With Theft-preventive Feature Patents (Class 40/201)
  • Patent number: 11482017
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to recognize transported passengers and goods are disclosed herein. One example includes an apparatus comprising a processor unit on a vehicular entity, a communication component coupled to the processor unit, and a memory portion associated to the processor unit and structured to store information and data received through the communication component about at least one of passengers, luggage and/or goods on the vehicular entity, with the communication component being activated by a presence of the at least one of the passengers, luggage and/or goods on the vehicular entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Troia, Antonino Mondello
  • Patent number: 10949938
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for chain of custody tracking for an object. Several sets of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are organized in a network. Each set of sensors is configured to record one or more events relating to the object. Each event includes an event time, an event location, and an entity that is a custodian for the object at the time of the event. When the object changes custodians, proper custodianship is verified based on input from at least one set of IoT sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Achtermann, Rahul Gupta, Arnaud A. Mathieu, Maharaj Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 10949939
    Abstract: Methods for chain of custody tracking for an object are described. Several sets of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are organized in a network. Each set of sensors is configured to record one or more events relating to the object. Each event includes an event time, an event location, and an entity that is a custodian for the object at the time of the event. When the object changes custodians, proper custodianship is verified based on input from at least one set of IoT sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Achtermann, Rahul Gupta, Arnaud A. Mathieu, Maharaj Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 8887421
    Abstract: A multi-image license plate assembly having a series of horizontally disposed rotating display members operably controlled by a rotational drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be a series of gears, pulleys, belts, chains, a worm gear assembly, or other means. The horizontally disposed rotating display members rotated about a horizontal axis. The rotating display members preferably have three image surfaces. An image is segmented, with each segment applied to a respective image surface of each of the display members, such that when the image surfaces are aligned, the complete image is displayed. The image can be applied directly to the rotating member or applied to an insert. An adapter mount is provided for fastening the multi-image license plate assembly to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Halula
  • Publication number: 20140090280
    Abstract: Vehicles are equipped with communications devices and electronic controllers that store vehicle-related information and communicate the information with a plurality of extra-vehicular data sources, including traffic signal systems and remote data storage. The vehicle can be equipped with display devices that can be driven by the electronic controller to function as electronic license plates. The electronic license plates or other display devices are altered to indicate changes in vehicle status. Communicated information is used by a plurality of additional systems, for purposes including code enforcement, vehicle status monitoring, vehicle localization, and theft and fraud prevention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas W. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8314990
    Abstract: A film (1) which includes at least one transparent replicating layer (2) having a diffractive relief structure (3) and a reflective layer, the reflective layer being formed by at least one pigmented lake layer (4), and the film (1, 1?, 1?) showing a latent optically variable effect produced by the diffractive relief structure (3), and the use thereof. Further a method for the production of such a film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignees: Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co., Erich Utsch AG
    Inventors: Hubert Suessner, Mathias Thaeter
  • Patent number: 8250793
    Abstract: A multi-image license plate assembly having a series of horizontally disposed rotating display members operably controlled by a rotational drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be a series of gears, pulleys, belts, chains, a worm gear assembly, or other means. The horizontally disposed rotating display members rotated about a horizontal axis. The rotating display members preferably have three image surfaces. An image is segmented, with each segment applied to a respective image surface of each of the display members, such that when the image surfaces are aligned, the complete image is displayed. The image can be applied directly to the rotating member or applied to an insert. An adapter mount is provided for fastening the multi-image license plate assembly to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Halula
  • Patent number: 7836618
