Patents Issued in September 11, 2007
  • Patent number: 7268658
    Abstract: A transformer having a leakage inductance control structure includes a primary coil, a secondary coil formed at a selected coil ratio relative to the primary coil to transform voltage and output electric power, and a leakage inductance control coil which is wound on the secondary coil in an insulation manner according to a selected coupling efficiency and electrically connected to the primary coil. Through electromagnetic coupling of the leakage inductance control coil and the secondary coil a power control signal is output and sent to the primary coil to control leakage inductance of the primary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: SPI Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-An Liang, Chia-Jung Tang, Chih-Ming Hu, Ching-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 7268659
    Abstract: A thin film magnetic induction element includes a ferrite substrate, a coil provided across the ferrite substrate and including connection conductors and coil conductors, and terminals provided on perimeter portions of the substrate. Terminals capable of being adversely affected by an induced magnetic flux, such as a VDD terminal, a CGND terminal, an IN terminal, a PVDD terminal, a PGND terminal, an FB terminal, a CE terminal, and an AL terminal are arranged along the Y-direction of the substrate, in which the magnetic flux density is low. Terminals substantially incapable of being adversely affected by an induced magnetic flux are arranged along the X-direction of the substrate, in which the magnetic flux density is high. A micro electric power converter having the thin film magnetic induction element is less susceptible to circuit malfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Device Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Nishio, Yasushi Katayama
  • Patent number: 7268660
    Abstract: A low battery indicating device is disclosed for indicating that a battery has low power. The device includes an indicator having a body movable between a retracted, unactuated position and an extended, actuated position. The indicator is visible when in the actuated position. The device also includes means for biasing the indicator towards the actuated position, and latch means cooperating with a portion of the body of the indicator, when the latch means is in a stop position, to hold the indicator in its unactuated position. The latch means is movable between the stop position and a go position which frees the indicator to move, under operation of the biasing means, to the actuated position. A memory alloy wire is mechanically associated with the latch means so as to leave the latch means in the stop position when the memory alloy wire is in a relaxed state and to move the latch means to the go position when the memory alloy wire is in a contracted state caused by heating of the memory alloy wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Contech Electronics loc.
    Inventors: Gerry Bolda, Paul Johnston, Jordon Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7268661
    Abstract: A composite fuse element includes a network or matrix of conductive material that is in contact and interspersed with arc suppressing materials at a particle level. In such a matrix, the conductive (e.g., metal) network and the arc suppressing material particles provides a large contact surface area between these materials. When the conductive network melts or vaporizes, the resulting conductive vapors are adsorbed into the arc suppressing particles in a short time due to the large contact area between conductive and arc suppressing materials and the short diffusion distance that the conductive vapors are required to travel before they are absorbed by the arc suppressing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: AEM, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang-Ming Li, Liwu Wang, Jeffrey D. Montgomery, Daniel H. Chang
  • Patent number: 7268662
    Abstract: A hydrogen detecting system is characterized by a passive surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. The sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate having a self assembled monolayer arranged on at least a portion of the substrate to create a hydrophobic surface. A palladium nanocluster thin film is deposited on the monolayer and an interdigital SAW transducer is disposed upon the piezoelectric substrate for conversion of an RF signal into an acoustic wave and vice versa. At least one additional SAW element is also disposed on the substrate and spaced from the SAW transducer. The SAW element receives a signal from the SAW transducer and produces a response signal. The response signal is modified by the palladium nanocluster film due to a change in conductivity of the palladium nanocluster film upon exposure to hydrogen. This change in the response signal is measured by an interrogator, and yields a measure of the hydrogen concentration to which the sensor was exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Sensor Research & Development Corporation
    Inventors: Jacqueline H. Hines, Leland P. Solie
  • Patent number: 7268663
