Configured To Promote Sensing Capability (e.g., Smoke Detector) Patents (Class 340/693.6)
  • Patent number: 11137340
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a particle detection sensor that is compact-and-flat designed and manufacturable at low cost. [Solution] A particle detection sensor (1) includes light transmissive resin (5) that encapsulates a light emitting element (3) and a light receiving element (6), and a reflective surface (7) that is arranged on the light transmissive resin (5) and reflects output light (8) radiated from the light emitting element (3) toward an incident light field area (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Masuda, Akifumi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10063040
    Abstract: An electrical connection box applicable to a wire harness includes a case including a housing space that is formed inside by a first member and a second member facing each other along an opposite direction and that houses a substrate, and a locking part that is locked to a fixing object surface. The first member includes a first protrusion, and the second member includes a second protrusion formed to face the first protrusion and an abutting part that abuts on the fixing object surface in a state in which the locking part is locked to the fixing object surface, generates a pushing force along the opposite direction, and has the substrate sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayuki Nagano
  • Patent number: 9742991
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kiosk design for an advanced photographic system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a self-contained, automated photobooth kiosk. In embodiments of the invention, the photobooth kiosk is capable of taking a 360 degree panoramic photograph or sequence of photographs of a subject and surrounding background. For instance, a customer of the photobooth kiosk may stand in the center of the photobooth and have his or her picture taken with a plurality of specialized “machine vision” cameras, with the images sent to a central processor such as a computer for processing into a 360 degree panoramic photograph or video clip. After the photo-taking session, the customer may collect prints of the pictures at the kiosk, similar to presently available photobooths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Frank Latorre
  • Patent number: 9030330
    Abstract: A carbon monoxide safety device detects levels of carbon monoxide producible by a device and deactivates the device upon detection of a predetermined level of carbon monoxide. The device includes a housing and a processor coupled to the housing. A plurality of wires is electrically coupled to the processor. A sensor is operationally coupled to the processor wherein the sensor measures a level of carbon monoxide. A switch is operationally coupled to the sensor wherein the sensor sends a deactivation signal to the switch to deactivate the source of carbon monoxide upon the sensor detecting a predetermined level of carbon monoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Nichols, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9013321
    Abstract: A bipole is fitted in a warning system socket for removably receiving a hazard warning system in order to set one of at least two operating modes of the hazard warning system. An electric characteristic of the bipole can be read out electrically by an electronic control of the hazard warning system via two electric contact pairs which are in contact with each other in the received state of the hazard warning system. In particular, the bipole is used via at least one pair of electric contacts, the pair being generally provided for externally connecting an optical and/or acoustic alarm emitter, in order to read in the electric characteristic of the bipole. The bipole is preferably a passive electric resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Urs Kästli, Matthias Nyikos, Beat Schmid, Reto Steiner
  • Patent number: 9013316
    Abstract: The smoke detector comprises a housing provided with one or more openings for the passage of smoke particles into an interior of the housing. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed in the interior of the housing and generate an electric field by application of an electrical potential therebetween. A detection chamber is defined between the first electrode and the second electrode, the detection chamber comprising an ionization zone for the generation of charged particles by ionization of air in the vicinity of the second electrode and a drift zone for the movement of charged particles towards the first electrode. A measurement device measures an electrical parameter representative of the electrical current generated between the first electrode and the second electrode by the charged particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: Finsecur, Institut pour le Developpement de la Science, l'Education et la Technologie (IDSET)
    Inventors: Zohreh Mokhtari, Stéphane Hole, Jacques Lewiner
  • Patent number: 9007223
    Abstract: The invention provides use of one or more emitted beams of radiation (16), for example, laser beam(s), in combination with an image capturing means (14), for example, one or more video cameras and/or optical elements to detect particles (30), for example, smoke particles, located in an open space (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Xtralis Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ron Knox, Karl Boettger, Kemal Ajay
  • Patent number: 8988246
    Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring proximally configurable devices deployed in a region that includes scanning the region that includes multiple deployed proximally configurable devices with a directed radiation beam and transmitting data, utilizing the directed radiation beam, to one or more of the deployed proximally configurable devices where the data is associated with the location of the directed radiation beam during scanning within the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Mirov
