Patents Examined by Blount
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Patent number: 11350693Abstract: An article of apparel, a system, and methods include a structural material configured to enable the article of footwear to the worn on a body. A wireless transmission circuit is included and a piezoelectric generator is positioned with respect to the structural material in a configuration to be flexed to induce a voltage signal output. A voltage sensor is configured to sense the voltage profile and output a sensor signal indicative of the voltage profile. An electronic data storage, coupled to the voltage sensor, is configured to store voltage profile information based on the sensor data. A comparator, coupled to the electronic data storage, is configured to identify a change in the voltage profile information over time. The wireless transmission circuit is configured to transmit data indicative of a physical status of the article of footwear based on the change in the voltage profile information over time.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Keith A. Folske, Vikram Malhotra, Holli Pheil, Summer L. Schneider
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Patent number: 11348420Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a door or a window is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is described, comprising receiving, by a processor, an electronic signal from a motion sensor in response to movement of the door or window, determining a direction of movement of the door or window from the electronic signal by the processor, comparing the direction of movement to a predetermined direction by the processor, detecting, by the processor, an alarm condition of the door or window if the electronic signal indicates that the door or window is being opened, and transmitting, by a transmitter coupled to the processor, an alarm signal when the alarm condition has been detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Ecolink Intelligent Technology, Inc.Inventors: Michael Lamb, Jay Stone, Michael Bailey, George Seelman
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Patent number: 11345276Abstract: A device for use with a vehicle that includes a cabinet having a plurality of sidewalls that can define at least a portion of an interior region of the cabinet. A display screen is coupled to a portion of the cabinet, at least one side of the display screen being positioned to face outwardly away from the interior region and have indicia that is visible from a location remote from both the cabinet and the vehicle. A light source can be positioned within the interior region adjacent to the display screen that is configured to selectively illuminate at least a portion of at least one of the display screen and the indicia. The device can further include a controller that is electrically coupled to the light source and a trigger assembly. The controller can be configured to initiate operation of the light source in response to receipt of a communication from the trigger assembly that is indicative a change in status of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Inventor: Ahmed Kareem
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Patent number: 11338625Abstract: Embodiments included herein are directed towards an automatic tire inflation monitoring system and method. The method may include confirming, using a battery powered electronic sensor, that there is no active tire re-inflation in progress. The method may further include monitoring, using the battery powered electronic sensor, the status of all tire pressures over a period of time and determining, using the battery powered electronic sensor, whether a rate of tire pressure reduction exceeds a first value. The method may include reporting, using the battery powered electronic sensor, a fault if the rate exceeds the first value.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2021Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Sensata Technolgies, Inc.Inventors: John Paul McGrotty, John Greer, David George Galbraith, Krishna Raj Pradeep, Jonathan Primrose
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Patent number: 11332068Abstract: A direction indicator control unit inhibits direction indicators of a host vehicle from making a directional indication when the host vehicle enters a roundabout determined to be present along a presumed traveling route on which the host vehicle is presumed to travel. A direction indicator control method also inhibits direction indicators.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Nojiri, Tatsuya Shino, Katsuhiko Degawa
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Patent number: 11336128Abstract: Ultrasonic transmitting elements in an electroacoustical transceiver transmit acoustic energy to an electroacoustical transponder, which includes ultrasonic receiving elements to convert the acoustic energy into electrical power for the purposes of powering one or more sensors that are electrically coupled to the electroacoustical transponder. The electroacoustical transponder transmits data collected by the sensor(s) back to the electroacoustical transceiver wirelessly, such as through impedance modulation or electromagnetic waves. A feedback control loop can be used to adjust system parameters so that the electroacoustical transponder operates at an impedance minimum. An implementation of the system can be used to collect data in a vehicle, such as the tire air pressure. Another implementation of the system can be used to collect data in remote locations, such as in pipes, enclosures, in wells, or in bodies of water.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2021Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: UltraPower Inc.Inventors: Inder Raj S. Makin, Harry Jabs, Leon J. Radziemski
