Patents Issued in January 30, 2007
  • Patent number: 7170393
    Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and an antenna grid are used for automatic determination of cable connections. An RF antenna grid is advantageously employed on a device having a plurality of device ports (e.g., cable connection points) which may, for example, be physically organized in a two-dimensional arrangement. Then, when RFID tags are fixed to one or more cable ends, it can advantageously be determined which of the one or more cables are connected to which of the ports on the device. The RF antenna grid may comprise a plurality of individual antennas which are advantageously multiplexed such that a single RFID reader can handle the sensing for all antennas. Also, opposing ends of a given cable may be advantageously provided with RFID tags having related ID codes such that connections which exist between two connected ports of the device may be easily and efficiently determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford E Martin
  • Patent number: 7170394
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel technique for transferring power and signals between two electrical devices over a single wire pair. In particular, a remote sensor is connected to a host device. Power to the remote sensor is supplied through a voltage reference and control loop circuit that holds the voltage component of the power signal present on the wire pair constant during remote current sensing. The remote sensor itself can transmit measurements or information by driving a load on the sensor and thereby modulating the loop current. The current signal in the sensor-to-host loop can be a precision AC analog signal or a serial digital bit stream. Both types of signals can coexist using a multiplexing scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Chandler, Antonio Carlos Monte-Filho
  • Patent number: 7170395
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a three-phase power distribution network in a building in order to provide data communication by using a Power Line Carrier (PLC) signal to an approximate electrical central location point of Wye-connected and Delta connected power distribution system remote from the data entry point of the building. A passive coupler device is attached to a centrally located service panel. The passive coupler receives the Power Line Carrier (PLC) signal from the remote entry point in the building and conditions the signal for entry at the service panel onto each phase of the three phase power distribution network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Telkonet Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph E. Crenshaw, David W. Grimes, L. Peter Larson, Andrew Pozsgay
  • Patent number: 7170396
    Abstract: An addressable smart speaker for use in a fire alarm system connects to and receives messages over a network, has plural taps for selecting audio power. In response to a command, a selector in an addressed smart speaker selects a tap to select a particular audio power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Steven C. Kalafarski
  • Patent number: 7170397
    Abstract: A system and method for waking a person includes the provision of tactile stimulation in a repeating interrupted pattern upon the detection of an alarm signal indicative of an event for which the person should be awakened. In one embodiment, a device for waking a person comprises a circuit for generating a driver signal in response to an alarm signal, the driver signal having a repeating interrupted pattern; an electrically controlled switching device having a control input, a power input and a power output, the power input being connectable to a power source, the control input being connected to receive the driver signal from the circuit; and a tactile stimulation device connected to the power output of the electrically controlled switching device, the tactile stimulation device being configured to produce a tactile stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Roby, Michael S. Klassen, Jacqueline DuBois, Glenn Gaines, Erin Ashley
  • Patent number: 7170398
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a warning apparatus for an automobile, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving a driver's information from a memory device memorizing said driver's information; a memorizing unit for memorizing an automobile insurance information; a determining unit for determining whether or not the driver is an insurant on the basis of said driver's information and the automobile insurance information; and a warning unit for warning the driver not to drive when the determining unit has determined that the driver is not said insurant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Yuhara
  • Patent number: 7170399
    Abstract: A method of making a device utilizes the step of winding a coil; disposing the coil in a predetermined position on a component which forms part of the device; connecting the ends of the coil to first and second pins by winding the ends of the coil onto the pins; and disposing the first and second pins in electrical connection with first and second connection structures formed on a PCB (printed circuit board) which is disposed in/on the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dawn Melman, John Gaughan
  • Patent number: 7170400
    Abstract: A system for customizing vehicle settings includes a control unit adapted to communicate with a vehicle input source and a vehicle auxiliary device. The system further includes a data storage device in communication with the control unit for storing and retrieving audio electronic data for customizing sounds related to the actuation of the vehicle input source. The data storage device is further capable of storing and retrieving non-audio electronic data for customizing settings for the vehicle auxiliary device. The control unit is adapted to communicate with at least one input device for uploading the audio and non-audio data stored in the data storage device data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, David A. Hein
