Patents Issued in July 29, 2014
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Patent number: 8791795Abstract: There is provided a terminal for use in determining which of one or more candidate RFID tags having unique data stored thereon is a target RFID tag within a line-of-sight of the terminal. The terminal can comprise program instructions to direct an RFID reading device of the terminal to perform a number of reads of the one or more candidate RFID tags in response to determining that an object is present in the line-of-sight, to calculate an accumulated RSSI of each of the one or more candidate RFID tags, and to determine the target RFID tag from a highest accumulated RSSI. In one embodiment, the unique data can be an EPC. There is also provided a terminal for use in converting an EPC into a decoded bar code. The terminal can comprise program instructions to transmit the decoded bar code to a computer such as an electronic cash register.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.Inventor: Ynjiun P. Wang
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Patent number: 8791796Abstract: A wireless tag device can communicate with an inquiry device includes: a local terminal storage unit storing local terminal identification information which can be discriminated from another wireless tag device; a reception detection unit detecting a signal transmitted from the inquiry device or another wireless tag device; an inquiry signal receiving unit receiving the detected inquiry signal if the inquiry signal is transmitted using a first frequency from the inquiry device; a reply signal transmitting unit transmitting a reply signal in response to the inquiry signal using a second frequency different from the first frequency; and a report signal transmitting unit transmitting a report signal including the local terminal identification information stored in the local terminal storage unit using a third frequency different from the second frequency if the inquiry signal transmitted from the inquiry device cannot be detected continuously in a specified time period in the reception detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Shinichi Shiotsu, Satoshi Inano, Hideki Tanaka
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Patent number: 8791797Abstract: An apparatus for performing remote control operations is provided. A remote control detects a particular movement, and performs operations based on the detected movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventor: Roger Hsu
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Patent number: 8791798Abstract: There is provided a haptic feedback device, including: a vibrating member coupled to a fixed body; and a vibrating element formed on the vibrating member to vibrate the vibrating member, wherein the vibrating member has a plurality of fixed points coupled to the fixed body while allowing a length thereof, vibrated by the vibrating element, to be changed.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yeon Ho Son, Dong Sun Park, Jae Kyung Kim, Dae Woong Yun
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Patent number: 8791799Abstract: A system that generates a haptic effect using an Eccentric Rotating Mass (“ERM”) actuator determines a back electromotive force (“EMF”) of the ERM actuator and receives a haptic effect signal comprising one or more parameters, where one of the parameters is a voltage amplitude level as a function of time. The system varies the voltage amplitude level based at least on the back EMF, and applies the varied haptic effect signal to the ERM actuator.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Robert A. Lacroix, Michael A. Greenish, Erin B. Ramsay
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Patent number: 8791800Abstract: An apparatus including a body portion having a surface; at least one feedback electrode configured to provide to a user a feedback stimulus when the user contacts the surface; and a touch sensor arrangement for discriminating different user contacts on the surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Tapani Ryhanen, Piers Andrew, Zoran Radivojevic, Haque Samiul
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Patent number: 8791801Abstract: This device (4) allows the detection of the presence of an object in a detection zone by measuring a variation in capacitance brought about by the presence of the object. It includes an element (6) for emitting an electric field, an element (8) for receiving an electric field, and elements for measuring the coupling capacitance between the emission element (6) and the reception element (8), the emission element (6) emitting an electrical signal received by the reception element (8) so that a coupling capacitance of a predetermined value is established between the emission element (6) and the reception element (8) when no object is present in the detection zone, a variation in the coupling capacitance indicating the displacement of an object in the detection zone and the establishment of a capacitance of a different value from the predetermined value indicating the presence of a static object.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Faurecia Bloc AvantInventor: Jean-Marcel Aubry
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Patent number: 8791802Abstract: A system for detecting objects in the blind spot of a host vehicle. When an object is detected in the blind spot of the host vehicle, the system analyzes other objects directly in front of or behind the detected object in the blind spot. If the other objects are moving, the system concludes that the object in the blind spot is also moving and, therefore, is a stagnating vehicle. If the other objects are not moving, the system concludes that the object in the blind spot is also a stationary object. The system generates a blind-spot-detection signal when it determines that a stagnating vehicle is located in the blind spot.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Oliver Schwindt, Maria Eugenia Garcia Bordes
