Patents Examined by Adam Carlson
  • Patent number: 8922347
    Abstract: An R.F. energy collection circuit, provides a low-loss R.F. front end tuned to minimize lost power in R.F. bands commonly used for communications for passing substantially coherent R.F. signals received therefrom, a rectifier circuit coupled to receive coherent R.F. energy from the front end, and an energy storage circuit coupled to receive energy from the rectifier circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: L. Pierre de Rochemont
  • Patent number: 8912877
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for activating an electronic device. The activation circuit comprises: a first sensor to monitor for a first condition relating to an environment as affected by a user of the device; a second sensor to monitor for the first condition relating to an environment isolated from effects of the user; and an activation circuit to evaluate signals from the first and second sensors to determine whether to change an activation state of a component on the device. This may involve activating or deactivating the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Spencer Ling, Antonio Chan
  • Patent number: 8902070
    Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring and/or predicting drowsiness of a driver of a vehicle or a machinery operator are provided. A set of infrared, IR, or near infrared, NIR, light sources, is arranged such that an amount of the light emitted from the light source incidents on an eye of the driver or operator. The light that impinges on the eye of the driver or operator forms a virtual image of the signal sources on the eye including the sclera and/or cornea. An image sensor obtains consecutive images capturing the reflected light, wherein each image will contain glints from at least a subset or all of the light sources. A drowsiness index can be determined based on the extracted information of the glints of the sequence of images, wherein the drowsiness index indicates a degree of drowsiness of the driver or operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Tobii Technology AB
    Inventors: Miroslav Kobetski, Peter Blixt, Johnny Holmberg, John Mikael Elvesjo
  • Patent number: 8847760
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant purse includes a bag having a front surface, a rear surface, two opposing side edges, a lower surface and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. The open top is selectively enclosed with a foldable flap having a Hall-effect switch that changes states whenever the flap is opened. Extending from the bottom surface of the bag are a plurality of feet each having a pressure-sensitive switch therein. The pressure-sensitive switches and the Hall-effect switch are electrically connected to an alarm circuit including both audible and visual alarms. A strap is connected to a pair of detection switches that engage whenever a predetermined amount of force is applied to the strap. Accordingly, if the purse is moved, snatched or opened, the alarm is activated to alert those nearby of a potential theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: George W. Watkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8836527
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle has arranged therein a vehicle seat and is equipped with an occupant detection system for detecting whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat, the system including a first antenna electrode arranged in the seat and a first sensing circuit associated with the seat, where the first sensing circuit includes an oscillation circuit operatively connected to the first antenna electrode for applying to the first antenna electrode a first oscillating signal and a first current detection circuit connected to the first antenna electrode for determining a current flowing into the first antenna electrode in response to the first oscillating signal being applied thereto, where the current flowing in the first antenna electrode indicates whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat, and when in operation, the first sensing circuit codes the information whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat into a first output signal which is output and which may be supplied to a restraint sy
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.
    Inventors: Christoph Wendt, Andreas Petereit
  • Patent number: 8816875
    Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a hollow probe provided at its longitudinal tip with a temperature measuring unit having a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, electrodes neighboring to the temperature sensor and arranged in the hollow of the probe, and a determining unit for determining whether temperature measuring unit is in appropriate contact with a measurement target portion of a user or not, based on a change in electrostatic capacity sensed using the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hiramatsu, Yasuo Fujita, Yoshihito Nakanishi, Yoshihide Onishi, Daisuke Ishihara, Atsuko Fukui, Masaki Tomioka, Katsuyoshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8773237
    Abstract: A door closer with a teach mode is disclosed. The door closer that can be self powered and includes a control unit to intelligently control a valve within the door closer to vary the operating characteristics of the door closer as needed. The control unit includes a teach mode that can be invoked at installation time, or any other time, so that appropriate information can be stored in memory regarding an installation configuration, relative jamb position, swing (right or left handed) and other parameters. These values can be accessed by control circuitry in the controller for use in controlling the door closer during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Burris, Robert L. Tadlock, Jr., John White, Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph McGinty, Wade Patterson
  • Patent number: 8749354
    Abstract: Disclosed is an RFID system that includes a controller that outputs the transmission signal to be transmitted to an RFID tag and reads a receiving signal transmitted from the RFID tag; a leakage signal canceller that receives a portion of the transmission signal and the receiving signal, and performs an adjustment task to generate a cancellation signal according to an adjustment value and the portion of the transmission signal to remove a transmission leakage signal and to remove the transmission leakage signal included in the receiving signal; and a reader controller that determines whether there is a change of an RF environment using an intensity of the receiving signal according in a period set in advance, controls an operation of the leakage signal canceller according to the change of the RF environment, and controls an operation of the controller to read the receiving signal transmitted from the RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yeong Chan Kim
  • Patent number: 8742898
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for removing a transmission leakage signal of an RFID system including a reader controller that sends a transmission signal to an RFID tag and receives a receiving signal transmitted from the RFID tag to read tag information, the apparatus including a leakage signal canceller that receives a portion of the transmission signal and the receiving signal, and performs an adjustment task to generate a cancellation signal according to an adjustment value to remove a transmission leakage signal and the portion of the transmission signal, and to remove the transmission leakage signal included in the receiving signal and a controller that continuously determines whether there is a change of an RF environment using an intensity of the receiving signal, the RFID tag being installed in the RF environment, and controls an operation of the leakage signal canceller according to the change of the RF environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yeong Chan Kim
  • Patent number: 8742942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security device for a cover device of a pipe and/or for a pipe, that can be used for producing pipelines having a series of further pipes welded to each other, wherein the cover device comprises a sleeve covering an inner wall of the pipe, and the security device is designed for generating an alarm signal, wherein the security device comprises a structure-borne sound detection device comprising a structure-borne sound sensor for detecting manipulation of the pipe. The invention further relates to a system for monitoring pipes having a plurality of security devices having a receiving station for receiving the security device signals, preferably repeatable by means of a repeater, and an electronic data processor designed for analyzing the signals and for out-putting an alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Rosen Swiss AG
    Inventor: Hermann Rosen
  • Patent number: 8717143
    Abstract: A binder management system having a cabinet with shelves for removable storage of searchable binders. Each binder has a body with front and rear covers and a spine. Inside the body is a binder mechanism for removably retaining sheet media. Each binder has externally extending upper and tower ohmic contact members which ohmically engage conductive members mounted on the shelf surfaces near the front. Each binder has a binder identification circuit coupled to an LED mounted on the binder spine in a location visible when the binder rests on a shelf. When a binder identification signal from a host computer is presented to the shelf conductive members it is transferred by the binder contact members to the binder identification circuit. If the signal matches, the LED is activated to aid the user in finding the binder. An LED and an optional audible indicator are mounted on the shelves to further aid the user in finding the sought binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Micro E Corp.
