Patents Examined by Thomas J Mullen, Jr.
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Patent number: 7403106Abstract: The disclosed detection circuit for a seatbelt apparatus may include an attachment detection switch, first and second resistance elements, and an LED. The resistance value of the first resistance element may be set to a value which allows a current smaller than the maximum current value which cannot turn the LED on to flow through the LED when the attachment detection switch is in an OFF state. The resistance values of the first and second resistance elements can be set to values which allow a current larger than the minimum current value which can turn the LED on to flow through the LED when the attachment detection switch is in an ON state. A monitoring circuit may determine whether or not the tongue on the seat is attached to the buckle.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Eiji Yanagi
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Patent number: 7400257Abstract: Medical monitoring technologies are integrated with wireless networks to wirelessly send signals from a monitoring device to a cellular telephone or other personal electronic device (PED). A sensor is placed inside or on the patient's body. Information from the monitoring sensor is transmitted to a nearby and/or remote PED. The information transmitted to the PED may then be displayed, processed, stored or forwarded to another location if needed. The monitoring system of the present invention monitors a variety of bodily processes, but preferably measures vital signals such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rates, etc. The present invention may also be used to monitor glucose levels in diabetic users. Further, the device may be used as an alert system to alert the patient and third parties when a patient experiences an adverse medical condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Inventor: Victor A. Rivas
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Patent number: 7394363Abstract: A multipurpose sensing system of detecting, qualifying and quantifying a potential threat to national security comprises a multipurpose sensing module associated with each cargo carrying container. The system tracks the instantaneous location of each cargo carrying container with the multipurpose sensing module on board each cargo carrying container sampling the contents thereof for the presence of material selected from the group comprising nuclear, biological and chemical grade weapons material.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Inventor: Bahador Ghahramani
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Patent number: 7391323Abstract: As a contactless identification tag is removed from a commercial product, a section to be detected is cut and separated from a removal detection circuit section composing the contactless identification tag and remains on the commercial product. When a detection section judges that the section to be detected is removed from the contactless identification tag, the contactless identification tag changes functions.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Masaki Hoshina
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Patent number: 7385516Abstract: A location visit confirmation service includes a portable wireless device, a schedule of predetermined sites, a location identification system, and a central processor. The central processor periodically receives position data generated by the location identification system identifying the location of the portable wireless device. The central processor compares this position data to the schedule of predetermined sites. Using a threshold based on distance, or distance and time, it is determined whether a service person completed a visit to one of the sites in the schedule. At the end of the site visit confirmation evaluation period, a summary report is generated that confirms those scheduled site visits that were completed. The summary report is provided by the wireless carrier to the subscriber.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventor: Sunil H. Contractor
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Patent number: 7382253Abstract: A system provides an inventory of first and second class objects which are distributed in first and second defined locations. The first and second locations are accessible to each other via a common pathway. The system comprises: a motion sensor for producing a detection signal when the presence or motion of an object is detected while present or moving through the pathway; a universal signal transmitter which is responsive to the detection signal for transmitting a universal signal; and a unique identity signal detector for detecting the presence or absence of a unique identity signal from the detected object. Each first and second class object is capable of transmitting a unique identity signal in response to the universal signal. An information storage device is responsive to the unique identity signal detector and is capable of storing information corresponding to the presence or absence of an identity signal from the detected object.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Inventor: R. Martin Oliveras
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Patent number: 7378975Abstract: There is provided herein a sensor/monitor combination designed to reduce the risk of pressure ulcer occurrence in immobile patients, wherein the level of patient activity is tracked to determine whether or not that patient has exhibited sufficient activity to merit eliminating a scheduled assisted relocation to a new position. The instant device senses the time since a patient last relocated into a different sitting or lying position. If the patient has not moved during some predetermined time period, the nursing staff will be notified by the invention that it is time to manually reposition the patient. If the patient has significantly changed position during the predetermined time period and, thus, allowed previously compressed tissues to reoxygenate, the invention will not signal that a move is necessary, thereby eliminating the need in some cases to rouse the patient from an otherwise healing sleep.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Bed-Check CorporationInventors: Toby E. Smith, Craig L. Cooper
