Patents Assigned to Escort, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11667249
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a mount apparatus are disclosed herein for securing an electronic device (such as a radar laser detector, GPS device, and/or dash camera or other electronic device used within a vehicle) to a surface such as an interior surface (e.g., windshield, dashboard) of a vehicle. In one example, the mount apparatus includes a magnet which is adapted to be coupled with a corresponding metal surface within the electronic device, so that the magnet positioned within the apparatus provides a magnetic force to aid a user in securing the mount apparatus and the electronic device to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Kipper, Yusan Zheng, Daniel J. Bartosik
  • Patent number: 11198397
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a mount apparatus are disclosed herein for securing an electronic device (such as a radar/laser detector, GPS device, and/or dash camera or other electronic device used within a vehicle) to a surface such as an interior surface (e.g., windshield, dashboard) of a vehicle. In one example, the mount apparatus includes a magnet which is adapted to be coupled with a corresponding metal surface within the electronic device, so that the magnet positioned within the apparatus provides a magnetic force to aid a user in securing the mount apparatus and the electronic device to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Kipper, Yusan Zheng, Daniel J. Bartosik
  • Patent number: 11061108
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a police activity detector is provided. The detector includes a receiver section and a warning section. The receiver section is configured to receive signals generated in the context of law enforcement activity. The warning section is configured to respond to a pulsed signal received by the receiver section and provide an alert if a received signal correlates to a law enforcement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Orr
  • Patent number: 10677888
    Abstract: An enhanced radar detector in one example displays a source direction of one more detected signals simultaneously with a frequency band of the detected signal. In another embodiment, a method detects a location of a false alert source to suppress alerts emanating from the location. A geographic location of a first mid-ship point of a detected radar signal in a vehicle traveling in a first direction are identified/recorded. The geographic location of a second mid-ship point of a detected signal is also identified/recorded in a vehicle traveling in a second different direction. The recorded geographic locations/directions of travel are uploaded to a host server, or evaluated within the radar detector, to identify a false source and mark a false source at an intersection of the first and second midlines. The marked false source location can be used in a detector and/or downloaded to multiple detectors via a social network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventors: John Kuhn, Jeff Stevens, Roy Coburn, Timothy A. Coomer
  • Patent number: 10197665
    Abstract: A radar detector suppresses alerts from vehicle guidance systems, by sweeping for a consistent radar signal; the center frequency of the signal is stored and the detector suppresses warnings of radar signals near that frequency. The detector uses an enhanced method for suppression of signals near a known location of a false signal source; in the event the detector detects a radar signal and finds a matching stored false signal, the detector will first compare the strength of the received signal to a threshold strength that is computed based upon the distance of the detector from the stored false signal, and will only suppress signals below threshold. The detector includes a camera directed to the road in the vicinity of the vehicle. Image data from the camera is processed to identify police vehicles as identified by flashing lights, a profile including a rooftop light bar and/or highly contrasting colored panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Orr, John Kuhn, Jeff Stevens, Thomas W. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 9557408
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting a RADAR signal. RADAR channel data in a frequency range is received, where the frequency range is divided into a plurality of equally wide channels. The received RADAR channel data is digitally processed and analyzed to identify a signal in the RADAR channel data in the frequency range. The frequency range is advanced to a next channel of the plurality of channels, where the frequency range of the next channel of the plurality of channels is nonsequential with the frequency range of the first channel. The steps of receiving, processing, and analyzing are repeated for the next channel of the plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Escort, Inc.