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Patent number: 8791803Abstract: An abnormality detection apparatus has: an abnormality detection portion that detects at least one of an abnormality of a vehicle and an abnormality of an in-vehicle device based on an output of the in-vehicle device that indicates a state of a vehicle; an environmental drive condition information obtaining portion that obtains information regarding an environmental drive condition that affects the output of the in-vehicle device; and an abnormality detection criteria changing portion that changes an abnormality detection criteria used by the abnormality detecting portion based on the environmental drive condition information obtained by the environmental drive condition information obtaining portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomoyasu Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8791804Abstract: A portable electronic device for displaying information from a vehicle having a first transceiver to a user carrying the portable electronic device includes a second transceiver. The portable electronic device uses the second transceiver to conduct bi-directional communications with the vehicle systems. The portable electronic device may be a key-fob and include a display for displaying the information from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Douglas C. Campbell, Thierry Pinard, Christophe Gueble, Elie Abichaaya, Volker Dreisbach, Didier Pozzi, Pascal Laignel, Karmaidine Mougamadou
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Patent number: 8791805Abstract: There is described a system and method for informing passengers of a public transport vehicle of a door lock status, the method comprising: optically coupling a light source to an at least partially see-through modesty panel for propagating light therein, the modesty panel being positioned within the transport vehicle adjacent to a door for separating the passengers from the door; receiving a signal indicating that the door is unlocked; and illuminating at least a portion of the modesty panel using the light source, thereby informing the passengers that the door is unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Inventors: Mario Gagnon, Ivan Brousseau, Thomas Rouayroux
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Patent number: 8791806Abstract: A system is disclosed which provides real-time detection of hazardous driving behavior. The system collects information about the motion of a vehicle along a path, for example, using a global positioning satellite system receiver. Roadside signs along the path are detected and their content determined. That information is compared with information about the motion of the vehicle to provide information with regard to potentially hazardous driving behavior.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Michael D. Granruth
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Patent number: 8791807Abstract: Allocates identifiers of units of a tire pressure monitoring system to the positions of ABS-sensors which are each assigned to the wheels of the vehicle. The identifiers are contained in signals that are emitted by the units. Each unit, which is called a wheel electronic, has a pressure sensor, which is sensitive to the tire pressure of the wheel, a motion sensor, which provides information on the rotation speed of the wheel, a memory with the individual identifier of the wheel stored therein, and a transmitter, which transmits signals only containing information on the rotation speed of the respective wheel, to a receiver. An evaluation device receives the transmitted identifier and compares the information on the rotation speed of the wheel transmitted along with the identifier, with rotation speed information, which were acquired by the ABS sensors for the same time span and transferred to the evaluation device.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co, KGInventors: Ralf Kessler, Andreas Kraft, Markus Wagner, Jürgen Schönbeck, Peter Brand
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Patent number: 8791808Abstract: In a method for wireless communication between a control unit and an electronic housing mounted on a vehicle member, information for the electronic housing is transmitted in the form either of continuous signals, or of signals modulated by encoded data. Each electronic housing includes a switching strategy between reception modes for the two types of signals, including establishing a permanent standby state for continuous signal reception and, upon the reception of a continuous signal, controlling a switchover to the modulated-signal reception mode for a time T, after which the electronic housing processes the data of the potential detected modulated signal and, if no such modulated signal is detected, processes the continuous signal at the origin of the switchover. Furthermore, after the time T, a reverse switchover control to the permanent standby state is delivered.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive FranceInventor: Nicolas Guinart
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Patent number: 8791809Abstract: An optimal vehicle battery recommendation system includes at least one sensor to detect a manipulation of the vehicle. A driver behavior module determines a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle. A vehicle consumption module determines battery information of an on-board battery currently connected to the vehicle, and determines energy consumption of the vehicle. A battery capacity advisor module is in electrical communication with the driver behavior module and the vehicle consumption module. The battery capacity module determines a replacement battery option that changes at least one battery characteristic of the on-board battery based on the driver behavior model and the vehicle consumption model.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jan Richter, Kent C. B. Steer
