Housing Or Casing Patents (Class 340/12.55)
  • Patent number: 12044530
    Abstract: A laser device operating system includes a laser device generating a laser beam when receiving a remote control unit command signal. The remote control unit operates in a public or private mode. In public mode the remote control unit generates a command signal transmitted to the laser device. In private mode the remote control unit generates a unique identifier prepended to the command signal. The laser device operates in a laser device public or private mode. In public mode the laser device responds to the remote control unit command signal or the command signal if transmitted by a second remote control unit. In private mode the laser device operates only upon receipt of the command signal and unique identifier, preventing laser device operation by the second remote control unit if the second unit does not include the unique identifier with the command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Horky, Geoffrey S. Howard, James P. Bascom, Stamati Arakas, Gabriel E. Concari, Gary Noffke
  • Patent number: 11836230
    Abstract: A vehicle or a mobile device within or near the vehicle can have multiple sensors to authenticate a passenger or driver of the vehicle in different ways, e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition, voice fingerprinting, iris scan, etc. Also, non-biometric factors can be used to authenticate the passenger or driver of the vehicle, e.g., MAC address, RFID, username and password, PIN, etc. In addition, a network attached security asset accessed by a vehicle can be included within the vehicle such as modem within the vehicle with authentication capabilities. Also, the authentication can be according to a zero trust framework or networking methodology. Some or all of such credentials and authentication factors or methods can fail individually, at least in part, in various conditions. An intelligent system, making use of intelligent multi-factor authentication, can combine such information to determine the identity of the passenger or driver with more reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Richard Noel Bielby, Michael Tex Burk
  • Patent number: 11830355
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus, control method thereof, remote control apparatus that controls the electronic apparatus, and control method thereof. The remote control apparatus includes a communication unit which communicates with the electronic apparatus; a user input unit which receives a user button selection indicating an input button; a sensing unit which senses movement of the remote control apparatus; and a control unit which controls the communication unit to transmit information about the user button selection to perform a function corresponding to the input button if the remote control apparatus is in a button input mode, and to transmit information about the movement of the remote control apparatus to the electronic apparatus to control the electronic apparatus by the movement if the remote control apparatus is in a motion recognition mode. Accordingly, controlling a game or a multimedia content is easier, and the user is provided with a new and interesting experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun-seok Choi, Ho-june Yoo, Sang-on Choi, Byung-seok Soh
  • Patent number: 11798410
    Abstract: In a traffic flow control system, communication is performed with a travel control device of a moving body passing through a transportation route and the traffic flow of the transportation route is controlled. The traffic control system includes an entry authority management unit and a communication unit. In a transportation route divided into virtual areas, the entry authority management unit manages entry authority for each area, managing tokens in a number that corresponds to the area, and guiding entry of the moving body to the area by attaching entry authority to a token and delivering the resulting token to the travel control device. The communication unit communicates the entry authority and tokens to the travel control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Keiichi Katsuta, Junya Takahashi, Takehito Ogata, Wataru Tanaka, Mariko Mizuochi, Kentaroh Maki
  • Patent number: 11746717
    Abstract: A first arrival flow rate that is a flow rate of evaporative fuel gas that has arrived in a throttle downstream portion located downstream of a throttle valve in an intake pipe via a second purge passage after passing through a purge control valve is estimated based on a valve passage flow rate that is a flow rate of evaporative fuel gas that has passed through the purge control valve, and a first response delay in the flow of evaporative fuel gas through a route extending from the purge control valve to the throttle downstream portion via the second purge passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masanao Idogawa, Takahiro Uchida, Masahiro Kachi, Reiko Goh, Hirokatsu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11479207
    Abstract: A method is presented for controlling power output by a battery in a vehicle. The method includes: measuring voltage of the battery during a sequence of vehicle events to form a time series, where each vehicle event is powered by the battery; constructing an unknown fingerprint from the voltage measurements made during the sequence of vehicle events, where the unknown fingerprint is indicative of a sequence of vehicle events; comparing the unknown fingerprint to the at least one fingerprint; receiving a start signal, where the start signal is a request to start the engine of the vehicle; and, in response to receiving the start signal and based on the comparison of the unknown fingerprint to the at least one fingerprint, outputting electric power from the battery to an electric starter motor of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
    Inventors: Kang G. Shin, Liang He
  • Patent number: 11423769
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus, control method thereof, remote control apparatus that controls the electronic apparatus, and control method thereof. The remote control apparatus includes a communication unit which communicates with the electronic apparatus; a user input unit which receives a user button selection indicating an input button; a sensing unit which senses movement of the remote control apparatus; and a control unit which controls the communication unit to transmit information about the user button selection to perform a function corresponding to the input button if the remote control apparatus is in a button input mode, and to transmit information about the movement of the remote control apparatus to the electronic apparatus to control the electronic apparatus by the movement if the remote control apparatus is in a motion recognition mode. Accordingly, controlling a game or a multimedia content is easier, and the user is provided with a new and interesting experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun-seok Choi, Ho-june Yoo, Sang-on Choi, Byung-seok Soh
  • Patent number: 11348449
