Condition Responsive Indicating System Patents (Class 340/500)
  • Patent number: 8164434
    Abstract: A method for providing control signals to a fan in a computer system is described. During the method, an electronic device receives temperature measurements and a fan-speed measurement performed in the computer system. Using a pattern-recognition model, the electronic device validates the measurements, and excludes any inaccurate measurements, such as those associated with drifting or failed sensors. Next, the electronic device determines control signals for a fan in the computer system using a model of coolant flow in the computer system and/or a slope of a phase-frequency curve of a cross power spectral density function corresponding to a pair of temperature profiles measured, as a function of time, by a pair of thermal sensors. Then, the determined control signals are provided to the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenny C. Gross, Kalyanaraman Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 8154396
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle disablement device that includes deployment of a tire puncture strip in front of the tire of a moving vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pursuit Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Moormeier, Todd O'Halloran
  • Patent number: 8149117
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Fennell, Lei He, Mark K. Sloan, Gary Alan Hayter
  • Patent number: 8144005
    Abstract: A method for advanced condition monitoring of an asset system includes monitoring a variable of an asset system using the at least one sensor of a smart sensor system; determining whether the asset system has departed from normal operation; and identifying the variable of the asset system indicating the departure from normal operation. In another method, the time sequential values of the monitored variable is analyzed by using a Rank Permutation Transformation test, a Hotelling's T2 statistic test, and a Likelihood Ratio Test; and a change of an operating condition of the asset system is determined using the analyzed values. An alert is provided if necessary. A smart sensor system includes an on-board processing unit for performing the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiao Hu, John Erik Hershey, Robert James Mitchell, Jr., Rajesh Venkat Subbu, Avinash Vinayak Taware, Piero Patrone Bonissone
  • Patent number: 8145415
    Abstract: A method using airport surveillance data to output a location of a delay and an amount of time a vehicle is subjected to the delay during a movement of the vehicle between two locations, the delays being observed in the surveillance data as a knot of several data points. A first method is used to identify proposed knots based on distances between individual data points within the data. A second method is used to identify proposed knots based on the speed of the vehicle. Another method can be used to separate proposed knots have been incorrectly joined together. This method performs the separation by arranging the data points into a two-dimensional grid to form clusters of grid cells having data points. The location of the individual cells is then analyzed to determine whether clusters should be separated. Each of the remaining clusters defines a hold where the vehicle is delayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Saab Sensis Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin S. Levy
  • Patent number: 8117049
    Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining driver behavior based on vehicle operating parameters, adjusting insurance premiums accordingly, and preventing fraudulent manipulation of the methods, systems, and apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: HTI IP, LLC
    Inventors: Eric C. Berkobin, Diego Borrego, Fred Blumer
  • Patent number: 8112469
    Abstract: An emergency override system includes first and second communication interfaces, a sensor, and a processor. The first communication interface is connected to the second communication interface by a communication line. The sensor is disposed along the communication line and is configured to output signals in response to sensing network data being transmitted on the communication line. The switch is disposed along the communication line and has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The processor is coupled to the switch and the sensor and is configured to control the opening and closing of the switch in response to the signals transmitted by the sensor. The processor provides device control data to the network device over the communication line when the switch is open. The network control data commands the network device to perform a predetermined function in response to a lack of network data being transmitted on the communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Vladimir Gershman
  • Patent number: 8106762
    Abstract: An electrical apparatus with an alarm includes an electrical device and an alarm system, the electrical device and the alarm system being both connected to an external power supply. The alarm system includes a wireless communication circuit and a control module. The control module is connected between the external power supply and the wireless communication circuit. The control module controls the wireless communication circuit to send an alarm notification when the electrical device is disconnected from the external power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Chimei Innolux Corporation
    Inventors: He-Kang Zhou, Tong Zhou
  • Patent number: 8106761
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided for directing a device to emit a perceivable physical indication (e.g., noise, light, vibration, smell, etc.), in order to indicate to a user that the device provides a particular service of interest to the user. A user may request a list of the instances of a service (e.g., printer service, audio service, display service, etc.) available within a certain area. Upon receipt of the list of instances of a particular service, the user may select respective instances one by one such that the device on which each instance is executed emits a perceivable physical indication. This physical indication enables the user to determine where the device is located and how it is situated, information which the user can use to determine which device, or instance of the service, he or she should select.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Vesa-Veikko Luukkala, Samu-Pekka Samuel Kontinen, Ian Justin Oliver, Jukka Honkola
