Meteorological Condition Patents (Class 340/601)
  • Publication number: 20080055096
    Abstract: A system for monitoring hazards and determining potential loss exposure resulting from those hazards, the system comprising: a first user input component for permitting a user to specify at least one geographic location to be monitored; a second user input component for permitting a user to specify at least one hazard parameter to be monitored for the at least one monitored location; a first data acquisition component for acquiring hazard data for the at least one monitored location, wherein the first data acquisition component is configured to acquire the data from at least two disparate data sources and aggregate that data in a seamless data set; a second data acquisition component for acquiring data regarding entities associated with the at least one monitored location; an analytical engine for determining the potential loss exposure to the entities associated with the at least one monitored location resulting from the occurrence of hazards at the at least one monitored location; and a reporting engine
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: James A. Aylward
  • Publication number: 20080030370
    Abstract: In one embodiment taught herein, a plurality of road-going vehicles report weather-related data to a weather-determining system. For example, trucks and/or cars having in-vehicle information systems wirelessly transmit one or more items of weather-related data, such that the weather-determining system directly or indirectly receives the transmitted data. In turn, the weather-determining system jointly processes the weather-related data to determine weather information for one or more geographic areas corresponding to reported positions of the road-going vehicles. In one embodiment, the in-vehicle information systems comprise GPS-based position reporting systems installed in on-highway trucks and other fleet vehicles, and the weather-determining system comprises a modified position-tracking system, e.g., a modified network fleet management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Marquis D. Doyle
  • Patent number: 7327271
    Abstract: A portable weather detection and alarm device includes an electromagnetic signal receiver that receives digital time signals and atmospheric phenomenon signals. A processor connected to the electromagnetic signal receiver processes the atmospheric phenomenon signals to determine when an atmospheric event has occurred. An alarm connected to the processor that indicates the occurrence of an atmospheric event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Lawrence Tibor Greenstein, Jay Bruce Ross
  • Publication number: 20080024323
    Abstract: Generally described, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for gathering and disseminating travel conditions. These conditions may include traffic congestion and air quality data such as CO, NOx, and Ozone (O3) concentration levels, or meteorological conditions. In some embodiments, fleet vehicles already operating within a given area are equipped with monitoring devices to collect the desired data. The collected data may be transmitted to a central computer that associates the data with a road map and disseminates the data to the public. Dissemination may occur in a variety of ways including providing the data to radio stations for broadcast, posting the data on a website or pushing the data to navigation systems in vehicles or mobile communications devices such as cell phones and personal data assistants (PDAs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: NAGESH KADABA
  • Patent number: 7324002
    Abstract: A method for implementing a weather alarm in an outdoor computer includes defining atmospheric-pressure data repeatedly, defining altitude data repeatedly and essentially simultaneously with the atmospheric-pressure data, with the aid of a satellite positioning system, and converting both measured variables into the same measurement unit, either pressure or altitude. The difference between the converted variables is determined and is stored as a reference value, the difference between the converted variables is repeatedly monitored, and when the difference changes by more than a preset limit-value relative to the reference value, a weather alarm is given. Also an apparatus for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Suunto Oy
    Inventors: Jari Iso-Heiko, Tapio Savolainen, Terho Lahtinen
  • Patent number: 7324003
    Abstract: An emergency alert message data structure, an emergency alert message processing method and a broadcast receiver are disclosed. When a state of emergency where a channel change to an emergency broadcast channel is required occurs, a transmitting stage includes information regarding the emergency broadcast channel and emergency alert contents in text form in an emergency alert message and transmits the resulting emergency alert message. A receiving stage receives the emergency alert message and determines whether the channel change to the emergency broadcast channel included in the emergency alert message is required. If the channel change to the emergency broadcast channel is determined to be required, the receiving stage changes the current channel to the emergency broadcast channel, and displays the emergency alert contents in text form included in the emergency alert message on a portion of a screen of the emergency broadcast channel in a scrolling manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Sik Yun
  • Patent number: 7305327
    Abstract: A wireless metering device for real time measuring of at least one parameter has a probe for measuring the at least one parameter. The probe will wirelessly transmit real time measured values. A meter is wirelessly coupled to the probe. The meter is used for displaying the real time measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Sper Scientific Ltd
    Inventor: Devin Sper
  • Publication number: 20070230800
