Visual Indication Patents (Class 340/815.4)
  • Patent number: 8937530
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) that is controlled by the RFID's logic and powered by the RFID's power harvesting circuit, wherein the RFID tag is capable of being interrogated by an RFID reader and reporting its unique identification number by RF backscatter and/or controlling the illumination state of the at least one LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua R. Smith, Daniel Yeager, Ali Rahimi
  • Publication number: 20150015409
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic device that provides a reminder of a task is provided. The controlling method includes receiving an input of a content of a reminder target task, designating a related application that is linked with the reminder target task, and generating and storing the reminder target task of which the content is to be displayed using a predetermined event as a trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Sung-Joon WON
  • Patent number: 8933814
    Abstract: An LED light signal, in particular an LED railway light signal, contains a signal generator for generating varicolored light spots. The LEDs are embodied as multicolor LEDs, in particular RGB LEDs—Red/Yellow/Blue LEDs. In order to be able to utilize the possibilities for color mixing and thus for realizing a large number of color variants for safety-relevant signaling technology, the signal generator has at least one optical sensor for monitoring a color locus and a light intensity reliably in terms of signaling technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eike Berg, Rolf Eckl, Norbert Poepplow
  • Patent number: 8933810
    Abstract: A liquid level indicator indicates liquid level in a standpipe with a color change in a column of lights positioned alongside the standpipe. The indicator can be used alongside a mechanical indicator which indicates liquid level in a standpipe with a color change in a column of magnetic elements to light the mechanical indicator. The two indicators when used together provide high visibility under all conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Wade L. Donehue
  • Patent number: 8926151
    Abstract: A vehicular accessory system includes an attachment element attached at an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle and an accessory assembly having a housing that accommodates an accessory element. The accessory assembly includes structure used in attaching the accessory assembly to the attachment element. The accessory assembly includes circuitry disposed in the housing, and at least two electrical accessories of the accessory assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. One of the at least two electrical accessories includes a video camera and another of the at least two electrical accessories is selected from the group consisting of (i) a headlamp controller, (ii) a remote keyless entry receiver, (iii) a cellular phone and (iv) a vehicle status indicator. The video camera, when the accessory assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle, may have a field of view through the windshield of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20150002305
    Abstract: It would be beneficial for engineers when renewing municipal infrastructure to have the option of centralizing multiple services into one physical element of infrastructure. It would also be beneficial where one specific element of infrastructure may be replaced to address replacement or operating costs, e.g. when replacing high pressure sodium, xenon, metal-halide, or mercury lighting with solid state lighting, that the new infrastructure supports migration to an overall reduction in physical infrastructure as other services/infrastructure elements are renewed. It would be further beneficial for the deployed physical element of infrastructure minimize physical footprint, offer low cost design solutions, improve reliability, support evolving requirements, offer new services and revenue-generating opportunities, enhance the payback and return on investment, as well the evolving needs of emergency services, security organizations, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Wells
  • Patent number: 8917187
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a securely attached portable, wearable device to enhance safety, visibility and communication capability of safety personnel when such personal leave their vehicles. The device provided is configured to be securely attached to the wearer, and is capable of emitting variable visual and audio signals actuated by a control panel component which is designed so that the user can activate various options of visual and audio signals while in flight. The device may further include GPS capability for tracking, activation and deactivation functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: 425, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin D. Matte
  • Publication number: 20140368348
    Abstract: A laser processing system for accurate detection of how far away the surface of a workpiece may be includes a platform, a laser processing device, a distance detection device, and a driving device. The platform is configured for carrying at least one workpiece. Both the laser processing device and the distance detection device are arranged upon the platform. The distance detection device detects an actual distance between a surface of the workpiece and the laser processing device, and compares the preset height with the actual height. If the preset height is less than the actual height, the distance detection device emitting a warning signal to remind a worker to re-enter a new preset height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: CHEN-HAN LIN
  • Patent number: 8912898
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lites Out, LLC
