Visual Indication Patents (Class 340/815.4)
  • Patent number: 8707601
    Abstract: An indicator light for filming is provided having a button wirelessly coupled to an illumination device. The button is placed on a camera while the illumination device is placed on the barrel of a gun. The button is depressed on the camera to indicate that the shooter is free to take the shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: John Kirk
  • Patent number: 8711000
    Abstract: A network device and method for improving performance monitoring capabilities using wide view angle indicators are disclosed. A network device, in one embodiment, includes a first plate, a second plate, and a light source. The first plate has multiple performance indicators situated at a side of the network device. The second plate has multiple performance indicators wherein the second plate is situated at a surface having a predefined angle with respect to the first plate. The light source, which includes at least one light emitting diode (“LED”) and optical element(s), is capable of generating two illuminating beams. The first illuminating beam illuminates a portion of device performance viewable from the first plate and the second illuminating beam illuminates a first portion of device performance viewable from the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Netgear, Inc.
    Inventors: John K Ramones, Laura E. Bucholtz, Chadwick J. Harber, Gadi Amit, Julien Rouillac
  • Patent number: 8711001
    Abstract: A network device and method for improving performance monitoring capabilities using wide view angle indicators are disclosed. The network device or system, in one embodiment, includes a first plate, a second plate, and a first light source. The first plate includes an edge lip or lip containing a graphic viewing surface. Various ultraviolet (“UV”) inked icons indicating functional performance are inscribed in or on the graphic viewing surface. The second plate is situated substantially perpendicular to the first plate, wherein an edge of the second plate is positioned adjacent to the graphic viewing surface. The first light source is configured to selectively project a UV light onto at least a portion of the graphic viewing surface to active at least one UV inked icon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Netgear, Inc.
    Inventors: John K Ramones, Tiffany M Tsao, Jonathan A Matheson
  • Patent number: 8704672
    Abstract: Methods and systems for indicating a status of an air filter of an HVAC system may include receiving a measure that is related to an amount of flow restriction presented by the air filter in an HVAC system, using the measure to determine whether the air filter does not need replacing, the air filter needs to be replaced soon, or the air filter should be replaced now, and displaying on a display of an HVAC controller an air filter status indicator, wherein the air filter status indicator includes a stop-light metaphor. In one example, the air filter status indicator may display a green color when the air filter does not need replacing, display a yellow color when the air filter needs to be replaced soon, and display a red color when the air filter should be replaced now. In some cases, the air filter status indicator may also include a qualitative term indicative of the current status of the air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Hoglund, Reed Bisson, Amy Ragland, Barbara Dean-Hendricks, Christopher Goh, Robert Bick
  • Patent number: 8704676
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method to utilize road markers to control vehicle speeds. The road markers may be commanded to emit a light for a pre-determined period of time. Further, the road markers may be controlled such that they are commanded to emit the light based upon a timing sequence associated with a desired speed so that the road markers emit light in a strobe pattern. In this way, if a vehicle is traveling at the desired speed, then the strobe pattern appears static to a driver of the vehicle. Additionally, a message may be transmitted from a traffic authority to increase or decrease the timing sequence of the strobe pattern to increase or decrease the speed to the desired speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip Hawkes, Craig M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20140104072
    Abstract: A light signal device includes at least one light sensor and a signal generator which has a light source and a shutter disk. An inner side of a screening stop, which protects the shutter disk, holds at least one reflector element which reflects a portion of the light emitted by the light source in the direction of the at least one light sensor. A method for ascertaining the degree of soiling of a shutter disk for a signal generator is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Rudolf Temming
  • Publication number: 20140104070
    Abstract: An assembly for use with a surgical device includes an enclosure defining a passageway extending from an interior to an exterior thereof and a visual indicator mounted within the interior of the enclosure adjacent the passageway. The visual indicator is configured to emit light. The passageway is partially defined by a concave surface of the enclosure and/or a chamfered portion of the enclosure to facilitate the passage of light emitted by the visual indicator through the passageway and to the exterior of the enclosure to increase the external viewing angle of the light emitted from the visual indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: THOMAS PLAVEN
  • Patent number: 8698646
