Patents by Inventor William B. Baringer

William B. Baringer 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).

  • Patent number: 10153537
    Abstract: Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques, systems, and apparatuses are discussed herein for providing a hybrid antenna including an RF radiator and an electrically coupled inductive loop. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and induction functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for Bluetooth as well as near-field-communications (NFC) functionality via the inductive loop. The inductive loop may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may be inductively coupled with the RF radiator and not in conductive contact with the RF radiator. The inductive loop may act as a planar element of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Baringer, Mark Manuel Martinez
  • Patent number: 9660324
    Abstract: A hybrid antenna including a piezoelectric device and an RF radiator. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and piezoelectric device functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for radio frequency devices as well as sound-producing and/or energy-scavenging functionality via the piezoelectric device. The piezoelectric device may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may not be in conductive contact with the RF radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Baringer
  • Publication number: 20170084983
    Abstract: Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques, systems, and apparatuses are discussed herein for providing a hybrid antenna including an RF radiator and an electrically coupled inductive loop. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and induction functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for Bluetooth as well as near-field-communications (NFC) functionality via the inductive loop. The inductive loop may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may be inductively coupled with the RF radiator and not in conductive contact with the RF radiator. The inductive loop may act as a planar element of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: William B. Baringer, Mark Manuel Martinez
  • Patent number: 9543636
    Abstract: Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques, systems, and apparatuses are discussed herein for providing a hybrid antenna including an RF radiator and an electrically coupled inductive loop. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and induction functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for Bluetooth as well as near-field-communications (NFC) functionality via the inductive loop. The inductive loop may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may be inductively coupled with the RF radiator and not in conductive contact with the RF radiator. The inductive loop may act as a planar element of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Baringer, Mark Manuel Martinez
  • Patent number: 9520638
    Abstract: Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques, systems, and apparatuses are discussed herein for providing a hybrid antenna including an RF radiator and an electrically coupled inductive loop. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and induction functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for Bluetooth as well as near-field-communications (NFC) functionality via the inductive loop. The inductive loop may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may be inductively coupled with the RF radiator and not in conductive contact with the RF radiator. The inductive loop may act as a planar element of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Baringer, Mark Manuel Martinez
  • Publication number: 20160036118
    Abstract: Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques, systems, and apparatuses are discussed herein for providing a hybrid antenna including an RF radiator and an electrically coupled inductive loop. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and induction functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for Bluetooth as well as near-field-communications (NFC) functionality via the inductive loop. The inductive loop may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may be inductively coupled with the RF radiator and not in conductive contact with the RF radiator. The inductive loop may act as a planar element of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: William B. Baringer, Mark Manuel Martinez
  • Publication number: 20160036119
    Abstract: A hybrid antenna including a piezoelectric device and an RF radiator. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and piezoelectric device functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for radio frequency devices as well as sound-producing and/or energy-scavenging functionality via the piezoelectric device. The piezoelectric device may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may not be in conductive contact with the RF radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: William B. Baringer
  • Patent number: 9196964
    Abstract: A hybrid antenna including a piezoelectric device and an RF radiator. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and piezoelectric device functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for radio frequency devices as well as sound-producing and/or energy-scavenging functionality via the piezoelectric device. The piezoelectric device may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may not be in conductive contact with the RF radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Baringer
  • Publication number: 20150255871
    Abstract: A hybrid antenna including a piezoelectric device and an RF radiator. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and piezoelectric device functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for radio frequency devices as well as sound-producing and/or energy-scavenging functionality via the piezoelectric device. The piezoelectric device may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may not be in conductive contact with the RF radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventor: William B. Baringer
  • Publication number: 20140266939
    Abstract: Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques, systems, and apparatuses are discussed herein for providing a hybrid antenna including an RF radiator and an electrically coupled inductive loop. The hybrid antenna is capable of providing both RF and induction functionality, e.g., radio frequency transmission/reception capabilities for Bluetooth as well as near-field-communications (NFC) functionality via the inductive loop. The inductive loop may be in conductive contact with the RF radiator or may be inductively coupled with the RF radiator and not in conductive contact with the RF radiator. The inductive loop may act as a planar element of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Baringer, Mark Manuel Martinez
  • Publication number: 20130237182
    Abstract: A personal alarm system includes a monitoring base station and one or more remote sensing units in two-way radio communication. An electronic handshake between the base station and each remote unit is used to assure system reliability. The remote units transmit at selectable power levels. In the absence of an emergency, a remote unit transmits at a power-conserving low power level. Received field strength is measured to determine whether a remote unit has moved beyond a predetermined distance from the base station. If the distance is exceeded, the remote unit transmits at a higher power level. The remote unit includes sensors for common hazards including water emersion, smoke, excessive heat, excessive carbon monoxide concentration, and electrical shock. The base station periodically polls the remote units and displays the status of the environmental sensors. The system is useful in child monitoring, for use with invalids and with employees involved in activities which expose them to environmental risk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Dan SCHLAGER, William B. BARINGER
  • Patent number: 8149112