    Abstract: A visibility range measuring apparatus for a vehicle includes an image capturing device, an image computing device, and a visibility range calculating device. The image capturing device captures first and second images of a road, each of which includes a target roadside object, from the vehicle at first and second image taking points, respectively, along the road at a time of driving the vehicle along the road. The image computing device computes an image feature of the captured target roadside object in the first image and an image feature of the captured target roadside object in the second image. The visibility range calculating device calculates a visibility range from the vehicle based on the image features of the captured target roadside object in the first and second images, and a distance between the first and second image taking points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Miyahara
  • Patent number: 7277019
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for detecting an atmospheric component. The apparatus, capable of being inserted into an electronic device (30) having an imager (36) and a processor, comprises a substrate; one or more calorimetric reagents (14) positioned on the substrate; one or more reference colors (16), each associated with one of the one or more colorimetric reagents; and data bars (18) positioned on the substrate depicting information about the one or more colorimetric reagents; wherein, when the apparatus is inserted in the electronic device, the imager is capable of detecting colors of the colorimetric reagents based upon the one or more reference colors and information from the data bars, the processor determining whether an atmospheric component is present based upon whether any colors of the colorimetric reagents have changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Povenmire
  • Patent number: 7268691
    Abstract: An apparatus for gathering weather related information is disclosed, in particular wind related information and rain related information, along with associated methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus may calculate at least one of a wind speed, a wind direction, and a rainfall amounts. The apparatus may include a controller, a sensor, and a communication member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Koors, Andrew R. Baker, Mark C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7251579
    Abstract: A method, system, and software for calculating a multi factor temperature index includes determining the values of at least two weather related parameters. The multi factor temperature index is calculated using the calculated values of the two weather related parameters and an actual temperature value. The two weather related parameters are selected from a group consisting of a wind speed parameter, a solar intensity parameter, a dew point parameter, an atmospheric pressure parameter and a precipitation parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: AccuWeather, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel N. Myers, Michael A. Steinberg, Joseph Sobel, Elliot Abrams, Evan Myers
  • Patent number: 7248159
    Abstract: A system and method for receiving hazard and event information in a mobile unit and using that information to warn a user of an event or future hazard with reference to the mobile unit's location and/or intended direction of travel is provided. A hazard location algorithm compares a forecast location of each mobile unit with a forecast hazard and transmits a warning to each mobile unit that is predicted to encounter the hazard. As the mobile unit moves, its actual position is updated in an event center, and a revised warning is transmitted to the mobile unit as applicable. Warnings include audio warnings for playback and/or visual warnings for display on the mobile device. Users may also wirelessly report events or hazards to a central server in an event center by sending data to the event center via a wireless communications network. Secondary information may be included, based on the selected event type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: User-Centric IP, LP
    Inventor: Michael R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7239237
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing. A rechargeable battery source for providing a first source of direct current, a hand-crank dynamo configured to replenish the rechargeable battery source, and a direct current input receptacle configured for receiving a second source of direct current are disposed and held in the housing. An electric circuit is disposed and held in the housing and is in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery source and the direct current input receptacle to receive direct current from the first source of direct current or the second source of direct current. A cell phone charger output jack, in electrical communication with the electric circuit, is disposed and held in the housing. A radio receiver, disposed and held in the housing and in electrical communication with the electric circuit, is adapted to receive a National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration or Environment Canada weather station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Eton Corporation
    Inventor: Walter Hess
  • Patent number: 7224260
    Abstract: A clock includes a publicly accessible distributed network, a user interface, and a timing device or a personal computer. The timing device is configured to track universal time and harvest user selected media including text, graphics, sound, video and/or multimedia. The timing device plays the selected media in a programmed order with commercial media at a launch time. After harvesting the publicly accessible network, the media is played in a progressive sequence before the personal computer or the timing device interfaces a Site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Franz-Marcus Nowak
  • Patent number: 7218217