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Patent number: 8791810Abstract: An optimal vehicle battery recommendation system includes at least one sensor to detect a manipulation of the vehicle. A driver behavior module determines a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle. A vehicle consumption module determines battery information of an on-board battery currently connected to the vehicle, and determines energy consumption of the vehicle. A battery capacity advisor module is in electrical communication with the driver behavior module and the vehicle consumption module. The battery capacity module determines a replacement battery option that changes at least one battery characteristic of the on-board battery based on the driver behavior model and the vehicle consumption model.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jan Richter, Kent C. B. Steer
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Patent number: 8791811Abstract: Disclosed are a system of changing a vehicle color and a method of changing a vehicle color according to a risk of an accident. According to the present invention, a driver of a vehicle and a surrounding pedestrian and drivers of other vehicles can easily recognize a risk situation and take measurement according to the recognized risk situation, such that it is possible to safely drive the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventor: Seung Hwan Park
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Patent number: 8791812Abstract: In one embodiment, the method of these teachings includes the steps of utilizing a remote server to manage security alerts, utilizing the remote server to administer security system updates and utilizing the remote server to configure the security system.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Oncam Global, Inc.Inventors: Richard Pineau, Adam Pineau
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Patent number: 8791813Abstract: A monitoring system includes a testing apparatus and a display control apparatus connected to the testing apparatus. The testing apparatus includes a plurality of testing locations and a collection module connected to the plurality of testing locations. Each of the plurality of testing locations receives a tested product, which is tested by the testing apparatus. The collection module collects testing states of the tested products. A display apparatus is connected to the display control apparatus. The display control apparatus controls the display apparatus to show a plurality of indicating blocks corresponding to the plurality of testing locations. The display apparatus is adapted to display the plurality of indicating blocks to match the plurality of testing locations. The display control apparatus controls each of the plurality of indicating blocks to show the testing state of the tested product in each the plurality of testing locations.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dong Chen
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Patent number: 8791814Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a remote annunciator 10 that includes an enclosure 11 and a control 12 within the enclosure 11. The control 12 receives signals S from a plurality of transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and at least one generator 14 that is connected to at least one of the transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D. The control 12 displays a status of electrical connections that include the plurality of transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and the at least one generator 14. In some embodiments, the control 12 recognizes when the plurality of transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and the at least one generator 14 are connected to the control 12.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Kohler CompanyInventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Michael T. Little, Anthony J. Hackbarth
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Patent number: 8791815Abstract: A system for relaying data to a repository from a medical device is disclosed. A receiver is configured to receive data from a medical device, where the data can be an indication of a problem with the medical device. A memory is configured to maintain the data once it has been received. A transmission device is configured to send the data to a data repository over a communication medium. A detector is configured to detect conditions of the communication medium that could affect data exchange and send the data based at least in part on the conditions. A processor is configured to send at least a portion of the data based at least in part on a degree of urgency.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Scott T. Mazar, Yatheendhar D. Manicka
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Patent number: 8791816Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing events in an electrical distribution system. A number of events in the electrical distribution system are identified for an operator based on a profile for the operator. A wireless mobile device is assigned to the operator and the profile includes a role of the operator. The number of events is sent to the wireless mobile device assigned to the operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: William David Kelsey, Richard N. Blair
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Patent number: 8791817Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for monitoring a location is presented. The method includes monitoring one or more entryways of a building to detect when an entryway of the building is being opened and responsive to detecting an entryway of the building being opened, the method monitors for a presence of one or more wireless devices within a range of a residential wireless access point located within the building. In response to detecting the presence a wireless device within the range of the residential wireless access point, the method identifies an identifier associated with the wireless device. The method determines whether the identifier associated with the wireless device is registered with the residential wireless access point and responsive to the identifier associated with the wireless device being unregistered with the residential wireless access point, the method performs a user-specified event.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jeffrey Sweeney, Kelsyn D. S. Rooks
