Patents Examined by John Tweel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10858053
    Abstract: A smart trailer system coupled to a trailer of a vehicle includes a sensor configured to measure a parameter of the trailer, a sensor interface board electrically coupled to the sensor and configured to retrieve the measured parameter, and a master controller communicatively coupled to the sensor interface board via a data bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Phillips Connect Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Adam Bean, Timothy Ronald Jackson, Douglas Chambers, Ruben Chicas, Robert Alexander Phillips, Thomas Begin
  • Patent number: 10857952
    Abstract: A detection apparatus that includes a detection unit configured to detect a peripheral environment of a vehicle and a bracket configured to attach the detection unit to a vehicle body, wherein in a state in which the bracket is attached to the vehicle body with the detection unit, the detection unit includes, on a lower end portion, a connector portion configured to be able to output a detection signal indicating the peripheral environment, and the bracket includes a pair of supporting portions configured to support the detection unit from the lower side on both sides of the connector portion and a bridge portion arranged astride the pair of supporting portions so as not to interfere with the connector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shingo Nakayama
  • Patent number: 10854074
    Abstract: A feature-rich, improved vehicle traffic signal control system that uses network technology is provided herein. For example, the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may include a control box and light heads that include processors. The control box in the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may include fewer components and/or fewer wires extending therefrom as compared to a typical control box. In particular, the control box in the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may not include relays, a conflict monitor, or other similar components. Rather, the improved control box may simply include a controller that is coupled to various light heads via Ethernet cables. The Ethernet cables can carry electrical power, thereby providing power to the light heads. The light head processors can use network technology to control light activation, to perform conflict monitoring, to receive data from various sensors to adjust traffic flow, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Systems Analysis & Integration, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Anthony Pomatto
  • Patent number: 10842129
    Abstract: A system and a method for locating an animal in area no matter what type of communications that are present where the animal is located utilizing a smart collar. The smart collar communicates via different type of signals and a system and method are used to operate the smart collar in the most efficient mode in order to prolong the operating life of smart collar battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: WAGZ, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Anderton, Samuel Stoddard
  • Patent number: 10847014
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques for detecting the recording activity of a sensor are described. A monitoring system includes a sensor that is configured to generate sensor data, as well as a failsafe circuit that is configured to monitor an electronic signal of the sensor and determine that the sensor is recording. The system can further include a control unit that receives indication from the failsafe circuit that the sensor is recording and, based on determining that the control unit did not request the sensor to record or that the control unit is not aware that the sensor is recording, the system outputs a signal, e.g. to an indicator light, indicating that the sensor is recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: David James Hutz, Robert Leon Lutes, Jean-Paul Martin
  • Patent number: 10839691
    Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus includes a memory and a processor having hardware. The processor is configured to acquire behavior prediction information of a moving object within a predetermined range centered on a subject vehicle to which driving assistance is applied, predict behavior content of the moving object within the predetermined range based on the acquired behavior prediction information of the moving object, and output a notification of an alert level corresponding to the predicted behavior content of the moving object at an edge of a windshield corresponding to a side on which the moving object, the behavior content of which has been predicted, exists, with respect to the position of a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Chihiro Inaba, Chikage Kubo, Keiko Nakano, Kazunari Nawa, Hisakazu Hada, Emi Seki
  • Patent number: 10836256
    Abstract: A location of a first wearable device is determined based on a first biometric signature. Operation of a touchscreen display is restricted if the location of the first wearable device is in an operator's side of a vehicle cabin and the first wearable device is within a first distance from the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Brad Alan Ignaczak, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Adil Nizam Siddiqui, Patrick Kevin Holub
  • Patent number: 10839621
    Abstract: The disclosure includes embodiments for detecting an unexpected behavior of an ego vehicle based on driving pattern comparison. In some embodiments, a method includes executing a first simulation using a first digital twin that represents a current condition of the ego vehicle in a real-world to generate a first result. The method includes executing a second simulation using a second digital twin that represents a historical condition of the ego vehicle in the real-world to generate a second result. The method includes comparing the first result to the second result to determine that the ego vehicle in the current condition behaves in the first simulation in an unexpected manner when compared to how the ego vehicle in the historical condition behaves in the second simulation. The method includes causing the ego vehicle to provide a notification in the real-world describing the unexpected manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Prashant Tiwari
  • Patent number: 10832534
    Abstract: A doorbell customization assembly includes a doorbell mount mountable on a wall of a building. A switch is coupled to the doorbell mount and the switch is electrically coupled to a doorbell for ringing the doorbell. A receiver is coupled to the doorbell mount, the receiver surrounds the switch and the receiver has a plurality of keyways therein. A disk engages each of the keyways in the receiver such that the disk is removably coupled to the receiver. The disk turns the switch on when the disk is depressed to ring the doorbell. Logo indicia are printed on the disk to enhance the ornamental appeal of the doorbell on the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Rahsaan Currie
  • Patent number: 10825309
    Abstract: Disclosed is a theft sensing system for sensing a theft of a fusion splicer by using an information terminal. The system includes a wireless communication unit that enables the fusion splicer to perform wireless communication with the information terminal, an authentication processing unit that performs an authentication process such that the fusion splicer and the information terminal are wirelessly connected to each other, an acquisition unit that acquires wireless situation data between the fusion splicer and the information terminal which are wirelessly connected to each other, a decision unit that decides whether the fusion splicer moves in a direction away from the information terminal based on a change in the wireless situation data acquired by the acquisition unit, and a notification unit that performs a predetermined notification process in the information terminal when the decision unit decides that the fusion splicer moves in the direction away from the information terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SEI OPTIFRONTIER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Ooki, Makoto Miyamori
  • Patent number: 10818161
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assisting with the commissioning and/or maintenance of a fire alarm and/or extinguishing control center (12) comprising a central control unit (30), a plurality of functional modules (14a-14g) and at least one data interface (36). A display unit (40) is connected to the central control unit (30) by means of the data interface (36), and an information mode which can be activated and deactivated is respectively assigned to each of the functional modules (14a-14g). Information is respectively stored for each of the functional modules (14a-14g), wherein, by activating the information mode of a functional module (14a-14g), the stored information relating to that functional module (14a-14g) whose information mode has been activated is displayed using the display unit (40) or tablet computer (44). The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method and to a functional module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Detlef Mandelkau
  • Patent number: 10800377
    Abstract: A vehicle security system may be automatically activated when a vehicle (e.g., car or truck) is temporarily stopped. Specifically, if a car is stopped at a gas station or other type of temporary stop (e.g., where a car would not be fully closed and locked) the vehicle security system may engage (e.g., based on opening of a gas cap cover). The vehicle security system monitors for theft of contents from inside a vehicle in a temporary stopped state. Sensors monitor if a passerby reaches into an open (or partially open) window to grab a parcel, handbag, phone, etc. from inside the vehicle. In a temporary stop condition, a vehicle may not be fully locked to engage a standard anti-theft security system. If a driver's attention is diverted away from the vehicle during the temporary stopped condition a quick and quiet theft scenario (e.g., a reach and grab) may be attempted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: WEBRAM LLC.
