Patents Issued in February 28, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080048841
    Abstract: An audible output device, of a type usable in a fire alarm system, incorporates a multi-frequency waveform generator. The generator produces a plurality of frequencies with predetermined duty factors during various time intervals on a repetitive basis. The multi-frequency drive signal is in turn coupled to an audible output device such as a piezoelectric horn or the like. The multi- frequency audio output provides an indicator to persons adjacent to the device of the presence of an alarm condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Manley Keeler, Charles Fisler, Simon Ha
  • Publication number: 20080048842
    Abstract: Provided is a slave unit for a multimedia portable communication terminal, which can be used or carried independently of or as one body with the multimedia portable terminal. The slave unit includes a first extending module employed as the slave unit as being connected with the multimedia portable terminal in one of a wired and wireless manner, a second extending module employed as the slave unit as being connected in parallel with the first extending module, and a combining means for combining the first extending module with the second extending module as one body in parallel with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Young Ahn, Young-Ju Yeo, Young S. Kim, Chang-Hwan Hwang
  • Publication number: 20080048843
    Abstract: A horn for a vehicle enabling the protection of a noise prevention member and a reduction in size, comprising the noise prevention member to eliminate noise. An outwardly projecting recessed part (2b) is formed at the bottom piece part (2a) of a bottomed cylindrical casing (2), the coil bobbin (4) of an excited coil (C) is stored in the recessed part (2b), and a terminal unit (13) having a pair of first and second terminal plates (15) and (16) for supplying power to the winding (5) of the excited coil (C) is disposed on the outer surface of the outer diameter side bottom piece (2c) of the casing. The noise prevention member (17) is disposed between the terminal plates (15) and (16) of the terminal unit (13), and a resin material (18) is filled there to embed it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Magarisawa
  • Publication number: 20080048844
    Abstract: In a remote operation control device, an in-vehicle communication unit receives a drive request signal which is transmitted from a center to request a remote operation of a predetermined in-vehicle apparatus. When the drive request signal from the center is received by the in-vehicle communication unit, a preliminary checking request unit requests an in-vehicle electronic control unit which controls operation of the in-vehicle apparatus, to perform checking of whether a precondition for carrying out the remote operation of the in-vehicle apparatus is satisfied. A remote driving unit carries out the remote operation of the in-vehicle apparatus when it is determined after the drive request signal from the center is received by the in-vehicle communication unit that the precondition is satisfied as a result of response to the request for the checking by the preliminary checking request unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Naoki Taki
  • Publication number: 20080048845
    Abstract: When a radio communication module for electronic license plates is installed on a license plate, the following procedure is taken: an attaching portion and an enclosure integrated with it are fixed on a license plate with a bolt. Further, a protruded portion fixed on the attaching portion is engaged into the license plate, and the rotation of the radio communication module for electronic license plates on the bolt is thereby suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukiomi Tanaka, Shingo Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20080048846
    Abstract: A wireless key includes a receiver circuit that operates with a built-in battery, and receives a polling radio wave for wireless key search and authentication from a vehicle, and a transmitter circuit that transmits a lock operation radio wave to a door based on the manipulation on a manipulation device. The wireless key is capable of changing over operation mode between a power saving mode that permits the operation of transmitting the lock operation radio wave by the transmitter circuit and stops the operation of receiving the polling radio wave by the receiving circuit, and a full power mode that permits the operation of transmitting the lock operation radio wave by the transmitter circuit and continues the reception by the receiver circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Nagai, Mitsugi Ootsuka
  • Publication number: 20080048847
    Abstract: A tilt angle sensor detects a tilt angle of a vehicle and outputs a tilt angle signal indicative of the tilt angle. A tire-side communication element is disposed on a tire of the vehicle, and sends a reply signal in response to the tilt angle signal. A chassis-side communication element communicates with the tire-side communication element. A controller starts a communication between the tire-side and the chassis-side communication elements when the tilt angle signal is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold. The controller determines that the tire is stolen when the chassis-side communication element disables to receive the reply signal from the tire-side communication element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshio Shimomura, Hideki Saitoh
  • Publication number: 20080048848
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an image composing device and image composing method which can exactly display a composed image even if a virtual viewpoint is dynamically changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Satoshi Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20080048849
    Abstract: A power wire carrier wave automobile anti-collision radar, is composed of ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving sensors (2), a host machine (3) and a digital display (4), and is characterized in that the hose machine (3) is mounted inside the trunk of the automobile, and its power wire is connected to the reversing light wire at the rear of the automobile; the digital display (4) is laid on the instrument panel of the automobile, and its power wire is connected to the reversing gear light wire in the instrument panel of the automobile, wherein the electric wire connection is not needed between the host machine and the digital display, and the disassembling of the automobile body in large area and the wiring are not needed when mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Yaotao Li
  • Publication number: 20080048850
    Abstract: A warning system warns a driver of a vehicle that a vehicle location in a record of previously detected drive operation that indicates a violation of a safety standard and a current position of the vehicle are determined to be within a predetermined distance from each other based on repeated detections of a current vehicle position by a detector and a detection of the drive operation that indicates the violation of the safety standard transmitted through an interface from a drive recorder. In this manner, the warning system for warning the driver lightens a process load of a unit that performs a position detection process and a unit that performs a record keeping process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasufumi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080048851
