Moisture Or Humidity (e.g., Rain) Patents (Class 340/602)
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Patent number: 8890550Abstract: An electrical device for detecting moisture has a detection cable (10a, 10b, 10c) made up of a first element (1) and of a second element (2a, 2b, 2c) which elements are elongate and electrically conducting and separated by a polymer-based material (3), and an electrical resistance measurement appliance intended to measure the electrical resistance between the first and second elements of the the cable, where the material (3) is a non-soluble and moisture-sensitive material.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: NexansInventors: Laurent Tribut, Yann Breton, Ivar Granheim
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Publication number: 20140333443Abstract: A method of detecting cooling-loss event early is provided. The method includes defining a relative humidity limit and change threshold for a given space, measuring relative humidity in the given space, determining, with a processing unit, whether the measured relative humidity is within the defined relative humidity limit, generating a warning in an event the measured relative humidity is outside the defined relative humidity limit and determining whether a change in the measured relative humidity is less than the defined change threshold for the given space and generating an alarm in an event the change is greater than the defined change threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Sergio A. Bermudez, Hendrik Hamann, Fernando J. Marianno
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Patent number: 8878440Abstract: An illumination system can provide at least a first state and a second state of a luminaire equipped with at least one lighting subsystem. In the first state, the luminous intensity of the lighting subsystem is controlled based on the occurrence of a detected solar event or the occurrence of an expected solar event. In the second state, the luminous intensity of the lighting subsystem forms a visually distinct pattern based on the detection of atmospheric electrical activity exceeding a defined threshold by an electrical activity sensor disposed within the luminaire. The visually distinctive luminous output can alert persons within line of sight of the luminaire of the proximity of threatening atmospheric electrical activity.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Express Imaging Systems, LLCInventor: William G. Reed
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Patent number: 8760302Abstract: A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, to allow a user to adjust a pump down time in the field, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water. In some applications with multiple electronic sensors, the selective calibrating sensor circuit disconnects from one of the electronic sensors before performing the self-calibration. In certain embodiments, a pump control circuit including the selective calibration sensor circuit can be configured to be mounted with a housing of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: SEEwater, Inc.Inventor: Ronald MacDonald
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Patent number: 8730086Abstract: Disclosed is a satellite weather detection system that uses atmospheric precipitation density data. Subscribers detect the signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio of signals that are transmitted from the satellite. Upstream transmit power data is also collected, which is needed to achieve a given SNR at a gateway. The values of the downstream signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio data as well as the upstream transmit power data are normalized and compared with current atmospheric data. The data can be color coded and graphically displayed to show weather patterns. Location and velocity of high precipitation density cells can be tracked to predict movement of storms.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: ViaSat, Inc.Inventor: Raymond L. Mills
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Patent number: 8692668Abstract: A wireless node for monitoring landslide conditions has at least one tubular probe body deployed in a borehole in a landslide prone area and anchored to rock below soil, multiple sensors carried by and deployed within and or outside of the tubular probe body for measuring geologic motion, hydrologic saturation and pressure at three or more levels of soil above the rock, a data acquisition board in communication with the sensors carried by and or deployed within or outside of the probe body, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the data acquisition board and accessible to a local area wireless network (LAWN). Geologic and hydrologic data of layers of soil above the anchor rock is from the sensors deployed on or near the probe body, the data qualified against threshold readings to provide graduating levels of alerts culminating in a warning of a landslide.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Amrita Vishwa VidyapeethamInventor: Maneesha V. Ramesh
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Patent number: 8680971Abstract: In a wireless IC device, an insulating material, which has an electrical characteristic that is varied with a change in an environmental state, is provided between a feed circuit board and an antenna to detect the environmental state from a state of a communication characteristic between the wireless IC device and an external reader apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuki Ito
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Patent number: 8643497Abstract: Disclosed are integral and/or portable, easy-to-install apparatuses for detecting and containing fluid leaked or otherwise discharged from a fluid-filled device and for facilitating testing and maintenance of the apparatus and fluid-filled devices. In one aspect of the disclosed invention, upon sensing a fluid discharge, the apparatus activates audible and/or visual alarms and directs the discharged fluid to a predetermined drainage area to prevent damage to areas surrounding the fluid-filled device. In another aspect of the present invention, no plumbing or electrical wiring is required to install the apparatus, thereby allowing an unskilled individual to easily and inexpensively install the apparatus. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be easily located since it is not dependent on gravity or a drainage pipe for discharge of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Kevin M. Murphy, LLCInventor: Kevin Michael Murphy
