Patents by Inventor Charles F. Raasch
Charles F. Raasch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11299219Abstract: A cargo detection apparatus installed within a cargo container includes multiple distance sensors and one or more processors in communication with the distance sensors. The distance sensors, which are configured for mounting on or adjacent to a ceiling of the cargo container, generate distance signals. Each distance signal indicates a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container. The one or more processors are operable to execute instructions to compare the distance indicated by each of the distance signals to a distance threshold, and generate a cargo-present indication if the distance is less than the distance threshold. The distance sensors may be laser-ranging time-of-flight sensors or ultrasonic sensors.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Spireon, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Raasch, Tim Harvey
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Patent number: 10930138Abstract: A cargo tracking apparatus for detecting proximity to a cargo structure includes a cargo sensor, a location sensor, a wireless transmitter, and a processor, all disposed within a housing that is configured to be attached to the cargo structure. The cargo sensor, which is adjacent a sensor window in the housing, detects a portion of the cargo structure disposed near the sensor window and generates a cargo sensor signal based on detection or lack of detection of the cargo structure. The location sensor generates location information based on the location of the cargo tracking apparatus. The processor receives the cargo sensor signal and the location information, and based thereon generates alert messages that contain the location information and information indicative of whether the cargo structure is disposed near the cargo tracking apparatus. The wireless transmitter transmits the alert messages.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: Spireon, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Raasch, Edward D. Suski, Timothy J. Harvey
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Publication number: 20200219380Abstract: A cargo tracking apparatus for detecting proximity to a cargo structure includes a cargo sensor, a location sensor, a wireless transmitter, and a processor, all disposed within a housing that is configured to be attached to the cargo structure. The cargo sensor, which is adjacent a sensor window in the housing, detects a portion of the cargo structure disposed near the sensor window and generates a cargo sensor signal based on detection or lack of detection of the cargo structure. The location sensor generates location information based on the location of the cargo tracking apparatus. The processor receives the cargo sensor signal and the location information, and based thereon generates alert messages that contain the location information and information indicative of whether the cargo structure is disposed near the cargo tracking apparatus. The wireless transmitter transmits the alert messages.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: Spireon, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Raasch, Edward D. Suski, Timothy J. Harvey
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Patent number: 10636280Abstract: A cargo tracking apparatus for detecting proximity to a cargo structure includes a cargo sensor, a location sensor, a wireless transmitter, and a processor, all disposed within a housing that is configured to be attached to the cargo structure. The cargo sensor, which is adjacent a sensor window in the housing, detects a portion of the cargo structure disposed near the sensor window and generates a cargo sensor signal based on detection or lack of detection of the cargo structure. The location sensor generates location information based on the location of the cargo tracking apparatus. The processor receives the cargo sensor signal and the location information, and based thereon generates alert messages that contain the location information and information indicative of whether the cargo structure is disposed near the cargo tracking apparatus. The wireless transmitter transmits the alert messages.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Spireon, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Raasch, Edward D. Suski, Timothy J. Harvey
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Patent number: 10605847Abstract: A verification procedure is performed when a tracking device is newly installed in a vehicle. The procedure involves transmitting a command to the tracking device to either disable or enable the vehicle starter. The installer is then prompted to engage the starter to start the vehicle. The tracking device then monitors the voltages on the vehicle's ignition wire and starter disable and starter enable wires going to a starter relay. The tracking device also monitors the state of a starter relay control wire. Measurement of the proper voltages on these wires provides verification that the tracking device has been connected properly. Continuing to monitor these voltages after installation provides an indication when a driver engages the starter in an attempt to start the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Spireon, Inc.Inventors: Steve Ollmann, Michael Callinan, Charles F. Raasch, George Clark
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Publication number: 20200055553Abstract: A cargo detection apparatus installed within a cargo container includes multiple distance sensors and one or more processors in communication with the distance sensors. The distance sensors, which are configured for mounting on or adjacent to a ceiling of the cargo container, generate distance signals. Each distance signal indicates a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container. The one or more processors are operable to execute instructions to compare the distance indicated by each of the distance signals to a distance threshold, and generate a cargo-present indication if the distance is less than the distance threshold. The distance sensors may be laser-ranging time-of-flight sensors or ultrasonic sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2019Publication date: February 20, 2020Applicant: Spireon, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Raasch, Tim Harvey
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Publication number: 20190279494Abstract: A cargo tracking apparatus for detecting proximity to a cargo structure includes a cargo sensor, a location sensor, a wireless transmitter, and a processor, all disposed within a housing that is configured to be attached to the cargo structure. The cargo sensor, which is adjacent a sensor window in the housing, detects a portion of the cargo structure disposed near the sensor window and generates a cargo sensor signal based on detection or lack of detection of the cargo structure. The location sensor generates location information based on the location of the cargo tracking apparatus. The processor receives the cargo sensor signal and the location information, and based thereon generates alert messages that contain the location information and information indicative of whether the cargo structure is disposed near the cargo tracking apparatus. The wireless transmitter transmits the alert messages.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2018Publication date: September 12, 2019Applicant: Spireon, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Raasch, Edward D. Suski, Timothy J. Harvey
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Patent number: 7634070Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Sverrir Olafsson, Andrew Webster, Craig E. Borden, Charles F. Raasch, Nimesh Doshi, Burk Beadle, Robert T. Otten
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Patent number: 7587034Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Sverrir Olafsson, Andrew Webster, Craig E. Borden, Charles F. Raasch, Nimesh Doshi, Burk Beadle, Robert T. Otten
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Publication number: 20080276009Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for communicating between a host computer and a peripheral device, such as a monitor or printer, and, more particularly, to enable efficient communication between a host and a plurality of such USB peripheral devices without substantial bandwidth degradation. In one embodiment, a device driver, in data communication with a configuration application executing on a host computer, instructs a secondary USB device to accept data packets related to not only its own unique address but also of at least one other primary USB device whose address was additionally caused to be stored with the USB device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Joe Mesa, Charles F. Raasch