    Abstract: Secure, verifiable, computer-enabled, LAN/WAN/Wireless networked, facility emergency notification, rapid alert management, and occupant alarm systems for public, private, and government buildings, and outdoor areas for which there is a need for rapid alerts to occupants or attendees of the occurrence of impending or in-progress dangerous or threatening events. The inventive system is a highly flexible rapid alert initiation, management and archival system comprising computer-enabled and network-linked apparatus, software, and methods enabling rapid dissemination from a central station or decentralized location of alerts of the occurrence of threatening or dangerous events in a series of hierarchical, increasing levels of directed action to be taken by the occupants, and permits monitoring and controlling activity of occupants during the event, archiving event data, including audio or/and video recordings until the situation returns to normal and an all clear signal is given.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: INCIDENT ALERT SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Tommy Reyes, Garry Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080048852
    Abstract: A security device including a control panel for transmitting a pre-defined cadence pattern to a siren device. The siren device takes the pre-defined cadence pattern as an input and outputs an audible voice message that corresponds to the pre-defined cadence pattern. The siren device is capable of recognizing the pre-defined cadence pattern that indicates a security system armed or disarmed command from a user interface device as well as a detected alarm signal of fire, burglary and carbon monoxide from a corresponding smoke, motion and carbon monoxide detector. These signals are transmitted from either the sensors or user interface means to the control panel and then, in turn, to the siren device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Weston, David Mole, Richard H. Hinkson
  • Publication number: 20080048853
    Abstract: A backdraft detector incorporates at least one oxygen sensor in combination with a flow sensor. Both sensors are coupled to control circuitry which evaluates sensed oxygen levels of a flowing sample being monitored by the flow sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Leach, Charles T. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20080048854
    Abstract: A device may be connected to a power grid in order to perform beneficial functions for the end user and/or utility company such as backup power, power quality improvement, peak shaving of the electrical load, etc. The device may include energy storage devices, such as batteries, and intelligent hardware and software that control charging and discharging and that enable interactive communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Gaia Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ib Olsen, Nicholas Pasquale
  • Publication number: 20080048855
    Abstract: The present invention is directed a method of making an interactive medical implant device including a radio frequency identification tag mounted to an implant, the tag being covered with a liquid impermeable seal. Identification of the RFID tag allows the physician to identify the specific identified implant with a an instrument model or patient database and allows the physician access to desired pertinent information regarding the medical implant device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: J. Berger
  • Publication number: 20080048856
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Jerry Culpepper, Lawrence SMITH, James VANCLEAVE
  • Publication number: 20080048857
    Abstract: An RFID tag includes a writable memory, and a sensor coupled to persistently affect the writable memory when one or more environmental factors define one or more events of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Patent Navigation Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Billmaier, James Billmaier, David Billmaier, John Kellum
  • Publication number: 20080048858
    Abstract: A seatbelt fault indicator is activated whenever a seat within a vehicle is occupied but the seatbelt associated with the occupied seat is either not latched or not tensioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Jacquelynn R. Lueth, William Garnet
  • Publication number: 20080048859
    Abstract: A system (and method) includes a seating platform, at least one sensor for detecting a state of the seating platform connected to a first wireless communications device, the first wireless communications device for conveying information on the state of the seating platform, and a second wireless communications device for receiving information from the first wireless communications device, and a computing system. The second wireless communications device is for receiving the information carrying signal and is connected to the computing system. The computing system is for initiating an action based upon the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Gruteser, Anthony Levas, Herbert McFaddin, Paul Moskowitz, Danny Wong
  • Publication number: 20080048860
    Abstract: Provides methods, systems and apparatus for generating alerts for a system process that obtains raw channel data over time from one or more monitored channel of the system process. An example method includes processing the raw channel data to form time dependent signals based one or more user specified processing rules. The method produces alerts based on the deviation in behavior in one or more channels, where the deviation is quantified by a numeric level computed by comparing signals for varying time intervals with historically normal baseline signals. The method may include filtering the alerts to selectively form reportable alerts that are presented to the user based on user specified filtering rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Vijay Iyengar
  • Publication number: 20080048861
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for remote monitoring of a premises, comprising the steps of operatively coupling a geographically remote client to a security system server which is capable of authenticating a user of the remote client, operatively coupling the remote client to a security gateway which is capable of managing the monitoring of the premises, activating a signal at the premises for notifying an occupant at the premises that remote monitoring is occurring, and transferring information between the security gateway and the remote client. The transfer of information between the security gateway and the remote client is controlled by the user of the remote client. The security gateway may be operably coupled to at least one camera at the premises and to at least one audio station at the premises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SECURITY BROADBAND CORP.
