Patents Issued in February 8, 2011
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Patent number: 7884725Abstract: RFID tags are used for many purpose including tracking. RFID interrogators are used to retrieve information from tags. In many applications, RFID interrogators and RFID tags remain stationary during interrogation. Regions of low energy due to interference from either additional antenna or reflections from RFID tags and objects can impede or prohibit the reading of RFID tags residing in such regions. Stirring of the generated electromagnetic field is a method of moving around the regions of low energy, where tags can not be read, during the interrogation process. Mechanical stirring is accomplished by introducing a conductor into the electromagnetic field and moving it about in the field. Solid state stirring is accomplished by introducing a variable conductor into the field and varying the conductivity of the variable conductor. Mathematical stirring is accomplished by use of a plurality of antenna and controlling the phase difference between the antenna in a configuration known as phased antenna arrays.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Neology, Inc.Inventors: James Robert Kruest, Gary Bann
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Patent number: 7884726Abstract: A method for efficiently producing a plurality of EAS or RFID tags or inlays that form a label ready for use. The process utilizes a first web of RFID chip straps or capacitor straps that are releasably secured to a liner using only a low tack adhesive and utilizes a second web of coils or antennas which are secured to a second liner. After indexing these two webs, selective heat and pressure are applied to the chips straps or to the capacitor straps to transfer them and electrically couple them to a corresponding coil or antenna. Where both chip straps and capacitor straps are applied to a common antenna, a third web of the additional strap is used in the process.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andre Cote, Detlef Duschek
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Patent number: 7884727Abstract: A system to control energy consumption in a room uses a wireless mesh network that allows for continuous connections and reconfiguration around blocked paths by hopping from node to node until a connection can be established, the mesh network including one or more wireless area network transceivers adapted to communicate data with the wireless mesh network, the transceiver detecting motion by analyzing reflected wireless signal strength.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Inventor: Bao Tran
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Patent number: 7884728Abstract: A monitoring system and process is provided for at least two medical apparatuses, which can send at least one alarm signal each. At least one alarm unit is connected to these apparatuses, wherein the alarm unit has at least one processing unit, a memory unit and an output unit. The processing unit assigns priorities to the alarm signals, and an assignment list of the distribution of the priorities of the individual alarms is stored in the memory unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbHInventors: Uwe Becker, Jürgen Kelch, Hartmut Schmidt
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Patent number: 7884729Abstract: Method and system for providing a fault tolerant data receiver unit configured with a partitioned or separate processing units, each configured to perform a predetermined and/or specific processing associated with the one or more substantially non-overlapping functions of the data monitoring and management system is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.Inventors: Christopher V. Reggiardo, Mark K. Sloan
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Patent number: 7884730Abstract: A device is disclosed which is configured to startle certain pests which may cause a variety of problems in certain areas of a home or workplace. By limiting the action of the pests, or removing the pests from the area, the invention may prevent the destruction of property, minimize animal droppings, and minimize the spread of disease. The invention may include an external shell in the shape of any desired animal which may be on a swivel base and include lighting, wherein the external shell also covers internal mechanical, electronic and electrical components. The components are configured to move parts of the animal shell and move other items attached to the shell. The movement may be a result of a motion detector detecting an undesirable pest, programmable timer, a remote control device operated within the safety of a home or by other sensors. The system may also include a remote control, Wi-Fi, IP address, webcam, modem, dial-in activation, voice activation, and timers.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Inventor: Donald T. Alvarado
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Patent number: 7884731Abstract: The photoelectric smoke sensor includes a casing member 1 having an internal space S formed by a labyrinth wall 1b and an opening 6 communicating with the internal space S on a setting-face side; and a printed board 8 placed on the setting-face side of the casing member 1 and having a hole 8a opposed to the opening 6 of the casing member 1. The light emitting element 2 and the light receiving element 4 are mounted on the printed board 8 in such a fashion that the optical axes of the light emitting element 2 and the light receiving element 4 cross each other on one plane that is substantially parallel to an opening plane of the opening 6. The photoelectric smoke sensor can be reduced in both size and cost with a simple construction.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhiro Mizuo
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Patent number: 7884732Abstract: Wireless control of building facility systems via a wireless network using a wireless relay controller with a unique identifier. The wireless relay controller receives wireless control signals via a wireless communication network. The wireless relay controller determines that a wireless control signal concerns the wireless relay controller based on the unique identifier. The wireless relay controller further identifies a mode of operation for a specified relay indicated by the wireless control signal and controls the power to the specified relay in accordance with the wireless control signal. The wireless control signal may also monitor the power consumption of the load controlled by the specified relay and send that information to the network.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Charles A. Huizenga
