Patents Issued in May 1, 2018
-
Patent number: 9959682Abstract: A digital camera with audio, visual and motion analysis includes a digital processor, an input processing system, and one or more imaging sensors, sound sensors, and motion sensors. In a non-limiting embodiment, the input processing system including non-transitory computer readable media including code segments, executable by the digital processor, for real-time audio, visual and motion analysis to develop a digital model of an ambient environment of the digital camera from data derived from the imaging sensor(s), sound sensor(s) and motion sensor(s).Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: ACOUSTIC KNOWLEDGE, LLCInventors: Charles A. G. Boyle, Caleb J. Madsen
-
Patent number: 9959683Abstract: A 3-D model of a body part is created by using an object comprising markers, fixation members, and struts. The method involves first and second roentgenograms of the body part and the object disposed between an x-ray source and an x-ray imager. It then determines first and second sets of distances between projections of the markers or the struts, and determines first and second 3-D positions of the x-ray source and of the object with respect to the x-ray imager using predetermined distances between the markers or struts and the first and second sets of distances between their projections. The method then aligns the first and second 3-D object projections in a 3-D reference frame using the 3-D positions of the markers or struts with respect to the x-ray imager in the two orientations. The method creates the 3-D model of the object based on the 3-D object projections.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, AMEI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Konstantin Evgenevich Mikheev, Petr Stanislavovich Vvedenskiy, Alexander Alexandrovich Morenko, Dmitry Alexandrovich Sivachev, Mikhail Samchukov, Alexander Cherkashin
-
Patent number: 9959684Abstract: The proposed method for using a computer graphics system for changing the shape of models of geometric solids with the aid of deformation is characterized in that it is used for producing geometric solids which mate with one another as they were relative to one another and have mating surfaces, which require manufacture with precision accuracy (up to 10 micrometers), for example toothed screws (cylindrical, conical) of a screw compressor unit, gear trains, gears of a gear pump and similar mating pairs of geometric solids. The proposed method consists in that deformation of a model (3) of a semifinished product (3) of a first mating solid (1) is performed with the aid of a model (7) of a first tool (7), whose surface is automatically calculated using several mathematical laws, each of which is a polynomial in which at least one of the coefficients represents one of several characteristics defining the geometry of the shape of the surface of the second geometric solid (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: VERT ROTORS UK LIMITEDInventors: Evgeniy Tabota, Oleg Dmitriev
-
Patent number: 9959685Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for selectively blending buildings to improve route visibility in a 3D navigation system. A method for displaying a 3D map may include: detecting whether or not an object to be displayed on a map screen intersects with a route guiding line on the map screen with the object intersecting the route guiding line being blended therewith.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: THINKWARE CORPORATIONInventor: Jung Kak Seo
-
Patent number: 9959686Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing operation of a machine. The system includes a memory device configured to store a data stream that includes values of a plurality of parameters. The system further includes a data interface configured to receive a first script associated with a first set of parameters selected from the plurality of parameters, and a second script associated with a second set of parameters selected from the plurality of parameters. A processing device is in communication with the memory device and the data interface. The processing device is configured to analyze the data stream according to the first and second scripts to produce a first result associated with the first set of parameters and a second result associated with the second set of parameters. The processing device is further configured to render for display the first result and the second result.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Vernon R. Smith, James G. Katter, Jr., Vishnu Sugnath Prabhakaran
-
Patent number: 9959687Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for monitoring, recording, and analyzing driver activity. An exemplary system comprises a sensor module configured to receive data from one or more sensors that measure acceleration or deceleration associated with a vehicle. A stop detection module is configured to receive the sensor module data, process the sensor module data, and determine an abrupt acceleration or deceleration event. A location module is configured to retrieve the location of the vehicle simultaneous with an abrupt acceleration or deceleration event. The system stores the location of the abrupt acceleration or deceleration event in an event record in an event database.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: John Lindsay
-
Patent number: 9959688Abstract: In a portable wireless key, decoration fitting portions provided at ends of a pair of side portions of a metal decoration member are fitted in decoration receiving portions of a wireless key body, and a decoration engaging portion provided at a connecting portion of the metal decoration member is engaged with a decoration engagement portion of the wireless key body. Further, a switch operation cover is fixed to an assembled unit of the wireless key body and the metal decoration member. Thus, durability in dropping can be improved without complicating an assembling work of the metal decoration member and without increasing the number of components and costs, and it is easy to address switch variations without increasing initial costs.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Toshiaki Saito
