Patents Examined by Nina Tong
  • Patent number: 6836213
    Abstract: A taut wire intrusion detection system includes posts that are used to detect an intrusion into a secured area. The supporting posts are used to both detect a movement of the taut wire and anchor the taut wire by using separate anchor and sensor elements. The taut wire system eliminates many of the weaknesses of prior taut wire systems by providing a less variant taut wire sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Safeguards Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Haim Perry
  • Patent number: 6822562
    Abstract: A tire differentiating system (21, 121) is employed to differentiate tires (22, 24, 26, 28, 122, 124, 126, 128) in a vehicle (20, 120). Each tire includes a sensor (30, 32, 34, 36, 120, 132, 134, 136) which communicates with a receiver (38, 138). In a first example, when a tire (22, 24, 26, 28) is inflated above a high pressure threshold, a flag bit is stored in the sensor (30, 32, 34, 36) identifying the tire as a rear tire (26, 28). If a rear tire (26, 28) drops below a low pressure threshold, a warning algorithm is initiated to warn the driver. In a second example, the sensor (130, 132, 134, 136) is a transceiver with an RF detector circuit having an identification code. A RF transmitter (144, 146, 148, 150) is located proximate to each of the respective transceivers (130, 132, 134, 136). The receiver (138) sends a signal to each RF transmitter (144, 146, 148, 150) which generates a RF signal that is sent to the transceivers (130, 132, 134, 136).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: James Anthony Poirier, Steve O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6819266
    Abstract: An aircraft system for reducing the airspeed of an aircraft as it passes through a preselected altitude includes an automatic throttle system including a computer, a device for inputting a preselected altitude and a preselected airspeed into the computer. An altimeter provides the current altitude of the aircraft and an aircraft instrument provides the current air speed and the vertical speed of the aircraft. The computer in response to the current altitude and vertical speed of the aircraft generates a signal to retard the throttles when the current altitude, the current air speed of the aircraft is equal to 2 times the vertical speed plus a preselected altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Safe Flight Instrument Corporation
    Inventor: Randall A. Greene
  • Patent number: 6819251
    Abstract: A recovery device (1) includes a container (11) for recovering pure solvent (10) A measuring device (12) includes a capacitive detector (13) which is provided to signal if the container (11) is not empty nor substantially empty when one tries to start operation of the recovering pure solvent (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hedson Technologies AB
    Inventors: Peter Beijbom, Niklas Johansson, Christian Norman
  • Patent number: 6816063
    Abstract: A remote system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag specifically identified by an RF identification signal. The specific RFID tag is associated with a particular remote data transfer device. When identified, the specific RFID tag changes the state of the associated remote data transfer device from a zero power state to an operational state. Limited power-capacity of a remote power supply is used solely for data transfer between the data transfer device and an administrator. Although many RFID signals may be transmitted over time to the location of many remote systems, each of which has an RFID tag, an RFID signal is only infrequently sent to a specific one of the RFID tags. Such an RFID signal is transmitted only to request a data transfer operation with the particular remote data transfer device that is associated with that specific RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp
    Inventors: Joseph Jay Kubler, Robert James Grabon
  • Patent number: 6812849
    Abstract: The loading dock traffic automation and inventory control system of the present invention automates the loading dock area by controlling a truck control notification automation system, traffic signal dock lights, loading dock spot light, loading dock fan and dock leveler. The manually operated control panel is energized or de-energized with full automation by the movement of the overhead dock door. The device includes a control panel enclosure mounted on the interior wall of the building next to the loading dock door. One control panel enclosure can service one or two loading dock doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas A. Ancel
  • Patent number: 6812825
    Abstract: A timed alert device for vehicles having an electronic timer that counts down a specified time period. An audible alert coupled to the electronic timer projects a sound when the electronic timer has reached a prescribed time. A first actuating element is coupled to the electronic timer which deactivates the audible alert when depressed. A power source is coupled to and supplies power to the electronic timer. A visual alert illuminates when the electronic timer has reached a prescribed time. Depressing a second actuating element deactivates the visual alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: William Volk
