Patents Issued in March 11, 2014
  • Patent number: 8669843
    Abstract: A fingerprint detection device and method and an associated touch control device with fingerprint detection are disclosed. The fingerprint detection device includes special detecting units for upgrading the accuracy of fingerprint detection. The fingerprint detection device comprises a plurality of detecting units, a driving circuit and a reading circuit. Each detecting unit includes a fingerprint electrode and a storage capacitor coupled to the fingerprint electrode. A sense capacitor can be formed between the fingerprint electrode and a finger, where the sense capacitor is parallel connected to the storage capacitor. The driving circuit is coupled to the detecting units and provides a charging signal to charge an equivalent capacitor of each detecting unit, where the capacitance of the equivalent capacitor is determined according to whether the sense capacitor is formed within the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventor: Chih-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 8669844
    Abstract: A meeting room reservation system may include at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor to be positioned adjacent a meeting room, and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices, each configured for RFID communication with the at least one RFID sensor. The system may further include a reservation server configured to schedule reserved starting and ending times for the meeting room, track checked-in mobile wireless communications devices based upon RFID communication with the at least one RFID sensor, and send at least one reservation expiration notification based upon a reserved ending time and a subsequent check-in of another mobile wireless communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: David Ryan Walker, Scott Douglas Rose, Vahid Moosavi, Jason Tyler Griffin, Steven Henry Fyke
  • Patent number: 8669845
    Abstract: A system and method monitor skier behavior. An identifier is read from a lift access product when the lift access product is in the vicinity of a lift boarding area and a scan record containing the identifier, location information of the lift boarding area and a time stamp if generated. The scan record is processed to generate a location event record that is stored within a location database. The location database is processed to determine skier behavior based upon the location event records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Vail Resorts, Inc.
    Inventors: Sayan Chakraborty, Logan Bruns, Robert Urwiler, Tim April, Stephen Younge
  • Patent number: 8669846
    Abstract: The present invention provides one or more powered wireless transceivers and/or one or more passive wireless transceivers, a reader and interrogator with variable power, one or more antennas connected to a human or robotic hand and/or foot, a method for making same and the method of using these devices for process automation and verification involving one or more items in addition to locating, tracking and identifying these items in a supply chain. In one embodiment, a proximity sensing wireless system is provided which can be used to step the handler or operator through the step of a process and verify that each step in the process has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eigent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Warner, James Wang, Jack Winters
  • Patent number: 8669847
    Abstract: The directions of at least two fibers arranged at a tag are detected to identify the tag and an item intended to be attached thereto. The fibers have an impedance for high frequency electromagnetic waves, which impedance is dependent on a magnetic field at the fiber. Electromagnets generate a modulation magnetic field having an amplitude modulated magnetic component with a first frequency; and a bias magnetic field for counterbalancing any constant magnetic fields parallel to the direction of the fiber. A microwave transmitter directs a frequency modulated microwave signal towards the fiber via a transmitting antenna. The microwave reflected by the microfibers is received by a receiving antenna coaxial with the transmitting antenna and is used to identify tag by determining the orientation of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Carl Tyrén
  • Patent number: 8669848
    Abstract: Biological reagent carrier devices and methods are disclosed, which employ RFID techniques to associate information with biological reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Morris, Jerome A. Mack
  • Patent number: 8669849
    Abstract: Biological reagent carrier devices and methods are disclosed, which employ RFID techniques to associate information with biological reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Morris, Jerome A. Mack
  • Patent number: 8669850
    Abstract: A reader and method for adjusting the transmission time of a continuous wave (CW), wherein the method comprises setting an initial value for a response waiting time, sending the CW to a tag after sending a command to the tag and waiting for a response from the tag, judging whether the response from the tag is received within the response waiting time. If the response from the tag is received within the response waiting time, then sending of the CW is stopped and the response waiting time is adjusted. If the response from the tag is still not received beyond the response waiting time, then sending of the CW is stopped. The time for the reader to wait for a response from the tag is far less than 20 ms. Consequently, a command failure can be found early, so as to improve the processing efficiency of an RFID system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hui Li, Yong Yuan, Liang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8669851