    Inventors: Brent D. Arnold, Brian K. Reinle, Scott H. Galaise
  • Patent number: 8909423
    Abstract: A vehicle display device includes a vehicle instrument panel, upper-side and lower-side segment displays and a display controller. Each of the upper-side and lower-side segment displays has at least three number-displaying elements that are arranged in a line in a lateral direction for displaying numerical values using a plurality of segments. The display controller is configured to combine the number-displaying elements in the upper-side and lower-side segment displays and to display vehicle information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Ozawa, Hidenori Hokura
  • Patent number: 8907808
    Abstract: A method of locating, tracking, distinguishing and identifying people and pets as survivors or non survivors in the aftermath of a natural or manmade disaster, the method includes the use of illuminated displays such as flashlights, illuminated beacons, smart phone screens and/or computer screens. In one exemplary method, the illuminated displays are set to a particular color and flash pattern to distinguish between men, women, children, pets and whether they survived or not. When an alert is issued people prepare as they normally do but add one step: Tag or equip themselves and others with the illuminated displays set to the appropriate setting so that responders can utilize the night to locate the illuminate displays now recognized as indicators of people so they can better plan first light rescue operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Juan Cienfuegos
  • Publication number: 20140347190
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for monitoring the state of a system (2), in particular safety switches for monitoring the closed state of safety equipment (2) of a machine (3), wherein the device (1) is provided with a switch head (10) and an actuator (8), which can be brought into interaction with one another and thus control the device (1). The invention is characterized in that the switch head (10) is provided with an optical signal means (14) for optically signaling an operational state of the device (1) the actuator (8) is provided with a light-guiding means (28) having at least one entrance window (32) and at least one exit window (34, 36), and in a state of the device (1) in which the switch head (10) and the actuator (8) are interacting with one another, the light emitted by the signal means (14) enters, at least in part, via the at least one entrance window (32) and exits via the at least one exit window (34, 36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Ilo Grimm
  • Publication number: 20140347191
    Abstract: An indication apparatus includes a square tub-shaped housing having at least one transparent side surface formed of a transparent member, an indication panel that is disposed on the transparent side surface and includes one or more indicator designs, a wiring board that includes one or more light sources corresponding to the one or more indicator designs and an electric circuit for turning the one or more light sources on/off, wherein the wiring board is inserted and received in the housing through an opening of a tub end of the housing, and a sponge light-shielding wall that is adhered on a surface of the wiring board for surrounding at least a portion of outer circumferential sides of at least one target light source of the one or more light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8896456
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a seat location. An indicator is activated for a seat in a passenger cabin when a passenger leaves the seat. The indicator indicates a location of the seat when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Vicki Ann Curtis, Kayla Dunn, Ricardo Elizondo Costa, Sophie Prescott, Colin Cansler Curry, Sooshin Choi, Lingyu Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140333448
    Abstract: A sensor device for an alerting system comprises a casing and a sensing element adapted to detect an alerting event, wherein said sensor device is adapted to output an alert signal in response to said sensing element detecting an alerting event. The sensing element is a photosensitive element adapted to detect, when said sensor device is positioned in a sensitive relationship to a display of a mobile communication device, an illumination of the display of said mobile communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: PETER GUSTAF JUNGVID
  • Patent number: 8884741
    Abstract: A system simultaneously tracks multiple objects. All or a subset of the objects includes a wireless receiver and a transmitter for providing an output. The system includes one or more wireless transmitters that send commands to the wireless receivers of the multiple objects instructing different subsets of the multiple objects to output (via their respective transmitter) at different times. The system also includes object sensors that receive output from the transmitters of the multiple objects and a computer system in communication with the object sensors. The computer system calculates locations of the multiple objects based on the sensed output from the multiple objects. In some embodiments, the system can also track an item based on proximity of that item to one or more of the objects. In such embodiments, the multiple objects each includes one or more local sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sportvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Cavallaro, James Orville McGuffin, John Roy Borton
  • Patent number: 8884777
