Patents Issued in December 20, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070290796
    Abstract: Based on a user's instruction, a door control unit drives a door opening/closing motor for a pop-up operation. A door is thereby rotated to a predetermined angle, which is smaller than a fully opened angle. Therefore, even when a user holds stuff in his/her hands, the door can be easily opened up to the predetermined angle. When the door is opened at the predetermined angle, the user can insert a part of his/her body into a gap corresponding to the predetermined angle and then further open the door by pushing the door from the door inside surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentarou Teshima, Kazuhiro Nakashima, Kenichi Ogino
  • Publication number: 20070290797
    Abstract: An access device for a system having at least one lock that is configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the at least one lock and a computer is disposed at a remote location from the at least one lock and the access device. The computer is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device comprises at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the lock over a secondary wireless communications path and wherein the at least one key further is configured as authorized to unlock the at least one lock absent a de-authorizing instruction from the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Harkins, Casey Fale
  • Publication number: 20070290798
    Abstract: An access device is provided for a system that has a plurality of locks that are each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the locks and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device includes at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the locks over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer and wherein the predefined text message provides an indication to the computer as to at least one other key whereto the predefined text message is to be sent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Wayne Floyd Larson, Michael Harkins, Casey Fale, Teri Lynne Briskey, Jerry Switzer
  • Publication number: 20070290799
    Abstract: An access device for a real estate lockbox system that has at least one lock that is configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the at least one lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the at least one lock and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device includes at least one key that is configured to communicate with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the at least one lock over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to radiate a directed beam of electromagnetic energy that has a frequency that is in the visible spectrum and that is usable to illuminate the at least one lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Harkins, Teri Lynne Briskey, Casey Fale
  • Publication number: 20070290800
    Abstract: A method of and a system for using electromagnetic frequency response to identify an unknown individual or authenticate the identity of an individual transmits an electromagnetic signal into a body part of the individual is positioned in a magnetic field. An electromagnetic signal is received from the body part and captured. The frequency spectrum of the captured electromagnetic signal is analyzed to identify, or authenticate the identity of, the individual. Identification is performed by comparing the captured frequency spectrum, or characteristics extracted from the captured frequency spectrum, of the unknown individual to those of known individuals. Authentication is performed by comparing the captured frequency spectrum, or characteristics extracted from the captured frequency spectrum, of an individual to the authentic frequency spectrum, or characteristics extracted from the authentic frequency spectrum, of the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Milton E. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20070290801
    Abstract: A portable, wireless, bi-directional communication system for transmitting visual information about plays and instant messaging between a coach and players during a game comprises a notebook or palm sized computer device with transmitter and receiver, and a wrist sweat band viewing screen with transmitted and receiver, thereby creating an effective, continual flow of information uninterrupted by the difficulty in hearing over a noisy crowd.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Milton Powell
  • Publication number: 20070290802
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product according to one embodiment are provided for calibrating an RFID interrogator. A signal is sent from an interrogator to a calibration device. A backscatter signal is received from the calibration device. The backscatter from the calibration device is analyzed. An outgoing signal strength of the interrogator is adjusted based on the analysis. In a system, method and computer program product according to another embodiment, the interrogator is set to selectively respond to tags returning a backscatter signal strength selected based on the analysis. In a system, method and computer program product according to another embodiment, comparison criteria is selected based on the analysis of the backscatter signal. An RF device is instructed to store the comparison criteria, which is then used by the RF device to selectively respond to an interrogator signal having at least a desired strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Naresh Batra, Heena Nandu
  • Publication number: 20070290803
    Abstract: A system for data synchronization of intermittently connected sensors may include an RFID system and an information management system. The system may also include an application to insure integrity of data retrieved or posted between the RFID system and the information management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Arun Ayyagari, Kevin Y. Ung, Marc R. Matsen, Karl L. Johnson, David B. Blackwell, William P. Coop
  • Publication number: 20070290804
    Abstract: The invention includes a first antenna section, a second antenna section, a transmitting signal generating section configured to generate a predetermined transmitting signal for a wireless tag, a transmitting section configured to transmit the transmitting signal generated by the transmitting signal generation section from the first antenna section, and a receiving section configured to receive a response signal from the wireless tag through the second antenna section. Furthermore, the invention is constituted to include an error detecting section configured to detect a predetermined error in the response signal sent from the wireless tag and received by the antenna section, and an antenna switching section configured to carry out switching for receiving the response signal sent from the tag through the first antenna section and transmitting the predetermined transmitting signal through the second antenna section based on a result of the detection obtained by the error detecting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshinori KOMESU
