Parking Meter Type Patents (Class 368/90)
  • Patent number: 11420556
    Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventor: Balu Subramanya
  • Patent number: 10124726
    Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Balu Subramanya
  • Patent number: 8749403
    Abstract: A parking meter receives data indicative of a remote payment being completed and displays an amount of time purchased by the remote payment for a parking session. The parking meter determines an amount of time remaining in the parking session and powers down at least a portion of a meter communication subsystem subsequent to receiving the data indicative of the remote payment being completed. The parking meter wakes up the powered down portion of the communication subsystem upon determining that the amount of time remaining is below a threshold time, and can receive an indication of additional time being paid for remotely, and can update the displayed time remaining to reflect the additional time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: IPS Group Inc.
    Inventors: David W. King, Chad P. Randall
  • Patent number: 8684158
    Abstract: An electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into a parking meter assembly is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure located on the inner housing, a user input device located on the inner housing, and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism includes a front shelf and a front solar panel coupled to the upper surface of the front shelf. The mechanism may also include wireless communications hardware supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Duncan Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Jones, Balu Subramanya, Mike Nickolaus
  • Patent number: 8590687
    Abstract: A parking meter assembly (10) including a base (11) that is to be fixed to or embedded in a ground surface, typically adjacent the curb that which a car is to be parked. The assembly (10) also includes a parking meter (13) having a front face (17) that includes a coin slot (25) a card slot (20) and a control panel (21). The parking meter (13) further includes a rear face (27) having a window aperture (28) that provides for the transmission of light to a solar panel (29) behind the aperture (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: IPS Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David King, Murray David Kirby Hunter, Matthew James Hall, David Andrew Jones
  • Patent number: 8595054
    Abstract: A single bay parking meter device is provided which accepts payment by means of a credit or debit card, an electronic purse, or coins. The device has a power supply unit, a solar power charging arrangement and power management, such that it does not need power supply cables to be installed for each meter. The parking meter device also transmits financial data to a financial institution in a wireless manner, also to avoid the need for cabling. The parking meter device is receivable in the base of a conventional single bay parking meter, such that the new parking meter device may be retrofitted to existing coin operated installed single bay parking meters, using a new cover that is also engageable with the conventional housing base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: IPS Group Inc.
    Inventors: David William King, Alexander Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8565044
    Abstract: A timer for reserving occupancy of a communal item has a communal item available indicator which is positionable to (1) a retracted position when the communal item is in use, and (2) to an extended position when the communal item is available for use. The timer also includes a service request indicator which indicates when as service is required. The timer can also include a reset control which can only be activated by a person other than the user of the communal item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Erin C. Spiker, Molly K. Ritchey
  • Patent number: 8335711
    Abstract: A method for assessing fees for parking is disclosed. The method includes providing a vehicle registration card containing a vehicle make and model and a parking fee collection device. The parking fee collection device has an associated database containing a parking fee charged for each vehicle make and model. The vehicle make and model is entered into the parking fee collection device for a selected vehicle and a parking fee is assessed based upon the vehicle make and model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua H. Burdick
  • Publication number: 20100328103
    Abstract: An image-enhanced parking enforcement system utilizes cameras or other imaging modality to capture, record and/or report instances of parking infractions corresponding to a controlled parking space. In one embodiment, a metering device monitors allotted times for lawful utilization of the parking space and identifies instances of meter expiration; at least one detector monitors utilization status of the parking space; and the cameras or other imaging modality captures images corresponding to the parking space when the meter has expired and the space is occupied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Stuart O. Goldman, James P. Runyon
  • Patent number: 7859946
    Abstract: The present invention is a new and innovative device for regulating parking permits in parking zones in which parking is permitted for short time spans. Embodiments of the present invention enable users to purchase reusable electronic parking devices which display the amount of time remaining for free parking. For instance, in parking zones which allow fifteen minutes of free parking, the device displays 15 min when turned on and counts back the minutes until the time is over. A delaying mechanism inhibits the reactivation of the device for a predetermined time period. Thus, the device ensures that the parking permit is only used for the predetermined time period once since users cannot activate the device sequentially. According to embodiments of the present invention the proposed system and method may be embedded into other time parking devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Avraham Bakal
  • Patent number: 7848847
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing malfunctions of apparatus delivering goods or services against payment of an automatic terminal type, is provided. The method includes calculating the value of at least one data item representative of the operation of the apparatus, comparing the calculated value to a predetermined reference value and deducing the occurrence of a malfunction in the event of a predetermined difference between the values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Parkeon S.A.S.
