By Voltage Patents (Class 340/636.15)
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Publication number: 20110285540Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a low battery detection thresholdin a remote control. An embodiment of a method includes determining a type of a battery powering a remote control of an entertainment device and determining a first low battery threshold for the battery based on the type of the battery. The first low battery threshold indicates a low battery condition of the remote control. Responsive to measuring a voltage of the battery, a determination is made regarding whether the voltage of the battery is below the low battery threshold. Responsive to determining that the voltage of the battery is below the first low battery threshold, a low battery message is transmitted to an entertainment device. The entertainment device utilizes the message to present an indicator to a user regarding the low battery condition of the remote control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: William R. Reams
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Patent number: 8059005Abstract: Monitoring assemblies, kits and methods for determining an operational state of a circuit protector in an electrical circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Michael Craig Henricks, Robert Stephen Douglass, Joan Leslie Winnett Bender, Matthew R. Darr
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Patent number: 8054189Abstract: When a rechargeable battery of a life safety device reaches its end of life, the life safety device provides an audible signal indicating that replacement is required. When the device is disconnected from line power, the rechargeable battery still contains a significant amount of energy. The device automatically begins controlled discharge the battery until the stored energy has been reduced to a safe level for disposal of the life safety device and its battery.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc.Inventors: Travis Silver, Stan Burnette, Matthew J. Buchholz
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Patent number: 8044814Abstract: The invention provides a system and battery including a state-of-charge indicator (SOCI) to monitor and display the amount of charge within the battery. The SOCI is capable of operating in a hibernate mode, an active mode, and/or a sleep mode. The battery may be manufactured, shipped and/or stored with the SOCI operating in a power-saving hibernate mode. The SOCI may exit the hibernate mode and begin operating in active mode if a physical key connected to the battery is removed. In addition, the SOCI may operate in a sleep mode while the battery is not being used to conserve power. Furthermore, the invention provides a method of making a battery including a SOCI to monitor and display the state of charge of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: EaglePicher Energy Products CorporationInventors: Gregg C. Bruce, Christo Brand
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Patent number: 8009054Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a low battery detection threshold in a remote control. An embodiment of a method includes determining a type of a battery powering a remote control of an entertainment device and determining a first low battery threshold for the battery based on the type of the battery. The first low battery threshold indicates a low battery condition of the remote control. Responsive to measuring a voltage of the battery, a determination is made regarding whether the voltage of the battery is below the low battery threshold. Responsive to determining that the voltage of the battery is below the first low battery threshold, a low battery message is transmitted to an entertainment device. The entertainment device utilizes the message to present an indicator to a user regarding the low battery condition of the remote control.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: William R Reams
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Publication number: 20110163886Abstract: Various mechanisms are described for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. The remote control refrains from transmitting one or more subsequent low battery messages to the controlled device prior to detection of replacement of batteries. The remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: William R. Reams
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METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CARTRIDGE OF WELDING HELMET HAVING DISPLAY FUNCTION OF WELDING OPERATION TIME
Publication number: 20110156989Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a cartridge of a welding helmet having a function to display a welding operation time, which can protect the welder's face from intense light generated during a welding or cutting operation and also, enable automated light transmittance adjustment and operation time setting on a per operation basis, enabling a welding operation to be more efficiently performed. In the method including welding operation, cutting operation, grinding operation and X-mode operation steps, which are automatically performed in sequence according to preset conditions and a light transmittance and operation time of a liquid crystal screen of the cartridge, a control unit calculates an operation time of the liquid crystal screen indicating how long the liquid crystal screen is kept dark, and the calculated operation time is stored in a memory unit so as to be displayed on a display unit in a life mode step.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: OTOS WING CO., LTD.Inventor: Moon Young Huh -
Patent number: 7944365Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses may be provided for stray voltage detection. The systems, methods and apparatuses may include providing a first antenna at a first location relative to a monitored equipment or structure, where the first antenna may be operative to detect a first electric field strength at the first location, providing a second antenna at a second location relative to the monitored equipment or structure, where the second antenna may be operative to detect a second electric field strength at the second location, and detecting a stray voltage based at least in part upon the detected first electric field strength and the second electric field strength.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLCInventors: Jeff Walters, Emil Simion, Michael Dorogi
