Patents Examined by Jeffery Hofsass
  • Patent number: 9135770
    Abstract: A method and system for predicting an estimated remaining utility usage and adjusting an alert threshold for a prepaid utility meter account includes receiving an indication of a time period of inaccessibility to replenish a prepaid utility meter account, predicting an alert trigger time when an estimated remaining utility usage for the prepaid utility meter account falls below an alert threshold, and determining that the time period of inaccessibility overlaps the predicted alert trigger time, and responsively adjusting the alert threshold such that the predicted alert trigger time occurs before the time period of inaccessibility. The method also includes receiving an indication of a business objective for a utility company and automatically adjusting the alert threshold associated with the prepaid utility meter account based on the business objective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Jr., Howard P. Benn, John P. Cipolla
  • Patent number: 9127445
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, sewer alarm devices and apparatus are provided for detecting the presence of liquid within a pipe. In some embodiments, the devices and apparatus include a housing defining an interior volume, the housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion mounted on an exterior surface of the pipe. At least a first mounting portion extends outwardly from the housing and receives at least a first strap securing the housing to the exterior surface of the pipe. A probe housing extends from the interior volume of the housing to an interior of the pipe, and at least a first probe is disposed within the probe housing and exposed to the interior of the pipe along a first direction substantially along a center axis of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Tristram C. Dunn
  • Patent number: 9126526
    Abstract: A vehicle approach informing device includes: an informing sound output unit mounted on a vehicle and configured to inform of approach of the vehicle by transmitting sound to the outside; a distance measurement unit to detect a current position of the vehicle and to measure a distance between the detected current position and a predetermined position; and a sound volume control unit configured to set a sound volume outputted by the informing sound output unit to a predetermined normal sound volume when the distance measured by the distance measurement unit is equal to or longer than a first distance, and to set the sound volume to a lower level than the normal sound volume when the distance measured by the distance measurement unit is shorter than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yutaka Yokoyama, Hiroaki Kanaya
  • Patent number: 9123218
    Abstract: A fire control panel in which an address map window (30), in which terminal device control switches (31) each indicating an address number (AD) of a terminal device are arranged in a matrix shape, is displayed on a display/operation unit (2). In addition, each of the terminal device control switches (31) corresponding to a status stored in a terminal database (DB) is displayed in a display mode that differs depending on each status. Accordingly, it is possible to grasp status information on a large number of terminal devices at a glance through one screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: NOHMI BOSAI, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhide Tsubokawa, Masahiro Hagita
  • Patent number: 9112352
    Abstract: A circuit protection apparatus is disclosed. A peripheral interface includes a first power node and a second power node. The circuit protection apparatus includes an auxiliary power supply circuit, a power converter, a first switch, a second switch, a power switch circuit, a warning circuit, and a controller. When a load is plugged to the peripheral interface, the first switch turns on, and the controller is enabled and outputs a control signal, so as to drive the power converter to output power. When the current between input terminal and output terminal of the power switch circuit is larger than a predetermined current, the controller receives the error flag logical voltage outputted by the power switch circuit, cuts off the current between input terminal and output terminal of the power switch circuit, and stops the operations of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventors: Shu-Ling Chen, Chun-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 9105191
    Abstract: A group or solo monitoring system and method for collision avoidance that uses a transceiver circuitry mounted on a vehicle. The circuitry can include a microprocessor, a memory having stored therein non-transitory instructions for programming the microprocessor, a visual indicator, an audio indicator, a user interface including a display screen and navigation buttons, an RF transceiver with antenna, and a power supply. Non-transitory instructions stored in memory configure and control the microprocessor to enable a user to enter data into the memory via the user interface via the display screen and navigation buttons. A vehicle group can be formed and a proximity perimeter created about the group. Visual and audio alerts are issued to avoid a collision in the event that a non-group vehicle has been detected as having penetrated the proximity perimeter and is closing in on at least one vehicle of the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SR PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Nevin C. Jenkins, Rande Newberry
  • Patent number: 9105183
