Patents Examined by Andrew Bee
  • Patent number: 8896450
    Abstract: An automatic alarm system that indicates the presence of a fish strike at an unattended fishing pole comprises a small transmitter located at an upper tip of the fishing pole activated by a motion sensor that energizes a transmitter and a light whenever a fish moves the rod. The sensitivity of the movement is adjustable via a switch, which allows the user to ignore small movement caused by breezes or other effects. A receiver is carried by the fisherman, comprising a small enclosure which is provided with both a vibrating and audible alarm. The receiver is capable of receiving pages up to hundreds of feet away. Both components are powered by user replaceable batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip H. Overbye
  • Patent number: 8896412
    Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kohanek
  • Patent number: 8896413
    Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kohanek
  • Patent number: 8878647
    Abstract: A personal authentication apparatus comprises an input unit configured to input image data; a face detection unit configured to detect a face region of a person included in the image data input by the input unit, and to detect feature data from the detected face region; a facial expression determination unit configured to determine a facial expression from the face region detected by the face detection unit; a storage unit configured to store feature data used to authenticate a person in correspondence with respective facial expressions of a plurality of faces; a selection unit configured to select feature data corresponding to the facial expression determined by the facial expression determination unit from the storage unit; and an authentication unit configured to authenticate a person by comparing the feature data of the face region detected by the face detection unit, and the feature data selected by the selection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinya Hirai
  • Patent number: 8854214
    Abstract: An athletic device is worn by a participant during an athletic event (e.g., a race). In one example, a race course is provided with a plurality of mats or signal devices along the race course. The mats may have antennas and generate a magnetic field. The device may include a chip system having an RFID tag and a display. As the participant progress along the course, the tag is triggered at each mat and race data may be displayed on the device. Data relating to a location of the participant may also be provided to the participant during the athletic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Boyd, Charles W. Case, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8854210
    Abstract: An eco drive support apparatus which reports the eco degree of the driving operation of a vehicle by displaying a state relative to a judgment threshold which varies corresponding to the drive state of the vehicle. The apparatus has a power train ECU which computes the judgment threshold and an eco drive state amount expressing a ratio to the judgment threshold on the basis of the drive state of the vehicle and a meter ECU which indicates the eco drive state amount on the basis of information transmitted from the power train ECU. The power train ECU transmits the eco drive state amount to the meter ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Fujitsu Ten Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Matsuo, Masato Ishio, Kohichi Tomiyama, Masatoshi Watanabe, Kan Saito
  • Patent number: 8847733
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for location, mobile, and user participating-based identity verification for the purposes of risk management. In one embodiment, the method, system, and computer-readable storage media includes receiving user data, receiving verification data, and verifying the identity of a user based on the user data and the verification request data. The user data may include location data and/or identity data, and the user data may be received from a mobile device. The identity data may include biometric data regarding the user. The method, system, and computer-readable storage media may include comparing the user data to the verification request data. The method, system, and computer-readable storage media may also include performing an action based on the results of the verification wherein the action is authorizing a payment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mastercard International Incorporated
    Inventors: Mohammad Anwar Khan, Dickey Singh
  • Patent number: 8842020
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for relative positioning of wells. A method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may include drilling a new well in a field having at least three completed wells using a drilling tool that includes a magnetometer. The method may further include driving current on a first pair of the at least three completed wells and then driving current on a second pair of the at least three completed wells, wherein the current is driven on each of the first and second pairs in a balanced mode. The method may also include measuring a direction of a first magnetic field generated by the current on the first pair using the magnetometer, measuring a direction of a second magnetic field generated by the current on the second pair using the magnetometer, and determining a location of the drilling tool relative to the completed wells based on the direction of the first magnetic field and the direction of the second magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Clark, Jan S. Morley
  • Patent number: 8830083
    Abstract: The present application provides a utility meter. The utility meter may include a processor with a predetermined temperature range, a remote disconnect switch in communication with the processor, and a temperature sensor in communication with the processor. The processor opens the remote disconnect switch when the temperature sensor senses a temperature that exceeds the predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ryan Marc LaFrance, Scott M. Shill, Jerry Wagner, Bruce Tomson
  • Patent number: 8823502
    Abstract: An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, internet, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: HTI IP, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Eric C. Berkobin, Alex Berkobin, Deep Kalinadhabhotla
  • Patent number: 8816827
    Abstract: A method and a data carrier for contactless communication of a reading device with at least two communication-ready applications located on a portable data carrier. A first communication-readiness signal is generated for a first application and sent to the reading device, the signal having a first identification number that is assigned to the first application and indicates to the reading device the communication readiness of said first application, and a second communication-readiness signal is generated and sent for a second application, the second signal having a second identification number different from the first identification number, which is assigned to said second application and indicates to the reading device the communication readiness of the second application. The identification numbers simulate for the reading device the communication readiness of a data carrier in each case. The reading device thus has the impression of communicating with applications of two separate data carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Finkenzeller, Karl Eglof Hartel, Denny Brandl
  • Patent number: 8810361