    Inventor: Igor Chernukhin
  • Patent number: 9279881
    Abstract: A radar detector suppresses alerts from vehicle guidance systems, by sweeping for a consistent radar signal; the center frequency of the signal is stored and the detector suppresses warnings of radar signals near that frequency. The detector uses an enhanced method for suppression of signals near a known location of a false signal source; in the event the detector detects a radar signal and finds a matching stored false signal, the detector will first compare the strength of the received signal to a threshold strength that is computed based upon the distance of the detector from the stored false signal, and will only suppress signals below threshold. The detector includes a camera directed to the road in the vicinity of the vehicle. Image data from the camera is processed to identify police vehicles as identified by flashing lights, a profile including a rooftop light bar and/or highly contrasting colored panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Orr, John Kuhn, Jeff Stevens, Thomas W. Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20150192661
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting a RADAR signal. RADAR channel data in a frequency range is received, where the frequency range is divided into a plurality of equally wide channels. The received RADAR channel data is digitally processed and analyzed to identify a signal in the RADAR channel data in the frequency range. The frequency range is advanced to a next channel of the plurality of channels, where the frequency range of the next channel of the plurality of channels is nonsequential with the frequency range of the first channel. The steps of receiving, processing, and analyzing are repeated for the next channel of the plurality of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Applicant: ESCORT INC.
    Inventor: Igor Chernukhin
  • Patent number: 9046594
    Abstract: A GPS enabled radar detector incorporated in a general purpose navigation device dynamically handles radar sources based upon previously-stored geographically-referenced information on such sources and data from the GPS receiver. The detector may ignore detections received in an area known to contain a stationary source, or may only ignore specific frequencies or may handle frequencies differently based upon historic trends of spurious police radar signals at each frequency. Notification of the driver may take a variety of forms depending on the stored information, current operating modes, and vehicle speed. The device includes navigational functions as well. In one embodiment, the detector uses a transparent touch screen and a readily aligned mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Orr, Timothy A. Coomer, John Kuhn, Kevin L. Kipper
  • Patent number: 8988272
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting a RADAR signal. RADAR channel data in a frequency range is received, where the frequency range is divided into a plurality of equally wide channels. The received RADAR channel data is digitally processed and analyzed to identify a signal in the RADAR channel data in the frequency range. The frequency range is advanced to a next channel of the plurality of channels, where the frequency range of the next channel of the plurality of channels is nonsequential with the frequency range of the first channel. The steps of receiving, processing, and analyzing are repeated for the next channel of the plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventor: Igor Chernukhin
  • Publication number: 20140266853
    Abstract: A radar detector suppresses alerts from vehicle guidance systems, by sweeping for a consistent radar signal; the center frequency of the signal is stored and the detector suppresses warnings of radar signals near that frequency. The detector uses an enhanced method for suppression of signals near a known location of a false signal source; in the event the detector detects a radar signal and finds a matching stored false signal, the detector will first compare the strength of the received signal to a threshold strength that is computed based upon the distance of the detector from the stored false signal, and will only suppress signals below threshold. The detector includes a camera directed to the road in the vicinity of the vehicle. Image data from the camera is processed to identify police vehicles as identified by flashing lights, a profile including a rooftop light bar and/or highly contrasting colored panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ESCORT INC.
    Inventor: Escort Inc.
  • Patent number: 8760339
    Abstract: Wireless and other external connectivity technology is used in various ways to enhance or improve upon existing radar detector and police activity detection systems. External memory interfaces, such as SD cards or USB, provide external storage. Wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, 802.11, and wireless personal area network communication protocols, allow a detector processor to interact wirelessly with external devices, such as a Bluetooth headset, a cellular network device providing a server connection, or toggle buttons used to indicate the presence of police activity at a current position. Further, radar detectors are upgraded to provide GPS capabilities, using the existing power/data connector of the radar detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventor: John Kuhn
  • Patent number: 8624771
    Abstract: Wireless and other external connectivity technology is used in various ways to enhance or improve upon existing radar detector and police activity detection systems. External memory interfaces, such as SD cards or USB, provide external storage. Wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, 802.11, and wireless personal area network communication protocols, allow a detector processor to interact wirelessly with external devices, such as a Bluetooth headset, a cellular network device providing a server connection, or toggle buttons used to indicate the presence of police activity at a current position. Further, radar detectors are upgraded to provide GPS capabilities, using the existing power/data connector of the radar detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventor: John Kuhn
  • Patent number: 8525723
    Abstract: A GPS enabled radar detector incorporated in a general purpose navigation device dynamically handles radar sources based upon previously-stored geographically-referenced information on such sources and data from the GPS receiver. The detector may ignore detections received in an area known to contain a stationary source, or may only ignore specific frequencies or may handle frequencies differently based upon historic trends of spurious police radar signals at each frequency. Notification of the driver may take a variety of forms depending on the stored information, current operating modes, and vehicle speed. The device includes navigational functions as well. In one embodiment, the detector uses a transparent touch screen and a readily aligned mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Orr, Timothy A. Coomer, John Kuhn, Kevin L. Kipper
  • Publication number: 20130147651
    Abstract: Wireless and other external connectivity technology is used in various ways to enhance or improve upon existing radar detector and police activity detection systems. External memory interfaces, such as SD cards or USB, provide external storage. Wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, 802.11, and wireless personal area network communication protocols, allow a detector processor to interact wirelessly with external devices, such as a Bluetooth headset, a cellular network device providing a server connection, or toggle buttons used to indicate the presence of police activity at a current position. Further, radar detectors are upgraded to provide GPS capabilities, using the existing power/data connector of the radar detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ESCORT INC.