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Patent number: 7113092Abstract: An apparatus for detecting ferromagnetic objects in the vicinity of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The apparatus comprises primary sensor means adapted to measure a magnetic field, arranged in communication with signal processing means configured to identify temporal variations in the measured magnetic field due to the movement of a ferromagnetic object within an ambient magnetic field and to provide an output indicative of the presence of a ferromagnetic object in the vicinity of the primary sensor means. The apparatus further comprises secondary, non-magnetic, sensor means adapted to detect the movement of objects in the vicinity of the primary sensor means in order to reduce false alarms. The output from the signal processing means may be used to operate an audible alarm, a visual alarm, an automatic door lock or a physical barrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: QinetiQ LimitedInventor: Mark Nicholas Keene
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Patent number: 7106213Abstract: A distance measuring and display system for use on a vehicle having a mirror assembly thereon comprises at least one front distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance to an obstacle in front of the vehicle, at least one rear distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance to an obstacle to the rear of the vehicle, and a display coupled to the front distance measuring sensor and to the rear distance measuring sensor for displaying a distance and an indication of whether it is a front distance or a rear distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Tommy E. White
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Patent number: 7091874Abstract: A temperature compensated warning light includes banks of high output light emitting diodes (LED's), one or more drivers connecting the LED banks to a control processor, and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the LED's to provide a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the LED's to the processor. The processor pulse width modulates a base frequency signal to the LED's in such a manner as to maintain a constant brightness of the LED's as the temperature of the LED's varies. The processor also monitors supply voltage and further varies the pulse width of the base frequency signal to compensate for supply voltage variation. The base frequency signal is modulated by a flash signal to create desired flash patterns.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventor: Bradley D. Smithson
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Patent number: 7091837Abstract: An obstacle detecting apparatus configured to detect an obstacle present on the road, such as a vehicle running ahead, a parked vehicle, and a pedestrian, by distinguishing the obstacle from a mere object causing no obstruction to driving of the vehicle, such as the texture like the white line or signs on the road surface, and the guardrail along the roadside.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hiroaki Nakai, Nobuyuki Takeda, Hiroshi Hattori, Kazunori Onoguchi
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Patent number: 7084775Abstract: A meteorological alert system for mobile devices and users that includes a weather information service for analyzing meteorological data, generating device-specific weather alerts and transmitting the alerts to a set of relevant devices is disclosed. The processing system may be built into existing wireless service provider infrastructure or consist of a standalone component capable of interacting with wireless services. The weather alerts and information transmitted to users may be based specifically on each mobile device's particular location and focuses maps and diagrams on the device as a central reference point. Alerts may be sent automatically based on continually monitored weather hazard information as well as based on continually or regularly monitored device locations.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: User-Centric IP, L.P.Inventor: Michael R. Smith
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Patent number: 7079037Abstract: An indicator for displaying either low liquid level or satisfactory liquid level conditions within a tank includes a sensor for detecting the liquid level conditions, a photodetector for detecting an ambient dark condition, a pair of indicator lights for indicating either the low liquid level or satisfactory liquid level conditions, and electrical circuitry operable to illuminate one of the indicator lights upon detection of the ambient dark condition by the photodetector and detection of either the low liquid level condition or satisfactory liquid level condition by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventors: Herbert G. Ross, Jr., Bud Wilcox
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Patent number: 7079039Abstract: The invention concerns a device for and a process for testing electric motors, in particular fan motors, for functionality, wherein electromagnetic alternating fields produced by an electric motor are received by an antenna, wherein the received signals are analyzed for signal components in the frequency range of the rotation value of electric motors or their harmonics via an analysis unit, and wherein upon determination of functionality the results are indicated by an indicator unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Andreas Gruhle, Horst Kibbel
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Patent number: 7068150Abstract: A system receives AC power from an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) on an AC power cable. The AC power cable couples a primary AC line voltage or a switched secondary AC line voltage depending on the quality of the primary AC line voltage. The UPS has a modulating circuit with a power line carrier protocol that receives a power down signal from the UPS if the primary AC line voltage indicates that the system should power down in a controlled manner or take other power down actions. The modulating circuit generates a modulated power down signal that is coupled to the AC power cable. The system has a corresponding demodulating receiving circuit with the power line carrier protocol that receives the modulated power down signal and regenerates the power down signal. The power down signal is coupled to circuitry in the system that initiates power down sequencing options.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Julio Alvarez, Richard John Kairis, Jr.
