Miscellaneous Patents (Class 455/899)
  • Patent number: 6990355
    Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board has first and second connection portions 18 and 19 where contacts are exposed and first and second path portions 16 and 17 where conductor patterns 11 are arranged that connect the contacts 11a and 11b of the first and second connection portions 18 and 19 together. The first and second path portions 16 and 17 are formed so as to have substantially symmetrical shapes with each other about a predetermined straight line, and the flexible printed circuit board is folded up along the straight line C1 and C2. Alternatively, a flexible printed circuit board has a conductor pattern 11 formed between first and second insulating sheets 12 and 13, and has a shielding conductor 14 fixed to the second insulating sheet 13. The flexible printed circuit board is folded up with the second insulating sheet 13 outside so that the conductor pattern 11 is enclosed inside the shielding conductor 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Tottori Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Ueyama, Jiro Osaki
  • Patent number: 6934510
    Abstract: A baseball game spectating method is composed of input means (score maker system) such as a mobile terminal capable of electronically inputting states of a baseball game successively, the step of successively inputting motions of players and the other information using the input terminal and transmitting their real-time data, filming means for filming the states of the baseball game, the step of encoding and transmitting the states of the baseball game, means for digitizing the input data and recorded image and sound data, a recording medium such as a data server for storing the digitized real-time data therein, a recording medium such as an image server for storing the digitized image therein, a recording medium such as a sound server for storing the digitized sounds therein, a mobile net system such as PDC or/and PHS and gateway and internet for converting protocol, and a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone with high function and high performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Asobou's
    Inventor: Muneomi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6913578
    Abstract: Improved approaches to assist those having hearing loss are disclosed. One approach pertains to providing customization of personal audio systems for a hearing impaired individual. Another approach pertains to designing and producing an audio product that includes components or software that can be customized for hearing impaired individuals. The customization provided by either approach can be performed on-line or off-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Apherma Corporation
    Inventor: Zezhang Hou
  • Patent number: 6889174
    Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: A.L. Air Data, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Williams, Michael F. Young, Hunter V. Jones
  • Patent number: 6873884
    Abstract: A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device, a computer, and an activation member. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The activation member is coupled to the personal mobility device. The activation member is also linked to the computer and capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Information Technology
    Inventors: C. Cameron Brackett, Steven L. Fors, Mark M. Morita
  • Patent number: 6859640
    Abstract: An electromagnetic transponder including an oscillating circuit adapted to extracting from a radiating field a high-frequency amplitude-modulated signal, circuitry for extracting from said high-frequency signal an approximately D.C. supply voltage, a demodulator of data carried by the high-frequency signal, and circuitry for separately regulating the supply voltage and a useful voltage carrying the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Bardouillet, Nathalie Donat, Vineet Tiwart
  • Publication number: 20040266502
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hinge design for a mobile station or other electronic device that simplifies hinge assembly and thus, provides a more cost-effective manufactured product. Moreover, the improved hinge assembly complements the aesthetic appeal of the foldable mobile station and provides less stress on various internal elements. In particular, the present invention includes a foldable mobile station or other foldable electronic device having a first functional component that is coupled to a second functional component via a bi-stable structure. The bi-stable structure functions to bias the first and second functional components in either an open or closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Holtorf, Michael McKay, Ann Sullivan, Alexandre Hennen, Tonia Giesecke
  • Publication number: 20040248627
    Abstract: A method for making an electric part includes preparing and disposing a prototype of the electric part in a mold device, vacuuming two materials, poly-ol and crosslinking agent, in two containers and in a temperature lower than 80° C., and then feeding the two materials into a receptacle, for being stirred within within the receptacle, and to form a mixed material, poly-urethane. The mixed material is then injected into the mold device, to have the mixed material engaged onto the prototype of the electric part, and to form a shock absorbing film on the prototype of the electric part, and to protect the electric part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Chun Fu Kuo
  • Publication number: 20040219960
