Patents Issued in April 8, 2014
  • Patent number: 8692651
    Abstract: A method for extending a reception range of a vehicle remote control system includes: receiving, at a repeater, a first radio frequency (RF) signal having inbound data packets indicating a vehicle function to be performed from a remote transmitter; generating, at the repeater, a second RF signal by placing outbound data packets indicating the vehicle function to be performed between the inbound data packets until reception of the first RF signal is complete; and transmitting, from the repeater, the second RF signal to a reception module of a vehicle remote control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Voxx International Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Santavicca, Shane Wilson
  • Patent number: 8692652
    Abstract: In an antitheft system for preventing an equipment comprising moving objects such as electric vehicles or operating machine such as lawnmower from theft, an electronic key is prepared to be carried by an operator of the equipment and stores authenticating data for identifying the operator who carries the electronic key. An authenticator is installed at the equipment and performs authentication check as to whether the electronic key is an authorized key using stored key-checking data, when the authenticating data is outputted from the electronic key, whereas an electronic key copier is provided separately from the equipment and copies the electronic key, thereby enabling to make a copy of the electronic key without activating equipment, while ensuring to prevent the equipment from theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Takeda, Yoshihisa Shinogi, Kosei Yamashita, Kenji Kuroiwa, Masashi Manita, Yoshinori Maekawa, Makoto Yamamura
  • Patent number: 8692653
    Abstract: Objects of the invention are to provide a semiconductor device including an RFID, which can transmit and receive individual information without a check of remaining capacity of the battery and a change of the battery in accordance with deterioration over time of the battery for a driving power supply; and which maintains a favorable communication state even when electric power, as a power supply for driving, from an external radio wave or electromagnetic wave (carrier wave) is not sufficient. A battery is provided as a power supply for supplying electric power in the RFID, and electric power obtained by a power generation element is charged in the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Shionoiri, Konami Izumi, Jun Koyama, Yoshiyuki Kurokawa, Shunpei Yamazaki, Tomoaki Atsumi, Takeshi Osada, Takayuki Ikeda, Masato Ishii
  • Patent number: 8692654
    Abstract: An RFID system includes an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. An active RFID tag including a controller and an interior antenna coupled to the controller is located in the enclosure. The tag responds to a selected RF downlink frequency range. An RFID reader located outside the enclosure simultaneously transmits directional RF signals on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, the plurality including a carrier frequency and an interference frequency. A beat frequency is thus defined between the carrier frequency and the interference frequency and the beat frequency is within the selected RF downlink frequency range, so that the transmitted signals pass through the port and the tag responds to the beat frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Donald Saul Rimai, Mark P. Hinman
  • Patent number: 8692655
    Abstract: A radio frequency transponder, or a device that comprises a radio frequency transponder, wherein the radio frequency transponder is operative in invoking self-programming of data stored in the radio frequency transponder. In some implementations the radio frequency transponder selectively enables the transmission of a unique identifier by selectively programming the unique identifier stored in the radio frequency transponder. In various implementations, the radio frequency transponder programs data stored in the transponder by generating a signal that is reactively coupled to the antenna of the radio frequency transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bloomberg Finance L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher William Zimman, James William Hook
  • Patent number: 8692656
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a lighting system for communication with a remote control device is provided, which comprises a light emitting element adapted for emitting modulated light to the remote control and for detecting control signals from the remote control. This may provide for a communication between the remote control and the lighting system without the need of an extra sensor or an extra transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar Schulz, Matthias Wendt, Christoph Martiny