    Abstract: A radio remote controller precisely transfers user's intended control. A radio communication module transmits control data for controlling a controlled device by radio communications to provide remote control to the controlled device. The radio communication module includes a communication control section, and a communication section. The communication control section creates transmission data by adding repeat information to the control data to be transmitted to the controlled device, with the repeat information being indicative of whether to repeatedly control a function of the controlled device controlled by the control data. The communication section successively outputs the transmission data created by the communication control section via a radio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: SMK Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Shirai, Paul Murphy
  • Patent number: 8669852
    Abstract: A reflex speaker which provides an acoustic signal generator for acoustic alarm signals is captured in a housing through which the acoustic signals project via ports at the exit end of the housing. The housing defines a compartment at the exit end with an opening which is covered so that the acoustic signals project out of the exit end around the compartment. The cover may be a transparent cover which provides a lens through which optical signals generated by optics in the compartment provided by either LEDs to provide an optical warning signal, or a video camera, such as a CCD, which responds to visual signals as from hazards at the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Neufeglise, Daniel T. McCann
  • Patent number: 8669853
    Abstract: A light affixed to the front of a school bus directs a beam of light across a road to enhance a safe crossing of the road by children boarding the bus. At least two red warning lights are mounted upon a front surface of the bus. A controller is operatively connected to the crossing light and warning lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen M. Gardner
  • Patent number: 8669854
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for determining and signalling to a driver of a motor vehicle a condition of danger deriving from a potential collision of the motor vehicle itself with an obstacle. The method is able to: determine a path of travel of the motor vehicle along a stretch of road; define an area of detection of the obstacles in the stretch of road; detect the obstacles present in the area of detection in such a way as to generate a list of possible obstacles that might be hit; identify, from among the possible obstacles detected, a main obstacle; determine a level of risk associated to a condition of impact of the motor vehicle with the main obstacle detected; and finally generate a signal or alarm message regarding the level of risk determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societá Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Carlo D'Ambrosio, Andrea Ghiro
  • Patent number: 8669855
    Abstract: An indicator portion (55) includes a first indicator portion (110) and a second indicator portion (112). The first indicator portion (110) indicates an accelerator pedal opening degree that changes in accordance with an operated amount of the accelerator pedal by the driver. The second indicator portion (112) includes a division line (114) and regions (116, 118) divided by the division line (114). The division line (114) shows an accelerator pedal opening degree where traveling modes (EV mode and HV mode) are switched. The regions (116, 118) show the ranges of accelerator pedal opening degrees where traveling is performed in EV mode and HV mode, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Suzuki, Motohiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8669856
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a digital speedometer display to match an analog speedometer indicated value. The method generally includes calibrating each analog speedometer unit such that the exact deviation or “offset” from the center point of the analog speedometer is known. This measured deviation is then used to adjust the value input to the digital display thereby making the digital display value match the indicated value of the analog speedometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tony Wang, Natarajan S. Manakkal
  • Patent number: 8669857
    Abstract: A system for aiding a user when travelling in a vehicle with a portable, handheld electronic device includes a sensor that detects an object outside the vehicle and that detects a condition regarding movement of the vehicle with respect to the object outside the vehicle. The sensor is supported in the vehicle for travel with the vehicle. The system also includes a communication system that allows the vehicle and the electronic device to communicate a signal therebetween. The signal relates to the condition detected by the sensor. Furthermore, the system includes an output device included on at least one of the vehicle and the electronic device. The output device is operable to output an alarm based on the signal communicated between the vehicle and the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Sun, Hisanori Miura, Hiroshi Hattori
  • Patent number: 8669858