-
Patent number: 9959689Abstract: A method is provided for interacting with audience members in an event, each of the potential attendees having available thereto a unique identifier. The method comprises creating, for an attendee, a unique ID (UID) on a mobile wireless device (MWD) by the steps of inputting to the MWD one of the unique identifiers, combining the obtained unique identifier with a UID time stamp at the time of creation of the UID; receiving with a server on a first wireless channel communications from the MWD; registering the UID at the physical location of the event; generating a visual query; displaying on the MWD response indicators; receiving at the server from the registered attendee a response, to the query over the first wireless channel; and storing in a database on the server the received response in association with the displayed query.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: TESLA LABORATORIES LLCInventor: Jovan Hutton Pulitzer
-
Patent number: 9959690Abstract: A vehicle includes: receiver(s), a timer counting time, memory, and processor(s) configured to: receive a timestamped signal from a fob; compare the timestamp to a time window; reject the timestamp if the timestamp is outside the time window; expand the time window with the counted time; compute the time window as a trigonometric function of the counted time and a predetermined angle.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mark Andre Zielinski, John Russell Bielawski, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9959691Abstract: A latch release backup system for a latch assembly of a motor-vehicle door is provided with a key cylinder configured to receive a vehicle key and which is rotatably mounted to the motor-vehicle door, and a mechanical coupling arrangement mounted within the motor-vehicle door and operable to convert a rotation of the key cylinder into actuation of an actuation group of the latch assembly for causing latch release. The key cylinder defines an electrical interface socket designed to receive the vehicle key. An electronic control unit is mounted within the motor-vehicle door and is electrically connected to the electrical interface socket to receive identification information (Id) from the vehicle key when plugged into the electrical interface socket.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES S.p.A.Inventors: Francesco Cumbo, Marlia Marco, Santaniello Liberatore
-
Patent number: 9959692Abstract: Provided is a locking unit for a housing, comprising at least two doors for locking each housing opening. The locking unit has a locking element module for each of the doors, and the module has at least one locking body and a locking drive for actuating the locking body. The locking drive has a common drive element for the locking element modules, which drive element can be moved about a displacement path, and which, in a first displacement position, brings the locking body, for only one of the doors or only a first group of doors, of the doors into an unlocking position, and in a second displacement position, brings the locking body for all doors into an unlocking position. The invention also relates to a housing comprising a locking unit of this type, and to a method for unlocking one or more doors of a housing of this type.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Deutsche Post AGInventors: Horst Hild, Ramin Benz, Christoph Dautz, Christian Carstens
-
Patent number: 9959693Abstract: In a method for identifying desynchronization between representations of data obtained from an ordered plurality of documents, a processor can receive ordered first and second pluralities of data strings obtained from the respective plurality of documents; compare each data string in the first plurality to the corresponding data string in the second plurality and to each data string sequentially before or sequentially after the corresponding data string in the second plurality; based on the comparison, designate each data string in the first plurality as being one of synchronized, leading, or trailing; identify a continuous sequence of N data strings in the first plurality that all have a designation of leading or all have a designation of trailing, where N equals or exceeds a specified sequence threshold; and generate a single error signal that identifies all N of the data strings in the continuous sequence as being desynchronized.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Darryl O'Neill
-
Patent number: 9959694Abstract: Security systems for protecting assets are described, including password-based security systems that can provide different levels of access responsive to entry of a primary or secondary password. In some versions, user-configurable security rules can provide customized responses to entry of primary or secondary passwords, including feigned or limited access, security alerts, etc. Passwords comprising overt and covert components can be used to provide enhanced security and improved user control over system response. Improved security systems involving transactions between multiple parties are also considered, with options for user-customized security rules including primary and secondary passwords, and reverse challenge and response methods. Systems for Limited Use Credentials are also disclosed to reduce the risk of identity theft.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: Jeffrey Dean Lindsay
-
Patent number: 9959695Abstract: A coin box for a coin-operated device, the box having a housing, the front face of which is provided with a removal opening. A sliding door is associated with the removal opening and a supporting floor for the coins is situated in the interior of the housing. The supporting floor runs at an incline from a rear wall of the housing towards the removal opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: NOVOMATIC AGInventor: Tobias Sprenger
-