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Publication number: 20110084846Abstract: An electromagnetic whiteboard pen is disclosed, and particular an electromagnetic whiteboard pen capable of inking and digital inputting simultaneously is disclosed. The electromagnetic whiteboard pen has a marker for writing with ink and a coil for emitting electromagnetic signals. When user writes on an electromagnetic whiteboard by the marker, the coil emitting electromagnetic signals simultaneously. The electromagnetic whiteboard senses the electromagnetic signals to find and record the position and the moving of the electromagnetic whiteboard pen. Therefore, the writing on the electromagnetic whiteboard by inking can be record and converted to be digital signals for storing by the electromagnetic whiteboard when the electromagnetic whiteboard pen writes on the electromagnetic whiteboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: WALTOP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Chih-Jen Li, Yan-Chin Hsu, Cheng-Lu Liu
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Patent number: 7923969Abstract: A state-of-charge equalizing device equalizes the state of charge of each of cells connected in series to form an assembled battery, and comprises charging/discharging circuits connected in parallel to the respective cells to discharge and/or charge the respective cells, voltage measurement circuits connected to the respective charging/discharging circuits to measure the voltages across the respective cells, and a control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroya Murao, Mika Kirimoto
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Patent number: 7907060Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. Similarly, the remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: William R Reams
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Publication number: 20110050436Abstract: A resume device is provided. The device detects voltage variation in standby mode. When a big voltage variation is detected, a resume process is run and a sound is played. Volume of the sound is adjustable and power is maintained within a proper range. Thus, power consumption is saved, efficiency is improved and resume process is enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: TRITAN TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventor: Ching-Hung Tseng
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Patent number: 7880597Abstract: A hybrid vehicle battery information display device 1 includes a battery service life display unit 2 which estimates a degree of battery degradation with respect to a useful life of a battery 16 from data on vehicle travel and the like based on battery degradation data measured from a vehicle travel test 19, to display information on a battery service life; a travel fuel consumption display unit 3 which evaluates, from the vehicle travel test 19, a degradation degree of actual travel fuel consumption data due to the battery degradation for each drive pattern based on test travel fuel consumption data set for each drive pattern, to display information on a travel fuel consumption; and a display control unit 4 which controls the display of information on the battery service life.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masatoshi Uchida
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Patent number: 7868777Abstract: The invention provides a system and battery including a state-of-charge indicator (SOCI) to monitor and display the amount of charge within the battery. The SOCI is capable of operating in a hibernate mode, an active mode, and/or a sleep mode. The battery may be manufactured, shipped and/or stored with the SOCI operating in a power-saving hibernate mode. The SOCI may exit the hibernate mode and begin operating in active mode if a physical key connected to the battery is removed. In addition, the SOCI may operate in a sleep mode while the battery is not being used to conserve power. Furthermore, the invention provides a method of making a battery including a SOCI to monitor and display the state of charge of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: EaglePicher TechnologiesInventors: Gregg C Bruce, Christo Brand
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Patent number: 7817053Abstract: A rechargeable electric tool includes a warning device which monitors a voltage of a power source battery and indicates a warning by means of an LED or a buzzer when the power source voltage is reduced to be equal to or lower than a reference voltage. The tool is configured such that, even when the warning is indicated, a control to interrupt a power supply to a motor is not performed, thereby enabling a usual operation in response to an activating operation on a trigger switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ichiro Kusakari, Takahiro Nagaoka, Osamu Itagaki, Atsushi Matsuoka
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Patent number: 7817059Abstract: The invention relates to a device supplying an electrical signal for which a characteristic, for example, the voltage is adjustable. The device has a connector at one end of a cable to supply this signal to another electrical device. This connector comprises a transmission means of a light signal for which a visible characteristic depends upon the electrical signal produced. One improvement consists in the light signal coming from a source of white light that is colour modulated by filters. These filters are mechanically integrated into a mobile part belonging to the adjustment means of the signal supplied. The invention also relates to a system comprising the device supplying the signal and the device to be connected, the latter device features a mark identifying the light signal compatible with the electrical signal to receive.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventor: Francis Renard
