Holdup Patents (Class 340/574)
  • Patent number: 11854372
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting false alarms are disclosed. An indication may be received that a sensor device has changed state. Data indicative of movement of the sensor device may also be received. Based on the received data indicative of movement of the sensor device, it may be determined whether the movement of the sensor device is abnormal. Based on the changed state of the sensor device and based on determining that the movement of the sensor device is abnormal, an indication of a false alarm may be caused to be output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Stone, David Yorkey, Kenneth Egan, Dustin Addison, Ryan Cunningham
  • Patent number: 11846493
    Abstract: A unitary cartridge for a conducted electrical weapon (CEW) may include a cartridge body that stores an electrode, a piston, a propulsion module, and a propulsion module contact. To launch the electrode from the cartridge body, a signal may be sent from the CEW through a conductor disposed within the propulsion module. The signal may be configured to heat up the conductor and ignite a pyrotechnic material in the propulsion module to create a rapidly expanding gas. The rapidly expanding gas may move the piston to propel the electrode from the cartridge body and toward a target. A frangible cap may be disposed at one end of the cartridge body to retain the electrode in the cartridge body prior to launch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Axon Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Smith, Magne Nerheim, Oleg Nemtyshkin, Dubravko Zekanovic
  • Patent number: 11735017
    Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure relate to monitoring a physical location to determine and/or predict anomalous activities. One or more machine learning algorithms may be used to analyze inputs from one or more sensors, cameras, audio recording equipment, and/or any other types of sensors to detect anomalous measurements/patterns. Notifications may be sent one or more devices in a network based on the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: George Anthony Albero, Nathalie Elizabeth Conley, Elizabeth Jordan Knight, Lauren Thanh Nguyen-Lo, Robert Jon Armstrong
  • Patent number: 11541296
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing and monitoring various athletic performance metrics, e.g., during the course of a game, a practice, a training session, training drills, and the like, are described. These systems and methods can provide useful metrics for players and coaches relating to athletic performances in various sports, including various team sports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Brandon S. Burroughs
  • Patent number: 11364406
    Abstract: An exercise device having a bar with a first handle, a grip exerciser having a second handle connected to the bar via a resistance member proximate the first handle and moveable between a first position and a second position by a hand of a user; and an auxiliary device connected to the bar selected from a light assembly, a sound generator, an electrified defensive unit, a pressurized defensive unit, and combinations of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Andrew Ellis
  • Patent number: 11317678
    Abstract: A shoe is disclosed that includes an upper having a closure mechanism that is arranged for lacing the shoe by at least one tensioning element, a rotatably arranged tensioning roller disposed within the closure mechanism, the tensioning roller being driven by an electric motor, and a closing button in communication with a control system for generating a closing signal that is configured to actuate the electric motor to lace the shoe. The closure mechanism is configured to tighten the shoe with a first level of lacing power when a first closing signal is generated and tighten the shoe with a second level of lacing power when a second closing signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: PUMA SE
    Inventors: Markus Bock, Randolph Maussner
  • Patent number: 11308220
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for managing information technology services. A current security assurance level for an information technology service related to security in an organization is determined based on assessment information about security factors for the information technology service and performance information about a group of current security controls for the information technology service. A target security assurance level for the information technology service is determined based on a criticality of the information technology service. A graphical representation of a difference between the current security assurance level and the target security assurance level on a display system is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Taras Michael Sanow, Shawn W. Lorimer, Mohammad Mojtahedzadeh, Paul Kevin Woods, Kim Truong La, Alissa Lee Burch, Melissa Irace, Steven A. Heimlich
  • Patent number: 11205334
    Abstract: The child monitoring system that is composed of a portable detector that detects the passage of a child or an adult through a linear perimeter and a receiver that receives an alarm from the portable detector. The detector is programmed to transmit an alarm when the detector detects a child has passed through the linear perimeter and the detector does not detect an adult passing through the linear perimeter within a period. If the system detects that a child has passed through the linear perimeter, then the system is programmed to determine if an adult has also passed thought the linear perimeter, if no adult passes through the linear perimeter within a period, then the detector will transmit a transmission to a wireless receiver that will alarm a caregiver of the child that the child has left the secured area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Ramon Rodriguez Delfin
  • Patent number: 11190228