    Abstract: Light-based systems for communicating information associated with the formation of social connections are disclosed. One or more lighting controllers controlling individually controllable luminaires are used in conjunction with communication networks in order to identify and form remote light-based social connections. Additionally, visualization controllers are used in conjunction with visualization infrastructures, visualization actuators, localization systems and identification systems to visually identify proximally present potential social connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Damien Gerard Loveland, Aloysius Cornelis Arnoldus Maria Ketelaars, Lucas Leo Desiree Van Der Poel, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman, Winfried Antonius Henricus Berkvens, Allan Brent York
  • Publication number: 20140091941
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor. The system may include a display device with at least one input device. In response to movement of or along the input device, the display device may change a glucose data output parameter and update an output of the display device using the changed output parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Johnson, Michael Robert Mensinger, Peter C. Simpson, Thomas Hall, Hari Hampapuram, Kostyantyn Snisarenko, Eli Reihman, Holly Chico, Kasandra Constantine
  • Publication number: 20140091940
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor. The system may include a display device with at least one input device. In response to movement of or along the input device, the display device may change a glucose data output parameter and update an output of the display device using the changed output parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: DEXCOM, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Johnson, Michael Robert Mensinger, Peter C. Simpson, Thomas Hall, Hari Hampapuram, Kostyantyn Snisarenko, Eli Reihman, Holly Chico, Kassandra Constantine
  • Patent number: 8686840
    Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes an accessory disposed at and behind a windshield of the vehicle and a control having digital circuitry and a microcontroller. The accessory includes a forward facing camera that views through the windshield. The microcontroller may control at least one of (i) the forward facing camera, (ii) an actuator of the vehicle, (iii) a garage door opener of the vehicle, (iv) an electro-optic rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, (v) a digital sound processor of the vehicle, (vi) a display of the vehicle and (vii) lighting of the vehicle. The control is operable to at least one of send data to and receive data from at least one other accessory or system of the vehicle via a vehicle network of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Drummond, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8686871
    Abstract: A monitoring system for use with a system is provided. The monitoring system includes a data management system that includes a database configured to store data representative of at least one operating characteristic of at least one machine. A portable display assembly is coupled to the data management system and includes at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of the machine within a predefined distance from a portion of the display assembly. The display assembly also includes a communication interface that is coupled to the data management system and is configured to receive the data. Moreover, the display assembly includes a display media that is coupled to the communication interface for presenting an output representative of the data to a user of the display assembly such that the user is enabled to view historical data of the machine and/or monitor the machine in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond Verle Jensen, Charles Terrance Hatch, Boris Leonid Sheikman
  • Patent number: 8681014
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display device (1, 20) in a motor vehicle, consisting of a display (3, 25), a transilluminatable screen (4, 21) disposed behind the display (3, 25), a lighting means (6, 23) and a reflector (7, 24), wherein the lighting means (6, 23) is attached in the display device (1, 20) between the screen (4, 21) and the reflector (7, 24) and the light (L) of the lighting means (6, 23) can be parallelized and directed towards and through the screen (4, 21) onto the display (3, 25) by means of the reflector (7, 26), so that symbols that can be changed by means of the screen (4, 21) can be shown on the display (3, 24), and wherein the reflector (7, 24) is a facetted reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Jeitner
  • Patent number: 8674848
    Abstract: A queue control system for guiding persons waiting for service by a plurality of service desks, such as check-in desks at an airport, the system comprising computer control means for controlling the system, wherein system further comprises: stripe-like or band-like lighting means arranged for each desk (Desk 1-Desk 3) provided with point-like light sources, like LEDs, coupled to a circuit board, the circuit board being adapted to provide variable lighting operations, wherein each lighting means have at least a stripe-like or band-like part (101-103) arranged in the direction of the queue; and wherein the control computer means are adapted to variably control the lighting of the stripe-like or band-like lighting means in order to guide the persons in the queues and/or entering and/or leaving the queues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: ELSI Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Richard Eggleton, Göran Sundholm
  • Publication number: 20140062714