    Inventors: Surendra Naidoo, William Glasgow, Gregory Feldkamp
  • Publication number: 20080048862
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for determining whether a set of items is complete. An interrogate signal is transmitted from a tag reader into an interrogation zone. Each item returning a response signal to the tag reader in response to the interrogate signal is included in a checked item set. The checked item set is compared to a set data. The set data identifies all items in a set of items, the set data is included in at least one tag associated with at least one item in the set of items, and the set data is included in at least one response signal received at the tag reader. A determination is made whether the set of items is complete, wherein the set of items if complete if every item identified in the set data is included in the checked item set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Barry Alan Kritt, Thomas S. Mazzeo, Rodney Edward Shepard
  • Publication number: 20080048863
    Abstract: A security tag includes an EAS component having a defined surface area, and an RFID component having a defined surface area. The EAS component surface area is configured to at least partially overlap the RFID component surface area. The RFID component includes an antenna which at least partially overlaps the first surface. A substantially planar spacer having a thickness is at least partially disposed between the defined surface areas of the EAS and RFID components. The thickness of the spacer is configured to effect a read range between an RFID reader and the RFID component. The RFID reader is capable of activating the RFID component when the RFID component is within the read range. The antenna has a complex impedance, and the EAS component forms a part of an impedance matching network of the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard Copeland
  • Publication number: 20080048864
    Abstract: Movable items on a stage have their position detected in three dimensions, and multiple different lights can be shined at the moving items even after they are moved. Shadowing can be detected and compensated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Rusty Mayhew
  • Publication number: 20080048865
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant RFID wristband that becomes permanently disabled upon tampering. The wristband includes a plurality of holes for snugly securing the band to a wearer, an RFID circuit, and an electrically conductive loop disposed in the band. The RFID circuit and the conductive loop are electrically coupled to form a series circuit, severance of which disables the wristband. The electrically conductive loop includes a first layer and a second layer that are electrically isolated from one another, save for at least one electrical connection made preferably by a via at the end of the band distal from the antenna element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin, John P. Norair, Peijen S. Mou
  • Publication number: 20080048866
    Abstract: A communications system includes a radio frequency identification device including an integrated circuit having a single die including a microprocessor, a receiver coupled to the microprocessor, and a backscatter transmitter coupled to the microprocessor, the integrated circuit having a digital input, and the receiver being configured to receive wireless communications from a remote interrogator; and an analog to digital converter external of the single die and having a digital output coupled to the digital input of the integrated circuit, and having an analog input configured to be coupled to an analog measuring device, wherein the radio frequency identification device is configured to transmit a signal indicative of the analog input using the backscatter transmitter. A communications method includes coupling an analog to digital converter to a radio frequency identification device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Hahn, Mark Van Horn
  • Publication number: 20080048867
    Abstract: RFID reader antennas and methods for generating magnetic fields. An antenna can be made from conductors that do not contact each other, but have loop portions spatially arranged along a loop section. The loop portions have gaps between them, and thus the loop section is discontinuous. The loop section can be driven from near its ends by a UHF RFID excitation signal, which travels through the loop portions, and also through the gaps because it is AC. Thus an excitation current becomes established along the loop section, which generates a useable magnetic field. Each loop portion can be short, so that the magnetic field it contributes will not self-cancel due to the shorter wavelength of UHF RFID. The loop section can be large independently of the wavelength, so that the magnetic field is of a size large enough to be useful for ILT in RFID.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald A. Oliver, Gregory T. Kavounas
  • Publication number: 20080048868
    Abstract: A re-usable security hard tag for use with containers. The hard tag comprises two portions that are pivotally connected at first portion ends and the portions include semi-circular, outwardly extending flanges. A security tag is associated with one of the two portions. A displaceable pin of a latch mechanism locks together respective pin receptacles of each portion. The flanges couple to the bottom edge of either end of a container whereupon closure of the two portions' free ends about a hinge causes the pin to latch through the pin receptacles. The only way retract the pin and thereby release the hard tag from the container is by positioning the hard tag/container assembly adjacent a properly sized magnet available at a point of sale in a retail establishment. Non-removal of the hard tag before leaving the retail establishment causes store electronics to detect the security tag and set off an alarm or other warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicants: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC., CENTURY PLASTIC & ELECTRONIC CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Benedict Chua, Wu Zhao Lian
