Patents Issued in January 17, 2017
  • Patent number: 9547962
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for receiving a request to store an item at a locker facility; determining a first plurality of locker compartments that are available for storing items at a first locker facility; receiving data that indicates item-physical-dimensions of the item; determining whether, based at least in part on the item-physical dimension of the item and locker-physical-dimensions of each locker compartment from the first plurality of locker compartments that are available for storing items, one or more first locker compartments from the first plurality of locker compartments are available; and if so, selecting a first locker compartment from the one or more first locker compartments; determining a first locker identifier of the first locker compartment from the one or more first locker compartments; and generating and transmitting a first response message, which includes the first locker identifier of the first locker compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Motoyama
  • Patent number: 9547963
    Abstract: Techniques are described for providing control of a monitoring system (e.g., a home alarm or security system) using one or more mobile devices. In some implementations, a native mobile device application enables use of a mobile device as a security/automation system keypad and controller for a home security system. In these implementations, the mobile device, using the native mobile device application, checks real time status of system and sensors, arms/disarms system, turns lights on/off, looks in on live video of security cameras, reviews history of system events, reviews saved video clips, monitors/changes thermostat settings, and performs other features of a traditional security keypad in a home security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen Scott Trundle, Alison Jane Slavin
  • Patent number: 9547964
    Abstract: An integrated lighting and notification system includes a light fixture connected to an electrical power supply, a camera, a control unit, and a trigger device. The electrical power supply provides electrical power to the light source unit and the camera. The control unit transmits a signal via a network in response to receiving a signal transmitted by the trigger device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: HeathCo, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Roy Skotty, Scott Blaise Tylicki
  • Patent number: 9547965
    Abstract: A device tag including a housing that includes a first connector structure constructed and arranged to engage with a battery operated device and a second connector structure constructed and arranged to slidingly engage with a battery such that the device tag is provided between the battery operated device and the battery. The device tag also includes an electrical connector carried by the housing and constructed and arranged to provide an electrical connection between the battery operated device and the battery. The device tag further includes an electronic device carried by the housing and constructed and arranged to transmit electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: THE STANLEY WORK ISRAEL LTD.
    Inventors: Ori Goren, Roi Tsukran, Amir Katz
  • Patent number: 9547966
    Abstract: A removal device for a security tag attached to an article, including an identification of the security tag, offered for sale in a commercial establishment; where the removal device can be connected to a processor device configured, in turn, to supply an activation signal from the removal device, once the payment transaction has been completed, in order to remove the security tag in the event that there is a positive match between the security tag read by an identification reading device and a machine-readable identification tag read by a device for reading machine-readable identification tags prior to the completion of the sales transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Yudigar S.L.U.
    Inventors: Ignacio Gabriel Marín Villamayor, Lorena Gómez Latorre
  • Patent number: 9547967
    Abstract: The system includes a control module, an environment detection unit and an electricity generation module. The control module includes a control unit for data processing and operating and an alarm unit, electrically connected to the control unit for receiving a command of the control unit. The environment detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit of the control module for detecting a physical quantity of environmental matter to generate a signal to send back to the control unit. The electricity generation module is electrically connected to the control module and has an electricity generator for generating electricity by environmental energy to supply the control module and the environment detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Chun-Ming Huang, Chen-Chia Chen, Gang-Neng Sung
  • Patent number: 9547968
    Abstract: A pre-smoke detector and system for use in early detection of developing fires whereby vapors of marker chemicals generated during the melting and/or smoldering of common household materials are detected before detection by conventional smoke detectors. Vapors resulting from heating and resultant vaporization of substances are detected as well as vapors resulting from their breakdown, decomposition, or pyrolysis during the pre-combustion stage. Conventional smoke detectors focus on particle detection and are most effective after a developing fire has produced smoke. To minimize false alarms caused by common household odors, the pre-smoke detectors focus on detecting medium temperature pyrolysis products using sensor coatings that can be consistent with a 10 year operational lifetime and multiple orthogonal detection processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Nevada Nanotech Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse D. Adams, Ralph G. Whitten
  • Patent number: 9547969