Patent number: 9959696Abstract: A dispenser which deters theft of packaged items includes an ejector. The ejector is resiliently biased to an extended position, and is selectively retracted to a retracted position. When so retracted, it can be released so that it can translate a static package into a dynamic state as quickly as possible to minimize the effect of drag and friction between the package being ejected and the package immediately behind it in a column of packages, as well as between the package and the portions of the housing which are initially contacted by the package. The first package is ejected in a short impulse so as to minimize a transfer of kinetic energy to a second package, thus minimizing the effect of static inertia of the second package on the first package.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Fastners for Retail, Inc.Inventors: Gerald Matthew Szpak, Thaddeus Brej, Shane Obitts, Gregory M. Bird
-
Patent number: 9959697Abstract: A laboratory vial transfer device for automatically transferring laboratory vials from a transport package containing a plurality of said vials, comprising: a vial feeder configured to connect to the transport package after the package has been opened, so as to feed vials directly from the package without manual contact, wherein the vial feeder comprises a rotatable carousel having a plurality of vial receiving positions located on the carousel each for receiving a single vial and adapted to collect the vials from the opened package into respective vial receiving positions upon operation of the carousel, wherein the carousel is operable to feed the vials from their respective vial receiving positions to an exit position.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Thermo Electron Manufacturing LimitedInventors: Brian King, Harald Ritchie
-
Patent number: 9959698Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive a plurality of items and an access assembly configured to prevent unauthorized user access to the interior portion of the dispenser while providing selective access to certain items in response to input received from an authorized user. According to various embodiments, the access assembly comprises a pair of flexible barriers coupled to a sliding door assembly, which includes one or more lockable access doors. Together, the door assembly and flexible barriers prevent access to the interior of the dispenser when in a locked configuration and permit access to certain items when in an unlocked configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Innovative Product Achievements, LLCInventors: Robert Fitzgerald, Kyle Joiner, Joel Eisler, Ward Broom, Keith Stallings, Jason Farah
-
Patent number: 9959699Abstract: A system for assembling a luminaire comprising a housing, a computer-controlled manipulation device, and a parts repository defined within the housing and configured to carry a plurality of light modules, a plurality of luminaire housings of various luminaire housing types, and a plurality of optics of various optic types. The system further comprises a programming device configured to program a light module of the plurality of light modules to emit light having lighting characteristics. Each of the light modules are configured to be removably couplable to the computer-controlled manipulation device. The luminaire housings each comprise a locking tab configured to permit the respective light modules to engage therewith, thereby enabling attachment of the respective light modules to the respective luminaire housings. Each of the optics comprise a locking tab configured to permit a respective luminaire housing to engage therewith, enabling attachment of the respective luminaire housing to the respective optic.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventors: Fredric S. Maxik, Robert R. Soler, David E. Bartine, Valerie A. Bastien, Matthew Regan, James Lynn Schellack, Theodore Scone
-
Patent number: 9959700Abstract: A method of creating and delivering an on-demand audio asset for inclusion in a creative is described. The method includes the steps of accessing a central processing environment, requesting at least one recording of at least a portion of an audio transmission generated from a communication device, generating at least one audio asset, adding the audio asset to a pool of related assets stored in a vault connected to the central processing environment, selecting the generated audio asset and at least one other related asset from the pool of related assets to form a creative, then requesting delivery of the creative to another communication device, and finally delivering the creative to the other communication device. The method is performed in part by a creative composition engine, which is also described. The engine includes a central processing environment having a processor, a digital recorder and a digital asset storage vault.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: VERITONE, INC.Inventors: Ryan Steelberg, Chad Steelberg
-
Patent number: 9959701Abstract: A system for allowing players to play a plurality of games is described herein. The system includes a display device for displaying games to a player and a controller that is coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to display at least one of a first game and a second game on the display device, receive an image of a physical gaming table, and display the gaming table on the display device. The controller receives a signal indicative of a first player hand being dealt by the dealer, receives a signal indicative of a second player hand being dealt by the dealer, determines a first outcome of the first game as a function of the first player hand, and determines a second outcome of the second game as a function of the second player hand.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Progressive Games Partners LLCInventor: Neal C. Andres
-
Patent number: 9959702Abstract: A gaming system including a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines, wherein content provided by the host device is output on the gaming machine. To output the content provided by the remote host, a host-controlled process that is authenticated by the gaming machine and executed in a secure memory location such that it is isolated from other processes executing on the gaming machine may be utilized. The host-controlled processes may be decoupled from the process used to execute the game of chance played on the gaming machine such that the content output by the host-controlled process doesn't alter the play of game of chance.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: IGTInventors: William C. Little, Daniel J. De Waal, Vincent S. Manfredi, Bryan E. Bullard, Cara L. Iddings, Richard J. Schneider, Steven G. LeMay, Nichole M. Beaulieu, David A. Gipp