    Abstract: A personal bag assembly for carrying a personal electronic device includes a pouch for carrying objects. A pocket is coupled to the pouch to contain a personal electronic device. The pocket is comprised of a capacitive material to facilitate a touch screen to be manipulated. A strap is removably attachable to the pouch and the strap can be worn across a user's body. A plurality of light emitters is each coupled to the strap to emit light outwardly therefrom. An alarm is coupled to the strap to emit an audible alarm outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Patricia Macias
  • Patent number: 11122379
    Abstract: Low-latency audio networking is disclosed. In one embodiment, an example playback device includes a processor and memory having stored thereon instructions executable by the processor. The example instructions are to cause the first playback device to perform functions comprising: receiving audio information; selecting a first frequency channel of a first spectrum based on a threshold latency associated with the audio information; transmitting to the second playback device via a second frequency channel of a second spectrum, control information that identifies the first frequency channel of the first spectrum; and transmitting to the second playback device via the first frequency channel of the first spectrum, the audio information to be played by the second playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Hrishikesh Gossain, Jeffrey M. Peters, Nicholas A. J. Millington, Steven Beckhardt
  • Patent number: 11106918
    Abstract: An image processing device (100) includes a change detection unit (101) that detects a target state change in a person on the basis of an input image, and a determination unit (102) that determines an abnormal state in accordance with a detection obtained by detecting occurrences of the target state change in a plurality of persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroo Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10971155
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring onboard communications after a change to a functionality of an onboard system. An exemplary method involves identifying a source initiating the change to the functionality of the onboard system, determining an expected response to the change to the functionality of the onboard system by a vehicle operator based at least in part on the change, the source, and one or more callout rules associated with the onboard system, monitoring for the expected response from the vehicle operator, and generating a user notification in response to an absence of the expected response from the vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Anil Kumar Songa, Paula Renee Gardner, Kishore Kumar Sandrana
  • Patent number: 10930140
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting false alarms are disclosed. An indication may be received that a sensor device has changed state. Data indicative of movement of the sensor device may also be received. Based on the received data indicative of movement of the sensor device, it may be determined whether the movement of the sensor device is abnormal. Based on the changed state of the sensor device and based on determining that the movement of the sensor device is abnormal, an indication of a false alarm may be caused to be output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Stone, David Yorkey, Kenneth Egan, Dustin Addison, Ryan Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10546386
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter includes a method and system configured for enabling using a high resolution imaging assembly for surveying large areas as well as for tracking objects within the surveyed area, notwithstanding the bandwidth limitation of the communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ohad Rozenberg, Haim Somech
  • Patent number: 10482698
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for invisibly indicating duress via a wearable device. In response to determining a duress condition associated with a user exists, a duress signal is provided to components of the access control system. The duress signal can identify a user associated with the duress, a duress type, and even include a location associated with the duress condition. An alert of the duress condition can be distributed to one or more devices in the access control system. These devices may be associated with users of the system and the alert may be configured to silently inform the users of the duress condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY AB
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Caterino, Fredrik Carl Stefan Einberg, Philip Hoyer, Masha Leah Davis
  • Patent number: 10425753
    Abstract: Low-latency audio networking is disclosed. In one embodiment, an example playback device includes a processor and memory having stored thereon instructions executable by the processor. The example instructions are to cause the first playback device to perform functions comprising: receiving audio information; selecting a first frequency channel of a first spectrum based on a threshold latency associated with the audio information; transmitting to the second playback device via a second frequency channel of a second spectrum, control information that identifies the first frequency channel of the first spectrum; and transmitting to the second playback device via the first frequency channel of the first spectrum, the audio information to be played by the second playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Hrishikesh Gossain, Jeffrey M. Peters, Nicholas A. J. Millington, Steven Beckhardt
  • Patent number: 10375558
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and media capable of generating and implementing emergency flows. The emergency flow is highly customizable and can connect with various stakeholders (user, emergency contacts, corporate representatives, emergency service provider personnel, etc.). The systems, methods, and media can be triggered in various ways including user input (e.g. voice command) or by sensors (e.g. by using sound detection capabilities).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: RAPIDSOS, INC.