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Patent number: 7884733Abstract: Proximity detection is accomplished by determining with a moving average calculation a moving average level of input data; setting a threshold level in response to the average level and a sensitivity factor; producing a proximity detection output when the input data meets the threshold level; and changing the weighting used by the average level calculation in response to a proximity detection output.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: John O'Dowd, Michal Brychta
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Patent number: 7884734Abstract: Methods and apparatus for uniquely identifying wireless devices in close physical proximity are described. When two wireless devices are brought into close proximity, one of the devices displays an optical indicator, such as a light pattern. This device then sends messages to other devices which are within wireless range to cause them to use any light sensor to detect a signal. In an embodiment, the light sensor is a camera and the detected signal is an image captured by the camera. Each device then sends data identifying what was detected back to the device displaying the pattern. By analyzing this data, the first device can determine which other device detected the indicator that it displayed and therefore determine that this device is in close physical proximity to it. In an example, the first device is an interactive surface arranged to identify the wireless addresses of devices which are placed on the surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Shahram Izadi, Malcolm Hall, Stephen E. Hodges, William Buxton, David Alexander Butler
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Patent number: 7884735Abstract: A patient care equipment support includes power and data connectors configured to be coupled to power and data connectors of patient care equipment when the patient care equipment is coupled to the equipment support to provide a power coupling and a data coupling between the patient care equipment and the equipment support. The equipment support is transferable between a first device, such as a hospital bed, and a second device, such as an overhead support arm.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventor: David C. Newkirk
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Patent number: 7884736Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Vermeer CorporationInventors: Jeremy Jin, Scott Rempe
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Patent number: 7884737Abstract: A one-way direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications wide-area network is the data collection channel (uplink) of an automatic meter reading (AMR) system, and a paging network, or other suitable communication channel is the optional forward (downlink) channel. The communications network may include one-way meter modules (transmitters) each communicatively coupled to a corresponding electric, gas or water utility meter, and may include two-way meter modules (transceivers) each coupled to such a corresponding utility meter. The meter modules monitor, store, encode and periodically transmit metering data via radio signals (air messages) in an appropriate RF channel. Metering data air messages are collected by a network of receiver Base Stations (BS) and forwarded to a Data Operations Center (DOC), which acts as a metering data gateway.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: M&FC Holding, LLCInventors: Shimon Zigdon, Carmel Heth
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Patent number: 7884738Abstract: A visual warning assembly for disposal at an intersection of a plurality of roadways is disclosed herein. The visual warning assembly includes a housing with first and second openings facing first and second directions. The first and second directions are transverse to one another. The visual warning assembly also includes a first light assembly positioned in the first opening and having a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in pattern representing an emergency vehicle. The visual warning assembly also includes a second light assembly positioned in the second opening and having a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in pattern representing an emergency vehicle. The visual warning assembly also includes a signal receiver physically supported by the housings or one or both of the first and second light assemblies. The signal receiver or sensor is operable to receive and communicate a signal emitted by a signal emitter associated with an emergency vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: E-Light LLCInventors: Thomas Speros Pappas, Richard William Carpenter, Anthony C. Savalle
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Patent number: 7884739Abstract: Traffic disturbances are detected and data is collected by various sensors where the data reflects the entity that is responsible for the disturbance and the number of vehicles that are impacted by the disturbance. The data is analyzed to determine whether a traffic violation has occurred and to then assess a fine based at least on the number of vehicles that have been impacted as a result of the traffic violation. The fine may then be collected by notifying the entity that is responsible, such as by sending a message to an electronic device of the entity. The notification may provide for an automated payment of the fine or an option to appeal the fine. Additionally, those affected by the traffic disturbance may be identified and granted a portion of the fine that has been imposed and collected.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventors: Jonathan Reeves, Barrett Kreiner
