Patents Examined by Rufus Point
  • Patent number: 9697708
    Abstract: Tracking device embodiments, comprising: portable housing with a locking mechanism; band latched about a wrist; tampering detection device to detect tampering with the band, comprising: power source; latch configured to latch one end of the band within the housing; a shape memory material component connected to the latch; an electrical circuit for controlling the power source to heat the shape memory material component to cause the shape memory material component to change from a first length/shape to a second length/shape during supply of power to perform a locking function; a timer; two-way network communication device; a tracking element; tampering signal generation circuit. In embodiments, a tamper resistant container cap, comprises: cap housing releasably lockable to an open end of a container and a locking mechanism using a shape memory material component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Unlimited Liability, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald S. Adrezin, Robert Dinan, Steven G. Legum, John Nordyke
  • Patent number: 9691273
    Abstract: A method includes detecting that a particular media device is communicatively coupled to one or more media devices in a set of media devices; in response to detecting that the particular media device is communicatively coupled to the one or more media devices in the set of media devices: automatically sending one or more remote operating codes, for remotely controlling the particular media device, to a remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TiVo Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Mukesh K. Patel, Jonathan A. Logan, Amir H. Gharaat, Richard Lee, Roger Hsu, Robert Poniatowski, Anthony P. Lee
  • Patent number: 9685078
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for determining a scaled flow rate of traffic for a road segment. For example, probe flow rate information is determined based upon locational information from one or more probe vehicles on a road segment (e.g., a flow rate of probe vehicles corresponding to a sum of probe vehicles identified from time stamped global positioning system coordinates provided by the probe vehicles). Satellite imagery of the road segment is analyzed to identify a count of vehicles on the road segment. Scale factor and offset information is estimated based upon the probe flow rate information and the count of vehicles. The scale factor and offset information is used to scale the probe flow rate information to determine a scaled flow rate that may be a relatively accurate flow rate of traffic, which may correspond to an inferred traffic volume along the road segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: INRIX INC.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Scofield
  • Patent number: 9685055
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for an electronics apparatus, including (a) locating means for determining an actual location, (b) storage means for storing a permissible location, and (c) processing means connected to the locating means and storage means. The processing means is configured to retrieve the actual location from the locating means, and to compare the actual location against the permissible location. The processing means is further configured to disable at least part of the functionality of the electronics apparatus if the actual location is more than a predetermined distance from the permissible location. The processing means is further configured to enter the anti-theft device in a standby mode, wherein the electronics apparatus is never disabled by the anti-theft device, and the standby mode may be entered for a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ArboProfit
    Inventor: Huib Arts
  • Patent number: 9684484
    Abstract: Embodiments provided herein involve connected states between a mobile device and one or more zones in a network media system and different interactions between the mobile device and the network media system involving the connected states. The connected states may be established between the mobile device and the one or more zones such that further actions taken on media items identified in the playlist on the mobile device may also be taken on corresponding media items in a playback queue associated with the one or more zones. The interface on the mobile device may display various graphical representations to indicate the different interactions involving the connected states, including when a connected state is established, when a connected state is lost, and when a reconnected state is reestablished. The interface may further provide selectable icons to allow a user to navigate among the different media playback options involving the connected states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Kumar, Andrew Schulert, Robert Andrew Lambourne, Arthur L. Coburn, IV
  • Patent number: 9685072
    Abstract: A method includes responsive to receiving a command to view multimedia content, displaying the multimedia content. A selection of a privacy level for the multimedia content is received, the privacy level indicating whether information associated with a user's viewing of the multimedia content may be published. A visual indicator of the privacy level is displayed concurrently with displaying the multimedia content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: TiVo Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Mukesh K. Patel, Jonathan A. Logan, Amir Gharaat, Richard Lee, Roger Hsu, Robert Poniatowski, Anthony P. Lee
  • Patent number: 9683875
    Abstract: A display device for a hybrid vehicle having a first drive source and at least one second drive source for driving the hybrid vehicle according to a load requirement by the driver. The display device has at least one display component for displaying a value of a load requirement predetermined by the driver at a specific time and, when the hybrid vehicle is driven exclusively by the at least one second drive at said time, at least one additional display component is provided for visualizing a limit of a maximum load requirement retrievable by the driver at said time, wherein if said load requirement is exceeded, the first drive source is also or exclusively activated for driving the hybrid vehicle. At least one further display component can be activated, via which the visualization of at least one such mode of operation of the hybrid vehicle is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Hackenberg
  • Patent number: 9672482
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for automatically reporting progress in completing objectives and goals of a plan. During operation, the system receives data indicating user selection and/or configuration of a plan with one or more goals, objectives, and/or milestones. The system obtains data generated by sensors in a sensing device and/or a mobile device. The sensors generate physiological data or data from detecting activity or environment associated with the user. Next, the system analyzes the data to determine whether the user has completed an objective, milestone, or goal of the plan. If the system determines that the user has completed an objective, milestone, or goal of the plan, the system pushes an alert to the mobile device indicating that the user has completed the objective, milestone, or goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jonathan Rubin, Gregory Michael Youngblood, Ashwin Ram, Peter L. Pirolli, Jesse Vig, Shane P. Ahern, Lester D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9671865
    Abstract: A haptic tape includes a composite piezoelectric layer connected between a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The composite piezoelectric layer has a plurality of piezoelectric rods arranged in a polymer matrix. The haptic tape is configured to be used as a sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Christophe Ramstein
  • Patent number: 9672731
