireless latching unit; and continuing to transmit the one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to the base station. A wireless monitoring and control system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Panther, Kurtis K. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20130257586
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a communication module, a memory, and a controller. The communication module is configured to transmit a power status request command to one or more connection apparatuses and to receive responses to the command. The memory is configured to store power statuses of the one or more connection apparatuses based on the responses. The controller is configured to select an input of a connection apparatus in a power-on state based on the power statuses in response to a first input switching operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tomoaki NAKADE
  • Publication number: 20130200993
    Abstract: A storage device is capable of switching its wireless sharing mode while sensing occurrence of a flip-over on itself. With the aid of the storage device, a user may easily and intuitively activate an operation of sharing information with other external storage devices or determine a degree of sharing the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Yang-Fei Wu, Ming-Hong Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20130069784
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an automated transaction apparatus including: an operation unit; a peep preventing cover that is provided in the operation unit; a sensor that detects removal of the peep preventing cover; and a control unit that performs control such that a transaction of the automated transaction apparatus is paused in accordance with a detection result of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideto KOIKE
  • Patent number: 8344848
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and appropriate devices for safely, unequivocally and exclusively, temporarily assigning the command authority of an operator (1) to a controllable technical system (60) using a mobile control device (2) which is technically suitable for periodically controlling a plurality of controllable technical systems (60), which is equipped as standard with safety switch elements (38, 39) such as an emergency stop switch, ok key and operating mode selection switches and for a data coupling with the controllable technical system (60) in spite of having only normal transmission means (6) or network technologies without any particular features specific to safety function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Keba AG
    Inventors: Manfred Möschl, Manfred Schininger
  • Publication number: 20120326836
    Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing the connection of a utility service are disclosed. The system can comprise a utility meter, or other utility connection, a utility server, and a means of communication. The utility meter can comprise a disconnect switch capable of connecting and disconnecting a location from the utility. The disconnect switch can connect the utility to the location upon a command from the server and confirmation from a customer. The system can enable utilities to offer pay-as-you-go and pre-paid utility services, which can minimize the financial exposure of the utility. The system can also enable customers to connect utility services without having to be present and/or come into physical contact with utility equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: EnergyComNetwork LLC
    Inventors: Ronald R. Sewell, Jody Weigle, Steven Stewart
  • Patent number: 8274362
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic device that is connected to one or more other devices via a specified signal line and capable of operating in accordance with a control signal transmitted from any of the one or more other devices connected to the electronic device. The electronic device includes: a reception section configured to receive the control signal transmitted from any of the one or more other devices connected to the electronic device; a control section configured to perform a specified process if, after receiving a specific control signal, the reception section does not receive a control signal corresponding to the specific control signal within a set signal waiting period; and a waiting period adjustment section configured to adjust the signal waiting period based on traffic in the signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Sato, Kikutada Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20120229249
    Abstract: The status of a device is controlled by detecting (403) the presence of a user; changing the status of a device to a first state (405) if the presence of a user is detected within a first, predetermined zone; changing the status of the device to the second state (407) if the presence of a user is detected outside a second, predetermined zone, the first, predetermined zone being smaller than and being wholly contained within the second, predetermined zone; and maintaining (407) the current state of the device if the presence of a user is detected outside of the first, predetermined zone and within the second predetermined zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Tommaso Gritti, Steven Leonardus Josephus Dimphina Elisabeth Van De Par
  • Patent number: 8253545
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a remote control and a host. The remote control is for generating different wireless signals. The host communicates with the remote control. The host includes a processor, a control panel, and a receiving unit. The control panel is for generating different key signals. The control panel includes a key for generating a locking signal and an unlocking signal. The receiving unit is for transferring the different key signals from the control panel to control the processor, and further for transferring the different wireless signals from the remote control to control the processor. The processor disables the receiving unit according to the locking signal and enables the receiving unit according to the unlocking signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 8248204
    Abstract: A tag detecting system for detecting a movement of a person or an object that mounts an RFID tag, a moving object detecting method, and an entrance/exit management system using the moving object detecting system are provided. The tag detecting system detects a specific person or object by restricting a detection area of the RFID tag to a narrow area. Since the moving object detecting method detects a piggyback, the entrance/exit system prevents the piggyback even if there are a number of persons passing through an entrance/exit gate almost at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Engineering & Services Co., Ltd., Matrix Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro Takeshima, Kazuo Tamura, Takeshi Kawahara, Masayoshi Kondou, Dai Kawarai
  • Publication number: 20120169455
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a platform operable to support a human. The apparatus also includes at least one cable suspending the platform. The apparatus also includes an elongation sensor engaged with the at least one cable. The elongation sensor is operable to emit a signal in response to elongation of the at least one cable. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed. The method includes the step of positioning the platform adjacent to one of a machine and a path along which the machine moves. The method also includes the step of detecting a mass on the platform by emitting the signal from the elongation sensor in response to elongation of the at least one cable. The method also includes the step of disengaging the machine in response to the detecting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Mike McNeilly, James Richardson, Don Way
  • Publication number: 20120169456
    Abstract: Nuclear gauges and method of configuration and methods of calibrations of the nuclear gauges are provided. The nuclear gauges are used in measuring the density and/or moisture of construction-related materials. The nuclear gauge can include a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and at least one radiation detector located within the housing. The nuclear gauge can include a vertically moveable source rod and a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of the source rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Donald E. Weger, Dirk M. Steckmann, Robert E. Troxler
  • Publication number: 20120119874
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a portable device is described. The portable device includes a housing having a mating feature adapted to mate with a corresponding mating feature of the cradle. The cradle includes a locking mechanism that is capable of locking the portable device to the cradle. A transceiver is positioned in the housing. The transceiver is capable of communicating with a remote server containing data of a registered user. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader is positioned in the housing. The RFID reader controls the locking mechanism such that the locking mechanism releases the portable device from the cradle when a RFID tag storing the data of the registered user is positioned proximate to the RFID reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Ciervo, Nadim Ghafoor