  • Patent number: 7170401
    Abstract: A system detects the presence of an unattended child within a vehicle and when the child is so detected, disables the vehicle's door locks by preventing doors from being locked or remaining locked and sounds an alarm. The presence of a child is detected by measuring pressure on the back seat and measurements above a threshold limit signify a child is present or if any of the rear seat belts are buckled a child is detected. The system can be shut off by the driver, although the system has an override in the shutoff mode so that if the temperature rises above or falls below a certain level and the presence of a child is detected, the alarm is sounded. In this mode, the presence of the child can also be detected by a motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Charles J. Cole
  • Patent number: 7170402
    Abstract: An inertia-activated braking light (1) for attachment to pedal cycles and the like. A display of LEDs (15) is automatically illuminated on deceleration. This is achieved by an inertia mass closing a circuit on deceleration to provide electrical power to illuminate the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Gerald Bracken
  • Patent number: 7170403
    Abstract: A tamper switch body is disposed in a housing of a PIR sensor. A tamper opening is formed at a position opposite a switch actuating member of the tamper switch body in a base plate of the PIR sensor. An elastic switch member is mounted in the tamper opening. The elastic switch member includes a pressure-receiving projection portion abutting a mounting plate, and depresses the switch actuating member through elastic deformation of the pressure-receiving projection portion by receiving a pushing force from the mounting plate in a state in which the PIR sensor is fixed to a wall surface. The elastic switch member seals the inside of the housing by closing the tamper opening, thus preventing a flood into the housing of the PIR sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Optex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michinori Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7170404
    Abstract: System, device and method for alerting an individual to an alert condition using acoustic alarms having less sensitivity to multipath distortion and having improved inherent signal to noise ratio properties, wherein the acoustic alarms are readily distinguishable using standard digital processing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Innovalarm Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Albert, James Joe Lewis, Leslie D. Hoy
  • Patent number: 7170405
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating between an appliance and a power line carrier communication system includes at least one power line carrier connection, at least one appliance connection, and processing circuitry for translating between an appliance communication protocol and a power line carrier communication protocol. The method and apparatus allow bidirectional communication between power line carrier and apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wolfgang Daum, John S. Holmes, William H. Bicknell, Scott A. Horning, Tanveer Iqbal, Scott C. Evans
  • Patent number: 7170406
    Abstract: A device system and a process for monitoring an industrial plant offers the persons working at the plant with the greatest possible protection. Signal transmitters (4, 5), which are fastened to persons (2, 3) or mobile objects, send or trigger a code related to a person or mobile object. Position marks (31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 61, 62, 71, 72, 36, 37, 74), which provide a position code and a direction code for passing through an entrance or an exit, are arranged at entrances and exits of an industrial plant (21, 22). A receiving unit (15, 35, 43, 63, 73) receives the code of the signal transmitters combined with the position code and direction code. A computing and evaluating unit (12) is connected with the receiving unit and generates a topology for the persons or mobile objects to enter or leave the industrial plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Günter Seemann
  • Patent number: 7170407
    Abstract: A system for identification and monitoring of, and obtaining data including location and status data relating to, assets of or in the establishment including mobile property such as food trays, shoe trays or luggage within the establishment or persons temporarily residing or working in the establishment, where the establishment typically has multiple rooms for temporary occupancy and wherein each room has a doorway for access to a common access path to the rooms. In particular the system may be characterized as including a wireless first communicator mounted in association with each room so as to be within a communication enabling proximity to the access path for example adjacent the corresponding doorway for each room, and at least one wireless interactive second communicator, which may be handheld, for use in association with an asset of the establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Joerg C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7170408
    Abstract: A system and method for information assimilation and functionality control based on positioning information obtained by impulse radio techniques, which utilizes the position information and communication abilities inherent in impulse radio technology to correlate position information of an entrant into a predetermined area with information about the entrant to accomplish a multitude of functionalities and assimilate information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Time Domain Corporation