    Abstract: A mobile device including a solar battery having a light-receiving surface provided on a casing of the mobile device, an illuminance detector that detects an illuminance of light incident on the casing, an output section that outputs a state of light incident on the light-receiving surface of the solar battery, and a controller that controls the output section based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Kimitaka Benise, Jusuke Shimura, Yoshiaki Inoue, Yasuhide Hosoda
  • Patent number: 8884776
    Abstract: An electronic device, in particular of the sensor or detector type, includes a housing having first and second longitudinal opposite and sealed ends. The housing contains an electronic card and with its inside volume being filled by an insulating filler material that coats the card, its components, and the end of a connecting cable connected to the card, the housing including an opening at its second end, which is sealed by a connected piece that is equipped with a passage opening for the connecting cable. The sealing piece includes at least a second through opening for injecting filler material (5), this or each second opening being sealed by a plug (9) made of a material that conducts and diffuses light, of which a portion is positioned in the vicinity of, and even in contact with, at least one light signaling element (10) or light indicator carried by the card (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Senstronic (Societe par Actions Simplifiee)
    Inventors: Joël Franc, Remy Kirchdoerffer
  • Patent number: 8884786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light sign (10) for displaying an instruction and/or guidance for ground airplane traffic at an airport, comprising a casing (20) with a transparent display panel (21) for representing an instruction and/or guidance symbol (Z), and a light source arranged inside the casing (20) with at least one luminescent diode (32) for illuminating the display panel (21). A diffusion panel (22) is made for scattering and/or back-scattering incident light, wherein the light source is arranged between the display panel and the diffusion panel. The at least one luminescent diode (32) is aligned on the diffusion panel (22) so that the display panel (21) is not illuminated directly, but indirectly by back-scattering of the light emitted from the at least one luminescent diode by the diffusion panel (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ADB BVBA
    Inventors: Martijn Beukema, Pierre Tremouroux
  • Patent number: 8854228
    Abstract: A computer including a microprocessor, a memory system, a bus system, and a single point indicator. The memory system includes an operating system stored therein. The bus system couples the memory system to the microprocessor. The single point indicator is coupled to the microprocessor and is capable of emitting a single point of light of substantially any wavelength in a visible spectrum. The computer also includes logic that determines a level of a selected operational parameter of the computer and logic that generates a corresponding wavelength of light emitted from the single point indicator. The corresponding wavelength of light corresponds to the level of the selected operational parameter. A method for indicating a level of a selected operational parameter of a computer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Klissner, Michael S. Bender
  • Patent number: 8854178
    Abstract: Shaking patterns and/or environmental information associated with real-world handheld devices may form a basis for enabling authentication and/or effectuating events in a virtual environment. The handheld devices may include toys and/or other object that can be used to play. The handheld devices may be associated with the virtual environment in that individual handheld devices may share an appearance and/or theme with an avatar, a virtual object, and/or other element within the virtual environment. Shaking a pair of handheld devices together may facilitate authentication of the handheld devices with respect to the virtual environment and/or effectuate one or more events within the virtual environment. By way of non-limiting example, two avatars may dance together or become friends in the virtual environment responsive to two corresponding handheld devices being shaken together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zurich (Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich)
    Inventors: Stefan Mangold, Roman Frigg, Thomas R. Gross
  • Publication number: 20140292529
    Abstract: A person support apparatus with an extendable mattress, a night light message display system, a screen key pendant, egress handle siderails, and various other features. The extendable mattress includes hinged extensions along the sides of the extendable mattress that are moved from a nested position to the extension position. The screen key pendant includes a plurality of screen keys that can be pressed to cycle through various control modes for the person support apparatus. The night light message display system can be configured to display a message or image on the floor communicating information to the person and/or alerting the person as to when they are able to exit the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Mark Zerhusen
  • Patent number: 8847782
    Abstract: A cylindrical hollow body fence post disposed according to the present invention features a first closed-geometry longitudinally hollow inner profile interconnected by at least two longitudinally extending bridging elements to a second closed-geometry longitudinally extending outer profile. The tubular post comprises one or more longitudinal housing for receiving illuminating elements. The illuminating elements are powered by a solar panel. The longitudinal housings receiving the illuminating elements are closed by longitudinal coverings providing a dovetail connection with the open end of the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kosedag Tel Orme Sanayi ve Ticaret Ithalat Ihracat A.S.
