Patents Issued in April 24, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080094160
    Abstract: An inductor device or filter such as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter which includes an inductor provides cancellation of parasitic capacitance of the inductor and extends high frequency performance of the inductor or filter by using an inductor network (a special case being split windings) and including capacitors to couple signals corresponding to those which are passed by the equivalent parallel capacitance of an inductor of a network of inductors such as in a multi-phase power supply of voltage converter to another inductor terminal, ground or an inductor in the ground return path. Cancellation of parasitic capacitance is provided for differential mode and common mode windings where the windings may be either inductively coupled or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shuo Wang, Fred C. Lee
  • Publication number: 20080094161
    Abstract: A high voltage transformer is small-sized, lightweight and less costly to fabricate. The high voltage transformer is designed to maintain equal the potential difference between the components of two transforming component groups and also to keep the components of the respective transforming component groups equipotential at the same distance in the direction extending from a first end to a second end. This eliminates the need to dispose an insulating body between the components of the first and second transforming component groups. This also makes it possible to fabricate the high voltage transformer with a small size and in a cost-effective manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: POSKOM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki-Bong Sung, Jong-Lae Park
  • Publication number: 20080094162
    Abstract: An electrical current sensor comprises a magnetic circuit with an air-gap, a magnetic field sensor positioned in the air-gap, and a secondary coil surrounding a branch of the magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit comprises at least two parts (18, 20) that are assembled together, a branch portion (45, 46) of each part being insertably received in a central cavity of the secondary coil in an axial direction (A). The air-gap (30) is arranged between overlapping branch portions of each magnetic field circuit part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Schaerrer, Pascal Morel, Bernard Richard, Pierre Cattaneo
  • Publication number: 20080094163
    Abstract: An improved winding base structure of a transformer is assembled by combining a primary-side winding base and a secondary-side winding base. The selection of the material of the primary-side winding base and the secondary-side winding base is dependant on the compression-resistant capability because the primary-side input and the secondary-side output of the transformer bear different voltages. The outside of the assembled winding base is disposed with grooves in which the wires are wound, and the center of the winding base is disposed with a through hole for an iron core to be put therein to form a transformer. The sectional winding base of the subject application is characterized in that the primary-side winding base is made of lower compression-resistant material and the secondary-side winding base is made of higher compression-resistant material. Therefore the production cost of the winding base is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: LOGAH TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Cheng-Chia Hsu, Yung-Chin Chou
  • Publication number: 20080094164
    Abstract: A planar transformer including a first winding and a second winding is provided. The first winding includes a plurality of conductive paths and an electrical connection portion. The conductive paths of the first winding surround a position point. The electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the conductive paths of the first winding to form the first winding, wherein the electrical connection portion is disposed in a pad layer. The second winding also surrounds the position point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventor: Tsun-Lai Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080094165
    Abstract: The coil comprises a plurality of non-joined turns, each turn comprising a rectangular bottom flat section in a bottom plane and a rectangular top flat section in a top plane and two rising sections. The turns fill almost all of the enveloping surface of the coil, a minimum isolating gap separating the adjacent turns. The top and bottom sections corresponding to one and the same turn are aligned with respect to one another and have a larger width than the width of the corresponding rising sections. The turns constitute a plurality of substantially parallel coil branches, rising sections of two adjacent branches arranged between the two adjacent branches being arranged alternately in a single plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicants: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE, STMICROELECTRONICS SA, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Bastien Orlando, Bernard Viala
  • Publication number: 20080094166
    Abstract: A high coupling factor transformer and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The secondary winding is adjacent to the primary winding. The secondary winding and the primary winding induct with each other. The primary winding includes a plurality of first protruding portions, and the secondary winding includes a plurality of second protruding portions. The first protruding portions stretch to the secondary winding without electro-contact, and the second protruding portions stretch to the primary winding without electro-contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Tsun-Lai Hsu, Tsuoe-Hsiang Liao, Jun-Hong Ou
  • Publication number: 20080094167