    Inventors: Elise H. Taylor, James S. Finn
  • Patent number: 7170409
    Abstract: A packaging and a method for monitoring a packaging (10) of a disposable material in a chain of logistics. As an integral part of the packaging, the packaging has an electronic module (12) comprising electric energy supply means, data processing means, data storage nonvolatile memory means for storing information related to the packaging, time keeping means, and data transceiver means for transmitting and receiving said information in communication with a host computer (30). The electronic module also has sensor means (14, 20) for detecting a changed physical condition of the packaging and for signaling information representing said changed physical condition to the electronic module (12) to be stored in the memory means together with a notation of time from the time keeping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Cypak AB
    Inventors: Jakob Ehrensvärd, Stina Ehrensvärd, Leif Eriksson, Fredrik Einberg
  • Patent number: 7170410
    Abstract: A sensor device includes: a housing; a sensor element embedded in the tip end of the housing, the sensor element having on one side face thereof a magnetically sensitive surface that faces a side of the housing and having a pair of terminal plates extending from a side face that is opposite to the magnetically sensitive surface; and a cord electrically connected to the two terminal plates and extending from a rear part of the housing. The housing is die-molded so as to embed therein a holder formed as a single member from a synthetic resin, the sensor element which is held by the holder in a state in which the two terminal plates are formed so as to have a bent portion bent in a substantially U-shaped form and connected to the sensor element and a flat plate portion extending along a plane intersecting the sensor element and connected to the bent portion, and part of the cord which is electrically connected to the flat plate portion of the two terminal plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Kenjirou Matsumoto, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7170411
    Abstract: A method of and system for rapidly locating all passive underground electronic marker types in an area under survey may locate various marker types simultaneously. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a marker locator may sequentially transmit and receive multiple frequencies very quickly; alternatively, the transmitter may transmit a broadband signal on multiple frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Tempo Research Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Thompson, William C. Wood
  • Patent number: 7170412
    Abstract: An object location system and method is provided for locating objects. The system includes an RFID reader, an angle calculator, and a distance calculator to determine which of a plurality of zones an object is located in or passing through. An RFID tag is affixed with the object that is to be located. The RFID reader transmits signals to the RFID tag and receives backscatter-modulated signals from the RFID tag at one or more RFID antennas. From those received signals, the angle calculator determines an angle of position of the RFID tag relative to the RFID antenna. From the angle of position the zone in which the object is located is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Knox, Raj Bridgelall, Mark William Duron, Richard T. Knadle, Jr., James Joseph Bender
  • Patent number: 7170413
    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: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Visible Assets, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Waterhouse, Christopher W. Verge, Michael J. Vandenberg, Kenneth Truong, John K. Stevens, Jason August
  • Patent number: 7170414
    Abstract: Methods of operation of a data reader and security tag deactivation system whereby a data reader such as a barcode scanner is equipped with EAS deactivation coils or modules disposed in the vicinity of the read volume or generally proximate thereto and the system is operable to permit reading of the ID tag (such as the barcode label) on an item, and upon a successful read, the deactivation unit is operable to (1) sense the presence of an EAS tag; (2) if presence of an EAS tag is sensed, energize the deactivation coil/module to deactivate the EAS tag; and (3) sense if the EAS tag is deactivated. If the EAS tag is sensed to have been deactivated, the system signals as such and a next item may be scanned. If the EAS tag is sensed to have not been deactivated, the system proceeds to alternate operational steps to handle the exception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignees: PSC Scanning, Inc., Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Harold C. Clifford, Douglas Allen Drew, Alan Jackson Guess, Robert F. Kortt, Bruce E. Paris, Nicolas N. Tabet
  • Patent number: 7170415
    Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a facestock and a liner. The facestock includes an RFID circuit with an operating parameter, and the liner is releasably attached to the facestock such that when the liner is detached from the facestock, the operating parameter of the RFID circuit is desirably modified. The RFID tag may be configured so that the operating parameter that is modified is, for example, a read range or a propagation direction. The RFID circuit may include an RFID chip and an antenna, and the liner may include an electrical element that modifies a read range of the RFID circuit when the liner is attached to the facestock. More specifically, the electrical element may electrically couple with the antenna when the liner is attached to the facestock, thereby reducing the read range of the circuit. When the liner is removed, the antenna is decoupled from the electrical element and thereby enabled to operate at another read range, i.e., a specified operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Ian James Forster