    Abstract: A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device is configured to emit a movement notification sound to an outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle will move. The notification sound control device is configured to operate the sound emitting device in response to occurrence of a vehicle condition. The notification sound control device setting the movement notification sound of the sound emitting device to a frequency in a range of 1.5 kHz to 6 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshino, Tsuyoshi Kanuma, Hironori Saito, Katsumi Kimura, Yuji Watanabe, Toshiyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8669859
    Abstract: A safety detection alarm device for a ladder includes a control alarm unit and a sensor unit. A load sensor module, a voltage detection sensor module or an angle detection sensor module of the sensor unit is installed on the ladder. The load sensor module of the sensor unit is to detect the weight of the load. The voltage detection sensor module is to detect and sense the load of the electricity and current. The angle detection sensor module is to detect the angle of the ladder. A light alarm module or a sound alarm module is used to send an alarm to warn the user that the load, electricity or current of the ladder is over or the ladder is unstable. The present invention is safe for use and provides a better function for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Wen-Jaw Wang
  • Patent number: 8669860
    Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring electrical, mechanical, and telecommunications equipment including air conditioning components of a facility is provided. The monitoring system can include door sensors, pressure sensors, and power phase loss monitors, which can be centrally connected to a transmitter for communication over a network for notifying client devices and activating alarms. The alarms can be provided when voltage drops, pressure drops, or a door has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ronnie Dean Tinsley, II
  • Patent number: 8669861
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing a weight related risk profile using RFID technology is provided. While the cargo container is in transit, a RFID reader inside a cargo container polls the contents of the container by reading RFID data from each RFID tagged item and calculate the payload weight. When the truck transporting the cargo container passes a weigh station, or a high-speed scale embedded in the road, a payload weight is measured by a scale. A risk factor is assessed by comparing the estimated weight by the RFID reader with the measured weight by the scale. According to one aspect of the invention, the RFID based polling system has the ability to map the weight and location for each tagged item and estimate a container weight distribution. The estimated weight distribution is compared with the weight distribution measured by the scale to determine potential anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: GlobalTrak, LLC
    Inventor: Richard C. Meyers
  • Patent number: 8669862
    Abstract: A device includes a processing module and a radio section. The processing module obtains location information regarding the device and converts it into a location signal. The radio section converts the location signal into a location wireless signal and transmits it within a local coverage area. A handheld device may use the location wireless signal to determine its location within a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Nambirajan Seshadri
  • Patent number: 8669863
    Abstract: The medical information band is an electronic control unit removably attached to a band that may be worn by a user or attached to a medication bottle. The electronic control unit displays all the information of drugs that the user takes, and provides an electronic alert to remind the user when to take the medication, or when the medication has reached its expiration date. The electronic control unit includes a temperature sensor, and alerts the user when the medication must be moved to a different location with a more appropriate storage temperature. Moreover, the electronic control unit may also display the personal information and the health status of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Fahad M. F. S. Alhuwaishel
  • Patent number: 8669864
    Abstract: A mobile terminal is used to assist individuals with disabilities. A mobile terminal such as a “smartphone” or other commercially available wireless handheld device may be loaded with software. The software may be configured to: (i) store criteria for managing communications between a disabled user of the mobile terminal and a remote caregiver, (ii) determine whether a criterion is satisfied, and if so (iii) initiate a communication from the mobile terminal to the remote caregiver, and (iv) receive a response from the remote caregiver. Thus, through this software, the mobile terminal may dynamically facilitate communications with specific remote caregivers based on specific situations that may confront disabled individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: HandHold Adaptive, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 8669865
    Abstract: An automatically provisioned passenger safety and locator device is described. In one aspect, the locator device includes a microcontroller with a processor coupled to the memory comprising computer-program instructions executable by the processor that, responsive to activation, detects a seat number for the seat of a plurality of seats coupled to a transportation vehicle. The seat is in proximity to and in association with the tracking apparatus. Additionally, the computer program instructions generate and communicate a signal to a search and rescue center. The signal includes the seat number and location coordinates of the tracking apparatus. The seat number is utilized by the search rescue team to facilitate respective operations by determining personal information associated with any passenger assigned to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventors: Abdullah Ghazi M. Al-Rehaili, Ahmed G. Al-Rehaili