  • Patent number: 8102251
    Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a threat detection and monitoring apparatus with an integrated display system. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for use as a public safety and emergency messaging system adapted to detect and identify threats in the surrounding environment and display useful information regarding the threat or other public information to the public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Infraegis, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Webb
  • Patent number: 8098148
    Abstract: A sensor signal processor apparatus having good characteristics and providing an easy and simple interface for various sensors. The sensor signal processor apparatus includes a current source, a sensor, a ramp integrator, a comparator, and a controller. The current source generates a constant current according to a preset value, and the sensor outputs a sensor voltage using the current from the current source. The ramp integrator generates and outputs an integral voltage according to an input command, and the comparator compares the sensor voltage of the sensor with the integral voltage of the ramp integrator and outputting a result of the comparison. The controller controls the generating and outputting of the integral voltage of the ramp integrator according to the comparison result of the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Ji Man Park, Sung Ik Jun, Young Soo Park
  • Patent number: 8098156
    Abstract: A security system and method of operation thereof stores information related to a plurality of detected events and determines an activity pattern based on the stored information. The system and method then determines a type of alarm, if any, to issue in response to a detected trigger event based at least in part on the determined activity pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dennis M Caler, David L Anderson, Jeffrey M Swan
  • Patent number: 8094005
    Abstract: Included are embodiments for asset management. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving, at a performance assessment and optimization center, data from at least one asset, the asset being configured to service an environment and performing at least one calculation, from the received data, to determine whether the asset is operating properly. Some embodiments include in response to a determination that the at least one asset is not operating properly, providing an indication related to operation of the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Prenova, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Chambers, Kenneth Van Meter, Edward M. Smith, Patrick T. Golden
  • Publication number: 20120001748
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for visually supplementing a graphical user interface are described. An example method includes detecting an opportunity to provide an alert (to a user) on the display of a mobile device and in response to the detection, providing supplemental information on a display of the mobile device for less than 75 milliseconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Norman Ladouceur, Jason Tyler Griffin
  • Patent number: 8089363
    Abstract: Method and system for providing a fault tolerant data receiver unit configured with a partitioned or separate processing units, each configured to perform a predetermined and/or specific processing associated with the one or more substantially non-overlapping functions of the data monitoring and management system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher V. Reggiardo, Mark K. Sloan
  • Patent number: 8089355
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide the automatic, self-configuration of a communication device to adjust to the user's environmental circumstances. Method includes creating a set of mode templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances and may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors. The derived set of environmental circumstances may then be compared to the mode templates to determine a matching mode template. A change to a plurality of communication device operational settings may then be made based at least partially on the matching mode template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Jeffrey Aaron
  • Patent number: 8085145
    Abstract: A personal environmental monitoring method and system and a portable monitor for use therein permit real-time mobile monitoring of environmental conditions in the immediate vicinity to ensure compatibility with the particular environmental sensitivities of a person being monitored. The portable monitor may be a fully integrated mobile device that provides real-time mobile monitoring of immediate environmental conditions without network connectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yongji Fu, Deepak Ayyagari, Nhedti Colquitt
  • Patent number: 8085161
    Abstract: An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad for location on or adjacent a device such that a user must stand on the floor pad in order to normally use the device. The floor pad has at least one switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected on the floor pad and a closed position when the switch is activated by weight pressure detected on the floor pad. A control circuit is connected operational between a ready state before the switch is activated to the closed position and a monitoring state after the switch is activated to the closed position. A warning device connected to the control circuit is activated when the control circuit determines that the switch has been in the open position for a preselected period of time after having been in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Rodolfo Garcia
