Patents Examined by Ali Neyzari
  • Patent number: 9742580
    Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals. The wireless control device may comprise a user interface, an antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, a control circuit, and/or a conductive faceplate. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive radio-frequency signals via the antenna. The user interface may be configured to receive a user input. The conductive faceplate may be configured to operate as a radiating element of the antenna when the conductive faceplate is mounted to the wireless control device and the user interface is received in the opening of the conductive faceplate. The conductive faceplate may comprise a conductive material arranged over a plastic carrier, for example, the conductive material may be provided adjacent to greater than or equal to approximately 85% of the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
  • Patent number: 9741179
    Abstract: An onboard unit for a vehicular identification system is disclosed herein. The onboard unit comprises a housing attachable to an exterior surface of a vehicle's windscreen, a transceiver, and a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to communicate with the identification system via the transceiver. The transceiver and processor are contained in the housing. The onboard unit comprises a tampering protection unit which is split into a first part which is contained in the housing and a second part which is attachable to an inner surface of the windscreen. The first and the second part each comprise a limited range communication module for communication between each other. The tampering protection unit is configured to detect a loss of communication between both communication modules and, upon detection, to trigger an alarm event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Kapsch TrafficCom AG
    Inventors: Robert Povolny, Joze Hebar
  • Patent number: 9740891
    Abstract: Messages may be passed between Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags using RFID readers. A first tag with a message intended for a second tag sends the message to an RFID reader. The reader then determines that the destination of the message is the second tag and sends the message to the second tag. The second tag may confirm receipt of the message by sending a receipt confirmation message to the reader for forwarding to the first tag, and/or the reader may itself confirm that the message was sent to the second tag by sending a transmit confirmation message to the first tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: IMPINJ, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Robshaw, Tan Mau Wu
  • Patent number: 9728208
    Abstract: A method including depositing a plasmonic material at a temperature of at least 150° C.; and forming at least a peg of a near field transducer (NFT) from the deposited plasmonic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Sarbeswar Sahoo, Tong Zhao, Michael C. Kautzky
  • Patent number: 9725944
    Abstract: A detector includes a plurality of sensors and is configured to detect a user in preliminarily set detection areas. The sensors are arrayed horizontally at a rear portion of a vehicle such that the detection areas of the adjacent sensors overlap with each other. If any one of the sensors detects the user and outputs a detection signal (first detection signal), a threshold for a detection signal of one of the sensors adjacent to the sensor (second detection signal) is raised and the first and second detection signals are converted to first and second binary signals, respectively. A rear door is opened if the second binary signal has an output period that is contained in an output period of the first binary signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Motoki, Hidemitsu Kawashima, Hirohito Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 9721464
    Abstract: A cleaning, disinfecting, care and/or sterilization device for at least one medical or dental instrument comprising a housing, a treatment chamber for receiving the at least one medical or dental instrument, a media supply for feeding and/or discharging media into the treatment chamber and a control unit operable to control and/or regulate a cleaning, disinfecting, care and/or sterilization process, wherein the control unit comprises a wireless communication device to communicate with remote accessories of the cleaning, disinfecting, care and/or sterilization device and wherein the wireless communication device is capable of creating a wireless local area network allowing the remote accessories to communicate with the control unit of the cleaning, disinfecting, care and/or sterilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: W&H Sterilization S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marino Magno, Alejandro Ramirez Ramos, Fabio Ghezzi, Klaus Maier
  • Patent number: 9715773
    Abstract: A method for access control wherein verification of access authorization is effected by evaluating an ID sent at regular intervals from a mobile electronic device or a data carrier nearest an access control device (3, 4, 5, 6), via bluetooth low energy standard as part of a “broadcasting”, to which at least one access authorization is unequivocally assigned, which is received by BLE transceiver units (TRX-1, TRX-2, TRX-3, TRX-4) connected to a computer comprising a CPU and storage located within range of the mobile electronic device or the data carrier. Localization of the mobile electronic devices or the data carriers is carried out by evaluation of the RSSI, wherein the signal strength is measured, with which that signal of a mobile electronic device or a data carrier is received, which contains the ID of BLE transceiver units (TRX-1, TRX-2, TRX-3, TRX-4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Skidata AG
    Inventors: Jorge Clemente, Thomas Schlechter, Reinhard Surkau
  • Patent number: 9710986
    Abstract: A vehicle door handle device includes: a detection member including an antenna and a DC driving detection member capable of detecting approach or touch of a person, electrically connected to a driving controller through first and second connection wires and are connected in parallel, wherein the antenna is driven by an AC voltage supplied from the driving controller, the detection member is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the driving controller by respectively connecting the first connection wire and the second connection wire to a positive DC power supply and a ground, the detection member includes a power terminal and a ground terminal, a detection output terminal, an antenna driving detection terminal, and an antenna driving detection unit, and the vehicle door handle device further comprises a DC cut capacitor, and a passive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takehiro Tabata
  • Patent number: 9704318
    Abstract: A system and method are described for implementing a wireless IoT lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: AFERO, INC.