    Inventor: Thierry Mougin
  • Patent number: 7679526
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to systems and methods for use with traffic ticket printing parking meters. According to certain example embodiments, a parking meter is provided. A payment acceptor may be operable to accept payment. A display may be operable to display a validated period during which the meter is valid, with the validated period being based on an amount of payment inserted into the payment acceptor. Vehicle identifying programmed logic circuitry may be operable to identify a vehicle parking in, parked in, and/or leaving a parking spot associated with the parking meter. A printer may be operable to print a parking ticket when a parking violation occurs, with the parking ticket including vehicle identification information from the vehicle identifying programmed logic circuitry and/or parking violation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Technology Patents, LLC
    Inventor: Aris Mardirossian
  • Publication number: 20090213699
    Abstract: The present invention is a new and innovative device for regulating parking permits in parking zones in which parking is permitted for short time spans. Embodiments of the present invention enable users to purchase reusable electronic parking devices which display the amount of time remaining for free parking. For instance, in parking zones which allow fifteen minutes of free parking, the device displays 15 min when turned on and counts back the minutes until the time is over. A delaying mechanism inhibits the reactivation of the device for a predetermined time period. Thus, the device ensures that the parking permit is only used for the predetermined time period once since users cannot activate the device sequentially. According to embodiments of the present invention the proposed system and method may be embedded into other time parking devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Avraham Bakal
  • Publication number: 20090026842
    Abstract: A power supply unit for supplying power to a device has a rechargeable, main battery; a charging arrangement for charging the main battery; a non-rechargeable back-up battery; load terminals for connection to a load; and a control unit for controlling supply of power to the load primarily from the main battery and secondarily from the back-up battery. The device is, in particular, a single bay, stand alone parking meter. In the event that the main battery runs low, the control unit is configured to supply power to the load from both the main battery and the back-up battery or only from the back-up battery. The back-up battery is easily replaceable, and the power supply unit has a bay, with connectors for receiving the back-up battery. The main battery is charged from solar panels. A communication device is provided to communicate status messages wirelessly to a control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: IPS GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Stephen John Hunter, Andre Malan Joubert
  • Patent number: 7463167
    Abstract: An electronic parking control device for displaying a parking time of vehicles should be easy to operate. This is achieved by a mobile electronic display device (10) which can be positioned in the vehicle and which is configured chargeable my means of a charging device (11) by electronic signals which correspond to parking time units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventors: Agenor Krygler, Alicja Krygler
  • Publication number: 20080212414
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to systems and methods for use with traffic ticket printing parking meters. According to certain example embodiments, a parking meter is provided. A payment acceptor may be operable to accept payment. A display may be operable to display a validated period during which the meter is valid, with the validated period being based on an amount of payment inserted into the payment acceptor. Vehicle identifying programmed logic circuitry may be operable to identify a vehicle parking in, parked in, and/or leaving a parking spot associated with the parking meter. A printer may be operable to print a parking ticket when a parking violation occurs, with the parking ticket including vehicle identification information from the vehicle identifying programmed logic circuitry and/or parking violation information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Aris Mardirossian
  • Patent number: 7393134
    Abstract: A parking meter includes a microcontroller and a timer coupled with a microcontroller. A mechanism for accepting payment by coin, credit card or both is coupled with the microcontroller for accepting payment for use of an associated parking space. The microcontroller initiates the timer for a prepaid parking interval upon receiving a signal from the payment acceptance mechanism. A vehicle detector is coupled with the microcontroller for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle in the associated parking space. The microcontroller initiates an interrogation station to direct an interrogation signal at the associated parking space in the area of the parking space where the license plate of a parked vehicle is located upon determining the existence of a parking violation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Frederick L. Mitschele
  • Patent number: 7046123