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Patent number: 7443966Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Sverrir Olafsson, Andrew Webster, Craig E. Borden, Charles F. Raasch, Nimesh Doshi, Burk Beadle, Robert T. Otten
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Patent number: 6912276Abstract: A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Sverrir Olafsson, Andrew Webster, Craig E. Borden, Charles F. Raasch, Nimesh Doshi, Burk Beadle, Robert T. Otten
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Patent number: 6714645Abstract: A telephone line interface circuit which does not require a hookswitch relay is disclosed. An optoisolator is utilized to place a telephone line interface circuit on-hook and off-hook. In one embodiment, the optoisolator is controlled by an optoisolator control signal generated by a communications device such as a modem. An output of the optoisolator is coupled to an input of a DC control circuit. An output of the DC control circuit is coupled to a AC switch. When the optoisolator input control signal is activated, the optoisolator output enables voltage or current bias to the transistor, which places the telephone line interface circuit off-hook. When the optoisolator input control signal is deactivated, the optoisolator output disables voltage or current bias to the transistor, which places the telephone line interface circuit on-hook. In one embodiment, the DC control circuit is an electronic inductor comprising a pair of NPN transistors connected in a Darlington configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.Inventors: Frank Sacca, Charles F. Raasch
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Patent number: 6690776Abstract: A communication system includes a controller, a data pump under the control of the controller and a data access arrangement under the control of the controller. The controller establishes a data communication session with a remote communication system using the data pump and the data access arrangement. The controller then places the communication session in an on-hold state for a period of time and generates an indication relating to a status of the on-hold state. The controller may generate a sound as an indication or may transmit data relating to the status. The sound may be generated by toggling a relay in the data access arrangement, by transmitting a tone or by transmitting an audio sample. The audio sample may be generated by a codec controlled by the controller. The indication is generated to provide a progress notification relating to the period of time, a warning notification relating to the period of time or an expiration notification of the period of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.Inventor: Charles F. Raasch
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Publication number: 20030214939Abstract: Lifeline services ensured to local access gateway telephony users by connection of local telephone string to central office and bypassing failed gateway or digital channel. Central office provides PSTN service to local telephone string allowing phone service to continue. Dual-function phones provide digital and analog capability ensuring lifeline service.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Ismail I. Eldumiati, Charles F. Raasch, Carlos A. Laiz, Joel D. Peshkin
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Patent number: 5717565Abstract: Circuits and methods for providing electrical communication between the keyboard and PC board of a notebook computer, and notebook computers employing such circuits and methods. A plurality of contacts electrically coupled to a keyboard and a plurality of contacts electrically coupled to a PC board are brought into electrical communication when the keyboard engages or is mounted to a housing or a PC board of the notebook. In presently preferred embodiments, physical contact may be provided between the two sets of contacts or an elastomeric material, or other type of bridge circuit, may be used to provide electrical connectivity between the two sets of contacts.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: AST Research, Inc.Inventor: Charles F. Raasch
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Patent number: 5642110Abstract: A memory mapped keyboard controller within a peripheral controller for use in an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) computer provides a method and apparatus for efficiently monitoring and reading a keyboard switch matrix. In a first mode of operation, the controller activates all the columns and monitors all the rows in the switch matrix to detect when any one or more of the rows becomes active, indicating that at least one key on the keyboard has been pressed. When any row in the matrix is detected as active, then the keyboard controller enters a second mode wherein it selectively activates individual columns and monitors the rows in the switch matrix to detect which row and column contain the activated switch. When the switch location is determined, this location is interpreted by the keyboard controller into a scan code for the ISA computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1994Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Assignee: AST Research, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Raasch, Jason S. M. Kim
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Patent number: 5408624Abstract: A method and apparatus for downloading instructions and other information to a peripheral controller for use in an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) compatible computer provides a system which downloads instructions from the ISA compatible computer to an random access memory (RAM) accessible by the peripheral controller. The peripheral controller then executes these instructions to emulate the functions of conventional INTEL 8042 and 8742 series integrated circuits. The peripheral controller also provides other features not provided by the conventional 8042 or 8742 by executing other downloaded instructions located in the RAM.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: AST Research, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Raasch, Jason S. M. Kim
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Patent number: 5402492Abstract: A security system for stand alone and portable computer hosts which utilizes both a hardware key and a password key to enable-access to the computer host. The entry of the password key and the hardware key is monitored by the keyboard controller. The keyboard controller alters a status bit during the POST portion of the host code if access is granted. The host security is divided into two levels of security, a first administrative level and a second user level. The administrative level is accessible by the entry of a first password or by the hardware key and enables access to all levels of the host SET-UP configuration. The user level is accessible by the entry of a second password and only enables access to a limited portion of the setup configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: AST Research, Inc.Inventors: Michael K. Goodman, Farzad Noorbehesht, Charles F. Raasch
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Patent number: 5333273Abstract: An ISA-compatible computer system includes an additional function key on its keyboard. The additional function key does not have a defined function for conventional ISA-standard computers. When a conventional alphanumeric key or function key is activated on the keyboard, the computer system is interrupted using IRQ1 and the key information is communicated to the computer system so that the computer system can respond in a conventional manner using a conventional keyboard interrupt handling routine. When the additional function key and an alphanumeric key are activated in combination, a second interrupt different from the IRQ1 interrupt is activated (e.g., IRQ15). The computer system responds to the second interrupt by inputting an identification of the activated alphanumeric key and performing a selected predetermined function in response thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1992Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: AST Research, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Raasch, Michael K. Goodman