  • Patent number: 7170416
    Abstract: Device to deliver an alarm signal upon detection of a gravitational wave generated by a body falling into a swimming pool, using a differential detector that includes a comparison device for comparing a sensitivity threshold value to the value of the electrical signal received, and to deliver an alarm signal when the received electrical signal exceeds the sensitivity threshold value. The electrical signal resulting from the detected waves is delivered to a comparator and allows a programmed microprocessor to deliver variable-width pulses to the input of the comparator so as to reduce the sensitivity of the device when the device detects an atmospheric disturbance. The microprocessor triggers the alarm when the width of the output pulses from the comparator is larger than a predetermined critical reference and when the frequency F of the analogue electrical signal lies between two predetermined values F1 and F2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: F and F International SARL
    Inventors: Francois Philippe, Philippe Montaron
  • Patent number: 7170417
    Abstract: A decorative cover for smoke detectors and like devices mounted on a wall or ceiling provides a cover member of a generally opaque material approximately the shape of the device it is covering and somewhat larger than the device to be covered. The cover is provided with a plurality of connector resilient legs fixed to the inside of the cover and extending towards the device to be covered in the pattern to engage selected distributed points of engagement. Cam surfaces on the ends of the resilient legs are position to laterally deflect the respective legs when they contact the distributed points of engagement. Forces imposed by the resilience of the legs while deflected are directed in opposition to one another to maintain frictional engagement at respective points of engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory Gamble
  • Patent number: 7170418
    Abstract: A multi-criteria event detection system, comprising a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is capable of detecting a signature characteristic of a presence of an event and providing an output indicating the same. A processor for receiving each output of the plurality of sensors is also employed. The processor includes a probabilistic neural network for processing the sensor outputs. The probabilistic neural network comprises a nonlinear, nor-parametric pattern recognition algorithm that operates by defining a probability density function for a plurality of data sets that are each based on a training set data and an optimized kernel width parameter. The plurality of data sets includes a baseline, non-event, first data set; a second, event data set; and a third, nuisance data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Susan Rose-Pehrsson, Ronald E Schaffer, Daniel T Gottuk, Sean J Hart, Mark H Hammond
  • Patent number: 7170419
    Abstract: A remote key entry system has a key unit and an answerback sound producing device. The key unit transmits a radio signal for remote-controlled locking and unlocking of a vehicle. The answerback sound producing device receives the key signal to indicate completion of correct locking or unlocking of the vehicle. The remote key entry system includes an environmental data sensing devices for obtaining data of an environment around the vehicle for control of the answerback sound. The system also has an answerback sound control device for controlling at least one of sound volume and tone of the answerback sound based on the environment data. The environmental data sensing device is an illumination sensing device for detecting environmental illuminance around the vehicle. The answerback sound control device varies the sound volume proportional to the illuminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Masui
  • Patent number: 7170420
    Abstract: A control stick-shaped, programmable TV remote control device fixed to a base, including a infrared diode and circuitry for transmitting control signals to a television, VCR, or DVD. The ergonomic design provides a plurality of conveniently located switches for single handed control of a television, including a five position thumb switch controlling TV volume up, volume down, mute, channel up, and channel down. The quick access control stick switches may be user programmable. A microprocessor retains user selected and programmed television channels that are sequentially accessed by an index-finger trigger switch. Infrequently used television controls, such as picture quality adjustments, are located on a television control panel on the base. Similarly, VCR and DVD controls are also located on a control panel on the base. Batteries, mounted within the fixed base, provide weight to keep the remote control upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: James Phifer
  • Patent number: 7170421
    Abstract: In one aspect of this invention, a control unit generates a frame having control data, and transmits it to a controlled apparatus via a transmission/reception unit or the like at a predetermined priority. In the controlled apparatus, a transmission/reception unit receives the frame, and a control unit analyzes it to generate a predetermined signal on the basis of the analysis result. The signal is output to a driving system or the like via an external I/O or the like. The controlled apparatus generates a response frame and transmits it to the control apparatus. In the control apparatus, the control unit analyzes the contents of the response frame, and a predetermined display is provided on the LED of an output unit on the basis of the analysis result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fujisoft ABC Inc.