    Abstract: A license plate security frame comprises a solid inner back plate that is secured to a vehicle and a outer front rim hinged to it that traps the license plate and covers the mounting screws. Hinges at the bottom allow the inner back plate and outer front rim to open like a clamshell, and a cylinder lock mounted at the top to the outer front rim engages a lock pin mounted to the inner back plate. Clear corner covers are included to protect any stickers on the caged-in license plate, and are attached inside the outer front rim in the appropriate corners. The main surface of the license plate including the license numbers and their background are exposed through the middle of the outer front rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Steve Parenti
  • Publication number: 20100180476
    Abstract: A method and system for an illuminated display. The display can include a first image that may be illuminated by a light source and a second image that may be illuminated by a light source. The light source may be a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the LEDs and uniform illumination may be achieved through the use of waveguides. Additionally, the display may be such that it is flexible and that it may be mounted in any of a variety of locations and onto any of a variety of objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Charles Welch, Peter Servaas
  • Publication number: 20090193694
    Abstract: A support assembly for attachment to a substrate, the assembly having a first part comprising a rebated surface to which a sign is securable and a second part having a peripheral wall sized and dimensioned to bound the first part and a continuous facing wall joined to or contiguous with said peripheral wall, the two parts being securable together whereby said continuous facing wall overlies at least part of a peripheral portion of the rebated surface of said first part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: HILLS NUMBERPLATE HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Cordell, Richard Ivor Taffinder
  • Patent number: 7551088
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an electronic vehicle tag (EVT), which is preferably 12×6 inches. It consists of an encasement mountable by 4 screws to a motor vehicle. The front face is comprised of an electronic paper display technology, which requires no power consumption to maintain its image. The electronic paper display will hold a high resolution full color graphic design relating to the vehicle tag selected and tag information depending on the state of issuances requirements. The display is reflective and can be easily read in sunlight or dimly lit environments and at virtually any angle. The plate has an electronic paper technology for display, wireless communication transmitter/receiver, logic board for electronic paper manipulation, high impact encasement, and a battery pack. The battery pack is used to change the display when required. The electronic vehicle tag is independent of the vehicle in which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: W. David Findlay, Brian Bannister
  • Patent number: 7525433
    Abstract: A wireless communication module, which is to be installed on a license plate of a vehicle, has a memory device, a wireless communication circuit, a battery and a housing. The memory device stores vehicle information such as a registration number of the vehicle. The wireless communication circuit performs wireless communication with an outer apparatus to exchange the vehicle information. The battery supplies electric power to the memory device and to the wireless communication circuit. The housing receives the memory device, the wireless communication circuit and the battery therein and is to be fixed to the license plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yukiomi Tanaka, Shingo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7415787
    Abstract: A license plate frame assembly for the secure installation of a license plate upon a vehicle includes a backing plate and an outer frame. The backing plate is mounted to the vehicle. The outer frame is dimensioned to receive the license plate and the backing plate therein. A locking mechanism secures the outer frame to the backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Eidsmore
  • Publication number: 20080098629
    Abstract: A semi-locking license plate holder for an automobile including a rear frame, a frame cover and optionally a transparent plate. The rear frame has at least one fastener attach point for insertion of at least one fastener such that the fastener head abuts the rear frame securing it to the automobile. The frame further includes an assembly mechanism having at least one pin arm. The pin arm has at least one pin for attachment to the frame cover. The frame cover has at least one pin hole designed to align with at least one pin on the pin arm such that the pins may be inserted into the pin hole or holes. The frame cover has at least one fastener head cover for covering at least one and preferably all of the fastener heads such that the fastener heads cannot be used to remove the license plate without first removing the frame cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: REAL CARBON FIBER LLC D.B.A ZERO 261 DESIGN GROUP
    Inventors: Mark Alan Graham, Stephen Lee Osborne
  • Patent number: 7257912
    Abstract: A module unit is to be mounted to the exterior surface of a trunk door or rear door of a vehicle for displaying a license plate. Without requiring a key or special tool, the module unit protects the license plate from being removed by an un-authorized person. The license plate can only be removed when a locking unit in the module unit is unlocked by activating a release unit from the interior side of vehicle. Such a module unit also protects the annual registration stickers from being removed by an un-authorized person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: David Ue-Ming Yang
  • Patent number: 6892483