    Abstract: Systems and methods to detect and warn proximate entities of interest are described herein. An example method for assessing a possibility of a collision between entities of interest, each having their own characteristics of movement, includes sampling movement of each entity at least two points in time, generating a trajectory vector for each entity based on the movement sampling, expanding the trajectory vector of each entity based on at least one characteristic of movement of that entity, and analyzing the expanded trajectory vector of each entity for overlap to assess a possibility of a collision between the entities of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Right-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan P. Beggs, James C. Boerger, David J. Hoffmann, Ken Markham, Matthew McNeill, Timothy Muhl, Kyle Nelson, James Oates, Jason Senfleben
  • Patent number: 9547970
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, biometric data and environmental data are obtained from sensors. Corporate information system (CIS) information is retrieved for a worker, with the CIS information including a schedule of tasks assigned to the worker. A task currently being performed by the worker is determined based on the schedule of tasks. Weights are assigned to the biometric data and the environmental data. The weights vary between data from different sensors, with the weights assigned based on the task currently being performed by the worker. A current safety score is assigned for the worker based on the calculation of a formula, with the formula using the assigned weights as coefficients to variables, with the variables being values obtained from the biometric data and the environmental data. The current safety score is compared to a safety threshold, and if the threshold is violated, an alert is generated to the worker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Jobin, Roberto Silveira Silva Filho, Bo Yu
  • Patent number: 9547971
    Abstract: Technologies for determining a threat assessment based on fear responses comprises monitoring sensor data received from a sensor array located at a monitored site. The sensor data may include behavioral sensor data indicative of a physical behavior of individuals within the monitored site and physiological sensor data indicative of physiological characteristics of individuals within the monitored site. The threat assessment may be based on the behavioral sensor data and physiological sensor data. In some embodiments, context data related to the monitored site may be utilized analyze the behavioral sensor data and physiological sensor data and determine a threat assessment based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Weast, Jennifer A. Healey, Tobias M. Kohlenberg, Dennis M. Morgan, Brian D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9547972
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for biometric sensors being embedded in a wearable computing device. The biometric sensors may determine a user's biometric data, and the determined biometric data may be transmitted to a biometric server over a network. In response to receiving the biometric data, the biometric server may parse the received biometric data to determine if an emergency alert signal should be transmitted to third parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Sal Castillo
  • Patent number: 9547973
    Abstract: Monitoring system alert technology, in which monitoring system data is accessed from a monitoring system that is located in a property of a user and the monitoring system data is analyzed against one or more rules that define alerts provided for the monitoring system. Based on the analysis, a determination is made that an alert for the monitoring system is needed and conditions for providing the alert are accessed. Location of a mobile device of a user associated with the monitoring system and timing related to providing the alert are monitored. The monitored location of the mobile device and the monitored timing are analyzed with respect to the accessed conditions. Based on the analysis, a determination is made that the accessed conditions for providing the alert are met and the alert is output at the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventor: David James Hutz
  • Patent number: 9547974
    Abstract: A device for detecting blockage of an air filter mesh, including: an air inlet, an air outlet, an air duct, a fan or a wind wheel, a blower motor, an air filter mesh, and a controller. The controller includes a main control board including: a microprocessor, an inverter circuit, and a motor operation parameter detecting circuit. The air filter mesh is disposed in the air duct. The motor operation parameter detecting circuit inputs a real time operation parameter into the microprocessor, and the output terminal of the microprocessor controls the inverter circuit. A function module of the microprocessor calculates a detected air volume according to the real time operation parameter. When the detected air volume is smaller than a preset air volume, the microprocessor determines that the air filter mesh is obstructed and outputs a signal to an alarm circuit to trigger an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ZHONGSHAN BROAD-OCEAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jizhong Wang, Yiqiao Zhou, Zheng Zhang, Xiansheng Zhang, Hairong Sun, Yong Zhao
  • Patent number: 9547975
    Abstract: A safety rail monitoring system, and associated methods of operation, for monitoring use of a safety rail that borders a footpath to help prevent injuries while the user traverses the footpath. The safety system includes a sensor system for detecting the presence of a user on the footpath and the presence of a contact by the user on the safety rail. A sensor observation system in communication with the sensor system receives signals indicating whether the user is present on the footpath and whether the user is holding on to the safety rail. If the user is not holding on to the safety rail, the sensor observation system generates an alert signal to the user to remind the user to hold the safety rail. In some embodiments, the safety system may include a barrier that prevents the user from continuing along the footpath without contacting the safety rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Elizabeth E. Nugent, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9547976
