Condition Persistence Patents (Class 340/529)
  • Patent number: 11735033
    Abstract: A system may enable control of one or more output devices in response to input received from one or more activators. An activator may transmit a unique identifier that corresponds to the output device to be controlled. A control unit may receive the unique identifier and enable control of the output device in response to one or more additional inputs. The inputs may be provided by a flex sensor or capacitive touch sensor of a wearable device. In response to the additional inputs, control may be permitted for the output device identified by the unique identifier of the activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: THE CAULDRON LONDON LTD.
    Inventors: Matthew Cortland, Lyudmil Yordanov Atanasov, Tanat Kriengkomol
  • Patent number: 11521480
    Abstract: An intrusion detection apparatus and method thereof are provided. The intrusion detection apparatus includes a status detection device, a front-end signal processor, a delay device, and a signal sampler. The status detection device is configured to generate an indicating signal according to an opened status of the case. The front-end signal processor receives the indicating signal and performs a noise filtering function on the indicating signal so as to generate a processed indicating signal. The delay device delays the processed indicating signal to generate a delayed indicating signal. The signal sampler samples the processed indicating signal to generate a detection result according to the delayed indicating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Wiwynn Corporation
    Inventors: Chi Ming Wu, Yu Shu Kao, Hsieh Ju Tsai, Ye Sheng Lin, Po Jung Lin
  • Patent number: 11423770
    Abstract: A system may enable control of one or more output devices in response to input received from one or more activators. An activator may transmit a unique identifier that corresponds to the output device to be controlled. A control unit may receive the unique identifier and enable control of the output device in response to one or more additional inputs. The inputs may be provided by a flex sensor or capacitive touch sensor of a wearable device. In response to the additional inputs, control may be permitted for the output device identified by the unique identifier of the activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: The Cauldron London Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Cortland, Lyudmil Yordanov Atanasov, Tanat Kriengkomol
  • Patent number: 11354987
    Abstract: A swimming pool entrance opening warning device comprises at least one door magnetic switch, at least one bypass switch and a host, wherein the door magnetic switch is arranged on a door leading to the swimming pool entrance, the bypass switch is arranged on a building structure adjacent to the swimming pool entrance, the bypass switch being provided with a first release button, and the host is arranged on the building structure adjacent to the swimming pool entrance or the door, the host and the bypass switch be located at different positions, the host comprising a host shell, a speaker module arranged on the host shell, a second release button arranged on the host shell, and a control circuit board connected with the first release button and the second release button, while according to the invention, when the door is opened and two release buttons do not generate a release signal after passing a buffering time, the speaker module is actuated through the control circuit board, thereby preventing unauthorize
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph Y. Ko
  • Patent number: 11210920
    Abstract: A system including at least a first node or subnet device configured to be commanded by a controller, a first controller configured to control operation of the first node and interface with a host outside of the system, and a second controller identical to the first controller configured to be a child to the first controller during normal operation and be a parent to a second node or subnet device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Gang, Travis DeMent, David F. Dickie
  • Patent number: 11021164
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling one or more of mobile services for a mobile communication device (also referred to herein as a Controllable Mobile Device or CMD), and in particular, when the device is being used and the vehicle, operated by the user of the device, is moving. In addition, one aspect of the invention generally relates to a method and system for modifying a user's driving behaviors, in particular to a system and method for modifying a user's unsafe driving behaviors, e.g., using one or more services of a controllable mobile device while driving, by providing a score to the user rating indicating that they are using a mobile device in a distracting way, or driving in a manner that indicates that they are distracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Katasi, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Ferrill Tibbitts, Franklin Tai, Ryan Tibbitts, Adam Stevenson, Malcolm Bruce Young
  • Patent number: 10731906
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented method that includes determining, by a controller of a refrigeration system, an alarm zone and a non-alarm zone. The alarm zone corresponds to possible states of the refrigeration system that trigger a temperature alarm of the refrigeration system, and the non-alarm zone corresponds to possible states of the refrigeration system that do not trigger the temperature alarm. The method also includes predicting a future state of the refrigeration system. The method also includes determining whether the future state of the refrigeration system is within the alarm zone or the non-alarm zone. The method also includes generating an output data comprising a prediction of when the temperature alarm will be triggered. The method also includes triggering one or more compressors connected to the refrigeration system to improve a cooling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Krishna Prabu Dheenadayalan
