Patents Examined by Eric M. Blount
  • Patent number: 9485472
    Abstract: A home monitoring system comprises a control apparatus adapted to provide enhanced privacy, resource management and alert management. The control apparatus includes a camera for capturing video at the home. A memory stores captured video. A communication interface is operatively connected to the control apparatus for streaming video and receiving control commands. A central system is remotely located relative to the control apparatus and in operative communication with the communication interface for receiving and storing captured video from the control apparatus. A remote unit is remotely located relative to the control apparatus and in operative communication with the communication interface for generating control commands to the control apparatus to terminate transmission of video to the central system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kathiresan Periyasamy, Gopalakrishna N, Fabin Rodrigues, Suhasini Kuruba, Kaja Mohaideen, Raja Prabhu
  • Patent number: 9465919
    Abstract: A pill dispenser is disclosed that includes a housing defining an opening, a pill-dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the opening, a receptacle operatively coupled to the housing, a first pill-viewing camera positioned to capture an image of the receptacle, an identifying camera positioned to capture an image of an area adjacent to the housing, at least one processor in operative communication with the pill-dispensing mechanism, the first pill-viewing camera, and the identifying camera, and a storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, James G. Turner, Erik N. Sabin, Gregg W. Rivinius, David E. Collins, Benjamin Zaslow, Jonathan Zobro, Alexander R. Therrien, Jared N. Farlow
  • Patent number: 9458824
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine, having the steps of detecting an internal fault signal which is generated in the first wind turbine and which indicates a disruption of the first wind turbine; receiving at least one external fault signal which is generated outside of the first wind turbine and which indicates a disruption of another wind turbine; and evaluating the internal fault signal dependent on the at least one external fault signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Helge Giertz, Wolfgang de Boer
  • Patent number: 9462706
    Abstract: A device for a system for traffic monitoring of vehicles in road traffic, the device having a first mounting frame and a second mounting frame, which can be secured relative to each other by inner fixing elements. At least the first mounting frame has a cylindrical, especially cuboidal, shape. At least one device for recording a traffic situation can be disposed or is disposed in the first mounting frame and wherein at least the first mounting frame is accessible from four sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: JENOPTIK Robot GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Paetzoldt, Thomas Buenger, Stephan Maserski, Joerg Friessner
  • Patent number: 9460262
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices, and methods of monitoring at-risk individuals for the occurrence of sentinel events in a custodial care setting. In particular, the present invention is directed to monitoring for events such as suicide, and allowing monitoring personnel to actively respond to the event and prevent its success from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Andrew Kaufman, James Knoll, Bruce Way
  • Patent number: 9454881
    Abstract: A system is provided that transforms haptic signals. The system receives a first haptic signal including a first haptic effect that can be generated by a first haptic output device. The system transforms the first haptic signal into a second haptic signal including a second haptic effect that can be generated by a second haptic output device. The system then sends the second haptic signal to the second haptic output device to generate the second haptic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Jamal Saboune
  • Patent number: 9454859
    Abstract: The invention comprises a personal tracking system that identifies an individual, tracks achievements and/or failures of the individual, reports the achievements and/or failures to an authority within an authority system, and provides rewards for the achievements and/or provides punishments for the failures. In one example, the identification system is a personal identification bracelet used as part of an ignition interlock breathalyzer system. Generally, any information associated with the personal identification device and/or the peripheral tracking/monitoring device is maintained in a secure format warranting true information, which is usable in a legal setting, in a training program, or as part of a reward/punishment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Michael D. Roth
  • Patent number: 9453309
    Abstract: Technologies for communicating roadway information includes a plurality of roadway markers configured to propagate communications amongst each other. To do so, each roadway marker is configured to transmit communications to one or more other roadway markers. The communications may include sensor data generated by a sensor of a roadway marker. One or more roadway markers may transmit the sensor data to a roadway controller. Additionally or alternatively, the communication may include an alert message. A roadway marker may include a local alert device and be configured to activate the alert device in response to receiving an alert message. Additionally, one or more roadway markers may communicate with a roadway controller, a roadway traffic device, and/or an in-vehicle computing system of a vehicle to propagate roadway marker sensor data and/or alert messages. The roadway controller may be configured to control the roadway traffic devices, roadway makers, and/or communicate with remote computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Moran, Charles Baron
  • Patent number: 9443408
    Abstract: A pneumatic sensing apparatus for use in an overheat or fire alarm system comprising a sensing assembly that comprises a sensing means 51, 61, 71, containing a pressurized gas, coupled to a pressure sensor 52, 62, 72. The pressure sensor 52, 62, 72, is configured to produce a signal that is indicative of the gas pressure. The pressure sensor 52, 62, 72, comprises an optical pressure sensor and the signal comprises an optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Alan Rennie, Paul David Smith
  • Patent number: 9430934
    Abstract: There is provided a locator system that facilitates registration of a calling apparatus to be added and a locator. Portable unit communicates with base unit with a DECT protocol. Moreover, portable unit serves as a calling apparatus that transmits a call signal to locator to be attached to an item with a locator protocol. Portable unit transmits registration information to base unit by wireless communication as being triggered by registration with locator in one-to-one correspondence being ended. In a case where a request is received from portable unit as a calling apparatus to be added, base unit transmits stored registration information received from portable unit to portable unit. Portable unit stores the registration information received from base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Hokazono, Takashi Watanabe, Katsumi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 9430933
    Abstract: Hazard detector for providing a pre-alarm of a developing hazardous condition includes a detection module that detects a hazard level of smoke or carbon monoxide, a storage module that stores a pre-alarm threshold and an emergency threshold, a light source that generates light in a first color, a second color, and a third color, a speaker that generates an audible sound, a horn that generates an audible alarm that a higher volume than the speaker, and a processing module. The processing module receives the detected hazard level and compares it with the pre-alarm threshold and the emergency threshold. The processing module determines that the hazard level is greater than the pre-alarm threshold and less than the emergency threshold and generates an audible pre-alarm speech via the speaker that warns of the developing hazardous condition. The processing module also activates the light source in the second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, David Sloo, Maxime Veron, Sophie Le Guen, Nick Webb