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Patent number: 8645067Abstract: A road data apparatus is disclosed that predicts road conditions comprising a land surface data generator which derives a land surface data output from a plurality of current and forecast weather and location data, said current and forecast weather and location data comprising surface temperature, subsurface temperature, and precipitation depth, a pavement data generator which derives a road temperature and a road condition from said land surface data output and a plurality of pavement generator input data, said plurality of pavement generator input data comprising road layer data; and a roadway status indicator generator which derives a roadway status indicator from said road temperature, road condition and precipitation data. In one embodiment, the roadway status indicator is communicated to an end user through a distribution network.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Gallagher, Robert J. Dreisewerd, John N. McHenry
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Patent number: 8643495Abstract: A farm greenhouse monitor and alarm management system based on the Internet of things with real-time monitoring environmental parameters, which is aimed at monitoring and managing the growth of crops in the farm greenhouse, includes mobile inspection devices, data acquisition units, data receiving devices, REID devices and data storage servers. The system can automatically collect greenhouse environmental parameters such as air temperature, air humidity, illumination, soil temperature and soil moisture, etc. and also can automatically judge the critical value of every parameter and alarm. It utilizes ZigBee chip integrated wireless sensors and data collecting modules. This system provides inspection devices, which lowers the requirements for practitioners and reduces the cost of automatic management of the farm greenhouse.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventors: Zehua Lan, Lixia Ma
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Patent number: 8634814Abstract: A method for passing content to at least one communicator device. The user of a communicator device registers with at least one service provider for delivering a plurality of different types of content to be passed to the at least one communicator device. A user defined priority is assigned to the at least one type of content. The user defined priority is stored on a computer readable medium. The different types of content are passed to the at least one communicator device based on the user defined priority.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Locator IP, L.P.Inventors: Steven A. Root, Michael R. Root
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Patent number: 8629788Abstract: A system may include a sensor for coupling with a vehicle configured for atmospheric flight. The sensor may be configured for detecting a turbulence event, where the turbulence event is at least one of experienced by the vehicle or occurs proximal to the vehicle during atmospheric flight. The system may also include a transmitter coupled with the sensor. The transmitter may be configured for automatically remotely transmitting data regarding the turbulence event to a ground based entity.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: William T. Greenleaf, Richard S. Dove, Scott F. Bauler, Randy H. Jacobsen, Kirschen A. Seah
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Patent number: 8614631Abstract: Techniques for automatically providing flood warnings to individuals are provided. The techniques include receiving a message regarding a water level observed in connection with a totem display at a geographic area, using the message and one or more items of available data to generate a flood level prediction for the geographic area, and sending a flood warning to one or more registered individuals if the flood level prediction for the geographic area exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Claudio Santos Pinhanez
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Patent number: 8615329Abstract: A control system is disclosed for regulating the flow of a liquid from a liquid provider through a liquid distribution system. The distribution system has a major liquid distribution channel connected to a plurality of minor liquid distribution channels providing the liquid to a multiplicity of users. A plurality of controllable user valves are interposed in the multiplicity of user channels. A liquid monitor senses a liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel. A user control changes selective controllable user valves for restoring a desired liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Water Optimizer LLCInventor: Thomas M. O'Connor
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Patent number: 8588821Abstract: A computer-implemented technique includes receiving, at a mobile computing device including one or more processors, an input from a user, the input indicating a weather severity threshold for providing a notification at the mobile computing device. The technique includes determining one or more locations where the mobile computing device is likely to be, indicative of a likely location of a user, during a future period of time based on user-related data. The technique includes receiving a weather prediction for the future period of time for each of the one or more locations. The technique also includes automatically outputting the notification when the weather prediction for at least one of the one or more locations exceeds the weather severity threshold and at a time depending on distances between the one of more locations and a home location of the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Philip Hewinson