    Abstract: An SOI substrate includes a thin diaphragm portion that is formed by removing a portion of the substrate from a rear surface side, and a thick outer frame portion that surrounds the diaphragm portion. A piezoresistive element that outputs an electrical signal in response to pressure is formed on the diaphragm portion, and an electrode that extracts the electrical signal from the piezoresistive element is formed on the outer frame portion. The electrode is disposed at a position on the outer frame portion that is separated by greater than or equal to 100 ?m from a boundary line between the diaphragm portion and the outer frame portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji Yoshikawa, Masaaki Taruya
  • Publication number: 20080094168
    Abstract: The method provides a semiconductor structure and method for forming such a structure that provides for protection for resistive layers formed within the structure from contamination from adjacent layers. By encapsulating the resistive layer in a material that is resistant to the diffusion of contaminants it is possible to protect the resistive material during the processing required to manufacture the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eamon Hynes, William A. Lane, Bernard Stenson
  • Publication number: 20080094169
    Abstract: A chip-shaped electronic part includes: a substrate; a pair of upper surface electrodes formed on an upper surface of the substrate; a functional element formed to be electrically connected to the upper surface electrode pair; a pair of lower surface electrodes formed on a lower surface of the substrate at positions opposing the upper surface electrode pair; a pair of end surface electrodes formed on end surfaces of the substrate so that each of the end surface electrode pair is electrically connected to one of the upper surface electrode pair, and to one of the lower surface electrode pair corresponding to the one upper surface electrode; a protective film formed in such a manner as to cover at least the functional element; and a plated layer formed in such a manner as to cover at least each of the upper surface electrode pair, wherein the protective film or the plated layer has at least two points of application at which a load from above the substrate is exerted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Yasuharu Kinoshita, Toshiki Matsukawa, Naoki Shibuya, Shoji Hoshitoku
  • Publication number: 20080094170
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a system for introducing and converting a new user (103) to a known user of a system (109), where a known user is a user whose characteristics are pre-stored in said system (109) and who, based on a match between detected characteristics and said pre-stored characteristics, is identified as a known user. This is done by initializing the introduction of the new user when receiving an introduction action by a known user (101), detecting characteristics of the new user and converting the new user (103) to a known user by adding the detected characteristics to the pre-stored characteristics in the system (109).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Portele, Vasanth Philomin
  • Publication number: 20080094171
    Abstract: The present invention is an access control door controller which utilizes three relays, 16 alarm inputs, tamper switch, a Weigand reader, a RS 232 reader and a IP core module to enable access control alarm monitoring, inter locking of doors and/or energy management for a room with the help of a software. The present invention utilizes a distributed communication (peer to peer) thus creating a door access controller System network with a truly distributed intelligence permitting exchange of information between all controllers which may be situated in a single site or over multiple sites connected on a common network. The full system can be configured on the widely used TCP/IP network thus avoiding the need for extensive wiring traditionally required for Access Control System. The controller, with its associated software can support multiple types of readers and can directly interface IP cameras for an integrated TCP/IP based Access Control/CCTV Solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: INGERSOLL-RAND COMPANY
    Inventor: Suresh Kumar Sawhney
  • Publication number: 20080094172
    Abstract: A power management lock system including an electronic lock unit configured to lock and unlock a door and further including at least one sensor in communication with the electronic lock unit, the sensor configured to sense an open condition of the door and a closed condition of the door, wherein the electronic lock unit is configured to receive door data pertaining to the open condition and the closed condition from the at least one sensor, and where the electronic lock unit is further configured to manage the provision of power within the electronic unit based upon the door data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: INNCOM INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Philipp Roosli, Eric Larson, Ravi Sagar
  • Publication number: 20080094173
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent security apparatus for container, a mechatronic customs seal and a bracket, a bracket, internally installed with an antenna, a processing circuit and power with electrical connection thereamong and mounted on a door of a container; a hole for fitting a customs seal, opened on the bracket; and a mechatronic customs seal, internally provided with a detecting wire and a chip written with ID code and inserted through the hole in the bracket and lock rod handle; wherein the mechatronic customs seal is inserted in the hole of the bracket, the detecting wire and the chip written with ID code in the mechatronic customs seal is electrically connected to the processing circuit in the bracket. The intelligent security apparatus provided by the present invention has physical seal structure and electrical real-time monitoring function at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: CHINA INTERNATIONAL MARINE CONTAINERS (GROUP) LTD.