  • Patent number: 8957768
    Abstract: An operation apparatus includes a base, a sensing unit, a plurality of plates, and a drive mechanism. The base has a surface. The sensing unit includes at least three pressure-sensitive detection regions that are provided at different vertex positions of a polygon having at least three corners set in each of a plurality of regions obtained by partitioning at least a part of the surface of the base. The plurality of plates are provided to correspond to the plurality of regions and cover the at least a part of the surface. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the plurality of plates on the basis of a signal generated by detection of the sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Kawabe, Masatoshi Ueno, Shinobu Kuriya, Yusaku Kato, Kenichi Kabasawa, Tetsuro Goto, Tsubasa Tsukahara, Toshiyuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8947230
    Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes an acoustic sensor is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the acoustic sensor provides acoustic data based on measurements of sound in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Based on the acoustic data, a control mechanism determines if an alarm device, which is separate from the environmental monitoring device, is activated. For example, the environmental monitoring device may determine if a smoke detector is activated based on measurements of sound, such as a temporal 3 acoustic pattern. In addition, a sensor mechanism in the environmental monitoring device may provide sensor data based on measurements of an environmental condition in the external environment. The control mechanism may use the sensor data to assess a degree of threat in the external environment, and the environmental monitoring device may output different audible sounds as the degree of threat changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Leeo, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Gettings, Andrew G. Stevens, Bjorn H. Hovland
  • Patent number: 8933811
    Abstract: Smoke alarm comprising at least one internal chamber, which chamber has at least one opening towards the surroundings, such that air may pass through the chamber, and where means are provided for emitting light and means for detecting said light is provided in or around said chamber, where the change in light intensity registered by the means generates a smoke alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Cavius ApS
    Inventor: Glenn Højmose
  • Patent number: 8928487
    Abstract: An adjustable occupancy sensor capable of being secured to a light fixture includes a housing having a side and a bottom, a sensor assembly attached to the housing at the bottom of the housing, and an adjustable mounting assembly provided on the side of the housing. The adjustable mounting assembly includes a slot defined in the side of the housing and a track having a plurality of segments extending along the length of the track. The track is configured to be releasably secured to the side of the housing within the slot, the plurality of segments being configured to be breakable from the track to adjust a length of the track. The adjustable mounting assembly further includes a connector molded or otherwise secured to the track to connect the housing of the adjustable occupancy sensor to the light fixture. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Dyer, James V. Olson
  • Patent number: 8910820
    Abstract: A life safety assembly includes an attachment stud configured to attach to a surface, and a life safety device that is mountable on the attachment stud. The life safety device has a receptacle configured to receive and interlock with the attachment stud to mount the life safety device with respect to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Corporation
    Inventor: Jason Michael Sharpe
  • Patent number: 8912914
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of containers may include a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path and a size part which is arranged in an interchangeable manner on the apparatus. The size part may include a first identification element based upon RFID technology in order to identify the size part. The size part may in turn include a position detection device which detects a position of at least one element of the apparatus with respect to the size part and emits a signal characteristic of this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Manfred Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8878654
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medication dispensing system comprising a container including at least two compartments each compartment including a cavity configured to contain at least one first medication, a covering over the cavity configured to break under pressure, and an elongate conductive element on at least a portion of the covering and configured sever upon breaking the covering. The medication dispensing system further includes one interrogator-readable RFID circuit operatively associated with the container and connected to the elongate conductive element of each of the at least two compartments, and one RFID circuit interrogator configured to interrogate the one RFID circuit and determine whether the elongate conductive element is severed on either on at least one of the at least two compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Cohen-Alloro, Batami Sadan, Gilead Asseo, Tomer Gofer
  • Patent number: 8878687
