Patents Examined by Daniel J. Wu
  • Patent number: 6753768
    Abstract: An air pressure detecting device serves to detect the air pressure of a wheel of a vehicle which has a tire tube disposed in a tire, the air pressure detecting device is disposed between the tire tube and the rim of the wheel portion for detecting the air pressure of the tire. The air pressure detecting device has a pressure bearing plate held in contact with the outer surface of the tire tube, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the pressure bearing plate, and a detecting and transmitting unit for detecting pressure information from the pressure sensor, converting the pressure information into an electric signal, and transmitting the electric signal as a radio wave. The pressure bearing plate, the pressure sensor, and the detecting and transmitting unit are superposed in the order named. The components including the pressure bearing plate, the pressure sensor, and the detecting and transmitting circuit can be installed without the need for a special modification of the tire tube and the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Yamagiwa, Tomoyuki Harada, Osamu Bunya
  • Patent number: 6753776
    Abstract: A presence sensing system provides one or more visible indicators useful for indicating a relative location of objects sensed within the scanning field of view. For example, the system may have an indicator array or an integrated display assembly in which individual indicators or indicator positions correspond to defined portions of the system's field of view. In this manner, the presence sensing system can indicate where one or more sensed objects lie within its field of view. The system may monitor or otherwise scan an angular field of view and may have an indicator array comprising a plurality of individual indicators, each one corresponding to a portion of the monitored area. With this configuration, the system selectively illuminates or otherwise activates those indicators in the array corresponding to the relative angles of detected objects within its field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Scientific Technologies Incorporated
    Inventor: John Drinkard
  • Patent number: 6753778
    Abstract: An orientation/time sensing alarm device is provided, which comprises an orientation sensor, a time sensor connecting to the orientation sensor, and an alarm connecting to the orientation sensor and the time sensor, forming a circuitry. The time sensor is activated by the orientation sensor when the orientation sensor senses the alarm device is above a predetermined orientational threshold. The alarm is activated when the time sensor senses the duration of activation of the time sensor being above a predetermined timing threshold. Also provided is a self-reminding golf club having an orientation/time sensing alarm device connected to the grip of the golf club for reminding a golfer of a misplaced golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas Brown Kruger
  • Patent number: 6750759
    Abstract: When a dividing ratio data is written in a counter/timer register 530, a counter/timer circuit 534 divides a frequency of an oscillation signal of the oscillator 532 as much as the dividing ratio data. When an output enabling data is written in the port B register 536, a variable gain control signal is output from an envelope producing circuit 538. A variable gain control circuit 540 changes amplitude of a dividing signal as much as the value responsive to a voltage of the variable gain control signal. When an output disabling data is written in the port B register 536, the variable gain control signal is not output from the envelope producing circuit 538. The variable gain control circuit 540 stops the amplitude control of the dividing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Infrontia Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kojima
  • Patent number: 6750778
    Abstract: An improved thermal sensing alarm structure comprises a closed chassis having an upper casing with a Fresnel lens and a lower casing; a circuit board between the upper and lower casings; a plurality of wedges protruded from both inner lateral sides of the upper casing such that the upper and lower casing being latched by the latching grooves and wedges; a DC power socket, a long pin terminal, and battery power supply wire being soldered on the circuit board; at least one embedding groove with appropriate width and a set of terminal slot being disposed at an end of the lower casing, such that the circuit board can be inserted into the embedding groove and terminal slot and fixed by the DC power socket and long pin terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 6750761
    Abstract: A method is used to identify a plurality of tires of a motor vehicle by location allowing a sensed parameter of each of the plurality of tires to be monitored. The method incorporates the use of a central receiver, a plurality of sensors, a plurality of transmitters and a mobile training unit. The method includes the steps of moving the mobile training unit to a location adjacent one of the plurality of tires. Once there, the operator inputs manually the location of one of the plurality of tires with respect to the motor vehicle. The mobile training unit transmits the location to the adjacent sensor. The sensor identification is paired with the location in the sensor to create paired data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Newman
  • Patent number: 6750787
    Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle traffic measurement system designed to accurately count and record the number of vehicles passing through a selected location, to more accurately determine and record the velocity at which the individual vehicles travel through that location, and to accurately determine and record in which relative direction the vehicles are traveling as they pass that location. The basic physical principle is of a moving object interrupting two parallel light beams a known reference distance apart, and information extracted from the interruptions sensed and electronically processed into count, direction, and velocity being recorded for subsequent data analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Herbert A. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6747560
    Abstract: A system for determining movement of an item bearing an RFID label. The system includes an RFID reader for receiving RFID label identification information from an RFID label associated with the item, and a computer for determining a location of the RFID label and the item by determining location information for the RFID reader, for determining a preferred location for the RFID label and the item, and for comparing the determined location with the preferred location to determine that the RFID label and the item have been moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Harden E. Stevens, III
  • Patent number: 6747576
    Abstract: In an obstacle device, a front end range imaging sensor is used to scan the viewing field relative to the aircraft, while a navigation system provides information concerning the postion and altitude of the aircraft. A data processor uses these data to generate 3-d scene vectors, such that every range image is converted into a measurement point set, from which the presence of cables or wires is detected using a wire detection procedure based on the Hough Transform. For this purpose, an HT acceleration board is provided, which needs not perform complex floating point operations. The processed results are then input to an evaluation module, which determines whether any detected wires are proximate to the position of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Astrium GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6744374