    Abstract: A precision AC input voltage divider of input resistance RI and feedback resistance RF on a substrate is printed as a serpentine pattern for a thin line of resistive material. The input resistance is formed between a first and second terminal, and feedback resistance is formed between the second terminal and a third terminal. A first metallic conductor is formed on the substrate, connected to the first terminal, disposed to be adjacent to the input resistance, and having a distributed capacitive coupling to the input resistance that compensates for corresponding distributed stray capacitance from the input resistance to a circuit ground. A second metallic conductor is formed on the substrate, connected to the third terminal, disposed to be adjacent the feedback resistance, and having a distributed capacitive coupling to the feedback resistance that compensates for corresponding distributed stray capacitance from the feedback resistance to the circuit ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvia J. Budak, Joe E. Marriott
  • Patent number: 7268664
    Abstract: In a remote control apparatus, for achieving remote control of an on-vehicle equipment, in accordance with a request received from a terminal other than the on-vehicle equipment, wherein a request receiver portion 101 receives control content from a stationary-type terminal 301 or a portable-type terminal 302, thereby registering it into a control information DB 105, while corresponding it to ID information of a user thereof. Upon receipt of the ID information from the on-vehicle equipment 20, a control information transmitter portion 102 transmits the control information depending upon the control content, being registered in the control information DB 105 corresponding thereto, to the on-vehicle equipment 20. With this, the on-vehicle equipment 20 is controlled in accordance with the control content, which was received from the user in advance, remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., HCX Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuaki Tanaka, Shigeru Matsuo, Kimiyoshi Machii, Michio Morioka, Yoshinori Endo
  • Patent number: 7268665
    Abstract: An anti-theft apparatus including a first memory, which stores an ID code registered in a portable device, a GPS receiver, which determines the present position of the vehicle, a second memory, which stores a predetermined registered position, and a control circuit, which enables registration of the ID code to the first memory when the present position of the vehicle matches the registered position stored in the second memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Osamu Inagaki, Yuuji Shibagaki, Kimitake Takamura
  • Patent number: 7268666
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article delivery receptacle (10) comprising an electronic code lock (11). When delivering articles (8), the delivery person opens the receptacle (10) by entering a delivery code (6) into the electronic code lock (11). During the ordering process, the addressee (1) conveys the required delivery code (6) to the delivery person (9) via the supplier (9) of the ordered articles (8). After the articles (8) are deposited in the receptacle, the receptacle (10) is locked once again so that the articles (8) placed therein are protected from theft. After a successful delivery, the code lock (11) is blocked so that it is no longer possible to open the delivery receptacle (10) using the delivery code (6). The addressee can remove the delivered articles (8) from the receptacle (10) by using an addressee key (12) which only the addressee possesses. After removing the articles (8), the delivery receptacle is enabled once again for receiving subsequent deliveries of articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: Jörg Fassbender, Gerald Weber
  • Patent number: 7268667
    Abstract: A RF transaction device is provided, which is operable to store multiple distinct data sets owned by unrelated data set owners, wherein the distinct data sets may include differing formats. The method includes the steps of: adding, by a read/write, a first data set to the RF transaction device, wherein the first data set is owned by a first owner; adding, by the read/write device, a second data set to the RF transaction device, wherein the second data set is owned by a second owner; and storing the first data set and the second data set on the RF transaction device in accordance with an owner defined format. The first and second data sets may each be stored as a Block of Binary. The first and second data sets are associated with first and second owners, respectively, and are configured to be stored independent of each other and in accordance with the particular data set storage protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Blayn W. Beenau, Michal Bliman, David S. Bonalle, Joshua L. Montgomery, Peter D. Saunders, John R. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7268668
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing a plurality of data sets on a financial transaction instrument configured to facilitate performing a financial transaction. A first data set owner and a second data set owner are enrolled in a multiple account management program. A first data set owned by a first data set owner and of a first format is added to a database on the financial transaction instrument. A second data set of a second format is added to the database. The second data set is owned by a second data set owner, distinct from the first data set owner, and the second format is different from the first format. A condition header identifying a status condition is added to at least one of the first and second data sets. At least one of the first and second data sets is modified in the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Blayn W. Beenau, Michal Bliman, David S. Bonalle, Joshua L. Montgomery, Peter D. Saunders, John R. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7268669
    Abstract: The specification shows a personal sensory reduction system for limiting light and sound to a wearer's eyes and ears. A method for reducing the light and sound to eyes and ears is also shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Michael McEvoy