    Abstract: Provision of a new communication device that uses pneumatronic waves as transmission medium, taking advantage of the characteristics of responsive materials such as ceramics. The space communication device contains a transmission means that generates pneumatronic waves vibration-modulated by letting electromagnetic waves carrying information signals act on wave-transferred inorganic materials, a receiving means that detects as information signals electromagnetic waves generated by the coming pneumatronic waves, which act on the said wave-transferred inorganic materials to vibration-demodulate such materials, and a differential transformation means that prevents the said electromagnetic waves from impeding receiving action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Kenichi Miya, Takuji Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 6784591
    Abstract: A gravitational wave generating device comprising an energizing means which act upon energizable elements such as molecules, atoms, nuclei or nuclear particles in order to create nuclear reactions or collisions, the products of which can move in a single preferred direction with an attendant impulse (jerk or harmonic oscillation) of an ensemble of target nuclei or other energizable elements over a very brief time period. The target nuclei or energizable elements acting in concert generate a gravitational wave. A preferred embodiment involves the use of a pulsed particle beam moving at the local gravitational wave speed in a target mass, which is comprised of target nuclei, to trigger a nuclear reaction and build up a coherent gravitational wave as the particles of the beam move through the target mass and impact target nuclei over very short time spans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Robert M. L. Baker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040142662
    Abstract: A remote change of status signal device comprising a central unit, a power supply, at least one sensor for detecting a change of status in that which is being monitored and sending a signal to a transmitter, the transmitter being electrically connected to the sensor and power supply for transmitting a signal in response to the change of status, a signal broadcast means electrically connected to the transmitter for broadcasting the signal from the transmitter and a portable remote receiving and signaling device for receiving the broadcast signal and alerting the user of the device to the change of status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Ehrenberg
  • Publication number: 20040099523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using radio frequency waves to artificially create catalytic action in a catalyst-free chemical reaction within a substance. To mimic or imitate the catalyst, radio frequency waves are transmitted through the substance at a signal strength sufficient to electronically reproduce the effect of the physical presence of a selected catalyst. The radio frequency waves have a selected transmission frequency substantially equal to a catalyst signal frequency of the selected catalyst, defined as the signal frequency determined by nuclear magnetic resonance of the selected catalyst. It is commonplace to use nuclear magnetic resonance to identify elements within a substance and the signal frequencies of various elements (including catalysts) are listed in widely published tables. To date, the mechanism by which catalysts bring about chemical reactions has been unknown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: OTEC RESEARCH INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mohr
  • Publication number: 20030025969
    Abstract: A control system includes an electrical load control device responsive to radiant energy and a transmitter. The transmitter includes two sets of radiant energy generators connected to an electrical circuit such that polarity of the sets is reversed. A transmissive enclosure includes indented portions defining deflectors oriented obliquely with respect to a generator support surface. The transmitter is secured to a bracket for attachment to a backcover of the load control device. The control system may also include a master control generating an electrical control signal in response to an actuator or in response to a radiant energy signal. The control system is capable of limiting the master control to generate a signal only in response to the actuator. A power supply for the transmitter includes a filter network having a filter capacitor and resistor in series with a power supply capacitor and a diode in parallel with the resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Elliot G. Jacoby, Carl W. Gomes, Jackson P. Gehman, Christopher J. Salvestrini, Richard D. Samuels, Shawn L. Leichliter
  • Patent number: 6402691
    Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring the medical condition of a number of individual patients from a centralized location. The system includes a plurality of remote monitoring units that each include both a wireless transmission device and a conventional modem for communicating over voice telephone lines. The dual modes of transmission allow the remote monitoring unit to communicate either over a wireless communication network, if available or over conventional telephone wires. The remote monitoring unit includes a voice processing system that provides audio prompts and directions to the patient to direct the patient through the vital sign data gathering sequence. The audio prompts instruct the patient on the particular steps and timing for the vital sign data gathering sequence. Once the vital sign data has been acquired, the control unit of the remote monitoring unit determines whether a wireless transmission network is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Herschel Q. Peddicord, Kent A. Tabor
  • Patent number: 6310440