    Abstract: A security system that secures a building includes a weather detector for detecting weather conditions, such as thunder or high winds, which are likely to cause false alarms in sensors such as an acoustic glass break sensor, shock sensor and vibration sensor. The weather detector may include a sensing component that senses atmospheric conditions external to the building, such as temperature, pressure, wind speed and/or lightning. The weather detector may also include a component for receiving a data communication, such as from a radio, Internet, or telephone link, indicating that the weather condition is present in a vicinity of the building. The security system operates in a bad weather mode by requiring corroboration of intrusion detection signals from the sensors that can cause false alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Adonailo, Tony T. Li, David S. Zakrewski
  • Patent number: 7212134
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method wherein precise geographical location information such as Global Positioning System coordinate data is utilized as a principal criterion for implementing other wireless transmitted instructions and communications advising vehicles, and others, of an approaching emergency vehicle, the proximity of a hazardous condition, or virtually any other situation which is relevant to the intended recipient because of their location. The system and method further can involve intervention and control of a vehicle, such as an aircraft or automobile, which comes into a predetermined location or area, or under other circumstances. The system and method use transmitting units and receiving units, both of which can receive geographical positioning information and which may sound or otherwise output an appropriate advisory, warning or other communication selected based on their positions, heading, and/or speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Lance G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7202795
    Abstract: A device for detecting a weather condition, particularly a tornado. The device includes a receiver module configured to receive electromagnetic signal from an atmosphere, particularly electromagnetic signal in the range of 1 MHz to 100 MHz. The device also includes a processing module coupled to the receiver module and configured to generate frequency spectrum data corresponding to the received electromagnetic signal, such as by performing a Fast Fourier Transform operation. Frequency spectrum data corresponding to the weather condition desired to be detected is stored in a stored data module. The device also includes a comparison module for comparing, such as by performing a cross-correlation operation, the generated frequency spectrum data and the stored frequency spectrum data in order to determine whether the weather condition is present in the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Strategic Design Federation W, Inc.
    Inventors: Ara A. Karamanian, Andre A. Karamanian, Kenneth C. Land
  • Patent number: 7158027
    Abstract: An emergency interrupt system, for supplying emergency information to a person while using an electronic device, and monitoring the electronic device with a monitor device. The emergency interrupt system is connected between the electronic device and monitor device, and obtains an audible visual signal from the electronic device. The emergency interrupt system receives an emergency radio signal, decodes audio and visual emergency information therefrom, and composites said information with the audible visual signal. The user then monitors the composited information with the monitor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Eugene Warren
  • Patent number: 7148796
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sensor device including processing circuitry, at least one sensor coupled to the processing circuitry, a serial data interface coupled to the processing circuitry and memory responsive to the processing circuitry. The memory includes a static unique identification number. The serial data interface provides access to retrieve the static unique identification number and sensed data measured with the at least one sensor from the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Joy, Michael R. Primm, Ronald Graczyk, David K. Smith, Boyd E. Slade
  • Patent number: 7129846
    Abstract: A de-icing information system processes weather data indicating precipitation rate and temperature to determine a check time for a de-icing fluid. The de-icing fluid remains effective if applied after the check time, and the de-icing fluid may not remain effective if applied before the check time. The de-icing information system transfers the de-icing information indicating the check time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Inventors: Roy Martin Rasmussen, Frank W. Hage, Rondal K. Moore
  • Patent number: 7095337
    Abstract: A self-luminous road sign system comprises a plurality of sensor units 1 . . . 1 each of which is equipped at least with a visibility meter and an illuminance meter, or which may be equipped with an anemovane and a thermometer as well as the visibility meter and the illuminance meter; and an information processing and management department 2 for centralized management of weather information detected by the plural sensor units in order to predict any danger in the road observation area, wherein the output information from the information processing and management department 2 is displayed on road installations 4 . . . 4 connected via a network. Based on the road background brightness obtained by the illuminance meter in the sensor unit, the optimum luminous brightness which provides a predetermined contrast is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Sekisui Jushi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terumasa Sudou, Youichirou Hishigaki, Shigeki Kondou, Motonori Ogata, Ryuji Imazu, Masaya Yuasa
  • Patent number: 7088221
    Abstract: A weather station (100) for indicating weather conditions, comprises a casing (110) having a screen (120) and an internal electronic operating circuit (90). The operating circuit (90) includes at least one sensor (70) for sensing an atmospheric parameter and a microprocessor (80) for ascertaining a weather condition based on the sensed atmospheric parameter and indicating the weather condition on the screen (120). The operating circuit (90) includes a memory (60) which stores several sets of images, each set representing a corresponding variation of the weather condition, for selection by the microprocessor (80) to indicate the weather condition in the variation as ascertained in an animated representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: IDT Technology Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Chan