    Abstract: Presented herein is a system and method for graphically displaying aircraft traffic information. The system comprises an Operating Company Symbology database and a display system coupled to a processor that is configured to (1) receive traffic information; (2) determine the Operating Company Symbology from the received traffic information; (3) receive a selection of an aircraft or traffic information including at least one of the Flight ID, Operating Company, or Surface Traffic; (4) graphically render aircraft symbology and the associated traffic information on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Subash Samuthirapandian, Markus Alan Johnson, Ronald Brian Wayman
  • Patent number: 9090202
    Abstract: A combination scene lighting and traffic control system includes a scene illumination apparatus for illuminating an emergency scene, and a detachable adapter for converting the illumination apparatus into a traffic light. The scene illumination apparatus includes at least two separately actuatable lighting elements within a tripod-mounted housing. A control device allows simultaneous actuation of both lighting elements when maximum illumination is desired or actuation of a single element if less illumination is desired. The adapter holds two different colored filters, each of which overlies a different one of the lighting elements when the adapter is secured to the illumination apparatus, so that one colored light will be visible to approaching motorists when a first of the lighting elements is actuated and a different colored light will be visible when a second of the lighting elements is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
  • Patent number: 9081885
    Abstract: Computer-based systems and computer-implemented methods are described for monitoring medication events for an individual. Computer-based systems include systems for monitoring medication events relating to an individual, including: circuitry for analyzing data for an identifier of a first medication event for an individual; circuitry for analyzing the data for at least one attribute of an individual; circuitry for analyzing the data for at least one attribute relating to a medication during the first medication event; circuitry for analyzing the data for at least one feature of visual information and at least one feature of non-visual information relating to the individual during the first medication event; circuitry for analyzing the received data for a time associated with the first medication event; circuitry for determining a compliance likelihood for the first medication event based on the analyses of the received data; and circuitry for indicating the determined compliance likelihood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9064386
    Abstract: Methods and systems to redirect the audible and visible signals from alarms on a portable safety device. A cover (10) cooperates with a portable safety device (50) to define a sound chamber (12) that amplifies audible warning signals. A visual alarm guide (14) also is provided. A calibration adapter (500) affords quick and simple bump testing and calibration of the portable safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Tae-yeon Won, Charles Hughes, Brad Day
  • Patent number: 9061705
    Abstract: A parking assistance system using a projector and a method thereof are provided. The parking assistance system includes a projector, a capture module, and a control unit. The projector projects an image to outside a vehicle. The capture module captures a projection region of the projector. The control unit controls the projector to illuminate the projection region, and controls a screen output of an image captured by the capture module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yang Woo Kwon
  • Patent number: 9064395
    Abstract: A checkout station includes an optional scale for weighing items; a composite cover or weigh platter supported by the scale, wherein the cover has a lower surface with a lower window having a horizontal perimeter, an upper surface including an upper window positioned transversely to the lower surface, a metallic plate surrounding a portion of the horizontal perimeter of the lower window, the metallic plate spaced apart proximal end sections, and a nonmetallic bezel positioned between the lower window and the upper surface and positioned between the spaced apart proximal end sections of the metallic plate; one or more imagers for obtaining views of an item within a viewing volume bounded by the lower and upper surfaces; and a surveillance tag deactivation system for deactivating an electronic surveillance tag in proximity to the viewing volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: DATALOGIC ADC, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Shearin, Ryan B. Thompson, David Newman, Jeff T. Robson
  • Patent number: 9063040
    Abstract: A system and method for sampling air in a controlled environment having air sampling devices therewithin. A controller, outside the controlled environment, in separate flow communication with each sampling device via first vacuum tubes, and having a manifold for directing air from the first vacuum tubes to one or more second vacuum tubes. A vacuum source outside the controlled environment, in flow communication with the controller via the second vacuum tube(s), providing suction, and being controlled by the controller to generate flow through the first vacuum tubes. A flow switch between each sampling device and the vacuum source, for measuring and controlling the flow rate through a corresponding first vacuum tube. An alarm inside the controlled environment, is activated by a flow switch when the corresponding flow rate deviates from a desired value by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Veltek Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosario Sam Calio, Jeffrey Churchvara
  • Patent number: 9053618