  • Publication number: 20080048869
    Abstract: A learning device using RFID tags is provided. The learning device includes a platform and at least one RFID tag unit. The tag unit includes at least one RFID tag with an identification code and a magnet at the inner space of the RFID tag unit. When the RFID tag unit is placed at an interrogation zone of the platform, the magnet actuates the magnet-induced switch to turn on and drives the power supply device to provide power. The signal S1 from the RFID tag is transmitted though the RFID reader for decoding and the processing unit for processing. The signal is sent to an audio/video output device for displaying and broadcasting. A plurality of platforms are formed a platform array, each of the platform including at least one receiver and at least one transmitter correspondent to the receiver, the transmitter transmitting a signal which represents the position of the transmitter, while the receiver receiving signals from the transmitter to recognize the relative positions of the platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Chih-Hu Wang, Ching-Cheng Tien, Chi-Kuang Hwang, Chien-Jung Chiu, Chia-Wen Wu, Bore-Kuen Lee, In-Hang Chung, Tung-Chou Chen, Ming-Ching Yen, Jwu-E Chen
  • Publication number: 20080048870
    Abstract: A pool safety sensing system to attempt to reduce the likelihood of drowning visually observes a zone with a camera, and if detected motion occurs, and alarm is generated. The alarm can be visible, audible, text based (email, with or without attached images, instant message) or telephonic. Alarm events can be stored for future reference. Zones of sensing or zones to ignore when monitoring may be defined in the field of view of the camera. Motion thresholds, such as size of moving object, speed of movement, can be employed to adapt to particular location requirements and types of sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: S. R. SMITH, LLC
    Inventors: Rich Laitta, Brett Fritts
  • Publication number: 20080048871
    Abstract: A sound generating device for invalid apparatus as herein defined comprises a monitoring circuit and an audible output device For outputting an audible indication corresponding to the status and/or relative proximity of the in use apparatus monitored by the monitoring circuit. Body soaking apparatus, a seat, a handle, and invalid apparatus having such a sound generating device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Stimpson
  • Publication number: 20080048872
    Abstract: A multi-stage process utilizing one or more radiation sensors on a distributed network for the detection and identification of radiation, explosives, and special materials within a shipping container. The sensors are configured as nodes on the network. The system collects radiation data from one or more nodes and compares the collected data to one or more stored spectral images representing one or more isotopes to identify one or more isotopes present. The identified one or more isotopes present are corresponded to possible materials or goods that they represent. The possible materials or goods are compared with the manifest relating to the container to confirm the identity of materials or goods contained in the container or to detect and/or identify unauthorized materials or goods in the container. For shielded materials, explosives and other types of material detection, a neutron pulse device could be incorporated into the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Innovative American Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David Frank
  • Publication number: 20080048873
    Abstract: An alarm unit for providing warnings of multiple types of emergency situations includes a connector for connecting the unit to host electricity, a backup power source receiver circuitry for receiving a broadcast warning, memory for storing digital alarm files, and a speaker for amplifying an executed alarm file. The receiver circuitry receives one or a combination of early warning system broadcast alerts, emergency band radio alerts, cellular network alerts, or data network alerts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Susan Araiza-Boys
  • Publication number: 20080048874
    Abstract: A collection and detection system is configured as a detect to warn system in which the presence of specific types of particles are detected, and may or may not be identified. An air collection module intakes ambient air, detect the presence of one or more different types of airborne particles within the ambient air, and collect the airborne particles, such as within a fluid. A triggering mechanism is positioned to continuously monitor the airflow, to determine one or more characteristics of the airborne particles. If those measured characteristics match specific known characteristics, a trigger signal is generated. In response, a confirmation device performs a detection method on a fluid solution including the airflow particles to determine the presence of one or more different types of specific biological particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Allen Northrup, Farzad Pourahmadi, Bob Yuan, Amy J. Devitt
  • Publication number: 20080048875