  • Patent number: 7088254
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a device with protection from a weather event. A method for providing a device with protection from weather events may include receiving a notification of a weather event. At least one weather characteristic of the weather event is determined and whether at least one device of a plurality of devices is ascertained as susceptible to the determined weather characteristic. Protective action is taken to protect the at least one device susceptible to the determined weather characteristic from the notified weather event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Liebenow
  • Patent number: 7084775
    Abstract: A meteorological alert system for mobile devices and users that includes a weather information service for analyzing meteorological data, generating device-specific weather alerts and transmitting the alerts to a set of relevant devices is disclosed. The processing system may be built into existing wireless service provider infrastructure or consist of a standalone component capable of interacting with wireless services. The weather alerts and information transmitted to users may be based specifically on each mobile device's particular location and focuses maps and diagrams on the device as a central reference point. Alerts may be sent automatically based on continually monitored weather hazard information as well as based on continually or regularly monitored device locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: User-Centric IP, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7081834
    Abstract: An Aviation Weather Awareness and Reporting Enhancements (AWARE) system provides situational awareness by effectively filtering, analyzing and visualizing aviation weather data and specific hazard alerts in preflight, in-cockpit and controller applications. The AWARE system includes a temporal-spatial databases that filters weather data and a Bayesian network that assesses specific hazards in the filtered weather data in the context of pilot preferences, aircraft properties and airport properties. The filtered weather data and hazard alerts are then displayed on a client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Scientific Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Corinne C. Ruokangas, Ole J. Mengshoel, Serdar Uckun, Timothy W. Rand, Patrick Donohue, Selim Tuvi
  • Patent number: 7053780
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for location specific alerts. The method can include determining one or more positions using a navigation device. One or more weather signals received on at least a first channel of the navigation device, where the one or more weather signals include location information, can be compared to the one or more positions. From the comparison, a weather alert can be generated in the navigation device. Determining the one or more positions further includes determining the positions from a global positioning system (GPS) enabled navigation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Henry J. Straub, Bronson D. Hokuf
  • Patent number: 7049972
    Abstract: An accurate, fast-acting, wearable lightning strike hazard detector has a plurality of collecting plates for collection of arriving charged particles. The collecting plates are insulated from each other by an insulating mechanism. A connecting mechanism electrically connects the collecting plates to a bleeding circuit to bleed accumulated charges to a ground plane. The voltage within the bleeding circuit is determined by a voltage measuring mechanism. A voltage accumulation mechanism measures the accumulated voltage of each plate and its rate of voltage accumulation as a function of time. Voltage accumulation and voltage/time data are interpreted by an algorithm to determine lightning strike potential. A signal generating mechanism connected to the algorithm mechanism generates a signal when said voltage accumulation and voltage accumulation rate exceed preselected limits. The signal actuates an alarm mechanism, which provides an audible or visual alarm to warn against an impending lightning strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Carl E. Fabian, Dave Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 7049971
    Abstract: A system for sending an effective warning signal to receivers in a predetermined area. A transmitter, activated by a local authority, sends a severe weather warning signal to a plurality of receivers. Cities or counties within the predetermined area are divided into subdivisions thereof called sectors, each of which represents an area that is selectively addressable by the transmitter. Each of the receivers has a programmable sector code which has been programmed according to the location of the home or office in which it is placed. When activated, the transmitter sends radio frequency warning signals which contain digitally encoded information indicating the sector to which the warning applies. Upon receiving the warning signal, each receiver that has been programmed with the sector code being transmitted responds by generating an audible alert or other warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Andre P. Guillory
  • Patent number: 7043977
    Abstract: A sensor support includes a rigid insert, on which a sensor is installed, and a flexible envelope fitted at a bottom face thereof with a double-sided adhesive to bond the sensor support to an aircraft structure Assembly and disassembly of the sensor are easy and the air flow is only slightly disturbed. This device is applicable to flight test campaigns of an aircraft or simulated flights to measure noise or pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Herve Magnin
  • Patent number: 7026925