  • Patent number: 6801126
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing tire pressure monitor sensors onto wheels and for assembling tires onto wheels having tire pressure monitor sensors. The method includes orienting a wheel to place a tire pressure monitor sensor in a predetermined location using an automated orientation system in order to prevent damage to the tire pressure monitor sensor during assembly of a tire onto the wheel. The orientation of the wheel is detected using signals emitted from the tire pressure monitor sensor in order to ensure that the tire pressure monitor sensor is in its proper predetermined location prior to assembling the tire onto the wheel. After the tire is assembled onto the wheel and is inflated, a signal from the tire pressure monitor sensor is then read in order to determine if the tire pressure monitor sensor is functioning and if the tire is properly inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Dominion Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen Harm
  • Patent number: 6798349
    Abstract: A system for identification and tracking of microwave responsive tags, the system comprising, a microwave responsive tag having a passive modulating element to uniquely backscatter directed microwave beams, a microwave base station for directing microwave beams in room sized areas, and a tag tracking system receiving input from the microwave base station, the tag tracking system storing state records of position and informational content of the microwave tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Richley, Beverly L. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6794994
    Abstract: An aerially deployable position marking device includes an elongated housing, a handle secured to the housing, a ground engaging portion at or adjacent the lower end of the housing and at least one locating element which may take the form of visibility enhancing elements which are nonenergized, electrically energized, visibility enhancing devices or acoustic devices or energy releasing elements which release RF signals or other sources of energy as well as other types. Appropriate sources of energy and switch or switches may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: West Virginia University Research Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6784798
    Abstract: Due to the presence of various environmental condition detectors in the home and businesses such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, natural gas detectors, etc., each having individual but similar sounding alarm patterns, it can be difficult for occupants of such dwellings to immediately determine the specific type of environmental condition that exists during an alarm condition. The present invention comprises an environmental condition detector using both tonal pattern alarms and pre-recorded voice messages to indicate information about the environmental condition being sensed. Single-station battery-powered and 120VAC detectors are described as are multiple-station interconnected 120VAC powered detectors. The pre-recorded voice messages describe the type of environmental condition detected or the location of the environmental condition detector sensing the condition, or both, in addition to the tonal pattern alarm. Provisions are made for multi-lingual pre-recorded voice messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Gary Jay Morris
  • Patent number: 6784792
    Abstract: A method of deciding with a high reliability whether an impact with the front side of a vehicle has been caused by a pedestrian is described. Two decision criteria are formed, and only if both decision criteria are met is it decided an impact with a pedestrian has occurred. The first decision criterion is determined by the fact that the pressures or deformations measured by a sensor on the bumper and a sensor in the area of the front edge of the engine hood are compared with reference quantities typical of impact with a pedestrian. The second decision criterion is determined by the fact that the changes in velocity and/or acceleration of the vehicle caused by an impact are determined, and then the changes in velocity and/or acceleration are compared with reference quantities which are typical of impact with a pedestrian.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Mattes, Gottfried Flik
  • Patent number: 6778083
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant remotely monitorable electronic seal including a shaft portion, a socket arranged to engage the shaft portion in a monitorable manner, whereby disengagement of the socket and the shaft portion results in a monitorable event, and a wireless communicator associated with at least one of the shaft portion and the socket and being operative to provide a remotely monitorable indication of the monitorable event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: HI-G-TEK Ltd.