  • Publication number: 20070290805
    Abstract: To perform communication between an antenna and an RFID tag securely. There are generated an interference area with an increased electric field level and an interference area with a decreased level, due to reflections at the upper and lower reflection plates. There are two reflective faces in each reflection plate, which are joined while being shifted from each other by 1/4 wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. Since the two reflective faces are being shifted, the interference area with a decreased electric field level moves on a production line according to a move of a dolly transporting the article. Thus, even if the RFID tag on the article passes through the interference area with a decreased electric field level in a first-half section, it comes to pass the point with recovered electric field level in a latter-half section. Therefore, the antenna can communicate with the RFID tag securely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Shigeru Hatakeyama, Shigeru Yamazaki, Hiroki Murayama, Koichi Hirano
  • Publication number: 20070290806
    Abstract: The present invention includes phase shifters, interrogators, methods of shifting a phase angle of a signal, and methods of operating an interrogator. One aspect of the present invention provides a phase shifter including a first power divider configured to receive a signal and provide plural quadrature components of the signal; plural mixers coupled with the first power divider and configured to scale the quadrature components using a phase shift angle; and a second power divider coupled with the mixers and configured to combine the scaled quadrature components to shift the phase angle of the input signal by the phase shift angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Roy Greeff, David Ovard
  • Publication number: 20070290807
    Abstract: Remote communication devices, radio frequency identification devices, wireless communication systems, wireless communication methods, radio frequency identification device communication methods, and methods of forming a remote intelligent communication device are provided. According to one aspect, a remote intelligent communication device includes communication circuitry configured to at least one of receive communication signals and generate communication signals; and an antenna coupled with the communication circuitry and substantially tuned to a plurality of frequencies, the antenna being configured to communicate wireless signals corresponding to the communication signals including at least one of receiving wireless signals and outputting wireless signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Freddie Smith, Dirgha Khatri
  • Publication number: 20070290808
    Abstract: The present invention provides backscatter interrogators, communication systems and backscatter communication methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a backscatter interrogator includes a data path configured to communicate a data signal; a signal generator configured to generate a carrier signal; and a modulator coupled with the data path and the signal generator, the modulator being configured to spread the data signal to define a spread data signal and amplitude modulate the carrier signal using the spread data signal, the modulator being further configured to phase modulate the carrier signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: David Ovard, Roy Greeff
  • Publication number: 20070290809
    Abstract: The present invention provides backscatter interrogators, communication systems and backscatter communication methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a backscatter interrogator includes a data path configured to communicate a data signal; a signal generator configured to generate a carrier signal; and a modulator coupled with the data path and the signal generator, the modulator being configured to spread the data signal to define a spread data signal and amplitude modulate the carrier signal using the spread data signal, the modulator being further configured to phase modulate the carrier signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: David Ovard, Roy Greeff
  • Publication number: 20070290810
    Abstract: The present invention provides backscatter interrogators, communication systems and backscatter communication methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a backscatter interrogator includes a data path configured to communicate a data signal; a signal generator configured to generate a carrier signal; and a modulator coupled with the data path and the signal generator, the modulator being configured to spread the data signal to define a spread data signal and amplitude modulate the carrier signal using the spread data signal, the modulator being further configured to phase modulate the carrier signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: David Ovard, Roy Greeff
  • Publication number: 20070290811
    Abstract: A method of adjusting the 2-way communication range of an RFID system to assist a human operator to individually handle and interrogate a plurality of tagged objects, such as suitcases, that each include an RFID tag transceiver. An RFID interrogator transceiver is mounted on the human operator. The 2-way communication range between the interrogator transceiver and the tag transceivers is adjusted to only slightly exceed the closest distance between the interrogator and the tag while the operator is handling the tagged object. Preferably, the 2-way communication range is short enough that other tagged objects will remain outside the communication range and will not respond to messages from the interrogator. Another aspect of the invention is a method of verifying whether an object to be transported has reached its intended destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: John Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20070290812