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Patent number: 7068164Abstract: An embodiment of an access control system is disclosed herein that is easily customized by a user. A user defines cardholders, clearance levels, and logic scripts that dictate how the system will operate. User-entered changes propagate through the system automatically. The disclosed embodiment includes personality modules coupled to both field devices and a server. However, the personality modules operate autonomously from the server. Personality modules can also be added to the system dynamically and are auto-configuring. Display modules may also be included for locally and remotely programming, testing, managing, and operating personality modules and field devices. The system may include an intelligent display station that includes a reader and a display, displaying information in an interactive user interface in accordance with an individual's clearance level.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Global Networks Security, Inc.Inventors: David Duncan, Timothy A. Johns, Ray Sharif, John Seghers
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Patent number: 7061392Abstract: An exit path indicating device incorporates at least a first port for receiving an alarm indicating signal. In normal operation upon receipt of the alarm indicating signal, the device outputs a visual or an audible, or both, indicator of the presence of an exit or egress path for use in evacuating the region. A second port disables the operation of the device. The second port can be coupled to a local sensor which provides an indication of a hazardous or alarm condition adjacent to or on the exit or egress path. If the sensor is indicating the presence of a hazardous or alarm condition, the indicating device can be disabled.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: Daniel C. Hawkinson
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Patent number: 7053769Abstract: A vehicle safety system is disclosed. There are three major parts of the system—the proximity reader (200) mounted in the taxi (201), the host system (202) at a central location (203) and the data replication facility. The vehicular system (10) is essentially a computer having inputs and outputs. The inputs to the system (10) include, for example, passenger identification information (11) which is supplied by a sensor (12) which communicates with a wireless smart card (13), which is carried by a passenger (14). In its most rudimentary form, the smart card (13) transmits a unique identification number. In more sophisticated embodiments, the smart card (13) may also transmit biometric information such as fingerprint information or facial image information. The passenger (14) may also be requested to input a PIN number to a keypad (15) mounted on the exterior of the vehicle (16).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: David Vassallo
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Patent number: 7053763Abstract: A system providing an alarm indication for a base transceiver station comprising: a voltage actuated device for sensing power to a tower mounted amplifier (TMA); and an alarm board for sensing an alarm initiated from the voltage actuated device. A method provided for alarm indication for a based transceiver station comprising: triggering a voltage actuated device to provide an alarm upon a loss of power and providing the alarm from the voltage actuated device to an alarm board. A method provided for connecting an alarm for a power out linear amplifier comprising: connecting a voltage actuated device to a power out linear amplifier; connecting the voltage actuated device to an alarm board; connecting the alarm board to a mobile switching center; and connecting the mobile switching center to a diagnostic tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Cingular Wireless II, LLCInventors: Clifford Lee Knight, Glen Patrick Wark
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Patent number: 7053771Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, electronic device such as a mobile phone. The device is provided with a transponder and may be used for authentication purposes. The device includes means for writing user-specific information into a memory unit, included in the transponder. Thus, when an interrogating reading device stimulates the transponder, the transponder emits the user-specific information. This enables authentication of a user rather than of a device. In a preferred embodiment use is made of a user-specific key, by means of which a single-use code is generated, which is used as the emitted user-specific information. The invention also relates to a method and a system, which may work in connection with such a device.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Holger Hussmann