  • Patent number: 8669866
    Abstract: A process transmitter for measuring a process variable comprises a process sensor, transmitter circuitry, a transmitter housing, a mounting component, and a non-contact proximity sensor. The process sensor senses a process variable of a process fluid. The transmitter circuitry processes a signal from the process sensor. The transmitter housing receives the process sensor and transmitter circuitry. The transmitter mounting component is connected to the housing to isolate the sensor, the transmitter circuitry or the transmitter housing from the process fluid or an external environment. The non-contact proximity sensor system detects a spatial relationship between the transmitter housing and the transmitter mounting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hedtke
  • Patent number: 8669867
    Abstract: A multi-function printer (MFP) and an alarm method thereof are provided. The provided method includes determining whether the MFP has accomplished printing a document; and when the MFP has accomplished printing the document, determining whether to produce an alarm message to an electronic device corresponding to the document in response to a comparison result between an input speech and a database. Thus, in response to the generation of the alarm message, not only to warn a user who forgot to take away the printed document, but also further to indicate the location of the printed document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Shu-Bin Wei
  • Patent number: 8669868
    Abstract: A method for reteaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes comparing the acquired identification code with all stored identification codes of other targets previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching and reteaching the switching circuit for switching based on the acquired identification code if the acquired identification code is different from all stored identification codes previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Foster, Steven R. Tambeau, Joshua D. Vavra
  • Patent number: 8669869
    Abstract: A device and methods are provided for monitoring and reporting activity including providing an alert based on detected activity. In one embodiment, a method includes is monitoring activity relative to a device based on activity detected by the device, determining a baseline activity level for the device, and detecting a change in the baseline activity level. The method may further include transmitting an electronic message via a network connection based on the change in baseline line activity, the electronic message providing an alert based on the change in baseline activity level. The device and methods may advantageously allow for providing alerts based on inactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Norifumi Takaya
  • Patent number: 8669870
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the surveillance conducted by lost or stolen electronic devices dependent upon the location of such electronic devices is provided. A data repository contains data that specifies, for each of a plurality of geographic regions (e.g. legal jurisdictions), a set of surveillance methods that are permissible in the respective region. At least some of the geographic regions have different respective sets of permissible surveillance methods than others. A computer system is operable to communicate with the devices over a computer network, and programmed to use received information regarding a location of a potentially lost or stolen device, in combination with the data in the computer data repository, to cause the potentially lost or stolen device to initiate surveillance according to the set of permissible surveillance methods (and/or other actions) corresponding to the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Absolute Software Corporation
    Inventors: Byron Jung, Damien Loveland
  • Patent number: 8669871
    Abstract: Methods and systems for passive wireless surface acoustic wave devices for orthogonal frequency coded devices to implement ON-OFF sensors reusing orthogonal frequency code and distinguishing between ON and OFF states using additional PN sequence and on/off switches producing multi-level coding as well as external stimuli for switching and identification of a closure system. An embodiment adds a level of diversity by adding a dibit to each surface acoustic wave devices, thus providing four different possible coding states. The PN on-off coding can be with the dibit for coding in a multi-tag system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Malocha, Nikolai Kozlovski
  • Patent number: 8669872
    Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags may receive one or more encapsulated commands within the payload of an encapsulating command. An encapsulated command includes at least a command code and an instruction. A tag may store the encapsulated command(s) or the instruction portion of the encapsulated command(s) for later execution. A sequence of encapsulated commands may be contained within one encapsulating command or spread across multiple encapsulating commands. The sequence of encapsulated commands, or the sequence of instructions associated with the encapsulated commands, may form a program. The tag may execute the instructions or program upon receipt, upon a trigger event, serially or in parallel, and/or may modify the instructions or program by adjusting parameters. The tag may later be told by a reader to execute the instructions or program via another command which, in some cases, may be sent prior to tag singulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Theron Stanford, Christopher J. Diorio, Harley Heinrich