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Patent number: 8581733Abstract: A drop detection part that detects drop of the device into the water, a light emitting body disposed in the housing, and a light-emission control circuit that makes the light emitting body emit light when the drop detection part detects the drop into the water are provided, and the rear face of the housing is made translucent, a lower part of a sealing member sealing the front housing and the rear housing is also made translucent, and a cover part covering the light emitting body is formed on this translucent part.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Icom IncorporatedInventor: Kenichirou Ueda
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Patent number: 8576083Abstract: A rain detector for use with an automotive vehicle. The rain detector includes a capacitance sensor mounted to the inside surface of a windshield. The sensor includes at least two output lines which vary in capacitance as the function of magnitude of rain on the outside surface of the windshield. A programmed microcontroller receives the sensor output lines as analog input signals and then compares the magnitude of the capacitance with a threshold capacitance. In the event that the sensed capacitance exceeds the threshold capacitance, indicative of raindrops on the outside surface of the windshield, the microcontroller generates an output signal to the wiper control circuitry of the vehicle to activate the windshield wiper system.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Enterprise Electronics, LLCInventor: David Pearson
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Patent number: 8570169Abstract: A portable dispensing device is provided having a container configured to be moved to a plurality of locations. An access point at an opening of the container controls access into and out of the container. A scale is coupled to a bin within the container and is configured to measure a weight of the bin and contents of the bin. A computing device is in electrical communication with the access point and the scale and configured to allow or deny access to the container as well as receive the measured weight from the scale to determine a number of items in the bin. The computing device further associates an item removed from the bin with the individual or credits an item returned to the bin with the individual when the individual exits the container.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Job Site Resources, LLCInventors: Michael Green, Kevin Hall
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Publication number: 20130265167Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for reducing overflow caused by an appliance (100) using a liquid. The system comprises: a detector (200) arranged to detect if the appliance (100) has undesirably emitted part of the liquid, an internal server (300) being arranged to generate an alarm event in case the appliance (100) has undesirably emitted part of the liquid, and an external server. The external server is arranged to send, via a cellular network, a certificate to a predetermined first party in case an alarm event is generated. The certificate authorizes the first party to enter the location in which the appliance is located.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2011Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: ZAPLOX ABInventors: Lars Tilly, Stefan Gripwall
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Publication number: 20130265166Abstract: An electric apparatus including a display and a process unit is provided. The display has an active area and a peripheral area. The display panel including an active device array substrate, an opposite substrate opposite to the active device array substrate and a display medium between the active device array substrate and the opposite substrate. The active device array substrate has a plurality of active devices disposed in the active area and a humidity sensor disposed in the peripheral area. The humidity sensor is a thin film transistor having a metal oxide semiconductor layer. The process unit is electrically connected to the humidity sensor. The process unit calculates a humidity value according to a sensing current from the humidity sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: E INK HOLDINGS INC.Inventors: Chih-Hsuan Wang, Chia-Chun Yeh, Ted-Hong Shinn
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Patent number: 8471513Abstract: During rain, including a light source (5) for radiating light such that the light is transmitted through a vehicle window (2), a light receiving element (6) for sensing an optical signal when the light radiated from the light source (5) is reflected from the raindrop fallen on the vehicle window (2) and performing a photoelectric transduction, and a receiver (9) for receiving the photoelectrically transduced signal from the light receiving element (6) and judging the level of rainfall. The light source (5) and the light receiving element (6) are inclined with respect to the surface of the vehicle window (2) such that the light of the light source (5) directly reflected from the vehicle window (2) exits to the outside of the light receiving element (6) and the light reflected from a raindrop (8) on the vehicle window (2) is received by the light receiving element (6) to operate a vehicle wiper.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Inventor: Sea Yeoun Han
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Patent number: 8465184Abstract: An automatic headlight switching procedure for motor vehicles, designed to emit a beam of light from one lighting mode to another lighting mode. The process features the steps of when the headlights are in a first lighting mode, detecting the backscatter of the headlight beam onto a phenomenon of visibility disturbance; increasing the lighting range of the headlight beam in relation to a maximum authorized range in accordance with the detected backscatter; and switching the headlights to a second lighting mode when the backscatter is below a first determined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: David Hue, Julien Moizard, Patrice Reilhac