-
Patent number: 9959703Abstract: A gaming machine may determine that a trigger event for a bonus game occurred during a base outcome event of a base game, wherein the base game and the bonus game are both reel-based games being executed on behalf of a client machine. In response, the gaming machine may award use of two or more replaceable symbols for the bonus game. Until all of the replaceable symbols have been used, the gaming machine may repeatedly carry out iterations of bonus game operations including: determining a symbol set for display on a plurality of reels, where the symbol set includes non-replaceable symbols and zero or more replaceable symbols, and where each displayed replaceable symbol is successively replaced in the display by either a new non-replaceable symbol or a new replaceable symbol until no displayed replaceable symbols remain on the plurality of reels.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Pridefield LimitedInventor: Terence Igesund
-
Patent number: 9959704Abstract: An electronic wagering system may have a player input system, a game processor and a random outcome wagering event system in communication with the game processor. The electronic wagering system receives wagers on a wagering event generating a random outcome event that is used to determine outcomes on received wagers. The processor accounts for wagers placed, credits entered, wagers lost and wagers won and credit status. When the gaming system does not require a contribution to a non-gaming institution, the player input system must contain a specific control that enables a player to input instructions on each of or at least one of recipient(s) of a charitable contribution, amount of contribution from either credit status or directly from winnings before being contributed to the credit status.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventors: Joze Pececnik, Aljosa Krupenko, Jamie Abrahamson
-
Patent number: 9959705Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to implementing a system to encourage cross platform operation in an online game. The online game may provide the ability to provide incentives for participating in cross platform game play. The system may monitor the player's performance on a particular console and provide incentives to accomplish tasks through game play on a different platform than the player is currently operating to play the game.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Kabam, Inc.Inventors: Clifford J. Harrington, Kent Wakeford
-
Patent number: 9959706Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a specifically programmed game operating computer system which, when executing the particular program code, is configured to operate in real-time a game based, at least in part, on: electronically receiving, in real-time, via a computer network, game entries data representing game entries for playing the game which has a common jackpot or shares the common jackpot with another game, where the common jackpot is configured to be calculated, in real-time during game entry submission, based on the game having a plurality of options within at least one of the following parameters: a price point per game entry, a payout level, a prize structure, a common jackpot contribution collection, and a prize distribution mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Intralot S.A.—Integrated Lottery Systems and ServicesInventors: Fotios Mavroudis, Gianna Karra, Panagiotis Koustenis, Ermioni Karra, Dionysios Antonopoulos, Constantina Tsintila
-
Patent number: 9959707Abstract: An electronic gaming machine that provides passively triggered wagering is disclosed. In an entertainment game, passively actuated enabling elements are provided. Passively actuated enabling elements are enabling elements that are consumed through game play of the entertainment game but not directly through player action by a player. An entertainment system engine of the gambling hybrid game provides the entertainment game and determines when a passively actuated enabling element is consumed in the game. A game world controller of the gambling hybrid game determines when a gambling event in a gambling game is to be provided based upon the consumption of the passively actuated enabling element. The game world controller then requests that a real world engine of the gambling hybrid game resolve the gambling event in the gambling game. The real world engine then resolves the gambling event and associated wagers on the outcome of the gambling event.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Eric Meyerhofer, Frank Cire
-
Patent number: 9959708Abstract: A gaming system which enables a player to selectively participate in a retriggered free game sequence. Following a free game triggering event, the gaming system initiates a free game sequence including a quantity of free games. If a free game retriggering event occurs in association with the initiated free game sequence, the gaming system enables a player to participate in a retriggered free game sequence or forgo the retriggered free game sequence in exchange for a modification of the remaining free games of the initiated free game sequence.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: IGTInventor: Scott A. Caputo
-