    Inventors: Shouqin ZHOU, Tao PENG
  • Publication number: 20080094174
    Abstract: A data entry device is provided which includes display means for displaying data thereon and selection means for allowing a user to make one or more selections of data displayed on said display means. The display means are arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation and are recessed within a cavity or channel means defined in said device. The walls of the cavity or channel means which define an opening through which a viewer views the display means are arranged substantially perpendicular to said display means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Gordon Birtwistle, Paul Clancy
  • Publication number: 20080094175
    Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal in an operate mode. The operator and the mobile transmitter both include transceivers to allow two-way communication therebetween during a learn mode. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Willis Mullet, Jason Mamaloukas
  • Publication number: 20080094176
    Abstract: A radio-communication control apparatus controls a plurality of read/write devices that perform reading and writing of data with respect to a plurality of radio tags. A collecting unit collects, from the read/write devices, interference information on interference of reception signals received from the radio tags by the read/write devices. A timing determining unit determines a transmission timing at which the read/write devices transmit information to the radio tags, based on the collected interference information. The read/write devices transmit information to the radio tags based on the determined transmission timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akinori Taira
  • Publication number: 20080094177
    Abstract: The system employs full transceivers, each having peer-to-peer, client/server, and IP networking capabilities, and covering open-area ranges of up to 100 feet. The system uses Low Frequency for data communications so it can achieve both low cost (less costly than many RF-ID tags) and long battery life (10-15 years). Additionally, since these tags have batteries, static RAM maybe be added at very low cost, as well as sensors, LED's displays etc. The system also employs a sidewinder that communicates to said tag regularly, said sidewinder keeps the IP address of said tag. The system also employs an embedded VPN. The VPN includes a suite of diagnostic tools that run on a laptop. The diagnostic tools talk direct to the sidewinder, the tools read and program said tag providing the tools have correct IP address of the tag. The system also includes a visibility data server that communicates to the sidewinder by the VPN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: VISIBLE ASSETS, INC.
    Inventors: John Stevens, Dived Cramer, Tom Packert
  • Publication number: 20080094178
    Abstract: The invention concerns the field of RFID (“radio frequency identification”), a technology for the wireless identification of objects, which has been used for a considerable time for the automatic retrieval of information regarding persons, animals, commodities and goods items. In particular the invention concerns an RFID system (10b) with at least one reading unit (12b) for the identification of transponders (14b), which are located in a spatial registration field (16b) of the reading unit (12b). While maintaining low installation and operating costs for the system (10b), nevertheless to make possible particularly reliable registration and error-free identification of the transponders, shielding (20b) is provided, which bounds the registration field (16b). Particularly advantageously the invention can be integrated e.g. into materials handling technology in the field of production and/or logistics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Franz Angerer
  • Publication number: 20080094179
    Abstract: In order to achieve an optimal identification with an identification device for objects that comprise a transponder and are transported by means of a conveyor device through a closed tunnel (2), it is proposed that the antenna device of the transmitting and receiving device (10) comprises at least three sequentially arranged coil-shaped antennas (4, 6, 8). They surround the tunnel (2), each lying in a plane and representing a linearly independent system. The antennas (4, 6, 8) are operated in a multiplexer mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Mauro Di Domenico, Nicola Brilli
  • Publication number: 20080094180
    Abstract: Of a wireless communication system, an RF tag which can operate normally even when a communication distance is extremely short, like the case where the RF tag is in contact with a reader/writer, whereby the reliability is improved. The RF tag which communicates data by wireless communication includes a comparison circuit which compares electric power supplied from outside with reference electric power and a protection circuit portion which is operated when the electric power supplied from outside is higher than the reference electric power in the comparison circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kato, Asami Tadokoro
  • Publication number: 20080094181
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for remotely transmitting a command to an apparatus. The device includes at least one RFID tag having stored therein a code corresponding to the command and is adapted to transmit the code in response to an interrogation signal. Typically the device may include a plurality of RFID tags, each tag having stored therein a code corresponding to a different command and being adapted to transmit the code in response to receiving the interrogation signal. Typically the at least one RFID tag is passive and relies on the interrogation signal for its operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Tagsys SAS