    Abstract: A device designed to help people from forgetting objects in vehicles. The device includes a central unit, a power cable, and a conducting insert that closes a circuit. The central unit includes a. case that houses the circuit with an internal power source, a buzzer, a switch, and a relay. The circuit is disconnected and when the conducting insert is inserted, it bridges the switch and completes the circuit. The power cable has a plug on one end and a car charger plug on the other. When the vehicle is running and the car charger plug is plugged into the cigarette charger socket, the plug is powered. When the plug is plugged into the relay in powering mode, the circuit is opened. If the plug is in non-powering mode, the relay will remained closed and the circuit will remain completed at this point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce Roseman, Daniel Roseman
  • Patent number: 9547977
    Abstract: A subscriber device for use in an automated personal emergency response system implemented as a conference bridge on a remote computing network. The device, intended to be worn as a pendant, wristband or in another wearable configuration, includes a color high-resolution display for signaling a user of the subscriber device with notifications, arrows for directional guidance, and/or other status messages. The device also includes microphones and speakers for enabling a teleconference between a user of the subscriber device in need of assistance and parties joined to the teleconference via the automated personal emergency response system. The user of the subscriber device may initiate the call for assistance and teleconference via a press of a single button on the device; alternatively, accelerometers in the device may detect a fall and automatically initiate the call. The device can receive medical telemetry and provide it to conference participants and perform home automation tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ROCKWILLI RMR LLC
    Inventors: Travis E. Will, Russell E. VanDevanter, Steven M. Myhre, Michael J. Myhre
  • Patent number: 9547978
    Abstract: An emergency alert system, method and device are disclosed. The invention employs an emergency alert message, which directs end users to take some particular action like evacuating an identified geographic area. The invention further employs a geographic area message, which is based on a particular geographic area within which all persons should receive the emergency alert message. The invention utilizes an emergency alert enabled device that receives both the emergency alert message and the geographic area message. The emergency alert enabled device determines whether it is located within the geographic area of concern, and if so, presents the emergency alert message to the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ADVANCED COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATIONS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Darren M. Vallaire
  • Patent number: 9547979
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying an electronic program guide (“EPG”), the EPG allowing for the controlling of recording functionality of an appliance and/or playing of media. The displayable EPG includes a listing of playable media from which the user may select a program of interest for recording or playing. The EPG may also include a display of prior recorded media for playing. Options may be presented to allow for a selection of a rendering device on which selected media is to be played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Elecronics Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Louie, Cesar Alvarado, Patrick H. Hayes
  • Patent number: 9547980
    Abstract: A smart controlling method applied to a smart home system for controlling a number of home appliances of the smart home system is able to learn the habits of the user in relation to the home appliances, deeming a control operation a habit when a certain controlling command is repeated for more than a predetermined number of times in a predetermined period. When the current certain condition value matches one of the habit certain conditions, the smart home system calls the corresponding habit controlling command to control the relative home appliance to execute the habitual operation. A smart gateway and a smart home system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Shenzhen Airdrawing Technology Service Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Te-Sheng Chen, Xiao-Guang Li, Kuan-Hong Hsieh, Yun Xiao, Shang-Hui Pi
  • Patent number: 9547981
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus which permits the use of a wireless cell phone or other communications device as a connection, communications and control device able to connect a full-sized desktop monitor or other digital display device, keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer and other external devices to a wireless cell phone device using any combination of wireline or wireless connections from the desktop devices to the wireless cell phone device. The wireless cell phone device is used to create an Internet or other network connection capable of accessing any browser-based web site or browser-based software application, e.g., via an Internet connection. Once the connections between the components are established with the wireless cell phone device and the Internet connection is established components. Access to Internet software, services and media includes all forms of browser-based desktop software, as well as digital movies, music, and streaming video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Michael D. Harold
  • Patent number: 9547982
    Abstract: A controlling device such as a remote control has programming for transmitting a signal response to a plurality of control environments, each environment including a signaling device. Each signaling device in receipt of the signal request sends a signal response having a unique ID which is chosen to be characteristically attenuated by the surroundings of the environment. Because the controlling device can only be in one environment at a given time, and given the attenuation characteristics of the signal response from each signaling device, only one signal response will be received by the controlling device in each environment. Location definitions associated with the received unique ID may be used by programming in the controlling device to recall saved devices states, commands sets, macros, and even to dynamically generate commands based on the location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan de Clercq, Christopher Chambers, Wayne Scott, Allen Yuh, Paul D. Arling, Robert Lilleness
