Patents Examined by Mancil Littlejohn, Jr.
  • Wearable device positioning based control
    Patent number: 10268280
    Abstract: A method and system for positioning based device control. The method includes receiving device control instructions associated with function control of a device based on a positioning of a wearable hardware device of a user. Communications between the device and the wearable hardware device are synchronized and a position signal indicating a current position of the wearable hardware device with respect to a body of the user is received. In response, a command associated with controlling a specified function of the device is received and a command is executed resulting in the specified function of the device being modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa Seacat Deluca, Clifford A. Pickover, Dana L. Price, Aaron J. Quirk
  • Wearable vibration device
    Patent number: 10264339
    Abstract: A wearable haptic device is provided. The wearable haptic device includes a band having at least one haptic device attached to the band. A power source is operatively connected to the vibration device. The vibration device may further include an input configured to connect to a music playing device. The vibration device produces a vibration based on the output of the music playing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: David Todd Schwartz
  • Control docking station for one or two stage locking mechanism
    Patent number: 10231518
    Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controllers housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Control Dynamics Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Moran
  • Haptic information presentation system and method
    Patent number: 10216278
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed in which in a conventional non-grounding man-machine interface having no reaction base on the human body and for giving the existence of a virtual object and the impact force of a collision to a person, a haptic sensation of a torque, a force and the like can be continuously presented in the same direction, which cannot be presented by only the physical characteristic of a haptic sensation presentation device. In a haptic presentation device, the rotation velocity of at least one rotator in the haptic presentation device is controlled by a control device, and a vibration, a force or a torque as the physical characteristic is controlled, so that the user is made to conceive various haptic information of the vibration, force, torque or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Miraisens, Inc.
    Inventors: Norio Nakamura, Yukio Fukui, Masataka Sakai
  • Method and system for transmitting a data frame of an electromagnetic telemetry signal to or from a downhole location
    Patent number: 10202844
    Abstract: Methods, techniques, and systems for transmitting a data frame of an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry signal to or from a downhole location can be performed using multi-channel transmissions in which at least two different channels at two different frequencies are used to send a long header and the data frame. At least a portion of the long header is transmitted at a first frequency, and at least a portion of the data frame and any remaining portion of the long header not transmitted at the first frequency are transmitted at one or more additional frequencies different from each other and the first frequency. In one example, only two channels are used: one channel is used to transmit all of the long header, another channel is used to transmit all of the data frame, and either of the channels is used to transmit an identifier identifying the type of the data frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Evoution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Switzer, Jili Liu, Mingdong Xu, Aaron W. Logan
  • Method of monitoring a composite material
    Patent number: 10196153
    Abstract: The method allows to monitor a composite material comprising an epoxy resin filled with electrically conductive nanoparticles, wherein at least one electrical property i.e. impedance of the composite material is influenced by being subjected to a mechanical deformation. The method provides for inserting the composite material in an electric circuit emitting an electric signal whose value depends on the electrical property, so that, when the value of the signal overcomes a given threshold value, a warning message is delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: LEONARDO S.p.A.