    Abstract: An automatic door sensor includes: at least one sensor module unit (sensor module 11) configured to detect optically an object or a human body and to output, according to the detection results, a signal to a door controller for controlling an automatic door to open/close; an accommodation unit (profile 12) capable of accommodating the at least one sensor module unit; a cover member (front cover 13) that is transmissive to light for use for the detection performed by the sensor module unit and configured to cover the accommodation unit in which the sensor module unit is accommodated; and a functionality expansion module (LED module 14) either side of which can be joined to the cover member and that is configured to expand functionalities of the automatic door sensor by performing communication with the sensor module unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanao Shiraishi, Takashi Imai, Takashi Kondo, Takayasu Ikeda, Yohei Iwata
  • Patent number: 8842000
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a system of fans in a facility from a central system controller are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system of fans can be configured to shut down automatically during an emergency condition or event. For example, a fan system controller can be connected to the system of fans and provide a signal to each of the fans. While each of the fans receives the signal, power is connected to a motor on each of the fans. Upon detection of an emergency condition, the fan system controller disconnects the signal to the fans, thereby automatically simultaneously shutting down the entire system of fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Daryl Day, Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford
  • Patent number: 8768535
    Abstract: A method and device for the recognition of a trailer (2) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the trailer (2) is connected to the motor vehicle (1) via a coupling device (3), wherein a control device (4) collects and stores data relating to the currently connected trailer (2) during an operating phase of the motor vehicle, and a device for identification (5) of the trailer (2) is able to ascertain, by means of a test signal, a separation of the connected trailer (2) from the motor vehicle (1) during the shutdown phase of the motor vehicle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Christoph Kossira, Andreas Baudisch
  • Patent number: 8742939
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for rapidly detecting smoke or other particles or aerosols generated in any one or more compartments of a multi-compartment electronics enclosure. The herein disclosed system includes a particle sensor and an airflow controller that pulls air and particles from the one or more compartments through fluid pathways and into the particle sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Polak, Jeffrey Roberg, Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 8742937
    Abstract: An alarm unit of the invention is provided with: a light emitting section; a battery power supply; a voltage booster circuit that boosts a voltage from this battery power supply to thereby generate a boosted voltage; a light emission control section that controls the voltage booster circuit to supply, with the timing at which the boosted voltage is obtained, the boosted voltage to the light emitting section, thereby intermittently driving light emission; a light receiving section that receives light from the light emitting section having been diffused by smoke; a conversion circuit that converts a received light signal from the light receiving section into received light data; a fire hazard detection section that detects a fire hazard based on the received light data from the conversion circuit; an alarm section that outputs an alarm based on a fire hazard detection signal from the fire hazard detection section; a reference voltage circuit that generates a reference voltage for the voltage booster circuit and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Asano
  • Publication number: 20140091939
    Abstract: Methods and systems to redirect the audible and visible signals from alarms on a portable safety device. A cover (10) cooperates with a portable safety device (50) to define a sound chamber (12) that amplifies audible warning signals. A visual alarm guide (14) also is provided. A calibration adapter (500) affords quick and simple bump testing and calibration of the portable safety device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Industrial Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Tae-yeon Won, Charlies Hughes, Brad Day
  • Patent number: 8624745
    Abstract: A high sensitivity smoke detector includes a housing which defines an internal, closed, scattering region, and an external, open scattering region. A cyclone-type separator draws atmosphere adjacent the external scattering region into the detector and separates the larger, non-smoke related particulate matter which flows into the internal, closed scattering region for sensing and subsequent analysis. An annular inflow pattern can be established with a central exit flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Barson
  • Patent number: 8610560
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a structure prior to and during subjection to a hazardous condition. The system includes a primary monitoring apparatus comprising a monitoring circuit and alerting circuit integrated into an enclosure. The monitoring circuit includes a sensor for detecting an individual or an animal within the area. The alerting circuit includes at least one alerting device. The alerting device can be any of audible alert, a visual alert, and a remote communications. A remote alerting apparatus includes at least one alert device. Signal communication is established between the monitoring apparatus and the alerting apparatus, wherein the primary apparatus activates the alert device(s) of the remote apparatus. The system is deployed within a structure, including placement of an alerting apparatus external to the structure. The system is activated prior to initiation of the hazardous process, monitoring the region for any living beings and emitting an alert when detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Charles Steven Conner
  • Patent number: 8610587