  • Patent number: 9547983
    Abstract: An analysis method includes: acquiring first path information indicating a first movement path, first velocity information of a first moving body on the first movement path, second path information indicating a second movement path, and second velocity information of a second moving body on the second movement path; calculating, based on a specific rule, a similarity between the first velocity information and the second velocity information when the first path information and the second path information are extracted as candidates to be integrated; determining, based on the similarity, whether the first path information and second path information are to be integrated; and generating graph information to draw at least a part of the first path information and at least a part of the second path information as a single path when it is determined that the first path information and the second path information are to be integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Junichi Shigezumi, Tatsuya Asai, Hiroaki Morikawa, Hiroya Inakoshi
  • Patent number: 9547984
    Abstract: Current and predicted traffic information is provided from incident data, traffic flow data, and media related to traffic received from multiple sources. The crowd sourced data may be provided passively by applications on remote mobile devices or actively by users operating the remote mobile devices. An application on a mobile device may receive the multiple data types, aggregate and validate the data, and provides traffic information for a user. The traffic information may relate to the current position and route of the user or a future route. The present technology may also provide driving efficiency information such as fuel consumption data, carbon footprint data, and a driving rating for a user associated with a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: PELMOREX CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Andre Gueziec, Romain Faure, Damien Poulain
  • Patent number: 9547985
    Abstract: An approach is provided for granting access to an autonomous vehicle based on validation of a request, and configuring an autonomous vehicle to transport a user and/or items to at least one destination. The approach involves receiving a transport request for a transport of at least one user, at least one item, or a combination thereof to at least one destination. The approach also involves determining profile information associated with the at least one user, the at least one item, or a combination thereof, wherein the profile information specifies at least one role associated with the at least one user, the at least one item, or a combination thereof. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, a validation of the request based, at least in part, on a comparison of the at least one destination to one or more approved destinations associated with the at least one role.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventor: Marko Tapio Tuukkanen
  • Patent number: 9547986
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for coordination of autonomous vehicles in a roadway. A roadway management system can generate lane configurations for a roadway or a portion of the roadway. The roadway management system can determine the direction of travel for lanes in a roadway and direct autonomous automobiles to enter the roadway in a particular lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christopher Curlander, Ryan Scott Russell, Allan Scott Bathurst, Udit Madan, Jules Cook Graybill, Jonathan Blair Norwood, Wesley Scott Lauka, Pragyana K. Mishra, Darren Ernest Canavor
  • Patent number: 9547987
    Abstract: Described are methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for conveying vehicle driving information. A server computing device generates a hazard index for a plurality of road segments in a predefined coverage area. The server computing device determines a current hazard value for each of the plurality of road segments based on (i) weather conditions data associated with the road segments, (ii) road conditions data associated with the road segments, and (iii) physical attributes of the road segments. The server computing device determines a predicted hazard value for each of the plurality of road segments and assigns the present hazard value and predicted hazard value to the corresponding road segment. The server computing device receives location data associated with a remote device and transmits hazard information associated with one or more of the plurality of road segments based on the location data and the hazard index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Earth Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Dale Sloop, Robert S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 9547988
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes a personal navigation assistance system detecting an upcoming trip of a user to a destination, accessing data associated with the upcoming trip from a plurality of disparate information sources, aggregating the accessed data associated with the upcoming trip, generating, based on the aggregated data, navigational assistance content for the upcoming trip, and providing the navigational assistance content for the upcoming trip to a computing device for presentation to the user. In certain examples, aggregated data includes real-time parking space availability information, and the navigational assistance content includes parking assistance content generated based on the real-time parking space availability information. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Moore
  • Patent number: 9547989
    Abstract: Example systems and methods allow for reporting and sharing of information reports relating to driving conditions within a fleet of autonomous vehicles. One example method includes receiving information reports relating to driving conditions from a plurality of autonomous vehicles within a fleet of autonomous vehicles. The method may also include receiving sensor data from a plurality of autonomous vehicles within the fleet of autonomous vehicles. The method may further include validating some of the information reports based at least in part on the sensor data. The method may additionally include combining validated information reports into a driving information map. The method may also include periodically filtering the driving information map to remove outdated information reports. The method may further include providing portions of the driving information map to autonomous vehicles within the fleet of autonomous vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Fairfield, Joshua Seth Herbach, Andrew Hughes Chatham, Michael Steven Montemerlo
