Patents Examined by Michael Horabik
  • Patent number: 6909379
    Abstract: In a wireless remote controller for transmitting a control signal to each of plural control target units to control the operation of each of the control target unit, the power of the control signal to be transmitted to a desired one of the control target units is varied (lowered) in accordance with an operation which is expected to be executed by the desired control target unit. The wireless remote controller and the control target unit are associated with each other in an address connected relationship, and only when a control signal for casing the control target unit to perform a specific operation other than normal operations is transmitted to the control target unit, the address connected relationship is set to an address-free state, and the power of the control signal is varied (lowered) so that the control signal affects only the control target unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Air Conditioning Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Niizato
  • Patent number: 6906635
    Abstract: Telecommunication systems, which includes a controller (gateway/server), devices (TV, VCR, refrigerator, security system) and a remote control unit for remotely controlling the devices via the controller, is made more flexible and more user-friendly by allowing an interface like a user-interface and/or device-interface to be downloaded into the remote control unit, in response to a trigger-signal comprising a user-identification and/or a device-identification generated due to a user operating the remote control unit or generated due to an interface-amendment reported to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Tony Moutaux, Frederic Pennerath, Laurent Redouloux
  • Patent number: 6906613
    Abstract: A keyless entry system comprising a transmitter for transmitting binary pulse signals including a specific identification code by the operation of the user, a receiver for receiving said signals from the transmitter via an antenna, and a controlling section for supplying output signals for making the action intended by said user implemented when said identification code received by said receiver and the register code stored in the storage section are determined to be identified is provided. The ground of the receiving section and the ground of the controlling section are electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeaki Tamura
  • Patent number: 6906636
    Abstract: The existing paging infrastructure is used to send commands to operate remotely-located electronic or mechanical devices. A paging message containing one or more pre-set commands, trigger signals, or command strings is received by a paging receiver into an optional signal buffer which provides the received message to a message compare function. The message compare matches each component of the message to a set of one or more allowed commands and sends at least one signal or command that causes the action specified by the received message contents to take place at the target device. The command may be a signal for triggering an electronic or mechanical action, or may be a command that causes an operation to be performed in a software-controlled component of the target device. An alternate embodiment allows responses generated by the system and/or the target device to be forwarded back to the initiator via a two-way paging transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Mark H. Kraml
  • Patent number: 6903650
    Abstract: An operator (32) with transmitter overwrite protection is used with a plurality of different transmitters (40, 42, 44). Each type of transmitter has at least one command button that when actuated generates a signal which includes at least a transmitter identifying code. The operator includes a receiver (170) capable of receiving the signal from any of the plurality of transmitters and a memory device (62) that has a plurality of storage locations (63a-f). A controller (60) is connected to the receiver and the controller stores each transmitter identifying code in a corresponding storage location. The controller overwrites one of the transmitter identifying codes in a corresponding storage location when a new transmitting code is learned if the plurality of storage locations are full, except for the transmitter identifying codes for one specific type of the plurality of transmitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventor: James S. Murray
  • Patent number: 6903651
    Abstract: A method of unlocking an electronic lock capable of saving a labor by unmanning a system on the side of an object to be unlocked and increasing a security, comprising the step of unlocking by using a radio and a plurality of identification codes, wherein a cashbox (10) transmits ID=A as ID1, a first electronic lock device (20) transmits ID=B as ID2 when receiving ID=A as ID, a second electronic lock device (30) transmits ID=C as ID3 when receiving ID=B as ID, and the cashbox (10) performs an unlocking operation when receiving ID=C as ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kenwood
    Inventor: Kentaro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 6900719
    Abstract: A method and device for providing anti-theft protection for an electrical device installed on a body, such as a vehicle, by fixing to the body an electrical chip having a unique identification number identifying the body, electrically connecting the electrical device to the electrical chip in a manner such that removal of the electrical device from the body automatically interrupts the electrical connection of the electrical device to the electrical chip, and disabling the operation of the electrical device whenever its electrical connection to the chip is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Roseman Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Yechiel Roseman
  • Patent number: 6900736
    Abstract: A pulse position modulated radio remote control system using distributed solid state data processing that includes a remote-control unit and a master-control unit, each unit having an associated transceiver so that information in the form of radio signals can be exchanged bidirectionally between the two units. The master-control unit controls operating functions of a pool or spa on command from the remote-control unit. The master-control unit also monitors operating conditions of the pool or spa and sends information about those conditions of the pool or spa and sends information about those conditions to the remote-control unit on command from the remote-control unit. A display on the remote-control unit allows a user to determine the status of various operating parameters of the pool or spa, such as water temperature. The remote-control unit also has a keypad that allows the user to input signals to be sent to the master-control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Allied Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Alan C. Crumb
  • Patent number: 6900720
    Abstract: A vending machine uses a field-programmable electronic lock that has a learning process activation device accessible only when the door of the vending machine is in the open position. Using the learning process activation device, a service person activates the electronic lock to perform a key code learning operation, in which the electronic lock receives a key code transmitted from an electronic key and stores the key code in a non-volatile memory for future access control of the vending machine. Data encryption is employed in the communications between the key and the lock to ensure the security of the communications. A communication device installed in the vending machine for communicating with a home base computer allows the operation of the electronic lock to be remotely controlled for access control and auditing purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Micro Enhanced Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Denison, Bradley S. Silvers, Lawrence C. Brownfield