    Inventor: Takanobu Iseki
  • Patent number: 7170422
    Abstract: The present invention is a personal programmable universal remote control apparatus comprising an input module receptive of command sets operable to control devices. The apparatus further comprises an interface module receptive of manual input from a user, and an organization module operable to organize the command sets into groups based on the manual input. The apparatus further comprises an output module operable to communicate commands to the devices based on the groups. According to one aspect, the groups are operable to define operating conditions for interrelated devices based on at least one of user preference and intelligence regarding device interactions. According to another aspect, the groups are operable to define a command sequence operable to perform an action requiring one or more devices that involves use of multiple commands of the associated command sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terence J. Nelson, Junichi Kanai
  • Patent number: 7170423
    Abstract: An electromagnetic telemetry system for transmitting data from a downhole assembly, which is operationally attached to a drill string, to a telemetry receiver system. The data are typically responses of one or more sensors disposed within the downhole assembly. A downhole transmitter induces a signal current within the drill string. The signal current is modulated to represent the transmitted data. Induced signal current is measured directly with the telemetry receiver system. The telemetry receiver system includes a transformer that surrounds the path of the current, and an electromagnetic current receiver. The transformer preferably comprises a toroid that responds directly to the induced signal current. Output from the transformer is input to an electromagnetic current receiver located remote from the downhole assembly and typically at the surface of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford Canada Partnership
    Inventors: MacMillan Wisler, Wu Jian-Qun, Denis Weisbeck
  • Patent number: 7170424
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus is provided for supplying power and communications within a first piping structure. An external power transfer device is positioned around the first piping structure and is magnetically coupled to an internal power transfer device. The internal power transfer device is positioned around a second piping structure disposed within the first piping structure. A main surface current flowing on the first piping structure induces a first surface current within the external power transfer device. The first surface current causes a second surface current to be induced within the internal power transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Robert Rex Burnett, William Mountjoy Savage, Frederick Gordon Carl, Jr., John Michele Hirsch
  • Patent number: 7170425
    Abstract: The present invention enables multiple operating territories to be defined, named, and managed within a meter reading system. Each operating territory may correspond to a geographic sub-section of the meter reading system that is regulated by a particular regulatory agency. Each operating territory may be assigned a set of time of use (TOU) schedules required by its corresponding regulatory agency. The set of TOU schedules assigned to each operating territory may be stored in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLC
    Inventors: Russell G. Christopher, Raymond Kelley, Dileep Rudran, Susane K. Nemecz
  • Patent number: 7170426
    Abstract: A system and method for proximity control of a barrier comprises a stationary wireless signal receiving device and a mobile transmitting device. The wireless signal receiving device may monitor at least one transmitting device within a predetermined coverage area and may be a radio frequency receiver or a spread spectrum receiver located near the barrier. In one embodiment, the transmitter device emits a control signal that is received by the receiving device when the transmitter is within a reception range. In one embodiment, the control signal includes transmitter identification information, directional information and position information. In another embodiment, the barrier is closed only after a predetermined delay has lapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Gallen Ka Leung Tsui, Philip Y. W. Tsui
  • Patent number: 7170427
    Abstract: A remote controller includes a casing, a support seat, an actuator, and a control circuit. The support seat has a base, and a post that extends from the base and into the casing and that is pivoted to the casing so as to permit the casing to be tiltable relative to the support seat from a horizontal position to an inclined position. The actuator is mounted on the post within the casing. The control circuit is mounted in the casing, and is co-tiltable with the casing relative to the actuator in such a manner that the control circuit is actuated by the actuator when the casing is disposed at the inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Chang Hsu
  • Patent number: 7170428
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device and a method of managing a virtual keyboard of the electronic device. The device comprises a touch pad (106), a processing unit (600) and a feedback unit (612), which provides tactile feedback unit (612) for the user. The processing unit (600) is configured to determine a virtual keyboard (104) for the touch pad (106) and a tactile appearance of the keyboard (104), receive information generated by the pressing of a keyboard (104) key and identify the key that was pressed on the basis of the information. The processing unit (600) is further configured to collect information on the key presses and carry out an analysis of them, and re-determine the tactile appearance of the keyboard (104) on the basis of the collected information and the analysis carried out so as to make the keyboard more ergonomic for the user, which makes it easier to use the keyboard (104) and/or the pressing of a wrong key less likely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Johan Himberg, Jani Mäntyjärvi, Jonna Häkkilä, Turo Keski-Jaskari, Roope Takala