    Abstract: The present application describes an electronically powered postage stamp or mailing label and including a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and system mounted between the opposing and facing major surfaces thereof. The RFID device and system includes an integrated circuit transceiver chip which is connected to and powered by a thin flat battery cell and is operated with a thin film RF antenna, all of which are mounted in side-by-side relationship on a thin base or support layer. These thin flat components are mounted in an essentially two dimensional planar configuration well suited for incorporation into the planar structure of a postage stamp or a mailing label. In addition, the RFID transceiver chip may be replaced with an electro-optically operated IC chip using, for example, LEDs or laser diodes for the propagation of light signals to an interrogator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: John Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20070290813
    Abstract: A wireless communication system includes an interrogator including a housing including circuitry configured to generate a forward link communication signal; communication circuitry configured to communicate the forward link communication signal; and a communication station remotely located with respect to the housing and configured to receive the forward link communication signal from the communication circuitry and to radiate a forward link wireless signal corresponding to the forward link communication signal; and at least one remote communication device configured to receive the forward link wireless signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: David Ovard, Roy Greeff
  • Publication number: 20070290814
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless power feeding system which achieves a configuration enabling effective reception of electrical energy wirelessly transmitted from a wireless power feeding device, and which contributes to the improvement of the power reception efficiency. For the above purpose, the wireless power feeding system includes a power transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting the electrical energy, a power supply connected to the power transmitting coil, a control unit for controlling the power supply, a power receiving coil portion for receiving the electrical energy transmitted from the power transmitting coil, a power receiving circuit for supplying a load member with the electrical energy received by a power receiving coil, and a magnetic member for collecting a magnetic flux generated by the power transmitting operation of the power transmitting coil to the power receiving coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20070290815
    Abstract: A method and system for enabling a user to customize tag structures for read/write RFID tags to address specific business needs is provided. An initial tag structure tailored to the user's basic needs is provided initially. Also provided is an RFID enhancement guide attachment having, for example, guidelines, syntaxes, and examples for tag structure definition, which the user may utilize to modify or override at least some portions of the provided initial tag structure. A mapping engine may interpret and map to tag objects on an RFID tag based on the customized tag structure to facilitate performance of reading, writing, and other activities associated with the tag objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Delis
  • Publication number: 20070290816
    Abstract: A novel portable food pantry is disclosed comprised of a cooler portion with an insulated body for the storage of foods, including drink storage, nutritional supplement storage and/or vitamin storage. The portable food pantry of the present invention may also include storage for medication and medical supplies. The portable food pantry of the present invention is used in conjunction with a method for providing multiple meals in accordance with a food plan for a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: William Bedard
  • Publication number: 20070290817
    Abstract: A timing pillow with multiple alerting abilities is disclosed, which is substantially a pillow having an accommodating space receiving a wireless receiving unit of a timing apparatus, the wireless receiving unit being arranged with various alerting devices therein while being enabled to receive signals of a wireless transmitting unit of the timing apparatus and generate a plurality of alerting signals accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Yung-Ching Huang
  • Publication number: 20070290818
    Abstract: In order to transmit information relating to vehicle or vehicle component testing or monitoring at a test site, the test information is processed for example in a computer memory and the resulting image signal is sent via a transmission medium to a remote terminal where it is reconstructed. As a result only the image signal is sent requiring reduced bandwidth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: RICARDO UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Simon Poskett, Ian Clarke, David Clark, Dean Garland, Stuart King, Alex Marshall, Ross Peters, Martin Pointer
  • Publication number: 20070290819
    Abstract: When searching of a location of a vehicle is commanded, a vehicle search signal is transmitted from a portable device. The vehicle search signal includes an ID code of the portable device. When a vehicle side communication unit receives the valid ID code, the vehicle side communication unit transmits a vehicle side response signal to the portable device. The portable device computes a distance from the portable device to the vehicle based on a signal level of the received vehicle side response signal. A notifying device notifies the computed distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kentarou Teshima, Kazuhiro Nakashima, Kenichi Ogino
  • Publication number: 20070290820
    Abstract: A secondary brake light illumination circuit useful for storing excess power applied to a primary vehicle brake light illumination circuit during activation thereof and subsequently selectively discharging stored power to secondary illumination devices to provide a temporary decorative or informational display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: James Flesch
  • Publication number: 20070290821
    Abstract: A side alarm for vehicles has a post mounted in a front side of the vehicle; and at least one monitor mounted on the post. In usage, the monitor can be pivoted manually and is connected to a screen in the vehicle. When the monitor is switched on, the monitor can shoot the scene outside of the vehicle. The scene of the monitor is transferred to display on the screen in the vehicle so that a driver can monitor the road condition by the screen to avoid the car accident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Shun-Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20070290822