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Patent number: 7884740Abstract: A vehicle detection apparatus adopting microwave sensing schemes for performing the multi-lane vehicle detection is provided in the present invention. According to the present invention, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the detected reflecting wave is varied within an inconsiderable range so that the provided apparatus may exhibit a unique property which is adoptable for the multi-lane vehicle detection and the precision is unachievable by the existing detectors.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: National Chiao Tung UniversityInventors: Ching-Kuang C. Tzuang, Chi-Ho Chang
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Patent number: 7884741Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the existence of an external clock over a digital input port on a computer. In one embodiment, the external clock is validated, and a lock is performed when the clock is valid. Whenever a loss of the lock is detected, and, if a re-lock is likely, the apparatus is muted so that audio artifacts that would otherwise be heard are minimized. The methods and apparatus also provide automatic re-locking to the external clock when a sampling rate change is detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Anthony Guetta, Raymond Montagne, Matthew Xavier Mora
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Patent number: 7884742Abstract: A system for compressing digital data by representing a portion of it predictionally and transformationally as a block of transform coefficients, then quantizing that block selectively into a set of encoding symbols based on an indication whether the transform coefficients represent the portion as having a particular characteristic, and then by encoding the set of encoding symbols into a data bit stream. In particular, frequency may be used as the characteristic of the digital data in many applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Nvidia CorporationInventors: Rohit Puri, Parthasarathy Sriram
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Patent number: 7884743Abstract: Disclosed herein is an arithmetic decoding device including: an arithmetic decoding unit configured to decode coded data resulting from arithmetic coding on a basis of a context variable indicating a probability state and a most probable symbol; a plurality of arithmetic registers configured to supply the context variable to the arithmetic decoding unit and retain a result of operation by the arithmetic decoding unit; and a plurality of save registers configured to save contents retained in the arithmetic registers.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Sakaguchi, Hiroshi Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7884744Abstract: Circuit arrangement, LIN comprising such circuit arrangement as well as method for processing input signals of the LIN In order to further develop a circuit arrangement (100)—for processing at least one input signal (12) from at least one data bus (10) of at least one LIN and—for providing the data bus (10) with at least one output signal (18), as well as a corresponding operating method in such way that EMI performance and/or EMI performance of the LIN (300) is improved, it is proposed to provide—at least one analog-digital converting circuit (ADC) for converting the analog input signal (12) into at least one digital signal (14) to be processed, and—at least one digital-analog converting circuit (DAC) for converting the processed digital signal (16) into the analog output signal (18).Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Clemens Gerhardus De Haas, Inesz Marycka Weijland, Gerrit Jan Bollen, Edwin Schapendonk
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Patent number: 7884745Abstract: An analog-to-digital conversion arrangement converting an input analog signal into an output digital representation. Two or more analog-to-digital conversion paths each applying a conversion mapping between input analog signal magnitudes and respective digital values generate an intermediate representation of the input analog signal, the conversion paths being operable to apply different respective conversion mappings. An output circuit combines the intermediate representations from at least two conversion paths to generate the output digital representation, the intermediate representations being combined according to a weighting dependent on the magnitude of the input analog signal. At least one of the conversion paths has an enhanced sensitivity mode appropriate to a range of magnitudes of the input signal that are below a threshold magnitude. Control logic inhibits operation in the enhanced sensitivity mode if the magnitude of the input analog signal exceeds the threshold magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Sony United Kingdom LimitedInventors: Peter Charles Eastty, Nicholas George Tembe
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Patent number: 7884746Abstract: Several methods and a system of noise limitation of a signal dependent multibit digital to analog signal conversion are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment provides a method that includes receiving an output of a multibit analog to digital circuit of a continuous time sigma delta converter. The method further includes limiting a noise generation by adaptively selecting a digital to analog converter element out of a plurality of digital to analog converter elements in accordance with an input signal magnitude. In addition, the method includes implementing a selected digital to analog converter element to generate an analog signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Sandeep Oswal, Jagannathan Venkataraman
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Patent number: 7884747Abstract: A digital to analog converter (DAC) includes a pair of operational amplifiers each having a first input coupled to a respective high or low reference voltage. The DAC includes a plurality of switch-controlled cells, each of which includes a resistor and two force/sense switch pairs. Within each cell, all four switches are coupled to the resistor. A first force switch is coupled to an output of a first op amp and an associated sense switch is coupled to an inverting input of the first op amp. A second force switch is coupled to an output of a second op amp and an associated sense switch is coupled to an inverting input of the second op amp. Thus, the force switches provide selectively conductive paths to permit either op amp to drive a given cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Roderick McLachlan