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Patent number: 8442735Abstract: In one example, a first vehicle traveling on a road is provided. The vehicle comprises a communication device coupled in the first vehicle configured to receive information transmitted by a second vehicle traveling on the road, the information identifying road surface conditions experience by the second vehicle; and a controller configured to adjust a vehicle operating parameter of the first vehicle in response to receiving the transmitted information from the second vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Davor Hrovat, Michael Fodor, Mitch McConnell
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Publication number: 20130093592Abstract: A farm greenhouse monitor and alarm management system based on the Internet of things with real-time monitoring environmental parameters, which is aimed at monitoring and managing the growth of crops in the farm greenhouse, includes mobile inspection devices, data acquisition units, data receiving devices, REID devices and data storage servers. The system can automatically collect such greenhouse environmental parameters as air temperature, air humidity, illumination, soil temperature and soil moisture etc. and also automatically judge the critical value of every parameter and alarm otherwise. It utilizes ZigBee chip integrated wireless sensors and data collecting modules. This system provides inspection devices, which lowers the requirements for practitioners and reduces the cost of automatic management of the farm greenhouse.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Zehua Lan, Lixia Ma
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Patent number: 8421636Abstract: A patient monitoring system according to one embodiment includes a real-time wetness sensor configured to detect the rate of change in wetness occurring within an associated diaper, and automatically adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor to account for a wetness event unrelated to urination. A monitoring unit may be utilized in such a manner that the monitoring system controller-monitors the wetness sensor and generates data associated with detected-wetness events relative to the diaper. A wireless transmitter configured with the monitoring unit and in communication with the monitoring system controller may be further utilized to send the generated data, through a host computer, to a caregiver unit having a caregiver system controller in communication with the host computer. The caregiver can then check the status of the patient, provide a service, and annotate the patients history by transmitting the recorded observation and service provided back to the base station.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventors: Daniel R. Collette, Matthew Peter Napier
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Patent number: 8416089Abstract: A leak detecting tray device featuring a base tray having a bottom surface and sides, wherein the sides and bottom surface together form an enclosure for collecting liquid, wherein the base tray is constructed from a material comprising silicone; a moisture sensor disposed in the base tray, the moisture sensor is configured to detect moisture; an alarm system with speaker; and a microprocessor operatively connected to the moisture sensor and the alarm system with speaker, wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive a first sensor input signal from the moisture sensor when the moisture sensor detects moisture whereupon the microprocessor sends a first alarm output command to the alarm system to activate the alarm system.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: James E. Clary
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Patent number: 8412382Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a zone based energy management system includes controlling at least one network device at a site using the proximity detection of a mobile device which may be based upon the detection of a plurality of zones. The network device may be a thermostat associated with the HVAC system of the site or other energy consuming appliances. Each of the zones may be associated with a corresponding temperature set-point of the thermostat or other energy consuming device where the temperature set point corresponding to a zone may be different from the temperature set points corresponding with each of the other zones.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Allure Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kevin R. Imes, James Hollister, John Frederick Cottrell
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Patent number: 8401741Abstract: A headlamp in an automobile, which is rotatable about a yaw axis when negotiating a bend, has a controller for controlling the rotary movement. In order to improve the illumination of a roadway lying in front of an automobile, the controller may take into account a driving profile.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Justus Illium, Torsten Kanning
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Patent number: 8350710Abstract: An enclosed space monitoring system includes a controller and a plurality of sensors. The sensors may include a humidity sensor, a water presence sensor, a water pump operation sensor, a temperature sensor, a radon gas detector, a propane or natural gas detector, a smoke sensor, a carbon monoxide detector and a motion sensor. Environmental parameter data obtained by the sensors is stored within a memory connected to the controller. The controller sends the data to a remote facility periodically and/or when the data indicates a potential condition within the space needing attention or remediation. The sent data is stored at the remote facility and may be accessed by a technician or an owner of the space. Also, the data may be comparatively studied relative to earlier data from the same space and to data collected in similar spaces to discern a potential condition needing attention or remediation.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventors: James A. C. Logan, Alvin C. West