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor monitoring system comprising at least one sensor (101, 102, 103) and a processing unit (150), wherein the sensor is arranged to transmit during a plurality of successive time periods data items to the processing unit and the processing unit is arranged to receive the data items from the said at least one sensor, the processing unit being further arranged for: determining for at least some time periods from the said plurality of successive time periods a number of corresponding data items; comparing between the at least some time periods the number of the corresponding data items; deducing for the at least some time periods a parameter associated with a variation in the number of data items per said some time periods. The invention further relates to a processing unit, and a method and a computer program for sensor monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST-NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
    Inventors: Matthijs Raymond Vonder, Erik Alle Fokko Langius, Bram Dirk Van Der Waaij
  • Patent number: 9665751
    Abstract: The method for managing a set (100) of communicating objects (101), which are distributed such that each object (101) in the set (100) is neighboring at least one other object (101) in said set (100) so as to form a pair of neighboring objects that are capable of communicating with one another, has the following steps: activation (E1) of an initial object (101a) chosen among the objects (101) in the set (100); propagation (E2), from the activated initial object (101a), of a signal to each of the other objects in the set, said propagation being configured such that each of said other objects in the set has received, at the end of the step of propagation (E2), said signal from at least one neighboring object belonging to said set at least once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Rosolino Lionti, Mélanie Descharles, Hélène Lhermet, Thierry Thomas
  • Patent number: 9667409
    Abstract: A sensor comprises a transmitter to transmit signals over a communication path, the sensor further capable to receive signals from the communication path, wherein the sensor is configured to communicate sensor data having a nibble data signal format at the transmitter in response to a trigger signal received at the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Scherr
  • Patent number: 9652986
    Abstract: A method is provided for providing parking information regarding free parking spaces within at least one city block. The method provides for detecting information regarding available, free parking spaces, wherein a knowledge database with historical data is generated from the detected information. The historical data for specified city blocks and/or specified times or periods of time respectively comprise statistical data regarding free parking spaces. From the historical data and current information that are detected by vehicles in traffic for a first given point in time for a single or a plurality of selected city blocks, a probability distribution of free parking spaces to be expected for the single or the plurality of city blocks is determined. A visualization of the probability distribution is generated that represents the parking information regarding free parking spaces within the single or the plurality of city blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heidrun Belzner, Ronald Kates
  • Patent number: 9652990
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods for monitoring a drone(s). The method includes: receiving information of a drone via a communication unit and displaying the information of the drone on a display panel of a device. The information includes the location of the drone and an icon indicating the location of the drone is displayed on a map rendered on the display panel. The method further includes determining, based on the information, whether the drone poses a danger and, responsive to the danger, issuing a warning of the danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: DREAMSPACEWORLD CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Ho Rhee
  • Patent number: 9650057
    Abstract: A warning device in a motor vehicle is provided for warning a vehicle driver as a function of a triggering signal of a driver assistance system in response to a certain event requiring a driver take-over. In this case, a mobile terminal is present in the vehicle, which can be connected with the driver assistance system and has a corresponding program module, by which the unrestricted use of the mobile terminal is basically permitted, but which, interrupts the unrestricted use and outputs a warning signal, prompting the driver to take over when the triggering signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thorsten Langenhan
  • Patent number: 9643493
    Abstract: In a vehicle-mounted display system, a spare attentiveness level deriving part derives a spare attentiveness level that is a parameter determined according to a state of a driver of a vehicle at a present moment and a risk level deriving part derives a risk level that is a parameter determined according to a risk level of an accident at the present moment. Then a display continuously displays a driving state mark that is a reference graphic, determined according to the spare attentiveness level and the risk level, while the driver is driving the vehicle. Therefore, the driver can continuously understand the own state and the risk level of an accident at the present moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Kasai, Kyohei Morita, Yusuke Iguchi, Naoya Sugimoto, Yusuke Matsui
  • Patent number: 9638566
    Abstract: The present application discloses a method for measuring pressurized liquid fuel level in a fuel tank used on a vehicle comprising measuring the pressure of the fuel to generate a pressure signal and measuring the temperature of the fuel to generate a temperature signal. A fuel level signal is determined from the pressure signal and the temperature signal and changes in the fuel level signal are determined over time. A first point of the fuel level signal indicating approaching emptying of the tank is identified when changes in the fuel level signal exceed a given value and the approaching emptying of the tank is signaled to an operator of the vehicle in response to identifying the first point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Brent J. Grothaus, Nicholas J. Stein
  • Patent number: 9639169
    Abstract: Gesture control uses electromagnetic power signatures. A signal is received and a power of the signal is determined. The power is associated to a command, and the command is executed in response to a gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Aaron
  • Patent number: 9633497
    Abstract: A medical monitoring device may include a gesture control sensor for detecting gesture commands from users. The medical monitoring device may enable gesture control when it receives an identifier from a tag and the identifier is authenticated. The tag may include an RFID tag and/or a barcode. The identifier may be authenticated locally and/or by a remote device communicatively coupled to the medical monitoring device (e.g., over a network). Once gesture control is enabled, gestures by the user may be identified by the medical monitoring device, an action corresponding to the gesture may be determined, and the action may be performed. The gesture control sensor may be disabled manually or automatically when predetermined criteria are satisfied to prevent the gesture control sensor from receiving inadvertent commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Frank Menzel
  • Patent number: 9625268
    Abstract: Navigational lane guidance enhances a maneuver display by incorporating full display of available lanes in a freeway, when available in the map data. An otherwise regular turn icon display is replaced with a variable width image that grows to show all available lanes, highlighting lanes usable to complete a navigated maneuver. A new lane TrueType font displays the lane guidance image, with individual characters representing each possible line situation. Since TrueType fonts are vector-based, they can be used to generate the lane images at any size, in a platform-independent fashion. The lane font has direction arrows, which can be combined to form composite arrows; and additional direction arrows as needed to allow replacement of the routing icons currently in use. Lane dividers may also be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Telecommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brant Miller Clark, Mark Goddard, Diego Andres Kaplan