    Abstract: The present invention is a parking time indicator key fob which includes a housing and a timing device contained within the housing for counting down an amount of time. A display is connected to the housing for indicating an amount of time remaining on the timing device. The present invention further includes a means for setting the timing device to the amount of time and an alarm mechanism is connected to the timing device. Upon setting the setting means to the amount of time, the timing device is activated causing the timing device to count down from the amount of time value to a zero value. Upon reaching a predetermined value, the timing device causes the alarm mechanism to be activated thereby alerting a user that the amount of time is approaching the zero value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Rob Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7029167
    Abstract: A parking meter includes a microcontroller and a timer coupled with a microcontroller. A mechanism for accepting payment by coin, credit card or both is coupled with the microcontroller for accepting payment for use of an associated parking space. The microcontroller initiates the timer for a prepaid parking interval upon receiving a signal from the payment acceptance mechanism. A vehicle detector is coupled with the microcontroller for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle in the associated parking space. The microcontroller initiates an interrogation station to direct an interrogation signal at the associated parking space in the area of the parking space where the license plate of a parked vehicle is located upon determining the existence of a parking violation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Frederick L. Mitschele
  • Patent number: 7014355
    Abstract: The field of the present invention is parking meters and more particularly to the use of electronically operated parking meters coupled with a sensor for positively sensing unobtrusively the presence or absence of a vehicle in a specified parking space controlled by the sensor and electronically operated parking meter. An induction coil mounted below the surface of the parking area is used to provide positive signals to the electronically operated parking meter and a cpu upon both the entrance of a vehicle into the parking space and the movement of the vehicle from the parking space. Moreover, the detecting system is battery operated and the battery life is extended by duty cycle operation of the detector system, whereby only a small portion of a detecting cycle is actually employed for detecting the status of the parking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Innovapark Company LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Potter, Sr., Ralph C. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20040264302
    Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a parking meter clock is provided. The system includes a parking meter having a clock and an antenna coupled to the parking meter for receiving a wireless broadcast data including a time data. The parking meter further provided with a receiver and an interface. The receiver communicates with the antenna to demodulate the wireless broadcast data received by the antenna and the interface communicates with the receiver to communicate the wireless broadcast data to synchronize the clock on the parking meter. A method of synchronizing a clock on one or more parking meters is also provided that includes receiving a wireless broadcast data including a time-of-day data. The method further includes updating the clock on the parking meter based on the wirelessly broadcast data. In one aspect, the time-of-day data is based on an atomic clock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Seth Ward
  • Patent number: 6747575
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic parking meter and a method of configuring an electronic parking meter. In addition to a meter housing and an electronic metering mechanism within the housing, the parking meter includes a memory positioned within the housing separate from the electronic metering mechanism for storing configuration information associated with a pre-selected group of one or more electronic meters. When the electronic metering mechanism is replaced, the replacement metering mechanism that is inserted into the housing need only be coupled to the separate memory in order to have the configuration information of the specific meter downloaded into it. The configuration information includes parking meter location information and/or parking restriction information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: J.J. Mackay Canada Limited
    Inventors: Greg Chauvin, Neil Erskine
  • Publication number: 20030128630
    Abstract: This invention relates to a parking meter (100, 200) with an input device (34) for paying means and at least one indicating device (20) for indicating the expiration of a paid parking time, the indicating device (20) having at least one optical indicating means respectively for a corresponding number of parking spaces, respectively one actuating means (18) with an indicating means (20) being allocated to each respective parking space, whereby furthermore all indicating means (20), the actuating means (18) and the input device (34) for payment means are connected with a common control device (32), whereby furthermore a signalling device (38) is provided for signalling the paid parking time and the input device (34) for payment means is configured as a chip card actuating device (30, 34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Agenor Krygler, Alicja Krygler