    Inventors: Yves Lenevez, Philippe Lecire
  • Publication number: 20080094182
    Abstract: An RFID reading control apparatus which includes a generating part which generates a first response control information for controlling necessity of a response to a search command from an RFID tag; a part for transmitting, to the RFID tag the search command for detecting the RFID tag existing in the communication-enabled range together with the generated first response control information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Sugano, Kazuki Matsui, Masahiro Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20080094183
    Abstract: For making difficult to copy data of a RFID tag, while enabling to detect it when copying the data, easily, but without exerting ill influences upon the existing specification thereof, within the RFID tag 100 is provided a readout exclusive bank, other than banks provided in accordance with the existing specification. RFID identification information is stored into the readout exclusive bank of the RFID tag 100, when the RFID tag 100 is shipped out of a maker. A user who wishes to guarantee properness of UII data produces cryptograph calculation result data through encrypting the RFID identification information and the UII data, when writing the UII data into the RFID tag 100, and stores the cryptograph calculation result data into a USER bank within the RFID tag 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shinichiro Fukushima, Masumi Moritani, Hiroyuki Higaki, Yuichi Kobayashi, Atsushi Honzawa
  • Publication number: 20080094184
    Abstract: An electronic system is responsive to an operating signal from a single input device for determining which of the plurality of user stations is to be operated and what operation is to be performed. The electronic system includes a first user station that receives a signal at a first magnitude and a second user station that receives the signal at a second magnitude. A control circuit is responsive to the first and second magnitudes of the signal for determining one of the first and second user stations to process the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Dr. Gangolf Hirtz
  • Publication number: 20080094185
    Abstract: A patron communication system facilitates communication between patrons and the service staff assigned to them by means of transmitter element programmed to transmit at least two different wireless signals, corresponding, respectively, to different patron requests. A central receiver element receives and identifies the transmitted signals. At least one remote receiver element receives signals identifying a transmitter element and the nature of the transmitted signal. A data processor connected to the central receiver element, generates signals at said receiver elements, including information as to the identity of the transmitter and the nature of the purpose of the transmitted signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Laura Kreiss
  • Publication number: 20080094186
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for controlling, monitoring and upgrading information via a power line that typically only supplies power to a gate operation system. By introducing an electrical signal to a power line along a frequency not used for the purposes of supplying electricity, signals and commands can propagate through a local power grid so that a user, for example a technician, may set, adjust and upgrade parameters of a gate operator in the comfort of a room that shares the same power grid as the gate operation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel Perez, Ali Tehranchi
  • Publication number: 20080094187
    Abstract: A system for powerline networking. The system has an external data source, which is derived from a world wide networks of computers. A router is coupled to the external data source and coupled to a first datasource connection. A powerline network switch apparatus is coupled to the first datasource connection. The apparatus has a second datasource connection, which is coupled to the first data source connection. The apparatus also has a powerline device coupled to the second datasource connection. Preferably, the powerline device is adapted to receive and transmit information in a first format from the second data source connection and adapted to receive and transmit information in a second format. The apparatus also has a virtual local area network device including a first input/output port and a plurality of second input/output ports. Each of the second input/output ports is numbered from 1 through N, where N is an integer greater than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Asoka USA Corporation
    Inventors: Tat Chan, Songly Mu
  • Publication number: 20080094188
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention comprises a method for tuning a power line communication inductive signal coupling device comprising a coupler and a plurality of capacitors, the method comprising: passing a carrier frequency signal through the coupler; sensing an amplitude of the signal; and switching the capacitors until the amplitude of the signal reaches a maximum. In various embodiments: (a) the signal is transmitted by a second transmitter, and the method further comprises switching to a first transmitter for data transmission; (b) the signal is received by a receiver after passing through the coupler; and (c) the capacitors are switched by a relay controller receiving commands from a microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Quadlogic Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Sayre Swarztrauber, Michael Newsome
  • Publication number: 20080094189