  • Patent number: 8692657
    Abstract: A wireless control device for controlling, with a human foot, an apparatus for multiple surgical functions. The device includes a base having small dimensions, at least two modules mounted on the base for generating specific control signals for each of the surgical functions, a transmitter for transmitting the control signals, a receiver receiving the control signals, a source of electricity for supplying the transmitter with electrical current, and two actuators, actuated by the human foot and pivotally mounted to act simultaneously on the corresponding module, the transmitter, and the source of electricity. The actuators are pivotally mounted around respective axes that are perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: SARL Dentalhitec
    Inventors: Olivier Villette, Vincent Guist'hau
  • Patent number: 8692658
    Abstract: An interactive timing system for use with a play system includes a base unit configured for mounting at a base location on the play system and a plurality of remote units each configured for mounting at a location on the play system remote from the base station. The base unit comprises a timer and a switch for activating the timer. Each remote unit comprises an indicator and a manually-activated input for controlling the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Patent number: 8692659
    Abstract: An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of a vehicle. The attachment element has a mirror mounting button. At least one attachment member is attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield local to the attachment element. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror casing. The mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button of the attachment element. A structure is configured for mounting to the attachment member and is configured to receive and be supported by the attachment member. The structure is configured to accommodate a forward facing camera having a field of view through the vehicle windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8692660
    Abstract: An instrument cluster for the instrument panel of a motor vehicle has at least one display on which relevant operational data of the vehicle can be displayed. The at least one display is freely programmable with respect to the data displayed on it and can be switched between at least two different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
    Inventors: Manfred Fitzgerald, Filippo Perini, Corrado Rebottini, Stefano Mazzetti
  • Patent number: 8692661
    Abstract: A programming system for a tire pressure monitoring device includes a programming device capable of communicating which of a plurality of communication protocols is to be utilized by the transmitter/receiver of a tire pressure monitoring device. The programming device including a user interface actuateable for communicating which of a plurality of communication protocols is to be utilized by the transmitter/receiver of the tire pressure monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Deniau, Brian J. Farrell, John R. Costello, Tejas B. Desai, Franck Bigot
  • Patent number: 8692662
    Abstract: A method of determining a failure of an active air flap, including determining whether or not an active air flap is in a non-openable state, if the active air flap is in the non-openable state, continuously checking a variation of the temperature of engine-cooling water, and if the variation is below a reference variation, interrupting the generation of failure-alert, and if the variation of the temperature of engine-cooling water is above the reference variation, processing whether to generate the failure-alert such that if the time taken to reach the variation is above a reference temperature time, interrupting the generation of failure-alert, and if the time is below the reference temperature time, generating the failure-alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee Sun Shin, Phil Jung Jeong, Jin Ho Kim, Yong Jin Jung, Sang Won Park
  • Patent number: 8692663
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for monitoring battery status and usage to facilitate battery protection, battery repurposing and battery maintenance. Wireless interrogation of a battery's location and key attributes provides efficiencies to manage the total lifecycle of an electric vehicle battery, whether installed in a vehicle or in an environment external to the vehicle environment. A wireless battery tether, combined with a wireless battery reader, a wireless battery gateway and a centralized battery monitoring server allows management of the high-voltage battery through its lifecycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Motors LLC.
