Patents Examined by Peter Mehravar
  • Patent number: 8514072
    Abstract: A RF wireless sensor interface (20) interfaces one or more of a variety of sensors (12, 13) to a RF wireless network (11). A power converter (30) of the interface (20) converts a primary power (PPRM) into a DC power (PDC) that is supplied to the sensor(s) (12, 13). A microcontroller (60) of the interface (20) receives sensor detection information (SDI) from the sensor(s) (12, 13) in response to the sensor(s) (12, 13) receiving the DC power (PDC) from the power converter (30). A RF transmitter/transceiver (50) of the interface (20) executes a sensor detection information RF transmission (SDIRF) and/or a sensor control signal RF transmission (SCSRF) to the RF wireless network (11) in response to the microcontroller (60) receiving the sensor detection information (SDI). The power converter (30), the microcontroller (60) and the RF transmitter/transceiver (50) are located within a modular housing (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Kent E. Crouse, William L. Keith, Andrew C. Brown
  • Patent number: 8441338
    Abstract: A digital media playing system includes, in one embodiment, a digital video and/or audio media object, such as a portable digital media container adapted to hold one or more digital storage mediums, that includes a radio frequency identification tag containing RFID tag information. The digital media playing system also includes a trusted media content playing device that has a radio frequency identification tag reader operatively coupled therewith, to read the RFID tag information from the RFID tag that is located on the portable media container and that securely downloads remotely stored audio and/or video media based on the RFID tag information. The RFID tag information that is in the RFID tag includes, in one embodiment, encrypted tag identification information and unencrypted remote content identification information as well as, if desired, portable digital media container authentication data (e.g. player ID).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Alexandre Naressi, Patrice Fauvet
  • Patent number: 8441336
    Abstract: A system for protecting high-value cargo enclosed in a container, while maintaining the container indistinguishable from similar low value shipments, includes an onboard identity module (OBIM) cooperative with an internal locking mechanism (ILM), both of which are externally undetectable. The OBIM can secure the ILM and prevent the container from being opened until a properly encoded unlocking signal from a Security Management System (SMS) is wirelessly received by the OBIM. The unlocking signal can be a composite including a plurality of species of wireless signals such as different frequencies of AM and FM encoded RF and acoustic signals, transmitted simultaneously and/or at specified intervals. In embodiments the OBIM enables remote tracking of the container, and in some embodiments the tracking is double-blind, whereby a Master Number (MN) recorded in shipping documents is associated with a “Random Number” (RN) used for tracking, the association being known only to the SMS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: C. Joseph Rickrode
  • Patent number: 8436732
    Abstract: A security system lays out a sensing optical fiber tautly at the perimeter of an area to be secured. The sensing optical fiber has at least one sensing Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) which is stretched when the sensing optical fiber is stretched by an intruder. The center wavelength of reflection of the stretched sensing FBG shifts towards longer wavelengths. The shifted center wavelength of reflection is detected using a reference FBG with a longer center wavelength of reflection. The sensing optical fiber has a loose buffer coating for isolating the sensing optical fiber and the sensing FBG from nuisance disturbances and noise such as vibrations caused by wind. Trip wires may be attached to the sensing optical fiber for enhancing intruder detection. A cut of the sensing optical fiber may be detected by monitoring the optical power exiting the far end of the sensing optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Bentley Lamont
  • Patent number: 8436714
    Abstract: Specialized battery assisted command set design methods are disclosed that provide for interference rejection using highly sensitive but relatively broadband RFID tags. The command set design also supports RFID system RF power control for further interference control. The command set design also allows for convenient expansion to active transmitters and receivers in tags operating within the same system. Embodiments of the present invention provide RFID systems having battery-assisted, Semi-Passive RFID tags that operate with sensitive transistor based square law tag receivers utilizing a plurality of tag receiver dynamic range states. Additional enhancement attained via power leveling methods that optimize the amount of transmitted power and interference from a reader in relation to the sensitivity of the RFID tags, their ranges from the reader, and the unique physics of the backscatter RFID radio link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Intelleflex Corporation
    Inventors: Alfonso Rodriguez, Farron Dacus, Johannes Albertus van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 8421596
    Abstract: Provided is a door lock device which is installed on a door, to enable people to facilitate to find out location of the door at dark or night and enable the door to be illuminated with a certain brightness so as to be easily viewed at indoor and outdoor sides when indoor and/or outdoor illumination is low, that is, at dark. As a result, the door lock device enables people to easily find out an entrance gate under the fire and other emergency situations. As well, people do not need to find out a particular position or particular article gropingly even in a dark indoor or outdoor. Accordingly, people may not be easily hurt. In addition, since indoor and outdoor places can be illuminated at a certain brightness, the door lock device can indicate that people exist in a warehouse or on a roof of a building even in the case that a warehouse door lock device or a roof entrance door lock device has been automatically locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Seung Kuk Choi, Myung Wha Nam