    Abstract: A signal repeater for receiving and re-transmitting signals from environmental transducers and the like, and for mechanically and electrically cooperating with existing electrically powered fixtures is described. In one embodiment, the repeater is configured to be mechanically and electrically coupling to a standard power fixture such as, for example, a screw-in lamp base (two-way, three-way, and the like), a wall outlet, etc. In one embodiment, the repeater unit includes fluorescent lamp ballast for driving one or more fluorescent lamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Publication number: 20080094190
    Abstract: An intrusion detecting system has a transmitter transmitting radio waves in an LF band; a detector detecting an electric field intensity at least in one axis and receiving the radio waves from the transmitter; and an intrusion detecting part configured to detect an intrusion within a predetermined range based on a comparison result between a predetermined threshold and a value detected by the detector for electric field intensities of any axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroki OKADA
  • Publication number: 20080094191
    Abstract: In an indicator device for indicating an attempted theft of objects which are detachably fixed to a vehicle, at least one piezoelectric sensor is arranged in a recess between the vehicle and the object and is placed under pressure in an installation position of the object to be secured. In addition, a method for operating an indicator device for indicating an attempted theft of detachably fixed objects is proposed, in which method the piezoelectric sensor is kept under pressure. When the object is removed from the recess, the pressure acting on the piezoelectric sensor changes, as a result of which a transmission antenna which is connected to the sensor emits a signal in order to activate an alarm system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Helmut GRICKSCHEIT, Dirk Hassert
  • Publication number: 20080094192
    Abstract: Embodiments of a lock apparatus for securing a cycle frame and methods of use of a cycle lock. According to one exemplary embodiment, a cycle lock apparatus includes a first cycle locking section securably associated with the housing and a second cycle locking section adjustably mounted with respect to the first cycle locking section between a locking position and an unlocked position. The apparatus has a rigid housing and a locking mechanism mounted within the rigid housing. The locking mechanism can have wireless activation circuitry, a power supply section connected to the wireless activation circuitry and at least one lock activation member in communication with the wireless activation circuitry and adjustably mounted within the housing to a locking position in locking communication with the second cycle locking section and an unlocked position with respect to the second cycle locking section. The apparatus can also have a wireless activator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kane Dutt
  • Publication number: 20080094193
    Abstract: A car reversal radar automatically modifies the sensor scanning range and the method of the same. The car reversal radar includes a central processing unit that has predetermined compensation value and threshold distance. When the car reversal radar starts, its surrounding environment is recorded into an initial detecting value. The initial detecting value is compared with a subsequent detecting value recorded for the environment when the car is being backed. When the subsequent detecting value is greater than the sum of the initial detecting value and the compensation value, the distance between an obstacle and the ultrasonic sensor of the car is compared with the threshold distance. If the former is greater than the latter, the compensation value is increased. Therefore, the obstacle has to even closer to the ultrasonic sensor to reduce the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensors at the tail and to prevent incorrect actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Shih-Hsiung Li
  • Publication number: 20080094194
    Abstract: The motor vehicle seat with an underframe comprising two pairs of rails, each having a seat rail and a floor rail, with a seat belt and with a seat belt retractor is characterized in that there is provided a tie bar for said seat belt retractor, said tie bar extending from the one seat rail to the other seat rail and being connected to the respective one of the seat rails. The seat belt retractor is connected to the tie bar, being more specifically disposed beneath said tie bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Stefen Lingnau, Michael Relmann
  • Publication number: 20080094195
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant detection apparatus includes an image pickup device for imaging an area including a position of a vehicle occupant within a vehicle compartment, a light emitting element for emitting auxiliary light into the compartment that includes the imaging area of the pickup device, and a storage section for storing imaging information provided by the pickup device. The vehicle occupant detection apparatus further including a comparison section for comparing imaging information provided through further imaging by the pickup device and the imaging information stored in the storage section, to provide a difference between the imaging information provided through the further imaging and the stored imaging information, and an abnormality determination section for determining abnormality of the imaging information on the basis of the image information difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shotaro Odate, Yoshitaka Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20080094196