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Patent number: 7884748Abstract: The invention provides an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the single ramp type, comprising a ramp generator (101), a clock (102), a digital counter (103) timed by the clock (102), and at least one channel (101, . . . , 10i, . . . , 10n) for data processing, the or each channel comprising a comparator (201, . . . , 20i, . . . , 20n) having an input connected to the ramp generator (101) and the output of which causes for each conversion cycle the storage of the current counter value as a coarse conversion data. According to the present invention, the or each channel (101, . . . , 10i, . . . , 10n) further comprises a delay-chain time interpolator (401, . . . , 40i, . . . , 40n, 501, . . . , 50i, . . .Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventor: Eric Delagnes
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Patent number: 7884749Abstract: An A/D converting apparatus includes a first A/D converter to sample an analog input signal having a D/A converter to generate a comparative signal for successive comparison with the analog input signal, a signal generator generate a differential signal between the analog input signal and the comparative signal, and a comparator to compare the comparative signal with a standard value to generate a first digital signal exhibiting high-order bit; an amplifier to amplify the differential signal to generate a residue signal; and a second A/D converter to sample the residue signal to generate a second digital signal exhibiting low-order bit.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masanori Furuta, Tomohiko Ito, Takafumi Yamaji, Tetsuro Itakura
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Patent number: 7884750Abstract: In an A/D converter provided with an A/D converter circuit 101 for operationally amplifying an input signal and outputting an amplified signal, the A/D converter circuit 101 includes an initial value setting circuit 4a in addition to an amplifier 1a, a sub-A/D converter 2a, a sub-D/A converter 3a and capacitors C11 and C12. To ensure that the initial value of the output voltage of the amplifier 1a is a given voltage value close to the target value of operational amplification at the start of the operational amplification by the amplifier 1a, the initial value setting circuit 4a applies a given bias value equal to the given voltage value close to the target value to a next-stage capacitor C13 to be connected to the output side of the amplifier 1a. Such an A/D converter circuit 101 that can perform speedy convergence to the target value of operational amplification is used at each stage of a pipeline A/D converter.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Toshiaki Ozeki, Daisuke Nomasaki, Koji Oka
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Patent number: 7884751Abstract: A TDC circuit having a small scale circuit and high resolution is disclosed, which is a time-to-digital converter that detects a phase with respect to a reference clock of a signal to be measured, comprising a first delay line in which a plurality of first delay elements with a first delay amount is connected in series, a second delay line group that is connected to a plurality of connection nodes of the first delay line or an input node in the first stage and in which at least one or more second delay elements with a second delay amount different from the first delay amount are connected in series, a plurality of judgment circuits that judge whether the changing edge of the signal to be measured is advanced or delayed with respect to the changing edges of a delayed clock output from the first delay element and the second delay element, and an operation circuit that calculates a phase with respect to the reference clock of the changing edge of the signal to be measured from the judgment results, wherein a difType: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Semiconductor Technology Academic Research CenterInventors: Kazuya Shimizu, Masato Kaneta, Haruo Kobayashi, Tatsuji Matsuura, Katsuyoshi Yagi, Akira Abe, Koichiro Mashiko
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Patent number: 7884752Abstract: A radar system comprising a platform movable along a path in relation to a ground surface portion and carrying a positioning device, a timing device and a radar equipment. It is adapted to implement synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for imaging the ground portion. It includes recording means for collecting radar raw data comprising radar echo amplitudes annotated with distance and the moment of time of collection and being intertwined with platform position measurement data annotated with the respective moment of time of collection thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)Inventors: Hans Hellsten, Lars Ulander, Patrik Dammert
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Patent number: 7884753Abstract: A sensor includes a transceiver configured to receive a wireless signal from an interrogator and to reflect the wireless signal back. The sensor also includes an antenna-switching modulator configured to modulate a radar cross-section of the sensor by repeatedly switching an antenna between, for example, a short-circuit position and an operational circuit position. The operational circuit position could be associated with an impedance matched receiver, and the short-circuit position could be associated with ground. Also, the sensor could be further configured to transmit the wireless signal to a second sensor and to receive a reflected wireless signal from the second sensor, and the sensor could further include a phase comparator configured to compute a phase difference between the transmitted wireless signal and the reflected wireless signal. The phase comparator could be further configured to compute a distance between the sensor and the second sensor based on the phase difference.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Andy Peczalski, Fouad Nusseibeh