    Abstract: A plurality of spaced ceiling mounted fixtures or other controllable electrical appliances have radiation detectors mounted within each fixture and wired internally of the fixture to a dimming circuit or to a ballast. The radiation detectors have sensitivity over a wide angle and have elongated plastic radiation conduction rods which extend to or beyond the plane of the lens of the fixture to be located free of shadow effects of reflections of the fixture lens. A flexible end light fiber optics can be used in place of the acrylic rods. A narrow beam radiation transmitter selectively illuminates one of the rods or end light fiber optics without illuminating the others. The dimming circuits or ballasts within the fixtures can be further controlled by external dimmers, occupancy sensors, timeclocks, photosensors and other types of input devices. The radiation detector and ballast can occupy a common housing and share the same power supply and circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam T. Lansing, Russell L. MacAdam, Noel Mayo, Scott C. Miller, Robert A. Reiss, Ian Rowbottom, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 6166643
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the whereabouts of an animal is affixed to the animal and selectively administers appropriate aversive stimuli effective to deter the animal from encroachment of boundaries in accordance with predetermined conditions based on the coding and/or timing of radio signals received from at least one transmitter, which may include a wire loop. The apparatus receives radio signals intermittently transmitted from the transmitters, wherein the radio signals define at least one boundary for the animal. The apparatus then selectively administers the appropriate aversive stimuli in response to determining that at least one of the received radio signals satisfies one or more of the predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Joseph J. Janning, Eugene A. Janning
  • Patent number: 6148253
    Abstract: An on-vehicle control system for controlling various apparatuses mounted on a vehicle contains a front control unit for a front seat passenger and a rear control unit for a rear seat passenger. The front control unit is provided with the functions necessary for driving, such as the navigation control function and audio equipment control function, and the rear control unit is provided with the functions having elements of entertainment, such as the Internet communication function, functions to control games and videos, and audio equipment control function. Thus, the on-vehicle control system enables a user to communicate with the Internet, to concentrate the management of on-vehicle apparatuses, further to control the linking of the functions of the apparatuses, and not sacrifice safe driving or the elements of entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuji Taguchi, Fumio Saito, Satoshi Kodama
  • Patent number: 6112102
    Abstract: According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, non-uniform helical antennas are described for use in two or more frequency hyperbands. For example, non-uniform helical antennas can be designed according to the present invention for usage in portable terminals capable of operating both at 800 MHz and at 1900 MHz. Tuning to both resonance frequencies can be accomplished by varying parameters of the helical antennas including, for example, the pitch angle, coil diameter, length and number and spacing of the coil turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventor: Ying Zhinong
  • Patent number: 6064308
    Abstract: An RF signaling system and system for controlling the whereabouts of animals utilizing same functions, in a preferred embodiment, by efficiently establishing well-defined electronic boundaries using small, battery powered transmitters transmitting constant envelope RF signals in a near-field regime by repetitively delivering trains of brief, low duty cycle pulses of electrical energy to a resonant circuit which includes an antenna at a low RF carrier frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the circuit. During intervals between pulses, the resonant circuit is effectively isolated from the circuit delivering the pulses to minimize loading effects. Further energy efficiency is achieved by interposing inactive interals between at least some successive transmissions of the RF signals represented by the pulse trains. The RF signals emitted by the transmitters are digitally encoded as are those emitted from a wire loop coupled to an optional wire loop unit to define a wire loop boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Pole/Zero Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Janning, Eugene A. Janning
  • Patent number: 5991602
    Abstract: A method of communicating data between points along a fluid flow includes providing a plurality of remotely writable and readable data storage units capable of flowing in the fluid flow; remotely writing data to the data storage units as they pass a first point in the fluid flow; and remotely reading data from the data storage units as they pass a second point in the fluid flow downstream of the first point. The system of the present invention includes a plurality of remotely writable and readable data storage units capable of flowing in the fluid flow; a data writer at the first point for remotely writing data to the data carriers as they pass the first point in the fluid flow; and a data reader at the second point for remotely reading data from the data carriers as they pass the second point in the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: LaBarge, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Sturm
  • Patent number: 5963871