    Inventor: Randall Keith Weber, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10800588
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for the secure transport of material are provided. A transported material may be a biological material, such as a biological sample. Material is only transferred to a courier having a unique, single-use authorization code. Authorization codes are provided to a courier only upon arrival at a proper location and at a designated time. Courier identification or code confirmation or authorization may also be required. Identification or other confirmation regarding a custodian, material to be transferred, or both, may be required. Courier images, custodian images, or both, may be required. An authorization code may include a bar code, a number, a letter, or other symbol or code. An authorization code, an image, route information, and other information may be communicated by cell-phone, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other link. Transport containers with temperature sensors and communication links, and storage containers with light sensors, memory, and communication links are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Labrador Diagnostics LLC
    Inventor: Sunny Balwani
  • Patent number: 10799178
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for a virtual burrow assay for a diversity of neurological and psychiatric disorders. For example, a virtual burrow array device including a virtual, burrow, a linear actuator and one or more sensors is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Carl E. Schoonover, Andrew J. P. Fink, Richard Axel
  • Patent number: 10803731
    Abstract: A first device may determine to activate a location detection mode of a second device. The location detection mode may be related to locating the second device. The second device may not be within a short-range communicative proximity of a wireless transceiver component of the first device. The first device may select a user device, of a plurality of user devices, via which to cause the second device to activate the location detection mode. The first device may provide, via the user device, a set of instructions to cause the second device to activate the location detection mode. The first device may perform one or more other actions related to locating the second device after providing the set of instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Mandali, Arunkumar Natarajan
  • Patent number: 10803750
    Abstract: Systems and methods communicate parking access information between a host application associated with an operator of a parking area and a web application associated with a parking fee management provider for facilitating access, by a user carrying a smartphone, to the parking area secured by an external smart object. The external smart object is controllable through operation of the web application and actuatable through wireless personal area network (WPAN) communications exchanged between the smartphone and the external smart object in response to the operation of the web application causing the host application to generate the WPAN communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Citifyd, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Cole, Sohrab Vossoughi, Igor Cornelio Lira, Gabriel Lopes
  • Patent number: 10794944
    Abstract: Systems of detecting high-voltage lines to guard against electrocution when using heavy machinery are disclosed. Systems of the inventive subject matter include an antenna to detect the high-voltage line, and upon detection, the system can cut power to a movement system of the heavy machinery. A manual override is provided so that a user can remove the heavy machinery from an area at risk of causing electrocution either by contact with the high-voltage line or by arcing from the high-voltage line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Edwin Cosgrove
  • Patent number: 10793105
    Abstract: A vehicle component storage system for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The vehicle component storage system includes a storage container that is configured to hold a vehicle component, a sensor for sensing the position of the storage container relative to the vehicle, an electronic device for communicating with the user, and a controller configured to prompt the electronic device to issue an alert to the user based on data received from the sensor relating to the position of the storage container relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Baumbick, Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Joshua Greiner, Pietro Buttolo, David Brian Glickman
  • Patent number: 10783258
    Abstract: A device mountable on a pistol holster configured for detecting when a pistol is removed from the holster and, when removed, for activating a controller to receive, process, and record in memory audio signals from a microphone and to receive, process, and record in memory motion and compass direction signals. A connector is provided for transferring signal data to an external device configured with software for analyzing the acoustical characteristic of gunshots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventors: James Clinton Estes, III, Roger Forrester
  • Patent number: 10780896
    Abstract: A haptic communication system includes either a switch assembly or a compilation of discretely installed components. The switch assembly and the installed components utilize a haptic actuator to elicit tactile and/or audibly perceptible haptic outputs. The switch assembly and/or a collective haptic communication system includes a processor communicating with the actuator. Computerized instructions cause the processor to receive a message from an external system, identify either an audio or vibrational output signal, and communicate the output signal to the actuator. The audio or vibrational output signal causes the actuator to propagate a respective pressure wave that elicits an audible or inaudible, vibrational response at the output surface of the actuator. The pressure wave causes tactilely and/or audibly perceptible vibration within the individual switch assembly or within an overall installation such as a seat or steering assembly in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS ACQUISITION LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Nicholas Borgerding, Erick Staszak