  • Publication number: 20030117904
    Abstract: An enforcement shutter for an electronic meter comprises an enforcement display element having a highly visible surface and adapted to be fixed to the meter housing, and a cable for coupling the enforcement display element to the computer processor for controlling the operation of the enforcement display element. The enforcement shutter includes a holder having a window, a transparent protective plate positioned on the inner surface of the holder, a back plate adapted to be fixed to the holder for mounting the holder to the meter housing. The enforcement display element, which is positioned to face the transparent plate with a display surface visible in the holder window, may be mounted in the holder or to a surface of the inner electronic meter. The enforcement display element may be a LCD. When activated by the electronic meter processor to indicate that parking time has expired, the LCD displays a substantially uniform color and may be made to flash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald V. Lank, Darren S. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6577248
    Abstract: A parking control system in which a mobile telephone is used to commence and to terminate parking of a vehicle within a parking zone. A parking system user sends a user-specific code to a parking system computer at the commencement of and at the termination of a parking period. A vehicle-specific code corresponding with the parked vehicle is stored in the computer upon commencement of a parking period. A portable parking control unit can read the vehicle-specific code from a parked vehicle and can establish communication with the parking system computer, which is informed of the parking zone concerned. When the control unit requests information concerning vehicles parked within a particular parking zone, the computer sends corresponding information relating to one or more additional parking zones that are geographically close to the parking zone in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Modul-System Sweden AB
    Inventor: Torbernt Hjelmvik
  • Publication number: 20030102975
    Abstract: A parking machine and a method of operating the parking machine are described. The parking machine includes a controller, a display controlled by the controller and a presence sensor for detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity of the parking machine. The method of operating the parking machine comprises detecting the presence of a person in the vicinity of the parking machine, placing the parking machine into an operating mode when the presence is detected, and returning the parking machine into the sleep mode once the person is no longer detected in the vicinity of the parking machine. When placed in the operating mode, the display shows the unexpired real parking time for parking spaces associated with the parking machine and/or shows instructions for a user to purchase parking time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: J.J. MACKAY CANADA LIMITED
    Inventor: Yvon Hache
  • Patent number: 6467602
    Abstract: An electronic security system for a parking meter includes a vault door having a spring-biased contact terminal for making breakable electrical contact with a housing hinge bracket contact terminal mounted in a vault opening. An electronic lock control circuit is able to communicate with a meter control (coin counting/auditing) circuit in the meter portion of the system through the vault door/housing hinge bracket contact terminals, thus eliminating a direct cable connection between the lock circuit and the meter circuit. The spring-biased contact may be substituted by equivalent breakable electrical contacts such as optocoupler contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignees: Medeco Security Locks, Inc., J.J. Mackay Canada Limited
    Inventors: James D. Bench, David G. Lefevers, Gary Hoss, J. Michael Lumpkin, Gregory E. Chauvin
  • Patent number: 6312152
    Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Metervision.com Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Dee, James J. Richard
  • Patent number: 6275169
    Abstract: A parking meter includes an input device for payment and at least one indicating device for indicating a paid parking time. The indicating device has at least one visual indicator for a corresponding number of parking spaces, wherein an actuating unit with an indicator is assigned to each parking space. All indicators, the actuating devices and the input device are connected to a common control device. A sound reproduction device provides an acoustic announcement about the paid parking time. The input device is a chip card actuating device. The indicator assigned to each actuating unit is designed such that the indicator represents at least three different states, wherein a first state indicates “paid parking time running”, a second state indicates “paid parking time expired”, and a third state indicates “paid parking time expired for longer than a predetermined time”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Agenor Krygler, Alicja Krygler
  • Publication number: 20010012241
    Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: MARK R. DEE, JAMES J. RICHARD
  • Patent number: 6243029
    Abstract: The invention is a method of monitoring and assessing a fee for parking a vehicle in a toll parking location where the user pays only for the actual parking time used. The invention includes providing indicia for a toll parking location and unique indicia for a vehicle to be positioned in that parking location. The user notifies a remote central control unit the location indicia, the vehicle unique indicia, and the start time of parking the vehicle in the location. Later, the user notifies the remote central control unit of the vehicle unique indicia, and the finish time of parking the vehicle in the location. The remote central control unit then assesses a fee to the user for the duration of time the vehicle occupied the parking location. A method of monitoring parked vehicles to assure compliance with toll parking regulations is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Natan Tomer
  • Patent number: 6188328
    Abstract: A parking meter device that is devoted to a separate person or vehicle comprises a housing unit 10 that has an LED 11 that in use is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. The device includes a two-way radio circuit 12, a display 14 and a keyboard 15. The unit also includes a computer 19. In use, the user communicates, using the keyboard 15, with a remote central parking service provide via radio data network channels to demand a parking period. The parking service provider checks the authenticity of the demand and approves the parking request. During lawful, paid for, parking the LED 11 remains ON so that a patrolling parking attendant can easily monitor that parking approval has been given. The parking meter device is in effect a personal device and overcomes disadvantages and limitations inherent for usual side-of-the-road parking meter devices that are devoted to parking bays or zones rather than individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: George Ho
  • Patent number: 6111522
    Abstract: A dual processor electronic parking meter (EPM) accepts a plurality of ISO compliant smart cards and authorizes payment of purchased time. The EPM of the invention is equipped with a card reader module (CRM) which accepts/validates transactions effected on smart cards, and also accepts a interface card for connection to a data terminal for revenue collection, meter configuration and meter firmware maintenance. The EPM includes a multi-lingual, intelligent, mixed-mode graphics and icon based display with greater visibility. When the EPM is idle, various sections of the meter are in a sleep mode for prolonging the life of the batteries. The EPM wakes up whenever a card is in the CRM, a coin is inserted, or a key for selecting the parking time and the type of operation is actuated. The EPM is easy to use by both the parking time purchaser and the money collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: J. J. Mackay Canada Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth Scott Hiltz, John Daniel Doucette, Gregory Andrew Fill, Neil Stuart Erskine
  • Patent number: 5966345
    Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Metervision.Com Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Dee, James J. Richard
  • Patent number: 5903520
    Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Metervision. Com Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Dee, James J. Richard
  • Patent number: 5845268
    Abstract: There is disclosed a computer-based parking system for improving the apprehension of parking violators. Such parking system comprises one or more electronic-based parking meters or devices having a means for recognizing and storing electronically information pertaining to the identity of the parker and may include one or more parking space monitors electronically connected to said electronic-based parking machines for detecting occupancy of and movement from a parking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Steven Jerome Moore
  • Patent number: 5805083
    Abstract: An electronic parking meter operating system comprising a microprocessor mounted within a meter housing, a semiconductor disc memory having at least 8K memory bytes, and a plurality of programs stored in the disc memory. A meter event such as the deposit of a coin will cause interrogation of an auxiliary program module map to determine if one of the plurality of programs should be used to substitute for or augment a program which is provided in the microprocessor to normally carry out meter functions. If substitution or augmentation is called for, an address table in the memory disc is used to locate the selected program, to load it into the microprocessor, and to execute the program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Duncan Industries Parking Control Systems
    Inventors: Joseph H. Sutton, J. Michael Rodgers, Ralph H. Carmen
  • Patent number: 5777951
