Patents Examined by Curtis King
  • Patent number: 9685080
    Abstract: A method and system for managing a set of traffic lights at an intersection, measuring the Doppler Effect of a signal emitted by a vehicle, where such Doppler Effect being a function of the vehicle movement with respect to said intersection, and deciding as a function of such measure a new state for each traffic light at the intersection so as to facilitate passage of the approaching vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Giovanni Grieco, Benedetta Guidi, Michelangelo La Placa, Riccardo Pizzutilo
  • Patent number: 9685081
    Abstract: A method and system for managing a set of traffic lights at an intersection, measuring the Doppler Effect of a signal emitted by a vehicle, where such Doppler Effect being a function of the vehicle movement with respect to said intersection, and deciding as a function of such measure a new state for each traffic light at the intersection so as to facilitate passage of the approaching vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Giovanni Grieco, Benedetta Guidi, Michelangelo La Placa, Riccardo Pizzutilo
  • Patent number: 9680941
    Abstract: An improved system and method for defining an event based upon an object location and a user-defined zone and managing the conveyance of object location event information among computing devices where object location events are defined in terms of a condition based upon a relationship between user-defined zone information and object location information. One or more location information sources are associated with an object to provide the object location information. One or more user-defined zones are defined on a map and one or more object location events are defined. The occurrence of an object location event produces object location event information that is conveyed to users based on user identification codes. Accessibility to object location information, zone information, and object location event information is based upon an object location information access code, a zone information access code, and an object location event information access code, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: PerDiemCo LLC
    Inventor: Darrell Diem
  • Patent number: 9659478
    Abstract: A stress and/or strain indicator comprises a wearable body, one or more flexible sections, one or more rigid sections and one or more strain gauges. The one or more strain gauges detect a level of stress and/or strain applied to the wearable body in order to indicate when the product is in danger of failing. A warning is activated based upon the level of stress and/or strain applied to the wearable body. For example, the stress and/or strain indicator is able to display a visual and/or an audible warning that a high level of stress and/or strain has been applied to the wearable body and the product is in danger of failing. In some embodiments, the stress and/or strain incident is recorded and downloadable. Consequently, a user is better informed as to when the electronic product is in danger of failing because of damage or misuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Multek Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Bergman, Michael James Glickman
  • Patent number: 9649073
    Abstract: Systems and methods can support usage modeling and the intelligent management of patient alarms. An alarm management system can maintain models of patient alarm operations. Modeling parameters related to clinical user behavior and modeling parameters related to alarm context can be incorporated into the models of patient alarm operations. The models of patient alarm operations can inform rules associated with intelligent alarm management. The rules may be applied to the presentation of alarms to the clinical users via mobile computing devices. The rules may also be applied to the interpretation of alarm responses from the clinical users. The rules may be adapted by the alarm management system to improve metrics of alarm efficacy and/or metrics of patient health outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Voalte, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin King, Sethumadavan Sanjay-Gopal, Michael G. Sica, Philip N. Fibiger, Donnie C. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 9652108
    Abstract: A method for displaying the progress of an activity performed on a user device is provided. The method includes outputting a progress indicator indicative of the progress made in completing an activity and updating the progress indicator as the activity proceeds. Simultaneously, a first progress rate indicator is also output to the display, the progress rate indicator having a property indicative of the rate at which the activity is being progressed. The property of the progress rate indicator is based on a value determined by receiving a rate value indicative of the activity progress rate and comparing the rate value with a value indicative of the maximum progress rate of the user device for the particular activity. A corresponding apparatus and computer program for carrying out the method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ECHOSTAR UK HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Dale Llewelyn Mountain
  • Patent number: 9646438
    Abstract: An electronic device may be configured to identify configuration information associated with input sequences. In some examples, the configuration information may enable an association between the input sequences and operations capable of being performed by the electronic device. Additionally, in some aspects, the electronic device may be configured to receive biometric inputs and determine an operation to be performed based at least in part on the received biometric inputs and the association. Further, the electronic device may enable performance of the determined operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Narasimha G
  • Patent number: 9644991
    Abstract: A sensor data collection system includes a plurality of sensors operatively coupled to a corresponding set of endpoints, the endpoints configured to communicate sensor data to a central data collection point via a data communication protocol. A proxy service-enabled endpoint facilitates interoperability with the data collection system for the benefit of endpoints that are otherwise incompatible with the data communication protocol. The endpoint includes a remote endpoint interface module configured to receive communications from at least one of the incompatible endpoints containing incompatible endpoint sensor data. A remote endpoint virtualization module operatively coupled to the remote endpoint interface module and associated with the at least one of the incompatible endpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Roger K. Alexander
  • Patent number: 9636509
    Abstract: Techniques for retrieving information from an implantable medical device (IMD) having a depleted internal energy source such as a non-rechargeable battery are disclosed. The IMD is powered by and communicates with an external interrogation device to access a memory location of the IMD and for transfer of the information in the memory location to the external interrogation device subsequent to depletion of the internal energy source. In an embodiment, the memory location is included in a non-volatile memory component of the IMD to maintain the information stored in the memory component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Hintz
  • Patent number: 9638027