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Patent number: 7884754Abstract: A method and system are provided for merging data from a plurality of multiplexed measurement sources to a decision-maker. The method includes operations for receiving a corresponding plurality of measurements of the data, processing each measurement to respectively obtain local state estimates and local error covariances, determining a corresponding plurality of lag periods, offsetting each of the corresponding event times, supplying to a track fusion center the local state estimates and the local error covariances for summing the pluralities of the local state estimates as a fusion state estimate and the local error covariances as a fusion error covariance. The measurements to be fused are each acquired from its respective source and correspond to an associated sampling period within an acquisition interval. The lag periods represent a wait duration for obtaining the corresponding local state estimates and local error covariances.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Ali T. Alouani, John E. Gray, Denis Hugh McCabe
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Patent number: 7884755Abstract: A level measuring instrument has a variable transmitting power for measuring a filling level in a tank. The level measuring instrument includes a generator unit generating one of a first oscillator signal and a second oscillator signal. The generator unit generates a transmit signal from one of the first oscillator signal and the second oscillator signal. The level measuring instrument includes further a controller controlling the generator unit. The generator unit generates one of first and second transmitting powers for the transmit signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KGInventors: Josef Fehrenbach, Daniel Schultheiss, Christoph Mueller, Bernhard Corbe
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Patent number: 7884756Abstract: A radar apparatus measures an azimuth angle with a calculation device that performs super-resolution angle measuring processing in which relative speeds and relative distances among target objects are calculated, when two azimuth angles are obtained for a given target object that has been detected, the calculation device performs an other-signal detection processing in which, among other detected target objects, a target object is searched whose azimuth angle is the same as one of the two azimuth angles and whose beat frequency upon frequency-increasing modification or frequency-decreasing modification is the same as that of the given target object; and when, through the other-signal detection processing, another target object that satisfies the condition is detected, the calculation device eliminates one of two azimuth angles of the detected given target object, which is equal to the azimuth angle of said another target object detected through the other-signal detection processing.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Koichi Kai
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Patent number: 7884757Abstract: In one embodiment, an ultra wide band (UWB) radar includes: a substrate; a plurality of antennas adjacent the substrate, the plurality of antennas being arranged into a plurality of sub-arrays; an RF feed network adjacent the substrate, the RF feed network coupling to a distributed plurality of amplifiers integrated with the substrate, wherein the RF feed network and the distributed plurality of amplifiers are configured to form a resonant network such that if a timing signal is injected into an input port of the RF feed network, the resonant network oscillates to provide a globally-synchronized RF signal across the network; a plurality of pulse-shaping circuits corresponding to the plurality of sub-arrays, each pulse-shaping circuit being configured to receive the globally-synchronized RF signal from the network and process the globally-synchronized RF signal into pulses for transmission through the corresponding sub-array of antennas; and an actuator for mechanically scanning the UWB radar so that the pulseType: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Tialinx, Inc.Inventors: Farrokh Mohamadi, Afshin Niktash
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Patent number: 7884758Abstract: A non-GPS capable stationary device and method thereof is presented that permits the stationary device to receive location and time information from a mobile, GPS capable device using a non-GPS wireless protocol. This permits the stationary device to make use of the location information in combination with other information from the stationary device, communicated from the mobile device and/or communicated from other devices in a network of devices connected to the stationary device, to customize features of the stationary device accordingly. The stationary device is activated through an external trigger or automatically through an internal trigger.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Carol Shifrin Gruchala, Wayne Robert Heinmiller, Dianna Inara Tillks
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Patent number: 7884759Abstract: A reception environment is determined to be a multipath environment when the difference (positioning altitude difference) between the maximum value (maximum altitude) and the minimum value (minimum altitude) of the altitudes of candidate present positions P of respective satellite sets exceeds a given threshold value (e.g., 200 m), and is determined to be an open-sky environment when the positioning altitude difference is equal to or less than the given threshold value. When the reception environment is the open-sky environment, an evaluation point E of each satellite set is calculated using a known evaluation method based on the number of satellites, a PDOP value, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Shinichi Mitsunaga
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Patent number: 7884760Abstract: The location of a mobile terminal in a given area is determined by including the mobile terminal both in a satellite-based positioning system and in a cellular communications system. The mobile terminal is thus adapted to receive satellite signals from the satellite-based system and to be covered by at least one cell of the cellular communications system. The mobile terminal is configured for determining at least approximately its coordinates, including an altitude coordinate in the area, based on both satellite signals received from the satellite-based system and information related to the cellular communications system. An estimate of the altitude coordinate is derived from the information related to the cellular communications system, whereby satisfactory location performance is ensured also when one or more satellites in the satellite-based system are not visible at the mobile terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Telecom Italia S.p.A.Inventors: Gianluca Boiero, Davide Cavallo
