Patents Examined by Allen Chein
  • Patent number: 8560234
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of navigation. In on embodiment, a plurality of position and motion states of a vehicle are estimated. The states may be estimated based on information received from a satellite receiver and an inertial measurement sensor. Estimating the states comprises performing one or more of a plurality of update steps at the rate that information is received from the satellite receiver. The states are estimated at a rate greater than the rate at which the update steps are performed. In one embodiment, the states are estimated using a stepped extended Kalman filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Aaron D. Kahn
  • Patent number: 8548880
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system, a method and/or a computer readable medium are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Andreas Moschel, Hans Chelniak, Paul Skiba, Torsten Stolz, Jochen Thierer
  • Patent number: 8538879
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, program products, and methods of loading a loan on a pre-paid card. A bank receives authorization from a lender to credit loan proceeds from the lender to an approved borrower on an existing pre-paid card associated with the pre-paid card processor. Next, the bank credits the loan proceeds to the pre-paid card processor for the existing pre-paid card so that the loan proceeds are released to the approved borrower and are immediately available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Metabank
    Inventors: Scott H. Galit, Trent Sorbe
  • Patent number: 8533075
    Abstract: The present invention describes a biomedical track-and-trace solution based on unique item-level QR codes printed on product packaging and encoding unique URLs to enable granular, item-level product management. In some embodiments of the invention, the information presented to users who access these unique URLs is tailored based on the role of the user in the supply chain. Embodiments of the invention may be used for the purposes of item authentication, anti-counterfeiting measures, product recall management, and the efficient distribution of supplementary product information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: AgileQR, Inc.
    Inventors: Foster Joseph Sayers, III, Albert Ho, Charles Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8527404
    Abstract: Tools for adjusting a debit transaction, which can allow a payee to adjust the amount of the transaction without having to provide cash back to the payor. Instead, the refund amount may be applied as a credit against the debit transaction. In an aspect, the credit may be for any amount up to the original amount of the check (less any credit already applied). Optionally, one or more security and/or anti-fraud measures may be implemented, e.g., ensuring that the check is not subject to a collection proceeding and/or ensuring that the requested credit is not more than the amount of the check itself).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry A. Sellen, Christopher A. Schmid
  • Patent number: 8504261
    Abstract: A control system includes an engine control module and a transmission control module. The transmission control module communicates with the engine control module via a network. The transmission control module generates at least one of a back torque signal and a first engine acceleration signal. The transmission control module transmits the at least one of the back torque signal and the first engine acceleration signal to the engine control module via the network. The engine control module controls operation of an engine based on the at least one of the back torque signal and the first engine acceleration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8494960
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, program products, and methods of loading a loan on a pre-paid card. A bank receives authorization from a lender to credit loan proceeds from the lender to an approved borrower on a pre-paid card associated with the pre-paid card processor so that release of the loan proceeds is pending an activation of a pre-paid card. Next, the bank receives notice of an activation of a pre-paid card associated with the pre-paid card processor responsive to an activation request on behalf of the approved borrower. Then the bank credits the pending loan proceeds to the pre-paid card processor for the activated pre-paid card so that the loan proceeds are released to the approved borrower and are immediately available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Metabank
    Inventors: Scott H. Galit, Trent Sorbe
  • Patent number: 8494708
    Abstract: A controller for determining whether a previously-detected vehicle malfunction still exists. If the malfunction is no longer detected in the sensor signals, a vehicle control system operates in a first operational state or normal operational state with respect to the previously-malfunctioning sensor (e.g., signals from the sensor are used to control the vehicle). If the malfunction continues to be detected, the vehicle control system operates in a second operational state or malfunction state with respect to the malfunctioning sensor in which the signals from the sensor are not used to control the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Bechtler, Ravi Bhadange, Nachiket Patil, Takeshi Tokonaga, Stefan Mallmann, Michael Schwab, Dietmar Stapel, Willy Klier, Joerg Eesmann
  • Patent number: 8472695
    Abstract: A method of analyzing of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes inspecting a physical defect in a semiconductor wafer, subjecting the semiconductor integrated circuit chip to a logic test and extracting a malfunctioning chip, analyzing a detected signal observed from the malfunctioning chip by an analyzer, obtaining the layer and coordinates of a circuit related the detected signal, collating the physical defect with the circuit, and identifying the physical defect associated with the circuit. The layer and coordinates of the circuit is extracted using design data. An inspection step identifying information is collated with the layer of the circuit, and an in-chip coordinates of the physical defect is collated with the coordinated of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Masafumi Nikaido
  • Patent number: 8467929
    Abstract: A controller for determining whether a previously-detected vehicle wheel speed sensor malfunction still exists. The controller includes an electronic, non-volatile memory, and an electronic processing unit connected to the electronic, non-volatile memory. The electronic processing module includes a malfunction monitoring module, a failure handling module, and a signal checking module. The malfunction monitoring module monitors the operation of at least one wheel speed sensor and generates a fault signal when the at least one sensor malfunctions. The failure handling module causes drive cycle information and the fault information to be stored in the electronic, non-volatile memory. The signal checking module performs a signal check on information from the at least one wheel speed sensor. A tell-tale indicator is deactivated and/or a vehicle control system resumes normal operation if the wheel speed sensor passes the signal check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Bechtler, Ravi Bhadange, Nachiket Patil, Takeshi Tokonaga, Stefan Mallmann, Michael Schwab, Dietmar Stapel, Willy Klier, Joerg Eesmann
  • Patent number: 8467937