    Abstract: A reversible license plate frame is provided that will prevent theft of a license plate and the registration sticker. The reversible locking license plate and registration sticker tag protection frame of the present invention includes a license plate frame comprising a heavy material frame that surrounds unbreakable windows that protect the registration tags regardless of which of the four corners of the license plate to which the tag may be affixed. This prevents the removal of the registration tags by unauthorized persons. To prevent theft, a locking bar configured to receive a cylinder lock covers the screws that attach the frame to the license plate mount. The cylinder locks cannot be removed without a key rendering the screws inaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Steve Parenti
  • Publication number: 20040079008
    Abstract: A reversible license plate frame is provided that will prevent theft of a license plate and the registration sticker. The reversible locking license plate and registration sticker tag protection frame of the present invention includes a license plate frame comprising a heavy material frame that surrounds unbreakable windows that protect the registration tags regardless of which of the four corners of the license plate to which the tag may be affixed. This prevents the removal of the registration tags by unauthorized persons. To prevent theft, a locking bar configured to receive a cylinder lock covers the screws that attach the frame to the license plate mount. The cylinder locks cannot be removed without a key rendering the screws inaccessible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Steve Parenti
  • Publication number: 20020078608
    Abstract: A lockable license plate holder for securing a license plate via a plurality of conventional fasteners to a vehicle wherein the license plate holder includes a license plate holder housing member provided with an open generally rectangular framework element having an upper portion and a lower portion provided with a plurality of apertured mounting tabs dimensioned to receive the conventional fasteners, and a locking unit including a lock member operatively connected to a pair of locking arms provided with a plurality of cover tabs that will selectively cover and expose the apertured mounting tabs in response to the position of the look member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Philip B. Paulhill
  • Patent number: 6385876
    Abstract: A vehicular license plate holder is provided including a frame for removably receiving a license plate and a transparent plate positioned thereon. Also included is at least one locking assembly for preventing the removal of the license plate from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: John A. Mc Kenzie
  • Patent number: 6305107
    Abstract: The present invention is a license plate locking device that operates with a cylindrical lock. The license plate locking device has a renewal sticker theft prevention window locking device that is applicable for license plates which display such renewal stickers in any corner of the license plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Steve Parenti
  • Patent number: 6286238
    Abstract: A security system for a license plate, vanity plate or tag includes a bracket for mounting on a vehicle in the space conventionally supporting license plates and a lockable frame interfitting therewith. The bracket has at least one slot for engaging a tab carried by the frame, and another slot for engaging a locking member extending from a lock. The frame has apertures for supporting a license plate, and the frame and license plate are readily removable as a unit for storage in a high security area to prevent theft of the license plate, as well as to deter the installation of an unauthorized license plate as often hapens when the vehicle will be stolen. The system can be mounted with the lock on the top or bottom side, and one embodiment includes an open area in the frame opposite the lock. The lock is preferably a cam lock and is positioned to deter tampering. A bracket has upper and lower planar portions which may be angled with respect to a main planar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Curtis L. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6158154
    Abstract: The present invention is a locking device having a renewal sticker theft prevention window locking device that is applicable for license plates which display such renewal stickers in any corner of the license plates. The license plate locking means has the lock shackle positioned such that it would not be readily attachable or exposed to cutting such as by a hacksaw or other cutting device-that is the lock shackle is protected therefrom by enveloping the shackle in a protected enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Steve Parenti
  • Patent number: 6032983
    Abstract: An emergency color and tactile coded identification plate comprising a face plate, a clear tamper resistant plastic center, and a back plate is used to control access to and from locations within and around a secured facility. The face plate has configured openings that correspond to configured markings on the back plate such that the configured markings on the back plate fill the configured openings of the face plate when the identification plate is assembled by aligning and bringing the face plate, the clear plastic center, and the back plate into contact with each other to form a single unit. The present invention provides a multiple indicia emergency plate that allows fast identification of the correct key for a specific door in a secured facility that uses both visual and tactile indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Steven S. Lanter
  • Patent number: 5983539