  • Patent number: 7268670
    Abstract: A power line communications technique (PLC) is disclosed which allows communications across any three phase electric system by modulating the impedance through earth between any two points of differing voltage on the electrical system in order to use the power supply as the communications power source thereby using the power supply current as the communications carrier. No additional coupled communications source is required and modulation of an earth link current at the power frequency is especially suitable for remote electrical loads, such as an oil well electric submersible pump, where it is most cost effective to only have the three power conductors and no neutral nor signal wires in the power cable. Embodiments of the invention are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Autonomous Well Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Patrick Robertson
  • Patent number: 7268671
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an audible alarm signal. The method and apparatus includes creating a rectangular pulse signal having a desired period and a desired first amplitude, adding a shaped modulation component to the rectangular pulse signal from the desired first amplitude to a desired second amplitude to create a modulating waveform, creating a carrier signal, and combining the carrier signal and the modulating waveform to create the audible alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. McDaniel, David C. Copley, Daniel E. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7268672
    Abstract: There is provided a tactile alarm system for use in environments having a plurality of audio and/or visual alarms each in communication with a detector measuring a predetermined physical property. The system includes one or more tactile alarms each connected to a different person and each configured to provide tactile stimulation to the person when one or more predetermined physical property falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Quentin King
  • Patent number: 7268673
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising a frame part, a PCB (printed circuit board) provided with electronic components, a vibrator electrically connected to said PCB and being fixed in relation to the frame part, and an exchangeable outer cover releasably connected to the frame part. The vibrator is provided with an elastic fitting, and the exchangeable outer cover abuts the elastic fitting when it is mounted on the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Martin Wolff
  • Patent number: 7268674
    Abstract: The inventive dummy load is mounted on the input power cables of a traffic signal while managing the heat load generated by either a resistive and/or capacitive load. Using the inventive dummy load, there is no thermal path back to the light emitting diode (LED) board. The inventive dummy load may be easly installed, removed, or replaced. The dummy load can be retrofit to adapt to a new controller, either by adding to or replacing the dummy load after initial installation or by removing part or all of the dummy load. There is no need to breach the sealed lamp to adjust the dummy load. Thus, field-adjustments can be made. Further, the number of parts required to manufacture lamps for a variety of retrofit applications are reduced, which in turn reduces the cost and complexity of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: GELcore LLC
    Inventors: Christopher L. Bohler, Louis Brunet
  • Patent number: 7268675
    Abstract: To protect vehicle occupants in dangerous situations, the distance of the vehicle to a roadside object, such as a guardrail, etc., is determined and compared to a critical distance. If the actual distance is less than the critical distance, alarm devices are triggered and/or reversible restraining devices are deployed. The critical distance may be determined as a function of the host vehicle velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Schneider, Alfred Kuttenberger, Thorsten Sohnke, Juergen Hoetzel, Michael Schlick
  • Patent number: 7268676
    Abstract: An actuated braking and distance sensing system for operational regulation of belt loader equipment and/or other applicable ground support equipment, wherein the present invention incorporates, among other embodiments, spring-responsive actuated emergency braking and distance sensing systems, emergency braking and distance sensing systems implemented via linear variable displacement transducers, and/or emergency braking and distance sensing systems actuated via sonar, lasers and/or infrared sensors. Structural incorporation of the afore-referenced emergency braking and distance sensing systems within airline ground support equipment, particularly belt loader equipment, seeks to effectively reduce accidental collision of such ground support equipment with parked aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Spencer Irvine
  • Patent number: 7268677
    Abstract: An information processing system for use in a vehicle includes a main body for various operations and a portable device in data communication with the main body. The portable device is installed in front of a seat, and has a speaker system for outputting an audible signal. A virtually created source of the audible signal whose location or direction relative to the driver and other occupants of the vehicle is identified by the information processing system. A sound field localization based on a data processing for the audible signal makes the sound signal heard from the identified direction. Perception of the audible signal from the virtually created source of the audible signal facilitates awareness of a surrounding environment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Enya, Ryoichi Sugawara, Toshiyuki Morishita
