Patents Examined by Lam Pham
  • Patent number: 7259683
    Abstract: A rack has a plurality of LEDs arranged on the front surface thereof correspondingly to respective units. The rack is provided with an LED lighting circuit which lights these LEDs, on the back of a display section and an input section. The LED lighting circuit has an LED lighting control section and a memory. The LED lighting control section acquires correspondence relation information indicating correspondence between servers and apparatuses from the input section, and stores the information in the memory. When a server is selected, the LED lighting circuit lights some of the plurality of LEDs based on the correspondence relation information stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Abe
  • Patent number: 7259663
    Abstract: A pressure detection sensor for detecting a tire internal air pressure and a wheel side communication device for transmitting a detection result of the pressure detection sensor using a preset transmission mode are provided on each wheel. The detection result from the pressure detection sensor is transmitted to an ECU via a vehicle body side communication device provided on a vehicle body. The ECU is able to notify a transmission mode determination device provided on each wheel that adjustment of the tire internal air pressure is being performed by manipulating a state of the tire internal air pressure. The transmission mode determination device determines a transmission mode to be used by the wheel side communication device such that a transmission frequency of a notification related to the occurrence of an abnormality of the wheel is reduced while adjustment of the tire internal air pressure is being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7259665
    Abstract: A self-contained backup power source such as a battery is provided for components within an electrically powered device such as a storage controller, photocopier or the like, to maintain diagnostic status data and to power a service indicator aid, or diagnostic indicator, such as an LED. A switch selects the backup power source when a primary power source of the electrically powered device is no longer available to the component, such as when the component is removed from the electrically powered device, the primary power source is disconnected as a safety precaution when servicing or replacing the component, or a higher-level assembly, in which the component is provided, is removed from the electrically powered device. The diagnostic indicator may be powered separately from the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Jones, Robert A. Kubo, Andrew D. Walls
  • Patent number: 7248153
    Abstract: A method for parking a vehicle in which distances of the vehicle from obstacles as well as the length and/or width of a parking space are determined. Sensors are used for parking space determination as well as distance measurement in this context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Danz, Werner Uhler
  • Patent number: 7245210
    Abstract: A vehicle electronic key system includes a control device mounted on a vehicle and an electronic key for transmitting a response signal in response to reception of a request signal from the control device. The control device includes means for outputting a request signal to the electronic key in response to the ON operation of a main switch of the vehicle (request signal generation means, a transmission circuit, and a transmission antenna), means for detecting a response signal from the electronic key (a reception circuit and response signal matching means), and means for performing an alarm output (monitoring means, a third drive circuit, and an alarm lamp) when no response signal is detected in spite of the output of the request signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Konno
  • Patent number: 7242320
    Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror comprises a carrier plate, an electronic component unit mounted on one face of the carrier plate, and a mirror mounted on the other face of the carrier plate. A protective housing is supported by the carrier plate, the housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit and carrier plate. A support bracket assembly extends from the carrier plate through the housing to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit preferably includes a card reader having a card slot exposed by the housing. In another embodiment, an RF antenna is connected to circuitry included in the electronic component, the antenna preferably being mounted in the support bracket assembly. In yet another embodiment, a visual display is provided for displaying information provided by the electronic component unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Mirrors Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Lawlor, Garret Coady
  • Patent number: 7242304
    Abstract: A system and method for releasing a security tag from an article automatically at a point of sale without the need for store employee involvement, assuming a valid sale is occurring. A system and method for releasing a security tag from an article automatically at a point of sale that tracks the detacher operation and the time and date of such operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Clancy, Peter Schneider, Peter Bremer
  • Patent number: 7242292
