Patents Examined by Curtis King
  • Patent number: 9940564
    Abstract: In a wireless IC device, a columnar body includes a metal body with an insulating film. A loop-shaped antenna conductor is provided on an upper surface of the columnar body via an insulating pedestal. The loop surface of the antenna conductor is parallel or substantially parallel to the upper surface of the columnar body. On the lower surface of a RFIC element, two terminal electrodes are provided. The RFIC element is mounted on the antenna conductor such that the two terminal electrodes are connected to both ends of the antenna conductor, respectively. One end of the connecting conductor is connected to the vicinity of one end of the antenna conductor, and the other end of the connecting conductor is connected to the upper surface of the columnar body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kunihiro Komaki
  • Patent number: 9930980
    Abstract: A beverage container includes a container body, a plurality of sensors arranged to determine information associated with liquid contained in the container body, and a processor operably coupled with the plurality of sensors for determining a beverage consumption routine of a user based on the information determined by the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: GROKING LAB LIMITED
    Inventor: Sze Ring Pau
  • Patent number: 9922509
    Abstract: A strobe notification appliance that outputs directional information is disclosed. The strobe notification appliance may generate, in addition to notification of the fire condition, directional information (e.g., such as away from the unavailable exit paths and/or toward the preferred exit paths). In one instance, the strobe notification appliance includes a strobe element (such as a flash tube strobe element or LED strobe element) outputting fire notification information and a directional light element (such as one or more LEDs) outputting directional information. In another instance, the strobe notification appliance includes the strobe element that outputs both fire notification information and directional information. In this way, occupants of a building may be notified of a fire and notified of available or unavailable exit paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Bruce Marien
  • Patent number: 9920622
    Abstract: A range of apparatus and methods for providing local and long range data telemetry within a wellbore is described. These apparatus and methods may be combined in a wide variety of ways. In some embodiments data is transmitted across a gap in a drill string using signals of a higher frequency for which an electrical impedance of the gap or of a filter connected across the gap is low. Low-frequency EM telemetry signals may be applied across the gap. The gap and any filter connected across the gap present a high impedance to the low-frequency EM telemetry signals. The described technology may be applied for transferring sensor readings between downhole electrical packages. In some embodiments sensors are electrically connected across electrically insulating gaps in the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Switzer, Aaron W. Logan, Jili (Jerry) Liu, Mojtaba Kazemi Miraki
  • Patent number: 9922547
    Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control unit for intelligent digital audiovisual reproduction systems, comprising storage means, payment means, a sound control circuit, display means and a metal chassis wherein said remote control unit comprises a distant radio frequency transmitter that is associated with a radio frequency receiver connected to the sound control circuit of the audiovisual reproduction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TouchTunes Music Corporation
    Inventor: Guy Nathan
  • Patent number: 9902280
    Abstract: A charge station includes a controller that initiates charging of a battery of a vehicle and notifies the vehicle in response to an electrical parameter measured and reported by the vehicle not being approximately equal to a same electrical parameter measured at the charge station. The electrical parameter may be power, voltage or current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allan Roy Gale, Paul Theodore Momcilovich, Michael W. Degner
  • Patent number: 9904823
    Abstract: An antenna, a read/write unit, an radio frequency identification (RFID) arrangement and a method, wherein the antenna is configured to connect to an external antenna connection of the read/write unit via an antenna line, wherein the antenna includes a data memory having type information and/or having property information, the content of the data memory being readable by the read/write unit, and includes a measuring device for determining a value of the field strength or power of a radio frequency signal fed into the antenna by the read/write unit, and includes a device for informing the read/write unit about the value being reached or exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Horst, Lukas Walter Mayer, Leopold Resel, Martin Schiefer
  • Patent number: 9892638
    Abstract: A lighting unit (110) for an outdoor lighting fixture comprises a magnetic sensor module (215). The lighting unit (110) further comprises a controller (210) coupled to the sensor module (215). The controller (210) is configured to use the sensor module (215) to determine a measurement of vehicle traffic within a region defined by a sensing range of the sensor module (215), and use the sensor module (215) to determine a current orientation of the lighting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Harry Broers, Ruben Rajagopalan, Roger Peter Anna Delnoij
  • Patent number: 9881190
    Abstract: An electronic device operable with a radio frequency identification device operable with a detector logic and a method for operating the electronic device with a radio frequency identification device and a detector logic is provided. Firstly, a detection event is registered by the detector logic. The detected event relates to an operation of the radio frequency identification device, which is applicable to transmit data to a counterpart radio frequency identification device. A detection signal is generated and issued by the detector logic in response to the registering and detection event, respectively, which detection signal is received by the electronic device. Then, the electronic device initiates one or more operations in response to the receiving of the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Carmen Kuehl, Tommy Ginman
  • Patent number: 9867418
    Abstract: A position indicator assembly, including first and second positioning units, is attached to a pair of shoes in positions which are spaced when the shoes are aligned together. Each positioning unit includes a first proximity switch element, at least one indicator, a battery and a second proximity switch element. The battery is electrically connected to the indicator when the first proximity switch element of one of the first and second position units is arranged a predetermined, spaced distance from the second proximity switch element of the other of the first and second positioning units in order to provide a visual and/or audible indication to a wearer that the pair of shoes are on the correct feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: PairMe Products, LLC
    Inventors: Lindsey Legg, Alyssa Soto, Earl Wilkins
  • Patent number: 9865178
    Abstract: A method for tracking objects including sensing, with a processor, at least one object, determining, with a processor, a position of the at least one object relative to a portion of a sporting venue, presenting the portion of the sporting venue on a feedback device, and providing, through the feedback device, at least one tactile feedback presenting the position of the at least one object relative to the portion of the sporting venue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Trudy L. Hewitt, Francesco C. Schembari
  • Patent number: 9858595