  • Patent number: 7268678
    Abstract: A receiving antenna with a rigid directional pattern, that is to say with an anisotropic receiving sensitivity of the receiving antenna, is used for localizing a wheel electronics unit in a wheel of the motor vehicle. Suitable evaluation of the received electromagnetic signals is provided in order to obtain a functionality achieved by way of the displacement or rotation of the directional antenna in the case of prior solutions. In this respect, a level of the received electromagnetic signal is compared with a predefined threshold value. As the result of the comparison, the wheel electronics unit is localized as being arranged in a wheel of the first wheel group or as being arranged in a wheel of the second wheel group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guy-Aymar Chakam, Armin Daiss, Frank Fischer, Herbert Froitzheim, Stefan Hammes, Gregor Kuchler
  • Patent number: 7268679
    Abstract: A rear lighting system for an automobile having the ability to serve several functions and to detect and compensate for burned out or damaged lighting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Alberto Garcia Briz
  • Patent number: 7268680
    Abstract: A tag unit is disclosed. The tag unit comprises of transmitting unit and a banding material coupled to the transmitting unit. A radio frequency and identification (RFID) circuit is coupled to the transmitting unit and the banding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: RF Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wyndham F. Gary, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7268681
    Abstract: A system and method of actuating a remote control access system in a motor vehicle non-invasively detects the occurrence of an event involving an actuation of at least one component of a motor vehicle. A control signal is transmitted to a remote control access system as a result of detecting the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Fitzgibbon
  • Patent number: 7268682
    Abstract: A system for improving the safety of a room occupied by a patient includes a sensor for monitoring when the patient is out of bed. The sensor sends a signal that gives an alert to a care giver that the patient is out of bed. Lights in the room are slowly illuminated to provide light for the patient. A second sensor may sense when the patient has returned to bed and correspondingly dim the lights. The history of the patient being in and out of bed, and of the care giver responding to alerts may be recorded in a log. A programmable micro controller is used to control the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: George Bialecki, Jr., Sudip K. Mazumder
  • Patent number: 7268683
    Abstract: A detector assembly is adapted to be removably secured to a female electrical receptacle connected to a power supply where the female receptacle is mounted at a surface of a structure. The detector apparatus includes a housing and an electrically powered circuit mounted in the housing. The circuit includes components operable to detect an alarm condition (such as carbon monoxide or smoke) and to provide an alarm in response to the detection. A primary power source includes a male electrical connector secured to the housing and extending outwardly there from. A secondary power source includes a battery connector mounted within the housing and adapted to removably receive a battery contained within the housing. The circuit is adapted to draw power from the secondary source in the event of a detected loss of power from the primary source. The apparatus includes a sensor for sensing displacement of the housing from the female electrical receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Walter Kiddle Portable Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Andres, Stan Burnette, Joseph G. Deluca, Travis Silver
  • Patent number: 7268684
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) workstation reader for RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays and a method of using a RFID workstation reader to read RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays. The method, apparatus, and system enable individual instruments or a surgical instrument tray containing several surgical instruments to be quickly and efficiently inventoried and tracked. An instrument or instrument tray is placed on the workstation reader. An RF field generated by a plurality of antennae, causes RFID tags embedded in or attached to the instrument or instrument tray to emit a signal containing item specific identification information stored in the tags. The information is received by a control circuit and passed to a computer for data analysis. A status LED is illuminated on the workstation reader based on the results of the data analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Tethrake, Robert Varner, Jeffrey H. Nycz
  • Patent number: 7268685
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag, used in a radio frequency identification system, includes an antenna unit for receiving an external magnetic wave to generate an induced current; a driving voltage generating unit for converting the induced current into a constant voltage and outputting the constant voltage; and a state detecting unit for detecting information about a change in an operational state of the driving voltage generating unit. The tag further includes a memory for storing temperature data corresponding to the information about the change in the operational state and data needed for identification; and a controlling unit for reading out, from the memory, the temperature data dependent on the information about the change in the operational state detected by the state detecting unit and the identification data. The read temperature and identification data are transmitted via an antenna unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-wook Kwon, Ja-nam Ku, Il-jong Song, Young-hoon Min