    Abstract: A wireless communications capability enables field personnel to communicate with a remote control console of a distributed system. A hand held communications unit generates console related messages that are coupled, via local devices, to the remote console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew G. Berezowski, Mark C. Bohanon, Daniel C. Hawkinson, Dominick A. Testa
  • Patent number: 7242295
    Abstract: A sensor unit for use in a surveillance system is provided. The sensor unit interfaces with a sensor device to receive sensor data from the sensor device. The sensor unit is configured to generate an event record based upon received sensor data. The event record is of a predetermined format and is output to a data unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: VistaScape Security Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Tomislav F. Milinusic, Demetrios Papacharalampos, Alexander Danileiko
  • Patent number: 7239246
    Abstract: A 3D liquid detection sensor, liquid-sensitive building material, and liquid detection systems have been provided. The 3D sensor comprises a 3D liquid detection field and an electrical connector to supply a resistance measurement responsive to liquid in the detection field. In one aspect, the 3D liquid detection field includes a first plurality of pins having a distal end electrically connected to a first electrical contact of the electrical connector, and a second plurality of pins having a distal end electrically connected to a second electrical contact. In one aspect, each pin includes a building material attachment barb attached to a pin proximal end. This permits the sensor to be fixedly mounted in drywall or ceiling tile, for example. More specifically, the 3D detection field may include a dielectric sheet (either rigid or flexible), and electrically conductive traces formed overlying the dielectric sheet, with pins extending from the traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Touridan Corporation
    Inventors: David Picco, Ibrahim Hanna Makhlouf, Jeffery Ross Gray
  • Patent number: 7236089
    Abstract: The vehicle-mounted display unit includes a display having a meter area and an auxiliary indication area. The meter area indicates a dial image for showing measured values of an operational condition of a motor vehicle. The auxiliary indication area indicates information other than the measured values. The display unit has a control device for controlling contents indicated on the display. The control device indicates a normal length pointer extended in the auxiliary indication area at a normal indication state, while the control device indicates a shorter length pointer in the auxiliary indication area when the other information is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shunsuke Ono, Masahiro Muramatsu, Yoshiharu Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7233245
    Abstract: A system for using a separate fixed or massive object to prevent theft of a motorcycle, the system comprising a frame element including a hollow enclosure having a wall with an orifice therethrough; a reel rotatably mounted in the enclosure; a flexible electrically conductive sheathed cable with a proximal end wound onto the reel and a distal end with a male connector; a control mechanism having an alarm mechanism, a female connector, circuitry to connect the female connector to the proximal end of the cable, to detect presence or absence of continuity between the proximal end and distal end of the cable, and to cause the alarm mechanism to be activated when continuity between the proximal end and distal end of the cable is broken; a locking mechanism having a locked configuration wherein the male connector is prevented from being withdrawn from the female connector, and an unlocked configuration wherein the male connector is allowed to be withdrawn from the female connector; and a power source structured to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel W. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7233239
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an improperly installed auxiliary child seat of the type that is secured in a motor vehicle by the seatbelt, and providing an alert to a vehicle operator in the case of improper installation. A seat occupancy sensor, a seatbelt buckle condition sensor, and a seatbelt tension sensor provides electrical signals to a child seat detection module, which determines that an improper installation condition exists if the auxiliary child seat is present and the seatbelt buckle is unfastened. The child seat detection module further determines an improper installation condition if the auxiliary child seat is present, the seatbelt buckle is fastened, and the seatbelt tautness is not within an acceptable range. If an improper installation condition is detected, the child seat detection module triggers an alerting device, such as a warning light on the instrument panel or audible chime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Janak Chitalia, Joseph Brown, Chris Bujak
  • Patent number: 7233234
    Abstract: An airbag electrical control unit mounted in a vehicle includes a position detecting circuit that detects a current position of the vehicle; a computing circuit that computes impact that the vehicle undergoes using a signal from a sensor; and a notifying circuit that notifies a previously designated recipient of a notification data that includes the detected current information alone or both the detected current position and the computed impact. Here, a traveling mode that addresses a traveling-period trouble generated while the vehicle is traveling and a parking mode that addresses a parking-period trouble generated while the vehicle is being parked are switched into each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Ooyabu