    Abstract: According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, retractable antennas are described for use in two or more frequency hyperbands. The retractable antennas can include a whip antenna, operable when the retractable antenna is extended and a non-uniform helical antenna, operable when the retractable antenna is retracted. For example, retractable antennas can be designed according to the present invention for usage in portable terminals capable of operating both at 800 MHz and at 1900 MHz. Tuning for the whip antenna is accomplished using a matching circuit. Tuning to both resonance frequencies for the non-uniform helical antenna can be accomplished by varying parameters of the helical structure including, for example, the pitch angle, coil diameter, length and number and spacing of the coil turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Ying Zhinong, Kenneth Hakansson
  • Patent number: 5845220
    Abstract: Information that changes as a function of time is communicated from a transmitting site to a receiving site by transmitting a signal comprising scalar and vector potentials without including ay electromagnetic field. The potentials vary as a function of time in accordance with the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: EarthTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold E. Puthoff
  • Patent number: 5716725
    Abstract: An electronic device (100) coupled to a power source (130) having a positive terminal and a negative terminal includes a positive connector (150) for coupling to the positive terminal of the power source (130) and a negative connector (160) for coupling to the negative terminal of the power source (130). An alert circuit (135) coupled to the positive and negative connectors (150, 160) indicates when the power source (130) has been coupled to the electronic device (100) improperly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario A. Riveron, Lawrence Edward Clements
  • Patent number: 5686891
    Abstract: A system for locating an object. The system includes an electronic device, a wireless transmitter for outputting a transmitted signal, and a receiver wherein one of the receiver or the transmitter is mounted within the electronic device and the other is positioned remote therefrom. The receiver comprises a wake up timer circuit for periodically generating a wake up signal, a wireless signal receiver being activated by the receipt of the wake up signal from the wake up timer circuit for generating a detect signal when the wireless signal receiver circuit receives the transmitted signal from the transmitter; and an audible signal generator circuit for generating an audible signal upon receipt of the detect signal from the wireless signal receiver circuit. The wake up timer circuit and the wireless signal receiver circuit are disabled when the audible signal generator circuit generates the audible signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Sacca, Marcus Escobosa
  • Patent number: 5638050
    Abstract: A system for locating an object, particularly a remote control, has a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the receiver has circuitry implementing power saving features. The receiver includes circuitry for turning off portions of the circuitry not essential for performing the current task. The receiver additionally only activates the wireless signal receiver portion of the circuitry periodically for short periods of time. The time of activation represents a small fraction of the operational time if the wireless signal receiver portion were to remain activated continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Universal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Sacca, Marcus Escobosa
  • Patent number: 5512880
    Abstract: A baby monitor receiver in the form of a wristwatch. A holder including a stand and cradle is provided for the receiver so that it may be stood on a flat surface or clipped to the clothing of the person attending to the baby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Safety 1st, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Abrams, Michael S. Bernstein, David W. Crossley
  • Patent number: 5467076
    Abstract: The realty sign lighting and display assembly is in the form of a real estate standard having a vertical post and a horizontal cross-arm from which depends a display panel. The cross-arm is specially constructed to incorporate within it anti-theft and display components and components for powering the anti-theft display components. Thus, the cross-arm includes a solar panel, preferably at the top of the cross-arm, and a rechargeable battery connected to the solar panel. The battery powers one or more spot lights located in the bottom of the cross-arm and directed at the display panel below the cross-arm. The solar panel includes electrical heating elements which keep the solar panel free of snow. A thermal sensor may be disposed in the top of the cross-arm and be connected to a switch operating the solar panel. An alarm connected to the battery prevents theft of the cross-arm. Preferably, the alarm includes a pendulum switch activatable by moving the cross-arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventors: Rita Ruocco, Roger Hance
  • Patent number: 5276717
    Abstract: Neutrinos and antineutrinos are generated by electromagnetic excitation of elementary subatomic particle magnetic moments in a DC magnetic field and causing the orientation energy of magnetic moments resulting from such excitation to be converted into the neutrinos and/or antineutrinos. A beam of neutrinos and antineutrinos is derived by enclosing a neutrino antineutrino source with neutrino scattering crystals having an aperture therein. Neutrinos and/or antineutrinos are amplitude modulated by varying the amplitude of electromagnetic excitation of the elementary particle magnetic moments, or the DC field or momentum mechanically imparted to a stiff crystal including the subatomic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph Weber