  • Patent number: 10621327
    Abstract: A resource instrument system, alone or in combination with a user computer system, may be utilized to capture information from third-party resource instruments associated with interactions, using a reader component, and process such third-party resources. Additionally, or alternatively, the resource instrument systems may also automatically capture interaction information associated with an interaction and automatically create one or more first resource instruments, using a writing component, in order utilize the one or more first resource instruments in interactions. Moreover, the resource instrument systems of multiple parties may interact with each other to facilitate electronic interactions that may include providing aggregated resources from multiple parties and providing a resource instrument to a third-party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Manu Jacob Kurian
  • Patent number: 10534332
    Abstract: An electric home appliance includes a sensing unit configured to sense whether a user's body is within a predetermined range from the electric home appliance, an output unit configured to output a sound, and a controller configured to determine a sound output mode of the output unit based on a location of the user's body sensed by the sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soomin Seo, Soyeon Ko, Youjin Lee
  • Patent number: 10454993
    Abstract: A resource instrument system and/or user computer systems can monitor when one or more resource instruments have been removed from the resource instrument system and notify the user and/or entity that one or more resource instruments have been removed from the resource instrument systems in order to help identify potential misappropriation of the one or more resource instruments. Moreover, the user may pre-authorize the use of one or more resource instruments through the resource instrument system and/or the user computer system. In this way, a third-party receiving the resource instrument may check the validity of the resource instrument before acceptance of the resource instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Manu Jacob Kurian
  • Patent number: 10293484
    Abstract: Provided is a robot device including a drive unit including a plurality of links and joints connecting the links, a task instruction input unit for inputting an instruction of a task, a drive control unit for controlling an operation of the drive unit on the basis of the input task and determining a restricted area including a space necessary for the operation of the drive unit, and an area display unit for displaying the restricted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wataru Kokubo, Tetsuharu Fukushima, Masakuni Nagano, Satoru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10235861
    Abstract: A mobile device that includes an input device, an output device, and an electronic processor connected to the input device and the output device. The electronic processor is configured to receive, from the input device, information about a disinfectant and set a threshold time, a threshold activity level, or both the threshold time and the threshold activity level based on the information about the disinfectant. The electronic processor is also configured to track a passage of time, an activity level, or both. If the passage of time is greater than or equal to the threshold time, the activity level is greater than or equal to the threshold activity level, or both then the electronic processor is configured to output a user notification, via the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: METREX RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Burns, Abhigyan Som, Tuyen Quang Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10204496
    Abstract: A set of cameras can operate in coordination for surveillance purposes to provide situation awareness at a system level. Any infrastructure of cameras, public or private, can incidentally view and record an individual's mobile property when in view of any of these cameras. A locating unit can determine the approximate location of a mobile property. A monitoring device that correlates to the mobile property's location can be selected. The transmission of surveillance information from the selected monitoring device can be provided to a user, such as via a transmission to the user's mobile device. Thus, the individual can have access to the monitoring device's viewing or recorded data to increase surveillance of mobile property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert R. Miller, II
  • Patent number: 10184284
    Abstract: A door closer assembly for an entryway device having a position sensor that assists in determining the location of the door closer assembly, and thus the location of the associated entryway device, relative to at least an entryway. The position sensor can be coupled to, and/or part of, the door closer assembly. Information obtained by the position sensor may be used by one or processing devices of an access control system to determine whether the door closer assembly and/or the entryway device is at the closed location, among other locations, as well as the direction(s) of displacement of the entryway device. Such information may be utilized in calibrating other devices, as well as determining the occurrence of a number of events, including unauthorized displacement or holding of the entryway device. A timer may also be utilized to further evaluate the nature of the displacement of the entryway device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Wayne Baumgarte
  • Patent number: 10115283
    Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method for providing assistance to users in emergency situations may include (i) detecting that a user of an endpoint device is involved in an emergency situation, (ii) identifying an individual capable of assisting the user in the emergency situation by (a) locating an additional endpoint device that is nearby the endpoint device of the user and (b) determining that the additional endpoint device asserts an attribute of the individual that indicates the individual is qualified to assist the user involved in the emergency situation and is verified by a trusted third party, and (iii) enabling the individual to assist the user involved in the emergency situation by providing information about the emergency situation from the endpoint device of the user to the additional endpoint device. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Symantec Corporation
    Inventors: Ilya Sokolov, Keith Newstadt
  • Patent number: 9974283
    Abstract: A security system configured to be attached about the neck of a dog, includes a collar having opposed ends, each end having a fastener such that the belt is configured to be selectively coupled about the dog's neck. A monitoring assembly is mounted to the collar, the monitoring assembly including a microphone and a processor in data communication with the microphone. A transmitter is operatively connected to the processor. A response assembly is displaced from the monitoring assembly that includes a speaker in data communication with the processor, the processor configured to selectively actuate the speaker when the processor determines that the microphone has detected a predetermined sound, such as the bark of an intruding dog. The displaced speaker may then emit the sound of a menacing guard dog until the sound of an intruding dog is no longer detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventors: Margaret A. Hord, Benjamin F. Hord
  • Patent number: 9934633
    Abstract: A tactical security system can be used to secure a room. For example, such a security system may be contained in a housing sized for shipment to a location for placement in a room in order to secure the room. Various components may be included in the housing, such as a storage device configured to store data received from one or more audio or video recording devices; an access controller configured to interface with a badge reader associated with one or more access points to the room in order to selectively control access to the room; a switch configured to couple the one or more audio or video recording devices with the storage device and to couple the badge reader with the access controller; and/or a power supply configured to supply power to the devices in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Palantir Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Geoff Belknap, Carl Cohen, Christopher Deringer
  • Patent number: 9918187
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a location tracker and auxiliary device for use with a monitoring center for tracking individuals or objects. The location tracker has position determining circuitry and first wireless circuitry that communicates position data representative of the location of the location tracker to a remote location (e.g., a monitoring station). The location tracker also has second wireless circuitry that communicates with the auxiliary device. The location tracker has at least two operational modes. The location tracker switches operational modes when communication is established between the location tracker and the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device generally has an associated auxiliary device ID and wireless circuitry that communicates the auxiliary device ID to the location tracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Satellite Tracking of People LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Freathy, Paul Pridmore, Steve Logan
  • Patent number: 9890991
    Abstract: A domestic appliance such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer is disclosed. The appliance may include a piezoelectric device. The piezoelectric device may be configured to supply electrical power to various electrically-powered elements in the appliance, such as a light source, a drive status sensor, and active balancing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alberto R. Gomes, Yen-Hsi Lin, Andrew M. Tenbarge
  • Patent number: 9579795
    Abstract: Provided is a robot device including a drive unit including a plurality of links and joints connecting the links, a task instruction input unit for inputting an instruction of a task, a drive control unit for controlling an operation of the drive unit on the basis of the input task and determining a restricted area including a space necessary for the operation of the drive unit, and an area display unit for displaying the restricted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Wataru Kokubo, Tetsuharu Fukushima, Masakuni Nagano, Satoru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9508203
    Abstract: A tactical security system can be used to secure a room. For example, such a security system may be contained in a housing sized for shipment to a location for placement in a room in order to secure the room. Various components may be included in the housing, such as a storage device configured to store data received from one or more audio or video recording devices; an access controller configured to interface with a badge reader associated with one or more access points to the room in order to selectively control access to the room; a switch configured to couple the one or more audio or video recording devices with the storage device and to couple the badge reader with the access controller; and/or a power supply configured to supply power to the devices in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Palantir Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Geoff Belknap, Carl Cohen, Christopher Deringer
  • Patent number: 9497428
