Patents Examined by Timothy Edwards
  • Patent number: 7932839
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and method for operating a touch keypad, the mobile terminal including a touch keypad, a touch sensor for sensing a signal inputted from a key selected by a user on the touch keypad and outputting location information corresponding to the selected key based upon the sensed signal, a Control Processor (CPU) for outputting at least one or more control signals based upon the outputted location information, and a light emitting diode controller for independently driving a light emitting diode corresponding to the selected key based upon the outputted control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong-Seuck Ko, In-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 7920075
    Abstract: A regulation control device comprises an encoder mechanism and a shell set. The encoder mechanism includes a base, a PCB, and an encoder, the PCB being arranged on a side of the substrate and a fixed shaft on an opposite side of the PCB being arranged in the base. The encoder connects the base and electrically connects the PCB. The shell set includes a press shell, a connecting seat, a rotating seat, and a supporter, the press shell being at a side of the base, the connecting seat being on the other side of the base, connecting the encoder, and being in the rotating seat connecting the connecting seat so that the connecting seat and the rotating seat can be rotatably assembled with the encoder. With the encoder mechanism, the device may provide a better effect of repeated clockwise/counter-clockwise rotation at the angle of 360.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Dexin Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Cheng Wu
  • Patent number: 7916041
    Abstract: A method of sensing and transmitting hole depth information comprises monitoring, at the surface, the extension of the hole as drilling progresses, determining when the hole depth has extended by a predetermined distance, and sending an increment signal to a telemetry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Geoff Downton
  • Patent number: 7916046
    Abstract: A method is for input of text symbols into an electronic device having a reduced keyboard. The reduced keyboard has keys representing a plurality of characters. The method includes receiving character inputs from the reduced keyboard and identifying symbol variants based on the received character inputs. A list of symbol variants is displayed. An input symbol from the list of symbol variants is selected, wherein the input symbol is a Korean Hangul syllable. At least one Chinese Hanzi syllable is designated, to correspond to at least one Korean Hangul syllable. The Korean Hangul syllable is replaced with a Chinese Hanzi syllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Vadim Fux
  • Patent number: 7903003
    Abstract: An electronic module with a track identification function and a keypad identification function is provided. The electronic module includes a touch-control element and a driver. The driver has a track identification mode and a keypad identification mode. When the driver receives a switch signal, the driver mode is switched between the track identification mode and the keypad identification mode. In the keypad identification mode, the touch-control element has at least a key position. When a user presses the key position, the driver provides a key command. In the track identification mode, the driver provides a cursor position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Shyh-Pyng Wang, Chin-Hsin Hsu
  • Patent number: 7902995
    Abstract: A remote meter-reading system and method for transmitting data measured by a meter using duplicate transmission via packet data transmission and circuit data transmission are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nuri Telecom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Duk Kim
  • Patent number: 7889112
    Abstract: A universal remote control device does not include a particular codeset that contains all the keycodes corresponding to all desired functions of a selected consumer electronic device. However, keycodes contained in one codeset in combination with keycodes contained in another codeset correspond to all desired functions of the selected electronic consumer device. A user presses a predefined sequence of keys to link the two codesets. A keycode link routine generates keycode link information and stores the keycode link information in a volatile memory space. The linked codeset is then used to control the selected electronic consumer device. Thereafter, pressing a first key causes a keycode in the first codeset to be used in generating an operational signal, whereas pressing a second key causes the keycode link information to be used to access a keycode in a second codeset such that the second keycode is used in generating the operational signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: UEI Cayman Inc.
    Inventors: George Vergis, Sunilkumar Mankame
  • Patent number: 7884736
    Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Vermeer Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Jin, Scott Rempe
  • Patent number: 7885989
    Abstract: An encoding circuit is disclosed which comprises: a data-for-encoding storing register that stores n-bit data for encoding; a data-for-calculation storing register that stores m-bit data for calculation generated by shifting the data for encoding; a shifter that shifts the data for encoding stored in the data-for-encoding storing register, and shifts and inputs the shifted data into the data-for-calculation storing register; a first coefficient register that stores m-bit first coefficient data indicating a first coefficient for executing encoding; a first logic circuit that is inputted with the data for calculation stored in the data-for-calculation storing register and the first coefficient data stored in the first coefficient register and outputs the logical product for each bit of the data for calculation and the first coefficient data; and a second logic circuit that is inputted with m-bit data outputted from the first logic circuit and outputs the exclusive logical sum of the m-bit data as the encoded da
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Iwao Honda, Hideki Ohashi, Takashi Kuroda, Noriyuki Tomita
  • Patent number: 7878250
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus and systems for automating or metering fluid recovered at a well. According to one example, a system is described for automating the fluid recovery of oil wells using a pump jack or oil extractor. A communications device is installed with each system to allow remote bi-directional communications to monitor, control, and diagnose problems with the device or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 7880641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a meter box for housing a utility meter and configured for associating a customer service line to a utility service line. The meter box may be configured to fit within an existing meter box and may be configured with side sections in a telescopic arrangement. Flow control components at an input of the meter box prevent backflow. The meter box comprises an electronic module that includes a variety of selectable features including datalogging, AMR, environmental monitoring, and resource monitoring. A remote monitor is provided for allowing a customer to view selected data including consumption data, pressure, pH, temperature, warnings, remote turnoff, and provide secured bill paying services. Imaging/audio components provide visual and audio data which may include an image of an analog readout for a meter register, images of the metering environment, and sound data for metering environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventors: Earl H. Parris, John Michael Kay