  • Patent number: 7170429
    Abstract: The present invention provides a keypad having a plurality of keys, each having a predetermined function for a respective plurality of selective operations. An indicating arrangement is provided for identifying a selected one of the plurality of keys. As a special feature of the present invention, the indicating arrangement can include one or more virtual keys, selectively programmable to emulate the predetermined function of one or more of the plurality of keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: George Koppich
  • Patent number: 7170430
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that permits a user, using the fingers of a single hand, to produce defined outputs such as generating characters for text input and executing commands. In a data processing system having plural input detectors, the invention comprises permitting the user to perform sequential gestures with the fingers of one hand to produce the defined outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Goodgoll
  • Patent number: 7170431
    Abstract: Disclosed is a data transmitting circuit and a method based on a differential value data encoding to reduce a data transmitting time by transmitting an encoded differential value. The circuit comprises an encoder for encoding and outputting a differential value between a currently transmitted data value and a previously transmitted data value, wherein the encoder inverts a phase of one output signal among 2n(namely, N)-output signals in response to n-bit input value and outputs an encoded data value; and a decoder for decoding the output value of the encoder and restoring the original data value, wherein the decoder restores the original data value by adding an output value from the encoder and the previous original data value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications (GIST)
    Inventors: Eun-Gu Jung, Jeong-Gun Lee, Dong-Soo Har
  • Patent number: 7170432
    Abstract: An arrangement for generating addresses for interleaving/de-interleaving sequences (X1, X2, X3, . . . , XK) including a given number (K) of items, wherein each value for said given number (K) identifies a corresponding set of interleaving parameters (R, C, p, v). The arrangement has at least one memory unit wherein a plurality of records are stored, each record being indicative of a respective set of parameters (R, C, p, v) corresponding to at least one value for said given number (K). Sets of interleaving parameters (R, C, p, v) are thus available in the memory unit to be promptly and directly retrieved for all possible values of said given number of items (K). A preferred use is in turbo encoders/decoders for advanced telecommunications applications such as UMTS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Telecom Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Donato Ettorre
  • Patent number: 7170433
    Abstract: A system and method for converting analog signals to digital signals minimize the latency of the analog to digital conversion for real-time systems. The conversion system and method implements the hardware of an analog to digital converter input/output (I/O) board and a software-based I/O-driver in an expansion bus. The hardware of the ADC I/O board executes free-running conversion of an analog signal into digital form and stores the converted values in a first level of a buffer having two levels. Previously stored converted values are pushed to the second level of the buffer when a new value is written to the first level. The I/O driver then retrieves stored values from the second level of the buffer when needed by the real-time system and gates the buffer to prevent pushing during retrieval of values from the second level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Mathworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Vetsch
  • Patent number: 7170434
    Abstract: A look-ahead delta sigma modulator reduces and simplifies the computations used to generate quantizer output values. Superposition can be applied to a loop filter response of the look-ahead delta sigma modulator. By superposition, the complete loop filter response for each output candidate vector equals the difference between a forced pattern response and a natural input signal response. The forced pattern response of the loop filter can be determined from the response to each output candidate vector with an input signal set to zero and loop filter state variables initially set to zero when determining the loop filter response for each output candidate vector. The natural input signal response of the loop filter can be determined from the response to each input signal vector with feedback data set to zero. The forced pattern response is independent of the input signal data and can be determined once for all input signal vectors Xt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Patent number: 7170435
    Abstract: Binary indications are converted to an analog representation with significant reduction in ringing at the transitions between successive binary indications and in the period during each binary indication. The binary indications are disposed in a row-and-column matrix to provide a thermometer code. Each stage of the converter includes a decoder and latch arranged so the decoder inputs settle before the latch is set by the clock pulses. The stages are implemented in complementary CMOS. Complementary transistors are biased so one transistor of the pair is driven to the rail while the other transistor of the pair floats. A dummy CMOS transistor is used to balance the number of transistors in the decoder paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Klaas Bult, Chi-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7170436