    Inventors: Henry Katz, Zvika Ferentz, Jeffrey Sternberg, Nicholas Edward Horelik, Michael John Martin
  • Patent number: 10291998
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for discovery, announcement and assignment of position tracks. An example method includes: determining discovery information for discovery of position tracking channels for at least a first positioning system; transmitting the discovery information to the first positioning system; receiving a message from the first positioning system comprising information identifying a set of position tracking channels based on the discovery information, wherein each position tracking channel in the set is associated with a respective object tracked by the first positioning system; and associating at least a first position tracking channel of the set to at least one of: an audio stream, and a second position tracking channel from a second positioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Sujeet Shyamsundar Mate
  • Patent number: 10173101
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing and monitoring various athletic performance metrics, e.g., during the course of a game, a practice, a training session, training drills, and the like, are described. These systems and methods can provide useful metrics for players and coaches relating to athletic performances in various sports, including various team sports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Brandon S. Burroughs
  • Patent number: 9913067
    Abstract: It is inter alia disclosed to select, by a first apparatus, one or more recording devices to obtain a set of selected recording devices, or to receive, at the first apparatus, information on a set of one or more selected recording devices. The selected recording devices in the set of selected recording devices are selected from a set of recording devices at least based on relevance levels determined for the recording devices of the set of recording devices. A combination of audio signals recorded by the selected recording devices of the set of selected recording devices in an audio scene to obtain one or more combined audio signals for rendering is performed or caused by the first apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Juha Petteri Ojanperä
  • Patent number: 9682819
    Abstract: A container comprises a hollow body portion, a hinged lid member pivotally attached to the body portion, an automatic latch assembly fixed to the body portion or the lid member, and a locking strap provided with an engagement member. The latch assembly comprises a casing and a lock bolt reciprocating between locked and unlocked positions. The lock bolt engages the engagement member of the locking strap in the locked position and is disengaged from the engagement member in the unlocked position. The latch assembly further comprises an actuator for moving the lock bolt out of engagement with the engagement member, a signal receiver for receiving a wireless signal or an accelerometer for monitoring acceleration of the container, and an electronic control module electrically connected to the signal receiver or the accelerometer for controlling the operation of the actuator in response to the wireless signal or data from the accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Serio-Us Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Reeb
  • Patent number: 9383427
    Abstract: The present inventive concept includes a duct system and method for using same to map and locate ducts. A preferred embodiment of the duct system includes a duct, a plurality of electronic information modules and an oversheath at least partially covering the plurality of information modules and fixing the information modules to the duct. The plurality of information modules are configured to emit a positional signal to enable location of the information modules and associated duct(s) and/or mapping of the duct system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Dura-Line Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A Grimsley, Thomas McCall
  • Patent number: 9349262
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for guiding emergency personnel to a location in a facility proximate to an alarm that has been generated. In one aspect, a method may include detecting an alarm condition at a facility protected by a security system and determining a location at the facility of the alarm condition. The method may further include causing at least one indicator at the facility, which is proximate to the determined location of the alarm condition, to generate an identifying alert that is humanly perceivable from an exterior of the facility such that emergency personnel can identify the facility based at least in part on the identifying alert. In some aspects, the method may also include notifying a security representative of the alarm condition, and receiving a notification from the security representative indicating that emergency personnel are dispatched to the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Henrie
  • Patent number: 9336594
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for estimating cardiac pulse rate from a video of a subject being monitored for cardiac function. In one embodiment, batches of overlapping image frames are continuously received and processed by isolating regions of exposed skin. Pixels of the isolated regions are processed to obtain a time-series signal per region and a physiological signal is extracted from each region's time-series signals. The physiological signal is processed to obtain a cardiac pulse rate for each region. The cardiac pulse rate for each region is compared to a last good cardiac pulse rate from a previous batch to obtain a difference. If the difference exceeds a threshold, the cardiac pulse rate is discarded. Otherwise, it is retained. Once all the regions have been processed, the retained cardiac pulse rate with a minimum difference becomes the good cardiac pulse rate for comparison on a next iteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Survi Kyal, Lalit Keshav Mestha
  • Patent number: 9305448