  • Patent number: 8416056
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an entrance barrier comprising a barrier element movable between an open and a closed position, driving means, by which the barrier element can driven from one position to the other position respectively, a control unit, by which the driving means are controllable, and a sensor unit connected to the control unit. The invention also relates to a barrier element for the entrance barrier and to method for operating the entrance barrier. To provide a possibility of further improving the safety of persons in the area of entrance barriers beyond the mere passive safety of the entrance barrier, the invention proposes for the sensor unit to include a capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Scheidt & Bachmann GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Miller, Peter Höffges
  • Patent number: 8405493
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for embedding wireless IC tags in an object to be embedded with wireless IC tags. The apparatus for embedding wireless IC tags including: an alignment unit for aligning the wireless IC tags in the same direction by applying a vibrating force to the wireless IC tags; a distribution unit for distributing the wireless IC tags to a plurality of passages; a radio communication unit for performing, through radio communication, data writing and/or reading to/from the wireless IC tags; and a wireless IC tag embedding unit for embedding the wireless IC tags into an object to be embedded with wireless IC tags by applying air pressure to the wireless IC tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitomo Corporation
    Inventors: Kikuo Kaga, Shigeo Ashizawa
  • Patent number: 8400310
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved an automated hand cleaning reminder system having a disinfectant dispenser mounted proximate to an entranceway. When approaching the entranceway the visitor must first utilize a disinfectant dispenser to gain unalarmed entry or exit through the entranceway. When the disinfectant dispenser is utilized the disinfectant dispenser transmits a signal to a processor which then deactivates temporarily a motion/presence detector scanning an area immediately adjacent or close to the entranceway, and thus permits entry or exit for the visitor. At the same time, processor activates a light emitter to provide a visual indication to the visitor that passage is permitted, and, simultaneously also activates the access allowed audio tone to be played through a message conveying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: G. Raymond Brow
  • Patent number: 8384523
    Abstract: Specialized battery assisted command set design methods are disclosed that provide for interference rejection using highly sensitive but relatively broadband RFID tags. The command set design also supports RFID system RF power control for further interference control. The command set design also allows for convenient expansion to active transmitters and receivers in tags operating within the same system. Embodiments of the present invention provide RFID systems having battery-assisted, Semi-Passive RFID tags that operate with sensitive transistor based square law tag receivers utilizing a plurality of tag receiver dynamic range states. Embodiments of the present invention are also enhanced with receiver training and synchronizing methods suited to the high tag sensitivity and need for dynamic range state switching. These enhancements may employ pseudo-random sequence based receiver training, activation signaling, and frame synchronizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intelleflex Corporation
    Inventors: Alfonso Rodriquez, Farron Dacus, Johannes Albertus van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 8368535
    Abstract: An intrusion detector comprising a passive sensor for detecting a person entering a space to be monitored, said intrusion detector comprising a housing provided with a window for said passive sensor, optical means for directing electromagnetic radiation from said person onto the passive sensor, alarm means connected to said passive sensor for generating an alarm in case the electromagnetic radiation from said person being detected by the passive sensor corresponds to a signal value that exceeds a maximum level or falls below a minimum level, a special feature being the fact that the optical means are provided with a mirror curved in two directions for forming at least one protective curtain extending in a vertical plane in the space to be monitored, wherein the passive sensor is disposed on the optical axis at the focus of the mirror, and wherein the mirror directs a beam of electromagnetic radiation from the person, rotated through at least 45°, preferably through at least substantially 90°, onto the passive
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Math Pantus
  • Patent number: 8358196
    Abstract: A method for granting access with a touch sensitive display is provided. The method includes displaying a security access interface on a touch sensitive display, wherein the security access interface has at least one polyhedron object; changing the at least one polyhedron object from a first state to a second state according to detections of inputs/contacts with the touch sensitive display; recording parameters of the at least one polyhedron object in the second state; determining if the recorded parameters satisfy the predetermined values; granting access when the record parameters satisfy the predetermined values. A security system using the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Song-Ling Yang
  • Patent number: 8358214
    Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing sensor enhanced safety, recovery, and activity evaluation systems. Sensors that monitor user activity and behavior are worn by a user and/or placed in the user environment. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety, recovery, and/or activity evaluation. Based on the evaluation, recommendations or adjustments to the terms of an insurance policy covering the user, the user's employer, or a facility providing health care to the user to accurately reflect the risks associated with the user, employer, and/or facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Amigo, Michael Gingrave