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Patent number: 7800510Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery cell and an RF cell monitor. The RF cell monitor is embedded in the battery cell and is operable for monitoring the battery cell and for generating an alert signal indicative of a predetermined condition of the battery cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.Inventor: William Densham
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Patent number: 7772984Abstract: A remote control security supervisory control apparatus includes a remote control device capable of performing remote control, at least one sensor to detect risky conditions in a surveillance scope and a system host to execute a security supervisory control system procedure. The remote control device can perform system alteration on the sensor at a remote site. The remote control device first outputs a wake-up signal to make the individual sensor to enter a setting mode from a sleeping mode; then the remote control device outputs a command signal to the system host through the sensor. The system host feedbacks a confirmation signal to the sensor to finish setting alteration of the security system procedure.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Everspring Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cheng-Hung Huang
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Patent number: 7770038Abstract: The present invention relates to a power control apparatus and method for preventing a system from being repeatedly booted and shut off by re-setting a cut-off voltage when the system is shut down by a cutoff mode. The power control apparatus of a terminal device according to the present invention comprises a power controller 30 for controlling power supplied from a battery 10 to the terminal device; and a memory 60 for storing a cutoff voltage value for shutting down a system if a voltage of the battery 10 is lower than a reference value, wherein the power controller 30 sets a flag when the system is shut down by a cutoff mode. When the system is rebooted, it is determined whether to drive the system based on an additional cutoff voltage, if the flag is set. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the system from being shut down by the cutoff mode after it has been driven.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jung Hwan Lee, Grant Eo
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Patent number: 7755500Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery cell and a cell monitor. The cell monitor is embedded in the battery cell and is operable for monitoring the battery cell and for generating an alert signal indicative of a predetermined condition of the battery cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: O2 Micro, Inc.Inventors: Bill Densham, James Keim, Serban-Mihai Popescu
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Publication number: 20100141461Abstract: Provided are an alarm system and an alarm device which are capable of enhancing a fail-safe function. A fire alarm device (A) operating as a master unit transmits a switching request signal to fire alarm devices operating as slave units at a predetermined timing, the switching request signal containing at least an own address and an address of a fire alarm device (B) that is to operate as the master unit next (S20). Upon reception of the switching request signal, among the fire alarm devices operating as the slave units, the fire alarm device (B) that is to operate as the master unit next judges whether or not switching is possible based on switching availability judgment information for judging whether or not the switching to the master unit is possible (S30), and, when it is judged that the switching is possible, starts operating as the master unit (S31).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Hidesato Morita, Makoto Masuyama, Toshimitsu Watanabe
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Publication number: 20100134305Abstract: An intelligent adaptive energy management system and method for an electronic device such as a cell phone or laptop computer. The system comprises at least two batteries that work cooperatively. The system includes multiple features that may be used alone or in combination. One feature includes one or more sensors capable of measuring various characteristics of the battery cells such as temperature, voltage, and shape deformation. The sensors communicate the measured data to a control module which may control cell charging, cell discharging, cell balancing, and/or terminating the use of one or more of the cells. A second feature is to enhance the scalability of the batteries by making the battery cells logically and/or physically removable and configurable so that the capacity of the batteries can be scaled on demand. A third feature is to provide intelligent charging and discharging methodologies. One alternate discharge method discharges the cells intelligently using measured rotational turns.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: VBI 2000, LLCInventors: Cui Lu, Pengcheng Zou, Dallas Lee Nash, II
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Publication number: 20100090843Abstract: A method, computer program product, and infusion pump assembly for determining a first rate-of-change force reading that corresponds to the delivery of a first dose of an infusible fluid via an infusion pump assembly. At least a second rate-of-change force reading is determined that corresponds to the delivery of at least a second dose of the infusible fluid via the infusion pump assembly. An average rate-of-change force reading is determined based, at least in part upon the first rate-of-change force reading and the at least a second rate-of-change force reading.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Marc A. Mandro, Robert J. Bryant