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and improving hygiene compliance in a caregiver setting is provided. The system includes a plurality of hand cleansing dispensers with sensors coupled thereto to detect usage of the dispenser and the identity of the personnel using the dispenser. Usage of the dispenser affects the personnel's hygiene compliance. Indicators are coupled to or integral with the dispensers to output a real-time indication of the hygiene compliance of the personnel. As time progresses since the last detected handwashing event, the indicators can reflect the real-time degradation of hygiene compliance to keep the personnel well-informed of their compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Versus Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary T. Gaisser, Henry J. Tenarvitz
  • Patent number: 9103723
    Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for optical surveillance using modulated lasers, or other forms of light, and optical detection. In one embodiment, an optical surveillance system includes a light source, such as a laser or light emitting diode, and a signal generator operable to modulate the light source. The system also includes a detector operable to detect the modulated light source and a processor communicatively coupled to the detector to distinguish the modulated light source from other detected light based on the modulating waveform of the modulated light source. The processor is also operable to determine a presence of an object between the laser and the detector based on an obscuration of the laser pulses on the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: APPLIED ENERGETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Hayden, Jiamin (Jim) Zhang, Paul B. Lundquist
  • Patent number: 9097036
    Abstract: A security system having a device that attach directly to and locks on or around an object to be secured, or one or more parts of the system are integrated into a full or partial enclosure that fully or partially encloses or surrounds the object to be secured, that cannot be removed from the object or enclosure without disengaging the locking mechanism through a provided method, and when the device is attached to the object or integrated into the enclosure, the system renders the object unusable for its intended use, and the system is capable of determining location, has a radio transmitter and/or transceiver capable of processing, transmitting and/or relaying information, data and images over terrestrial and/or satellite communication networks, and can include various sensors and other data and image gathering methods, and can contain an audible alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Iguana Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Roy DiBella, David Homer Biggs
  • Patent number: 9087444
    Abstract: An interlocking source alarm output processing unit outputs alarm indicating an interlocking source and transmits event signal indicating the abnormality to other alarm device. An interlocking destination alarm output processing unit outputs alarm indicating an interlocking destination. An interlocking source alarm stop processing unit transmits the event signal and stops an output of the alarm, upon detecting an operation to an alarm stopping unit while outputting the alarm indicating the interlock source. An interlocking destination alarm stop processing unit stops an output of the alarm indicating the interlocking destination and transmits the event signal for stopping the alarm, when an operation to the alarm stopping unit is detected while outputting the alarm indicating the interlocking destination, while the interlocking destination alarm stop processing unit stops an output of the alarm indicating the interlocking destination, when the event signal from the other alarm device is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Egawa, Hidenari Matsukuma
  • Patent number: 9000912
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes a processor that executes a procedure, the procedure including outputting an alert when observation data satisfies a certain condition, the observation data being obtained at a certain time interval, suppressing the outputting of the alert in accordance with control, and performing control the suppressing until the certain time elapses since one of the outputting of the alert and the suppressing is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hirokazu Sato, Toshiyuki Ito, Yasuomi Iriyama, Yasumasa Oshiro, Tomohiro Nakamura, Tomonori Ota, Junya Hiramatsu, Yuta Inoue
  • Patent number: 8890680
    Abstract: A method and system facilitate the one or more operating modes for monitoring of an intelligent home system. The method and system facilitate the detection of an adverse condition in a building, the generation of an alert based on the detection of adverse condition, sending a notification to a user about the alert, asking the user how to respond to the alert via a message sent to a mobile device, and determining whether to send the alert to a central monitoring system to facilitate notification of an appropriate responder for the adverse condition. Determining whether to send the alert to the central monitoring system may be based on an affirmative command from the user or a failure to receive any command from the user. The user may be notified via at least one of a telephone call, text message, email, or application notification. The user may provide instructions to the method and system via at least one of a telephone call, text message, email, application command, or web script.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reeser, Shawn M. Call, Stacy L. Kennedy, Lee C. Drinan, Lisa Ann Frey, Kevin Payne, Michael Jacob
  • Publication number: 20140111331
    Abstract: A reminder system for a portable-device charger is designed for determining when it is likely that the charger is about to be left behind. Detection which may be in real time can pertain, depending on the embodiment, to disconnection of a portable device from the charger, and/or movement of a portable device out of wireless range of the charger or a charger adaptor. In some versions, the onset of reminding is, upon detecting disconnection, tentatively postponed until a predetermined criterion is met, such as expiry of a predetermined time period. Or the criterion can be detection of an out-of-range condition based on distance between the portable device and an adaptor or charger. In some embodiments detection and reminder issuance are incorporated in a unit, such as a plug-in wall adaptor or the charger itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Tedesco