Patent number: 9959710Abstract: The present invention provides for a game-operating computer system, including: at least one server and game-operating software stored on a non-transient computer readable medium accessible by the server, where the at least one server, executing game-operating software, is at least configured to: generate an instance of a proximity game, where the instance of the proximity game is played based on the following rules: a) selecting a plurality of winning values from a pool of values, b) electronically receiving a first plurality of player-selected values from the pool of values, c) electronically receiving a second plurality of player-selected values from the pool of values, d) comparing the player-selected values with the winning values, where at least one player-selected value is not equal to at least one winning values; and e) determining at least one winning player from the at least one first player and the at least one second player.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Intralot S.A.—Integrated Lottery Systems and ServicesInventor: Nikolaos Diamantis
-
Patent number: 9959711Abstract: A method for integrating game products with sale and dissemination of digital media to players includes providing for players to purchase digital media for download at a purchase price that enters the player into a game wherein the player's downloaded digital media determines whether or not the player has won in the game. The purchased downloads are downloaded from a library, wherein a number of the digital media are stored in the library in their original format, and a defined number of the digital media stored in the library are modified from their original format to include an auditory or visual indication of a winning lottery play. The players download and listen to or view their downloaded digital media to determine if they have purchased a winning digital media in the lottery game. Players losing in the lottery game may be provided a downloaded digital media in its original format.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.Inventor: James C. Kennedy
-
Patent number: 9959712Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a computer-implemented method for conducting a game, having at least steps of: electronically receiving, by at least one specifically programmed computer processor, in real-time, game entries data representing game entries of players to participate in the game; where each game entry identifies a single playing instance of the game, having a plurality of drawing events; electronically determining, by the processor, in real-time, based on a game mode, a plurality of winning results for the plurality of drawing events respectively; electronically determining, by the processor, in real-time, a winning game entry, having selections which win each drawing event of the plurality of drawing events; and electronically recording, by the processor, in real-time, a portion of a jackpot to be distributed to a particular player associated with the winning game entry.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Intralot S.A.—Integrated Lottery Systems and ServicesInventors: Ermioni Karra, Panagiotis Kousteins, Gianna Karra
-
Patent number: 9959713Abstract: A card reading device includes a card shoe part in which cards are housed, a card reading part that reads information on the cards drawn out, a control part that determines the outcome of a game based on the read information on the cards, and display parts that display the determined outcome of the game. In a tabletop game system, the information on the cards read by the card reading part and information on the game outcome determined by the control part are transmitted from the card reading device to a main computer apparatus via wireless communication. The card reading device includes a battery that supplies electric power to the control part, the display parts and a wireless output part. The card reading device, as such, is capable of facilitating moving the card reading device in a participatory tabletop game.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
-
Patent number: 9959714Abstract: Systems and methods for minimal haptic implementation are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes: an actuator; and a control-circuit in communication with the actuator, the control circuit configured to: receive a haptic signal including a first bit indicating a power state; and transmit a power signal based on the haptic signal, the power signal configured to cause the actuator to operate at an actuation state at a fixed power.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Erin B. Ramsay, Henrique D. da Costa, Neil Olien, Robert A. Lacroix
-
Patent number: 9959715Abstract: A sleep inhibition assembly for inhibiting a driver from falling asleep includes a housing that may be manipulated. A vibration unit is coupled to the housing and the vibration unit vibrates the housing. The vibration unit may be placed in a mouth. Thus, the vibration unit may inhibit a driver from falling asleep.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: Mark Nugent
-
Patent number: 9959716Abstract: A system for producing a mechanical haptic pattern based on linear resonance actuator (LRA) signal is disclosed. The system includes an actuator displacement sensor, the actuator displacement sensor configured to apply an alternating measurement signal at a predetermined frequency to an actuator motor. The actuator displacement sensor configured to use a measure of a voltage across and a current through the actuator motor to determine its impedance at the predetermined frequency and determine an estimated displacement of the actuator motor using said impedance and a predetermined displacement-impedance function. The system also includes a controller configured to accept the LRA signal and the estimated displacement, wherein the controller is configured to alter the input LRA signal according to the estimated displacement to limit excursion of a moving part of the actuator motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Christophe Marc Macours, Shawn William Scarlett, Michael Joehren
-
Patent number: 9959717Abstract: A network system in a building complex linking different locations together and facilitating information and data exchange and access, includes ‘N’ number of autonomous nodes for receiving, processing, and storing sensory data collected by one or more sensors relating to an environment in ‘N’ number of regions within the building complex. The nodes are configured to communicate and share sensory data among the ‘N’ number of nodes and to generate a dynamic virtual map of the building complex environment that is accessible by users having access to the network.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Networked Emergency Systems Inc.Inventors: Barry Thornton, Mark Cohen