  • Patent number: 7268686
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for communicating with an RFID tag is provided that includes: a capacitive encoder adapted for placement in proximity of the RFID tag and operable to transmit a first operating signal to the RFID tag for communicating with the RFID tag; wherein the capacitive encoder is further operable to transmit to the RFID tag a second operating signal adapted to excite the RFID tag such that RF radiations from the RFID tag to adjacent RFID tags are nullified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Printronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Lihu M. Chiu
  • Patent number: 7268687
    Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags include compensating elements. The compensating elements enhance the operation of a compensated RFID tag, even when in close proximity to other RFID tags, whether the other tags are compensated or uncompensated. The compensating elements can include a closed loop of conductive material added to a RFID tag antenna. The conductive loop compensates the RFID tag performance when multiple RFID tags are in close proximity, keeping the frequency response of the assembled group of tags substantially centered near the operating frequency of the RFID system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William C. Egbert, Thomas Herdtle
  • Patent number: 7268688
    Abstract: A transceiver for reading RFID tags has a ferrite core antenna substantially circular in cross-section having a transmitting and receiving face producing substantially no RF energy below a plane of the transmitting and receiving face outside a peripheral surface of the ferrite core. A portion of the transceiver enclosure which passes through a mounting panel opening functions as light pipe for conducting LED indicator light in a substantially radially symmetrical manner to illuminate a sensing surface of the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: IDX, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Juds
  • Patent number: 7268689
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of warning signs intended to alert one of presence of an animal and intruder deterrence. More specifically, the invention integrates an adjustable motion detector, a warning sign, a light source aimed at the warning sign, an audio announcement and a replica of an animal or other image with another light source for its illumination. The motion detector senses the presence of a person and sends an activation signals to the audio and light sources. The first light source illuminates the warning sign, while the second light source illuminates the replica of an animal or other warning image, adding a sense of a realistic warning to a casual passer-by and a threat to the intruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: John A. Sulaver
  • Patent number: 7268690
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing and a passive cooling system associated with the housing and being devoid of fans as operable to cool the Ethernet switch. Ethernet switch also includes software operable to perform at least one of the functions selected from the group consisting of multiple spanning, rapid spanning, cluster management and IGMP snooping and querying. According to another embodiment, a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing having a plurality of perforations formed therein for cooling the Ethernet switch. The switch also includes a passive cooling system be devoid of fans and that is operable to cool the Ethernet switch. A temperature sensor is operable to measure a temperature of the Ethernet switch is included as is an alarm software responsive to the temperature sensor and operable to initiate an alarm when a measured temperature of the Ethernet switch exceeds a particular limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen Teresa Nguyen, Manrique J. Brenes, James E. Colinge
  • Patent number: 7268691
    Abstract: An apparatus for gathering weather related information is disclosed, in particular wind related information and rain related information, along with associated methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus may calculate at least one of a wind speed, a wind direction, and a rainfall amounts. The apparatus may include a controller, a sensor, and a communication member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Koors, Andrew R. Baker, Mark C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7268692
    Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring hand propinquity to plural adjacent item locations arranged in a generally two-dimensional array including an illuminator, disposed adjacent a first edge of the two-dimensional array and generating radiation which illuminates a generally planar imaginary curtain disposed in front of the plural adjacent item locations, at least one detector, disposed adjacent the first edge of the array and sensing the radiation reflected from a hand traversing the imaginary curtain generally at any location on the curtain and location determination circuitry responsive to at least one output of the at least one detector for associating a sensed position of the hand with respect to one of the plural adjacent item locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Lumio Inc.