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Patent number: 8791818Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for monitoring a location. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be utilized to monitor a border, such as, but not limited to, the border between the United States and Mexico. In addition, the disclosed embodiments may be utilized to monitor any location including, but not limited to, residential locations, businesses, warehouses, and mass transportation facilities. In one embodiment, a web portal is provided in which the general public may view streaming video and/or still images associated with cameras placed along the monitored location. A user viewing one or more selected cameras is provided with an option to report suspicious activities seen on the one or more selected cameras. The report is sent to one or more local law enforcement agencies associated with the location of the camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Inventor: James Midkiff
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Patent number: 8791819Abstract: An intercom exchange is connected to multiple terminals, and includes multiple communication paths, a digital switch circuit for switching connections between the terminals and the communication paths, and a CPU that controls the DSPs and the switch circuit. The CPU performs control for preferentially allocating a communication path to the first terminal, and the allocated DSP determines whether a sound from the first terminal that has been received as input via the switch circuit is an abnormal sound. Upon determining that the sound is an abnormal sound, the allocated DSP notifies the CPU, and upon receiving the notification, the CPU determines an alert destination based on the notification and performs alert processing for sending an alert to the alert destination.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Toa CorporationInventor: Akihiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 8791820Abstract: Device locking systems, lock trees, and lockout methods are described according to some aspects. In one aspect, a device locking system includes a lock system configurable into a first configuration to lock a device to be secured and a second configuration wherein the lock system is configured to be attached to or removed from the device, wherein the lock system is configured to be locked into the first configuration at a desired moment in time by at least one lock, and circuitry configured to generate an alarm responsive to a change of the configuration of the lock system from the first configuration to the second configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Lok-Alert, LLCInventors: Carl R. Morrow, G. Jeff Maestretti
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Patent number: 8791821Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for managing an end-device connected to a commodity delivery network. One device includes computer-readable medium containing instructions for managing the end-device and a processor for executing the instructions. The instructions include instructions for detecting tampering of the end-device, ignoring the detected tampering when the end-device has been placed in an ignore mode, and automatically disconnecting the end-device from the commodity delivery system based on the detected tampering when the end-device has not been placed in the ignore mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Zoltan Kiss, Petros Raptis
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Patent number: 8791822Abstract: A system and method of determining likelihood of counterfeiting without inspection of currency compares signals returned by uniquely customized RFID chips when interrogated, preferably incident to a transaction. The RFID information is compared to RFID information for bills known to be in circulation in order to validate a given currency bill. Usage patterns can be determined from statistical analysis of such reports and reported usage patterns will statistically differ significantly if not radically with the number of RFID chips returning the same RFID information and such differences will increase in either or both of geographic locations of reports and frequency of reports with increase of the number of bills having duplicated RFID chips. The basic infrastructure for practice of the invention is also capable of tracking genuine currency following, for example, a theft or other criminal activity.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Wayne M. Delia, Edward E. Kelley, Franco Motika
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Patent number: 8791823Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing parts. Location information is displayed for a part on an aircraft on a mobile device. A determination is made as to whether the part is present in a location using a sensor system in the mobile device when the mobile device is in a zone including the location. A presence of the part in the location is indicated in response to the part being present in the location.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Alekzander Hao Xu, Winfeng Li, Arun Ayyagari, Anil Kumar, David B. Blackwell, Kevin Yong Ung