    Inventor: Ali Kösedag
  • Publication number: 20140285355
    Abstract: A multi-functional, multi-directional wearable safety lighting device is disclosed herein that includes a main light housing and a magnetic mounting assembly coupleable to a bottom surface of the main light housing. The mounting assembly is configured to secure the wearable safety lighting device to a user. The main light housing includes warning light elements coupled front and rear side surfaces. A directional work light is coupled to the front side surface of the main housing and is distinct from the warning light elements. A power source supplies power to the warning light elements and the work light. A controller is programmed to energize the warning light elements in select subgroups following depression of a first control button or a second control button, and energize the directional work light following depression of a third control button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: 425, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Matte, Ronald R. Dir, Chad J. Stillman
  • Patent number: 8836533
    Abstract: An dynamic electronic communication device. The tag according to embodiments of the invention is designed or set to discount, promote, incentivize, or apply information at certain states or within a certain timeframe at initial deployment, the tags themselves being capable of handling the logic. The tag generally includes a circuit, such as a silicon chip, that controls a flexible printed display, which displays the information when applied. The tag is optionally encapsulated in a plastic or glass case. The tag is made of a suitably small size such that the tag can easily be placed on individual items, and can be secured to other objects via an adhesive backing, sewn in, pinned on, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Soligie, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Timm, Jeffrey T. Griffin, John M. Heitzinger, David G. Sime
  • Patent number: 8830072
    Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag according to one embodiment includes a controller for setting one or more alarm states upon occurrence of one or more alarm conditions, and a visual display device under control of the controller, the visual display device providing a visual, audible, and/or tactile indicator of an alarm condition when an alarm state is set. The visual, audible, and/or tactile indicator of the alarm condition optionally can only be reset by an authorized entity, or cannot be reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Intelleflex Corporation
    Inventors: Naresh Batra, Lauren Marie Schlicht
  • Patent number: 8830080
    Abstract: An emergency lighting system for a building includes at least one LED-based light. An emergency detector is operable to detect an emergency. The emergency detector produces an emergency signal in response to the emergency. A controller is operable to control the at least one LED-based light in response to the emergency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: iLumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ivey, David L. Simon
  • Patent number: 8830079
    Abstract: A low air conditioning refrigerant detection method for a vehicle air conditioning system includes measuring an evaporator core outlet refrigerant temperature, measuring an evaporator core outlet air thermistor temperature, calculating a refrigerant to air temperature delta value based on difference between the evaporator core outlet refrigerant temperature and the evaporator core outlet air thermistor temperature and determining system refrigerant charge level based on the refrigerant to air temperature delta value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Smith, Trent G. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 8830081
    Abstract: A visual indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED), may display the quality of the radio frequency (RF) link. In one implementation, a device may include, a RF antenna; a control module to connect to a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network through the RF antenna; and a LED, disposed on an outer surface of the device, to emit light of a number of different colors, where the color to emit is selected based on a quality of the connection to the LTE network. The device may include an outdoor broadband unit connected to an external portion of a customer premise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Aguirre, Raafat E. Kamel, Kamlesh S. Kamdar, Lalit R. Kotecha
  • Patent number: 8823539
    Abstract: A display method and apparatus provides an easy to interpret presentation of multiple channel data, in the form of columns where the height of the column represents the relative measurement. A threshold line provides an indication of whether the measurement is above or below the threshold. Greater detail and numeric measurement values can be displayed for individual channels while the multiple channel display is in view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: J. David Schell, Sena E. R. Janky
  • Patent number: 8823540
    Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a guide frame with closed and open ends, the guide frame configured to be mounted to a substrate. The guide frame defines at least one cavity configured to receive an electrical component therein. A connector housing configured to be disposed in the at least one cavity and mounted to the substrate can support a retainer that extends outwardly from a body of the connector housing. The retainer can be configured to receive an attachment member supported by a light pipe, and can extend outwardly through the closed end of the guide frame. A heat sink coupled to the guide frame can be configured to have at least a portion of the light pipe disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology LLC
    Inventor: Michael Scholeno
  • Publication number: 20140240139
    Abstract: A portable message device includes a base having at least one wheel providing portability for the portable message device, and a base access panel which in an open position provides access to an internal base cavity. A communication feature includes a message portion providing a predetermined message saved in a memory. A sensor provides indication of the proximity of a person to the portable message device. A processor is connected to the sensor and the memory. The processor actuates the communication feature upon sensing the proximity of the person. A power source positioned substantially within the internal base cavity provides electrical power to operate the communication feature and the sensor, the power source being accessible by opening the base access panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy R. Tapley, Christopher M. Larsen, James Church
  • Patent number: 8816842
    Abstract: A GPS enabled relay controller that interfaces with an electronic device, such as a street light, barricade light, refrigerator, and other similar applications for turning off power to an electronic device for energy savings. The relay controller invokes quantification of refractive photon diffusion to switch between on and off an electronic device based upon refracted photons diffused at the surface of the earth at a particular location and based upon sampling at the Earth's surface from before civil twilight start until after sunrise and from before sunset until after civil twilight end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Physics Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Gookin
  • Patent number: 8818580
    Abstract: The dialog device includes a display screen, on which are displayed three graphic representations, which are respectively associated with the three control axes of the aircraft, each of said graphic representations comprising a plurality of portions, each of which is associated with a guidance mode of the associated control axis, so that all the possible guidance modes of the guidance system are thus represented, this representation highlighting the fact that the guidance modes are active exclusively on a given guidance axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Pascale Louise-Babando, Delphine Macdonald, Raphaëlle Ankaoua
  • Patent number: 8810420
    Abstract: An open fuse block is provided having a visual indicator or light assembly connected in parallel with a replaceable fuse mounted in the fuse block. When the fuse is blown, the corresponding visual indicator is illuminated to identify the blown fuse, thereby facilitating quick and easy replacement of the fuse. Since the visual indicator is connected in parallel with the fuse element, when the fuse is blown, the fuse results in an open circuit and the flow of electricity is rerouted through the visual indicator. The visual indicator is thereby illuminated and the corresponding blown fuse can be easily identified. The visual indicator or light assembly can include, for example, a neon bulb, light emitting diode, fluorescent bulb, incandescent bulb, or any other visual indicator that emits light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Stanek, Nathan C. Siegwald, Thomas M. Novak, Christopher J. Miller, Daniel R. Gilman, William F. Gonzalez, Jesse D. Rednour
  • Patent number: 8810407
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a walker has a body. An illumination source is supported by the body. The illumination source is configured to focus illumination on a target area. The target area includes both a leg of a user and ground adjacent the leg during an entire gait cycle of the user using the walker for assistance during ambulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Angel Navigational Concepts IP LLC
    Inventors: Mark Nolan, Marcia Nolan
  • Patent number: 8810415
    Abstract: An object, for example a building, is divided into different sections. Each section comprises a plurality of computers, each controlling an individual escape route display or a group of escape route displays. The computers are controlled by monitoring sensors of the object section. The blueprint of the object section and a control algorithm for the safest escape route from the object section is stored in the computers. The invention further relates to an escape route display that can be used for a device of said kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Elektro Grundler Ges.m.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gottfried Grundler, Georg Franz Wagner, Ulrich Constantin Wagner
  • Patent number: 8803679