    Abstract: The present invention provides a warning apparatus for an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an air pressure sensor mounted on a side of the vehicle. This sensor provides an indication which is a function of sensed local air pressure. A connection mechanism is provided between the sensor and an indicator which provides an indication of the pressure to a driver of the vehicle. The pressure sensor thus provides an indication, alert, warning or indicator with respect to the closeness of a passing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Allen Gerber
  • Publication number: 20070290823
    Abstract: A driving assistance system may include a device for obtaining an image of an area behind and next to the present vehicle, the area including a lane other than the present lane; a device for displaying the obtained image so that it is visible to the driver; and a device for superimposing a mark on the image, which indicates degree of danger with respect to another vehicle running on the other lane when the present vehicle enters the other lane. The system may include a mirror for reflecting such an area behind and next to the present vehicle in a manner such that the area is visible to a driver of the present vehicle; and a device for displaying a mark on the mirror, wherein the mark indicates a degree of danger with respect to another vehicle running on the other lane when the present vehicle enters the other lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Watanabe, Kei Oshida, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, Yoichi Sugimoto, Tatsuya Iwasa
  • Publication number: 20070290824
    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: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Spencer Irvine
  • Publication number: 20070290825
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for measuring the vibration an operator of a piece of the equipment encounters while operating the equipment. The system includes at least one motion measuring means, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be affixed to the equipment or integrated into the equipment. In addition, motion data recording equipment that is in electrical communication with the accelerometer may also be provided. An alarm may be used to indicate that a preset limit has been or is about to be exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: L. John Koutsky, Cole Brodersen, William Tuman
  • Publication number: 20070290826
    Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen Claussen, Daryl Stacer
  • Publication number: 20070290827
    Abstract: The SAVE system includes two subsystems: INTERROGATOR and MONITOR. The INTERROGATOR is a send/receive unit (installed in law enforcement vehicles) which, when initiated, emits a signal which is then received by the MONITOR. The signal turns on the MONITOR unit and checks to see if (1) there is a MONITOR system on board, (2) If yes, whether it is operable, and (3) whether the seatbelts in the target vehicle are being appropriately used. A signal is then sent back to the INTERROGATOR which indicates the status of the seatbelt subsystem in the targeted vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: William Farrar
  • Publication number: 20070290828
    Abstract: Provided are a moving apparatus and an apparatus, method, and medium for compensating position based on a position recognition technology. The moving apparatus which provides a function for correcting a position includes a sensing unit obtaining multiple state information reflecting one or more abnormal movement states generated by movements of the moving apparatus; a state determination unit determining whether or not the abnormal movement state is generated by self-contained navigation, by referring to the obtained multiple state information; and a position information calculation unit calculating final position information of the moving apparatus, by correcting the multiple state information as the abnormal movement state occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki-wan Choi, Hyoung-ki Lee, Seok-won Bang, Dong-yoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20070290829
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle light unit with one or several lamps, in which light can be guided in a light conductor material, in particular a flashing direction indicator light unit. At least two light conductor sections 6a-16c) are brought together with a first end 8a-18c) and a second end (20a-20c) respectively at one of their ends (20a-20c) in a junction (30), which forms a decoupling region (24), into which light exits, which is guided in the light conductor sections 6a-16c) to the junction (30). Furthermore, the invention relates to an exterior mirror of a vehicle, which is equipped with a light unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Uwe Geiger, Andre Glaeser
  • Publication number: 20070290830
    Abstract: A security system and methods are disclosed. The system comprises sensors coupled to an alarm panel, an alarm converter, a virtual monitor, and one or more subscriber devices. A first sensor sends a first signal to the alarm panel in response to detecting an alarm event. In response to receiving the first signal, the alarm panel conveys a second signal. In response to receiving the second signal, the alarm converter transmits a third signal to the virtual monitor. In response to receiving the third signal, the virtual monitor retrieves additional data associated with the alarm event and forwards the retrieved data to a subscriber device. In a further embodiment, the security system comprises one or more data recording devices from which the virtual monitor retrieves the addition data. In a still further embodiment, at least one of the data recording devices is a video camera configured to store video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Scott A. Gurley
  • Publication number: 20070290831
    Abstract: Described are methods and systems, including computer program products for registering, configuring, and invoking actionable alerts. For example, an alert action is determined based on an alert. The alert is sent to a device based on an alert logic and the alert action is sent to the device based on a device capability. A received communication is identified as a response from the first device based on the alert requesting performance of the alert action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: FMR Corp.