  • Patent number: 8604931
    Abstract: A security access device for a portable electronic device comprises a plurality of security access buttons recessed into depressions on at least a portion of the external surface of the security access device. More than one security access button requires continual contact of a pad of at least two digits of at least one hand or up to four digits of both hands of a user of the electronic device for safe operation of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Carlos J. Veloso, Jose V. Veloso, Robert A. Riker
  • Patent number: 8410922
    Abstract: A dual-technology motion sensor with an ultrasonic sensor element (transducer) and a PIR sensor element is disclosed. The dual-technology motion sensor is configured to modulate ultrasonic radiation emitted from the ultrasonic sensor element when the motion sensor detects a condition under which other wireless devices, especially ultrasound-based wireless devices, are in operation, thereby eliminating problems associated with interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Watt Stopper Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Null, Jason Joyce, Thomas L. Grey
  • Patent number: 8368532
    Abstract: A security system including a main control unit, a plurality of sensors and a user interface device. The main control unit communicates with a remote central monitoring station when a sensor detects an alarm event. Once the communication signal from the main control unit is successfully transmitted to the central station, a siren is sounded. Thus, the delay time to trigger the siren is dynamic based on the time it takes for successful transmission of an alarm notification to the central station. This dynamic delay accounts for transmission interruptions between the security system and the central station and allows the location of the main unit and/or the siren from being detected prior to successful alarm transmission to the central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephane Foisy, Brian Storrie
  • Publication number: 20120326859
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes a processor that executes a procedure, the procedure including outputting an alert when observation data satisfies a certain condition, the observation data being obtained at a certain time interval, suppressing the outputting of the alert in accordance with control, and performing control the suppressing until the certain time elapses since one of the outputting of the alert and the suppressing is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Hirokazu Sato, Toshiyuki Ito, Yasuomi Iriyama, Yasumasa Oshiro, Tomohiro Nakamura, Tomonori Ota, Junya Hiramatsu, Yuta Inoue
  • Patent number: 8335617
    Abstract: A sensor detection controller is used in combination with a capacitive sensor that is mounted on a seat of a vehicle in such a manner that a capacitance of the capacitive sensor changes according to whether the seat is occupied. The sensor detection controller has a fault detection mode and a normal detection mode. The sensor detection controller includes a signal source for applying an amplitude signal to the capacitive sensor, a switch for switching a signal path, through which the amplitude signal is applied, between the fault detection mode and the normal detection mode, a signal detector for detecting a change in a voltage or a current of the amplitude signal when the amplitude signal is applied, and an impedance member connected to the signal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Satake, Noboru Maeda, Hiroyuki Mori, Kouji Ootaka
  • Patent number: 8248251
    Abstract: A personal water safety device includes a barrel portion, and a base part. The base part connects two portions of a swimming goggle frame. The barrel portion includes a button, and a cylinder connected to the button via a spring. The base part includes a timer connected to the cylinder, and an alarm electrically connected to the timer. Water enters the cylinder when the button is pressed, and the timer measures an elapsed time when electrical conductivity of interior of the cylinder is in a predetermined range. The alarm generates an alarm when the measured time exceeds a predetermined time limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Lin Chen, Pi-Jye Tsaur
  • Patent number: 8248250
    Abstract: A personal water safety device includes at least three base stations, at least one water sensing device, and an alarm apparatus. The at least one water sensing device wirelessly communicates with each of the at least three base stations. The alarm apparatus wirelessly communicates with each of the at least three base stations. Each water sensing device is worn by a swimmer and is triggered to measure elapsed time when the swimmer submerges in water, and transmits the measured time to the at least three base stations. The alarm apparatus receives the measured time transmitted from each of the at least three base stations, and generates an alarm when the measured time of one of the at least water sensing device exceeds a predetermined time limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Lin Chen, Pi-Jye Tsaur
  • Patent number: 8217780
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for extending the expiration of an entry delay period for disarming a security system based on the entry of a keypress that matches a valid access code before expiration of a preprogrammed entry delay period. The security system includes a plurality of detection devices to detect any number of conditions, a user interface such as a keypad, and a control panel communicating with each of the detection devices and the user interface. The system extends the entry delay period based on the input of each keypress using the user interface that matches a symbol of a valid access code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Kylie J. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8144020