  • Patent number: 9547990
    Abstract: An emergency landing control system for an aircraft includes a landing site data source, a performance margin data source, an engine health data source, an aircraft health data source, and a processor. The landing site data source determines, continuously and in real-time, available landing sites. The performance margin data source conducts, continuously and in real-time, continuous performance analysis of an engine. The engine health data source determines, continuously and in real-time, available engine power as a function of time. The aircraft health data source determines, continuously and in real-time, available aircraft life as a function of time. The processor receives data from these data sources and, based on these data, continuously generates landing paths to one or more of the available landing sites, and selectively and continuously adjusts maximum available engine power up to emergency power limits, as needed, during execution of a landing maneuver to a landing site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Richard Ling, Grant Gordon, Kevin Moeckly
  • Patent number: 9547991
    Abstract: A system and method of generating a landing trajectory for use in landing an aircraft onto a deck of a waterborne ship includes sensing motion of the ship, and sensing wind speed and wind direction. The sensed motion of the ship is processed to generate estimates of ship attitude and vertical speed, and the sensed wind speed and wind direction are processed to generate estimates of air-wake disturbances ahead of the aircraft. The landing trajectory is generated based on the estimates of ship attitude and vertical speed and the estimates of air-wake disturbances. The system and method implement model predictive control to calculate the control maneuvers multiple steps ahead, which provides the capability to smoothly control the timing of the aircraft touchdown phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael Ray Elgersma, Xiaohong Linda Li
  • Patent number: 9547992
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for playing a video based on real-time data. The apparatus includes a ground control unit which receives flight data including position information, speed information, and attitude information of an aircraft from at least one aircraft and a video playing unit which receives the flight data from the ground control unit and displays the flight data on a map screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Joong Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 9547993
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods, systems, and computer program products for automated avoidance of ground threats by an aircraft. In one example, a method includes determining, by one or more processing devices, whether a sufficient evasive maneuver for an aircraft to avoid a detected ground surface threat is performed via pilot controls of the aircraft within a selected threshold after an alert of the ground surface threat is outputted via one or more cockpit systems of the aircraft. The method further includes, in response to determining that a sufficient evasive maneuver via the pilot controls is not performed within the selected threshold, controlling, by the one or more processing devices, one or more flight systems of the aircraft to perform an automated evasive maneuver to avoid the ground surface threat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ratan Khatwa, Jayasenthilnathan B
  • Patent number: 9547994
    Abstract: A written document (hereinafter referred to as a “work,” on electronic format which includes, stories, novels, education texts, biographies, compilations, collections, anthologies, tracts, and any other traditional format for relatively extensive texts) provides access to reference, bibliography and/or definition material through an electronic software capability associated with the work. Depending upon reader access information or characteristics (e.g., age, grade, proficiency, or position within the work or any other identifiable reader characteristic or access limitation), any request for reference material, definitions, explanations, translations, or other material provided in the associated software capability is automatically limited by system acknowledgement of the reader access information or characteristics. As the reader's access information or characteristics change, the quality and/or quantity and/or format of requested information with respect to a work changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Nathaniel Sherman
  • Patent number: 9547995
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and techniques for delivering a realistic, engaging, personalized, online version of the case method pedagogy to one student or hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. A method may include presenting a first segment of instructional course content to a first user. A first input may be received from the first user and a portion of the first input that is associated with a second segment of instructional course content may be identified. As a result, the second segment of instructional course content may be presented to the first user. The method may also include receiving a second input from the first user. A portion of the second input that is associated with a third segment of instructional course content may be identified. Accordingly, the third segment of instructional course content may be presented to the first user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Abraham Murray
  • Patent number: 9547996
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems, methods, apparatus and computer program products that accept student input and use a computer to process its mathematical meaning. The input can then be algorithmically tested for certain mathematical criteria. Those test results then allow the system to output immediate assessment, grades, and feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Instructional Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hildon Smith, Terrance T. Ford