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a smart system for securing distribution lines from malicious activities in the electricity distribution system, ultimately influencing the power sector in a positive way. The system architecture comprises two major parameters including distribution box and service box contributing mainly to the focal purpose of the system. The system is designed intelligently to improve and impede the process of theft control. The distribution box is designed to provide a high frequency signal having high voltage spikes on the distribution lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: Sahibzada Ali Mahmud, Gul Muhammad Khan
  • Patent number: 9288168
    Abstract: A method retrieves in order a plurality of specific topic-based messages in a distributed publish/subscribe system, the distributed publish/subscribe system comprising at least one message transit server, the method comprising: determining an order of a plurality of to-be retrieved messages; recording, in message transit server sequence information, message transit servers where the plurality of messages are located, respectively, an order of the message transit servers in the message transit server sequence information corresponding to the determined order of the plurality of messages; and retrieving in order the plurality of messages from corresponding message transit servers using the message transit server sequence information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jia R. Wei, Jing G. Zhang, Jun J. Zhang, Kai Zhang
  • Patent number: 9280903
    Abstract: In one embodiment an in-aircraft system that implements a flight planning module is provided. The flight planning module is configured to display on the display unit a pending flight plan and implement a first button associated with a display of the pending flight plan. The first button, if selected, directs the one or more processing units to convert the pending flight plan to a format for sending in a datalink message, and to cause the pending flight plan to be sent to a ground station in a downlink datalink message without human input to a message applications module, the message applications module including instructions to display information corresponding to datalink messages on a display unit and to maintain a message log of datalink messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Victoria Judy, David Pepitone
  • Patent number: 9202363
    Abstract: In a method for remote monitoring of alarms, a user interface of a mobile computing device enables a user to enter an alarm descriptor associated with an alarm device, and indicate timing of triggering the alarm device. After the timing is indicated, a microphone of the mobile computing device is utilized to detect an audio test signal generated by the alarm device. The audio test signal is processed to generate alarm identification data, and the alarm descriptor and alarm identification data are transferred to an alarm monitoring system. At the alarm monitoring system, when the alarm device generates an audio signal in response to detecting an alarm condition, the audio signal is sensed and processed to identify the alarm device using the alarm identification data and the alarm descriptor. A notification that the alarm device has been triggered is caused to be sent to one or more individuals or entities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventor: Rosemarie Geier Grant
  • Patent number: 9170009
    Abstract: A one-handed activation device includes a hand attachment assembly having an activatable device attachment portion securable to at least a portion of a user's hand and a first switch portion securable to at least a portion of one of a proximal phalanx of a user's thumb and a middle phalanx of a user's finger. The one-handed activation device further includes an activatable device configured to be selectively activated that is secured to the activatable device attachment portion and a first switch configured to selectively activate the activatable device. The first switch is secured to the first switch portion and it is positioned such that the first switch substantially overlies an extensor surface of one of the proximal phalanx of the user's thumb and the middle phalanx of the user's finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Paul N. Smith
  • Patent number: 9072289
    Abstract: A bear repellant device including a pouch containing a bear spray canister mounted to a backpack. The pouch having an opening facing outwardly and rearwardly of the backpack. The bear spray canister contains bear spray and includes a nozzle for projecting bear spray outwardly in a concentrated direction and a trigger which when depressed allows the bear spray to be released through the nozzle. The canister is mounted in a holder mounted inside the pouch. The holder includes an opening aligned with the nozzle of the canister and the opening of the pouch. A trigger cam having a first and second end is rotatably mounted in the holder on an axle intermediate the ends. A cable is connected to the trigger cam for rotating the first end upwardly when pulled. The second end is positioned to depress the trigger of the canister when the first end is rotated upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: William D. Lucas
  • Patent number: 9052210
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reminding a calendar schedule and a recording medium are provided. First, a schedule and a location of an event are set in a calendar, and first positioning information of the location is obtained. Then, second positioning information of a current location of a mobile device is obtained. Next, the current location is determining whether to be within a signal range of a signal source. Once the current location is within the signal range, the time for moving from the location with the second positioning information to the location with the first positioning information is calculated. Finally, a reminding time is set according to the transferring time, and a reminding action is taken at the reminding time. Thereby, the reminding time of the event can be dynamically adjusted to avoid delay caused when the mobile device is too far from the event location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Yu-Cheng Lee, Kuang-Rong Lu, John C. Wang, Chi-Chen Cheng, Peter Chin