  • Patent number: 8081069
    Abstract: An insulin pump and an infusion set adapter having a membrane which can be acted upon by a liquid flow path associated with the pump, wherein the pump comprises a sensor by which a change in shape or location of at least a portion of the membrane caused by a change in the liquid pressure in the flow path can be detected in a contact-free manner to identify an occlusion in the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Ueli Haueter, David Bosshard, Ivan Heutschi, Thomas Rufer, Hanspeter Stoller
  • Patent number: 8081085
    Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance including a door having a handle, and display means for displaying an operating state of the domestic appliance by projecting a light projection, wherein the display means are disposed in the handle of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Thomas Wachinger
  • Patent number: 8077051
    Abstract: Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine-readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sensors Incorporated
    Inventor: David J. Kotula
  • Patent number: 8069056
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for increasing and/or monitoring a party's compliance with a schedule for taking medicines. In a first embodiment, a method is provided for use by a first container that is adapted to store a first medicine. The method includes storing information regarding the first medicine and wirelessly communicating a signal between the first container and a second container adapted to store a second medicine. In a second embodiment, a method is provided that includes determining if a first container for storing a first medicine is positioned so as to wirelessly communicate with a second container for storing a second medicine. The method further includes generating data based at least in part on whether the first container is positioned so as to wirelessly communicate with the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Magdalena Mik, Michiko Kobayashi, Russell Pratt Sammon, Andrew P. Golden, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Terry E. Mayfield
  • Patent number: 8062698
    Abstract: A process for printing conductive metal markings directly on a substrate under an ambient condition, including the steps of synthesizing or providing conductive the ink on a substrate to form conductive metallic nanoparticles into an ink; and printing the ink on a substrate to form conductive metallic markings on the substrate. The printed conductive metallic markings may form wires that behave as resonant RFID antenna applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Naveen Chopra, Peter M. Kazmaier, Dominique J. Lalisse, Paul F. Smith
  • Patent number: 8054199
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a utility meter of a utility company that measures consumption of a utility within a space occupied by a user, a wireless fault detector associated with the utility located within the space and a wireless transmitter of the utility meter that receives a fault message from the fault detector, confirms consumption of the utility within the space and transmits a fault message that identifies the space to the utility company.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Addy
  • Publication number: 20110260851
    Abstract: A security system comprises one or more sensor devices configured to detect conditions at one or more sites; one or more checkpoints at each of said one or more sites configured to receive signals from the one or more sensor devices; and a central headquarters processor configured to receive signals indicative of the conditions detected at said one or more sites from the one or more checkpoints. The central headquarters processor is configured to process the signals to determine if an event has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Richman
  • Patent number: 8044791
    Abstract: A system for controlling or operating a plurality of target systems via spoken commands is provided. The system includes a first plurality of target systems, a second plurality of controllers for controlling or operating target systems via spoken commands, a speech recognition system that stores interface information that is specific to a target system or a group of target systems that are to be controlled or operated. A first controller in the second plurality of controllers includes a microphone for picking up audible signals in the vicinity of the first controller and a device for transmitting the audible signals to a speech recognition system. The speech recognition system is operable to analyze the interface information to recognize spoken commands issued for controlling or operating said target system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Clemens Bulitta, Robert Kagermeier, Dietmar Sierk
  • Patent number: 8040241
    Abstract: A capacitance-based occupant detection system accurately determines seat occupancy and a failure of an electrode and between electrodes and includes an impedance calculation section, a Re/Im part calculation section, and a determination section. A first impedance Z1 is calculated including a main-body impedance Za between a main electrode and a vehicle body. The Re/Im part calculation section calculates real and imaginary parts of the first impedance Z1 based on the first impedance Z1 calculated by the impedance calculation section. The determination section determines the presence or absence of destruction of the main electrode and a guard electrode based on an imaginary part of the first impedance Z1 calculated by the Re/Im part calculation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kamizono, Shoichi Yamanaka, Shinichi Kiribayashi, Masahiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8032234