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Publication number: 20100060467Abstract: A battery powered transmitter is provided with a battery status circuit that determines an output voltage level associated with the battery. The battery status circuit is provided with multiple voltage reference thresholds. One or more visual voltage status indicators are electrically coupled with the battery status circuit. The battery status circuit actuates a visual voltage status indicator when the battery status circuit determines the voltage output level of the battery to be within a first output range. One or more additional visual voltage status indicators may be actuated when the battery status circuit determines the voltage output level of the battery to be within other output ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: CONTROLLED ENTRY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.Inventor: Bradley C. Kofford
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Publication number: 20100026505Abstract: A digital photo frame (DPF) capable of indicating battery is provided. The DPF includes a light-emitting diode (LED) unit, a battery, a battery detection unit, a processing unit, and a display control unit. The battery detection unit is connected to the battery and is configured to detect the charge of the battery and output a low battery alarm signal when the charge of the battery is below a predetermined value. The processing unit is connected to the battery detection unit, and is configured to producing a control signal when receiving the low battery alarm signal. The display control unit is connected to the processing unit and the LED unit, and is configured to control the LED unit to change its display state when receiving the control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventors: HAN-CHE WANG, XIAO-GUANG LI, YUNG-YI WANG, FENG ZHU, FEN LI
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Publication number: 20090303061Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in an active mode (304). The data tag device includes tag circuitry including a interface element (104), a controller element (102), and a memory (106) in which tag data (116) is stored. A battery (110) is provided which is initially coupled to the tag circuitry by a connector means (130) which allows non-destructive removal and replacement of the battery. The data tag device is configured to detect the removal of the battery (306, 308), and disable the data tag in response (310).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth L. GREENLEE, Christian L. HUNT, Steven M. MILLER, Anne I. RYAN
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Publication number: 20090278701Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for indicating to a user a low battery condition of a remote control for a controlled device. More particularly, a remote control detects a low battery condition as well as the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The remote control transmits a low battery message to a controlled device responsive to detecting a low battery condition. Similarly, the remote control transmits a battery status message to the controlled device responsive to detecting the replacement of batteries in the remote control. The controlled device utilizes the low battery message and the battery status message to determine whether to present a low battery indicator to a user regarding a low battery condition of the remote control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: William R. Reams
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Publication number: 20090262254Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a low battery detection threshold in a remote control. An embodiment of a method includes determining a type of a battery powering a remote control of an entertainment device and determining a first low battery threshold for the battery based on the type of the battery. The first low battery threshold indicates a low battery condition of the remote control. Responsive to measuring a voltage of the battery, a determination is made regarding whether the voltage of the battery is below the low battery threshold. Responsive to determining that the voltage of the battery is below the first low battery threshold, a low battery message is transmitted to an entertainment device. The entertainment device utilizes the message to present an indicator to a user regarding the low battery condition of the remote control.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: William R. Reams
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Publication number: 20090251149Abstract: A battery tester engages a power tool battery and includes a housing having a cavity for receiving a stem of the power tool battery. The battery tester has a plurality of electrically conductive contacts disposed in the cavity and is configured to engage corresponding battery electrodes on the stem. A processor is mounted within the housing and communicates with the battery through the electrically conductive contacts. The processor measures a voltage level of the battery, and a loading circuit electrically loads the battery during measuring. One or more indicators are controlled by the processor. The processor activates the loading circuit for a predetermined period of time to measure a voltage level of the battery while under load, and then activates the indicators to provide a visual indication of remaining battery life. The battery tester is a stand-alone device where housing does not have a motor or a battery charger.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: EASTWAY FAIR COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Michael E. Buckner, Daniel B. Nelson, Samuel Boyles, Umesh Jairamdas Rajani, Anthony Thomas Tocco
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Patent number: 7598700Abstract: A battery warranty and metrics tracking network with a programmable battery product for storing, sending and receiving data from a battery warranty, enablement, and metrics tracking network, having an at least one onboard electronics module and storage media on the battery product, an at least one point of sale/point of maintenance device providing communication with the battery product and communicating data from the battery product and to the battery product, an at least one network communicating data from the programmable battery product and to the programmable battery product and an at least one product warranty and features database in communication with the network, the database including storage of data from the programmable battery product and communication of stored data to the battery product to enable or disable the programmable battery product or enable or disable features on the battery product based on the information communicated to or from the programmable battery product or the at least one pType: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Reserve Power Cell, LLCInventors: David Elder, Frank Bruno