    Abstract: Methods and systems for indicating the presence of a security system on a building are described. Existing security systems do not adequately provide notice to others that a property is protected by a security system. The methods and systems described herein solve this problem by providing a flashing lamp doorbell that may provide notice that a property is protected by a security system, and may optionally convey status information about the current state of the property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Robert W. Chvatal, John V. Chvatal
  • Patent number: 8665119
    Abstract: An electrically activated latch for aircraft stowage bins includes an overhead stowage bin module having a stationary support structure and a movable stowage bin portion. An electrically operated stowage bin latch mechanism latches the movable stowage bin portion in a closed position and unlatches the movable stowage bin portion to an open position. An electrically operated stowage bin activation switch operates the stowage bin latch mechanism, allowing the aircraft stowage bins to be locked by independently controlling the overhead stowage bins through the aircraft cabin management system, or by control of the latch by the stowage bin activation switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank E. Hashberger, Clarence Ivester
  • Patent number: 8659435
    Abstract: The vitality of a swimmer, or of a child, is monitored by a periodically-activated micro-powered solar- and battery-powered waterproof microminiaturized (1) optical sensor of heart activity, electrically connected to (2) a microprocessor monitor, for jointly determining when a person's heart activity has stopped. When and if required, the microprocessor causes to be transmitted, through water a blue-green light alarm signal. When this optical alarm signal is received by an optical receiver/alarm in air, the receiver/alarm produces an audio and/or visual alarm that, when sensed by a human, potentially timely permits rescue and resuscitation of the swimmer, or the child. The battery-and-solar-powered monitor that forms the core of the vitality monitoring system is roughly ten times faster and more capable, with but one-tenth the power consumption, than previous real-time biological monitoring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: George Anthony McKinney
  • Patent number: 8659443
    Abstract: A treatment area marker device and method for using the treatment area marker in setting up a triage facility for patient care. The device and the method may be particularly useful during an emergency or crisis situation. The treatment area marker is an article of manufacture that includes a light source that is capable of generating different colors of light. The bottom end of the treatment area marker has the means for keeping the device in a substantially upright position. The method of triage includes establishing one or more treatment areas, and erecting one or more treatment area markers to identify the treatment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Mandel
  • Patent number: 8659416
    Abstract: An alarm system with an integral high-intensity illumination means comprising reflective beads for increased visibility is intended to provide alarm notification for the hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals. The illumination means on the bottom provides visual notification to deaf or hard of hearing building occupants and those who may outside of the building. To aid in the visual observation of the illumination means, a series of reflective beads are hung from the bottom of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Victor M. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8653984
    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: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: iLumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ivey, David L Simon
  • Patent number: 8648710
    Abstract: System and method for playing game based on coin toss, may utilize sensors to detect physical movement of coin or instrumented coin, communicate sensor-derived data to remote graphical display system, display virtual coin that represents movement and orientation of tossed coin. May utilize sensor, communication, display, game systems and optional message gateway. Sensor system and part of wireless communication system may be external or embedded in coin. Graphical coin movement and orientation may mimic the actual coin being tossed or may be represented as any avatar or other graphical object that represents the coin including celebrity pictures, videos, faces, logos or any other object that may represent a “head” or “tail”. May generate a random number that allows viewers to win a prize. Viewers may guess result of coin toss before toss and win prize if they guess the result correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel V. LaRue
  • Publication number: 20140035758
    Abstract: A network device and method for improving performance monitoring capabilities using wide view angle indicators are disclosed. The network device or system, in one embodiment, includes a first plate, a second plate, and a first light source. The first plate includes an edge lip or lip containing a graphic viewing surface. Various ultraviolet (“UV”) inked icons indicating functional performance are inscribed in or on the graphic viewing surface. The second plate is situated substantially perpendicular to the first plate, wherein an edge of the second plate is positioned adjacent to the graphic viewing surface. The first light source is configured to selectively project a UV light onto at least a portion of the graphic viewing surface to active at least one UV inked icon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: NETGEAR, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kui Yin Ramones, Tiffany Ming Tsao, Jonathan Alexander Matheson