    Inventors: Patrizia Lamberti, Giovanni Spinelli, Vincenzo Tucci, Luigi Vertuccio, Liberata Guadagno, Salvatore Russo, Generoso Iannuzzo
  • Self-configuring traffic signal controller
    Patent number: 10198943
    Abstract: Embodiments describe new mechanisms for signalized intersection control. Embodiments expand inputs beyond traditional traffic control methods to include awareness of agency policies for signalized control, industry standardized calculations for traffic control parameters, geometric awareness of the roadway and/or intersection, and/or input of vehicle trajectory data relative to this intersection geometry. In certain embodiments, these new inputs facilitate a real-time, future-state trajectory modeling of the phase timing and sequencing options for signalized intersection control. Phase selection and timing can be improved or otherwise optimized based upon modeling the signal's future state impact on arriving vehicle trajectories. This improvement or optimization can be performed to reduce or minimize the cost basis of a user definable objective function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ECONOLITE GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Eric Raamot
  • Electronic device
    Patent number: 10199845
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an internal battery, a first battery, and a second battery. The device further includes a first latch for locking the first battery and a second latch for locking the second battery. The device further includes a latch state detector for determining whether each of the first and second latches are open or closed, and a remaining battery power detector for detecting the remaining power in each of the first battery, the second battery, and the internal battery. The device further includes an LED and an LED controller for controlling the on-off of the LED. The LED controller operates as follows when the first or second latch is determined to be opened. If at least one of the first battery, the second battery, and the internal battery can supply electric power to the electronic device, the LED controller lights the LED in a first ON state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co,. Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Masaoka
  • SATCOM distressed aircraft tracking system
    Patent number: 10163328
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method for communicating emergency information from an aircraft in response to an emergency or technical problem detected by monitoring avionics data at an onboard autonomous aircraft SATCOM transceiver activation device, the emergency detection functioning to automatically activate and control an aircraft SATCOM transceiver which then (i) automatically triggers real-time tracking of the aircraft via satellite, (ii) provides aircraft positioning on broadcast distinctive signals and data in designated frequencies; and (iii) monitors, processes, and automatically communicates the avionics data in conformance with ICAO standards for GADSS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: InFlight Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Bekanich
  • Downhole telemetry
    Patent number: 10151196
    Abstract: A telemetry system with a plurality of controllers and telemetry systems, where the controllers are configured to obtain information from one or more sensors and transmit that information on one or more of the plurality of telemetry systems. The configuration of a controller may be changed so as to change which information is transmitted on a given telemetry system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, David A. Switzer, Jili Liu, Justin C. Logan
  • System for detecting falls and discriminating the severity of falls
    Patent number: 10147296
    Abstract: A system for detecting and discriminating the severity of a fall includes a mobile device configured to communicate a network, a notification module, and a wearable device configured to communicate with the mobile device, the wearable device including a fall monitor and an activity log resident on the wearable device, where the fall monitor is configured to record detected movement on the activity log. The notification module is configured to effect a selectable setting of a rate of communication between the mobile device and the wearable device based on at least part of a predetermined pattern of a fall discriminator within the activity log, where the selectable setting defines a predetermined period of communication between the mobile device and the wearable device. The fall discriminator is configured to determine when the activity log includes a notable fall event based on the predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Fallcall Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Shea C. Gregg
  • Visual valve position indicator with wireless transmitter
    Patent number: 10140843
    Abstract: An indicator device with wireless communication functionality for monitoring a position of a valve actuating device. The indicator device including a visual indication device having an outer beacon and an inner beacon received within the outer beacon and arranged to rotate relative to the outer beacon, a wireless module including at least one sensor, positioned within the inner beacon of the visual indication device, and configured to transmit a message using the wireless module, and a shaft extending through the visual indication device and coupled to the valve actuating device. Rotation of the shaft is detectable by the at least one sensor of the wireless module to indicate the position of the valve actuating device, and the indicator device is sealed to inhibit infiltration of liquid and penetration of debris to the wireless module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Westlock Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Jordan, Bill Tatum
  • Selecting vehicle pickup location
    Patent number: 10134286