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Publication number: 20090237087Abstract: A method and system for assessing health of a power source includes measuring voltage and current of a power source in a system using a device in the system as the load. An internal resistance of the power source is determined based on the measured voltage and current. A health assessment of the power source is determined and provided based at least on the determined internal resistance and a stored baseline internal resistance for the power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: Rochester Institute of TehnologyInventor: Omar Anbari
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Patent number: 7554448Abstract: A nonvolatile memory is accessed by a memory control circuit and stores temperature information indicating a temperature measured by a temperature sensor. A power supply control circuit supplies a first power supply voltage to the temperature sensor in response to a request for temperature measurement received via an antenna, and supplies a second power supply voltage to the nonvolatile memory and the memory control circuit after the temperature sensor measures the temperature. While the temperature sensor is measuring the temperature, the nonvolatile memory and the memory control circuit do not operate and thus do not generate heat. Therefore, the temperature sensor can accurately measure the temperature without being influenced from the heat generation caused by the operation of circuits in an RFID transponder.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Fujitsu Microelectronics LimitedInventor: Takeshi Tomioka
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Patent number: 7550975Abstract: The measurement unit measures a voltage by converting it from analog to digital and outputs a measurement value. The changeover unit, being connected to a battery and a reference voltage source generating a highly accurate fixed voltage, selects one of them and applies it to the measurement unit. The voltage value output unit makes the changeover unit select a fixed voltage generated by a predetermined voltage source, makes the measurement unit measure it as a reference voltage and generates calculation-use information for calculating a voltage value from a measurement result based on a measurement value of the fixed voltage and a voltage value of the reference voltage. The voltage value output unit, when making the changeover unit select a voltage of the battery and making the measurement unit measure it, uses the measurement value of it and the calculation-use information to calculate and output a voltage value of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech LimitedInventors: Kouhei Honda, Naoki Kurihara
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Patent number: 7551101Abstract: A light emitting device drive controller is disclosed that comprises a first port that is connected to one end of a first light emitting device group where two light emitting devices are connected in parallel in the opposite directions; a second port that is connected to the other end of the first light emitting device group as well as connected to one end of a second light emitting device group where two light emitting devices are connected in parallel in the opposite directions; a third port that is connected to the other end of the second light emitting device group; and a port state setting unit that selectively sets each of the first, second, and third ports to any one of a state of a first voltage, a state of a second voltage which is less than the first voltage, and a high impedance state for each consecutive predetermined period, wherein the light emitting device drive controller drives selectively the light emitting devices constituting the first light emitting device group and the second light emittType: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiaki Yonezawa
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Patent number: 7546179Abstract: A method and apparatus allowing a mobile robot to return to a designated location the method including: calculating a first direction angle of the mobile robot at a second location arrived at after the mobile robot travels a predetermined distance from the first location; determining whether the mobile robot approaches or moves away from the designated location, at a third location arrived at after the mobile robot rotates by the first direction angle and then travels a predetermined distance; and if the result of the determination indicates that the mobile robot approaches the docking station, controlling the mobile robot to travel according to the first direction angle, and if the result indicates the mobile robot moves away from the docking station, calculating a second direction angle of the mobile robot at the third location, and controlling the mobile robot to travel according to the second direction angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyoung-ki Lee, Sun-gi Hong, Seok-won Bang, Il-hwan Kim, Ki-wan Choi
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Publication number: 20090140870Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery cell and an RF cell monitor. The RF cell monitor is embedded in the battery cell and is operable for monitoring the battery cell and for generating an alert signal indicative of a predetermined condition of the battery cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: William Densham