  • Patent number: 9547997
    Abstract: Multi-user portable electronic devices for improving reading ability and/or comprehension for a plurality of subjects are provided. The multi-user portable electronic devices may include a pitch shifter circuit configured to generate frequency altered auditory speech feedback (FAF) signals corresponding to respective auditory speech signals received from respective active microphones, and to transmit the respective FAF signals to the plurality of subjects while one or more of the plurality of subjects are respectively reading aloud, to improve the plurality of subjects' reading ability and/or comprehension. The multi-user portable electronic devices may also include a switch configured to activate the microphones selectively, serially. Related methods and systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: East Carolina University
    Inventors: Michael Rastatter, Todd Carter, Mark Allen, Ricardo Rodriguez, John Trainor
  • Patent number: 9547998
    Abstract: Context-aware training systems, apparatuses and systems. The context-aware training systems, apparatuses and systems are computer-implemented and include sensing a user action and, based on a training needs model, estimating a cost or benefit to exposing the user to a training action, selecting a training action from a collection of available training actions and delivering the training action to the user if the user action indicates a need for the user to be trained and the cost or benefit to exposing the user to the training action indicates user exposure to the training action is warranted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: WOMBAT SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Norman Sadeh-Koniecpol, Kurt Wescoe, Jason Brubaker, Jason Hong
  • Patent number: 9547999
    Abstract: The multifunctional chopsticks comprise an intelligent control device having a sensor module, a pressure induction module, a timing module, a voice module, a communication module and a power module; the sensor module is arranged at one end of the chopstick body and connected with the timing module, the pressure induction module is arranged on the middle upper portion of the chopstick body and also connected with the timing module; the voice module, the communication module and the power module are arranged at the other end of the chopstick body; the voice module is connected with the sensor module, the timing module and the pressure induction module; and the voice module is connected with the communication module and the power module. The pair of multifunctional chopsticks for children can help the children to use the chopsticks correctly, enables parents to learn about the children's dining habits and obtain specific food information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Zhuanjia Zhong
  • Patent number: 9548000
    Abstract: A scoring server for assessing technical skills in a practical environment. A client application acts as a middle man between a terminal and an operating system to capture and forward all input from and output to students to the scoring server. The scoring server compares recorded student activity against a list of tasks deemed capable of accomplishing course objectives assigned to students. As objectives are met by a student, the students' grade is updated in real-time. Each student passes or fails an exam based on tasks performed and skills employed. The client application exists for two operating system types: WINDOWS® and LINUX®. A LINUX® client employs a pseudoterminal to permit access to terminal input/output and communication through stdin, stdout, and stderr channels. A WINDOWS® client (WC) comprises a WC command line activity logger and a WC monitor process to intercept all communication through stdin, stdout, and stderr communication channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Telecommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Willingham, Brendan Watters, Anthony Hendricks, Brian Reider, Rob Odom, Robert Ledesma
  • Patent number: 9548001
    Abstract: A molecular modeling kit provides a system for molecular modeling that represents exclusion between resonance structures in a molecule and permits their rotation, providing an informative tool for describing resonance in a classroom or other learning environment. The kit includes atom modeling components and bond connector components that are connected together to form models of molecules. The atom modeling components or the bond connector components include a mechanical exclusion feature that prevents simultaneous connection of two bond connector components to represent two pi-bonds formed with a single atom in a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: MOLECULARITY LLC
    Inventors: Bryson Dye, James Konzelman
  • Patent number: 9548002
    Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Katie Black, Nikolai Poulsen, Heidi Holmes, Natasha Felsinger, Tracy Breslin, Kennii Pravongviengkham, Boun Pravong, Eduardo Bolanos, Zoran Falkenstein, Charles C. Hart, Tina Talwar
  • Patent number: 9548003
    Abstract: The present invention is a medical training simulation apparatus for training of medical professionals in medical examinations involving body parts with concealed geometry. The apparatus may comprise a physical model of a body part having an opening and structure that simulates the concealed geometry of a body part and may receive an inserted medical tool. A video display may be disposed within the structure of the apparatus to display at least one image of a physical defect or medical condition for the body part. The at least one image may e be alterable such that its appearance simulates the appearance of the defect or medical condition within the concealed geometry when viewed using the medical tool in relation to an applicable human or animal subject patient. The training apparatus is operable for one or more simulations for training a trainee in a medical examination or procedure for a body part in accordance with a training method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: Vito Forte, Paolo Campisi
  • Patent number: 9548004