    Inventors: Boris Olegovich Kalinichenko, Joseph G. Ferra
  • Publication number: 20070290832
    Abstract: Described are methods and systems, including computer program products for registering, configuring, and invoking actionable alerts. For example, an alert action is determined based on an alert. The alert is sent to a device based on an alert logic and the alert action is sent to the device based on a device capability. A received communication is identified as a response from the first device based on the alert requesting performance of the alert action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: FMR Corp.
    Inventors: Boris Olegovich Kalinichenko, Joseph G. Ferra
  • Publication number: 20070290833
    Abstract: A line-powered module that is selectively operable in one of a plurality of modes of operation based upon the value of a selection signal. The line-powered module includes a control unit that selectively operates the module in one of the plurality of modes of operation based upon the value of a selection signal received by the control unit. The line-powered module includes a selection input that is coupled to the control unit such that the selection signal can be received at the selection input. Preferably, the selection input receives a selection wire that can be moved between different points of connection to define the plurality of states of the selection signal. Based upon the connection of the selection wire, the control unit operates the line-powered module in one of the plurality of modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Kirby W. Cartwright, Scott Young
  • Publication number: 20070290834
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for interfacing with a power line network. Electrical power is received from a source, and a voltage of the electrical power is monitored. When the voltage is inadequate, then an alternate power source is automatically connected. A frequency of electrical power provided by the alternate power source is monitored, and high frequency data signals are separated from low frequency power signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: John Hicks
  • Publication number: 20070290835
    Abstract: A power supply extracts electrical power from the electro-magnetic field surrounding a high voltage power conductor and conditions the derived input power to provide a stable power source for instrumentation and communications equipment. The communications controller is a local network router that routes serial data traffic to selected communication devices such as an instrumentation processor, a power supply processor, or a maintenance port controller. The router forwards the data to other communications equipment and forwards data from the communicating equipment to an external network providing substantially simultaneous communications between the external network and the instrumentation processor, power supply processor and maintenance port controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: John Engel Hardt, Larry Fish
  • Publication number: 20070290836
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking items may store in memory first association data reflecting an association between an item tracking device and a beacon device when the item tracking device is within a predetermined range of the beacon device. The item tracking device may correspond to a first item, and the beacon device may correspond to an area that contains multiple items including the first item. Furthermore, the system and method for tracking items may periodically transmit sensor data to a database. The sensor data may be transmitted to the database from the beacon device to provide information about an environment of a group of items from the multiple items within the predetermined range of the beacon device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Miley Ainsworth, Ole Petter Skaaksrud, Randy Jacobs, Tim Gregory, Marshall Veitenheimer
  • Publication number: 20070290837
    Abstract: A mobile device is provided that includes a position determination mechanism, and a data store of locations including positions for each location. The mobile device is configured to determine its own position and, based on the position of the mobile device, which location is preferred. Upon that determination, the mobile device is configured to orient a pointer in the direction of the preferred location such that a user can move in the direction of the pointer and ultimately arrive at the preferred location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Raman K. Sarin, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20070290838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surveillance system wherein a localisation terminal TL and a surveillance terminal cooperate. Each terminal TL comprises: means for the acquisition M1L of a localisation message; communication means MRL-ARL; and control means MCL for connecting the acquisition means and the communication means in response to an activation signal. Said terminal also comprises a co-ordination body MCL for automatically producing the activation signal, the control means being activated if, and only if, the activation signal is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Aberleno Frederic
  • Publication number: 20070290839
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectively using traffic flow data to provide routing options for a vehicle traveling to a destination point. There is provided a method comprising setting a threshold traffic flow data availability level, receiving traffic flow data from traffic flow sensors placed along one or more routes to the destination point, and determining whether the traffic flow data for each route meets the threshold availability level. The method further comprises enabling a flow-based route guidance for those routes for which the traffic flow data meets the threshold availability level. In one embodiment, the flow-based route guidance comprises utilizing the traffic flow data to calculate an estimated time of arrival at the destination point along each route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Uyeki, Kazuya Tamura, Eric Ohki, Maja Kurciska