-
Patent number: 9959718Abstract: An alarm for a door is operable to generate an alarm signal when a rotary grip member of the door is rotated to a particular position, such as an unlocked position. The alarm comprises a housing having a strap retainer configured to receive and retain a strap to hold the housing to the rotary grip member. The alarm comprises a tilt switch for switching when the housing is tilted. Control circuitry is interconnected to the tilt switch and to an annunciator and is operable to activate the annunciator dependent on a state of the tilt switch.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: William S. Hendrie
-
Patent number: 9959719Abstract: An entry sensor, which supports either wireless or wired operation, facilitates installation and is adjustable for gaps between a building entry barrier such as a door or window and the surrounding frame. The sensor, which may be implemented as a single piece design, includes an adjustment mechanism that enables an installer to vary the extension of the sensor to match the actual gap so that the sensor properly secures the building entry when closed. The sensor includes a detector that determines the state of a switch that is responsive to the movement of a plunger mechanism, where the state is indicative whether the building entry barrier is opened or closed, and that may determine whether the sensor is tampered with. The sensor also may facilitate battery replacement that protects the associated circuitry during the replacement.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Salus North America, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Hong-Yen Pai, Wai-Leung Ha, Shen Owyang, Dick Kwai Chan, Wai Yin Shum, Kwok Wa Kenny Kam, Guang Quan Feng
-
Patent number: 9959720Abstract: A burglar alarm system with an input zone enhancer using a power source with random variable timing or voltage to supply the zone loop. The input zone enhancer measures the current flowing through a zone loop of a burglar control unit. A method includes providing random variable timing and a voltage to supply the zone loop. A method includes directly measuring the current flowing through a hard wired zone loop of a burglary control unit in order to overcome sensitivities associated with electromagnetic noise. A method includes detecting compromise attempts by calculating a correlation of two signals, the zone loop current and the reference current, and by calculating the autocorrelation of the zone loop current with itself at different points in time.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: Cezary Jan Jaronczyk
-
Patent number: 9959721Abstract: An anti-theft system and an operating method are provided. The anti-theft system includes a wearable device and a portable electronic device. The wearable device includes a first wireless module and a first processing module. The portable electronic device includes a second wireless module, a second processing module and a positioning module. The first wireless module and the second wireless module are in a wireless connection with each other. The second wireless module detects a received signal strength indicator value of the wireless connection. If the received signal strength indicator value is lower than a predetermined signal strength value, the positioning module is enabled to generate plural position data within a predetermined time period. Moreover, the second processing module calculates a displacement of the portable electronic device according to the plural position data and determines whether a warning mode is enabled according to the displacement.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.Inventors: Shi-Jie Zhang, Che-Yen Huang, Ying-Che Tseng, Wen-Pin Hsieh
-
Patent number: 9959722Abstract: A method is described for using a surveillance system to covertly and automatically determine the presence of persons and machines that do not want to be tracked and whose identities are unknown. Video is provided by one or more surveillance cameras and recorders to assist in visually distinguishing bearers of WiFi-equipped mobile devices. A processing device covertly receives WiFi probes from mobile devices, particularly smartphones, and forms and sends messages with links for viewing relevant live and recorded video. The processing device processes WiFi information, particularly mobile device signatures known as WiFi MAC addresses, organizes and records MAC addresses and other information, analyzes patterns of previous presence of MAC addresses using a variety of parameters, adjusts its processing parameters, determines when the reception of WiFi information from particular mobile devices satisfy criteria for sending messages, and presents its analysis for review and collaboration.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: Steven Gregory Morton
-
Patent number: 9959723Abstract: A security device is provided including a product presence sensor configured to sense a change in product presence relative to the product presence sensor and a directional element configured to direct the product presence sensor in a sensing direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Benoit Perreau, David Christianson
-
Patent number: 9959724Abstract: An apparatus and a method of indicating safety of a hydrogen tank when a vehicle fire occurs are provided. The apparatus includes a hydrogen storing tank and a thermal pressure relief device (TPRD) mounted within a valve of the hydrogen storing tank. In addition, a controller is configured to detect a flow rate of hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen storing tank, using a sensor to determine whether the detected flow rate of discharged hydrogen is within a predetermined reference flow rate range. The controller is also configured to transmit a warning signal when the detected flow rate of discharged hydrogen is included within the predetermined reference flow rate range.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Chang Ho Kim, Sang Hyun Kim, Ji Hyun Shim