    Abstract: A parking meter includes a microcontroller and a timer coupled with the microcontroller. A mechanism for accepting payment by coin, credit card or both is coupled with the microcontroller for accepting payment for use of an associated parking space. The microcontroller initiates the timer for a prepaid parking interval upon receiving a signal from the payment acceptance mechanism. A vehicle detector is coupled with the microcontroller for detecting the presence or absence of a vehicle in the associated parking space. A communications modem is coupled with the microcontroller. The microcontroller initiates a call notifying authorities as to a parking violation upon the vehicle detector signalling to the microcontroller the presence of a vehicle in the associated parking space after the expiration of the prepaid parking interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Digital Pioneer Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Frederick L. Mitschele, Damien E. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5732812
    Abstract: A token operable electronic parking meter 10 is disclosed and claimed. The meter comprises a first power source 18 and a controller 16 for controlling electronic circuity 20, 22 of the parking meter. An interface circuit 14 is connected to the first power source 18 for controlling provision of power from the first power source to the controller. In use, the controller is normally not connected to a power source, but is connectable to the first power source 18 via a first switch S.sub.1 which is controllable by the interface circuit 14. The meter 10 further comprises an independently powered timer 38 generating a signal when the controller 18 requires power. The interface circuit 14 is sensitive to a signal from the timer 38 and is arranged to close the first switch S.sub.1 in response to the signal, thereby to connect the controller 16 to the first power source 18, to energize the controller in response to the input signal from the timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: International Parking Systems (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Rodney Grainger, Andries Jacobus Coetzee, Daniel Nicolaas Paul Ferreira
  • Patent number: 5710743
    Abstract: An electronic module for enhancing an operation of a conventional parking meter. The electronic module comprises a shell defining a hollow conformation and being attachable to a conventional parking meter, in substitution to an upper housing portion of that conventional parking meter. The electronic module has a meter condition sensor for detecting from a distant point one of the time expiry indicator and the violative condition indicator of that parking meter, when the indicator is in an indicating mode, and a vehicle sensor affixed to the shell for detecting from a distant point, a parked vehicle. The electronic module further has: an electronic circuitry mounted inside the shell and having a power source for operating the module; means for receiving a first signal from the meter condition sensor and a second signal from the vehicle sensor; means for processing the first and second signals and means for transmitting a coded message to a remote receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: MeterVision. Com Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Dee, James J. Richard
  • Patent number: 5659306
    Abstract: An expired parking meter indicator with electronic components which detect the presence of a vehicle in the parking place. When a vehicle pulls into a parking place a signal is received by the parking meter which after a grace period emits a signal if no payment has been made. Furthermore, if a payment has been made and the vehicle remains in the parking place longer than the time received for the payment, a signal will also be generated. A parking control officer will be capable of receiving the signal and, thus, very efficiently citing parking violations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Reuben Bahar
  • Patent number: 5648906
    Abstract: This invention provides a networked computerized parking system of networked computerized parking meters that are connected via a number of electric-transferring cables to a local power source and via a number of fiber optic network connections to one another and to a central database computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Fardosht Amirpanahi
  • Patent number: 5617942
    Abstract: A low power parking meter to control two or four parking bays. A display, either by a flag-wheel or a digital display will normally indicate the status of each bay. When funds are deposited without indicating the bay to be credited, the meter will escrow the amount until a bay is chosen. The meter normally operates in an idle loop unless an individual bay is being checked or vended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: POM, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Ward, II, Gary W. Speas, R. Todd Brown
  • Patent number: 5589812
    Abstract: A portable timing device designed for use in conjunction with metered machinery, the device contained within a compact case with a clip on the back side, allowing the device to be fastened to an article of clothing or the like. The case further includes a means to store and dispense a plurality of coins for use in the meter, and an external actuation means by which the appropriate time interval is programmed. An electrical circuit is enclosed within the case, the circuit powered by a rechargeable battery which is connected to a solar energy collection device for recharging it. The circuit programs and times the selected time interval, and emits an audible warning signal when ten minutes, five minutes and no time remains in the time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Rickey A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5528563