  • Publication number: 20070290840
    Abstract: A robust wireless communications system operable to provide communications for mobile wireless devices is described. The wireless communications system generally includes a management computing system, wireless infrastructure, and mobile wireless devices. The wireless infrastructure includes wireless infrastructure devices having processing and storage capability. Similarly, the mobile wireless devices include processing and storage capability. Communication links between the management computing system and wireless infrastructure, and wireless infrastructure and mobile wireless devices are utilized to downlink and uplink data. In operation, data generated at the management computing system may be downloaded to the wireless infrastructure and mobile wireless devices sequentially without active simultaneous communication links. Similarly, data generated at the mobile wireless devices may be uploaded to the wireless infrastructure and management computing system without active simultaneous communication links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth EHRMAN, Michael Ehrman, Jeffrey Jagid, Joseph Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Publication number: 20070290841
    Abstract: A remote monitoring device is integrated as part of a cell phone or personal digital assistant. By sharing computing resources of a communications transceiver, the cost of a monitoring device can be significantly reduced, while still permitting sufficient functionality to effectively observe an area of interest, such as a child's sleeping area. An alert is generated and transmitted to an observer using a separate transceiver when activity at the monitored area (i.e., sound or video activity) meets a specified threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: JOHN GROSS
  • Publication number: 20070290842
    Abstract: A security system for use in connection with cargo containers and other enclosed spaces. The system monitors vibrations associated with a container and detects signals representative events indicating that an unauthorized access has been made to the container. The system may be programmed with a library of event signatures, allowing different types of events to be detected. The system may be provided with a library of signatures representing a heart beating with a beat pattern and the system may be used to detect a human or other animal within the container. Alternatively, the system may be provided with a library of signatures representing piercing the container. The system may be used to monitor containers in transit. Indications of events may be stored while the container is in transit and then communicated at a security check point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard Barone
  • Publication number: 20070290843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal detector gate comprising two uprights (12, 14) housing sensors forming a metal mass detector, particularly transmitter/receiver coils (20, 22), associated with a power supply and processing module (30), and defining between them a channel for individuals to be checked to pass through, at least one of the uprights (12, 14) comprising a series of light sources (40) distributed over its height to display alarms, characterized in that it also comprises a radioactive radiation detector (25) associated with the power supply and processing module (30) and that said module is suitable for controlling the light sources (40) so that a part of the colors generated by the light sources (40) is associated with the signals from the metal mass detector and a different series of colors is associated with the signals from the radioactive radiation detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Alessandro Manneschi
  • Publication number: 20070290844
    Abstract: A security system designed to be mounted adjacent a passenger entrance area of a bus or train. The security device scanning system includes a controller disposed within the bus or train, the two scanners configured in substantially a vertical manner proximate the passenger entrance area. The scanners further include a plurality of transmitters and receivers that detect materials using a plurality of detection methods including but not limited to x-ray, pulse induction and chemical sniffing. The security scanning system further includes a distress signaling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Sherline E. Colbert, Gerald Colbert
  • Publication number: 20070290845
    Abstract: A tamper detection mechanism in a sensor device comprising a body and a mounting base. The sensor device includes a substantially central resilient element/plunger attached to the mounting base. The body houses a printed circuit board includes a surface for mating to the resilient element to create a circuit. The mounting base may be removably affixed to a structure such as a wall or ceiling. When the mounting base is screwed into the structure and the body is coupled to the mounting base, the plunger is compressed and exerts a continuous pressure on the printed circuit board surface to complete the tamper circuit. If the sensor device is uncoupled and/or removed from the structure, the circuit is opened and a tamper indication signal is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Faycal Benjelloun, Wen-Hua Hsu, Fred Katz