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Publication number: 20090128346Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods of electronic devices for activating an alarm when it is detected that an applied charging voltage has dropped below a threshold value. An electronic device is configured to detect the type of charger, for example, a bicycle charger or motorcycle charger, connected to the electronic device according to a charger attribute. The electronic device may further detect when the applied charging voltage has decreased below the predetermined threshold value. When the device is detected to be connected to a particular type of charger, and it is detected that the applied charging voltage has decreased below the threshold value, the alarm may be activated after a predetermined time. In this way, a user of a bicycle charger or other vehicle charger can be reminded to remove the electronic device from the charging cradle of the vehicle, helping to avoid loss or theft of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.Inventors: Hong Zhao, Christian Flowers, Dean Thorson
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Publication number: 20090102672Abstract: A battery-powered RF sensor is provided for use in security and alarm systems for monitoring alarm state conditions, and transmitting an alarm state detection signal upon detection of an alarm state condition. The RF sensor is constructed to include an RF transmitting portion, a battery, a low-battery voltage level detection portion and a counter for periodically detecting an output voltage level of the battery, and comparing the voltage level to a first threshold voltage. If the detected battery output voltage level is determined to be less than the first threshold voltage, the low- or depleted-battery state is not immediately reported, but is reported at another time if the low-battery condition persists. That is, the low battery condition would preferably not be reported until daytime hours, other than for a dead battery condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Tom R. Petek, Kenneth L. Addy, David S. Zakrewski
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Patent number: 7482941Abstract: The invention provides a system and battery including a state-of-charge indicator (SOCI) to monitor and display the amount of charge within the battery. The SOCI is capable of operating in a hibernate mode, an active mode, and/or a sleep mode. The battery may be manufactured, shipped and/or stored with the SOCI operating in a power-saving hibernate mode. The SOCI may exit the hibernate mode and begin operating in active mode if a physical key connected to the battery is removed. In addition, the SOCI may operate in a sleep mode while the battery is not being used to conserve power. Furthermore, the invention provides a method of making a battery including a SOCI to monitor and display the state of charge of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Eaglepicher Energy Products CorporationInventors: Gregg C. Bruce, Christo Brand
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Patent number: 7474228Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring at least one battery condition. An ac signal is applied to a battery. A difference between a signal output from the battery and a threshold determines a battery condition. The determined battery condition is transmitted remotely from the battery location either wirelessly or through a network to controller and/or is visibly displayed at the battery location.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Tarma, LLCInventors: Bradley W. Lockhart, Jason W. Toomey
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Publication number: 20080252437Abstract: An automotive vehicle battery monitor includes an electrical connection configured to electrically couple to an electrical system of the vehicle. An output provides a visual indication related to a condition of the battery. A mount mounts the output at a location at which the output is visible from outside of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: Midtronics, Inc.Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, Nick McMahan
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Publication number: 20080233471Abstract: A battery state detection arrangement is provided for use in conjunction with a series connection of multiple battery cells, e.g., a series connection of at least two lead batteries in a vehicle electric system having a voltage which is higher than conventional system voltages. The battery state detection arrangement detects both a defect in a battery and a defect in the overall system and transmits signals to a higher-level energy management system as well as, if necessary, a display. Additional components provide a charge equalization in the batteries by selectively recharging or selectively discharging unevenly charged batteries.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2005Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Richard Aumayer, Burkhard Iske
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Patent number: 7421247Abstract: A wireless switch comprising: a sensor for sensing a change of a state of a barrier; a selector positionable between a first position and a second position; a transmitter operatively coupled to the sensor and selector; and wherein the transmitter transmits a first wireless signal when the selector is positioned in the first position and the sensor senses a change of state, and the transmitter transmits a second wireless signal different from the first signal when the selector is positioned in the second position and the sensor senses the change of state.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Inncom International, Inc.Inventors: Duane W. Buckingham, Philipp Roosli, David Oliver, Rick Quirino
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Patent number: 7421323Abstract: Automated motor vehicle battery voltage protection is provided by setting voltage trip points for increasing engine speed and for shedding selected electrical loads. The system is effected by programming a vehicle body computer which communicates with, and exerts control over, various vehicle system controllers over one or more controller area networks. The body computer is programmed to monitor battery voltage and initiates an increase in engine speed first, and if that fails to restore a minimum battery voltage level, begins shedding loads in a predetermined order.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Robert D. Dannenberg, Steven R. Lovell