  • Patent number: 9415748
    Abstract: A seat belt wearing detection device includes: a tongue unit supported by a seat belt; a buckle unit into which the tongue unit is inserted and held; a wearing detection unit that detects an insertion and holding state; a seat belt side communication unit that transmits a detection result; a control unit that determines a wearing state based on the detection result and controls the seat belt side communication unit; power supply means for supplying electric power to the seat belt side communication unit; and a vehicle side device that performs radio communication with the seat belt side communication unit to receive the detection result. The power supply means includes a power supply section, a power storage section, and a charging section. The power supply section charges the power storage section by supplying electric power to the charging section when the seat belt is in a housed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takehito Sugawara, Hideki Masudaya
  • Patent number: 9418533
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a computer-implemented method that generates a time-based multivariable secure facility alarm. The method includes selecting a person for alert monitoring, alert monitor criteria pertaining to the person and alarm notification rules. When an occurrence that satisfies the alert monitor criteria are detected, an alarm notification, based upon the alarm notification rules, is generated. The method's alert monitor criteria include at least two events and a time period such that the alert monitor criteria is satisfied when the at least two events occur within the time period. Additionally, at least one event of the at least two events is a non-telephonic event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Intelmate LLC
    Inventors: Richard Torgersrud, Grant Gongaware, Christopher Ditto
  • Patent number: 9409535
    Abstract: The occurrence of a vehicle collision is determined using an output signal of one satellite sensor disposed offset from a vehicle center line. A control device for an occupant protection device includes: an acceleration sensor disposed at a front position of a vehicle; and a control unit that determines the occurrence of a collision based on an output signal of the acceleration sensor and operates an occupant protection device. The acceleration sensor is one satellite sensor disposed so as to be offset in a vehicle width direction from a vehicle front center position. The control unit includes: a first threshold setting unit that sets a first threshold so as to correspond to a traveling speed of the vehicle; and a determining unit that compares a level of the output signal of the acceleration sensor with the first threshold to determine the occurrence of a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventor: Yoriko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9412243
    Abstract: A portable alarm system designed for unoccupied unsecured locations, such as construction sites, machinery, campsites and the like. The alarm system defines a continuous monitoring line about the perimeter of the unsecured location using a plurality of wireless sensors attached to a flexible non-stretchable tape suspended between to vertical poles. The system has motion-sensing/detecting capabilities such that any movement of a housing where the microprocessor of the system is located generates audible/visual alarm. Each of the wireless sensors has a magnet and a transmitter positionable within a predetermined distance from the magnet. If the intruder tampers with the tape and increases the distance between the magnet the transmitter, the alarm is activated as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher C Hamilton
  • Patent number: 9406227
    Abstract: Traffic signs that facilitate portability are disclosed. In certain embodiments, they are designed to be lighter and have fewer steps involved in their set up, preferably involving only one person. The design of certain embodiments also allows multiple signs to be transported together, and facilitates air flow through the signs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Juan Banuelos
  • Patent number: 9406215
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one operational condition of a premises based system including at least one premises device. The apparatus includes a processor configured to perform a diagnostic procedure. The diagnostic procedure includes determining operational data of the premises based system, the operational data indicating at least one of a premises device and the apparatus is operating outside a failure range and performing predictive analysis based at least in part on the received operational data. The predictive analysis indicates whether the at least one of premises device and apparatus is likely to operate within the failure range within a predefined period of time. The diagnostic procedure includes causing a notification alert to be transmitted to at least one of a user interface device and remote monitoring center based on the predictive analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ADT US HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Shapiro, Raymond North, Timothy Albert Rader, Jorge Perdomo, Anne-Marie Rouse, James Timothy Black
  • Patent number: 9387803
    Abstract: A vehicle back-up assist system that can be set up by the vehicle driver or a spotter and provides a unique visual aid to assist with safely and efficient unloading, loading, or parking a vehicle without requiring assistance from another person. The back-up assist system includes a pair of differently colored portable markers. The markers can be placed near a target location toward which the vehicle is backing. The markers can be positioned for alignment with opposite sides of the vehicle during backing. The markers can be illuminated for better visibility and can include advance features, such as onboard measuring devices and/or lasers, to assist in proper placement of the markers and to provide enhance backing guidance to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: George Owens
  • Patent number: 9381964
    Abstract: Provided is a secure and easy to use solution for bike holders to securely lock all kinds of bicycles with different frames and shapes without the need to carry a personal lock. The present system and method for bike locking securely locks the bike's frame and wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: BIKEEP OU
    Inventors: Meelis Haidak, Kustas Kõiv, Ott Reinhold
  • Patent number: 9368006
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device includes a wristband; a detachable electronic module adapted to fit into the wristband, the module including a controller, a control button, a tactile sensor, a wireless interface adapter, and a tactile event reproduction element, all connected to the controller. The module is configured to transmit a touch or a tap on the tactile to a second wearable device through the wireless interface adapter, and to receive a notification of a tactile event on the second wearable device through the wireless interface adapter and to reproduce the tactile event using the reproduction element. The tactile sensor can be an accelerometer, a MEMS, a gyroscope, a capacitive sensor or a resistive sensor. The network adapter can be a Bluetooth adapter or ANT+ standard-enabled, and connects to a smartphone or a tablet. The network adapter connects to the second device over the Internet via a server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Woodenshark, LLC
    Inventor: Dmitry Gorilovsky