    Abstract: A system and method of enabling a user to select a location for vehicle pickup, wherein the method is carried out by a handheld mobile device, and wherein the method includes: obtaining vehicle reservation information pertaining to a vehicle reservation, wherein the vehicle reservation information includes a reservation start location; displaying a camera feed on a visual display of the mobile device, wherein the camera feed is video data that is obtained by a camera included on the mobile device; receiving a vehicle pickup selection from a user, wherein the vehicle pickup selection is generated by a user selecting an area for pickup that is within a field of view of the camera; and sending a vehicle pickup selection message to the remote server, wherein the vehicle pickup selection message includes the vehicle pickup selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard Elswick, Aditya S. Kamini, Nathaniel H. Williams
  • Trainable transceiver and cloud computing system architecture systems and methods
    Patent number: 10127804
    Abstract: A system for controlling a remote device including a trainable transceiver, communications electronics, and a processing circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the communications electronics. The processing circuit is configured to cause the trainable transceiver to control a remote device in response to a signal received from a cloud computing system, wherein the signal is received from the cloud computing system using the communications electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Douglas C. Papay, Carl L. Shearer
  • Multi-frequency dielectric borehole imager
    Patent number: 10119394
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for dielectric borehole imagery are disclosed. Systems may include one or more transmitters that induce, at azimuthally-spaced positions on a borehole wall, a plurality of fields having components in non-coplanar directions within a formation; one or more directionally sensitive receivers that sense the components caused by each of the one or more transmitters; and a controller that processes signals received from the one or more directionally sensitive inductive sensors to provide a set of measurements representative of dielectric parameters at two or more azimuthal positions within the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Luis San Martin
  • Survival emergency location transmitter tracking system
    Patent number: 10102736
    Abstract: The invention is a service for sending and/or receiving messages in a first format intended for a recipient or authority, where the service identifies for the intended recipient a second format for receiving messages, and where the service formats a communication for delivery to the intended recipient, where the message is prepared to be presented to the recipient in the first and/or the second format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: InFlight Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Bekanich
  • Tactile presentation device and control method for the same
    Patent number: 10096214
    Abstract: A circuit of a tactile presentation device is configured to: connect first electrodes at least partially included in a target area to an AC voltage signal source and connect second electrodes at least partially included in the target area to another AC voltage signal source to present tactile senses in the target area; and in transition from a frame to the next frame, turn each of multiple first electrodes including the first electrodes and multiple second electrodes including the second electrodes into a floating state and subsequently connect each of the multiple first electrodes and the multiple second electrodes to a voltage signal source. A time to keep the floating state is set shorter than a first period for unnecessary tactile senses presented outside the target area to be weaker than unnecessary tactile senses presented outside the target area in the first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: TIANMA JAPAN, LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Sugimoto, Hiroshi Haga
  • Methods and apparatus for dynamically updating drop zone data during flight
    Patent number: 10088998
    Abstract: A method for computing drop zone data onboard an aircraft is provided. The method obtains, by a processor, current drop zone parameters for an air drop, during flight of the aircraft; receives, by the processor, changes to dynamic conditions associated with operation of the aircraft, wherein the dynamic conditions comprise at least one of wind speed, drop altitude, current temperature, angle of approach, aircraft speed, and number of stages of planned drop; calculates, by the processor, updated drop zone parameters, based on the current drop zone parameters and the changes to the dynamic conditions; and presents the updated drop zone parameters, via a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Sriram P R, Emmanuel Letsu-Dake
  • Control docking station for a one or two stage locking mechanism
    Patent number: 10085520
    Abstract: A control docking station system for controlling locking engagement between a first female member and a male member that together form a locking mechanism. The first female member is connected to a safety device. The male member can be locked to and released from the first female member. The system includes a controller configured to sense an unsafe interlock signal. A second female member is operably connected to the controller's housing. Each female member includes a receiver base and a pair of pivoting locking tabs that is engageable with a key-like projection on the male member. The male member may be unlocked from the first female member when the controller senses an interruption to the unsafe interlock signal or if the unsafe interlock signal is overridden. The male member may be docked in the second female member during safe circumstances and/or the safety device is unused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Control Dynamics Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Moran
  • Notification management
    Patent number: 10059348
    Abstract: Systems, device and techniques are disclosed for determining whether a mobile device is in vehicle mode. A notification may be received while the mobile device is in vehicle mode and the notification may be determined to be important or unimportant. If the notification is determined to be important, then the notification may be provided to the user via an output mode (e.g., display or speaker). If the notification is determined to be unimportant, then the notification may not be provided to the user via the display until the mobile device is no longer in vehicle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Evan Malahy, Donald Geoffrey Schuller, Henry Owen Newton-Dunn