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Publication number: 20080190196Abstract: An instrument [particularly barometer] movement includes a plurality of elements including a pressure transducer capable of sensing barometric pressure and converting the sensed pressure into electric signals, a stepper motor having an hour shaft used in a conventional quartz clock movement, a microprocessor, and a battery, operatively connected together so that the microprocessor controls movement of the stepper motor with power supplied by the battery in response changes in atmospheric pressure sensed by the pressure transducer; and a housing mounting the plurality of elements with the motor shaft extending outwardly from the housing. Other transducers, such as temperature or humidity, may alternatively be utilized. Other d.c. motors with positional feedback may sometimes alternatively be used in place of the stepper motor. The movement is operatively connected to a pointer (which may be much larger and heavier than in conventional analog instruments) which is accurately moved by the d.c.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2005Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Brendon G. Nunes, Peter Rummell
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Publication number: 20080187158Abstract: A method for monitoring the supply voltage of a hearing aid comprising an electric cell (1) comprises the steps of counting the number of times the supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, and setting an alarm flag if said number of times reaches a predetermined value. The method may be implemented using a circuit for monitoring the supply voltage of an electric cell. The circuit comprises a timer timing a detection interval, a detector for detecting drops in the voltage below a predetermined threshold value, a counter for counting the number of detections within said detecting interval, means (3) for setting an alarm flag if said number of times reaches a predetermined value within said first detection interval, and means (12) for suspending alarms during warm-up phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Widex A/SInventors: David WELNER, Ole Erik Toft
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Publication number: 20080180264Abstract: The present invention relates to a power control apparatus and method for preventing a system from being repeatedly booted and shut off by re-setting a cut-off voltage when the system is shut down by a cutoff mode. The power control apparatus of a terminal device according to the present invention comprises a power controller 30 for controlling power supplied from a battery 10 to the terminal device; and a memory 60 for storing a cutoff voltage value for shutting down a system if a voltage of the battery 10 is lower than a reference value, wherein the power controller 30 sets a flag when the system is shut down by a cutoff mode. When the system is rebooted, it is determined whether to drive the system based on an additional cutoff voltage, if the flag is set. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the system from being shut down by the cutoff mode after it has been driven.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jung Hwan LEE, Grant EO
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Patent number: 7403130Abstract: An automatic circuit recloser is automatically removed from service prior to battery failure. Logic implemented on the automatic circuit recloser is used to determine whether a battery of the automatic circuit recloser may power operation of the automatic circuit recloser in place of a primary power source of the automatic circuit recloser is determined. The logic is also used to signal for the automatic circuit recloser to be automatically tripped when the battery may not power operation of the automatic circuit recloser in place of the primary power source. The logic also may be used to determine whether the battery is of a marginal quality in which the capability of the battery to power operation of the automatic circuit recloser is compromised, and to issue an alarm to indicate that the battery is of the marginal quality.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventor: David Stephen Brucker
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Publication number: 20080164881Abstract: A battery voltage monitoring apparatus monitoring an assembled battery voltage, the assembled battery including a plurality of battery cells, includes a voltage sensor detecting potential of the plurality of battery cells; an output logic circuit outputting a potential detect signal based on an output of the voltage sensor, the potential detect signal representing that abnormal potential is detected; and a delay circuit adding certain delay to the output of the voltage sensor and outputting the delayed voltage detect signal to the output logic circuit; wherein, the voltage sensor comprises at least one comparator having hysteresis characteristic, and detects the potential of the battery cell based on an output of the comparator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Manabu Miyamoto
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Publication number: 20080157982Abstract: A rodent repeller having an elongated body, an end cap, an apex, a power supply, a buzzer, an LED, an LED transformer, and a buzzer transformer. Connection of the power supply to the buzzer via the buzzer transformer produces a signal to discourage rodents from remaining in a vicinity of the repeller stake, and connection of the power supply to the LED via the LED transformer produces a visual indicator that the repeller stake is operable. The LED transformer receives a voltage from the power supply, and the voltage varies in amount from a high voltage to a low voltage. The LED transformer controls the amount of power to the LED such that the LED has a high brightness when the high voltage is received by the LED transformer and the LED has a low brightness when the low voltage is received by the LED transformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Isaac Weiser, Margaret Weiser, Albert M. Williams