    Abstract: A smart lock that can be built into or mounted onto a trash container with a lid and a can consists of two interlocking parts. The smart lock contains a primary lock operably connected to a secondary lock. The primary lock can be opened in presence of the trash collection vehicle or by a command from the owner. The secondary lock can be opened by the same conditions or when it senses mechanical and gravitational movement characteristics of the collection process, only when the first lock is open. Each lock comprises a timer and electronic circuitry that detects authorized commands and opens the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Dhruv Thukral, Viviane Soraya Ghaderi, Shervin Moloudi
  • Patent number: 8803666
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable and executable instructions are provided for providing a universal access device. Providing a universal access device can include storing access data for each of a number RFID readers, wherein each of the RFID readers accepts a particular RFID protocol. Providing a universal access device can also include selecting a particular RFID protocol for one of the number of RFID readers while the universal access device is within an activation zone of the RFID reader. Furthermore, providing a universal access device can include providing the access data for the particular RFID reader via the particular RFID protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Cochran, Bruce W. Anderson, David T. Spoor, Thomas R. Markham, Robert C. Becker
  • Patent number: 8786414
    Abstract: A communication device includes a first receiver, a second receiver, a communication module, and a controller. The first receiver receives an operation signal from a remote controller. The second receiver receives a radio signal with a specific frequency. A power consumption of the second receiver is less than that of the first receiver. The communication module is capable of transmitting the operation signal to a first communication device. The controller controls power supply to the first receiver and the communication module and starts power supply to the first receiver and the communication module if the second receiver receives the radio signal. The communication module turns to a standby state if the first receiver does not receive the operation signal after start of power supply to the first receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tetsu Nakajima, Tomoko Adachi, Kiyoshi Toshimitsu
  • Patent number: 8786402
    Abstract: A system and method of associating a plurality of objects is disclosed. A physical space is defined and a real-time locating system (RTLS) is used to determine objects that are within the physical space. The objects determined by the RTLS to be within the physical space are associated. The objects include at least one of a caregiver, a patient, a medical device, a medication, and a medical substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Carefusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Barnes
  • Patent number: 8779897
    Abstract: A method of producing location information relating to articles (e.g. 9o) utilizes tag devices (10, 1112, • • •)• The method comprises the steps of: • the tag devices (e.g. I0), when in each other's proximity, exchanging identification data and storing the time and date of the exchange together with the identification data of the other tag device, and also storing data relating to previous exchanges, • the tag devices, when in the proximity of an information collection device (e.g. 2o), communicating the stored times and dates together with the stored identification data to an information collection device, • the information collection device (20) transmitting the times and dates and the identification data received from the tag devices to a central processing device (3), and • the central processing device (3) deriving location information from the times and dates and the identification data. Each tag device (e.g. 1o), during each encounter with another tag device (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast—natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Marcel Gregorius Anthonius Ruizenaar, Reinder Martinus Neef, Simon Adrianus van Merriënboer
  • Patent number: 8773238
    Abstract: The present document describes a device and method for synchronizing a motion signal corresponding to a media content with a media signal for the media content, the motion signal being for controlling a motion feedback system. The method comprises: receiving a portion of the media signal; obtaining a fingerprint corresponding to the received portion of the media signal; from reference fingerprints associated with time positions of at least one reference media content, identifying a reference time position of the media content corresponding to the obtained fingerprint; obtaining the motion signal associated with the identified reference time position of the media content; and outputting the motion signal synchronized with the media signal using the identified reference time position of the media content for controlling the motion feedback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: D-Box Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Menard, Pierre-Anthony Stivell Lemieux
  • Patent number: 8773245
    Abstract: There is provided a physical token for use in a defined venue with a server having communication with the physical token. The physical token may comprise an identification data and a transmitter configured to transmit the identification data. The physical token is configured to transmit the identification data to the server to cause the server to initiate a sensory interaction with a user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may comprise a character in the defined venue interacting with the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may also comprise a display screen in the defined venue displaying information to the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may further comprise an audio speaker in the defined venue announcing information to the user possessing the physical token. The physical token may represent an affinity comprising an experience, entitlement, or characteristic of the user possessing the physical token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David Canora, David Worrall, Andy Schwalb, John Padgett, Eric Jacobson, Jim MacPhee, Kevin Rice, Dan Soto
  • Patent number: 8773257
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices that include a therapeutic fluid dispensing device (10) to deliver a therapeutic fluid into a body of a patient. The device includes a controller to control one or more of fluid delivery operations and notification operations, at least one auditory notifier (800) to produce one or more acoustic signals in response to application of one or more activation signals by the controller and a plurality of electrical contacts coupled to the at least one auditory notifier to enable the application of the one or more activation signals to the at least one auditory notifier. The device also includes at least one housing retaining the at least one auditory notifier therein, the at least one housing being structured to resonate at least one of the one or more acoustic signals produced by the at least one auditory notifier in response to application of at least one of the one or more activation signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ofer Yodfat, Shai Ben-David, Danna Perlman
  • Patent number: 8760258
    Abstract: An energy management system. The energy management system includes at least one energy monitoring and control device configured to monitor the power usage of one or more electrical devices, and a security system communicatively coupled to at least one energy monitoring and control device and having at least one sensor configured to sense a security event. The security system is configured to receive information about the power usage of the electrical device and to determine an abnormal operation of the electrical device based, at least in part, on the received information about the power usage of the electrical device and a state of the security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Marriam, Thomas P. Brown, II, John Sotack