  • Patent number: 6897762
    Abstract: An immobilization system for a vehicle for assisting law enforcement includes a first remote control device, which transmits a predetermined wireless control signal, and a second remote control device, which includes a first directional antenna for transmitting a selectable wireless control signal in a first direction and a second directional antenna for transmitting a wireless enable signal in a second direction. The second remote control device includes an externally operable device for selecting the wireless control signal and the enable signal to be transmitted. A receiver is included for receiving the control signal and the enable signal with the predetermined control signal being substantially unique to the receiver. A device for disabling a vehicle by police, in response to either the predetermined control signal or the selectable control signal, is provided for allowing capture of those assailants seeking to escape by use of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Donald Glanmor Howells
  • Patent number: 6891481
    Abstract: A well system having a sensor; a controller for converting the sensor output, a signal conducting mass, an actuator for inducing an acoustic wave the signal conducting mass, a reaction mass, an acoustic wave receiver up-hole, and a processor for processing a signal from the acoustic wave receiver and for delivering the processed signal to an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Vladimir Dubinsky, Volker Krueger
  • Patent number: 6888442
    Abstract: A document verification scheme embeds in or deposits on a substrate/document a random distribution of dielectric particles that effectively create a unique electronically detectable signature. The dielectric constant of the particles is sufficiently larger than that of the substrate/document, so as to exhibit molecular level electric dipole moments, which cause a detectable modification of an external electric field passing through the substrate. Electronic signature verification is effected by comparing the digitized output of an electric field modification sensor with a digital code that has been stored previously in the data base. As long as the substrate containing the dielectric particle signature has not been altered, its randomly distributed capacitance characteristic will remain unchanged, and the two digital signatures seen by the comparator will effectively match one another, verifying authentication of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. O'Reilly, Robert W. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6885316
    Abstract: A finger-mounted data entry device that allows a user to enter information into a computing device without using a keyboard and a method of using the data entry device. The data entry device includes thumb contacts and finger contacts. The thumb contacts are positioned on the user's thumbs such that the thumb contacts represent rows of keys on a standard keyboard: a first thumb contact representing a base row of keys; a second thumb contact representing an upper row of keys; and a third thumb contact representing a lower row of keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Carsten Mehring
  • Patent number: 6885284
    Abstract: An identification apparatus comprises an array of conductive pins fixed onto a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers has a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of fixed pins pass. Each identifier is uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive sleeve fitted therein which allows the passage therethrough of that particular pin for further use by subsequently placed identifiers. Each pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Patent number: 6885281
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of using a control unit to control an electronic lock on a safe comprising the steps of providing (402) an electronic lock for the safe, receiving (404) signals at the electronic lock from the computer, and controlling (406) the safe in response to the signals. An apparatus for controlling an electronic lock on a safe comprising an electronic lock (305) incorporated in a safe an input/output port (110) coupled to the electronic lock for receiving signals from a control unit (120), and a control signal received at the input/output port for opening the safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Corporate Safe Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. McGunn, James Ivey, III, Gregory Grzegorz Dylewski, Eduardo DeCastro Barcellos
  • Patent number: 6885283
    Abstract: A receiver assembly (16) includes an amplitude shift keyed mode (52) and a frequency shift keyed mode (58) selectively engagable to receive radio frequency transmissions from the tire monitoring system (26) and a remote keyless entry system (20) and switches between modes in response to receipt of a wake up pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Steve O'Connor, Tejas B. Desai, Allan Losey
  • Patent number: 6885287
    Abstract: An electronic price label (ESL) system with communication error correction is described. In one aspect, the ESL system automatically locates an ESL after the ESL fails to respond to a message. After a number of retries to the ESL have gone unanswered, the host computer system causes all CBSs to transmit an automatic find for the ESL which is not responding. This automatic find is transmitted by all the CBSs on all timeslots. Alternatively, the find can be transmitted by one CBS or a group of CBSs in a predetermined pattern calculated to quickly find the ESL failing to respond. If the ESL responds to the automatic find command, the host computer system logs which CBS heard the response and which timeslot the ESL responded on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin W. Haulk, Cheryl K. Harkins
  • Patent number: 6882286
    Abstract: A power-on code Co is added to a position preceding a code C including a header H and a subsequent data signal D. In response to reception of the code Co, the operation mode is switched from the stop mode to the fast mode before the header H is received. Even when the operation mode in a standby mode is set to the stop mode, therefore, the header H can be correctly decoded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6882267
    Abstract: A device controller is provided which allows a vehicle occupant to confirm a device to be operated without looking an operation section. When a controller of a microswitch indicates a device such as a window regulator or a sun roof, a control circuit feeds a motion confirmation signal to a corresponding device such as a right-hand front door ECU and a roof ECU. A door glass, a sliding roof or the like then reciprocate slightly (i.e., in an amount that is enough for the vehicle occupant to visually confirm the reciprocation) via a window regulator driving circuit, a sun roof driving circuit or the like. The vehicle occupant can thereby confirm a device to be operated by the operation section without looking an operation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Chikao Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 6879244
    Abstract: A system and method for a call receiving pager apparatus, system and method utilizing a dedicated switch for providing proprietary access, billing functions and other enhanced features is described. The system utilizes a subscriber apparatus having pager or radiotelephone functions whereby a caller may call the apparatus and gain direct two-way communication with the subscriber. The caller is billed for the communication. A call receiving pager apparatus, system and method wherein a subscriber can initiate an outgoing connection to at least one predetermined telephone number in order to send a pre-recorded voice or data message is also provided. The subscriber is unable to initiate any real time two-way communication with the outgoing connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: E.S.P. Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Scalisi