    Abstract: A portable terminal having a haptic module, in which a piezoelectric element is mounted on a hinge part elastically supporting a touch pad, includes: a main body; a touch pad which is included in the main body to recognize a touch of a user; a vibration stage which is disposed between the main body and the touch pad and has a hinge part upwardly elastically supporting the touch pad; a piezoelectric element which is mounted on the hinge part, and when power is applied, wrap-deforms the hinge part to generate a vibration on the touch pad. The vibration stage includes a base part connected to the main body. One end of hinge part is integrally connected with the base part and the other end thereof is spaced apart from the base part to be in a state of being free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: HYSONIC. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: He Won Jung, Jong Sik Seo, Yo Sub Kim
  • Patent number: 9047774
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to project monitoring needs for a road segment. The processor is further configured to contact one or more vehicles traveling on the road segment during a time of monitoring need. The processor is additionally configured to instruct a first number, determined based on a projected monitoring need, of contacted vehicles to being monitoring and reporting traffic data for the road segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fling Tseng, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Shane Elwart, Jianbo Lu
  • Patent number: 9041545
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that senses the intensity of sounds and the velocity of objects. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that may prevent an audio signal from reaching a user, make a warning noise, or otherwise alert the user when a object is noisy and/or approaching the user at a threatening rate. More specifically, the present invention takes data from the surrounding area and compares it to one or more thresholds to determine an object's threat level. The present invention relates to one or more speakers, and includes, generally, one or more microphones to receive and measure the intensity of surrounding noises and one or more range sensors to detect distance, velocity, and acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Allen Zelepugas
  • Patent number: 9035786
    Abstract: A strobe light includes a base, a mounting post, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lights, a control system, and a lens. The mounting post extends vertically from the base. The plurality of LED lights are mounted around a periphery of the mounting post. The control system is coupled to the plurality of LED lights and operable to independently control each LED light to produce at least one of a 360° strobe light pattern and a rotating beacon light pattern. The lens is connected to the base and covers the plurality of LED lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CHECKERS INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Clifford, Steven N. D. Brundula
  • Patent number: 9035754
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror reflective element that is fixedly attached at a mirror back plate. The mirror back plate includes an indicator structure that has a passageway that extends from the back plate at an angle relative to the portion of the back plate. At least one baffle is disposed within the passageway and is angled at the angle relative to the portion of the back plate. An indicator is mounted at an end portion of the passageway, and light emitted by the indicator passes through the passageway and through the mirror reflective element via an opening in the back plate. When the indicator is activated, light passing through the passageway and emanating from the mirror reflective element is at least partially shielded from direct view by the driver of the vehicle by the at least one baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9035777
    Abstract: Computer-based systems and computer-implemented methods are described for monitoring medication events for an individual. Computer-based systems include systems for monitoring medication events relating to an individual, including: circuitry for analyzing data for an identifier of a first medication event for an individual; circuitry for analyzing the data for at least one attribute of an individual; circuitry for analyzing the data for at least one attribute relating to a medication during the first medication event; circuitry for analyzing the data for at least one feature of visual information and at least one feature of non-visual information relating to the individual during the first medication event; circuitry for analyzing the received data for a time associated with the first medication event; circuitry for determining a compliance likelihood for the first medication event based on the analyses of the received data; and circuitry for indicating the determined compliance likelihood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9035752
    Abstract: User input is accepted by a force sensing resistor (“FSR”) assembly, a force sensing capacitor (“FSC”) or both. The FSR or FSC assemblies may be located within an input device, such as behind a device exterior, display, and so forth. A force applied to the device exterior proximate to the assembly may result in activation of the assembly. The activation may be processed as input and used to determine and then perform a particular action. The particular action may be based at least in part on a particular portion of the assembly which has been activated, a magnitude of applied force, or both. A haptic output may be provided on activation to provide feedback to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya Daniel Rosenberg, Lakshman Rathnam, Nadim Awad, John Aaron Zarraga, David Charles Buuck, Julien George Beguin