    Abstract: A timer comprising a lamination containing a piece of porous wick material 1, and a reservoir of liquid 6, said liquid 6 and/or said porous wick 1 being such that when the reservoir is opened and the liquid 6 released it soaks into the porous wick 1 to thereby create a visible trace of the liquid on or in the porous wick; a face part 2 of the lamination being transparent such that said visible trace can be seen; said wick material 1 having imposed thereon or positioned adjacent thereto a series of markings which cover the time range over which the timer is to be used. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: John Compton Tothill
    Inventors: Thomas W. Tothill, Harry G. Cockburn
  • Patent number: 5407049
    Abstract: A low-powered electronic parking meter which can be powered solely by non-rechargeable, commercially available batteries. The meter includes a coin receptor with unique means for coin detection, slug detection, determination of coin denomination, and jam detection, which require very little power. The coin detection and denomination determination are performed using pivotable lever arms in contact with Piezo strips. The slug detection uses a permanent magnet mounted opposite a reed switch and the jam detection is performed by IR diode emitters and photocells. The meter also includes a processor, a liquid crystal display, a sonar transducer for detecting the presence of vehicles, and an IR transceiver enabling parking authority personnel to communicate with the meter. The components of the meter are operated in three conditions or states including an off condition, an inactive condition, and an active condition, to provide further conservation of power so that the meter is entirely battery operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Vincent G. Yost
    Inventor: James P. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5309414
    Abstract: A portable parking meter including a main device and at least a sub-device; The body of the main device has two inserting slots for some sub-devices and is provided on the front face thereof with a control panel, the inserting slots are provided with some card interfaces capable of communicational connection with the main device when the sub-devices insert therein; The main device has a CPU which uses a reset loop connected peripherally with a keyboard interface, an oscillating loop and a LCD loop, and which has its internal timing program to establish the communication between it and the sub-devices, and it can count sequentially by the rate of value preset in the sub-devices for timing or reckonning times and deducting amount of charges in the sub-devices as a parking fee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Neilson Chiu
    Inventor: Jacy Chiu
  • Patent number: 5266947
    Abstract: A parking data transfer system has first and second communications devices. The first communications devices each include a timing device, a first display for displaying a parking time and first transmitter for transmitting a notification when the time measured by the timing device has reached the parking time. The second communications devices each include a notifying device for notifying receipt of the notification transmitted by the first transmitter. The first communications device modifies the parking time on receipt of an updating signal transmitted by the second communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignees: Max Inc., Nihon Keiei Kikaku Kenkyujo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Fujiwara, Ikuo Nishitaka
  • Patent number: 5245592
    Abstract: A medical apparatus to be worn in the mouth comprises a battery-fed measuring unit (15) including a clock generator (18) and a counter (20) for counting the pulses of the clock generator. Accuracy of the time measurement decisively depends on the precision of the oscillating frequency of the clock generator. In the invention, there is used a clock generator (18) wherein frequency precision is low. When the counted value of the counter (20) is read into an external evaluating unit, the measuring unit supplies a reference time required by the clock generator (18) for generating a number of pulses. The evaluating unit calculates the time corresponding to the counted value under consideration of the length of the reference time. Thus, the evaluating unit measures the cycle length of the pulses of the clock generator, and this cycle length is multiplied by the number of the counted clock pulses. In this manner, time measurement is performed in a precise manner without requiring a highly precise clock generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Hermann-Josef Frohn
    Inventors: Dietmar Kuemmel, Gerhard Knoerzer, Juergen Wurst
  • Patent number: RE37193
    Abstract: A low power parking meter to control two or four parking bays. A display, either by a flag-wheel or a digital display will normally indicate the status of each bay. When funds are deposited without indicating the bay to be credited, the meter will escrow the amount until a bay is chosen. The meter normally operates in an idle loop unless an individual bay is being checked or vended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: POM Incorporated
    Inventors: Seth Ward, II, Gary W. Speas, R. Todd Brown