  • Patent number: 7227461
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a security confirmation system which can achieve efficient communication by optimizing an amount of transmitted data, and a method thereof. The security confirmation system includes a home master device connected to at least one security device through a first network based on a predetermined protocol, for receiving predetermined security information from the security device, generating a service security data having the security information, and transmitting the service security data, and a user terminal connected to the home master device through a second network separated from the first network, for receiving and displaying the service security data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hwan-Jong Choi, Feel-Young Koo, Ja-In Koo, Koon-Seok Lee, Seung-Myun Baek, Yong-Tae Kim, Sung-Hwan Kang
  • Patent number: 7227452
    Abstract: Birds carry many parasites and other diseases, which pose a health risk to humans which come into contact with their habitat. However, ultrasonic waves agitate and deter birds and other pests from roosting in nearby areas. The disclosed device utilizes solar energy to power a battery pack, which in turn activates both a tone generator and its adjoining amplifier to create and emit the annoying ultrasound. In this way, birds are dissuaded from gathering in particular areas where the ultrasonic device is in use, and humans are provided a more healthy and disease-free environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: James W. Frost
  • Patent number: 7227465
    Abstract: A security bar providing improved security from breach is obtained with the use of a fiber optic cable longitudinally inserted in a hollowed out cavity thereof. Monitoring of the security bar to identify attempts at breach thereof may be achieved by connecting an optical light source to one end of the fiber optic cable and a light monitoring device (i.e., an optical receiver) at the other end. In this manner, a breach of the security bar is identified when the optical receiver fails to receive the light generated by the optical light source. In one embodiment, an isolator which consists of a material that is soft enough to absorb a potential shock but hard enough to break or splinter if the security bar is substantially deformed (e.g., wood) surrounds the fiber optic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: John Allen Meyer
  • Patent number: 7221265
    Abstract: A system for sensing relative position between chassis (5a, 5b) and axle (3) on a vehicle, which vehicle is provided with a so-called V-rod (1) mounted between the chassis (5a, 5b) and the axle (3) where the pointed end of the V is connected by a ball joint (2) to the axle (3) of the vehicle and the opposite ends (1a, 1b) of the V-rod (1) are connected to the chassis (5a, 5b) of the vehicle, which ball joint (2) comprises a partly ball-shaped body (8) permanently fixed to the axle or the v-rod, encircled by a complementarily shaped collar (9) arranged round the whole or parts of the ball-shaped body (8) which ball joint (2) is covered by a cap or housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive ASA
    Inventor: Sven Bjørkgård
  • Patent number: 7218212
    Abstract: A two-step control signal device is mounted on an automobile and has a turn signal, a U-turning signal and a two-step control circuit. The turn signal has base having a recess and a turn light. The turn light is mounted in the recess. The U-turn signal is mounted on the base and has a circuit board and multiple U-turn lights. The circuit board is mounted on the base and is connected electrically to the turn light. The U-turn lights are mounted electrically on the circuit board around the recess. The two-step control circuit is connected electrically to the turn signal and the U-turn signal, operates the turn signal when in a turn step and operates simultaneously the turn signal and the U-turn signal when in a U-turn step. The operating U-turn signal warns other automobiles nearby that the automobile is making a U-turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Chien-Chuan Hu
  • Patent number: 7218234
    Abstract: An electronic bait station utilising the disruption of an electromagnetic field to detect the movement of insects or small animals within the station. The bait station consists of a housing, with at least one cavity having an electromagnetic radiation element generating an electromagnetic field in the cavity, and an electromagnetic receiving element detecting the electromagnetic field. Movement of an insect or small animal in the cavity causes a change in the electromagnetic field, which is detected. The preferred bait station comprises an outer cavity and a coaxial inner cavity, each with an electromagnetic field. This arrangement allows the direction of movement of insects and small animals to be determined and minimises the occurrence of spurious signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: J I Peston Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Anatol Zygmunt Tirkel