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Patent number: 8791824Abstract: A method and system for reading RFID tags in a high-density environment using a directional scanning antenna system is provided. The directional scanning antenna system consists of transmit and receive antennas having highly directional antenna patterns which work together to read and locate the tags. In operation both types of antennas are stepped in a circular fashion with respect to each other wherein the transmit antenna's antenna pattern pauses during rotation while the receive antenna pattern sweeps across the radiating antenna's path produced by the transmit antenna such that the antenna patterns produced from each isolate and determine the location of the tags.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Inventors: Allen Hollister, Gary Barta, John T. Armstrong
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Patent number: 8791825Abstract: It is possible to determine the biological state of the driver of a vehicle with high accuracy. In a biological state determination device, since a driver biological state which is the biological state of the driver is estimated on the basis of information representing the biological state of the driver, a weight is set for each driver biological state on the basis of information representing the level of possibility of erroneously estimating the driver biological state, and each driver biological state is weighted on the basis of the set weight, the weighted driver biological state becomes information in which the possibility of erroneous estimation is taken into consideration. The presence/absence of an abnormality in the biological state of the driver is determined on the basis of a plurality of weighted driver biological states, thereby improving determination accuracy of the biological state of the driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishiInventors: Tomonori Akiyama, Syun Taguchi
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Patent number: 8791826Abstract: A method for fire detection in enclosed environments (1) subject to explosion protection regulations out of which an air-dust mixture is filtered while the concentration of dust of the air-dust mixture is lowered to under the explosion limit by a filter (2) and the aspirated air-dust mixture is checked for burning characteristics and if appropriate a fire alarm is triggered, in which the function of the filter (2) is monitored, the fire detection is carried out by use of an aspirating smoke detector system (7) not approved for use in potentially explosive areas but instead is deployed outside the ex-zone and if the filter (2) is destroyed a signal processing unit (15, 15.1) of a malfunction monitoring sensor (14) generates a signal which initiates a subsequent action preventing aspirated air-dust mixture with an elevated concentration of dust from entering the aspirating smoke detector system (7).Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Manfred Russwurm, Torsten Westphal, Thomas Mendle, Olaf Klischat, Bernd Ziems, Hauke Dittmer, Kurt Lenkeit
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Patent number: 8791827Abstract: A gas analyzer includes: a gas measuring portion which performs a measurement on a gas; a case which houses the gas measuring portion; a liquid separator which includes a reservoir for storing a liquid component separated from the gas; a holder portion which holds the liquid separator; and a rotation mechanism which mounts the holder portion to the case.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Nihon Kohden CorporationInventors: Isao Matsubara, Yutaka Uchiyama
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Patent number: 8791828Abstract: A CO detector includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of CO and generate a signal indicative of the presence of CO, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to measure a level of detected CO in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor. The controller is further configured to detect a first trouble condition representative of an end-of-life condition of the sensor, and a second trouble condition different from the first trouble condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Harkins, Bradley B. Barnes
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Patent number: 8791829Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for visual indication of an electrical quantity, being one or several of power, current and/or voltage through a conductor. The arrangement comprises a substantially wire shaped illuminator and a controller which controls at least one illumination characteristic of said illuminator with respect to said electrical feature.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: The Interactive Institute II ABInventors: Anton Gustafsson, Magnus Gyllenswärd, Christina Öhman, Sara Ilstedt-Hjelm
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Patent number: 8791830Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for current measuring in power supply networks comprising transformers for measuring current, a signal processing apparatus arranged on a printed circuit board and screw fastenings for mounting the device. The cable ducts of the transformers are orientated parallel to the plane of the printed circuit board, which has openings flush to the cable ducts, and the screw fastenings are fastening tabs with mounting holes, spaced so standards-compliant mounting is possible. In an alternate embodiment, the cable ducts are orientated perpendicularly to the plane of the printed circuit board, the screw fastenings are constructed as an angle rail with cable outlets and standards-compliant mounting holes, and the printed circuit board is internally fastened on one side of the angle rail. In another alternate embodiment the transformers are installed with the printed circuit board in a common housing with fastening tabs and standards-compliant mounting holes.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Bender GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Winfried Moell, Oliver Schaefer
