Patents Examined by Daniel Prevl
  • Patent number: 6653938
    Abstract: An automatic security enhancement system can automatically increase the security of the system when necessary. The system has at least two different states with each state has different security level. The state with low security could be changed into a state with higher security automatically when the system detects someone try to break the system. The state with low security could also be instructed to change into a state with higher security. However, a state with higher security will be changed into a state with lower security only when the system is commanded to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: George L. Yang
  • Patent number: 6462649
    Abstract: An action counter (27) counts the number of turn-on actions by an operator to an ignition switch (3) over a prescribed period of time, and a deceleration sensor (9) senses a deceleration imparted to the vehicle within a prescribed period of time. After the counted number of turn-on actions has exceeded a prescribed count value, if the deceleration exceeds a prescribed value, a switching intent determiner (5) makes a judgment of the operator's intent to switch the display mode of an air bag failure display device (17) from a normal mode to a maintenance mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co.
    Inventor: Makoto Kimura
  • Patent number: 6288634
    Abstract: An audio system for vehicles, in particular for motor vehicles, comprises a device component (A) permanently fixed to the vehicle, and a mobile component (B) connected to the device component in a mechanically detachable way. The device component further comprises a control unit (1), and the mobile component further comprises a transponder for storing a numerical code. The function of the audio system is interrupted when the mobile component is removed from the device component, and resumed, following an authorization check, when the mobile component (B) is replaced. The authorization check is performed by the control unit which further comprises a comparator unit (2) for comparing the numerical code transmitted by the transponder (T) with a security code previously stored in the device component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignees: Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH, Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Weiss, Reinhard Lendholt, Detlev Beyer, Olaf Pawlitzki, Otto Schönemann
  • Patent number: 6104300
    Abstract: An alarm system 10 for the fill tube 20 of an engine oil fill tube for heavy equipment to warn the operator of the equipment that an attempt has been made to sabotage the equipment by the introduction of metal particles 100 through the inlet end 22 of the engine oil fill tube 20. The alarm system 10 includes a non-metallic electrical contact member 42 having a magnetic tip 43 disposed proximate to the angled face 41 of a plate member 48 disposed within the fill tube 20. The accumulation of metal particles 100 on the plate member 40 will establish an electrical connection between the plate member and the magnetic tip 43 to activate one or more alarm members 50, 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: William F. E. Kline, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6087941
    Abstract: A warning system for warning a user that they have fallen or are about to fall asleep is disclosed. The system includes a contact lens having a detectable feature such as a holographic marking or other markings or indicia, metallic substances, color, or some microcircuit device, which will be worn by the user. The system also includes a detector or sensing device that can detect the presence of the contact lens when the eyelids of the person wearing the contact lens are open. The type of detector will vary depending upon the type of detectable feature incorporated into the contact lens. When the eyelids of the user become heavy or close, so as to cover a substantial portion of the detectable feature of the contact lens for a predetermined period and/or at a predetermined frequency, then the detector will generate a signal to thereby awaken the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Ferraz