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for preventing a loss of a portable terminal, the apparatus including: a luminous intensity sensor unit detecting a current luminous intensity; a main controller unit controlling to request for an input of a password and controlling to output a warning sound when a current luminous intensity is higher than a reference luminous intensity; a display unit outputting a screen for requesting for the password and other screens related to a process of loss prevention; a key input unit via which keys related to the process of loss prevention are inputted; a memory unit in which the current luminous intensity detected by the luminous intensity sensor unit and the reference luminous intensity are saved; and a warning device generating and outputting the warning sound in accordance with the controlling of the main controller unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Soo CHAE, Ghun Hahm, Hyun Joon Kim
  • Publication number: 20080048876
    Abstract: A battery device includes a battery cell, a case housing the battery cell, an antenna, a battery-side communication unit performing wireless communication with an electronic-apparatus side communication unit provided at an electronic apparatus on which the battery device is removably mounted through the antenna, a memory unit storing battery data which is data concerning the battery device and a control unit performing control of the battery-side communication unit, both reading/writing of the battery data with respect to the memory unit or only reading thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Yoichi Miyajima, Toshio Takeshita, Kei Tashiro, Osamu Nagashima, Masatsugu Honma
  • Publication number: 20080048877
    Abstract: A power supply controller includes a semiconductor switching element disposed on a current supply line from a power source to a load. The semiconductor switching element is switched between ON and OFF for controlling power supply to the load. A short anomaly of the semiconductor switching element is determined if at least one of an input-to-output voltage of the semiconductor switching element being smaller than a first threshold and the semiconductor switching element being in an ON state is detected, when an OFF signal for instruction to turn OFF the semiconductor switching element is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Seiji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080048878
    Abstract: A method (400) and device (100) for touchless control of an headset or earpiece is provided. The device can include a sensing unit (202) for determining (402) a presence of a finger within a proximity of the earpiece, tracking (404) a touchless movement of the finger in air within the proximity, selecting (410) the control in accordance with a movement of the finger, and adjusting (414) the control in accordance with the tracking. A circular movement of the finger can be tracked for scrolling through a list. Menu options in the list can be audibly played during the scrolling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Marc Boillot
  • Publication number: 20080048879
    Abstract: A digital monitoring device for monitoring an analog gauge including a pointer, the digital monitoring device comprising: a pixilated optical sensor array for mounting over the analog gauge to generate a digital signal corresponding to movement of the pointer; an image processing means for reading the pointer of the analog gauge from the electrical signals from the pixilated array, and an alert output for outputting an alert corresponding to pointer exceeding acceptable boundaries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: LIPMAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: Aharon Lipman
  • Publication number: 20080048880
    Abstract: A floor display system, including a floor covering, an electronic display device associated with the floor covering, wherein the electronic display device is configurable to display electronically modifiable arbitrary content, a controller, and a sensing device coupled to the controller, wherein the brightness of an image displayed by the electronic display device is capable of being varied based on information received by the controller from the sensing device. The sensing device may include a proximity detector. The electronic display device may include a plurality of separate panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Dave Strickland, Scott Cleland, Ronald Blum
  • Publication number: 20080048881
    Abstract: A technique includes deploying a monitoring station near the sea surface and on the monitoring station, monitoring a position of a subsurface device as the subsurface device moves in a path between the sea surface and the sea floor. The technique includes communicating an indication of a position of the subsurface device from the monitoring station to a surface vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kambiz A. Safinya, Erik Vigen
  • Publication number: 20080048882
    Abstract: The invention provides a handheld RF meter with an improved isolation from EMI. The meter incorporates an interference barrier comprising a connecting cable and one or more ferrite cores possibly having different impedance characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: ACTERNA LLC
    Inventors: Darrin L. PAUGH, David E. Storvick
  • Publication number: 20080048883
    Abstract: Methods of performing automated meter reading and processing meter data, are provided. A method can include collecting utility usage data by each of a plurality of meter data collectors, determining by a remote host computer a preferred polling sequence route responsive to a strength of communication signal between the remote computer and each of the plurality of meter data collectors and between each of the plurality of meter data collectors, polling each of the plurality of meter data collectors by the remote host computer with the preferred polling sequence, and transmitting utility usage data to the remote host computer from each of the plurality of meter data collectors along the same preferred polling sequence route responsive to the polling by the host computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Energy Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Boaz