    Inventor: Dana B. Fecher
  • Patent number: 8692664
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses an alarm report method for cascaded equipments, comprises: after receiving link alarm information, a radio equipment determines the source of the link alarm information; the radio equipment selects one link alarm information report mode from multiple predetermined link alarm information report modes according to the result of determining the source; the radio equipment reports the link alarm information to a Radio Equipment Controller (REC) according to the selected link alarm information report mode. The disclosure further discloses an alarm report system and device for cascaded equipments. The disclosure can effectively lower the alarm information processing complexity of an REC and the correlation of alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Panke Zhang
  • Patent number: 8692665
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms in security systems. Sensor data is received from an alarm sensor, and an alarm condition is determined by an alarm controller. Video data associated with the alarm sensor is retrieved. An alarm message is sent over a wireless network connection, while the video data is send over a wireline broadband connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 8692666
    Abstract: A camera system includes a plurality of first cameras and a second camera. Each of the plurality of first cameras has a first receiving section that receives a control signal, a first image pickup section that photographs a first image based on the control signal, and a first transmitting section that transmits the first image and terminal information based on the control signal. The second camera has a second image pickup section that photographs a second image, a second transmitting section that transmits the control signal, a second receiving section that receives the first image and the terminal information, a camera selecting section that selects the first camera that satisfies a predetermined condition as control target camera based on the terminal information, and a storing section that stores the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Ishii, Masamitsu Fujimaru
  • Patent number: 8692667
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, mobile wireless devices which use prediction maps, e.g., RF prediction maps, to determine their location also contribute to the updating and distribution of parameters relating to prediction map generation. After a device determines its location, it uses the signal measurements used in determining the device's location to determine updated parameters which can be used in generating signal prediction maps in the future. The generated parameters are then transmitted to another device for use in generating prediction maps and/or distribution to other devices. In this manner parameters corresponding to a particular location can be updated and distributed without the need for a survey team and/or dedicated equipment. The devices using the prediction map become the devices which also aid in the updating of the parameters used to facilitate generation of a prediction map at some future time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Richardson, Aleksandar Jovicic, Cyril Measson
  • Patent number: 8692668
    Abstract: A wireless node for monitoring landslide conditions has at least one tubular probe body deployed in a borehole in a landslide prone area and anchored to rock below soil, multiple sensors carried by and deployed within and or outside of the tubular probe body for measuring geologic motion, hydrologic saturation and pressure at three or more levels of soil above the rock, a data acquisition board in communication with the sensors carried by and or deployed within or outside of the probe body, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the data acquisition board and accessible to a local area wireless network (LAWN). Geologic and hydrologic data of layers of soil above the anchor rock is from the sensors deployed on or near the probe body, the data qualified against threshold readings to provide graduating levels of alerts culminating in a warning of a landslide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
    Inventor: Maneesha V. Ramesh
  • Patent number: 8692669
    Abstract: The present invention is an illuminator for CCTV surveillance and security applications that maintains constant optical output from an array of LEDs by employing output compensation, feedback and enhancement. This constant optical output illuminator system enables reliable long-duration low-light imaging and data capture for surveillance and security applications, via an array of LEDs, LED power supply circuitry, and output feedback and compensation circuitry in which a photodetector circuit provides a voltage signal proportional to an amount of light falling on a photosensor and the voltage signal is fed to a drive control circuit for electrical current to the LEDs to achieve a desired optical output as measured by a photosensor voltage setpoint across the photodetector circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Security Systems BV
    Inventors: Tony Mayer, Mark Vernon, Jim Ren
  • Patent number: 8692670
    Abstract: A security system comprising: a controller; and a plurality of dispensing devices, wherein the controller is configured to receive signals from a plurality of remote detectors and transmit signals to the plurality of dispensing devices, the controller being adapted to determine which of the plurality of detectors has transmitted a signal and transmit a signal to a selected one or more dispensing devices to dispense a fluid based on said determination, wherein each dispensing device is configured to receive signals from the controller and dispense fluid when a signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Selectamark Security Systems PLC