    Inventor: Klony Lieberman
  • Patent number: 7268693
    Abstract: Control of an accessory lighting array for temporary installation on a towed vehicle through the controller area network of a towing vehicle is effected through access to the controller area network over a bus extension, and connection of an accessory controller to the bus extension for decoding network status messages for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Bell, Matthew J. Gumbel
  • Patent number: 7268694
    Abstract: A controlling device having keys actuatable to emit signals to a consumer appliance and a releasable media storage device having data which is readable by the controlling device. At the controlling device at least a subset of the keys of the controlling device are selectively enabled or disabled as a function of the data read from the releasable media storage device. The releasable media storage device thus limits the ability of a user to interact with the consumer appliance via actuation of certain of the subset of keys of the controlling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Universal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Hayes, Robert A. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7268695
    Abstract: A remote control apparatus for a light vehicle having an engine, a movably mounted saddle-type seat, and a storage box positioned below the seat, the remote control apparatus including a portable transmitter and a receiver, wherein the portable transmitter is provided to be carried by a user remotely from the vehicle, and is operable to send signals to the receiver. The receiver is disposed in one of the storage box and the seat so as to be protected from adverse environmental conditions, and receives the signals from the portable transmitter. When a signal received by said receiver is a predetermined ID signal, the remote control system operates to enable at least starting of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Kengo Yano
  • Patent number: 7268696
    Abstract: An electromagnetic borehole telemetry system providing improved signal to noise ratio. Adaptive filters use noise channels as references to remove noise from the signal channel. Directional detectors provide a signal channel with reduced noise content and improved noise channels with reduced signal content. Directional detectors may be magnetometers aligned with the magnetic field, or antennas aligned with the electric field, of signal or noise sources. Alignment may be performed by beam steering of the outputs of a three-channel detector, which may detect both signal and noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Harrison C. Smith, Wallace R. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7268697
    Abstract: A data transmission apparatus having first and second electrical conductors is disclosed. The first and second electrical conductors are disposed within recesses of a first and second complementary surfaces that are magnetically conducting and electrically insulating. The first and second surfaces are in close proximity to each other. The first surface is translatable along the length of the second surface. The first and second electrical conductors are in electromagnetic communication and provide for the transmission of data or power from the first electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor as the first surface overlaps the second surface. The data transmission apparatus may be located in one or more downhole tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, H. Tracy Hall, Jr., Tyson J. Wilde, Paul M. Schramm
  • Patent number: 7268698
    Abstract: A beverage system including a communication means (300) for communicating between a beverage dispensing module (32) and a base station (304). Each beverage-dispersing module (32) includes a controller (76), which is centralized for use with multiple modules (32) or dedicated to an individual module (32). The controller (76) collects information about the module (32) or modules. The controller (76) includes link (302), which connect the controller (76) to the base station (304). The base station (304) includes a means for displaying display (305) and can provide visual auditor or other information about numerous conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Burton L. Hart, John T. Knepler, Kevin G. Lowe, David Wurtzler
  • Patent number: 7268699
    Abstract: A hazard mitigation system to detect an object in a highway-railway grade crossing. A structure is provided that includes a fixed foundation and a surface layer that is cushionably placed above the foundation, such that the structure is located between tracks at the crossing. At least one sensor is mounted between the surface layer and the foundation. This sensor senses the weight of the object upon the surface layer and provides a sensor signal representative of that weight. A control unit receives the sensor signal, processes it to determine whether the object represents a potential hazard, and, if so generates a warning signal. The sensor can particularly include a pressure or strain gage, or a fiber optic sensor. When a fiber optic sensor is employed, it can particularly include a fiber Bragg grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Fibera, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Tsai
  • Patent number: 7268700
    Abstract: A mobile communications device comprising a location sensing system, producing a location output; a memory, storing a set of locations and associated events: a telecommunications device, communicating event and location information between a remote system and said memory; and a processor, processing said location output in conjunction with said stored locations and associated events in memory, to determine a priority thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Steven M. Hoffberg
