Patents Examined by Mancil Littlejohn, Jr.
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Patent number: 9918145Abstract: A water meter transmission system reads data from a water meter and wirelessly transmits data to a central billing or receiving system. Disclosed transmission systems are fully integrated and contained within pit housings such that electronic components are well protected. A spiral antenna is integrated into a specially configured integrated antenna cover which fits into the top cover of a pit housing. The antenna cover and/or upper lip area of the upper lip of the main housing may comprise a distal barrier and a medial barrier used to exclude water and contaminates. Disclosed transmission systems offer high output and low power consumption and vitiate the need for meter readers to physically access a water meter or other meters.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventor: Yoram Kenig
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Patent number: 9889808Abstract: A method is provided for activating a pedestrian protection system of a vehicle. The method includes a step of carrying out a first threshold value comparison, in the first threshold value comparison at least one signal feature of a first sensor signal being compared to an adaptation threshold value, a step of determining a threshold value adaptation value based on a result of the first threshold value comparison, and a step of carrying out a second threshold value comparison. In the second threshold value comparison, at least one signal feature of a second sensor signal is compared to a triggering threshold value, which is adapted using the threshold value adaptation value, for triggering the pedestrian protection system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Gunther Lang, Bastian Reckziegel, Marlon Ramon Ewert
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Systems and methods for monitoring a condition of a tubular configured to convey a hydrocarbon fluid
Patent number: 9879525Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a condition of a tubular configured to convey a fluid such as for use in producing hydrocarbons in relationship with a hydrocarbon system related wellbore operation. The methods include transmitting a data signal along the tubular with the communication network. The methods may include initiating a tubular operation responsive to the data signal indicating that the condition of the tubular is outside a predetermined condition range. The methods may include transmitting the data signal by propagating the data signal along the tubular via a plurality of node-to-node communications between communication nodes of the communication network and monitoring a signal propagation property of the plurality of node-to-node communications that is indicative of the condition of the tubular. The methods may include detecting the condition of the tubular and generating a condition indication signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Timothy I. Morrow, Mark M. Disko -
Patent number: 9862314Abstract: A warning triangle stand includes a triangular plate provided with a reflector, an LED lamp, a switch, and a power source. The reflector and the LED lamp are disposed on the front of the triangular plate. The power source is disposed inside the triangular plate. The power source is electrically connected with the LED lamp. The triangular plate includes a main plate, a left plate, a right plate, and an upper plate. The left plate and the right plate are hinged to two sides of the main plate. The upper plate is hinged to an upper end of the main plate. The switch is used to control the triangular plate to be in a folded state or an unfolded state. The triangular plate can be unfolded through the switch, which is fast and convenient. The LED lamp is used in cooperation with the reflector to provide a warning effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Karstone Energy Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tie Hong Xia
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Patent number: 9860357Abstract: A method for establishing a wireless connection based on a touch screen of a wireless device. The wireless device includes a slide-out processing section for determining, in response to a slide-out from an edge of the touch screen, a first slide-out parameter for determining by the other wireless device an object to be connected, and broadcasting the first slide-out parameter. The wireless device further includes a slide-in processing section for determining a slide-in parameter in response to a slide-in from the edge of the touch screen and reception of a second slide-out parameter directionally transmitted from the other wireless device. Furthermore, if the determined slide-in parameter matches the second slide-out parameter, then the slide-in processing section establishes a wireless connection between the wireless device and the other wireless device. As a result, an authenticated wireless connection between short-range wireless terminals can be established more conveniently.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Yan Chen, Xiao He, Kuang Hu, Guo Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 9852599Abstract: In some implementations, a system can transmit communications indicating an occurrence of a particular type of safety incident experienced by a user. Registration information that indicates that a plurality of safety devices of different types are to be registered with the user is initially obtained. Sensor data from the plurality of safety devices of different types are obtained. An occurrence of a particular type of safety incident experienced by the user is then selected from among a plurality of types of safety incidents. The selection may be based at least on the obtained sensor data and the obtained registration information. A communication is then provided to another user to indicate the occurrence of the particular type of safety incident experienced by the user in response to selecting the occurrence of the particular type of safety incident.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Alarm.com IncorporatedInventors: Alison Jane Slavin, Aaron Lee Roberts