    Abstract: A water alarm device for releaseable attachment to a user in a body of water includes a buoyant alarm unit having a water sensor. The water sensor is configured to sense if a sensing portion of the alarm unit is in contact with water. A timer is in communication with the water sensor and is configured to determine a duration of water contact with the sensing portion of the alarm unit. The alarm unit is configured to travel to a surface of the body of water and activate an alarm when the duration of water contact is greater than a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Thermocline Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Graham E. Snyder, Courtney Hopkins Mann
  • Patent number: 8120480
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for electronic wireless communication in circuits for monitoring one or more activities of an individual are disclosed. One circuit board assembly embodiment includes a carrier board portion having a module contact pattern to electrically connect a module, selected from a plurality of different module types each having a contact pattern that corresponds to the module contact pattern of the carrier board portion, to a number of electrical components attached to the carrier board portion; a sensor portion for sensing one or more activities of an individual, the sensor portion electrically connected to the carrier board portion; and a communications module portion selected from the plurality of different module types, wherein the module portion has a contact pattern that corresponds to the module contact pattern and wherein the communications module portion is electrically connected to the carrier board portion via the module contact pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Healthsense, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean S. Anderson, Danny J. Vatland, Brian J. Bischoff
  • Patent number: 8112381
    Abstract: Machine condition monitoring on a system utilizes a wireless sensor network to gather data from a large number of sensors. The data is processed using a multivariate statistical model to determine whether the system has deviated from a normal condition. The wireless sensor network permits the acquisition of a large number of distributed data points from plural system modalities, which, in turn, yields enhanced prediction accuracy and a reduction in false alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Corporation
    Inventors: Chao Yuan, Claus Neubauer, Chellury R. Sastry, Stefan Galler
  • Patent number: 8081082
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and apparatus for monitoring patterns of motion are provided. A signal is received from a sensor on a user, wherein movement of the user causes the sensor to generate power to emit a signal indicative of the movement of the user. The signal is analyzed to form a current pattern of motion. The current pattern of motion is compared to a baseline pattern of motion associated with the user. A difference between the current pattern of motion and the baseline pattern of motion associated with the user is determined to form a difference. The difference is compared to a predetermined threshold. Responsive to the difference exceeding the predetermined threshold, an alert is sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nadeem Malik, Katherine June Pearsall, Adrian Rutledge, Elizabeth Vera Woodward
  • Patent number: 7999668
    Abstract: A system is provided for implementing a series interlock loop. An example of the interlock system includes a series interlock loop, a data table, and a control module. The series interlock loop has an overall electrical characteristic. The series interlock loop includes first and second safety interlocks electrically coupled in series. Each interlock includes a switch coupled in parallel with an impedance value. The data table is configured to store values corresponding to the impedance values. The control module is communicatively coupled to the data table and configured to receive an indication of the overall electrical characteristic and to compare the overall electrical characteristic to the values in the data table to thereby identify an open one of the first and second safety interlocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William R. Cawthorne, James E. Tarchinski
  • Patent number: 7994913
    Abstract: A system includes several functional modules to alert a user that an accessory has not been placed back into a bay of an electronic device after a predetermined time period. A sensor is configured for determining if the accessory has been received in the bay after the time period has expired. The sensor is further configured for generating a notification if the accessory has not been received in the bay after the time period has expired. An audio module is configured for receiving the notification, and transmitting an audio alarm via a speaker indicating that the accessory has not been received in the bay after the time period has expired. A display module is configured for receiving the notification, and displaying a graphic alarm on a display panel of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kuan-Hsueh Lee
  • Patent number: 7990274
    Abstract: An electronic device and transmitter allowing animal owners to locate their animals by a non-verbal audible output signal and a visual output signal. A method for training animals to elicit a desired behavior based upon stimuli emitted from an electronic device. The electronic device and method enable animal owners to quickly find their animals that might not otherwise respond to verbal commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Patricia J. Hill
  • Patent number: 7970175