    Abstract: A disaster recovery virtual roll call and recovery management system and method allows any organization to locate their staff and allocate resources to their staff in the event of a disaster. User information can be stored on remote, distributed computer networks to assure that the information is available during a disaster. The computer networks can be web networks and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) networks, to provide different methods of user interaction with the system. In case of disaster, the system can contact the users over one or more communications networks, such as by email or IVR message, and request the user provide their status. The users can send user status updates to the web network using internet enabled devices, such as personal computers, telephones, or handheld portable computers, or to the IVR network using standard or wireless telephones. The system can compile the information, and generate reports on group and individual status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Roche, Eric Hladilek, Scott Reid
  • Patent number: 7010437
    Abstract: Electric utility storm outage management is performed by determining an interconnection model of an electric utility power circuit, the power circuit comprising power circuit components, determining information indicative of weather susceptibility of the power circuit components, determining a weather prediction, and determining a predicted maintenance parameter based on the interconnection model, the weather susceptibility information, and the weather prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: David Lubkeman, Danny E. Julian, Martin Bass, J. Rafael Ochoa
  • Patent number: 7005993
    Abstract: A P-wave sensing apparatus including a printed circuit board having mounted thereon from one to three orthogonally disposed miniature sensors that function as inertia monitoring devices with respect to motion of the external supporting structures, a plurality of amplifying and filtering circuits for amplifying and filtering the outputs generated by the sensors, and a central processing unit responsive to the amplified signals and operative to generate output signals which can be used to drive optical and audible annunciators, automated data recording systems, or other device actuating systems. Each sensor is formed by a thin piezo-electric film sandwiched between two metallization layers and is laminated to a small rectangular sheet of polyester mounted in cantilever fashion with one edge thereof firmly affixed to a supporting circuit board or clamped between two flat, solid layers (such as miniature circuit boards) and then firmly affixed to the main supporting circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Seismic Warning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Webb, Jean-Pierre Guite
  • Patent number: 6997050
    Abstract: A sensor system includes an enclosure mounted externally on an aerial vehicle and a sensor chamber mounted internally within the aerial vehicle. The enclosure receives and converges air particles to cause inertial separation that transfers a first portion of the air particles to a first air transfer path and that causes a second portion of the air particles to bypass the first air transfer path. The first air transfer path transfers the first portion of the air particles from the enclosure to the sensor chamber. The sensor chamber includes at least one sensor that produces sensor data for the first portion of the air particles. A second air transfer path transfers the first portion of the air particles from the sampling chamber to the enclosure. The enclosure transfers the first portion of the air particles and the second portion of the air particles to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Inventor: Rex J. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6995686
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disseminating weather products, based on raw weather data provided by various weather condition sensors, to a mobile vehicle. The weather products are formed as web pages and transmitted to the mobile vehicle during the vertical blanking interval of a broadcast television signal. The weather products are received and displayed within the vehicle under control of a web browser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Malcom E. Gosdin, Michael Paul Zeitfuss, Youssef Sleiman, John R. Doner, Kenneth G. Bath, Michael Edwards, Stacey Travis Simmons
  • Patent number: 6960995
    Abstract: An alarm panel of a security system is additionally provided with an interference circuit for evaluating the possible presence of a large electromagnetic interference signal such as lightning. The earth ground connection of the alarm panel to a power source is used to provide an input to the interference circuit. The earth ground connection receives large transient signals caused by such naturally occurring events. The alarm panel uses this additional information to modify the reporting of alarm conditions. This has particular application for addressing problems associated with motion detectors falsely triggering when a large electromagnetic signal is received. The solution of the alarm panel sensing this condition in contrast to each detector sensing this condition is more reliable, allows combining of detector information and is more cost effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Tyco Safety Products Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: James Parker, Reinhart K. Pildner
  • Patent number: 6937148
    Abstract: A multi-station RF thermometer and alarm system measures temperatures and/or percent relative humidity at remote locations by RF weather stations, and displays received temperature and/or other weather data telemetry on a multi-station base station that provides out-of-bounds alarm signal indications whenever temperatures are outside of user-selectable minimum and maximum values. Randomized transmission times in one embodiment and two-phase unique transmission schedules in another lessen the possibility of on-going collisions between two or more transmitters contending for the base station at the same time. Redundant data transmission lessens the possibility of environmental noise interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Headwater R & D Inc