  • Patent number: 8643484
    Abstract: A visual display system for a set-top box is includes a source of event data, a light emitting diode display adapted to display event data to a user in a standby mode of operation ,and a main processor configured to receive event data and control the light emitting diode display in response to the received event data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: IKouroush Mohebbi
  • Patent number: 8643494
    Abstract: A postural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axis accelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are a function of positional orientation of the node along a path of attitude displacement of the node extending from a reference position of the node to a caution position of the node, and from the caution position of the node to a warning position of the node, and a signal device operatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing a caution signal in response to a caution positional state of the node at the caution position of the node and distally therebeyond to inside of the warning position of the node, and for issuing a warning signal different from the caution signal in response to a warning positional state of the node at the warning position of the node and distally therebeyond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Steelhead Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: William G. Trout
  • Patent number: 8643481
    Abstract: This invention relates to mirror assemblies for vehicles and in particular to interior rearview minor assemblies having touch screen inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Douglas C. Campbell, Rodger William Eich
  • Patent number: 8643504
    Abstract: A power distribution device includes a chassis, a power input, and power brick bays for receiving, and delivering power to, power bricks. Each power brick bay includes a power adapter for providing power to a power brick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory J. Marcinek
  • Patent number: 8633829
    Abstract: A camera security system for securely detecting, recording and alerting the authorities of an attempted intrusion into a safe or other secure storage device. The camera security system generally includes a secure storage device having a door, a combination lock for selectively opening the door of the secure storage device and a sensor for detecting the positioning and movement of the combination lock. A recording device and communications device are provided and adapted to activate upon movement of the combination lock from a preset position. The recording device will preferably be concealed within a dial grip of the combination lock. Upon activation, the recording device will begin recording audio and/or video of the intrusion and the communications device will transmit an alarm signal to emergency responders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Martin M. Cavanaugh
  • Patent number: 8624754
    Abstract: A method and system for determining at least one property of a strobe cover are disclosed. The determined property of the strobe cover may then be analyzed to determine whether it is the proper property for the strobe device. The property of the strobe cover may include the color of the strobe cover (such as clear, blue, amber, etc.), the shape of the strobe cover (such as a strobe cover with a lens or a strobe cover without a lens), the material of the strobe cover, etc. The method and system may include determining the property of the strobe cover and checking whether the determined property is the expected property of the strobe cover (such as the expected color of the strobe cover). The strobe cover may include one or more property indicators. The one or more property indicators may interface with a circuit, such as mechanically interface with the circuit, in order for the circuit to determine the property of the strobe cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8624755
    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: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Netgear, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kui Yin Ramones, Tiffany Ming Tsao, Jonathan Alexander Matheson
  • Patent number: 8624585
    Abstract: A proximity sensor includes a circuit board provided with a processing circuit, a light emitting device mounted on the surface of the circuit board, and a light-transmitting cylindrical light guide surrounding the portion of the circuit board having the light emitting device mounted thereon and guiding the outgoing light from the light emitting device to be emitted to outside. The cylindrical light guide includes the first light emitting surface as the first light outgoing region causing the light emitted from the light emitting device to pass therethrough and directly emitting the light to outside, a reflective surface reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting device to guide the light through the cylindrical light guide in the circumferential direction, and the second light emitting surface as the second light outgoing region emitting, to outside, the light reflected on the reflective surface and propagated through the cylindrical light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Mizusaki, Daisuke Inoue, Susumu Kutsuhara
  • Patent number: 8618950