    Inventors: Micha Auerbach, Rony Cohen, Arcadi Genin, Ran Sender
  • Patent number: 6778074
    Abstract: Speed limit indicators and methods for determining speed, the relevant speed limit, and displaying same make it easy for the driver of a vehicle to compare his current speed with the legal limit for the location in which he is traveling. This eliminates the need for the driver to take his eyes off the road to look for speed limit signs, thereby reducing the chance of an accident, and resolves any confusion that might exist as to what the current legal limit is. An audible warning of excessive speed reduces the amount of time the driver needs to spend examining the speedometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Giuseppe A. Cuozzo
  • Patent number: 6774795
    Abstract: An electronic assistant, incorporates electronic functions in a personal object that the user finds indispensable. Examples of personal objects include a cane, a walking stick, a walker, a wheelchair, a personal transportation vehicle, a purse, a key holder, a watch, a pendant, a hearing aid, an eyeglass frame, or a crutch. Electronics may include a PDA, a cell phone, a navigation module, a biosensor module, and an emergency alert module. The navigation module might include a GPS, an altimeter, an electronic compass, and/or a stored map. Biosensors may be directly incorporated into the personal device or communicate with a receiver therein if the biosensor is required to be attached directly to the user's body or surgically implanted. The emergency alert module may include an emergency button, and an emergency notification sequence stored in the electronic assistant capable of calling for assistance through the cell phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electroncs N.V.
    Inventors: Larry J. Eshelman, Srinivas Gutta, Hugo J. Strubbe, John Milanski
  • Patent number: 6775526
    Abstract: A modulated input signal is filtered to reduce noise. The state of the input signal controls the state of a switch. Depending upon its state, the switch connects one of two circuits to a gate. The gate receives the input signal and it passes or blocks the signal depending upon the state of the signal received from the switched circuits. When it is passing the input signal, the output of the gate is equivalent to the input signal. When it is blocking the input signal, the output of the gate is set to a default state. The default state is independent of the input signal. One of the switched circuits gradually modifies the signal provided by the gate to allow the input signal to pass through. The other switched circuit gradually modifies the signal provided to the gate to block the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Pieter Schieke, Steven Dawson
  • Patent number: 6774807
    Abstract: System and method for detecting an unauthorized movement of a communications or meter device, such as a meter that monitors and communicates a measure of use of energy or some other metered quantity (electrical, gas, water, etc.), to prevent meter tampering or removal. A bolt, screw, nail or other attachment mechanism, used to attach the device to a selected stationary or movable object, is provided with a permanent magnet having a selected magnetic field direction that can be transverse to, a selected attachment mechanism direction (e.g., transverse to a bolt shaft direction). A field-activated magnetic switch, such as a reed switch or a Hall effect switch, having a selected switch direction is located near the permanent magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Robert Lehfeldt, Christopher J. Waters, Charles Glorioso
  • Patent number: 6771189
    Abstract: A display method and apparatus for navigation system for displaying a guidance map showing appropriate number of upcoming and subsequent turns on the route to the destination with an appropriate and enlarged display size. The guidance map includes a highlighted route indicating the directions of turns. The navigation system applies various test conditions to the geometry of the streets to determine the number of turns to be displayed. Then, the navigation system enlarges the guidance map so that the map covers the area that can show the adjusted number of turns and the streets at the maximum size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Yokota
  • Patent number: 6762676
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the presence of a human in a compartment of a vehicle that comprises a pyroelectric sensor and a control coupled to the pyroelectric sensor. The pyroelectric sensor comprises a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element is arranged in an opposed electrical connection with respect to the second sensing element whereby infrared radiation from a human moving within the compartment is selectively detected by one of the first sensing element and the second sensing element, thereby producing an output signal of the pyroelectric sensor. This output signal is received by the control, and the control generates a control signal indicative of detection of a human within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corp.
    Inventors: Gimtong Teowee, Kevin McCarthy, Anoop Agrawal
  • Patent number: 6762684
    Abstract: A processor implemented monitoring system includes a sensor coupled to the processor for sampling a physiological parameter of a subject which may comprise a subject unique identification parameter. Also coupled to the processor is a physical location determining device. Subject location as well as parameter status data are input to the processor which is programmed to determine whether the parameter and/or location data falls within prescribed boundaries stored in a memory. Upon determination of an out of boundary condition, e.g. subject entered proscribed geographic area, monitored medical parameter, e.g. blood pressure, out of limit or an unauthorized person attempting to operate a vehicle, etc., the processor transmits information pertaining to the subject, the off limit condition and the specific geographic location of the subject to a central monitoring station for implementation of appropriate action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Accutrak Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eli Camhi