  • Patent number: 8669873
    Abstract: An inventory and antitheft alarm tag utilizes RFID technology. The system provides either real time or time of scan inventory and theft control while monitoring the time and date of each lock/unlock event and the sequence of these events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Joseph
  • Patent number: 8669874
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Neology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Robert Kruest, Gary Bann
  • Patent number: 8669875
    Abstract: A business method includes a system for providing notification to a designated pet care provider to ensure that care will be provided to a subscriber's pets, animals, or livestock in the event the subscriber is unable to care for his/her pets due to an injury, hospitalization, death or unexpected delay. The system includes a card that is provided to the subscriber with a unique ID number and telephone number on the card. An authorized person, upon finding the card, calls the telephone number to inform the system of an incapacitation or death of the subscriber. After confirming the validity of the call the system then attempts to contact the designated pet care provider. If a willing pet care provider is not reached within a predetermined period of time a local authority could be contacted to provide temporary care for the subscriber's pets. Optional levels of service are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Eugene Lee Tresenfeld
  • Patent number: 8669876
    Abstract: An above-water system provides automatic alerting for possible drowning victims in swimming pools or the like. One or more electro-optical sensors are placed above the pool surface. Sequences of images are digitized and analyzed electronically to determine whether there are humans within the image, and whether such humans are moving in a manner that would suggest drowning. Effects due to glint, refraction, and variations in light, are offset automatically by the system. If a potential drowning incident is detected, the system produces an alarm sound, and/or a warning display, so that an operator can determine whether action must be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: 1998 David B. and Ann E. Anderson Revocable Trust
    Inventors: David Bradford Anderson, John Thomas Barnett, Donald Lee Hakes, Keith Roger Loss, James Paul Gormican
  • Patent number: 8669877
    Abstract: A system for inspecting an oil level in each part of a railroad car truck includes: an imaging unit that obtains an image of an oil level gauge; an oil level inspection unit that inspects whether or not the oil level in each part of the railroad car truck is within a predetermined range based on the image of the oil level gauge obtained by the imaging unit; a voice input unit adapted for an inspector to input, via voice, an inspection result; a voice processing unit that determines whether or not the inspection result inputted via the voice input unit is good based on the inputted inspection result, and converts a determination result into displayable data; a display unit that displays an oil level inspection result and the determination result; and a storage unit that stores, as data, the oil level inspection result and the determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Central Japan Railway Company
    Inventors: Kyouichi Nishimura, Nozomu Nakamura, Kazuhiro Okada, Yoshitaka Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8669878
    Abstract: A carbon monoxide activated garage door opening system including a garage door opening system connected to an existing garage door and a user interface communicatively coupled to the garage door opening system for toggling the garage door between open and closed positions based upon receiving a corresponding user input at the user interface. Such a user interface preferably has a first carbon monoxide detector located therein for detecting an initial carbon monoxide level in the ambient air surrounding the user interface. A second carbon monoxide detector is attached to a rear side of the user interface for confirming whether the initial carbon monoxide level is an unsafe carbon monoxide level. In this manner, upon validating the unsafe carbon monoxide level, the user interface is adapted to automatically override the user input and thereby open the garage door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas L. Vantilburg
  • Patent number: 8669879
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for alerting a person to check a medical device while conserving battery power. The medical device initiates a status alert if a readiness condition of the medical device is no longer being met. The status alert includes notification periods during which an audible sound is emitted alternating with off periods during which substantially no audible sound is emitted. The audible sounds may include certain tones or at least one spoken word. At least one of the duration of successive notification periods or the duration of successive off periods may be varied. In this manner, the medical device may provide audible sound at different times during the day in an attempt to get the attention of a person. In addition, the medical device may sense an activity to determine when to provide the audible sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Physio-Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Sullivan, Benjamin A. Flugstad, Glenn Morita