    Abstract: A power steering assist system for a hand-steered pallet truck includes a joint assembly having a pivot joint, handle biasing mechanism, and a torque sensing arrangement. The pivot joint includes a pair of needle bearings and pivot pin disposed within a pivot block that provides a flexible connection between a handle and a tiller arm. The handle biasing mechanism includes a cantilevered beam spring and two cam rollers that resists an operator steering force applied to the handle and further, centers the handle with respect to the tiller arm after the force is released. The torque sensing arrangement includes a magnet and a non-contact magnetoresistive (MR) sensor that measures movement of the handle relative to the tiller arm which is used to determine operator steering intent, i.e., the amount of steering force applied to the handle. The MR sensor provides accurate torque measurements regardless of the angle of the tiller arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy T. Hanna, Richard M. Day, James M. McDonough
  • Patent number: 8438070
    Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, exchanging value between a service buyer and a service provider. The technology involves establishing a virtual funds account associated with the service buyer. A request for services is received from the service buyer, which includes an amount that the service buyer is willing to pay for the services. An indication that the service provider will perform the services for the service buyer is received, and a hold is placed in the buyer's virtual funds account on an amount of virtual funds corresponding to the amount that the service buyer is willing to pay for the services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Sears Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Rhett Butler
  • Patent number: 8429038
    Abstract: Visually presenting spending behavior, spending patterns, and spending activity to a consumer across of their all receipt based purchase transactions. Receipt data is received at a first or host computer from respective transaction processing devices or host systems of respective merchants, or received from self-service action of the consumer, and identifies respective goods or services purchased by the consumer. A user interface is displayed to the consumer and comprises a thumbnail arrangement of discrete objects, each of which represents respective receipts generated by respective transaction or transaction processing devices. A discrete object may comprise data of one or multiple goods or services and includes category indicators that visually inform the consumer about the type of good or service. Embodiments may also involve requesting receipt data utilizing a mobile communication device, searching receipt data collected by the computer and responding to the request with requested receipt data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Susan A. Harman, Ronald J. Char, Abraham Zafar, Ojas R. Sitapara
  • Patent number: 8406965
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shoulder collapse risk monitoring system capable of alerting a driver to a risk of a road shoulder collapse during approach operations to the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Ichinose, Tomohiko Yasuda, Takayuki Sato
  • Patent number: 8401730
    Abstract: A controller for indicating whether a previously-detected, acceleration-sensor malfunction no longer exists. The controller includes an electronic memory and an electronic processing unit connected to the electronic memory. The electronic processing module includes a malfunction monitoring module, a failure handling module, and a signal checking module. The signal checking module performs a signal check after the malfunction monitoring module generates the fault signal. The signal check includes executing a signal check function with a lateral acceleration signal. Also disclosed is a vehicle including the controller, and a method executed by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch LLC
    Inventors: Henrik Bechtler, Ravi Bhadange, Nachiket Patil, Takeshi Tokonaga, Stefan Mallmann, Michael Schwab, Dietmar Stapel, Willy Klier, Joerg Eesmann
  • Patent number: 8392113
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for determining navigation instructions within a pedestrian navigation environment. For example, a system and method are provided for determining an optimal path to a destination. An optimal path may be determined based at least in part on a measurement of similarity between one or more points of interest and one or more destinations. Such a measurement of similarity may be based at least in part on predefined criteria between the one or more destinations and one or more points of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Rajarshi Gupta, Saumitra Mohan Das, Min-Wook Jeong
  • Patent number: 8386281
    Abstract: There is provided a system for managing information comprising a network, a hand-held mobile device, and a central server computer. The network is established between the central server computer and the hand-held mobile device to communicate computer readable information between the central server computer and the hand-held mobile device. In an embodiment, the computer-readable information is human interface information related to operation of a train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd Goodermuth, Jared Cooper Klineman
  • Patent number: 8370026
    Abstract: An activation device is configured to activate a protection apparatus for protecting an occupant. The activation device includes a front collision detection unit and a rear collision detection unit. The front collision detection unit outputs a front-collision-state activation signal to a front-collision protection apparatus so as to activate the front-collision protection apparatus when detecting front collision of the vehicle. The rear collision detection unit outputs a rear-collision-state activation signal to a rear-collision protection apparatus so as to activate the rear-collision protection apparatus when detecting rear collision of the vehicle. The rear collision detection unit prohibits output of the rear-collision-state activation signal to the rear-collision protection apparatus for a first period when the front collision detection unit detects front collision of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihide Kondoh, Takashi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 8364546
    Abstract: A restroom monitoring system for monitoring attributes of fixtures within a restroom using sensors. Additional attributes are determined from the monitored attributes. Consumable usage levels are estimated based on predetermined consumption levels associated with usage states of the fixtures. The restroom monitoring system provides an indication of the need for replenishment of consumables based on the monitored attributes of the fixtures. In addition, restroom monitoring system may provide additional information regarding the restroom attributes to a service provider, a manager or a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Edward Yenni, Peter J. Jahrling
  • Patent number: 8355966
    Abstract: A method for using a website, including detecting, using an agent executing on a central processing unit (CPU) and operatively coupled to a financial management application (FMA), a user accessing a webpage of the website by comparing a web address submitted by the user to a pre-determined web address of the webpage, analyzing the webpage based on a pre-determined template to identify a data entry field, identifying, using the agent executing on the CPU, data managed within the FMA for populating the data entry field, wherein the data is identified by comparing the data entry field to a data model of the FMA, retrieving the data managed within the FMA to generate retrieved data, and populating, using the agent executing on the CPU, the data entry field using the retrieved data based on the data model of the FMA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Miriam Nga-Shun Vu, Nedda Cox, Julie Stanford