    Inventors: Nigel Hart, Jason Brown
  • Patent number: 8692671
    Abstract: An integrated charger and alarm unit. A plurality of alarm receptacles are in a housing, each for selectively receiving a sensor cord for sensing security status of one of a plurality of chargeable devices. A plurality of charging receptacles are in the housing, one for each alarm receptacle, each for selectively receiving a power cord for charging one of the chargeable devices. A power receptacle in the housing connects to an electrical power source. An electrical circuit is operatively connected to the alarm receptacles, the charging receptacles and the power receptacle. The electrical circuit comprises an alarm control powered by the electrical power source and connected to the alarm receptacles and generating an alarm signal if the security status of any of the plurality of chargeable devices is in an unsecured status. A power supply control regulates power from the electrical power source to each of the charging receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. Leyden, David M. Adams
  • Patent number: 8692672
    Abstract: An integrated charger and alarm unit. A plurality of alarm receptacles are in a housing, each for selectively receiving a sensor cord for sensing security status of one of a plurality of chargeable devices. A plurality of charging receptacles are in the housing, one for each alarm receptacle, each for selectively receiving a power cord for charging one of the chargeable devices. A power receptacle in the housing connects to an electrical power source. An electrical circuit is operatively connected to the alarm receptacles, the charging receptacles and the power receptacle. The electrical circuit comprises an alarm control powered by the electrical power source and connected to the alarm receptacles and generating an alarm signal if the security status of any of the plurality of chargeable devices is in an unsecured status. A power supply control regulates power from the electrical power source to each of the charging receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. Leyden, David M. Adams
  • Patent number: 8692673
    Abstract: Methods and computer program products for locating devices having a given state by locating a device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds to queries from an RFID tag reader independently of the state of the device, and determining the state of the device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device. A system for locating devices having a given state comprises an RFID tag reader for locating a device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds independently of the state of the device, and an RFID tag reader for determining the state of the device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Lee Hunt, Vincent Mitchel Padua, Robin Radez, William Alexander Reichert, III, Gregory Covert Smith, Oriana Jeannette Williams
  • Patent number: 8692674
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses an RFID tag supplying apparatus that supplies a substantially sheet-like antenna base on which an RFID circuit element provided with an IC circuit part that stores information and an antenna that transmits and receives information is disposed between a first tape and a second tape that are fed to a predetermined bonding position to be mutually bonded, comprising: a tape processing device that makes a tape orderly on said antenna base to prevent the generation of parts out of order in a tag tape including said first tape and said second tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitomi Hioki, Kiyoichi Ohta, Tsuyoshi Nagae, Koshiro Yamaguchi, Tsuyoshi Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8692675
    Abstract: Vibratory feedback systems and methods are disclosed. A vibratory feedback system includes a shoe adapted to be secured to a user's foot, a plurality of force sensors and vibration actuators mounted on the shoe, and a microprocessor affixed to the shoe. The force sensors are configured to sense forces exerted by the user's foot. The vibration actuators are configured to provide vibrations to the user's foot. The microprocessor is coupled to receive data from the plurality of force sensors, and is programmed to actuate the plurality of vibration actuators to provide a first characteristic vibration to the user's foot based on the sensed forces. A method of improving the gait of a user includes enabling the user to ambulate with the vibratory feedback system secured to the user's foot, and providing a first characteristic vibration to the user's foot based on the sensed forces using the vibratory feedback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Sunil K. Agrawal, Kyle N. Winfree, David Hilgart
  • Patent number: 8692676
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the movement of an animal. An animal transceiver unit is placed on the animal for transmitting and receiving signals. A base transceiver unit for transmitting and receiving signals relative to the animal transceiver unit is operated to monitor relative movement of the animal transceiver unit and the base transceiver unit. An indication of the relative distance between the base transceiver unit and the animal transceiver unit is provided in response to signal communication between the animal and base transceiver units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Perimeter Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Scott F Touchton, James T Deery
  • Patent number: 8692677
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wake-up assisting apparatus including: an electrode which comes into contact with the parietal of the human body; a signal processing part which detects brain waves through the electrode, determines the sleep stage from the thus detected brain waves, and decides the wake-up time according to the sleep stage; and a stimulating part which gives stimuli to the human body at the wake-up time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Wada, Takuro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8692678