    Abstract: A tag lock is provided which is constructed from a transparent material. The cover is hingably coupled over a license plate for selectively protecting the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Brian Martin, Lori A. Tinnirello
  • Patent number: 5704652
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article has a zone for inserting information and a pattern within said zone which will resist effective counterfeiting. A transparent tape which preferably has a silicone resin coating which contains a wax is adhesively secured over information contained within the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Optical Security Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoram Curiel
  • Patent number: 5201592
    Abstract: A reinking color ribbon cassette for a printer is described. The cassette has plural, independent ink ribbons of different colors - such as the primary colors and a black color - and a ribbon feeder for driving only the ink ribbon of a selected color to perform printing through the ink ribbon of the selected color. The ink ribbons can be used repeatedly by feeding their corresponding inks by a color ink feeder. The color ink feeder is constructed of ink tanks, in which inks of the different colors are contained respectively, and ink feeding members. These plural ink ribbons, color ink feeder and ribbon feeder are enclosed within a cassette casing constructed of a lower cover and an upper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Oki Elecric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Mizutani, Masanori Maekawa
  • Patent number: 5073842
    Abstract: An illuminated display device for a motor vehicle. The illuminated display device (10) comprises a lamp housing (12) for being secured to the license plate support structure of a vehicle in lieu of a license plate, the housing (12) having a rear wall (16) engaging the license plate support structure and defining a forwardly disposed opening (14). The housing (12) also includes a lower portion provided with license plate support brackets for engaging and supporting a license plate. A display panel (42) is mounted in the opening (14), at least a portion of which is translucent, and a lamp (34) is mounted within the lamp housing (12) for illuminating the display panel (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Gary W. Monroe
  • Patent number: 5012602
    Abstract: A locking license plate holder for mounting license plates on automobiles, trucks and trailers includes a frame having a channel formed therein dimensioned for insertion of a license plate. The frame includes a transparent cover plate provided with an elongated lock housing. Spaced pairs of aligned apertures are formed through the frame, the license plate, the cover plate and a side wall of the lock housing. A pair of retaining pins are dimensioned for insertion through a vehicle mounted license plate attaching bracket and through the pairs of aligned apertures in the license plate holder. A key actuated rotary locking cylinder is centrally mounted in the lock housing and includes a pair of transverse locking rods connected to the rotary cylinder for simultaneous extension and retraction. A pair of guide members in the housing constrains the locking rods to reciprocal linear movement. A transverse aperture is formed through each of the retaining pins for receiving the locking rods in a locked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Gerald T. Storey
  • Patent number: 4903422
    Abstract: A license plate frame assembly is disclosed for displaying and projecting a vehicle license plate or identification tag. The assembly includes a generally rectangular frame with a rearwardly extending wall portion and an open center portion. A transparent plate abuts the frame and is confined within the wall portion to cover the open center. A rear panel, also confined within the wall portion, sandwiches the license plate between the transparent plate and the rear panel. The frame is secured from the rear portion thereof, fasteners being extended through a generally planar surface thereof, thereby preventing its unauthorized removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Paul Varga
  • Patent number: 4891895
    Abstract: A license plate holder for providing a weather-proof and tamper-proof enclosure for a vehicle license plate includes a backing plate adapted to be secured to the vehicle license plate mount and to have the license plate secured thereto. A cover frame is secured to the backing plate by means of tamper-resistant screws secured between the backing plate and frame without passing through the license plate or a transparent pane held against the license plate by the frame. Gaskets provide weather-proof seals between the frame and pane and between the license plate and pane. The tamper-resistant screws are received in cylindrical female-threaded fasteners which are crimped in place to determine the spacing between the frame and backing plate. The backing plate is provided with four mounting apertures corresponding to four standardly spaced mounting holes in the vehicle license plate mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Inventor: Pascal DeLaquil, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4368979
    Abstract: An automobile identification system and a method for producing it are disclosed. The system utilizes a conventional license plate with alpha-numeric characters conveying identifying information perceptible by the unaided eye in combination with a hologram embodying encoded identifying information which cannot be decoded by the unaided eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Siemens Corporation
    Inventor: Hartwig Ruell