    Inventor: Omar Zakaria
  • Patent number: 9697399
    Abstract: A communication method of an active radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to a product or a pallet is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Electronics Technology Institute
    Inventors: Yoen Kug Moon, Dong Hyun Lee, Sung Hun Chae
  • Patent number: 9691205
    Abstract: A cloud-based locking system and method, comprising a network-connected server comprising at least a memory and a processor and further comprising programmable instructions stored in the memory and operating on the processor, the instructions adapted to a system for locking and unlocking a common access entry point comprising, at least, a lock control interface, a relay, and a communication manager, is disclosed. The lock control interface is operably connected to a relay wherein the relay is electrically connected to a locking system of a common access entry point and able to lock and unlock a locking device thereon. The communication manager is configured to receive a request to lock or unlock the locking device from a network wherein the communication manager is operably connected to the lock control interface to issue commands to the lock control interface based on the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Shane Wesley Robinson
  • Patent number: 9684765
    Abstract: Improved systems and methods are described for improving patient care, safety, and workflow. In particular, a rewritable identification device is provided. In some examples, identification data is exchanged between an identification device and a bidirectional device. At the outset, the identification device may receive a request for identification data from the bidirectional device. In response to the request, the identification device may retrieve the requested identification data as well as supplemental data associated with the identification data. After retrieval, the identification device may transmit, within an ultra-high frequency range, a radio frequency identification tag containing the requested identification data and the supplemental data to the bidirectional device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: RMS Omega Technologies Group, Inc
    Inventor: Peter Michael Vatenos
  • Patent number: 9682683
    Abstract: A communication system and method utilizing the communication system. The method includes performing a vehicle function based on a proximity of two wireless devices to a vehicle. The steps of method include: establishing a short-range wireless communication (SRWC) link between a SRWC system on the vehicle and a first wireless device; establishing another SRWC link between the SRWC system and a second wireless device, wherein the first and second wireless devices are associated with a common user; receiving a wireless signal at the SRWC system from each of the first and second wireless devices; determining a proximity of the two wireless devices based on receiving the wireless signals; and performing a vehicle function based on the determined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nathaniel H. Williams, Marco T. Carnevale, Amanda J. Kalhous, Dwayne A. Crocker, Samer Zakhem
  • Patent number: 9685016
    Abstract: A method provides a guest access to a defined space selectively accessible through an automated gate. The method includes the steps of causing a resident interface to be displayed to a resident via a resident data device. Guest data is received from the resident about the guest using the resident data device. The guest data is transmitted to a central station. The guest identifies when the guest arrives at the automated gate. The method also opens the automated gate to allow the guest to travel into the defined space after the automated gate is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Virtual Guest Services, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Randolph, Douglas Weldon, Tony Randolph
  • Patent number: 9683394
    Abstract: A simplified locking and mounting execution methods for protecting high-value cargo enclosed in a container, while maintaining the container indistinguishable from similar low value shipments, including an OnBoard Identity Module (OBIM) providing lock and unlock actuation activities for the Internal Locking Mechanism (ILM), both of which are externally undetectable. The OBIM interacts with a Securing Rod or similar securing feature which engages one or more container components in a manner preventing the container from being opened until a properly encoded unlocking signal is sent to the locking system via wireless methods from a remote point directing the OBIM to actuate again to unlock the container. This simplified locking mechanism provides components of a size suitable for repeated use, removal, transport, and reuse elsewhere over-and-over or cost effective solutions suitable for single use disposable applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: C. Joseph Rickrode
  • Patent number: 9684449