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus including: a first device that includes a first display portion, the first display portion displaying information concerning the operation of the first device; and a second device that includes a second display portion, the second display portion displaying the information which the first display portion has displayed, depending on at least one of the second device having been attached to the first device, the first device having supplied an electric power to the second device, and the first device and the second device having communicated mutually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Yoshinori Sata, Naoyuki Nagao, Mitsuru Kobayashi, Shinichi Katayama
  • Patent number: 8614632
    Abstract: This device, by its organization and operation, processes sound, usually music. It provides output voltages, for driving lights, which is proportionally representative of input sound levels. Range of sound perception of the human ear exceeds the range of perception of the human eye. It is necessary to adjust the sound level by compression and Automatic Gain Control, particularly by compression, to accommodate the eyes. A requirement to have the output drive voltage drive the lights is to have a linear response to the compressed audio signal. This requirement is met with an output drive circuit which, has a linear response to the compressed signal. This is achieved with a linear firing circuit when providing output voltage using SCR's or Triacs. In a straightforward variation of the output circuit to improve the power factor, the linear response is maintained by modulating the output with transistors instead of using SCR's or Triacs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth A Wells, Victor W Hatch
  • Patent number: 8610592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity switch for the detection of objects, comprising a sleeve-type housing, comprising a transducer unit disposed at a measuring end of said sleeve-type housing, the transducer unit comprising a transducer receptacle and a transducer element disposed therein for detecting a physical measurand, comprising a connecting piece disposed at a connecting end of said sleeve-type housing, comprising an electronic assembly disposed on a printed circuit board accommodated in said sleeve-type housing and having a control and evaluation unit adapted to control said transducer element, to evaluate signals measured by said transducer element and to emit switching signals to an environment, wherein variously colored light-emitting diodes are disposed on said printed circuit board at the measuring end and at the connecting end for indicating operational and/or switching states, wherein said transducer receptacle exhibits a transparent region disposed around a housing axis and/or a transparent r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Dierk Schoen
  • Patent number: 8599034
    Abstract: A switch, particularly a switching device or operating device, includes a flat display, wherein the flat display is provided for the visual display of at least one item of information related to a current or future condition of the switch or a system or machine associated with the switch. A more effective spatial arrangement of the switch components, and reduced energy consumption, is accomplished by a flat display of the switch of at least one embodiment, at least partially including an electrochromic material and electrodes. The electrodes are provided to supply particular regions of the electrochromic material with an electrical voltage, in order to thus activate a color change, and to provide one or more items of information to the use by means of an intelligent control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Björn Karlson, Lutz Pietschmann
  • Patent number: 8598999
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination instrument comprising at least one first zone and one second zone, in which respective driver-relevant data can be displayed. The invention also relates to a method for customizing a combination instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Gert-Dieter Tuzar, Christina Werner, Andreas Deubzer, Volker Dreisbach
  • Patent number: 8593268
    Abstract: A device and method to automatically control timing of outside lighting are achieved. An ephemeris program and a calendar are loaded into memory on a timing device. Power is applied to the device wherein a GPS circuit on the device is energized, and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Current Day (CD), and physical location of the device are determined from satellite signals through an antenna or alternately from a repeater circuit or a key fob type device. GMT and CD that are retrieved are stored in memory. Lighting on and off times are calculated by the ephemeris program based on physical location, the calendar, GMT, CD, and the user selected distance of the sun below the horizon. Lights are turned on and off based on the calculated on and off times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Vincent Valetutti
  • Publication number: 20130307698
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator, which includes a display part and a control part. The display part displays information. The control part controls the display part. The display part includes a first display part for displaying information related to an additional function except for a cooling function, and a second display part for displaying temperature information related to the cooling function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Hyoungjun Park, Yanghwan Kim, Museung Kim, Jongmi Choi
  • Publication number: 20130307975