  • Patent number: 8669880
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for preventing overheating of a computer comprising sensing a disengagement action for the computer, detecting a power setting associated with the disengagement action, and performing, when the power setting is detected to be set to a preset mode, at least one of alerting the user regarding the power setting and forcing the computer into a low power state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Teresa Tran
  • Patent number: 8669881
    Abstract: A container data center includes a container, a plurality of power supplies, an electric switch system, a plurality of normally closed switches, an alarm device, and a controller. The electric switch system is received in the container. The plurality of normally closed switches are connected between the power supplies and the electric switch system. Each normally closed switch is connected with a corresponding one of the power supplies in series. The controller is connected to the normally closed switches and the alarm device, configured for receiving earthquake information containing an earthquake intensity, and configured for controlling the alarm device to activate alarms and controlling some of the normally closed switches or all the normally closed switches to open when the earthquake intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined earthquake intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 8669882
    Abstract: An alert device for a vehicle including a communications receiver for receiving file fragments for the device, a positioning data receiver for providing vehicle location data, a microcontroller system including a microcontroller and a programmable non-volatile memory system, for building and storing application and data files from the fragments, and executing an alert application of the device by processing at least one application file and associated data identified by configuration instructions included in at least one of the fragments to provide alert data for the vehicle corresponding to the location of the vehicle determined by the application on the basis of the vehicle location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Freestyle Technology Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Donaghey, Ian Kenneth Francis McDonald, David Lewis Beard
  • Patent number: 8669883
    Abstract: A visual aid for the pilot of an aircraft approaching to land on an aircraft carrier comprises a series of lights (9) embedded along the landing deck and controlled in response to pitch and heave of the vessel so that the light(s) illuminated at any time indicate a visual aim point which is stabilised with respect to a specified glideslope (5) onto the vessel irrespective of such vertical excursions of the vessel. It is used in conjunction with a marker on a head up display or helmet mounted display for example so that registry of the marker with the illuminated light at any time indicates that the aircraft is on the correct glideslope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventor: Justin David Billot Paines
  • Patent number: 8669884
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating an electronic map display. In one implementation, a method is provided for determining a route distance based on information for a route, comparing the route distance with a distance threshold, generating a list of points of interest (POIs) when the route distance is less than the distance threshold, the list of POIs identifying POIs that are located along the route, grouping the POIs into one or more buckets based on location, calculating POI densities of the buckets based on the POIs included in each corresponding bucket, ranking the buckets based on the POI densities, providing POI information associated with the POIs included in the ranked buckets, wherein the POI information is provided based on the ranking of the buckets, and generating an electronic map display with the POI information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mapquest, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Beyeler, G. Duane Gearhart
  • Patent number: 8669885
    Abstract: A method and system for adding traffic gadgets to a traffic report is disclosed. A traffic gadget is a dynamic object defined by a relatively small code module that is separate from the main traffic report application code. A programmer develops the traffic gadget's visual functionality and specifies the type of data that the traffic gadget can receive. An artist configures the visible appearance of the traffic gadget for a specific end-user application. The end-user may then select a traffic gadget and add the selected traffic gadget to a visual traffic report. The user may also select data to control the functionality of the traffic gadget during the traffic report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: Howard M. Swope, III, Margaret M. Cronan, Jennifer Colleran, Michael H. Nymark, Michael Balcerzak, Robert M. Soulchin
  • Patent number: 8669886
    Abstract: A data entry module includes a flexible substrate, a fence circuit formed on the flexible substrate and including at least one trace routed in a meandering manner, an insulating layer formed on the fence circuit, a substrate spaced from the insulating layer, and a switch circuit including a plurality of switch elements each including two contact pads separately disposed on the substrate and the insulating layer. The fence circuit is configured to cover the switch circuit for preventing the interrogation of the switch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Xac Automation Corp.