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Patent number: 9847026Abstract: This disclosure concerns a graphical display (400) of operational data of a moving mining machine (140). A processor (114) receives terrain information (300) and operational data (500) of the mining machine (140). The operational data (500) is based on the response of the mining machine (140) to terrain variations at the respective geographical locations. The processor (114) generates a display comprising a terrain image (402) and a graphical trail (406) representing the travel path on the terrain image (402) based on the operational data. The appearance of the trail (406) is variable along the trail and based on variations in the operational data. The trail (406) in the display (400) is aligned with the terrain image (402) and a user of the display can visually correlate a change in operational data with a geographical location in the terrain.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Technological Resources Pty LtdInventor: Daniel Adams
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Patent number: 9844984Abstract: An example of a vehicle tire gauge system includes a tire pressure monitoring system in a vehicle. A transceiver in the vehicle is for transmitting a tire pressure sensed by the tire pressure monitoring system to a paired wearable device. A tire pressure table is stored in a model of an application having a view on the wearable device. A haptic feedback generator in the wearable device is responsive to the tire pressure reaching a first value, wherein the first value is contained in the tire pressure table.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: GENERAL MOTORS LLCInventor: Hassan Elnajjar
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Patent number: 9827116Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for generating a vibration pattern in a person, having a drive which sets a mass in rotation, and at least one sensor device which is coupled to a controller which controls the drive as a function of sensor data over the sensor device. The mass (m) is arranged in a homogeneously concentric fashion around its rotational axis (10), and an interface (20) transmits to the person reaction forces from the mass which arise owing to the change in the rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS GMBHInventor: Andrei Ninu
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Patent number: 9799179Abstract: A device designed to validate and transport paper currency in a protected fashion. While being transported, the device monitors for tampering or break-in attempts and subsequently generates warning notifications, or sounds an alarm depending on configuration and the type of tampering detected. The transport case provides end-to-end cash accountability from a location where a bill is inserted into the case, to the bank or cash destination, where the transport case is delivered. Additionally, a docking station accessory is described in which the transport case can be securely fixed while at a point of sale.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: ELLENBY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Aaron H. Dobbins, Bob M. Dobbins, Thomas Carullo
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Patent number: 9786151Abstract: Pressure measuring device, comprising a connector extending along a longitudinal direction around a central longitudinal axis, the connector comprising a first longitudinal end intended to be fixed to an element containing pressurized gas, and a second longitudinal end provided with a diaphragm intended to be subjected to the pressure, the diaphragm comprising a pressure sensor of the piezoelectric type generating an electrical signal representative of the pressure measured, the pressure sensor being connected to an electronics board comprising electronic logic for processing the electrical signal of the sensor, the device furthermore comprising a transmission/reception antenna of the radiofrequency type fitted on the electronics board in order to receive and transmit data from and to the electronic logic, the electronics board being housed in a protective casing fixed to the connector, wherein the antenna is located on or adjacent to an axis passing through the central longitudinal axis of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges ClaudeInventor: Guillaume Roberge
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Patent number: 9771791Abstract: An apparatus for communicating a signal downhole includes a downhole pipe configured to be coupled to another downhole pipe and a protection tube secured to the downhole pipe. A transmission line is disposed in the protection tube and configured to communicate the signal. A communication device is disposed in the downhole pipe and configured to communicate the signal to another downhole pipe. An end of the transmission line is configured to be axially movable with respect to the downhole pipe in order to have the end of the transmission line extending from the protection tube to establish a connection between the transmission line and the communication device.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Rene Schulz, Volker Peters
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Patent number: 9772666Abstract: A system for providing battery status information can include a plurality of battery packs that each include a plurality of battery cells, a computer system for performing battery condition checks, and an interface for communicating information about a respective battery cell to a power supply that is connected to receive power from a respective battery pack; a plurality of power supplies to communicate with the battery packs to cause the battery packs to perform defined operations and to receive information from the battery packs that is generated from the defined operations; and a central power management system connected over a network with the plurality of power supplies and arranged to obtain information from the defined operations performed by the battery packs.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Pascal Kam, Tracy Van Dyk