  • Patent number: 7868787
    Abstract: A character-input method is provided. The character-input method includes providing a plurality of objects having a predetermined arrangement, mapping characters included in a character group represented by a representative character mapped to an object identified as a first signal among objects to which representative characters are mapped, to one or more objects among the plurality of objects when the first signal is received from a user input device, and inputting characters mapped to an object identified as the second signal among objects to which the characters are mapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-hye Chung, Yeun-bae Kim, Hyun-jin Kim, Tae-suh Park
  • Patent number: 7869805
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for allowing a field device to select a data communication provider among a plurality of available data communication providers. Preferably, the method includes periodically, or selectively, assessing the strengths and efficacy of data communication on one or more alternate data communication providers. The data communication provider with the strongest signal and/or most effective data communication is selected for use by the field device. Preferably, the field device logs events where it switches among data communication providers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore H. Schnaare, Philip G. Ostby, Gabriel L. Sierra
  • Patent number: 7867089
    Abstract: An expanding operating device has a first connector, a second connector and a sensor. The first connector has a first shape physically and electrically connectable with a connector provided with an operating device. Thus, by connecting the first connector to the connector of the operating device, the expanding operating device can be used with the operating device as a single unit, which eventually adds the sensor to the operating device. On the other hand, the second connector has a second shape connectable with a connector with the first shape. This allows a connector conventionally connected to the connector of another operating device to be also connected with the second connector. Accordingly, if the connector of another device is connected the second connector in a state that the first connector is connected to the connector of the operating device, the another device is eventually connected to the operating device via the expanding operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Urata, Haruki Tojo, Jumpei Wada, Junji Takamoto, Noboru Wakitani, Kuniaki Itou, Junpei Ueki, Masato Ibuki, Fumiyoshi Suetake
  • Patent number: 7847707
    Abstract: An out-of-route collection capability is provided for an AMR data collection system of a type that collect readings within a geographic area using a radio. If a transmission is received from an out-of-route transmitter, its location is based on a geographic location of the data collector as the data collector receives data from the out-of-route transmitter. The location can further be determined by evaluating a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for the transmission. The out-of-route transmitter is identified by association with a transmitter identification number. The out-of-route transmitters can be added to the route through operations at the central office.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Bakken, David J. Lowe, Mark Lazar, Michele R. B. Malinowski
  • Patent number: 7839390
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input keypad having a plurality of keys. The input keypad outputs an output signal that is indicative of either a single depressed key or a plurality of depressed keys. The apparatus includes a processor for receiving the output signal by the input keypad and associating an alphabetic character with the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph M. Kling
  • Patent number: 7835226
    Abstract: A system or corresponding method provides for communicating data in confined waveguides containing a fluid. The system includes processing and transmitter/receiver operations at nodes in or alone the confined waveguides and transducers to produce a propagation signal that transmits modulated data via the fluid in the confined waveguide. Applications include sensing information about the fluid, such as the pressure, pH, or other parameter(s), and transmitting that data via the fluid in the confined waveguide. For example, the system may be distributed about an oil pipeline or network of oil pipelines. Nodes in the system may include turbines that generate power for use by the nodes at levels sufficient to support the node for its activities. Signal processing and multiple transducers at each node may be employed to extend distances up to kilometers between nodes for low-cost operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Kokosalakis, Alexander M. Gorlov, Eduardo Kausel, Andrew J. Whittle
  • Patent number: 7834777
    Abstract: A power source for use in a downhole environment. The power source can include a microgenerator, where the microgenerator is comprised of a motive source, a rotor, a stator, and an electrical load. The motive source can be compressed gas, liquid, two-phase fluid, or combustion gases. The rotor may comprise a magnet and the stator may comprise a coil, such that rotating the rotor coaxially proximate to the stator produces electrical current. The electrical load includes any device used in downhole exploration and production that requires electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Randy Gold
  • Patent number: 7825823
    Abstract: A signal monitoring circuit includes a plurality of sensors, a meter chip, a micro control unit (MCU), and a multiplexer. The sensors are adapted for collecting electrical signals of an electrical system, and each of the sensors correspondingly generates an output signal. The multiplexer is adapted for receiving the output signal of each of the sensors. The MCU controls the multiplexer to selectively output one of the output signals. The meter chip receives the selected one of output signals from the multiplexer and generates corresponding meter signals to the MCU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heng-Chen Kuo
  • Patent number: 7817062
    Abstract: An operation of drilling an earth borehole uses a drilling rig, a drill string of drill pipes having its generally upper end mechanically coupleable with and suspendable from the drilling rig, a drive string portion of the drill string, mechanically coupleable with the topmost drill pipe of said drill string, and a drive mechanism mechanically coupleable with the drive string for rotating the drive string and the drill string. A system for generating electric power in the region of the drive string includes an electric generator, which includes a rotating generator component mounted on said drive string for rotation therewith and a stationary generator component mounted on a stationary portion of the drilling rig. The rotating generator component produces electric power in the region of the drive string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Intelliserv, LLC.
    Inventors: Qiming Li, David Santoso, Mark Sherman, Raghu Madhavan, Randall P. LeBlanc, John A. Thomas, Joseph Montero