    Abstract: A personal alarm system includes a monitoring base station and one or more remote sensing units in two-way radio communication. An electronic handshake between the base station and each remote unit is used to assure system reliability. The remote units transmit at selectable power levels. In the absence of an emergency, a remote unit transmits at a power-conserving low power level. Received field strength is measured to determine whether a remote unit has moved beyond a predetermined distance from the base station. If the distance is exceeded, the remote unit transmits at a higher power level. The remote unit includes sensors for common hazards including water emersion, smoke, excessive heat, excessive carbon monoxide concentration, and electrical shock. The base station periodically polls the remote units and displays the status of the environmental sensors. The system is useful in child monitoring, for use with invalids, and with employees involved in activities which expose them to environmental risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Dan Schlager, William B. Baringer
  • Publication number: 20080311882
    Abstract: A personal alarm system includes a monitoring base station and one or more remote sensing units in two-way radio communication. An electronic handshake between the base station and each remote unit is used to assure system reliability. The remote units transmit at selectable power levels. In the absence of an emergency, a remote unit transmits at a power-conserving low power level. Received field strength is measured to determine whether a remote unit has moved beyond a predetermined distance from the base station. If the distance is exceeded, the remote unit transmits at a higher power level. The remote unit includes sensors for common hazards including water emersion, smoke, excessive heat, excessive carbon monoxide concentration, and electrical shock. The base station periodically polls the remote units and displays the status of the environmental sensors. The system is useful in child monitoring, for use with invalids, and with employees involved in activities which expose them to environmental risk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Zoltar Satellite Alarm Systems
    Inventors: Dan Schlager, William B. Baringer
  • Patent number: 7197283
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for configuring a frequency synthesizer to generate a frequency. Configuring a frequency synthesizer to generate a frequency includes transferring channel information that identifies the frequency to be generated from an external processor to the frequency synthesizer; generating a plurality of synthesizer configuration parameters based on the channel information; and configuring the frequency synthesizer using the plurality of synthesizer configuration parameters. Additionally, the frequency synthesizer configuration parameters can be generated using an iterative process with seed values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Qualcomm, Incorporated
    Inventors: William B. Baringer, Ozan E. Erdogan
  • Patent number: 7158760
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for configuring a frequency synthesizer in a transceiver. Configuring a frequency synthesizer in a transceiver includes specifying a selection bit sequence wherein the selection bit sequence corresponds to a predetermined combination of transceiver characteristics; determining a plurality of synthesizer configuration parameters using the selection bit sequence; and configuring the frequency synthesizer using the plurality of synthesizer configuration parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Qualcomm Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Baringer, Cormac S. Conroy, Sang Oh Lee, Seok Kang, Beomsup Kim
  • Patent number: 7154980
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for configuring a frequency synthesizer to generate a frequency. Configuring a frequency synthesizer to generate a frequency includes storing a plurality of value sets in a plurality of register sets; receiving a selection sequence that indicates a selected one of the plurality of value sets corresponding to a configuration parameter set to generate the frequency; selecting a register set containing the selected one of the plurality of value sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: William B. Baringer
  • Publication number: 20040113794
    Abstract: A parachute equipped with a self-locating personal alarm system remote unit includes a navigational receiver providing navigational information, a radio transmitter connected for transmitting the navigational information, and a circuit for activating the radio transmitter. In one embodiment the transmission of navigational information is voice activated. In another embodiment, the transmission is activated by depressing a panic button, while in a third embodiment, the transmission is activated by deployment of the parachute. In other specific embodiments, the radio transmitter is part of a wireless telephone permitting two-way voice communication, while the navigational information is provided by a GPS receiver and defines a location of the parachute. In yet other specific embodiments, the navigational information is an intermediate form and is transmitted to a base station where the computation of the parachute location is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Dan Schlager, William B. Baringer, Noah M. Schlager, Samuel H. Schlager
  • Publication number: 20040027245
    Abstract: The present invention incorporates a satellite global positioning receiver and a radio transmitter into a smart defibrillator. The defibrillator is modified so that the detection of an irregular heart rhythm provides a signal for activating the radio transmitter for transmitting the global location to a base receiver, typically located in an emergency room. In a specific embodiment, the satellite global receiver relies upon the U.S. Global Positioning System (“GPS”), and the radio transmitter is provided by a wireless telephone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Dan Schlager, William B. Baringer
  • Patent number: 6518889
    Abstract: A voice-activated personal alarm includes a satellite global positioning receiver, a specific danger sensor, a voice activation circuit, and a radio transmitter. In a specific embodiment, the satellite global positioning receiver relies upon the U.S. Global Positioning System (“GPS”). In another specific embodiment, the radio transmitter is provided by a wireless telephone using an existing wireless communications network and therefore also provides a two-way voice communication channel. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a distress phrase such as “HELP!” spoken into a microphone is recognized and activates the radio transmitter to transmit the current global location. In another embodiment, the detection of a specific danger by the danger sensor also activates the transmission of the current global location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: Dan Schlager, William B. Baringer
  • Publication number: 20020021231
    Abstract: A self-locating remote monitoring system (750) includes a supervising base station (754) and one or more remote monitoring units (752). A remote unit (752) includes a navigational receiver (756) operating with an existing navigational system for providing a remote unit location (759) and includes a transmitter (758) for communicating the location (759) to the base station (754) for display (772). The remote unit (752) includes one or more physiological/environmental sensors (760) for monitoring at the remote location. In a specific embodiment a change in sensor status (761) results in the status and the location being transmitted to the base station (754). The base station (754) includes alarms (776) and displays (772) responsive to the change in status. One embodiment defines a man-over-board system (300) which combines water immersion (308) and distance (334) from the base station (318) to trigger an alarm (332) and begin location tracking (324).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Dan Schlager, William B. Baringer