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides a digital sign with a video camera. The digital sign and video camera are connected via a communications medium to a central computer. The central computer provides a way of changing the images displayed on the digital sign and of disseminating the video from the video camera either through real time forwarding/viewing or recording the real time video stream and playing back the recorded video to a user. The central computer also provides a user interface where an authorized user, which would normally include an authorized governmental entity, can view the video stream and unilaterally interrupt the normally displayed image (or series of images) with an emergency notification message that would display on the digital sign.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Texas Emergency Network, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis E. Ford, Drew Cartwright
  • Patent number: 8587450
    Abstract: A network device and method for improving performance monitoring capabilities using wide view angle indicators are disclosed. The network device or system, in one embodiment, includes a first plate, a second plate, and a first light source. The first plate includes an edge lip or lip containing a graphic viewing surface. Various ultraviolet (“UV”) inked icons indicating functional performance are inscribed in or on the graphic viewing surface. The second plate is situated substantially perpendicular to the first plate, wherein an edge of the second plate is positioned adjacent to the graphic viewing surface. The first light source is configured to selectively project a UV light onto at least a portion of the graphic viewing surface to active at least one UV inked icon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Netgear, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kui Yin Ramones, Tiffany Ming Tsao, Jonathan Alexander Matheson
  • Patent number: 8587408
    Abstract: An item identification method includes providing a layer of material having an array of zones thereon. The array of zones on the layer is interrogated with a transmitted optical light beam. Light reflected by the array of zones is received. The light is reflected in a pattern that represents a code. At least one value of the code provided by the reflected light is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Philip Dunlap
  • Patent number: 8587451
    Abstract: A laser projection system including a projection screen and a laser projector is revealed. The projection screen includes at least one light emitting layer having at least one luminescent material that is excited by excitation light with a specific wavelength range to generate excited light with another wavelength range. The laser projector consists of a laser light source module, a laser signal modulation module, a rotation plane mirror module, a rotation plane mirror control module, and a signal conversion module. The laser projector produces excitation laser according to an image signal of a static image or dynamic image and projects the laser to the projection screen correspondingly for an image displayed. Thus a projected image with high recognition is displayed on the projection screen in a transparent manner in natural sunlight. Therefore efficiency and application of the laser projection are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: ALVIS Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Hsiao Chen
  • Patent number: 8587449
    Abstract: A network device and method for improving performance monitoring capabilities using wide view angle indicators are disclosed. A network device, in one embodiment, includes a first plate, a second plate, and a light source. The first plate has multiple performance indicators situated at a side of the network device. The second plate has multiple performance indicators wherein the second plate is situated at a surface having a predefined angle with respect to the first plate. The light source, which includes at least one light emitting diode (“LED”) and optical element(s), is capable of generating two illuminating beams. The first illuminating beam illuminates a portion of device performance viewable from the first plate and the second illuminating beam illuminates a first portion of device performance viewable from the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Netgear, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kui Yin Ramones, Laura Elizabeth Bucholtz, Chadwick John Harber, Gadi Amit, Julien Rouillac
  • Patent number: 8576073
    Abstract: A gesture-based user interface comprises a wearable portable device storing a gesture profile for each of a plurality of different applications on the wearable portable device to define different gestures for the different applications, wherein each of the gesture profiles includes at least one gesture and a predetermined function associated with the at least one gesture; and a profile web service, wherein the portable device is in communication with the profile web service and is configured to download from the profile web service to the wearable portable device a customizable gesture profile for a particular one of the applications, wherein the customized gesture profile modifies at least one of the different gestures, the customized gesture profile comprising personal preferences of the user regarding the modified gesture, including physical attributes of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Wimm Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Mooring, Alissa M. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8564453
    Abstract: A method and system for use in indicating errors in connection with devices, wherein at least one of the devices comprises a display is disclosed. An error indicator suitable for indicating an error in connection with the device is stored. The error indicator is mapped to a potential error in connection with the device. An error is detected in connection with the device. The error in connection with the device is determined in response to detecting the error. Based on determining the error, the error indicator is displayed on the display for enabling determination of the error in connection with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Morneau, Jon Busenkell