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Patent number: 8791831Abstract: An indicator system for an alternating current power bus includes an electret operatively associated with the alternating current power bus. The electret includes an output having an alternating current voltage when the alternating current power bus is energized. A rectifier includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the electret and an output having a direct current voltage responsive to the alternating current voltage of the output of the electret. An indicator includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the rectifier and an indication output responsive to the direct current voltage of the output of the rectifier.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: John A. Kovacich, John Trublowski
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Patent number: 8791832Abstract: Aspects of the inventions generally provide a method and apparatus for coupling a communication sub to a wired drill pipe. In one aspect, a surface of a coupler head is non threaded and configured to provide a retaining force. In another aspect, a coupler head is coupled to a body, and a support mechanism is coupled to the body and configured to secure the coupler head within a receiving end of the wired drill pipe. In another aspect, a method of placing a communication sub involves inserting the communication sub into the receiving end of the wired drill pipe, adjusting the position of the communication sub until an indication of signal communication between the communication sub and the wired drill pipe is observed, and after the indication of signal communication is observed, retaining the communication sub within the receiving end until removal of the communication sub is desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Andrew Hawthorn, Goke Akinniranye, Benjamin Jeffryes
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Patent number: 8791833Abstract: Preferred embodiments of housings for an automatic meter reading device permit the automatic meter reading device to be mounted on a meter such as a water meter, or on a wall remote from the meter. A removable portion of the housing can be separated from a body of the housing when the housing is used to mount the automatic meter reading device on the meter.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLCInventors: Andrew J. Borleske, Rodney C. Hemminger, Robert T. Mason, Jr., Robert S. Fuller
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Patent number: 8791834Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Jim Brennan, David Hamilton, Mohammed Ali, Joe Cely, Quentin Easterling, John Bilodeau, Ed Poorbaugh, Burt Carter, Richard Kynard, Warren Wynn, Dan White, David Pettit
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Patent number: 8791835Abstract: Methods for road safety enhancement use mobile communication device (MCD) onboard vehicle to share traveling data through inter-vehicle communication broadcasting, perform road hazard warning, enhance road navigation, and provide autonomous road assistance. The methods have a variety of vehicle status data, such as moving data, steering data, or indicator data, obtained through GPS or image capturing and recognition of instrument cluster of vehicle. The image capturing and recognition allows to get speed data from indication of speedometer, indication of left or right turn signal, steering action data corresponding to steering wheel rotation, and light-on indication of system status indicators. To facilitate that, the MCD may be placed in front of steering wheel, and, if applicable, also in coupling with movement of steering wheel. The MCD may perform relative positioning map-matching lane correlation and GPS-update-interval speed positioning to improve data quality regarding vehicle moving status.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Inventor: Wei Zhang
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Patent number: 8791836Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing threats to a vehicle to facilitate a reflexive response. Threat timeline parameters for a detected threat to the vehicle including a threat mode and a time progression of the threat in the threat mode is determined based, at least in part, on a plurality of information sources. One or more candidate solutions for facilitating the reflexive response to the threat are determined based, at least in part, on the threat mode and the time progression and one or more of the candidate solutions are presented to an operator of the vehicle to enable the operator to mediate the threat.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Carl R. Herman
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Patent number: 8791837Abstract: Traffic signal timing may be altered as a function of determining occluded signal viewing. More particularly, processing units may determine that a view of a traffic signal by a person is obstructed by a vehicle located on a first ingress path to a roadway intersection with a second ingress path. The traffic signal controls the right of way of the first ingress path, and the person with the obstructed view is travelling along the first ingress path toward the intersection and is located behind the vehicle relative to a view sightline of the person to the traffic signal. In response to the occluded view determination, a transition of the traffic signal may be delayed from a current visual display of a proceed signal to a subsequent visual display of a stop signal, until an end of a delay period.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James D. Allen, Teresa L. Davis, Douglas E. Hanthorn
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Patent number: 8791838Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for parking based route navigation and/or parking resource management are disclosed to facilitate navigation to parking spots associated with a destination and/or management of respective parking spots. Navigation may be provided to a parking spot based upon parking criteria (e.g., such as distance to a destination and/or costs associated with the parking spot). Additionally, navigation (e.g., instructions, alternate transport, such as public transit) from the parking spot to the destination may be provided. Parking spots may be reserved by a parking management system based upon reservations received through a parking based route navigation system. Travelers may be re-routed based upon parking factors (e.g., traffic around a parking location, parking density, etc.). Accordingly, travelers may be routed to a destination in a more efficient manner and/or a management system may price and/or allocate parking spots in a desired manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: INRIX, Inc.Inventors: Christopher L. Scofield, Kush G. Parikh