  • Patent number: 9024764
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for reducing a vehicle driver's core temperature to offset drowsiness. In one embodiment, a temperature sensor records data describing a vehicle driver core temperature and communicates the data describing the vehicle driver core temperature to a temperature regulator. The temperature regulator determines whether the vehicle driver core temperature is similar to one or more circadian temperatures associated with wakefulness. If the vehicle driver core temperature is similar to a circadian temperature associated with sleep, the temperature regulator reduces the vehicle driver core temperature. In an embodiment the temperature regulator cools a material physically contacting the venous plexuses or arteriovenous anastomoses to cool the portions of the vehicle driver's anatomy which most efficiently cool the vehicle driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsuan Chang
  • Patent number: 8922364
    Abstract: This document relates to systems and techniques for providing response to emergency situations, such as traffic accidents, cardiac arrest, or other medical emergencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Freeman, Mark Totman, Jon P. Cloutier, Ulrich Herken, Colin Thomas, Jeffrey Resnick
  • Patent number: 8885046
    Abstract: A semi-trailer has a surveillance system located within a hidden compartment of the semi-trailer. At least one external switch is located on an exterior of the semi-trailer and is electrically coupled to at least one subsystem of the surveillance system for controlling the at least one subsystem without controlling the entire surveillance system at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Foster
  • Patent number: 8810413
    Abstract: Detect a head position of a user viewing a display device with a sensor, determine a duration of the user viewing the display device, identify a user fatigue in response to the head position, and provide a response to the user with the display device based on the user fatigue and the duration of the user viewing the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Wong, Peter C. Ellis, Mark C. Solomon, Robert P. Bliven
  • Patent number: 8624726
    Abstract: A method for transmitting a distress signal from a hand-held electronic device. The method including: generating electrical energy resulting from an impact force applied to an impact surface of the device; providing the generated power to a transmitter in the device; and transmitting the distress signal from the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 8626433
    Abstract: An information delivery system comprises a receiver component that receives information about the movement, velocity, acceleration, and/or locations over time of a user. A computation component using a predictive model generates a probability distribution relating to one or more of when the user will next be stopped, how long the user will be stopped, how long a pattern of motion, such as walking, driving in stop and go traffic, and smooth highway motion will last, based at least in part upon signals about motion over time. The system can further comprise an alerting component that determines when to provide the user with information based at least in part upon the probability distribution over some aspect of motion or cessation of motion, and optionally the content, or tagged or inferred urgency or importance, of a message or communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Horvitz, Murugesan S. Subramani, Johnson T. Apacible
  • Patent number: 8606501
    Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as wheel rotation, wheel vibration caused by skidding, and specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, Scott J. Carter, Jesse M. James
  • Patent number: 8505348
    Abstract: A multipurpose key for use by vehicle operators in the case of emergency. In addition to conventional key electronics, the key including a glass-breaking spike, an open slot cutter for cutting seat belts and the like, and may also include a light, an alarm, and other functions. The multipurpose key is formed as a single key unit so as to be always available in the ignition slot of the vehicle in case of emergency. A key portion may be separable from the glass-breaking spike portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Laurent Colasse
  • Patent number: 8473192
    Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as wheel rotation, wheel vibration caused by skidding, and specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, Scott J. Carter, Jesse M. James
  • Patent number: 8463540
    Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as wheel rotation, wheel vibration caused by skidding, and specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, Scott J. Carter, Jesse M. James
  • Patent number: 8456277
    Abstract: A locking cylinder is proposed for installation in a lock, with a locking element for actuating a lock bolt or the like, and an actuating element, preferably a knob, wherein the actuating element is normally disengaged from the locking element, and with a coupling for connecting the locking element to the actuating element after receiving an identification code from an associated transponder. An electromechanical converter is associated with the actuating element, which converter converts an actuation of the actuating element into electrical energy which is used to support the wireless communication with the transponder and/or the engaging of the coupling when a valid identification signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: DOM-Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Gillert, Normann Ketzler, Hermann Roeser, Andreas Steinkamp
  • Patent number: 8451984