    Abstract: Methods and system for generating a first set of selection options for presentation on a display screen of a television. Each first set selection option identifies a sub-set of symbols. The presentation provides a visual representation of spatial relationship between the first set of selection options and a first group of input options available on a physical remote control. A first user selection is received for the first group of input options. In response to receiving the first user selection, a second set of selection options corresponding to the first user selection, is generated for presentation as a visual representation of spatial relationship between the second set of selection options and a second group of input options available on the physical remote control. A second user selection is received for the input options from the second group and is interpreted to identify selection of one of the sub-set of symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventor: Hsi-Heng Sean Yang
  • Patent number: 9679171
    Abstract: RF tags using source addresses to locate stations on a Wi-Fi network are secured. An RF location server receives a pseudo source address of an RF (radio frequency) tag from a station. The station obtains the pseudo source address while being within radio range of the RF tag and the station receiving a beacon frame from the RF tag. A source address for the RF tag is looked-up utilizing the pseudo source address, and a specific location for the RF tag is looked-up utilizing the source address. Some embodiments store the locations in association with the pseudo address. Either way, the specific location of the station is identified based on the source address of the RF tag. An action is determined in response to at least the specific location of the station. Information related to the action is sent to the station for output to a user of the station. For example, a location-based offer or service can be provided in real-time with a consumer's presence to relevant products or services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Fortinet, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurabh Bhargava, Anil Kaushik, Ajay Malik
  • Patent number: 9680533
    Abstract: A backscatter modulation radio-frequency (RF) sensor and method for using the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the RF sensor comprises: an energy harvesting unit operable to convert incident RF energy to direct current (DC); a storage unit operable to store recovered DC power; one or more sensors for sensing; a backscatter communication interface to backscatter energy to communicate one or more packets using a frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulator; and a microcontroller coupled to the energy harvesting and storage units, the one or more sensors, and the backscatter communicator, the microcontroller operable to cause the backscatter communication interface to communicate sensed data from at least one of the one or more sensors while powered by energy previously harvested and stored by the energy harvesting and storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenneth Gudan, Jonathan J. Hull
  • Patent number: 9672674
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing secure locks having redundant access channels are disclosed. In some embodiments of the invention, the smart lock has a hardware processor, a power source, a cylinder, a button that forms a rose knob, and a rose protector. The rose knob and rose protector protect and conceal the hardware processor, the power source, and the cylinder. The rose protector forms an annular groove that slidably interlocks with the rose knob. The rose knob has a plurality of redundant access channels for receiving authentication information. The redundant access channels may include a biometric scanner for receiving biometric information, a passcode keypad for entering a token, or a wireless transceiver for receiving a token from a mobile device and transmitting a response to the mobile device. When the user cannot open the lock through the first redundant access channel, the smart lock is configured to allow access through a second access channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Acsys IP Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: David Meganck, Ahmad Fares, Karim Belhadia, Jean Mouradian
  • Patent number: 9665820
    Abstract: A load modulation circuit for radio frequency identification including a first load modulation module and a second load modulation module connected to a coupling circuit. Under weak field intensity, load modulation is mostly realized by the first load modulation module, with the second load modulation module contributing far less than the first load modulation module as regards to the load modulation waveform and load modulation depth. As field intensity increases, the first load modulation module contributes less and less to the load modulation waveform and load modulation depth. While field intensity increases, the second load modulation module contributes more and more to the load modulation waveform and load modulation depth under the control of a variable voltage. Under strong filed intensity, load modulation is mostly realized by the second load modulation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Shanghai Huahong Integrated Circuit Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhijun Fu, Heliang Ma