    Abstract: A condition of an industrial process is diagnosed based upon process variable information related to a value of a measured process variable. Histogram information is calculated based upon the determined process variable information and time information related to a duration of time the measured process variable has the value. Condition of the industrial process is diagnosed based upon the calculated histogram information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Scot R. Foss, Terry A. Cureton
  • Publication number: 20110234419
    Abstract: A usage status notification method and corresponding medication storage device (e.g., mobile medication dispensing cart, medication cabinet, nurse server, etc.) are provided. To generate the usage status notification, the status of one or more components of the medication storage device may be monitored. An in-use notification signal may be generated if it is determined that the medication storage device is in use at a certain point in time (e.g., when a user is logged into the medication storage device). An available notification signal may be generated if it is determined that the medication storage device is available for use at a certain point in time (e.g., when a user is logged out of the medication storage device). Other types of usage status signals may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: McKesson Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Preeti Churbock, Emilie Ray
  • Publication number: 20110231216
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for obtaining data that could affect event details, such that this data can be used to generate alerts that are sent early enough to give the user time to reach the event, predict lateness, arrange replacements/delegates, reschedule, cancel meetings in advance, etc. By more intelligently providing reminders to the user, the above-described unforeseen circumstances can be dealt with. In some embodiments, an aggregation of various external data sources as well as internal data can be used to better predict when a user should be reminded of the time for their event, determine and advise whether they may be late regardless, and/or enable the user to arrange a delegate or replacement or to reschedule or cancel the event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Steven Henry Fyke, Daniel James Legg, David Ryan Walker, Edward Michael Dean, Russell N. Owen, Jerome Pasquero, Scott Douglas Rose, Michael Stephen Brown, James Andrew Godfrey
  • Patent number: 8018337
    Abstract: An audio warning monitoring device, system and method including an audio detector, one or more audio screens to determine if monitored sound is an alarm, a processor or logic device to potentially analyze sound data and then instruct a transmitter to send a message with the monitoring device identification and signals representing sound detected by the audio detector to a server. The computer server analyzes the message and authenticates the audio detector, looks up user data associated with the detector, and contacts a user from previously stored user data in order to notify of the alert and then relay the audio signals in an audio file. At the user's option, the server may contact a staffed or automated monitoring center. Here a human operator may listen to the signals in the audio file and take appropriate action, such as calling the location of the alarm for verification or contacting a professional first responder(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Fireear Inc.
    Inventors: Russell K. Jones, Jean-Marc Patenaude
  • Patent number: 8009032
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting tampering of a remote display. According to one method, a first data integrity result is generated by performing a first data integrity operation on display data to be displayed on the remote display at a secure module. The display data is transmitted from the secure module to the remote display security module. The remote display security module receives the display data. A second data integrity result is generated by performing the first data integrity operation on the display data received at the remote display security module. A determination is made as to whether the remote display has been tampered with at the secure module if the first data integrity result does not match the second data integrity result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Long, Giovanni Carapelli
  • Patent number: 8004415
    Abstract: Methods, systems and program products are provided for monitoring an article for fluid exposure. A plurality of liquid sensors is incorporated into an article beneath an outer layer in a furnishing installation. In response to a fluid-detected or no-fluid-detected state, polling the sensors and sometimes other data, a processor component determines fluid exposure, sensor failure and tampering events and stores event data in a memory. Pairs of the sensors are sometimes provided within expected liquid exposure saturation footprint areas. GPS coordinate, weather condition data and structural component positioning data may also be associated with event data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Peter G. Finn, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, James W. Seaman, Keith R. Walker
  • Patent number: 7990270
    Abstract: A security system for monitoring at least one shipping container being transported by at least one cargo transport vehicle has a Container Security Device (CSD) configured to be removably coupled to the at least one freight shipping container wall thereby utilizing for monitoring a cargo inside the container and detection of intrusion violations accompanied with partial destruction of the container wall when in a coupled condition. The CSD including at least one anti-tamper sensor, a microcontroller and a communication device; where the microcontroller generates an alarm signal based on a signal from at least one anti-tamper sensor is subjected to an individual sensor processing procedure and then to an integrated sensor processing procedure, the integrated sensor processing procedure make determination of the overall container alert status based on the alarm signal from at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Kirsen Technologies Corporation Inc.