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Patent number: 7884761Abstract: A method for tracking a satellite signal by a GPS includes the following steps. Data is continuously received from one of satellites by using tracking frequencies updated one by one based on an average phase difference of received data. Phase inversion points in the plurality of received data are interpreted. A time difference between each two adjacent phase inversion points among the phase inversion points is calculated. It is determined whether each time difference is an integral multiple of 20 ms. When each time difference is an integral multiple of 20 ms, 1-bit data is retrieved for every 20 ms from the satellite signal by taking a first phase inversion point among the plurality of phase inversion points as a starting point. Thus, a positioning speed is increased and a required positioning time is reduced by finding out a precise tracking frequency and a correct phase inversion point.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Altek CorporationInventor: Hung-Sheng Chen
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Patent number: 7884762Abstract: Method and apparatus for a GPS device that uses at least one cellular acquisition signal is described. More particularly, a GPS device is configured to receive at least one cellular acquisition signal for obtaining benefits associated with AGPS with only a small subset of AGPS circuitry to interact with a cell phone network. This facilitates use of GPS devices without subscription to a cell phone service provider, thus avoiding cellular subscription fees.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Charles Abraham
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Patent number: 7884763Abstract: Techniques are provided for computing beamforming weight vectors useful for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless transmission of multiple signals streams from a first device to a second device. The techniques involve computing a plurality of candidate beamforming weight vectors based on the one or more signals received at the plurality of antennas of the first device. A sequence of orthogonal/partially orthogonal beamforming weight vectors are computed from the plurality of candidate beamforming weight vectors. The sequence of orthogonal/partially orthogonal beamforming weight vectors are applied to multiple signal streams for simultaneous transmission to the second device via the plurality of antennas of the first device.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Yanxin Na, Hang Jin
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Patent number: 7884764Abstract: An antenna oscillator includes a first strip line type resonator and a second resonator functioning as an antenna. The first resonator is fabricated by stacking a first conductor onto a grounding conductor with a first dielectric part including a gain part therebetween. The second resonator is fabricated by stacking a second conductor, emitting electromagnetic waves to the exterior, onto the first resonator with a second dielectric part therebetween so as to function as an antenna with the configuration between the grounding conductor and the second conductor. The first conductor and the second conductor are separated from each other in a stacking direction with the second dielectric part or the second dielectric part and the grounding conductor therebetween. The first resonator and the second resonator are electromagnetically connected together so as to form a resonance circuit that makes the electromagnetic waves resonate.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeaki Itsuji
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Patent number: 7884765Abstract: An array antenna and an electronic apparatus using the array antenna are provided. The array antenna includes a plurality of antenna units, a first connection line, and a second connection line. Each of the antenna units includes a rectangular radiation region, a first feeding line and a second feeding line. The first and second feeding lines are connected to two adjacent feeding corners of the rectangular radiation region. The first connection line and the second connection line are disposed at two sides of the antenna unit for connection with the other ends of the first feeding line and the second feeding line, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.Inventors: Ming-Yen Liu, Ten-Long Dan, Hsiao-Ming Tsai, Shih-Chieh Chen, Tzu-Ching Huang
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Patent number: 7884766Abstract: An antenna and antenna array are provided. A radiating elements and corresponding feed lines are provided over a variable dielectric constant material sandwiched between two panels. The sandwich may be in the form of an LCD. The dielectric constant in a selected area under the conductive line can be varied to control the phase of the radiating element. The dielectric constant in a selected area under the radiating element can be varied to control the resonance frequency of the radiating element. The dielectric constant in a selected area under the conductive line can be varied to also control the polarization of the radiating element.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Wavebender, Inc.Inventor: Dedi David Haziza
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Patent number: 7884767Abstract: An antenna device for operating in a predetermined frequency band has a resonator section, a semiconductor section and an antenna section. The resonator section includes a first conductor section, a dielectric section, and a second conductor section for specifying a reference potential against each section which is arranged so as to oppose the first conductor section through the dielectric section. A semiconductor section is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the first conductor section and the second conductor section. The antenna section uses the second conductor section as a grounding conductor, is substantially spherical, makes at least its surface electroconductive, and is arranged on the first conductor section.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeaki Itsuji