    Abstract: A setting device includes a rotating actuator, a switch, an illuminated index display on which a value which is manually set at the rotating actuator is assigned to the rotating actuator and, by actuating the switch, the manual setting at the rotating actuator can be overridden. To improve the display of the setting device, a light device is provided in addition to the rotating actuator. The switch, aside from its actual switching function, is constructed for switching over between the illumination of the index display and the operation of the light device. The illumination of the index display is activated when the rotating actuator is a manual mode, and the light device is activated when a different mode is set by the actuation of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hermann Kuenzner
  • Patent number: 6744367
    Abstract: An identification tag is provided comprising a multilayer assembly incorporating, in sequence, a metal backing layer, a bulk structural layer, a piezo-electric layer and an electrode layer. The electrode layer incorporates antennas structures for receiving interrogating radiation comprising a first radiation component at a relatively lower frequency and a second radiation component at a relatively higher frequency. The electrode layer also incorporates a structure for modulating a second signal generated in response to receiving the second component by a first signal generated in response to receiving the first component to generate a modulated signal which is re-emitted as reflected radiation from the tag. The presence of the tag is determinable from modulation components present in the reflected radiation, thereby distinguishing the tag from other objects capable of reflecting radiation, but not modulating it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Marconi Data Systems Limited
    Inventor: Ian Forster
  • Patent number: 6741167
    Abstract: A trailer vehicle is provided with an audible alarm that is sounded when a removable activator pin in a electrical circuit is withdrawn as a consequence of initial rotation of a trailer vehicle roadway wheel during movement of the trailer vehicle from a parked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Lynn Mulkey
  • Patent number: 6741175
    Abstract: Device for guiding flows of individuals in mass transportation systems, containing at least the following components: A) a guidance system in embarking and disembarking areas interacting with at least one of the following devices: a) a guidance system in the means of transportation. b) a blocking device between the embarking/disembarking areas and the means of transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Jurgen Rauch
  • Patent number: 6741168
    Abstract: A device within an automobile comprises or includes a wireless communications controller which, upon detection of impact, attempts to establish a wireless communications link to each of any counterpart wireless communications controllers which are within vehicles also subject to a recent impact, and therefore presumably involved in the collision. Vehicle identification information and information collected regarding the collision, such as vehicle speed, location, direction of travel, impact direction and magnitude, point of impact, etc., are automatically exchanged between vehicles involved in the collision and may be later retrieved from either vehicle, preserving objective information for accident reconstruction by police and insurance companies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Webb, Sudhindra P. Herle
  • Patent number: 6741170
    Abstract: A sensor (36) for monitoring rotation of an object (16) about an axis (20) comprises a switch member (40) that is urged into a neutral position and is movable relative to the object (16). A direction of movement of the switch member (40) relative to the object (16) is indicative of a direction of rotation of the object (16). Inertia of the switch member (40) during initial rotation of the object (16) results in relative movement of the switch member (4) away from the neutral position. Centrifugal force during object (16) rotation further enhances the relative movement of the switch member (40). The sensor (36) also comprises a device (56) for monitoring a direction of movement of the switch member (40) and for providing a signal indicative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Ansaf Ibrahem Alrabady
  • Patent number: 6741178
    Abstract: The present application describes an electronically powered postage stamp or mailing label and including a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and system mounted between the opposing and facing major surfaces thereof. The RFID device and system includes an integrated circuit transceiver chip which is connected to and powered by a thin flat battery cell and is operated with a thin film RF antenna, all of which are mounted in side-by-side relationship on a thin base or support layer. These thin flat components are mounted in an essentially two dimensional planar configuration well suited for incorporation into the planar structure of a postage stamp or a mailing label. In addition, the RFID transceiver chip may be replaced with an electro-optically operated IC chip using, for example, LEDs or laser diodes for the propagation of light signals to an interrogator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 6737983
    Abstract: A display which provides for the display of a printed media message during daylight hours and an LED message during evening hours. The display can be remotely reconfigured to change and monitor the LED message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: John Temple
  • Patent number: 6737978
    Abstract: A voltage testing apparatus for electrical railways is disclosed consisting in one embodiment of a transportable pole-mounted electrical power indicator, electrically conducting wire-engaging means such as a hook attached to one end of the pole and electrically connected to the indicator, and a ground-connecting device such as an electrically conducting magnet also electrically connected to the indicator. An electrical circuit is completed between the cable, the indicator and the rail by placing the hook on an overhead railway cable and attaching the magnet to a roadbed rail. An LED array and voltmeter configuration constituting the indicator illuminate and show whether voltage is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Peter M. Bartek
  • Patent number: 6737969
    Abstract: An wireless security sensor system includes a window frame defining a window opening, a window sash movable relative to the window frame between open and closed positions; and a sensor unit embedded in the window frame. The sensor unit includes a housing having an inner end within the window frame, an outer end at a surface of the window frame and a flexible ¼ wave wire antenna extending e.g. longitudinally of the window frame from the housing. The housing contains a sensor switch, a microprocessor, and RF transmitter and a battery for emitting signals to a master station or controller and the wireless security sensor system includes a magnet mounted in the window sash for actuating the sensor switch. The window frame is made from a plastics material extrusion having a hollow interior and the housing has a peripheral flange at the outer end thereof which is seated on the surface of the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ion Digital LLP
    Inventors: Julian Carlson, Dean David Schebel
  • Patent number: RE38528
    Abstract: The present invention is an alarm clock device which programmably and automatically coordinates the movement of one or more electric toy trains, or the like. The present invention alarm clock preferably triggers the movement of an electric toy train when a pre-set alarm time is reached. The alarm clock device comprises at least one base that defines an elongated substantially non-linear track for regulating the movement of a toy train. The traveling speed of the train is preferably regulated by a voltage varying device, such as a transformer, that is attached to the track and also coupled to a manually adjustable speed controlling member within the alarm clock. The movement of the train is preferably accompanied by applicable audible sounds that correspond therewith. The duration of movement may be programmed manually and may be adjusted in any variety of ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: E. Mishan & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex P. Glynn, Kenneth P. Glynn