    Abstract: A hidden wireless tire pressure monitor, comprising a tire pressure monitor inside a tire, and an air faucet extending out of the tire. A conductive element is provided between the tire pressure monitor and the air faucet. The inside of conductive element electrically contacts the signal transmitting antenna on the monitor PCB in the tire pressure monitor, while the outside of the element connects and communicates with the root of air faucet. The signal transmitting antenna of the tire pressure monitoring system inside tire thereby extends out of the tire through an air faucet to receive a more accurate monitoring signal. Further, the monitor and the air faucet are at the status of pivot joint for adjustment of the installment angle based on the specification of a wheel rim, thereby ensuring the working stability and the tire security when the tire is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Ben Liao
  • Publication number: 20080094197
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system with bidirectional communication function includes sensing units mounted on tires of a vehicle for sensing tire pressures and wirelessly transmitting tire pressure signals; a wireless receiver and a wireless transmitter mounted near a rear and a front end of the vehicle, respectively, the wireless receiver receiving tire pressure signals transmitted from the sensing units on tires closer to the rear end of the vehicle, the wireless transmitter being connected to the wireless receiver via a signal line, so as to receive tire pressure signals from the wireless receiver and wirelessly transmit integrated tire pressure signals; a second wireless module and/or a portable monitoring module for receiving and displaying the tire pressure signals transmitted from the wireless transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Tien-Tsai Huang
  • Publication number: 20080094198
    Abstract: A setting method and system for a programmable universal tire pressure monitor of present invention comprising steps of: preparing a tire pressure monitor without started first and then choosing a specific start signal from a processor. Transmitting the start signal to a programmer and the specific start signal will be transmitted into the tire pressure monitor from the programmer. By the way, the start signal will turn on the tire pressure monitor to process a specific coding program to communicate with an outside control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Cub Elecparts Inc.
    Inventor: San-Chuan Yu
  • Publication number: 20080094199
    Abstract: An improved gear selection indicator principally for use in vehicle's having a manual transmission, and including a shift knob sleeve placed over the vehicle gear shift lever, and an illuminated display disposed in the opening of the sleeve. The display includes a gear shift pattern plate with LEDs disposed around a shift pattern. The lights are controlled by a display circuit board having a microcontroller. A sensor ring attached to the vehicle transmission case includes a plurality of electro-magnetic position sensors which are activated by magnets disposed in a magnetic activation ring placed over the shaft of the gear shift lever. A sensor ring circuit board in electrical communication with the position sensors and the display board microcontroller detects any activation of the position sensors and sends a signal to the display board microcontroller which maps the data onto the LED display for an illuminated gear selection output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: TVK INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas V. Kazyaka
  • Publication number: 20080094200
    Abstract: A vehicle brake light system (51) includes a plurality of lighting units (51a, 51b, 51c) arranged in a horizontally and vertically spaced apart relation on the rear of a vehicle. Horizontally spaced apart lighting units (51a, 51b, 51c) which are lower in position have a greater distance between their centers of gravity, and are adapted to be turned on when a larger braking force is applied to a brake pedal (61).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, Masaaki Abe, Yuji Kuwashima, Mari Sakamoto, Hirosni Uematsu
  • Publication number: 20080094201
    Abstract: Identification tags are used to distinguish a unique tagged item from among a plurality of items. Tagged items are searched by scanning the items with an interrogation signal. The tag emits an observable signal when it receives an identification that matches the identification contained in the tag. When an interrogation signal is not present, the tags sleep at a very low power level or are passively unpowered. A quasi-passive wake-up function employs a continuous low power standby mode, comparing a received signal to a predetermined signal and waking up the device when the predetermined signal is received. The tags can talk back to the interrogator, permitting them to respond with an identification code or to be remotely programmable. The tags can be powered by alternative power sources, including by solar cells or photocells capturing ambient light or a signal received from the interrogator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Joseph PARADISO, Gerardo PEREZ, Mateusz MALINOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20080094202
    Abstract: A method of operating a security system that allows an end user to program a scheduled time for an event to take place and a condition that must be met if the event is to occur. The security system memory is programmed with time information, event condition information, and event action information. The event condition information may include zone setting information, fault information, zone type information, and user selected information. The event action may consist of transmitting an alarm message, transmitting an email, transmitting a user interface message, activating a specified zone (arm-away or arm-stay), activating a camera, deactivating a specified zone (disarm). During operation, the current time is compared with the time information, then status information of the security system is read if the current time matches the time information, and the event action is executed if the event condition is satisfied by the status information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20080094203
    Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes activating a security device and transmitting a first status report from the device in response to the activating step. A second status report is transmitted from the device after the first status report has been transmitted. The second status report is indicative of a status of an input of the security device. It is determined whether the first status report indicates a status different than the status indicated by the second status report. A third status report is transmitted from the device after the second status report has been transmitted. The third status report is indicative of the input of the security device being in an alarm condition and/or a trouble condition. Dependent upon whether the first status report indicates a status different than the status indicated by the second status report, an alarm and/or a trouble warning are issued in response to the third status report.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene Kogan, Alan G. Hayter, Dhanasekaran Nagarajan, Michael G. Marriam, Steve Markham
  • Publication number: 20080094204
    Abstract: A method of installing a security system includes activating a security device. An air-borne identification signal is transmitted from the device in response to the activation. The identification signal identifies the activated device. The identification signal is used to ascertain a type of the device. The device is automatically wirelessly configured dependent upon the type of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene Kogan, Alan G. Hayter, Dhanasekaran Nagarajan, Michael G. Marriam, Steve Markham
  • Publication number: 20080094205
    Abstract: A gateway connected to a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for transfer of data with the WSN includes a data reader interface configurable to read sensor data from the WSN received from a communication port connected to the WSN, irrespective of a type of hardware or software used in the WSN. The gateway also includes an application profile interface configurable to receive the sensor data read by the data reader interface and convert the received data into a generic read data message irrespective of the type of hardware or software used in the WSN and a data handler interface configured to receive the generic read data message, process the received generic read data message based on a customized requirement or a standard requirement for the sensor data and send the processed data to a back-end network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: OCTAVE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Howard Thorn
  • Publication number: 20080094206
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for verifying and tracking identification information. In an embodiment of the invention, a system for delivering security solutions is provided that includes at least one of the following: a radio frequency (RF) identification device, an identification mechanism (e.g., a card, sticker), and an RF reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Neology, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco Martinez de Velasco Cortina, Manfred Rietzler
  • Publication number: 20080094207
    Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Williams Collins, James Allen, Keith Huster, Carl Riley, Patricia Glidewell, Irvin Vanderpohl, Richard Schuman, Christopher Mathura
  • Publication number: 20080094208
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for determining the location of at least one of a plurality of uniquely-identified transducers within one of a plurality of known areas (210-270). The method comprises the steps of receiving information from at least one sensor selected from a plurality of first (211, 212, 216) and second sensors (218, 228, 238), wherein the first sensors (211, 212, 216) are distributed within the plurality of known areas, and the second sensors are located between adjacent ones of the plurality of known areas (220, 240), the information including at least a transducer-unique identification, associating the received information based on the transducer identification, and determining the location based on the information received by at least one of the first sensors. In one aspect the information is a signal strength. In another aspect of the invention, the location may be determined based on information received by a plurality of the first sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Gary Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20080094209
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for monitoring a container for transporting cargo. The system includes an onboard device attached to the container and a central computer system. The central computer system processes alerts transmitted by the onboard device. The onboard device includes a processor/sensor component and an antenna component. The processor/sensor component comprises a processor for controlling the device. The processor/sensor component also includes one or more sensor in communication with the processor for sensing container conditions. A satellite modem in the processor/sensor component transmits alerts relating to container conditions and other satellite communications. The antenna component includes a satellite antenna, which is connected to the satellite modem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Cynthia Braun