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Publication number: 20120326879Abstract: A chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons detection system is disclosed that comprises an array of spatially-disparate hazardous material sensors that all feed into a centralized system control center. This enables the embodiment to receive and coordinate in one place all of the hazardous material sensors spread over a wide area, and, therefore, enables an alarm to be quickly issued in the event of a real attack. To accurately reduce false alarms, the illustrative embodiment requires that at least N of M neighboring stations report an alarm for the same hazardous material within an interval of time, and that the values of at least one of N and M change and are based on at least one environmental factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2007Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventors: Scott M. Maurer, Mark J. Derksen, Kevin J. Kofler
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Patent number: 8338774Abstract: An optical sensor has an optical plate which is adapted to make surface contact on a pane, in particular a windshield of a motor vehicle. It further has one or preferably a plurality of photoreceivers arranged on the side of the optical plate facing away from the pane. An optical mask is arranged in the optical path upstream of each photoreceiver, the optical mask having light-blocking and light-transmissive surface areas. The light-transmissive surface areas each allow an optical path to traverse the optical plate, impinging on the photoreceiver and is delimited by the light-blocking surface areas.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbHInventor: Ulrich Backes
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Patent number: 8339219Abstract: The integration of surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, microfabricated transmission lines, and sensors onto polymer substrates in order to enable a passive wireless sensor platform is described herein. Incident microwave pulses on an integrated antenna are converted to an acoustic wave via a SAW filter and transmitted to an impedance based sensor, which for this work is a photodiode. Changes in the sensor state induce a corresponding change in the impedance of the sensor resulting in a reflectance profile. Data collected at a calibrated receiver is used to infer the state of the sensor. Based on this principal, light levels were passively and wirelessly demonstrated to be sensed at distances of up to about 12 feet.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Jack L. Skinner, Eric Y Chu, Harvey Ho
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Patent number: 8334972Abstract: A device for detecting soiling, having a light source, which emits a light beam, and a layer having a first boundary surface and a second boundary surface, whereby the light beam emitted by the light source first impinges on the first boundary surface, and part of a light beam fraction, which is scattered at the second boundary surface, impinges on a receiver and forms a measuring signal, and hereby the first boundary surface is set up to scatter part of the incident light beam, and the part impinging on the receiver of the light beam, scattered at the first boundary surface, forms a reference signal, and the device is set up further to determine a measure for the soiling of the second boundary surface from the comparison of the reference signal and measuring signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Pepperl & Fuchs GmbHInventor: Marcus Thien
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Patent number: 8330603Abstract: A dewatering system includes a selective calibrating sensor circuit configured to receive sensor readings from an electronic sensor, to determine if the electronic sensor is immersed in water, to allow a user to adjust a pump down time in the field, and to generate a control output signal accordingly. The selective calibrating sensor circuit periodically performs a self-calibration when the electronic sensor is not immersed in water to cancel the effect of potential contaminants deposited on the electronic sensor over its operating life. The selective calibrating sensor circuit inhibits calibration when the electronic sensor is immersed in water. In some applications with multiple electronic sensors, the selective calibrating sensor circuit disconnects from one of the electronic sensors before performing the self-calibration.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: SEEwater, Inc.Inventor: Robert F. Gibb
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Patent number: 8325034Abstract: Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes one or more sensors to detect weather data. The system also includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alert messages. The system also includes a processor to perform an analysis of the weather data, to determine based on the analysis whether the weather data indicates a dangerous storm condition, and to initiate a first alert when the analysis indicates the dangerous storm condition and a weather alert message has been received. The first alert is not initiated when the weather alert message is received and the analysis does not indicate the dangerous storm condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: Jason Lee Moore
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Publication number: 20120264393Abstract: Techniques for automatically providing flood warnings to individuals are provided. The techniques include receiving a message regarding a water level observed in connection with a totem display at a geographic area, using the message and one or more items of available data to generate a flood level prediction for the geographic area, and sending a flood warning to one or more registered individuals if the flood level prediction for the geographic area exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: Claudio Santos Pinhanez