    Inventor: Kirill Mostov
  • Patent number: 7991556
    Abstract: A method for analyzing formation data includes decomposing the formation data into simple components that can be used to reconstruct the formation data, wherein the decomposing is performed at a first location and includes a process to minimize an overlap between the simple components; and transmitting parameters representing the simple components to a second location for reconstructing the formation data. A system for analyzing formation data that includes a processor and a memory that stores a program having instructions for decomposing the formation data into simple components that can be used to reconstruct the formation data, wherein the decomposing is performed at a first location and includes a process to minimize an overlap between the simple components; and transmitting parameters representing the simple components to a second location for reconstructing the formation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jaideva C. Goswami, Denis Heliot
  • Patent number: 7973653
    Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a system of vehicle abnormality notification in which predetermined information is transmitted to a predetermined subject when an abnormality in the vehicle state is detected in a vehicle are constructed so that even when an abnormality in the vehicle state has been detected in the vehicle, the aforementioned predetermined information is not transmitted to the predetermined subject if the vehicle is in a predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akito Adachi
  • Patent number: 7970504
    Abstract: A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew A. Katzer
  • Patent number: 7966150
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring equipment performance and predicting failures. The system can include a data historian that stores data for a piece of equipment and designates the data to tags. The tags can correspond to sensors that gather the data from the piece of equipment. A matrix model builder application can allow a user to generate regression models for various time spans to determine whether new data is within a normal operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Florida Power & Light Company
    Inventors: Donville Smith, Marcos Suero, Eduardo J. More, Gary Moncrief, Jr., Jennifer D Chaney
  • Patent number: 7965192
    Abstract: A photosensitive device for warning an individual that the interior light level on one side of the window is greater than the light level on the outside of the window includes first and second photo sensors, a comparator circuit and/or a logic circuit and an alarm. The device may also include a timer, an amplifier and rheostat as well as a visual indicator that remains in a on condition after an audible sound is turned off. A reset circuit is used to turn off the visual indicator. A method for accomplishing the same is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Fawzi Qasem Behbehani
  • Patent number: 7962932
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for presenting a message on a display based on video frame types presented on the display are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a message having one of a plurality of priority levels for presentation on a display. Further, it is determined whether a type of a video frame for presentation on the display has a predetermined relationship to the priority level of the message. The received message is presented on the display based on the video frame type determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Scenera Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mona Singh
  • Patent number: 7961087
    Abstract: Holistic alarm monitoring may be provided. An alarm display interface may receive alarm messages relating to assorted priorities and/or categories. Users may configure rules for displaying and processing the alarm messages as they are received. Historical alarm messages may be correlated and analyzed to determine trends, as by displaying the alarm messages on a calendar. Users may also configure and share alarm display views, search through received alarm messages, annotate and/or attach files to alarm messages, and categorize alarm messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Bahman Hoveida
  • Patent number: 7962258
    Abstract: A storing unit stores a map indicating correspondences between keywords representing states of a vehicle and faulty conditions of the vehicle. A keyword setting unit sets the keywords in response to the vehicle as a recorded object. A processing unit identifies the faulty condition corresponding to the set keywords by searching the storing unit. Then, the mode file corresponding to the identified faulty condition is decided as the mode file to be set in a data recording system, based on correspondences between the previously-set faulty conditions and data contents to be recorded and conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoshige Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7956759