  • Publication number: 20080048884
    Abstract: A transfer switch configured particularly for use with traffic signal controllers, to enable a traffic signal controller to be powered by a portable electrical generator, when utility line power is unavailable. A housing, configured to be mounted either on the surface of a traffic signal controller cabinet, or recessed into an opening of the cabinet, so as to be flush to the surface thereof, is provided. The housing is configured to be substantially weatherproof without requiring the use of gaskets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Schnackenberg
  • Publication number: 20080048885
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for maintaining a record of parking space usage data for a plurality of parking spaces, using the usage data to compute probability of availability for a given space as a function of time and communicating the resultant probability data along with availability data to an end user who is looking for a parking space in the area. This information can be combined with a user's estimated time of arrival (ETA) to assist the user in selecting a parking spot to drive to. A plurality of spaces can be ranked according to their likelihood of availability at an ETA to the general area or to each of the plurality of spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Quinn
  • Publication number: 20080048886
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle safety system is provided which comprises a violation system, a warning system or an inside system. The violation system collects evidence of traffic violation occurring in a vicinity of a passenger vehicle. The warning system provides a warning to individuals outside and in the vicinity of the passenger vehicle. The intra-vehicle system collects images of persons inside, or in the vicinity of, the passenger vehicle, so as to allow the passenger vehicle's driver or one or more individuals located at a remote location, some distance from the passenger, to monitor activity in and around the passenger vehicle. Information captured by the inside system can be viewed in real time, as the information is being collected, or some time later, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Brown, Charles Dotson
  • Publication number: 20080048887
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting photographed images of a plurality of objects. In the object detection system, reflected lights reflected by a plurality of objects, i.e. an object A and an object B, are allowed to enter into a distance measuring imaging chip through an optical system, whereby produced images of the object A and the object B are entirely or partially superposed on each other on a predetermined imaging area of the distance measuring imaging chip. In addition, the object detection system is adapted to individually select between a state that only the object A is projected to the imaging area and a state that only the object B is projected to the imaging area by a shading filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Masato Yokoo, Yuu Hakomori
  • Publication number: 20080048888
    Abstract: A system and method for activating vehicle sensors which are based on inductive loops. A transformer is used to couple the vehicle frame to activation circuitry. Within the activation circuitry, a voltage controlled oscillator which drives the transformer is scanned throughout the required frequency range while a balanced mixer, low-pass filter, and detector are arranged to show the presence of a signal from an inductive loop by the amplitude of the resultant signal at a difference frequency. The voltage controlled oscillator is then made to dwell at or near the frequency of the sensor loop by adjusting so as to keep the amplitude of that low-frequency difference as high as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Edward Anthony Richley
  • Publication number: 20080048889
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a pressurised cabin with a lockable door, an electrical energy supply network, and a cabin differential pressure warning system provided with an autonomous warning system energy supply device, which is independent of the electrical energy supply network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Dietmar Naegler, Holger Schreitmueller
  • Publication number: 20080048890
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for storing, referencing, retrieving, and graphically displaying spatial and non-spatial related information of a mobile computing device, such as a laptop computer or a cellular telephone. The spatial-related information may be obtained by using positioning tracking systems such as a global positioning system, whereas the non-spatial related information may include communication activities associated with the mobile computing device, such as phone calls, e-mails, text messages, pages, etc. The present invention also provides methods and apparatus of sharing event information between mobile communication devices as well as related navigational information for traveling to an event from a real-time position of a mobile communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: NETWORKS IN MOTION, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Sheha, Angie Sheha, Stephen Petilli, Mark Goddard