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Patent number: 8265824Abstract: First and second temperature check portions 7 and 8 determine whether an ambient temperature T1 is lower than 20° C. or not, whether an external surface temperature T2 of a windshield S is lower than 25° C. or not and whether a temperature difference (T2?T1) is lower than 20° C. or not, and a weather condition check portion 9 determines whether a condition that condensation occurs over the windshield S is met or not based on results of the checks. A wiper control portion 10 controls a driving operation of a wiper W based on a rainfall state checked by a low sensitivity rainfall check portion 5 when the condition that the condensation occurs is met, and controls the driving operation of the wiper W based on a rainfall state checked by a high sensitivity rainfall check portion 4 when a condition that the condensation does not occur is met.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignees: Niles Co., Ltd., Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Tatsuo Oishi, Tomoyuki Ohata
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Patent number: 8248254Abstract: A system for certifying provenance of an alcoholic beverage includes a radio-frequency identification tag and a server. The radio-frequency identification tag, associated with a bottle containing an alcoholic beverage, periodically measures a plurality of values of an environmental condition of the bottle. The radio-frequency identification tag stores the plurality of measured values. The server receives the plurality of measured values for analysis. The server provides, via a user interface, a description of a provenance of the alcoholic beverage, the description generated responsive to an analysis of the plurality of measured values.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: EProvenance, LLCInventors: Eric Vogt, Ruth Churchill
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Patent number: 8236164Abstract: A moisture sensor, for measuring moisture in a building without leaving visible scars to the building surface, is provided. The moisture sensor includes a flexible carrier carrying an antenna for receiving EM-radiation between 9 kHz and 11 MHz and a resonant circuit including a moisture reactive element. The moisture reactive element includes a hygroscopic electrolyte arranged between a first and a second electrode, wherein the electrolyte in the presence of moisture forms mobile ions and provides a complex impedance at least in response to the alternating voltage, which complex impedance varies with the moisture content of the electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Acreo ABInventors: Göran Gustafsson, Xavier Crispin, Magnus Berggren, Oscar Larsson, Xiaodong Wang
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Patent number: 8219254Abstract: A combined water management and communication system for a water provider wirelessly communicating with selected ones of the multiplicity of user wireless transceiver for changing water distribution to selective ones of the multiplicity of independent users upon an undesired water flow characteristic within the water distribution channels. The multiplicity of user wireless transceivers communicating with proximate user wireless transceivers for forming a network for communicating information to a third party wireless transceiver unrelated to liquid flow. The invention is also incorporated into a remote controlled solar operated wireless irrigation valve. The invention is further incorporated into an improved water management irrigation system incorporating an adaptive weather based controller that is adjusted by a weather based sensor base controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Water Optimizer LLC.Inventor: Thomas M. O'Connor
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Patent number: 8184009Abstract: A humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag is provided with a bimorph element and thin conductive bridges positioned on an RFID tag substrate that can react to all changes in storage humidity conditions. The bimorph element is configured and positioned so that when it bends in response to one or more predetermined humidity levels, the bimorph element will break one of the conductive bridges and cause an open circuit that can be detected when the RFID tag is interrogated by a sensor. The humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag can provide humidity information about numerous stored objects such as food, medicine, chemicals, batteries, explosives and munitions. Multiple humidity conductive bridge cutoff fuse RFID tag arrangements and methods for notifying the user when a predetermined storage humidity limit has been reached with a passive humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag are provided. Since it does not require power to operate, the cutoff fuse is suitable for monitoring a long-term storage condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Yoonkee Kim
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Patent number: 8180518Abstract: A system and a method for generating a microenvironment condition report. The microenvironment condition report is generated from information related to a plurality of vehicle conditions. The vehicle condition information is gathered from a plurality of in-vehicle technologies such as a stability control system, ABS, and navigation system. The vehicle condition information is sent to a remote terminal that organizes the information with respect to a set of microareas. The information for each microarea is analyzed and used to generate the microenvironment condition report.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Dennis M. Petricoin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8174397Abstract: A multi function monitor for monitoring environmental conditions and events, the monitor comprising: a monitor panel having a plurality of monitors thereon; and a measuring device attachable at either end of the monitor panel for measuring the circumference of an object around which it is placed. The monitor panel includes: a temperature detection and display device; an ultraviolet radiation detection and display device; and a humidity detection and display device.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: Leigh Melanie Onslow
