Patents by Inventor Paul Waterhouse

Paul Waterhouse 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).

  • Publication number: 20080238672
    Abstract: A system uses a large loop antenna, connected with a transceiver operating below 1 MHz. The loop antenna is deployed from a spool to surround a crime scene, and may carry indicia communicating that it is a crime scene boundary. The system interrogates devices, including evidence bags and badged personnel, as they enter and leave the scene. The system can optionally log the time of salient events. A second loop antenna can log evidence bags as they enter a vehicle. The devices can be silenced by the transceiver and thus collisions can be reduced and avoided among responses from devices. The system performs “area reads” that would not be possible if higher RF frequencies were employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Waterhouse, John K. Stevens, Jason August, Jessica L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20080228316
    Abstract: A warehousing system includes a container for storing at least one item, a first electronic (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID)) module associated with the first container, and a controller which wirelessly communicates with first electronic module, for directing a transfer of said at least one item to and/or from said first container. The inventive system may include, for example, a hybrid retail/warehouse system which includes a facility having a shelving area, and a picking area adjacent to the shelving area, and a layout so as to minimize a picking area and a walking distance between a picking area and a shelving area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INC.
    Inventors: John K. Stevens, Paul Waterhouse, Michael J. Vandenberg
  • Publication number: 20080218348
    Abstract: A pedigree tag for tracking and validating authenticity of contents in a container includes: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency, not exceeding one megahertz, and including a full duplex transmitter and receiver; an antenna operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a programmable microprocessor operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a memory operatively coupled with the programmable microprocessor; a clock; and a connector for connecting a power source for providing power to the microprocessor; wherein the pedigree tag is in a form factor conformable to the container to which it is affixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Visible Assets Inc.
    Inventors: Jason August, John Stevens, Paul Waterhouse
  • Publication number: 20080191847
    Abstract: A method, system, and associated identification device for identification of an entity, such as a passport for identification of national citizens. The identification device includes: a) a display for displaying a photo and other identification data relating to the entity; b) a wireless communication part operable to receive data queries and transmit data wirelessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Visible Assets, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason August, John K. Stevens, Christopher W. Verge, Paul Waterhouse, Kenneth Truong, Michael J. Vandenberg
  • Publication number: 20080186184
    Abstract: Briefly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a networked security tag affixed to a portable computing device is operable to provide monitoring, tracking, and security for the portable computing device within a protected region. The security tag includes the following: an onboard security program, an omni-directional device antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding one megahertz, a transceiver operatively connected to the device antenna, the transceiver operable to receive radio signals at the low radio frequency and generate data signals at the said low radio frequency, in response thereto. The security tag also includes a programmable microcontroller operatively coupled with the transceiver, the microcontroller configured for controlling operation of the security program and to cause the transceiver to emit a signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Visible Assets Inc.
    Inventors: Jason August, John K. Stevens, Paul Waterhouse
  • Publication number: 20080129456
    Abstract: A system has tags communicating by means of low frequency (below 1 megahertz) with routers which in turn communicate with nameservers. The tags have IP addresses, either explicitly programmed into the tags or associated in a virtual way with the tags. Lookups analogous to domain lookups permit human-friendly inquiries of tag status and location. Static (battery-backed) RAM in a tag permits great versatility in the localized function of the tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INC.
    Inventors: John K. Stevens, David Cramer, Tom Packert, Paul Waterhouse, James W. Cassidy, Rodney D. Gilchrist
  • Publication number: 20080104117
    Abstract: Radio-tagged components are used a welding operation to form a welded product. Pedigree/quality control is monitored by tagging welding wire with a first radio transceiver storing information about the wire; providing a second radio transceiver at the welding apparatus, providing a third radio transceiver associated with the at the human operator, logging information about the wire, the operator, and the characteristics of the weld, and maintaining the logged information at a location remote from the welder along with a time stamp and a means of authenticating the maintained log. The first, second and third transceivers operate at a frequency below 1 megahertz, preferably below 300 KHz. A similar radio tag with product pedigree information may also be affixed to the welded product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INC.
    Inventors: John Stevens, Paul Waterhouse, M. August
  • Publication number: 20080100453
    Abstract: A system uses an antenna at a portal, the antenna coupled to equipment which can send and receive information to and from radio tags, each having a unique identity. The equipment detects, for example, a tag attached to an asset. The equipment looks to see if an associated badge is in the detection area of the portal. If the badge and asset match, the user bearing the badge is permitted to exit the portal. Otherwise the user is not permitted to exit the portal. An asset such as a ski can be equipped with such a tag, the tag in this case being a low-frequency tag. The low-frequency tag permits locating the ski even if it is not visible because it is under snow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INC.