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Patent number: 9761139Abstract: A method to provide an active parking system includes receiving, at a portable computerized device, parking preferences of a user for a parking facility of a retail store, determining, within a parking space index server, an availability status of each of a plurality of parking spaces of the parking facility, identifying, within a computerized device, a preferred parking location for the user based upon the parking preferences and the availability statuses, and displaying, at a computerized display, directions for the user to navigate to the preferred parking location.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: WAL-MART STORES, INC.Inventors: Joel Bennett Acker, Jr., Richard Neil Cancro, Douglas James Pedley
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Patent number: 9762980Abstract: A water meter transmission system reads data from a water meter and wirelessly transmits data to a central billing or receiving system. Disclosed transmission systems are fully integrated and contained within pit housings such that the electronic components are well protected. A flat spiral VHF antenna is integrated into a specially configured integrated antenna cover which fits into the top cover of a pit housing. The antenna cover and/or upper lip area of the upper lip of the main housing comprises protrusions complementary to the distal barrier and medial barrier of the integrated cover and is used to exclude water and contaminates. Disclosed transmission systems offer high output and low power consumption and vitiate the need for meter readers to physically access a water meter or other meters.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventor: Yoram Kenig
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Patent number: 9732608Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, David A. Switzer, Jili Liu, Justin C. Logan
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Patent number: 9698841Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for associating a radio frequency identification tag with a participant. In one embodiment, a method is provided for associating an unassociated RF location tag with a participant. The method may include determining an unassociated RF location tag to be associated with the participant, receiving sensor derived data from one or more sensors, determining an identity of the particular participant using the sensor derived data, and associating the identity of the particular participant with the unassociated RF location tag.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: ZIH Corp.Inventors: Rodrigo Alonso, Belinda Turner, Aitan Ameti, David Senerchia
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Patent number: 9689710Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying and targeting power outages are provided. Electric meters of a system receive electric power from power distribution equipment in a power distribution network and information that identifies the respective power distribution equipment from which the meters receive electric power. Communication nodes are associated with electric meters and receive, from neighboring communication nodes, information identifying each respective neighboring communication node and the information identifying the power distribution equipment from which respective electric meters, associated with neighboring communication nodes, receive electric power. A communication node of a particular electric meter can select a suitable communication node of a neighboring electric meter with which it can communicate. When the particular electric meter experiences a loss in power, it can then transmit an immediate regarding the loss in power to the selected communication node.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Raj Vaswani, Jana van Greunen, William San Filippo, III, Sterling Hughes, George Flammer, III
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Patent number: 9679709Abstract: A device is provided for use with a circuit breaker that includes an actuator adapted to move in a first direction in response to an over-current and/or a short circuit condition, and a circuit breaker accessory that includes an actuation mechanism. The device includes a linkage having a first end adapted to be coupled to the actuator and a second end adapted to be disposed adjacent the actuation mechanism. Movement of the actuator in the first direction allows the linkage to move in a second direction different from the first direction from a first position to a second position to activate the circuit breaker accessory. Numerous other aspects are provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2012Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Jan Rojko
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Patent number: 9672394Abstract: A system and method for securing backscatter communication. In one embodiment, a backscatter communication system includes a reader. The reader is configured to receive backscatter transmissions. The reader includes a transmitter configured to emit a radio frequency signal to induce backscatter communication. The transmitter includes a continuous wave (CW) carrier signal generator and a noise signal generator. The CW carrier signal generator produces a CW carrier signal. The noise signal generator generates a noise signal. The transmitter is configured to combine the CW carrier signal and the noise signal, and to transmit the combined signal to induce backscatter communication.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM, THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITYInventors: Zhu Han, Walid Saad, Harold Vincent Poor