    Abstract: The head pose of a motor vehicle driver with respect to a vehicle frame of reference is assessed with a relative motion sensor positioned rearward of the driver's head, such as in or on the headrest of the driver's seat. The relative motion sensor detects changes in the position of the driver's head, and the detected changes are used to determine the driver's head pose, and specifically, whether the head pose is forward-looking (i.e., with the driver paying attention to the forward field-of-view) or non-forward-looking. The determined head pose is assumed to be initially forward-looking, and is thereafter biased toward forward-looking whenever driver behavior characteristic of a forward-looking head pose is recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip V. Malawey, Matthew R. Smith, Gerald J. Witt
  • Patent number: 7893843
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for monitoring a number of recurrent activities of an individual are disclosed. One method for monitoring a recurrent activity of an individual using activity windowing includes recording a number of sensor activations of at least one sensor, determining a number of peaks in the number of sensor activations, defining one or more time frames based upon the location of at least one of the number of peaks in the time period, and applying a rule associated with a threshold number of activations, where the rule is applied to at least one particular time frame in order to determine whether to initiate an action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Healthsense, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Bischoff
  • Patent number: 7864039
    Abstract: Methods and systems for passenger monitoring and system control is provided. The system includes at least one sensor system configured to monitor an environment immediately surrounding the respective passenger and biometrics of the respective passenger and generate sensor data indicative of a state of the passenger. The system also includes a processing system configured to receive the sensor data. The processing system includes an ontology and reasoning module configured to model at least one of the plurality of passengers, reason about the received sensor data associated with the at least one of the plurality of passengers. The processing system also includes a contextual analyzer configured to transmit the received sensor data to said ontology and reasoning module and to store the information into a contextual information database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gary E. Georgeson
  • Patent number: 7839277
    Abstract: The present invention provides A monitoring system comprising a display device, an abnormality detection means for monitoring an object and when detecting an abnormality of the monitored object, outputting an abnormality signal, and a display control means for causing the display device to present an abnormality display, further comprising a latch means for retaining the output state resulting from receipt of an abnormality signal, thereby continuing to output a latch signal until reset, and a reset device for resetting the latch device, wherein the display control device determines in what manner the display device presents an abnormality display, depending on whether an abnormality signal and a latch signal are each transmitted or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventor: Hirofumi Hirayama
  • Patent number: 7821414
    Abstract: A polyphase source detecting circuit configured for detecting a polyphase source having three sources includes three sampling circuits and an alarm circuit. Each sampling circuit has a control switch. A control terminal of the control switch of each sampling circuit is connected to one of the phase sources of the polyphase source respectively. The alarm circuit has a first transistor, a first LED, and a buzzer. The anode of the first LED is connected to a power supply. The cathode of the first LED is connected to the base of the first transistor and connected to ground via the control switches of the sampling circuits in turn. The collector of the first transistor is connected to the power supply via the buzzer. The emitter of the first transistor grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying Chen, Jin-Liang Xiong
  • Patent number: 7796048
    Abstract: A polyphase source detecting circuit configured for detecting a polyphase source having at least two phase sources includes at least two sampling circuit and an alarm circuit. Each sampling circuit has a control switch. A control terminal of the control switch of each sampling circuit is connected to one of the phase sources of the polyphase source respectively. The alarm circuit has a first transistor, a first LED, and a second LED. The anodes of the first and second LEDs are connected to a power supply. The cathode of the first LED is connected to the gate of the first transistor and connected to ground via the control switches of the sampling circuits in turn. The cathode of the second LED is connected to the drain of the first transistor. The source of the first transistor grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Liang Xiong, Yong-Xing You
  • Patent number: 7705725
    Abstract: Methods and systems for structural and component health monitoring are provided. A system includes a plurality of sensor systems positioned about an object to be monitored and a processing system communicatively coupled to at least one of said plurality of sensor systems wherein the processing system includes an ontology and reasoning module configured to model the object to be monitored, reason about the received sensor data associated with the object to be monitored and reason about the relationships between the received sensor data to fuse the data into contextual information for the overall object to be monitored and a contextual analyzer configured to transmit the received sensor data to said ontology and reasoning module and to store the information into a contextual information database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, Gary E. Georgeson, Everett Westerman, Kenneth Porad, Arun Ayyagari, Kevin Ung, Craig Farris Battles, David Blackwell