    Inventor: Escort Inc.
  • Patent number: 8373588
    Abstract: Wireless and other external connectivity technology is used in various ways to enhance or improve upon existing radar detector and police activity detection systems. External memory interfaces, such as SD cards or USB, provide external storage. Wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, 802.11, and wireless personal area network communication protocols, allow a detector processor to interact wirelessly with external devices, such as a Bluetooth headset, a cellular network device providing a server connection, or toggle buttons used to indicate the presence of police activity at a current position. Further, radar detectors are upgraded to provide GPS capabilities, using the existing power/data connector of the radar detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventor: John Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20120268306
    Abstract: A radar detector accessory permits wireless connectivity to a smartphone to enhance or improve upon the existing radar detector, by providing enhanced display of the detector status and control of the detector, including storage of false alerts and locations of interest, storage and alerting to known hazards such as speed cameras and redlight cameras. Further, using the smartphone data connection, events of interest are reported to a central server, such as radar/laser detections, police activity sightings and mobile camera sightings, and remotely reported events of these types are delivered to the smartphone for delivery as alerts to the local driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: ESCORT INC.
    Inventors: Roy Coburn, Timothy A. Coomer, Jeff Stevens, John Kuhn
  • Patent number: 7999721
    Abstract: A GPS enabled radar detector dynamically handles radar sources based upon previously-stored geographically-referenced information on such sources and data from the GPS receiver. The detector includes technology for determining the location of the detector, and comparing this location to the locations of known stationary sources, to improve the handling of such detections. The detector may ignore detections received in an area known to contain a stationary source, or may only ignore specific frequencies or may handle frequencies differently based upon historic trends of spurious police radar signals at each frequency. Notification of the driver will take on a variety of forms depending on the stored information, current operating modes, and vehicle speed. The detector may be also incorporated within a general purpose navigation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventor: Steve K. Orr
  • Publication number: 20110102232
    Abstract: A GPS enabled radar detector incorporated in a general purpose navigation device dynamically handles radar sources based upon previously-stored geographically-referenced information on such sources and data from the GPS receiver. The detector may ignore detections received in an area known to contain a stationary source, or may only ignore specific frequencies or may handle frequencies differently based upon historic trends of spurious police radar signals at each frequency. Notification of the driver may take a variety of forms depending on the stored information, current operating modes, and vehicle speed. The device includes navigational functions as well. In one embodiment, the detector uses a transparent touch screen and a readily aligned mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: ESCORT INC.
    Inventors: Steven K. Orr, Timothy A. Coomer, John Kuhn, Kevin L. Kipper
  • Patent number: 7804440
    Abstract: A GPS enabled radar detector dynamically handles radar sources based upon previously stored geographically referenced information on such sources and data from the GPS receiver. The detector includes technology for determining the location of the detector, and comparing this location to the locations of known stationary sources, to improve the handling of such detections. The detector may ignore detections received in an area known to contain a stationary source, or may only ignore specific frequencies or may handle frequencies differently based upon historic trends of spurious police radar signals at each frequency. Notification of the driver will take on a variety of forms depending on the stored information, current operating modes, and vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Escort Inc.
    Inventor: Steven K. Orr