    Abstract: An engine rotational speed display device includes a rotational speed sensor and a pulse rotor. An engine rotational speed calculating unit is configured to calculate an engine rotational speed by a moving average of a detected value of a crankshaft rotational speed pulse. A display unit is configured to display the engine rotational speed on a meter by electrical processing. When the crankshaft rotational speed pulse is not detected in a detection time equal to or more than a predetermined value, the engine rotational speed calculating unit determines that the engine rotational speed is “0,” and the engine rotational speed of “0” is displayed on the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Nakamura, Kenichi Machida
  • Publication number: 20140218204
    Abstract: A strobe device that includes multiple strobe elements is disclosed. The strobe device may include a first strobe element and a second strobe element, where at least one aspect of the first strobe element differs from the second strobe element. For example, the first strobe element may be a Xenon flash tube strobe element and the second strobe element may be an LED-based strobe element. In response to receiving a command to generate an output, the controller determines which of the first strobe element and/or the second strobe element to activate, and sends one or more signals to the first strobe element and/or the second strobe element based on the determination. The controller may activate both of the first strobe element and the second strobe element (such as alternating activation of the first strobe element and the second strobe element). Or, the controller may select one of the first strobe element and the second strobe element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, JR.
  • Patent number: 8797157
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring usage and predicting failure of visual notification appliances are disclosed. The visual notification appliances may be strobe lights, which can be provided with an internal counter circuit that obtains a cumulative tally of the number of times the strobe has flashed. Since strobe service life is directly proportional to the number of flashes, monitoring the number of flashes enables proactive repair or replacement of the strobe prior to failure. Flash counts can be stored in the appliance and periodically transmitted to a remote location such as a fire panel or remote monitoring center. Flash counts can also be locally displayed, or can be readable by a user with a handheld device. Alarms or other indications may automatically be generated to alert building or service personnel when an end of life condition is approaching for one or more strobes. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: John R. Haynes
  • Patent number: 8791831
    Abstract: An indicator system for an alternating current power bus includes an electret operatively associated with the alternating current power bus. The electret includes an output having an alternating current voltage when the alternating current power bus is energized. A rectifier includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the electret and an output having a direct current voltage responsive to the alternating current voltage of the output of the electret. An indicator includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the rectifier and an indication output responsive to the direct current voltage of the output of the rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Kovacich, John Trublowski
  • Patent number: 8786461
    Abstract: A deployment pack containing a number of electric road flares is provided. The pack is attached to an emergency vehicle. The pack is adapted to deploy a single flare at a time. Each flare includes two, battery-operated, light emitting diodes (LEDs), pulsed at a predetermined rate. Each LED is placed adjacent reflective material to extend or direct the light pulsing from the LED. The pack provides battery charging means to each electric road flare while contained in the pack interior. The pack also provides means for activating each flare before it is deployed from the pack. Each flare contains two metallic roads providing means for flare retrieval by a magnetic pick-up tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Daudelin
  • Patent number: 8779905
    Abstract: The method of the present invention allows a first wireless control device that is operable to communicate on a predetermined one of a plurality of channels to establish communication with a second wireless control device that may be communicating on any of the plurality of channels. A beacon message is first transmitted repeatedly by the wireless control device on the predetermined channel. The second wireless control device listens for the beacon message for a predetermined amount of time on each of the plurality of channels. When the second control device receives the beacon message on the predetermined channel, the second control device begins communicating on the predetermined channel. The second wireless device may begin listening for the beacon message in response to powering up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Michael Courtney, Lawrence R. Carmen, Jr., Justin Mierta, Daniel Curtis Raneri
  • Patent number: 8779937
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate. The back plate has an indicator mounting portion. An aperture is established through the back plate generally at the indicator mounting portion. A heater pad is disposed between the mirror reflective element and the back plate. The heater pad has a light transmitting portion generally aligned with the aperture of the back plate. A self-contained substantially sealed indicator is mounted at the indicator mounting portion and has a light source that is activatable to emit light. When an equipped exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at a side of a vehicle and with the light source activated, light emitted by the light source transmits through the aperture of the back plate and the light transmitting portion of the heater pad and exits the mirror reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8773284