  • Patent number: 7268701
    Abstract: A portable traffic signalling device comprises a frame on wheels which supports an enclosed occupant compartment arranged to receive an occupant therein. The compartment is pivotal on the frame between an upright deployed position and a transport position lower in elevation than the deployed position. A traffic indicator is supported on the frame for directing vehicular traffic as controlled by the occupant of the compartment. The device permits a human operator to judge how to direct traffic within a safe environment. The use of a portable compartment with traffic indicators is safer than use of conventional flagpersons to temporarily direct traffic as the occupant of the device is less likely to be subject to fatigue and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Bradley S. Rohl
  • Patent number: 7268702
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for flight instruments in an electronic format. The flight instruments may appear in a standard configuration, including both primary flight instruments and secondary flight instruments. The apparatus and methods may also provide some or all of the primary flight instruments in one visual representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Bassam H. Chamas, Joseph S. Nalbach, Ryuichi Yokota
  • Patent number: 7268703
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for marine navigation and course calculation for avoiding preselected conditions. An electronic marine navigation device with marine course calculation capabilities includes a processor connected to a memory that includes cartographic data. A potential waypoint can be identified and a marine route calculation algorithm can be preformed to calculate a course between a first location and the potential waypoint in view of preselected conditions. Performing the marine route calculation algorithm includes analyzing the cartographic data for the area between the first location and the potential waypoint with a preference for providing a course that avoids preselected conditions. A display is connected to the processor and is capable of displaying the calculated course and cartographic data. The device is also adapted to dynamically analyze an area surrounding the first location for preselected conditions and display the results of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrin W. Kabel, Steven J. Myers
  • Patent number: 7268704
    Abstract: An input device in a vehicle and a method for occupant classification, in which an input regarding occupant classification is requested from the driver or some other user. This input is compared with an automatically produced occupant classification, and depending on this comparison a warning is issued, an occupant classification is communicated to the control unit for restraining devices, and/or a new input is requested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Schmied, Frank Mack
  • Patent number: 7268705
    Abstract: A keyboard detects press or release of keys based on laser output which is changed by speckle-modulated self-mixing. Unique targets are attached to keys. As a target is moved into and/or out of the path of a laser, speckling causes light to shine back into the laser's emitting cavity. Variations in laser output are analyzed to identify the key moved and the direction of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Yuan Kong
  • Patent number: 7268706
    Abstract: A transmitter for a data communication system that comprises a transmission line between first and second integrated circuits. An encoder on the first integrated circuit encodes an input data stream to produce a sequence of codewords, wherein codewords in the sequence are members of a set of codewords representing data in the input data stream, and the members of the set are substantially DC balanced, such as a Manchester encoded symbol set. An integrating circuit on the second integrated circuit integrates codewords by integrating for a first interval with a positive polarity within a particular signaling cell, and integrating for a second interval with a negative polarity within the particular signaling cell, to produce output representing the codewords. A sense circuit produces an output data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Rambus, Inc.
    Inventors: William J Dally, John W Poulton
  • Patent number: 7268707
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention allow relatively simple circuits to provide a coding device capable of coding longer bit-length data suitably for disk apparatus and a decoding device capable of decoding the data coded by the coding device. In one embodiment, a coding device comprises: a coder which, based on an M bits code string, produces an (M+1) bits coded string where each of the plural bits which may appear in the M bits code string is limited in run length; a preprocessor which produces an M bits code string by removing (N?M) bits respectively from predefined (N?M) positions of an incoming N bits code string and outputs the M bits code string to the coder; and a postprocessor which produces and outputs an (N+1) bits code string by inserting the (N?M) bits, which are removed by the preprocessor, into predefined (N?M) respective insertion positions of the (M+1) bits coded string output from the coder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Terumi Takashi, Yoshiju Watanabe, Morishi Izumita, Yasuyuki Itou