    Abstract: A pilot and burner apparatus is provided for use in firefighting training. The apparatus includes a main fuel conduit and a main fuel valve. The apparatus includes a pilot tube and a pilot fuel conduit configured to deliver fuel from the main fuel conduit to the pilot tube. The apparatus includes main and pilot fuel valves to respectively control a flow of fuel in the main and pilot fuel conduits. In a pilot phase, the valves direct fuel to the pilot tube. An ignition component is configured to ignite fuel in the pilot tube to generate a pilot flame. In a burn phase, the pilot flame generates a controllable flame out of a main burner pipe by igniting fuel exiting the main fuel conduit. The controllable flame can be delivered to a training structure for training purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: FIREBLAST GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Wayne Egelin, Jr., Christopher Charles Yirsa
  • Patent number: 9548005
    Abstract: Card holders for personalized and customized display of interchangeable cards are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Gerald Willoughby
  • Patent number: 9548006
    Abstract: An adhesive-backed printed pressure sensitive cut label assembly with easy temporary removability is disclosed, wherein the portion of the label forming the label stock may be printed on the back- or reverse-side of the label face stock and whereby the printed surface is applied with a hot melt or acrylic adhesive that ensures easy short-term removability from a container surface and reapplication thereto. The label stock is laminated to a base stock comprising a paper or polymeric release liner coated with silicone or other adhesive release coating. During manufacturing of the label assembly, the label stock and base stock are simultaneously fed to laminating rollers following a die-cutting process, whereby the two are joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Outlook Group, LLC
    Inventors: Tina Marie Galoff, Pat Harvath, Todd Schuh
  • Patent number: 9548007
    Abstract: A display board assembly includes a map rail and a supplemental display board mounted thereto. The map rail includes a top track defined by a top support rail and a top guard rail, and a bottom track defined by a bottom support rail and a bottom guard rail. The supplemental display board includes a wheeled mounting assembly on a rear surface thereof, the wheeled mounting assembly including: a top wheel forced to engage the top track and confined by the top guard rail, and a bottom wheel forced to engage the bottom track and confined by the bottom guard rail, wherein the supplemental display board is slidable on the top wheel and bottom wheel to different lateral positions on the map rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Educational Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Schmidt, Richard Garman
  • Patent number: 9548008
    Abstract: The present inventor devised, among other things, one or more exemplary systems, kits, methods, devices, assemblies, components, and/or software and related graphical interfaces related to signs with interchangeable illumination elements. One exemplary embodiment includes an illuminated sign assembly of two or more alphanumeric lighting elements formed of a transparent or translucent injection- or blow-molded plastic and including a number of surface-mounted light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each of the alphanumeric elements plugs into power track, and can be independently rotated to a desired orientation relative the power track. In some embodiments, the each of the elements can be wireless controlled or programmed via a smartphone to blink or change colors according to a desired pattern or in response to ambient conditions. In still other embodiments, the lighting elements vertically stack onto a recharge station, and in yet others the elements are powered or recharged via resonant inductive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Joshua Manning
  • Patent number: 9548009
    Abstract: An illuminated sign has a primary light source in spaced apart relation to a transparent or translucent substrate having quantum dot phosphors printed or coated thereon. The primary light source may be a blue LED, a white LED or an LED having a significant portion of its emission in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. The LED may be a backlight for the transparent or translucent substrate and/or an edge light, a down light or an up light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Nanoco Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Nigel Pickett, Ombretta Masala, James Harris, Nathalie Gresty
  • Patent number: 9548010
    Abstract: Disclosed is a support post for supporting roadway signs. In one embodiment, a polymer support post is formed of a composition of high density polyethylene—HDPE—, ground rubber and ‘XLPE’/Polycure. All these materials may be sourced from recycled materials. Additionally, the support may include ultra-violet materials and flame retardant materials. In one embodiment, the ultra-violet materials and flame retardant material are included in recycled XLPE material. One or more support rods may be disposed within the polymer support post. Additionally, one or more fragility apertures may extend through the support post to allow the support post to collapse upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Fabio Eduardo Sabonge Cunha
  • Patent number: 9548011
    Abstract: A multi-media warning sign attachable to a floor sign including a body having a pair of feet, each foot having a lower wall and a first magnet on the lower wall. Each first magnet has an inner wall within the foot and an outer wall coplanar with the lower wall and is engageable either directly to a ferromagnetic mounting surface or to a second magnet on an upper side of a spring-loaded clamp to secure the body to the front and rear panels of a foldable floor-standing sign in an upright position. The body can also be positioned atop a non-ferromagnetic surface. The battery-operated device also includes a lighting assembly with front and rear lights on the body, a sound system for audible warning messages, front and rear motion sensors to activate the lighting assembly and the sound system when nearby pedestrian motion is detected, and a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald Banks