    Abstract: A stepped intensity electric road flare having a housing supporting a circuit. The circuit comprises an led light source, a power controller and a power supply. The power controller energizes the led light source with the power supply such that the led light source emits a varying light having at least one perceived fixed intensity within a range of emitted intensities. The road flare of the present invention provides a perceived steady light having a perceived fixed intensity during a portion or time zone of its waveform thereby communicating its exact location. In addition because its intensity changes during other portions or time zones of its waveform it also demands attention. The present invention is therefore an attention getting safety device communicating its exact location. The present invention both alerts drivers to a hazard and guides them past the hazard. In addition the emitted light of the present invention is of a reddish color and concentrated by an optic into a powerful light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin McDermott
  • Patent number: 8766786
    Abstract: A user interface comprising a display arranged to display visual content and a tactile surface arranged to convey a tactile representation, wherein said tactile representation is based on said visual content. This has the advantage of enabling a user to perceive content being displayed to him with less cognitive effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Zoran Radivojevic
  • Patent number: 8766815
    Abstract: A light signaling device including a tubular body having an outer surface to which LEDs are mechanically connected. An inner surface of the body defines a channel inside the tubular body and has a heat dissipation unit through which the heat generated by the LEDs is dissipated. The light signaling device also comprises a lower air conveyor mechanically connected to the lower edge of the tubular body, partially closing the lower opening of the inner channel of the tubular body and is provided with separate conveyance channels, each of which extended between an inlet section thereof and an outlet section thereof according to a trajectory which has at least one component radial with respect to the main extension axis. Each of the conveyance channels is in communication with the light signaling device exterior via the inlet section and with the lower opening of the inner channel via the outlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Vincenzo Di Giovine
  • Patent number: 8749397
    Abstract: A user-interface device comprises a plurality of indication elements (3), each provided with a visual indication (4), mounted on a structure (5). Operatively associated to at least one indication element (3) is a lighting system (12a, 12b, 14) comprising light-generating means (12a, 12b) in position set at the back of the body of the indication element (3). The lighting system also comprises an optical module (14) made of transparent material associated to the light-generating means (12a, 12b) and configured for changing the direction of rays of light emitted by the generating means (12a, 12b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Stefano Bernard, Giorgio Masoero, Cosimo Carvignese, Diego Marzorati
  • Patent number: 8718817
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable mediums may provide for performing one or more operations including, but not limited to: obtaining dosing schedule data associated with a consumable composition regimen; dispensing of at least one dose of a consumable composition into a container according to the dosing schedule data associated with a consumable composition regimen; and detecting at least one indication of at least one ingestion of the consumable composition via from data from at least one sensor incorporated into the container configured to measure at least one property selected from: a physical property, a chemical property, an optical property or an electrical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8717190
    Abstract: Network device includes a plate, an OTST plate, and a light source. First plate is situated at a first side of the network device wherein the first side can be the front side of device. OTST plate is situated at a second side of the network device and positioned substantially perpendicular to the plate, wherein the OTST plate having a first surface and a second surface further includes status indicators showing performance status associated with the network device. The light source, in one embodiment, can be an LED device capable of projecting a light beam with a predefined angle onto the first surface of OTST plate illuminating one or more status indicators. At least one status indicator is viewable from the second surface or bottom surface of OTST second plate when at least a portion of OTST plate is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Netgear, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kui Yin Ramones, Tiffany Ming Tsao, Jonathan Alexander Matheson