    Inventor: Michael Bruce Christopher Irwin
  • Patent number: 6927695
    Abstract: A fail-safe electrical control system in the form of a sensor loop (24) is provided. The sensor loop (24) includes any number of sensor units (22) coupled in series. Each sensor unit (22) includes a local power source (26), a local sensor (14), and a local indicator controller (30). The local power source (26), local sensor (14), and local indicator controller (30) are coupled in series within the sensor unit (22) and the sensor loop (24) to form a closed circuit (40) that does not require a central controller or the performance of loop configuration activities. The local power sources (26) distributed throughout the sensor loop (24) within the sensor units (22) are all isolated from the earth. In one preferred embodiment, the sensor loop (24) controls the movement of solar collectors (12) into wind stow positions when high wind (16) conditions occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Pinnacle West Capital Corporation
    Inventor: Herbert T. Hayden
  • Patent number: 6919821
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting meteorological data. A plurality of vehicles travel on roads in a geographic region. Each of the vehicles includes sensor equipment that senses at least one meteorological condition. The sensor equipment may be used to support other vehicle systems, such as vehicle safety systems or a vehicle navigation system. Each of the vehicles includes a program run on a computing device in the vehicle that prepares messages containing data indicative of the one or more meteorological conditions sensed by the sensor equipment. The messages are sent wirelessly from the vehicle to a meteorological data collection service that collects the data and uses the data for weather modeling or forecasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Navteq North America, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6917297
    Abstract: A system and method for advanced warning of severe weather for general aviation aircraft is presented. An aircraft includes an onboard weather tracker which monitors atmospheric condition changes. The weather tracker uses data from an onboard barometric altimeter and a GPS device to calculate air pressure changes in order to identify when the aircraft is flying into a low-pressure zone. The weather tracker uses the air pressure's rate of change and the aircraft's speed to determine the criticality of a situation and appropriately notifies a pilot. The weather tracker provides the pilot with local airport information and alternative flight pattern information per the pilot's request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Neal Andrews, David Bruce Kumhyr
  • Patent number: 6900733
    Abstract: A rain sensor and a method for installing a rain sensor are provided for a motor vehicle. The rain sensor includes a housing in which at least one printed circuit board is located and which has a light-conducting member, which at least partially closes the housing in the manner of a lid. A plate is located between the light-conducting member and the printed circuit board. During installation, the plate is partially punched through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Schneider
  • Patent number: 6862528
    Abstract: An instrumented structure is combined with real time environmental and weather information. The data from the structure is monitored via the Internet or another communications system. That information together with historical, analytical and the other relevant data in environmental events influencing the infrastructure are used to determine thresholds. When a threshold is passed the system automatically notifies a user who can then remotely access the real time events and measurements. The user can have real time relevant information to react to any emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: USEngineering Solutions Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph P. Scannell
  • Patent number: 6828911
    Abstract: The present invention features a system and method for detecting and predicting lightning strikes via specialized electrostatic detection using highly sensitive atmospheric static electric detection, interpretation, and alarm signal distribution. The system employs a detection means which includes a designated lightning sensor having a surface which carries a high impedance static voltage reference charge. This reference charge, called the pilot voltage, is a static charge delivered to the lightning sensor at very low currents. The pilot voltage influences the relative charge in the molecules found in the atmosphere immediately surrounding the lightning sensor. There is a gradual transition in the charge between the lightning sensor's surface and the molecules in the atmosphere that surrounds the sensor. It is this varying molecular state that creates a modulation process which the present invention uses to determine a lighting strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: David E. Jones, Berkley C. Badger
  • Patent number: 6822574
    Abstract: An ionosonde includes a signal-transmitting section for transmitting to an ionosphere pulsed radio waves whose frequency is scanned; a signal-receiving section that includes a loop antenna system for measuring intensity of a magnetic field Hz of pulsed radio waves reflected by the ionosphere, a first dipole antenna system for measuring intensity of an electric field Ex orthogonal to the magnetic field Hz and a second dipole antenna system for measuring intensity of an electric field Ey orthogonal to the magnetic field Hz and electric field Ex; and a signal-processing section using values obtained at the signal-receiving section to obtain a cosine (nx, ny) of an arrival direction {right arrow over (n)} of the reflected radio waves in accordance with relationship nx=(HzNx*−ExHz*)Z/(ExEy*−EyEx*) and relationship ny=(HzEy*−EyHz*)Z/(ExEy*−EyEx*), wherein Z stands for intrinsic impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: National Institute of Information and Communication Technology