    Abstract: According to one method, a mobile communication device determines its location and compares its location to a location associated with an automation system. If the location of the mobile communication device matches the location associated with the automation system, the mobile communication device transmits a command to the automation system. According to another method, a mobile communication device determines if it has entered wireless communication range of an automation system and determines if it has exited wireless communication range of an automation system. In response to determining if the mobile communication device has entered wireless communication range of an automation system, the mobile communication device transmits a first command from to the automation system. In response to determining if the mobile communication device has exited wireless communication range of an automation system, mobile communication device transmits a second command to the automation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Gula Consulting Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Melvin L. Barnes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9858805
    Abstract: A method includes receiving first data from multiple wireless field devices at a remote terminal unit. The first data is received using multiple wireless communication protocols. The method also includes executing control logic at the remote terminal unit in order to control at least part of an industrial process. The method further includes communicating second data to the wireless field devices from the remote terminal unit. The second data is transmitted using the multiple wireless communication protocols. In addition, the method includes communicating at the remote terminal unit with a control system, where the remote terminal unit is at least partially controlled by the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. McLaughlin, Alexander Chernoguzov, William Osei-Bonsu
  • Patent number: 9848447
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for notifying an emergency responder of a vehicle emergency. Communication is established with a cellular telephone located within the vehicle. The communication link is monitored and the vehicle occupant is notified of link loss. The apparatus monitors vehicle safety systems for detection of an emergency condition. Upon detection, the occupant is notified that an emergency call will be made. If no cancellation is received, vehicle location information is obtained from a global position system, synthesized into voice signals, and communicated to an emergency responder using the cellular telephone. A plurality of occupant and vehicle emergency information may also be provided. Emergency responders may be provided with a touch tone menu to select among the available information. Vehicle and occupant information may be communicated to the apparatus from external sources, such as a web server database via cellular telephone connection, or removable memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J. Berry, Mark J. Scalf, Douglas R. VanDagens, Francis Luk, Timothy Robert Nixon
  • Patent number: 9830814
    Abstract: A motor vehicle system for generating and transmitting detected object attributes includes a communication system module positioned in a host vehicle receiving vehicle attribute data from a target vehicle and a sensed vehicle and preparing a fused object attribute data for transmission to the target vehicle. A vehicle track data sub-module in communication with the communication system module independently tracks the sensed vehicle and the target vehicle. An object detection and classification system module having a 3D object detection module identifies a vehicle type defined at least by a vehicle size and generates an object attribute data. A target fusion module receives the object attribute data from the object detection and classification system module, fuses the object attribute data with the vehicle attribute data to create the fused object attribute data, and forwards the fused object attribute data to the communication system module for transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DURA OPERATING, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Evans Thompson, Donald Raymond Gignac, Danish Uzair Siddiqui, Rajashekhar Patil, Gordon M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9824517
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for identifying assets (e.g., mobile assets and/or personnel assets). In one embodiment, a mobile asset can be uniquely identified from RFID tags. In another embodiment, mobile assets and personnel assets can be identified from captured image data. After identification, it can be determined whether the asset (e.g., mobile asset and/or personnel asset) is authorized for one or more activities and a corresponding perceivable indication can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Carl M Skonberg, Ernest J. Pyzocha, Jr., Andrew J. Hill, III, Bobby J. McFarland
  • Patent number: 9818276
    Abstract: A configuration method for a fire alarm controller may include presenting a configuration matrix, in which either the rows represent inputs while the columns represent outputs, or the rows represent outputs while the columns represent inputs, with a matrix element in the configuration matrix being binary data, which indicates whether a causal relationship exists between the input and output in the row and column where the matrix element is located; receiving at least one external input adapted to amend the value of a matrix element in the configuration matrix; and according to the amended configuration matrix, generating a configuration file for updating linkage control logic of the fire alarm controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Shui Ying Tian, Ya Ling Zhao
  • Patent number: 9813059
    Abstract: A capacitive sensitive key structure includes a key, support component, fixing pad, substrate and conductive portion. The key includes a key body and a connection wall which encloses a receiving space. The support component is disposed in the receiving space and includes a body, conical wall, buffering space, and extending pad connected to the conical wall. The body abuts against the key body. The conductive portion is disposed at the bottom of the body and inside the buffering space. The substrate is connected to the fixing pad and has thereon a circuit unit and a sensing layer. The substrate is coated with an insulating layer which covers the sensing layer. When the key body is pressed to press against the support component, electrostatic changes occur because of changes in the distance between the conductive portion and the sensing layer; hence, the circuit unit sends electrical signals for driving electronic apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiung Chu
  • Patent number: 9805529
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for identifying assets (e.g., mobile assets and/or personnel assets). In one embodiment, a mobile asset can be uniquely identified from RFID tags. In another embodiment, mobile assets and personnel assets can be identified from captured image data. After identification, it can be determined whether the asset (e.g., mobile asset and/or personnel asset) is authorized for one or more activities and a corresponding perceivable indication can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Carl M Skonberg, Ernest J. Pyzocha, Jr., Andrew J. Hill, III, Bobby J. McFarland
  • Patent number: 9786114
    Abstract: Various prison services are rendered more efficient by providing inmates access to portable electronic devices in a controlled and regulated manner. A dispenser is employed to control and monitor the checking out and return of portable electronic devices and to communicate with such devices during use by inmates to monitor inmate use and ensure the portable electronic devices are only used by inmates as authorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Renovo Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Peters, Timothy J. Eickhoff, Ehren R. Jarosek, Tim Skaja