  • Patent number: 8354921
    Abstract: A self-illuminating handle assembly for a release mechanism of an emergency egress system for a vehicle. The handle assembly includes a sensor for sensing a predetermined condition and providing a sensor signal in response thereto, and a sensor-activated switch assembly for causing the handle assembly to self-illuminate in response to the sensor signal. The sensor could be a so-called tilt sensor for sensing when the vehicle orientation is tilted beyond a threshold tilt orientation, or an acceleration sensor (accelerometer) for sensing when the vehicle has undergone an acceleration or deceleration beyond a threshold, indicative of a crash or the vehicle having been exposed to an explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Helms, Michael L. Hafften
  • Patent number: 8344859
    Abstract: A method of changing an association of a remote control device from a first electronic device to a second electronic device is presented. In the method, a command for an electronic device is generated and transmitted by the remote control device. At this point, the remote control device is associated with the first electronic device to control the first electronic device, and the remote control device is not associated with the second electronic device. If an acknowledgment of the command is not received, a request to associate the remote control device with another electronic device is transmitted. A reply to the request is then received from the second electronic device. In response to the reply, the remote control device is disassociated from the first electronic device and associated with the second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Reams, Nathan Alexander Hale, Jeremy Mickelsen, David A. Innes
  • Patent number: 8319649
    Abstract: An electronic insect electrocution device with an integral display and counting means that displays the number of discharges, or “zapped” insects is herein disclosed. The device comprises a lamp enclosed within an enclosure comprising series of alternating grids energized by a voltage increasing device, which electrocutes any insects that fly towards the lamp. A numeric digital display is provided on the top of the enclosure and reflects the current number of discharges or killed insects. The counter is provided with an input signal that detects the voltage fluctuation of the grid every time an insect is killed. This detection circuit drives a counting circuit which interfaces with the counter. It is reset every time the unit is unplugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: James E. Devane
  • Patent number: 8314682
    Abstract: The invention concerns a biometric system provided with a set of reference biometric data (B?i) resulting from the application of a disjunction between a first set of biometric data (Bi) and a first encoded key (Ki), and from an information concerning the first key. A second set of biometric data (B2) is obtained. A second encoded key is determined by using a disjunction between the set of reference biometric data and the second set of biometric data. The second key is decoded by iterative decoding. Then, it is determined whether the first and second sets of biometric data mutually correspond by comparing the information concerning the first key with the second key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Morpho
    Inventors: Julien Bringer, Herve Chabanne, Martin Cottard
  • Patent number: 8305195
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) communication system and method is provided to resolve the power-consuming problems of an active RFID tag while operating at a receiving mode in a long duration. A designated channel is established between the reader and the RFID tag, and also the reader sends a designated message so that the actuated active RFID tag can receive the designated messages and dynamically enter into a receiving mode. Therefore, normal communications may be conducted between the reader and the RFID and the usage period or technical performance can be improved as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Shin-Yao Perng, Ta-Yung Lee, Chih-Wen Cheng, Yuan-Ning Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8279091
    Abstract: A system includes a controller and an RFID sensor, an RFID sensor reader having a detection region, and a transceiver connected to the controller. The system may be secured to or contained within a wearable glove. The RFID sensor is configured to transmit an RFID sensor signal to the RFID sensor reader when the RFID sensor is within the detection region. The RFID sensor reader is configured to transmit an RFID sensor reader signal to the controller after receiving the RFID sensor signal. The controller is configured to transmit a signal to the transceiver after receiving the RFID sensor reader signal. The signal may include input from a motion sensor and/or an orientation sensor connected to the controller. The transceiver may transmit the signal to a remote processor via an antenna. The signal may be used for gesture recognition, information coding, and/or information processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Nghia Tran, Sunny Fugate, Jeffrey Ellen, Lorraine Duffy, Hoa Phan
  • Patent number: 8049593
    Abstract: A universal remote control apparatus and method for controlling various types of devices and equipments, the universal remote control apparatus includes a service profile generator which generates a service profile based on first device information and second device information that are recognized from at least one device, a service profile management unit which stores and manages the generated service profile, a service profile-based control unit which universally controls the at least one device based on the service profile, and a user interface unit which receives from a user a first selection on a first device object corresponding to the first device information and a second selection on a second device object corresponding to the second device information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Hyeong Kim, Sang Do Park