    Abstract: A smoke detector unit with built-in global system for mobile communications (GSM) to effect short message service (SMS) with an end user, and short message service (SMS), data transmission or email, with a central station monitoring (CSM) Events such as low battery condition and excessive smoke detection are reported to the CSM or end user via SMS or email. The unit may be reprogrammed via SMS remotely. The unit may be checked for connectivity between the unit and the CSM or end user via SMS remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Dovid Tropper
  • Patent number: 8552874
    Abstract: Building vents and the associated vent stacks are an emerging security challenge. The vents may run the entire length of a building, providing a direct and substantially unobstructed path for gases and devices to be introduced into a building's interior. A security apparatus for the vent(s) of a structure may include a housing that may be positioned on a vent opening, such as a vent stack, and a gas monitoring apparatus and a motion detector. The gas monitoring apparatus may be used to detect a volatile gas in the vicinity of the housing and generate an alarm or signal when a gas is detected. The motion detector may sense the removal of the security apparatus from a vent and trigger an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Lloyd J. Wander
  • Patent number: 8546740
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus for optically detecting an object includes (a) a first emitting device, configured to emit a first emission beam, (b) a first receiving device, configured to receive a first reception beam, (c) a second receiving device, configured to receive a second reception beam, and (d) an evaluation unit connected downstream of the first receiving device and the second receiving device. The first reception beam and/or the second reception beam contains scattered light which is produced when an at least partial scattering of the first transmission beam occurs at the object. The evaluation unit is coupled to the first receiving device and the second receiving device so as to receive a difference signal between a first output signal of the first receiving device and a second output signal of the second receiving device. The sensor apparatus may be incorporated in a proximity sensor and a danger warning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Walter Vollenweider
  • Patent number: 8537020
    Abstract: A gas detector includes at least one gas sensing element and a calorimetric sensing material for detection of a different, potentially contaminating gas which can impair the function of the gas sensing element disposed within the detector. The sensing material provides a visual indication of the presence of the potentially contaminating gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Walter R. Thorson
  • Patent number: 8508376
    Abstract: The invention provides use of one or more emitted beams of radiation (16), for example, laser beam(s), in combination with an image capturing means (14), for example, one or more video cameras and/or optical elements to detect particles (30), for example smoke particles, located in an open space (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: VFS Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Ron Knox, Karl Boettger, Kemal Ajay
  • Patent number: 8490710
    Abstract: In-computer fire suppression, the computer comprising an in-computer flame detector and an in-computer fire extinguisher including detecting, by an in-computer flame detector, a flame, releasing, by the in-computer fire extinguisher, an extinguishing agent in response to the flame detector detecting the flame; and disabling the power supply to the computer having within it the in-computer flame detector and the in-computer fire extinguisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew R. Archibald, Jerrod K. Buterbaugh
  • Patent number: 8485271
    Abstract: In-computer fire suppression, the computer comprising an in-computer flame detector and an in-computer fire extinguisher including detecting, by an in-computer flame detector, a flame, releasing, by the in-computer fire extinguisher, an extinguishing agent in response to the flame detector detecting the flame; and disabling the power supply to the computer having within it the in-computer flame detector and the in-computer fire extinguisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew R. Archibald, Jerrod K. Buterbaugh
  • Patent number: 8441368
    Abstract: A surface mountable radiation guide for a radiation path between a measurement volume (1) and an electro-optical component has a first radiation interface in a radiation path towards the measurement volume, a third radiation interface in a radiation path towards the electro-optical component, and a reflecting portion forming a first radiation path between the first and the third radiation interface, said first radiation path providing a focus region at the measurement volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Excelitas Technologies Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Liess, Arthur Barlow
  • Patent number: 8314712
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating spoilage detection in bulk grain storage bins via dust-free or substantially dust-free air sampling. Dust particles are passively removed from sampled air without the use of barrier filters or electrostatic screens, but instead through the use of a non-linear pathway that is open at one end and closed at the other end. A system is disclosed that incorporates a coiled pathway as an air inlet element combined with a carbon dioxide or other gas detector element to provide an integrated detector module suitable for permanent installation in a dusty bulk grain storage bin environment to provide spoilage gas measurements over time. The system may communicate data to a central data storage system via cellular telephone or long range radio frequency data transmission. Alerts and alarms are generated and transmitted electronically to users via email, SMS text, automated phone messages and other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Bin Tech L.L.L.P.