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a call-for-help capability is provided by the invention. The system comprises a central location having a dedicated telephone line having a specified caller identification known to a speakerphone system located in the general location of a person who uses the system for emergency signaling. The person is provided with the speakerphone system and a pendent for generating an emergency signal containing the person's identifier. When received at the central location, a telephone number of the speakerphone system corresponding to the identifier is determined and a telephone call is made on a telephone channel having the specified caller identification. When any call is received by the speakerphone system, its caller identification is examined to determine if the caller identification of the telephone call is the same as the specified caller identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Ethan Allen Walker, III
  • Patent number: 8441352
    Abstract: A personal security backpack and method of use include a portable container having a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment having an audible alarm siren window for transmission of an audible siren; a strap attached to the portable container; and an alarm system responsive to at least one activation signal, the alarm system includes an alarm system circuit removably disposed in the second compartment; an audible alarm siren operably connected to the alarm system circuit and responsive to the activation signal to generate the audible siren; and a microphone operably connected to the alarm system circuit, the microphone being responsive to the activation signal, responsive to a user voice, and selectively unresponsive to the audible siren to generate a voice signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Inventive Concepts International, LLC
    Inventor: Edric D Sizemore
  • Patent number: 8433507
    Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as wheel rotation, wheel vibration caused by skidding, and specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, Scott J. Carter, Jesse M. James
  • Patent number: 8269640
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses an odor-generating alarm apparatus that can ensure the reliability of a releasing operation and the odor dispersibility. In an odor-generating alarm apparatus, when abnormality information indicating occurrence of an abnormal state is supplied from a sensor for occurrence of an abnormal state, an initiator is operated by a circuit portion, and the initiator displaces a piston of a driving portion and displaces a spray can with respect to a casing and switches the spray can to a releasing state, thus releasing an odorous liquid filling the spray can in the form of fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Air Water Safety Service Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ueno, Hirofumi Onishi, Hideaki Goto, Koichiro Mizoguchi, Tomo Sakai, Katsuyuki Kitahara
  • Patent number: 8258936
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for acquiring integrated operational data and support data regarding a vehicle. The apparatus comprising a network interface for communicating with the vehicle and a processor that is coupled to the network interface. The processor is configured to transmit a first request for operational data to the vehicle, receive the requested operational data from the vehicle, the requested operational data including at least one event indicator, and retrieve the support data that corresponds to a selected event indicator from a stored location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Pradeep Mahalingaiah
  • Patent number: 8253556
    Abstract: This invention aims to provide a Mobile Communications Terminal (MCT) equipped with a GPS function that automatically transmits the information on the current position of the MCT after the power of the MCT is turned off. The MCT comprises a GPS Receiver Unit 105 for receiving signal data from a GPS satellite, a Position Determining Unit 107 for determining a current position of the MCT based on the aforesaid signal data, a Positional Information Transmitter Unit 108 for automatically transmitting information on the position obtained by the Position Determining Unit 107 and other information, a Controller Unit 104 for sending a request command to the Positional Information Transmitter Unit 108, and a Timer Circuit Unit 102 for turning on the MCT at a predetermined time interval, after power of the MCT is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Toshihiko Mizukami
  • Patent number: 8217784
    Abstract: A device for transmitting a distress signal is provided which includes: an impact surface; a power supply for generating electrical energy resulting from an impact force applied to the impact surface; and a transmitter powered by the power supply for transmitter the distress signal. The distress signal can be an RF signal, which can be polarized. The power supply can include one or more piezoelectric generators, at least one capacitor in which the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric generators is stored and/or an electronics component for regulating a generated voltage and for charging the capacitors. The device can also include a GPS receiver for receiving position data and providing such position data to the transmitter for inclusion into the distress signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinell
  • Patent number: 8164487
    Abstract: A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting messages to a pilot of an aircraft are disclosed. The system comprises a source for providing message data, a message generating (“MG”) processor, and a presentation system. Message data received from a message data source includes data fields for providing message location on a flight plan and one or more modes of presentation. After receiving the message data, an MG processor generates a message presentation data set corresponding to the message data; the message presentation data set represents a message object shown at the message location on a flight plan and at least one presentation mode. Then, a presentation system receives the message presentation data set and presents the information contained in such data set to one or more units of the presentation system including a visual display unit and/or an aural alert unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Hung-i B. Tsai