    Abstract: An automated intravenous (IV) monitoring device is provided comprising a sensor for sensing drips passing through an IV drip chamber, a processing unit for calculating the total infused volume over a predetermined period of time, and a display for displaying the total infused volume. The IV monitoring device preferably also calculates and displays the flow rate of the drips. Additionally, an alarm can be activated if the flow rate drops below a predetermined value. A method of providing data pertaining to IV drips being infused into a body is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Tod. H. Warner, Wayne Carman
  • Patent number: 8692679
    Abstract: An elevator within a tower, such as a wind tower, includes a traction or drum type hoist powered by an electric motor where the hoist provides the mechanism to cause the vertical ascent or descent of the elevator. An aspect of the invention is to allow the descent of the elevator to drive the electric motor arranged to act as a generator and provide regenerative braking as well as power to drive an alarm device or devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: SafeWorks, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Gavin Brickell
  • Patent number: 8692680
    Abstract: A residual-current circuit breaker includes at least one summation current transformer through which a first lead and a second lead of a network to be protected are guided. At least one secondary winding is arranged on the summation current transformer and operatively connected, at least indirectly, with an energy storage element. A trip element is operatively connected with break contacts in the first and second leads. In order to reduce expected cut-offs of a network to be protected, an electric signaling device is operatively connected, at least indirectly, with the energy storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Moeller Geräudeautomation GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Dobusch, Michael Bartonek
  • Patent number: 8692681
    Abstract: A nuclear imaging system includes a scanner (8), such as a PET scanner. A patient is injected with a [13N]ammonia radioisotope tracer which is contaminated with a small percent of 18F contamination. The scanner receives radiation from the injected tracer and a reconstruction processor (28) reconstructs the detected radiation into image representations. A calibration processor (16) generates an estimated decay curve based on the proton bombardment and a priori information about the tracer. An activity meter (42) measures radiation emitted from a sample of the tracer and a dose calibrator (44) determines a decay curve from the measured radiation. The detected radiation is corrected with one of the decay curves during reconstruction or a correction processor (50) corrects reconstructed images with one or both of the decay curves. A display (14) displays uncorrected reconstructed images and the decay curve and/or the corrected images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Herfried Wieczorek, Frank O. Thiele, Manoj V. Narayanan
  • Patent number: 8692682
    Abstract: A position detection system for a detection object and a position detection method for a detection object that enable calibration without removing a detection object after the detection object is introduced into a detection space are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kimura, Akio Uchiyama, Ryoji Sato, Atsushi Chiba
  • Patent number: 8692683
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an illuminable indicator, a presence detector, and a controller. The illuminable indicator is to indicate information to a user of the electronic device by one or more of being illuminated and not being illuminated. The presence detector is to detect presence of the user in proximity to the electronic device regardless of whether the user is moving or is stationary. Absence of the user is inferred upon the presence detector not detecting the presence of the user. The controller is to enable the illuminable indicator based at least on the presence of the user as detected by the presence detector and to disable the illuminable indictor based at least on the absence of the user. Enablement of the illuminable indicator does not mean that the illuminable indicator is necessarily illuminated. Disablement of the illuminable indicator means that the illuminable indicator is never illuminated while disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel J. Dove
  • Patent number: 8692684
    Abstract: A moveable barrier operator includes a motor for moving a moveable barrier and a housing is disposed around the motor. The moveable barrier operator also includes a plurality of light sources and the plurality of light source are coupled to the housing along a periphery of the housing and being individually directable so as to illuminate at least one predetermined area outside the housing. The at least one predetermined area is proximal to a moveable barrier operator. A controller disposed in the housing and coupled to the motor. The controller is arranged and configured to automatically selectively actuate the motor to move the moveable barrier according to received user instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert John Olmsted
  • Patent number: 8692685
    Abstract: A wellbore communication system for a wellsite having a downhole tool deployed from a rig into a wellbore penetrating a subsurface formation is provided. The system includes at least one wellsite sensor adapted to collect wellsite data, at least one mobile communication module locatable at various positions about the wellsite and a surface unit operatively connected to the at least one communication module. The communication module includes a housing, at least one communication interface adapted to receive signals from the at least one wellsite sensor, at least one signal-conditioning module positioned in the housing, a power supply and a connector adapted to receive a communication link to the surface unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos E. Estevez, Christopher P. Reed, Remi Hutin