-
Patent number: 9959725Abstract: A notification appliance is disclosed. The notification appliance may be a strobe notification appliance, such as an LED strobe notification appliance. The notification appliance may be wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted. Further, the notification appliance may include an optic that is configured to shape the light output from the notification appliance. For example, in a wall-mount, the optic may be mounted off-axis of a plane defined by a back plate of the notification appliance. Further, the notification appliance may be composed of a back plate, a driver board, and a front housing, with the front housing being attached to one or both of the back plate and the driver board. Moreover, the notification appliance may be used with an adapter bracket, which may be used to connect the notification appliance with one or more types of junction boxes.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBHInventors: Kenneth Savage, Jr., Steven Varieur
-
Patent number: 9959726Abstract: A method of operating an aspirated smoke detector includes providing an ambient condition detector, establishing a first flow baseline for the detector, establishing a second, lower, flow baseline for the detector, sampling a selected airflow, and determining if the slected airflow as sampled should be compared to the first flow baseline or the second, lower, flow baseline, and responsive thereto, determining if a trouble indictor should be generated.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Edward J. Kurtz, Scott R. Lang
-
Patent number: 9959727Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Yoky Matsuoka, David Sloo, Shigefumi Honjo, Scott A. McGaraghan, Michael Plitkins, Maxime Veron, Isabel Guenette
-
Patent number: 9959728Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for a smart appliance to interact with a user through a mobile device including detecting whether a mobile device associated with a first user is outside a user configurable proximity range of a smart appliance; detecting a status of the smart appliance via a set of sensors; and responsive to detecting that the mobile device is outside the user configurable proximity range, sending a user configurable message to the mobile device associated with the first user including the status of the smart appliance.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: Joseph A. True
-
Patent number: 9959729Abstract: This application provides an alarming method and device, and relates to the field of communications. The method includes: obtaining a power of an audio signal; determining a transmit power value at least according to the power of the audio signal; broadcasting detection information according to the transmit power value, the detection information including the transmit power value; and alarming, in response to receiving alarming information fed back by another device according to the detection information, a user according to the alarming information. According to the method and device, a user is alarmed in time in a situation in which a risk may occur, and meanwhile an undesired effect of an environmental noise on the user listening to the audio signal in a safe situation is also avoided, thereby improving user experience.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: BEIJING ZHIGU TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Jia Liu
-
Patent number: 9959730Abstract: A location tracking system for allowing a user to monitor the location of an abuser who has been issued a restraining order. The tracking system includes a monitoring unit to be carried by the user that is in wireless communication with a monitored unit to be worn by the abuser. The monitoring unit includes a housing having a display screen thereon, wherein the display screen shows the location of the monitoring unit and the location of the monitored unit. The monitoring unit is configured to determine the distance of separation between the monitoring unit and monitored unit. The monitoring unit includes an alarm unit that will produce an audible alert if the distance of separation drops below a predetermined minimum distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: Caline Spikes
-
Patent number: 9959731Abstract: A system for making sure that two wireless devices (a perimeter-anchoring device and a constrained device) are not separated too far apart by having a dynamic perimeter that follows the perimeter-anchoring device as it moves. In some embodiments, the size and/or shape of the perimeter is controlled by machine logic based rules, based at least in part, upon a set of environmental factor(s). Some possible environmental factors include: line of sight, pollution, noise level, presence of stranger(s), streets, traffic, body(ies) of water, contamination, allergen, or blocking obstruction(s).Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jhansi R. Kolla, Paul J. O'Donnell, Michael S. Thomason
-
Patent number: 9959732Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and a system for fall detection. Measurement signals are received from a plurality of sensors to monitor user activities, the plurality of sensors including a motion sensor for collecting motion information and a biomedical sensor for collecting physiological information. According to a signal processing sequence, whether the measurement signals meet multiple qualifying conditions for a fall incident is determined. The multiple qualifying conditions include: a condition evaluating at least the motion information, and a condition evaluating at least the physiological information. The method further includes: when the measurement signals do not meet the multiple qualifying conditions, continuing to monitor the user activities; and when the measurement signals meet the multiple conditions, determining that a fall incident has occurred, and sending an alert message to a designated contact.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: MICRON ELECTRONICS LLCInventors: Jun Xu, Ping Cheng