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Patent number: 8791839Abstract: A method and apparatus of recognizing the presence of a passenger in front of a door of a transit vehicle comprises directing an ultrasound transmitter/receiver at a volume of space adjacent the door, emitting an ultrasound pulse into the empty volume, recording and integrating intensity of the echoes and storing the integrated value as a standard value, repeatedly emitting an ultrasound pulse into the volume, and comparing the integrated values to the standard value.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.Inventors: James W. Citta, Robert Urman
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Patent number: 8791840Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an active prompt for a timed response are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a human machine interface that presents controller pilot data link communication (CPDLC) information to a user, and a CPDLC computer configured to process received CPDLC messages. In certain embodiments, the CPDLC computer comprises a memory device that stores received CPDLC messages, and a processing unit that starts a timer when a CPDLC message is received, wherein the timer counts a response period for responding to the CPDLC message. Further the processing unit instructs the human machine interface to display a time remaining in the response period when the timer reaches a message expiration warning period.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. McGuffin, Patrick Ludwig
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Patent number: 8791841Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for providing improved augmentation for GPS calculations. In general, various embodiments of the invention involve using a plurality of GPS devices associated with stationary objects associated with a common carrier's delivery network and the common carrier's delivery fleet to calculate error corrections and to communicate these error corrections to a number of GPS enable devices to be used by these devices to augment GPS calculations to correct errors associated with GPS signals. Further, various embodiments of the invention involve collecting GPS data for a plurality of delivery routes traveled by the common carrier's delivery fleet. In particular embodiments, this collected data may be used to provide more accurate address information for locations along these delivery routes and more accurate renderings of various landscapes along these delivery routes.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Inventor: Marc David Siris
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Patent number: 8791842Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a data decoding method and apparatus, relate to the field of wireless communications, and can improve a resource utilization rate in a decoding process, thereby improving decoding efficiency. The method of the present invention includes: dividing a to-be-decoded data transport block into N code blocks, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and decoding the N code blocks in parallel according to a reverse direction of encoding. The present invention is applicable to data decoding.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Huawel Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yafan Zhang, Jiaji Zhang
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Patent number: 8791843Abstract: An apparatus includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate (i) a compressed representation of an input sequence of characters and (ii) statistics regarding one or more types of information in the compressed representation of the input sequence of characters. The second circuit may be configured to generate a compressed bitstream representation of the input sequence of characters in response to the compressed representation of the input sequence of characters and one or more of the statistics regarding the one or more types of information in the compressed representation of the input sequence of characters. The bitstream values encoding the one or more types of information are generally determined based upon a frequency of occurrence of the one or more types of information in the compressed representation of the input sequence of characters.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: LSI CorporationInventor: Earl T. Cohen
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Patent number: 8791844Abstract: A circuit in an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes an amplifier configured to receive an output of a backend DAC; a harmonic distortion correction circuit (HDC) coupled to the amplifier and configured to correct distortion components due to the residue amplifier present in a digital signal from the backend ADC, the HDC circuit providing an output to an adder, the adder receiving a coarse digital output from a coarse ADC; and a DAC noise cancellation circuit (DNC) configured to provide an output to the adder, wherein the DNC circuit is configured to correct distortion components due to the DAC present in the digital signal from the backend ADC; wherein the output of the adder is an ADC digital output and wherein the ADC digital output forms an input to the HDC and the DNC.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Microchip Technology IncorporatedInventors: Daniel Meacham, Andrea Panigada, Jorge Grilo