  • Patent number: 8564436
    Abstract: A wallet includes semi-rigid first and second portions each having outer and inner sides, the second portion being hingedly coupled to the first portion whereby the second portion is movable relative to the first portion to define open and closed configurations. The first portion inner side includes a pocket. A foldable changing pad is operatively coupled to at least one of the first portion and the second portion. A flexible container is positioned proximate one of the first portion and the second portion, the container having a bottom and at least one wall extending upwardly from the bottom that are movable between collapsed and expanded configurations defining a reservoir for holding a liquid therein, the at least one wall defining an outlet. A lid is removably coupled to the container outlet. A liquid delivery member is coupled to the lid for selectively transferring the liquid through the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Victoria A. Oleen
  • Patent number: 8555660
    Abstract: An operation unit for a vehicle air conditioner includes a display device, a setting input portion of a control parameter of the air conditioner other than a set temperature, an obtaining portion configured to obtain a present set value of the control parameter, and an operating state identification portion configured to identify whether an air-conditioning operating state is in a plurality of predetermined operating states of the air conditioner. In the operation unit, a moving pattern of a pointer of the display device is changed according to the operating state of the air conditioner. For example, a pointer operation control portion can be configured to control an operation of a pointer driving motor such that the pointer moves on a dial of the display device at different moving speeds according to the air-conditioning operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Takenaka, Kuniharu Kutsuna, Kazumutsu Azuma, Hiroki Iwashita, Yuji Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20130265160
    Abstract: Method, apparatuses, and software are described, in which an adapter in an EtherNet/IP network may determine whether a first redundant owner connection between the adapter and a first scanner is open. If it is determined that the first redundant owner connection is not open, then a network status light or other indicator of the adapter may be caused to emit a solid green color or otherwise indicate a first status if a second redundant owner connection between the adapter and a second scanner is open, and to emit a flashing red color or a flashing green color (or otherwise indicate a second or third status) if no redundant owner connection to the adapter is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Kenneth Lee, Vijay Vallala, Jian Pan
  • Publication number: 20130265170
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and an indicating unit. The indicating unit is received in an inner surface of the housing. The illumination element includes an illumination element and a cover. A symbol for indicating the state of the electronic device is provided on a surface of the cover. The light emitted from the illumination element passes through or around the symbol, reproducing the shape of the symbol on a translucent/transparent portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: LU-QING MENG
  • Patent number: 8552883
    Abstract: An electronic three-dimensional (3D) surface device for creating tactile physical 3D images featuring hydraulic cylinders disposed in a base; fiber optic rods slidably disposed in each hydraulic cylinder which utilize a hydraulic mechanism to move the fiber optic rod upwardly and downwardly, the fiber optic rod comprises a colored light source; a microprocessor operatively connected to the hydraulic cylinders and colored light sources; and a device independent bitmap (DIB) file format and a computer software system configured to read the DIB file format, the DIB file format represents a tactile physical 3D image; wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive input signals from the computer software system based on the DIB file format, wherein the microprocessor sends output commands to hydraulic cylinders and colored light sources to modify height and color of the respective fiber optic rods based on the DIB file format to create the tactile physical 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: George C. Su
  • Patent number: 8552877
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a housing having an external surface including a user interface region. A battery cell within the housing is characterized by a charging status, a state of charge, and a state of health. A processor disposed within the housing determines and/or stores the charging status as well as one or more of the state of charge and the state of health of the battery cell. The user interface region provides a plurality of visual components configured to provide a plurality of visual cues relating to the charging status, the state of charge, and the state of health of the battery cell. The plurality of visual components may include a persistent display, an on-demand display, and an input component. The input component may be used to select the manner in which the visual cues are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Martin, William Bang, Mark Palmer, Christopher Paul, Quintin Morris