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Patent number: 7884768Abstract: A dual beam electronically scanned phased array antenna architecture including a plurality of antenna modules orthogonally connected to a signal distribution board. Each module includes a radiator board orthogonally connected to a first end of a support mandrel. Each radiator board includes RF radiators and a pair of chip carriers mounted to opposing sides of the respective mandrel and interconnected to the respective radiator board. Each module includes a signal transfer board formed to fit around a second end of the mandrel such that it is compressed between the mandrel and the signal distribution board, and a pair of signal distribution bridges mounted to the opposing sides of the mandrel. Each signal distribution bridge interconnects respective chip carriers with the signal transfer board and distributes digital, DC and/or RE signals received from the signal transfer board to a plurality of beam scanning circuits included in the respective chip carrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Julio A. Navarro, Peter T. Heisen, Scott A. Raby, Ming Chen, Lixin Cai
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Patent number: 7884769Abstract: A planar antenna assembly (AA), for an RF communication module, comprises i) a ground plane (GP) and a feeding circuit (FC) defined on a lace of a printed circuit board (PCB), ii) a feed tab (FT1) and a first shorting tab (ST1) coupled to the feeding circuit (FC) and the ground plane (GP) respectively, and iii) a radiating element (RE) comprising a first part (P1) connected to the feed tab (FT) and first shorting tab (ST1), located in a first plane approximately perpendicular to the ground plane (GP) and in which a slot (SO), comprising opened (OE) and closed (CE) ends, is defined, and a second part (P2) extending approximately perpendicularly from the first part (P1) to be located in a second plane lacing and approximately parallel to the ground plane (GP). The feed tab (FT) and first shorting tab (ST1) are parallel and close to each other and connected to the first part (P1) at a chosen place located at a chosen distance away from the slot opened end (OE) in order to define a chosen input impedance.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Epcos AGInventor: Kevin Boyle
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Patent number: 7884770Abstract: A communication apparatus is provided that includes an apparatus main frame, an antenna, and a connecting element that connects the antenna to the apparatus main frame and positions the antenna away from the apparatus main frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu Component LimitedInventors: Masahiro Yanagi, Shigemi Kurashima, Hideki Iwata, Takashi Yuba, Takashi Arita
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Patent number: 7884771Abstract: An antenna comprises a ground element, a transmission element, a conductive element and a coupling element. The conductive element connects the ground element and the transmission element. The coupling element extends from the conductive element substantially parallel to the transmission element, wherein the coupling element is located on a first plane, the transmission element is located on a second plane, and the second plane is parallel to the first plane.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corp.Inventors: Kuan-Hsueh Tseng, Yi-Ling Chiu, Chia-Tien Li
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Patent number: 7884772Abstract: A radar apparatus including: a radar antenna array; and, a sensor for detecting a relative distortion of at least one portion of the radar antenna relative to at least one other portion of the radar antenna array.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Richard R. Hall, Stanley M. Granat
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Patent number: 7884773Abstract: A method for making a horn antenna array includes the steps of making planar boards with surface conductor or metallization defining a plurality of side-by-side horns, and with horn feed conductors extending to an edge of the boards. The edges of the board are metallized in a pattern to define feed pads in contact with the feed conductors. Slots are cut in the boards on the axes of the horns so that two orthogonal boards can be joined together for “radiation” in mutually orthogonal planes. A surface-conducive dielectric support defines surface pads in a pattern that matches the pattern of feed pads in a set of joined boards, and through vias connect from the surface pads to lower layers, which may include a beamformer, for making individual connections to the horns.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Fred W. Warning
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Patent number: 7884774Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless transmit/receive unit, comprising a feeding connecting line, a first radiating line, a second radiating line, a third radiating line and a fourth radiating line, wherein the third radiating line is longer than the first radiating line and the first radiating line is longer than the second radiating line that provides different current paths for getting a broader bandwidth. The first, second and third radiating lines are connected parallel for enhancing an antenna pattern being perpendicular thereto, and form a series capacity between the first and the third radiating lines. The fourth radiating line vertically connects between the third radiating line and a grounding line for forming a grounding capacity. The printed antenna can be reduced in size by the effect of the two capacities. The wireless transmit/receive unit can provide a better isolation with others by the direction enforced pattern and the reduced size.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Delta Networks, Inc.Inventors: Chi-Cheng Huang, Chia-Bin Yang