    Abstract: An assembly can include a casing string with an outer surface. The assembly can also include an antenna for wirelessly communicating data by generating a surface wave that propagates along an interface surface. The antenna can be positioned coaxially around the casing string. The antenna can include a cylindrically shaped conductor that is positionable coaxially around an outer surface of a casing string for generating a magnetic field component of the surface wave that is non-transverse to a direction of propagation of the surface wave along the interface surface. The antenna can also include a pair of conductive plates positioned at an angle to the cylindrically shaped conductor for generating an electric field component of the surface wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Mark W. Roberson
  • Patent number: 9623761
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a battery that receives energy from a charge station remote from the vehicle, and a controller. The controller may request that the station provide information about an electrical parameter associated with energy being supplied by the station, may determine information about an electrical parameter associated with energy received by the battery, and may prevent the battery from further receiving energy if the provided information is different than the determined information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allan Roy Gale, Paul Theodore Momcilovich, Michael W. Degner
  • Patent number: 9619682
    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: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Carmen Kuehl, Tommy Ginman
  • Patent number: 9622037
    Abstract: A method for determining a status of a user of an electronic device. The method includes a computer processor determining information associated with a first user of an electronic device. The method further includes identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are within a range of wireless communications to the electronic device. The method further includes defining an area monitored by the electronic device. The method further includes monitoring a group of the identified plurality of electronic devices that are within the defined area. The method further includes calculating a first safe-threshold value for the electronic device based on information associated with a first user of an electronic device and monitored information from the group of the identified plurality of electronic devices. The method further includes determining a status for the first user based, at least in part, on the calculated first safe-threshold value for the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jiaqing Guo, Zhen Qi, Qi Xi, Xiao Feng Yu, Ya Wen Zhao
  • Patent number: 9618287
    Abstract: A gun trigger-locking device which is configured to be manually installed on a gun with a trigger-blocking member disposed behind the trigger to prevent the gun from being fired. The device includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same as data stored in the memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a locking member to an unlocked position, permitting the trigger-blocking member to be manually removed from the gun so the gun can be fired. A separate electronic key is provided to transmit unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Karl F. Milde, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9613522
    Abstract: A security system includes a central control and a number of security controllers, each of which includes a removable and replaceable security control module. Each module is interchangeable with other modules. Each controller includes a housing within which the module is contained. Cables from security-controlled components extend into the interior of the housing and are removably connected to the module. Each module includes a first connector for connection in a communication system and a second connector for receiving inputs from and providing outputs to a security component controlled by the controller. Each module further includes a third connector for receiving inputs from or providing outputs to an auxiliary device other than the security component. The auxiliary device provides an input to the controller or receives an output from a controller independent of the security component. Each controller also includes an accelerometer for providing a tamper evident feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kelly Research Corp.
    Inventor: Alan T. Doyle
  • Patent number: 9601008
    Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Patent number: 9595181
    Abstract: A system includes a wearable device connected to a user and a smart media in remote communication with the wearable device. The wearable device is operable to track movement of the user and transmit the track movement information to the smart media. The smart media is operable to receive the track movement information and to use the received track movement information in an independent application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Karthik Katingari, Ardalan Heshmati
  • Patent number: 9589467
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and equipments for the control, management and administration of regulated vehicles parking, on public and private roads, in an automatic and integrated manner, where the parked vehicles identification, as well as the parked time control and parking permits, including all related parking incidences, are detected and handled without the need of parking meters or permanent parking wardens, and the information is automatically transmitted to a Management Center, for its processing and administration. The Automatic Regulated Parking System (10) includes: A set of User Devices (11) which communicate with the User Management Center (16) by means of Smart Network Terminals (12), a set Smart Network Terminals (12), a set of network Access Nodes (13), a set of Network Nodes (14), a Network Control Center (15), a User Management Center (16) and a reduced set of Agent Mobile Terminals (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Javier De La Plaza Ortega
  • Patent number: 9580044
    Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and system for enabling an authorized vehicle driveaway. A vehicle driveaway authorization code for authorizing a vehicle to be driven and a user authorization code that corresponds to the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be generated. The codes may be generated by, for example, at least one server configured to generate the authorization codes. The at least one server may be communicating with a nomadic device and a vehicle driveaway authorization system. A vehicle driveaway request signal may be received. In response to a receipt of the vehicle driveaway request signal, the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be transmitted to the vehicle driveaway authorization system and the user authorization code may be transmitted to the nomadic device for input to the vehicle driveaway authorization system in order to enable the vehicle to be driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Robert Bruce Kleve, Kevin Thomas Hille
  • Patent number: 9584971
    Abstract: A method for determining a status of a user of an electronic device. The method includes a computer processor determining information associated with a first user of an electronic device. The method further includes identifying a plurality of electronic devices that are within a range of wireless communications to the electronic device. The method further includes defining an area monitored by the electronic device. The method further includes monitoring a group of the identified plurality of electronic devices that are within the defined area. The method further includes calculating a first safe-threshold value for the electronic device based on information associated with a first user of an electronic device and monitored information from the group of the identified plurality of electronic devices. The method further includes determining a status for the first user based, at least in part, on the calculated first safe-threshold value for the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jiaqing Guo, Zhen Qi, Qi Xi, Xiao Feng Yu, Ya Wen Zhao