    Abstract: A High-speed Current Mode Analog to Digital Converter is disclosed. The ADC is high-speed, yet is manufacturable at a relatively low cost. The device processes an analog signal through a plurality of successive approximation ADC subcircuits cooperatively arranged to operate in parallel, time-interleaved fashion. The ADC subcircuits operate in current mode rather than voltage mode in order to further accelerate their operations and provide lower cost. Finally, the SDC subcircuits each employ a novel current mode digital-to-analog converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Symwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Ye
  • Patent number: 7170437
    Abstract: A two-bit offset canceling A/D converter with improved common mode rejection and threshold sensitivity for use in GPS receivers. A device in accordance with the present invention comprises a level shifter, the level shifter receiving a positive signal and a negative signal, the level shifter shifting the positive signal and the negative signal such that a difference between the positive signal and the negative signal is larger than a threshold value, and a comparator, coupled to the level shifter, the comparator providing as outputs of the comparators a sign bit and two magnitude bits wherein the comparator comprises a plurality of switched capacitor amplifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: u-Nav Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Rabih Makarem, Kwai-Kwong K. Lam
  • Patent number: 7170438
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a decision feedback equalizer helps mitigate intersymbol interference in a bi-directional signaling environment. In the particular embodiment, the decision feedback equalizer includes a voltage-to-current converter to source a received differential current to first and second node, a latch to provide logic signal when comparing currents sourced to the first and second nodes, a memory unit to store the logic signals, and a mapping circuit to source first and second feedback currents to the first and second nodes. This embodiment further includes a transmitter to transmit data over a transmission line during receiving, and a digital-to-analog converter to provide a differential current to the first and second nodes to substantially cancel that part of the received differential currents contributed by the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Jaussi, Bryan K. Casper
  • Patent number: 7170439
    Abstract: A self-calibration circuit for capacitance mismatch is provided. The circuit comprises a sample-and-hold (S/H) circuit, a comparator, and a switch control circuit. The S/H circuit comprises a compensation capacitor array, a target capacitor, and a reference capacitor. The S/H circuit provides an output voltage, wherein the output voltage is an operation result based on the capacitance of the target capacitor and the reference capacitor, and the equivalent capacitance of the compensation capacitor array. The comparator provides a comparison signal according to whether the output voltage of the S/H circuit is positive or negative. The switch control circuit controls the equivalent capacitance of the array according to the comparison signal such that the result of the target capacitance added to the equivalent capacitance of the array gradually approximates the reference capacitance with each cycle of a clock signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Prolific Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Hsuan-Fan Chen
  • Patent number: 7170440
    Abstract: A FM-CW radar system comprises a frequency modulated continuous wave digital generator that produces both in-phase (I) and quadrature-phase (Q) outputs to orthogonally oriented transmitter antennas. A linearly polarized beam is output from a switched antenna array that allows a variety of I-and-Q pairs of bowtie antennas to be alternately connected to the transmitter and receiver. The receiver inputs I-and-Q signals from another bowtie antenna in the array and mixes these with samples from the transmitter. Such synchronous detection produces I-and-Q beat frequency products that are sampled by dual analog-to-digital converters (ADC's). The digital samples receive four kinds of compensation, including frequency-and-phase, wiring delay, and fast Fourier transform (FFT). The compensated samples are then digitally converted by an FFT-unit into time-domain signals. Such can then be processed conventionally for range information to the target that has returned the FM-CW echo signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: LandRay Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick L. Beckner
  • Patent number: 7170441
    Abstract: This invention is a system and method of locating a target using distributed antenna. The antenna consists of several receiving elements in known locations. At least one of the receiving elements is also a transmitter and transmits an interrogation signal to a target. The return signal from the target is received by a plurality of receiving elements and the target's position is calculated using the time of arrivals of the reply signal and the round trip delay between the transmission of the interrogation signal and the reception of the subsequent reply signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sensis Corporation
    Inventors: Elyahu Perl, Michael J Gerry
  • Patent number: 7170442
    Abstract: A passive millimeter wave imaging system that includes at least one millimeter wave frequency scanning antenna and multiple beam formers collecting narrow beams of millimeter wave radiation from a two-dimensional field of view. The collected radiation is amplified and separated into bins corresponding to various vertical and horizontal beam orientations. In a preferred embodiment the beam formers include one phase processor and 192 frequency processors. Two dimensional images of a target are obtained by the simultaneous detection of signal power within each beam and converting it into pixel intensity level at a rate of 30 frames per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Trex Enterprises Corp.
    Inventors: John Lovberg, Vladimir Kolinko, Richard Chedester, Stuart E. Clark