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Patent number: 8717173
    Abstract: An alarm for digital storage discs includes an alarm module positioned within the central indention found in conventional CD and DVD jewel cases. A lid sensor in communication with the alarm module includes a pair of spaced trigger arms that form an ovate opening. A nodule on the uppermost arm engages the jewel case lid to maintain engagement of electrical contacts on the arms. An arming switch includes a magnetically-operated pin that is extended into the opening formed between the triggers to prevent the contacts from separating. Once the jewel case is sealed, an arming station initially retracts the pin while the case lid firmly engages the nodule to maintain the contacts in engagement. If an unauthorized user opens the jewel case without first extending the pin at the arming station, the triggers will automatically separate thereby activating the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Mary L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8710971
    Abstract: A control method of an LPI lamp for an LPI vehicle and logic for the control method can turn on again an LPG switch when the LPG switch is unintentionally turned off, by making a driver recognize whether the LPG switch is turned off, by switching an LPI lamp on and off. For this configuration, the control method of an LPI lamp for an LPI vehicle includes checking whether an LPG switch that stops fuel supply to an engine has been turned on or off, and switching the LPI lamp on and off, when it is determined that the LPG switch has been turned off, in an LPI vehicle in an ignition-on state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jungjoo Park
  • Patent number: 8686832
    Abstract: A computer-based system manages and communicates the identity, attributes, and current state of a geographic point of interest. The system includes a beacon device and a distributed data network. The beacon device includes a housing supporting control electronics, a display, and communication electronics. The beacon is placed at a visible location at the geographic point of interest and receives information concerning the geographical point of interest. The display visibly communicates the information while the communication electronics communicates the same information to the distributed data network. A user can query a location-based service and receive the same information from the distributed data network that is being communicated by the display, assuring communication of accurate and consistent information concerning the geographic point of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ronin Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Alexandre H. Oliveira
  • Patent number: 8674831
    Abstract: Security systems may include sensing, networked communications, stealth, alarms, and countermeasures, any or all of which may adapt to threats. These systems may also include armor and barriers of concrete and/or steel. They can adapt to severity of threats, weather, and/or other situational aspects. They can anticipate at least some threats in order to obtain early warning and react more quickly to those threats. They can adapt by altering their configurations, including alterations in communication networking structures and methods, and changes in data-storage and processing duties at processing nodes. Defensive and/or offensive countermeasures can be employed to deter, confuse, trap, and/or disable terrorists. The systems are capable of self-maintenance, self-healing, and self-restoration as threats subside. The systems can include subsystems capable of autonomous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kontek Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Merrill, Kevin Charles Kriegel, Roger Allen Nolte, Barclay J. Tullis
  • Patent number: 8598981
    Abstract: A key fob includes a biometric sensor including a fingerprint area sensor having a surface for receiving a finger, and a controller includes at least one processor configured to authenticate a user of the key fob based on biometric information obtained with the biometric sensor and stored biometric information for an individual. The key fob includes a RF transmitter for communicating stored transaction information to a reader upon authentication of the user and a housing. The housing includes a base for supporting the biometric sensor and a cover sleeve slidably engaged with the base to allow for extension from and retraction into the sleeve by the base, thereby permitting selective exposure of the fingerprint area sensor under user actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Tore Etholm Idsøe
  • Patent number: 8581696
    Abstract: Universal garage door opener and appliance control system operable to facilitate garage door opener and appliance control with a fob or other wireless device operable to wirelessly communicate corresponding instructions to a vehicle other device for subsequent relay to the garage door opener or controlled appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Jason T. Summerford
  • Patent number: 8581719
    Abstract: An exemplary sunroof for mounting in a vehicle roof is provided. The sunroof includes a panel and a warning apparatus. The sunroof includes a first bottom surface for facing toward an inside of the vehicle. The warning apparatus includes a PCB attached to the panel, and a warning unit mounted on the first bottom surface and electrically connected to the PCB. The warning unit is configured to send an emergency alert signal when the panel is raised up to be substantially perpendicular to the vehicle roof. A vehicle includes the sunroof is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan-Lung Kuo, Hou-Yao Lin
  • Patent number: 8542132
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Michael Elizarov, Sergey V. Kolomiets
  • Patent number: 8482388
    Abstract: A method of authentication of a terminal generating a magnetic field by a transponder including an oscillating circuit from which a D.C. voltage is generated, wherein at least one quantity depending on the coupling between the transponder and the terminal is compared with at least one reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventor: Luc Wuidart