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Patent number: 11331227Abstract: A moisture management apparatus monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. An embodiment of the moisture management apparatus includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. The sensor event communication system may monitor other types of patient events. Portions of the moisture management apparatus and/or the moisture event communication system may be embodied in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Heil, Steven Alan Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Timothy A. Lane, II, David Lance Ribble, Varad Narayan Srivastava, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Michael Scott Hood, Charles A. Howell, Kirsten M. Emmons
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Patent number: 11328803Abstract: A pill dispenser is disclosed that includes a pill-dispensing mechanism, a receptacle, an identifying camera positioned to capture an image of an area adjacent to the pill dispenser, and a processor in operative communication with the pill-dispensing mechanism and the identifying camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, James G. Turner, Erik N. Sabin, Gregg W. Rivinius, David E. Collins, Benjamin Zaslow, Jonathan Zobro, Alexander R. Therrien, Jared N. Farlow
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Patent number: 11318883Abstract: A towing vehicle includes a towing control unit with circuitry to detect whether a light is connected to the electrical harness electrically coupling the vehicle to the trailer. The towing control unit may include lamp connectivity circuits for, for example, the left turn signal and the right turn signal. To determine whether the turn light is connected, the corresponding connectivity circuit periodically generates a test signal. Based on characteristics of a response signal to the test signal. The connectivity circuit determines whether the corresponding turn signal light of the trailer is connected based on a response to the test signal. The connectivity circuit may distinguished whether an incandescent-based turn signal light, a light emitting diode (LED)-based turn signal light, and an open circuit is sensed based on the characteristics of the response signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2021Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.Inventor: Chandrakumar Kulkarni
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Patent number: 11314244Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining abnormal information associated with a vehicle. The systems may perform the methods to obtain real-time information associated with a bicycle and obtain reference information associated with the bicycle. The systems may also perform the methods to determine, based on the real-time information and the reference information, abnormal information associated with the bicycle, and transmit the abnormal information to a server or a terminal device associated with the bicycle according to a Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technique or a Long Range (LoRa) technique.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: BEIJING QISHENG SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Zhifeng Hu, Tao Fang, Yi Zheng, Wei Duan, Chunyue Tong, Chuan Liu
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Patent number: 11305594Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for measuring at least one physical characteristic for a pneumatic assembly (21), comprising a device (9) for detecting the physical characteristic, a device (11) for wireless transmission of values representing the measurements obtained by the detection device (9), a one-way fluid passage device (13) for inflating the pneumatic assembly (21), and a source (15) of electrical energy. According to the invention, the measuring system (1) comprises an electrically conductive metal body (3) closed by a cover (5) made of material transparent to the waves of the wireless transmission device (11), allowing the body (3) to be used as a receptacle which provides for stable positioning, the transmission of electrical energy, and the mechanical protection of the devices (9, 11) of the measuring system (1) while allowing wireless transmission through the cover (5) of values representing the measurements obtained by the detection device (9).Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: KEMLAIRInventor: Christian Kempf
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Patent number: 11305595Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing the life cycle of a tyre. The apparatus includes a tyre state detector (100) and a data processor (200), wherein the tyre state detector (100) is configured to detect and send a first identity identifier of the tyre state detector (100) and state detection parameters to the data processor (200); and the data processor (200) is configured to obtain a second identity identifier and usage scenario information of the tyre, generate and send tyre life cycle management information corresponding to the tyre. By obtaining the second identity identifier and the usage scenario information of the tyre, and establishing a correspondence relation so as to generate and send the tyre life cycle management information corresponding to the tyre, the life cycle management of the tyre can be achieved, and thus the intelligent management of the tyre is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Inventors: Jianer Zhang, Zhiyong Jie
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Patent number: 11297883Abstract: A system includes a wearable article and a housing assembly including a receptacle defining a chamber and having an access opening providing access to the chamber to removably receive an electronic module within the chamber. The housing assembly further includes first and second contact members each having a contact pad positioned outside the chamber and an arm extending from the contact pad into the chamber to form electrical contacts of an interface exposed to the chamber. Conductive leads are connected to the contact pads to place the leads in electronic communication with the contacts, and bonding the housing assembly to a wearable article. The housing assembly is bonded between top and bottom layers of material forming a portion of the wearable article, such that the layers are bonded to the receptacle by a bonding material. The article has an electrically-powered component, and the leads are connected to the component.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Brendan Donohoe, Keith Folske, Brian L. Kash, Kevin Steward