  • Patent number: 8692686
    Abstract: An electronics module for a well installation configured to receive software via a wireless connection and methods of installing software on an electronics module for a well installation, are provided. An example of such electronics module comprises a short-range wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving software and/or data from an external wireless source. Modem external interface wiring can be employed as an antenna for the wireless receiver to receive the wireless transmission of the software and/or data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventors: Julian Davis, Ian Kent, Robert Dalziel
  • Patent number: 8692687
    Abstract: A parking-assistant system for “multi-maneuver parking”, which is designed for generating, before the parking maneuver is started, a predetermined path, via the simulation of a maneuver of exit from a parking space. The control effected by the system, during the real parking maneuver, limits itself to comparing the effective position of the vehicle with respect to the predetermined path. Said control has somewhat low computational requirements so that the system is quite reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido Ghisio, Daniele Marenco
  • Patent number: 8692688
    Abstract: A method and system of providing information and directions to drivers in relation to the availability of parallel street parking places within a certain area is provided. Such a method includes the utilization of properly placed sensors working in combination with a particular algorithm to provide reliable information in terms of actual availability for certain vehicle sizes on a continuous basis. As well, this system accords a manner of properly assessing actual parking place sizes, potential obstacles (such as driveways, hydrants, and the like), and other important information for electronic relay to any driver (through, for instance, a suitable wireless program and router to a hand-held or dashboard mounted communicator) to locate and assess for himself the potential for utilizing such a vacant parking place. Furthermore, such a system may also provide an effective means to properly charge a driver for parking without the need for parking meters or other like mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Gorm Tuxen
  • Patent number: 8692689
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining context of a mobile device are provided. In an example, provided is a method for identifying an environment of a mobile device. The method includes receiving a motion sensor signal. The motion sensor signal can be received from an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. If a frequency characteristic of an engine is detected in the motion sensor signal, a control signal is output identifying that the mobile device is located in a motor vehicle. The control signal can enable a vehicle navigation mode. The control signal can also be used to alert a user to the identified environment and/or change a feature of the mobile device. The method can also include receiving an audio signal from a microphone, detecting the engine vibration from the audio signal, and using the audio signal to confirm the detecting the engine vibration from the motion sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph Czompo
  • Patent number: 8692690
    Abstract: An automated vehicle speed measurement and enforcement method and system. Traffic can be continuously monitored utilizing an image capturing unit and a controller. The speed of one or more vehicles within an effective field of view of the image capturing unit can be estimated. A burst of radiation from an associated remote sensing device can be triggered when a vehicle is detected having a speed greater than a predetermined value. An accurate speed of the vehicle can then be determined. Additionally, a transverse velocity component associated with the vehicle can be computed by the image capturing unit in order to thereafter apply the transverse velocity component to a reading generated by the remote sensing device to correct a cosine error with respect to the remote sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Edul N. Dalal
  • Patent number: 8692691
    Abstract: An infrared laser landing marker system provides a capability to mark a boundary line of varying lengths with near infrared lasers, e.g., of the order 8xx nm. This system can be either directly operated or remotely operated via satellite communications and is compatible with currently fielded night vision goggles. Two modules, placed at either end of boundary, self align to each other and then proceed to mark a boundary edge of a landing zone with an infrared laser line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Yau L. Fung, Andrew J. Hill, Paul W. Bachelder, Robert B. Mayer, Blaine C. Froeschl, Alden K. Lum, Miguel P. Snyder, Kim W. D. Larsen
  • Patent number: 8692692
    Abstract: A system and computer program product for identifying a potential vehicle incident within a communication black spot. It is identified when a vehicle has entered a communication black spot. It is further identified when the vehicle has failed to exit the communication black spot within a determined time period. It is then determined whether it is likely that the vehicle has failed to exit the communication black spot within the determined time period due to being involved in an incident (or whether there is another reasonable explanation for a vehicle's failure to exit). If it is determined that it is likely that the vehicle has been involved in an incident within the communication black spot, a third party can be alerted (by a service provider) to the potential that an incident has occurred within the communication black spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Simon E. Burns, Nicholas C. Maynard, Alasdair Nottingham