    Inventors: Guy Fromme, Timothy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8299903
    Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture and combination screw-in light with speakers element is disclosed where the fixture is installed in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The light bulb/speaker can be screwed or secured into a standard light bulb socket. The sound producing elements is a coaxial arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers that can be directed to emit sound in a particular direction. The fixture or bulb may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in or near the fixture. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity and color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Edward H Haase, John Kemper Pasley
  • Patent number: 8242917
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and/or simulating weather related information, including temperature information are provided. Weather related data can be obtained from any convenient source. A temperature indication surface can be used to match a temperature value from the weather related data. Indications can also be provided regarding wind speed and general weather condition corresponding to the weather related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Blinn, Kenneth R. Steele, Sanjay K. Sharma, Brita A Horton
  • Patent number: 8232884
    Abstract: A detection device and detection device system are provided, wherein the detection device includes a housing, a first detector device and a second detector device. The first detector device is configured to detect at least one smoke particle. A second detector device configured to detect at least one gas particle, wherein the first detector device and the second detector device are substantially enclosed in the housing. The detection device further includes an audible enunciator configured to emit an audible noise when at least one of the first and second detector devices detect at least one smoke and gas particle, and a test button, wherein the audible enunciator emits an audible sound when the detection device is operating improperly and the test button is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Greg R. Pattok, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Scott R. Edwards, Darin D. Tuttle, Christopher D. Stirling
  • Patent number: 8228184
    Abstract: A load control system comprises a load control device and a battery-powered occupancy sensor, which transmits a first wireless signal to the load control device in response to detecting the presence of an occupant in a space. The load control system further comprises a visual indicator for providing a visual indication when the magnitude of a battery voltage of a battery of the occupancy sensor has dropped below a predetermined low-battery voltage threshold. The occupancy sensor may comprise the visual indicator, such that the visual indicator is illuminated when the occupancy detects the presence of the occupant in the space and the magnitude of the battery voltage is less than the predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the load control device may comprise the visual indicator, such that the visual indicator is illuminated in response to receiving a second wireless signal, which is transmitting by the occupancy sensor when the magnitude of the battery voltage is less than the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Blakeley, James P. Steiner, Adam J. Schrems
  • Patent number: 8223029
    Abstract: A method for controlling a cleaning device is presented, which includes the following steps. A cleaning device includes a control unit, a fan module, an optical emitter, and an optical sensor. The optical emitter and the optical sensor are located in an air inlet of the fan module. The control unit is preset with a first impedance value (Z1), a second impedance value (Z2), and a threshold, where 0<Z1<Z2. Then, the control unit reads an impedance value (Z) of the fan module. If Z1<Z<Z2, the control unit drives the fan module. If Z2<Z, the control unit reads a detected value of the optical sensor. If the detected value exceeds the threshold, the control unit drives the fan module, so as to increase a suction force of the fan module. If the detected value is smaller than the threshold, the control unit turns off the fan module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yu-Liang Chung, Chun-Hsien Liu, Chun-Chieh Wang, Long-Der Chen, Chen Meng-Chun, Chun-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 8169336
    Abstract: A gratuity receptacle that contains a gratuity sensor to detect when gratuity has been inserted into the opening of the gratuity receptacle. When gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle, the gratuity sensor activates a notification means to alert patrons and employees that gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle. The notification may be any combination of a visual, motion, and/or a sound notification. The notification may be related to an advertising campaign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Danny Watson
  • Patent number: 8125321
    Abstract: An obstacle detecting device includes a wall member and an ultrasonic sensor. The wall member has a base member having an inner surface, and the base member extends in parallel with an imaginary plane. The ultrasonic sensor is attached to the inner surface of the base member for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave via the base member. The ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transducer, and is in contact with the base member via a contact portion of the inner surface of the base member. The wall member includes a plurality of rigidity changing portions that are arranged on an other part of the inner surface other than the contact portion in an arrangement direction away from the contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyonari Kojima, Toshihiro Hattori, Akio Nakano
  • Patent number: 8120481
    Abstract: When a person believes that he/she is having a heart attack, a pendant (or other communications device) can be activated to communicate an emergency services request signal to an emergency services notification station (e.g., that houses an AED). Once the emergency services notification station receives the emergency services request signal, the emergency services notification station can notify anyone in the area of the pending emergency (e.g., by sounding a siren and/or flashing a light and/or vibrating). The emergency services notification station can utilize an address display such that someone passing by is informed of the address of the person that needs assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 8111168
    Abstract: A smoke detector comprises a first housing to face an area in which to detect smoke, a second housing secured to the first housing, electronics to detect smoke within the area, and a flameproof barrier positioned between the first and second housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Frazer Bell
  • Patent number: 8085135
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medication dispensing system comprising a container including at least two compartments each compartment including a cavity configured to contain at least one first medication, a covering over the cavity configured to break under pressure, and an elongate conductive element on at least a portion of the covering and configured sever upon breaking the covering. The medication dispensing system further includes one interrogator-readable RFID circuit operatively associated with the container and connected to the elongate conductive element of each of the at least two compartments, and one RFID circuit interrogator configured to interrogate the one RFID circuit and determine whether the elongate conductive element is severed on either on at least one of the at least two compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Cohen Alloro, Batami Sadan, Gilead Asseo, Tomer Gofer
  • Patent number: 8072321
    Abstract: A pressure sensing device, such as a tire pressure monitoring unit comprises a pressure sensor for measuring pressure of a fluid, such as air or an inert gas, in an environment external to the device, such as within the cavity of a tire. A hollow resonator, or standing wave tube, is coupled to the pressure sensor. The resonator has a free end exposed to the external environment to the extent that pressure variations in the fluid are propagated through the hollow resonator to the pressure sensor via the free end. The hollow resonator has a resonant frequency substantially matching a target frequency such that resonance is established in the tube at the resonant frequency in response to the presence of an audio signal in the fluid having a frequency that substantially matches the target frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Schrader Electronics. Ltd.