    Inventors: John K. Stevens, Paul Waterhouse, David Cramer, M. Jason August, Tom Packert, Jay Pierce
  • Publication number: 20080099553
    Abstract: An alternative for smart card financial transactions is provided in which the smart card functionality is provided as part of a watch containing a RuBee antenna and transceiver for transmitting the authorization information to a receiver separate from the watch. This form factor allows the user to maintain the card in a readily usable and convenient location. In addition, the watch can be used to allow the user to specifically authorize or override a financial transaction, and to view and/or store information about the financial transaction, as well as conventional functionality such as alarms, and calendars. The watch of the invention can also provide access control or identification in corporate environments if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Stevens, Paul Waterhouse
  • Publication number: 20080039126
    Abstract: The system employs full transceivers, each having peer-to-peer, client/server, and IP networking capabilities, and and covering open-area ranges of up to 100 feet. The system uses Low Frequency for data communications so it can achieve both low cost (less costly than many RF-ID tags) and long battery life (10-15 years). Additionally, since these tags have batteries, static RAM maybe be added at very low cost, as well as sensors, LED's displays etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INC.
    Inventors: John Stevens, Paul Waterhouse, David Cramer
  • Publication number: 20080029590
    Abstract: A system allowing the wireless transfer of data between a first device having a microcontroller and a second device when the first and second devices are positioned adjacent each other is described. The system includes a reader circuit and tag circuit. The reader circuit is operatively connected to the first device and provides oscillation energy to the tag circuit when the tag circuit is coupled to the reader circuit. The reader circuit receives coded information from the tag circuit and delivers the coded information to the microcontroller. The tag circuit includes a coil and logic enabling patterned oscillation at least two discrete frequencies such that the patterned oscillation is representative of coded information within the tag circuit. The system may be configured to a variety of product pairs, including consumer product pairs, to control the operation of the product pair or collect information about the operation of the product pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Zosimadis, Paul Waterhouse
  • Patent number: 7321290
    Abstract: Passive tags use two antennas with only limited mutual coupling, one of which receives a power/clock field and the other of which receives a data signal. An area-reading antenna, or two or more antennas, are deployed to generate the power/clock field, from a base station. The base station, or active tags, or both, generate the data signals from time to time. This topology together with the use of low frequencies permits area reads, and permits small and economical passive tags, and further permits localization of a particular passive tag as being nearby to a particular active tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Visible Assets, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Stevens, Paul Waterhouse
  • Publication number: 20070283160
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling the operating state of a lock characterized by a locked state and an unlocked state. The method comprises: entering secret information on an electronic input device (e.g. keypad) located on a radio frequency identity card, then electronically comparing the secret information against an authorized code to determine whether the secret information is authorized, then transmitting by radio frequency an unlocking signal to a radio frequency reader located at the lock for opening the lock in the event that the secret information is authorized. In a related use of such RF identity cards, the invention also provides a system and method of tracking movements of individuals within a secure area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INC.
    Inventors: John Steven, Paul Waterhouse, Christopher Verge, Kenneth Truong, Jason August
  • Patent number: 7277014
    Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Visible Assets, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Waterhouse, Christopher W. Verge, Michael J. Vandenberg, Kenneth Truong, John K. Stevens, Jason August
  • Publication number: 20070196456
    Abstract: A combination of a patch and a low-frequency (inductive, LF) radiating radio transceiver tag, and antenna system, may be used to track and control electrophoretic/electro-osmotic transdermal drug delivery systems and provide fill data logs of use without complex belts that are worn by the patient or other patient-based attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INC.
    Inventors: John Stevens, Paul Waterhouse
  • Publication number: 20070171076
    Abstract: A sturdy radio tag has an antenna and semiconductor chip tuned to low frequency, encapsulated using a low-temperature, low-pressure, low-viscosity injection molding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: Visible Assets, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stevens, Paul Waterhouse
  • Patent number: 7242301
    Abstract: An RFID tag in a receptacle is active and includes a microprocessor, a data storage device operable to store a selected code (e.g. an ID code to identify said object or said product), the object including a display for displaying the aforesaid selected code upon a signal from the microprocessor and an energy storage device (e.g. a lithium ion battery), operable to energize the microprocessor, the display, and the transmitter. The tag has an antenna having a dimension thereof that is substantially as large as to a maximum dimension of receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Visible Assets, Inc.
    Inventors: M Jason August, Paul Waterhouse, John K Stevens
  • Publication number: 20070152824
    Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Waterhouse, Christopher W. Verge, Michael J. Vandenberg, Kenneth Truong, John K. Stevens, Jason August
  • Publication number: 20070152826
    Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Visible Assets, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason August, Paul Waterhouse, John Stevens, Christopher Verge, Michael Vandenberg, Kenneth Truong
  • Publication number: 20070152825
    Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Visible Assets, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason August, Paul Waterhouse, John Stevens, Christopher Verge, Michael Vandenberg, Kenneth Truong