  • Patent number: 8692693
    Abstract: A computer receives user entry of a sequence of keypresses, representing an intended series of letters collectively spelling-out some or all of a desired textual object. Resolution of the intended series of letters and the desired textual object is ambiguous, however, because some or all of the key presses individually represent multiple letters. The computer interprets the keypresses utilizing concurrent, competing strategies, including one-keypress-per-letter and multi-tap interpretations. The computer displays a combined output of proposed interpretations and completions from both strategies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Longe
  • Patent number: 8692694
    Abstract: A method of detecting and recovering from stuck keys on an electronic device keyboard comprises receiving one or more messages by a processor based upon a predetermined periodic scan rate and each message corresponding to a pressed key, determining one of the pressed keys is a stuck key based upon the received one or more messages corresponding to a pressed key, sending a mock key-up message from the processor to a keyboard controller in response to the determined stuck key, operating the keyboard controller at a changed scan rate in response to the mock key-up message, detecting the electronic device keyboard is in a released key state by the processor; and operating the keyboard controller at the predetermined periodic scan rate in response to the detected released key state. The processor can include two components, such as a keyboard processor and a keyboard controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Conor O'Neill, Christopher James Grant
  • Patent number: 8692695
    Abstract: The transmission of broadcast data, such as financial data and news feeds, is accelerated over a communication channel using data compression and decompression to provide secure transmission and transparent multiplication of communication bandwidth, as well as reduce the latency. Broadcast data may include packets having fields. Encoders associated with particular fields may be selected to compress those particular fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Realtime Data, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Fallon, Paul F. Pickel, Stephen J. McErlain, Carlton J. Melone
  • Patent number: 8692696
    Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for generating a code alphabet for use by a deployed program to determine codewords for words. A first code alphabet is generated having a first number of symbols that provide variable length codings of the words. The symbols in the first code alphabet are merged into a second number of groups of the symbols in the first code alphabet, where the second number is less than the first number. A second code alphabet is generated having the second number of symbols, wherein a second average codeword length of the codewords produced using the symbols in the second code alphabet is smaller than the codeword length (b) of the words, and wherein the second code alphabet comprises the code alphabet used by the deployed program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Roy D. Cideciyan, Glen A. Jaquette, Thomas Mittelholzer
  • Patent number: 8692697
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding based on a linear block code, and a method and apparatus for generating a linear block code are provided. The method for encoding based on a linear block code includes: generating a linear block code; and encoding an information sequence with an encoding matrix of the linear block code to obtain a bit stream sequence. The linear block codes have a good minimum distance characteristic, so that the error correction performance is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying Xu, Shaofang Wang
  • Patent number: 8692698
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for external, digital coding of a baseband or intermediate-frequency signal. Initially, a digital datastream is converted in a coding device into a digital-baseband signal in the time domain or into a digital intermediate-frequency signal in the time domain. The digitally generated signal is output via an asynchronous-serial interface of the coding device to another device. Such a device also provides an asynchronous-serial interface, which is connected to the asynchronous-serial interface of the coding device. The device reads in the output digital-baseband signal or intermediate-frequency signal for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Reitmeier, Cornelius Heinemann
  • Patent number: 8692699
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a clock generator to generate a format clock signal. The apparatus may also include a serializer to generate serial data based on a transmit clock signal and parallel input data. The apparatus may also include a signal generator to generate at least two differential signals based on the format clock signal and the serial data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Wei-Lien Yang
  • Patent number: 8692700
    Abstract: A sigma-delta digital-to-analog converter (SD DAC) exhibits undesirable distortion when implemented in an integrated circuit due to the non-linearity of polysilicon resistors used in the filtering stages of the SD DAC. By using resistors other than polysilicon for the output resistor of an SD DAC, distortion can be reduced or eliminated. Additionally or alternatively, by generating an error correction signal, the distortion can be corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Werking