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Patent number: 8169329Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are described for detecting moisture on a mattress cover. Conductive leads affixed to the mattress cover are configured in loop patterns, and adjacent conductive loops are positioned equidistant to one another to provide equal sensitivity to moisture at any location on the mattress cover. A quick-release connector allows the conductive leads to be quickly connected to an electrical monitoring circuit. The continuity of each conductive lead is periodically checked using a test signal. Moisture is detected by applying a different voltage level to adjacent conductive leads and measuring the current flowing between the leads. When moisture or a broken conductive lead is detected, an alarm signal is communicated to an attendant. The alarm signal is repeated at periodic intervals until the electrical monitoring circuit detects that the alarm condition has been corrected. The attendant's response time is recorded for future performance evaluations.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Inventors: Arthur Koblasz, Ronald Paul Crisman
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Patent number: 8149102Abstract: An interface is provided that configures itself dynamically based on sensor information received from a sensor assembly or actuator information received from an actuator assembly. The interface may be configured to interoperate with sensor assemblies including analog transducers, smart transducers providing digital outputs and various actuators. The sensor information or the actuator information may include information for managing power consumption associated with the operation of the sensor or the actuator. Using the sensor information or the actuator information, a power management scheme may be implemented to reduce power consumption and extend the operational time of a module. The sensor information also includes information about the sensor signal generated by the sensor. The information about the sensor signal allows the module to interoperate with more diverse types of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Memsic Transducer Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Matthew Miller, Alan S. Broad
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Patent number: 8144021Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of bodily fluid, the device including a detector (1) means having two spaced apart electrodes (2, 3), each electrode is connected to a signal generating means via a lead (6, 7). The electrodes are encased in a flexible non-conductive material with each including at least one protruding conductive element (4). The protruding elements are separated by the same distance as the spacing between the two electrodes. The device also includes a signal processing means that detects a change of state across the electrodes produced by the introduction of a fluid and an alarm actuated by the change of state.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignees: Whalley, Robin as Trustee of the Olfarse Trust, Le Gros, Paul Donald as Trustee of the Olfarse TrustInventor: Anthony Edward Page
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Patent number: 8134462Abstract: Disclosed is a floating sensor system having a casing that encloses a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes a digital processor and a non-volatile memory. The casing also encloses a data bus that connects the microcontroller to an external environment sensor, an RF transceiver, and a battery. The non-volatile memory includes a history file that maintains a record of events sensed by the external environment sensors. The digital processor is configured to establish a pattern of expected external environmental behavior based on the record of events. The digital processor is also configured to emit a signal through the RF transceiver from the system when an unexpected event occurs.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Nghia Tran, Michael R. Blackburn
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Patent number: 8089356Abstract: Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alerts. The system further includes a processor to perform an analysis of the received electromagnetic radiation and to determine based on the analysis whether the electromagnetic radiation indicates rotation in a storm system. The processor initiates an alert when the analysis indicates rotation in the storm system and a weather alert has been received.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: Jason Lee Moore
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Patent number: 8078362Abstract: An electrostatic seat occupant detecting system of a vehicle has a vehicle body and a seat. The electrostatic seat occupant detecting system includes an antenna unit that includes a main electrode and a sub-electrode disposed near the main electrode, an AC power source, a switch unit for switching supply of AC voltage to the antenna unit to form one of a first electric field between the vehicle body and the main electrode thereby providing a seat-occupant detecting mode and a second electric field between the main electrode and the sub-electrode thereby providing a wet condition detecting mode, and a seat-occupant detecting ECU.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shoichi Yamanaka, Tsutomu Kamizono, Masahiro Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8072335Abstract: An antenna assembly is provided suitable for use with a remote communications module such as, for example, a keyless entry module, a tire pressure monitoring module, etc. The antenna assembly generally includes a support, a folded metallic antenna element mounted on the support, an amplifier coupled to the folded antenna element, and a transmission line coupled to the amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ayman Duzdar, Haiyang Wang, Huzefa Abdulkader Bharmal, Joseph M. Combi