    Inventor: William David Lynn
  • Patent number: 8066859
    Abstract: A sensor supervision system for periodically providing a test to accesses the status of a gas detection sensor, such as a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, is provided. To access the status of the CO sensor, a processor provides a voltage to the sensor supervision system, such that a voltage is applied to CO sensor, charging the CO sensor. The status of the CO sensor is accessed by determining the change in the voltage charge of the CO sensor between two sampling time points. If the first sample voltage is substantially equal to the second sample voltage, i.e., a substantially constant voltage, the carbon monoxide sensor fails the test. However, if there is an change is the voltage change between the first and second sampled time points, the CO sensor passes the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: BRK Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Johnston, Gene Brooks
  • Patent number: 8013719
    Abstract: A combination low voltage light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a yard wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. Outdoor lighting and sound is produced with low voltage lighting that is wired or solar powered for operation. The fixture may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in near or around the fixture. The fixture may include a feedback system that allow the fixture to self modify its frequency response. The signal to the fixture is provided by wired or wireless interface. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity or color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Edward H. Haase
  • Patent number: 8009056
    Abstract: A movement monitor includes a sensor pad for sensing when a weight is placed on the sensor pad and when the weight is removed from the sensor pad. A sleeve encloses the sensor pad. A control flap is formed in the sleeve for enclosing an alarm circuit coupled to the sensor pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: United Security Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ted R. Greene
  • Patent number: 8004416
    Abstract: A smoke alarm system having a base and a body. The base is mounted onto and electrically connected to an unswitched electrical box. The body contains conventional smoke alarm circuitry. The base contains a threaded female socket similar to a standard light bulb socket. The body contains a corresponding male threaded connector similar to that on a standard light bulb. The body is thus able to be electrically connected to as well as physically mounted to the base by simply screwing the male threaded connector into the female threaded socket in the same manner as a light bulb is screwed into a light socket. The base is installed on the ceiling with its wires extending into the unswitched electrical box. A metal ring on the bottom shoulder of the base is connected to the smoke alarm interconnect system. On top of the body are two metal spring-loaded tabs which are connected within the smoke alarm to its interconnect system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Arch C. Bradley, Jr., Cindy A. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7990281
    Abstract: A doorbell chime (100) can comprise a chassis (101), a cover (104) having a mechanical-cover identifier (105, 106), a mechanical-cover identifier detector (103) (to detect when the cover is at least substantially disposed in the installed position), and a chime (102) mounted in the chassis. This chime is configured to operate in a first mode of operation (302) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector detects the cover and in a second mode of operation (303) (that is different than the first mode of operation) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector does not detect the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: HeathCo, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Blaise Tylicki, Timothy Gale Birdwell, Thomas Michael Gott, Jimmy David Claiborne
  • Patent number: 7982611
    Abstract: Rogue RFID readers are detected by listening to communication between rogue reader and a tag, capturing a time stamp and/or a channel associated with the communication, and checking the captured time stamp/channel to determine whether it is a result of a command from another legitimate reader. Audible or visible alerts may be issued, flags may be set, or messages transmitted to an administrator upon determining the operation of the rogue RFID reader. Based on the alert(s) affected tags or the rogue reader may be jammed or an effect of the illegal transmission by the rogue reader may be reversed or tags replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Picasso, Paul Dietrich, Michael J. Dacquisto, Joseph Baird, Christopher J. Diorio, Harley K. Heinrich
  • Patent number: 7973669
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to detect at least one material or condition, such as a smoke detector, fire detector, or carbon monoxide detector. The sensor assembly also includes a base configured to be mounted on a structure, such as a wall or ceiling, and to receive the sensor. The sensor assembly further includes a wireless module located between the sensor and the base. The wireless module is configured to transmit position information. The wireless module may include one or more electrical contacts used to form at least one electrical connection between the base of the sensor assembly and the sensor. The wireless module may also include a printed circuit board having the contacts, wireless radio circuitry, an antenna, and other components. The printed circuit board could be substantially hidden from view when the sensor is attached to the base and the base is mounted on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Hai D. Pham, Steve D. Huseth, Andrew G. Berezowski, Thomas J. Schubring, Edward J. Dauskurdas, Dan Hawkinson, Kalvin Watson, Edward J. Kurtz, David J. Wunderlin