    Abstract: A humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag is provided with a bimorph element and thin conductive bridges positioned on an RFID tag substrate that can react to all changes in storage humidity conditions. The bimorph element is configured and positioned so that when it bends in response to one or more predetermined humidity levels, the bimorph element will break one of the conductive bridges and cause an open circuit that can be detected when the RFID tag is interrogated by a sensor. The humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag can provide humidity information about numerous stored objects such as food, medicine, chemicals, batteries, explosives and munitions. Multiple humidity conductive bridge cutoff fuse RFID tag arrangements and methods for notifying the user when a predetermined storage humidity limit has been reached with a passive humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag are provided. Since it does not require power to operate, the cutoff fuse is suitable for monitoring e long-term storage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Yoonkee Kim
  • Patent number: 7956733
    Abstract: A measurement system is provided to monitor a launcher assembly along a path along which to accelerate a projectile. This system includes an optical sensor, a light emitter, a light detector and a signal analyzer. The sensor is continuously disposed on (or integrated to) the assembly at a position on the path and has initial and terminus ends. The light emitter transmits an optical signal from the initial end. The light detector receives the optical signal from either the initial or terminus ends. The signal analyzer compares the optical signal from the detector to a quantifiable deflection of the assembly launcher. The signal analyzer issues an alarm indication in response to the quantifiable deflection exceeds a hazard-condition threshold. The sensor may be positioned either substantially parallel to or transverse at discrete points along the path and be disposed longitudinally along and/or wrapped helically around the launcher barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Nicholas V. Nechitailo
  • Publication number: 20110112720
    Abstract: Road conditions reporting is described. In embodiments, road conditions data is received and a condition of a roadway can be determined based on the road conditions data. The road conditions data can be received from a roadside station, vehicles, and/or from one or more sensors. The road conditions data and/or the condition of the roadway can then be communicated to a road conditions data system. In various embodiments, a road conditions data system can be implemented in a vehicle, or a road conditions data system can be implemented as a roadside station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Dale Keep, Lance Doyle, Mark Swayne
  • Patent number: 7931562
    Abstract: We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Ellis, Caron Ellis
  • Patent number: 7928839
    Abstract: Included are embodiments for asset management. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving, at a performance assessment and optimization center, data from at least one asset, the asset being configured to service an environment and performing at least one calculation, from the received data, to determine whether the asset is operating properly. Some embodiments include in response to a determination that the at least one asset is not operating properly, providing an indication related to operation of the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Prenova, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Chambers, Kenneth Van Meter, Edward M. Smith, Patrick T. Golden
  • Patent number: 7928833
    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: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bibelhausen, Thomas Lee Alford, George F. Hofer
  • Patent number: 7929940
    Abstract: A system and method of transmitting and receiving RF service signals between a base transceiver station (BTS) of a wireless communication system and subscriber units within a structure. In the forward link, the system demodulates the RF service signal from a BTS to recover a digital service signal; conditions the digital service signal for transmission via the powerline of a structure; and modulates an RF carrier with the digital service signal to generate the RF service signal for wireless transmission to subscriber units within the structure. In the reverse link, the system demodulates the RF service signal from subscriber unit(s) to generate a digital service signal; conditions the digital service signal for transmission via the powerline; and modulates an RF carrier with the digital service signal to generate the RF service signal for transmission to the BTS. Another embodiment eliminates the modulation of an RF carrier with the digital service signal to generate an RF service and vice-versa at the BTS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Nextel Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Janet Ruth Dianda, Sunil Prasad
  • Patent number: 7928850
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hayter, Martin J. Fennell, Lei He, Mark K. Sloan