    Inventor: Li De Chen
  • Patent number: 8669887
    Abstract: A keypad for controlling software, such as disk jockey (DJ) software, includes a plurality of keys, each key being programmable for issuing any desired, predefined sequence of keystrokes and/or mouse commands in response to the key being pressed. At least some of the keys are laid out in a piano-style format, with those keys being programmed to direct the software to produce musical notes. The keypad is constructed to be attached to a phonograph turntable by engaging with physical features on the turntable. The keypad has a top surface that has a rounded edge that runs concentrically with the turntable's platter. It also has a straight edge, overhanging the side of the turntable, where the piano style keys are positioned. When used by a DJ, the keypad greatly simplifies the task of simultaneously operating the turntable and the DJ software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph G. Ward, III
  • Patent number: 8669888
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Hangeul input keypad and a method using the same. Basic consonants and basic vowels are assigned to the Hangeul input keypad, the number of the basic consonant-assigned keys is less than that of the basic vowel-assigned keys, the consonant keys and the vowel keys are disposed separately, and a shift key converting the basic consonants to extended consonants is disposed adjacent to the consonant keys to which the basic consonants convertible to the extended consonants are assigned. The Hangeul input keypad and method according to the present invention improves speed of Hangeul input, provides convenience in operation of consonant keys and a shift key, and ease of a user's learning of the Hangeul input method by optimizing the disposition of the consonants and vowels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Hisayuki Kunigita, Shi Hyong Cho, Yong Ho Lee, Young Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 8669889
    Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, method, and data structure for using variable length code tables to compress an input data stream to a compressed output data stream. If a number of consecutive data units in the input data stream match the number of consecutive data units in a history buffer of previously received data units in the input data stream, a copy pointer symbol is generated indicating the copy pointer symbol referencing previously received data units in the history buffer and indicating a location of a start of the consecutive data units in the history buffer. A determination is made from a variable length code table of an encoding of the number. Indication is made in the generated copy pointer symbol the determined encoding of the number and the copy pointer symbol is outputted in the compressed output data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Glen A. Jaquette
  • Patent number: 8669890
    Abstract: A method of estimating mismatches of a time-to-digital converter (TDC) includes: capturing phase error samples; calculating difference between the phase error samples and an expected value of the phase error samples; and adjusting correction gain of the TDC based on the calculating step. Another method of estimating mismatches of a TDC includes: capturing TDC output code samples; storing a plurality of accumulation values corresponding to different TDC values respectively, wherein each accumulation value records a number of times a TDC value is carried by the TDC output code samples; calculating a desired value based on the accumulation values; calculating difference between the accumulation values and the desired value; and adjusting correction gain of the TDC based on the calculating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-Hsueh Wang, Robert Bogdan Staszewski, Yi-Hsien Cho
  • Patent number: 8669891
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide circuits, systems and methods for data processing. For example, a data processing circuit is discussed that includes: an analog to digital converter circuit, a target response circuit, and a timing circuit. The analog to digital converter circuit is operable to receive a data input and to provide corresponding digital samples synchronous to a sampling phase. The sampling phase corresponds to a phase feedback. The target response circuit is operable to provide an expected output corresponding to a known input. The timing circuit is operable to generate the phase feedback based at least in part on values derived from the expected output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Haitao Xia, George Mathew, Shaohua Yang
  • Patent number: 8669892
    Abstract: A system and method for generating an analog signal is disclosed. In one embodiment, system includes a first-in, first-out (FIFO) buffer configured to receive and store a plurality of digital values written to the FIFO buffer. The system further includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled to read the digital values from the FIFO buffer and configured to convert the digital values to an analog signal. The FIFO buffer is configured to operate in a first mode in which writes to the FIFO buffer are inhibited and current digital values stored in the FIFO buffer are provided to the DAC in a repeating sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Westwick, Sebastian Ahmed