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Patent number: 11295554Abstract: A race reporting system is disclosed with a server connected to the internet to present a registration webpage to a remote race participant desiring to attend a race; a database connected to the server, wherein the database stores registration information made by the participant; a plurality of chip cards, and a plurality of chip card readers and writers. The system allows registration register until the race starts and after the start of the race and can also provide a profile for participants that keeps track of their racing statistics. Further the system allows bib or race number assignment at the time of registration.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Inventors: Kelly Ramey, Graham A. Leslie
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Patent number: 11288468Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) reader device includes a radiofrequency device configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation through an antenna array. An RFID control computing device is coupled to the radiofrequency device and includes a memory coupled to a processor which is configured to be capable of executing programmed instructions comprising and stored in the memory to operate the radiofrequency device in a first mode to transmit a first radiofrequency beam to a scan area through the antenna array. A spatial location for RFID tags located within the scanned area is determined from a radar image. The radiofrequency device is operated in a second mode to transmit a second radiofrequency beam to at least one of the RFID tags, based on the determined spatial location of the RFID tags, to power an integrated circuit or sensor located on and to communicate with the at least one of the RFID tags.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Vubiq Networks, Inc.Inventor: Michael Gregory Pettus
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Patent number: 11285766Abstract: A systematized multi-point sensors unit for a tire and a tire having the same are provided. More specifically, the systematized multi-point sensors unit includes: a sensor module composed of a plurality of sensors and attached onto an inner surface of a tire to monitor conditions of a tire and a road surface, and a connection member for connecting the plurality of sensors by wire, wherein the plurality of sensors are connected to each other by wire and arranged in a line in a manner of being perpendicular to a traveling direction of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: HANKOOK TIRE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Jeong Heon Kim
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Light output apparatus for vehicle, light output method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
Patent number: 11273755Abstract: A light output apparatus for vehicle according to an embodiment includes a transmission member disposed on an outer-surface side of a vehicle, the transmission member being adapted to let visible light pass therethrough, and to receive ultraviolet light and emit light by itself. The apparatus scans a visible light laser and an ultraviolet light laser, and projects the visible light laser and the ultraviolet light laser onto the transmission member. The apparatus performs control, based on vehicle information about the vehicle, to show first information by projecting the ultraviolet light laser onto the transmission member and thereby making the transmission member emit light, and to project the visible light laser onto the transmission member and thereby project second information onto a surface which the visible light laser reaches after passing through the transmission member.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2021Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: JVCKENWOOD CORPORATIONInventor: Yuki Wada -
Patent number: 11273801Abstract: A control system for an air maintenance tire system is provided. The control system includes a sensor unit that in turn includes a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure in the tire cavity and an antenna for transmitting pressure data. A processor receives the pressure data and includes a memory for storing a predetermined low-pressure threshold. Actuation means that are in communication with the processor and actuate and de-actuate operation of the air maintenance tire system. A first signal is transmitted from the processor to the actuation means to actuate operation of the air maintenance tire system when the measured pressure in the tire cavity is below the threshold. A second signal is transmitted from the processor to the actuation means to de-actuate operation of the air maintenance tire system when the measured pressure in the tire cavity is at or above the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventors: Cheng-Hsiung Lin, James Andrews Euchner
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Patent number: 11275401Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a device having alarm circuitry that receives a clock signal and provides alarm chain signals based on the clock signal. The device may include delay chain circuitry that receives the alarm chain signals from the alarm circuitry and provides delay chain signals. The device may include output circuitry that receives the delay chain signals from the delay chain circuitry and provides an alarm control signal based on the delay chain signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Arm LimitedInventor: Ivan Michael Lowe
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Patent number: 11274872Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator and control method for refrigerator and method for opening a refrigerator door. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Minsub Kim, Hongsik Kwon, Dongjeong Kim, Jungjae Lee, Jaehoon Shin