    Inventor: Yoshikatsu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6812855
    Abstract: A self-luminous road sign system comprises a plurality of sensor units 1 . . . 1 each of which is equipped at least with a visibility meter and an illuminance meter, or which may be equipped with an anemovane and a thermometer as well as the visibility meter and the illuminance meter; and an information processing and management department 2 for centralized management of weather information detected by the plural sensor units in order to predict any danger in the road observation area, wherein the output information from the information processing and management department 2 is displayed on road installations 4 . . . 4 connected via a network. Based on the road background brightness obtained by the illuminance meter in the sensor unit, the optimum luminous brightness which provides a predetermined contrast is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Sekisui Jushi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terumasa Sudou, Youichirou Hishigaki, Shigeki Kondou, Motonori Ogata, Ryuji Imazu, Masaya Yuasa
  • Patent number: 6809648
    Abstract: An aerial sampler system includes an enclosure, a transfer system, and a measurement system. The enclosure is connected to an external surface of an aerial vehicle and receives atmospheric flow from the external surface of the aerial vehicle. The enclosure also directs at least some of the atmospheric flow into an aperture in the external surface. The transfer system transfers some of the atmospheric flow from the aperture to a measurement system. The measurement system is internal to the external surface of the aerial vehicle and measures atmospheric trace gases in the atmospheric flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
    Inventor: Rex J. Fleming
  • Publication number: 20040201483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to various improvements relating to automatic vehicle equipment control systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph S. Stam, Eric J. Walstra
  • Patent number: 6798343
    Abstract: A mobile emergency response platform is based on an all-terrain vehicle of the type that can accommodate at least two persons and has the capability, without requiring in-field modification by an operator, of traversing multiple off-road surfaces that include, at minimum, each of sand, mud, snow, swampland, thickly wooded areas, ice, grasslands, man-made rubble and debris, surfaces having angles of about at least thirty degrees from horizontal, and the floatable operation of the vehicle on waterways. Electronic communication equipment can receive at least two types of wireless communication transmissions. The platform can also transmit at least two types of wireless communication transmissions. The electronic communication equipment can also perform crossover and amplification of different types of signals. An environmental monitoring station is capable of taking in-field measurements of environmental conditions surrounding said platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Carba Fire Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Carrier, Pamela M. Baughman
  • Publication number: 20040183695
    Abstract: An Aviation Weather Awareness and Reporting Enhancements (AWARE) system provides situational awareness by effectively filtering, analyzing and visualizing aviation weather data and specific hazard alerts in preflight, in-cockpit and controller applications. The AWARE system includes a temporal-spatial databases that filters weather data and a Bayesian network that assesses specific hazards in the filtered weather data in the context of pilot preferences, aircraft properties and airport properties. The filtered weather data and hazard alerts are then displayed on a client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Innovative Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Corinne C. Ruokangas, Ole J. Mengshoel, Serdar Uckun, Timothy W. Rand, Patrick Donohue, Selim Tuvi
  • Publication number: 20040183687
    Abstract: As system and method are provided for communicating weather conditions to remote locations, such as inside of residential homes, offices, or businesses. In accordance with one embodiment, a modified smoke detector is provided having an integrated RF receiver for receiving message packets containing information that may be conveyed through its speaker, buzzer, or other sound-emanating device. In accordance with another embodiment, a system is provided. The system which may include a mechanism for detecting a weather condition, a wireless transmitter in communication with the mechanism for detecting a weather condition, wherein the wireless transmitter configured to receive a signal from the means for detecting a weather condition and transmit a corresponding signal via electromagnetic waves. The system may also include a receiver remotely located from the wireless transmitter, the receiver configured to receive the electromagnetic signal transmitted from the smoke detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas D. Petite, Zachary Thomas Petite, Thomas D. Petite
  • Patent number: RE39871
    Abstract: A novel basic allergen/particulate data collection device and a novel multi-function personal air quality management device are disclosed. Both devices include sensor sub-assembly detecting and reporting on allergen/particulate data (preferably, for allergen/particulate with sizes smaller than 5 micron) for an indoor location (where the asthma patient is situated). Both devices are communication enabled to allow the allergen/particulate data to be provided to an air/asthma advice server, to generate air/asthma advice for an asthma patient, taking into consideration the allergen/particulate data as well as air quality data for a surrounding outdoor area of the indoor location. In one embodiment of the basic device, the communication interface is tailored for “harsh environment” local area networking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: AirAdvice, Inc.
    Inventor: John N. Skardon