    Abstract: Implementations of a modular electronic switch system are provided. An example modular electronic switch system can be attached to a mounting interface for firearm accessories, such as a Picatinny rail interface, and used to operate power-consuming firearm accessories (e.g., an illumination device, a laser aiming module, etc.) connected thereto by a suitably configured flexible cable, or wireless transceiver. Also provided are implementations of a remote switch device. An example remote switch device can be attached to a mounting interface for firearm accessories and used to operate power-consuming firearm accessories connected thereto by a suitably configured flexible cable. The remote switch device includes at least one non-binary position and force sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Trent Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11163215
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus characterized by safety protection includes a body and a protruding assembly. The protruding assembly is assembled to the body from the inside of the body and protrudes out of the body. The protruding assembly includes a fixing member and at least one flexible member. The fixing member is assembled to the body, and the at least one flexible member is disposed on the fixing member and is assembled to the body together with the fixing member. The flexible member passes through an opening of the body from the inside of the body to protrude out of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chen-Hsien Cheng, Li-Fang Chen, Ruei-Hong Hong
  • Patent number: 10902717
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus, control method thereof, remote control apparatus that controls the electronic apparatus, and control method thereof. The remote control apparatus includes a communication unit which communicates with the electronic apparatus; a user input unit which receives a user button selection indicating an input button; a sensing unit which senses movement of the remote control apparatus; and a control unit which controls the communication unit to transmit information about the user button selection to perform a function corresponding to the input button if the remote control apparatus is in a button input mode, and to transmit information about the movement of the remote control apparatus to the electronic apparatus to control the electronic apparatus by the movement if the remote control apparatus is in a motion recognition mode. Accordingly, controlling a game or a multimedia content is easier, and the user is provided with a new and interesting experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun-seok Choi, Ho-june Yoo, Sang-on Choi, Byung-seok Soh
  • Patent number: 10853594
    Abstract: A manually operated disconnect maintains a machine/process in a de-energized state. The disconnect employs a sensor that automatically detects, via wireless communication, a lock affixed to the disconnect that locks the disconnect in an open state. Processing circuitry coupled to the sensor determines lockout tagout data, such as identification of a user associated with the lock, a time of application of the lock, and data identifying and/or locating the disconnect or a machine/process to which the disconnect provides power when in a closed state. Memory circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry stores the lockout tagout data, and holds it available for user review, transmission, analysis, reporting, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Valencia, Charles W. Grab, Jeffrey T. Eker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10720047
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method for controlling the same are provided. More particularly, an electronic apparatus controlled by a first remote controller for a first electronic apparatus, and a method for controlling the same are provided. The y embodiments provide an electronic apparatus controlled by a selection of one button positioned in a first remote controller for a first electronic apparatus, and a method for controlling the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin-hyuk Hong, Byung-seok Soh, Eun-seok Choi, Shin-a Kim, Sang-on Choi
  • Patent number: 10690747
    Abstract: A system for determining a location of a work machine operator relative to a work machine comprises a machine controller, a radio frequency receiver, and an infrared transmitter unit. The unit comprises a plurality of infrared transmitters configured to generate infrared signals that collectively divide a 360-degree area around the infrared transmitter unit into a plurality of zones. A remote controller remote from the work machine, which comprises a radio frequency transceiver and an infrared receiver, is configured to receive the infrared signal generated by at least one of the plurality of infrared transmitters. The remote controller has a computer system which is configured to decode information within the one or more infrared signals to determine whether the operator is in an approved zone. The computer system enables the radio frequency transceiver to communicate with the radio frequency receiver upon determining that the operator is in the approved zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Alexander Wynn, Christopher Simmons, Jon Stanford, Tenny Hinshaw
  • Patent number: 10691121
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the movements of a proxy robot utilizing electrical signals from the nervous system of a user are presented; including identifying signal pickup points on the body of the user; connecting electrodes to the pickup points; amplifying and processing the signals from each pickup point; aggregating and encoding the processed signals for transmission to a proxy robot; receiving and decoding the processed electrical signals at the location of the proxy robot into their original component electrical signals corresponding to an electrical signal from a particular pickup point on the body of the user; processing each component electrical signal by a driver configured for an individual motion-producing element in the proxy robot; addressing by the component electrical signals each motion-producing element in the motor system of the proxy robot surrogate; and causing the proxy robot surrogate to emulate every movement of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Kenneth Dean Stephens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10672262
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method for controlling the same are provided. More particularly, an electronic apparatus controlled by a first remote controller for a first electronic apparatus, and a method for controlling the same are provided. The y embodiments provide an electronic apparatus controlled by a selection of one button positioned in a first remote controller for a first electronic apparatus, and a method for controlling the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin-hyuk Hong, Byung-seok Soh, Eun-seok Choi, Shin-a Kim, Sang-on Choi
  • Patent number: 10666385
    Abstract: A transmission device that performs multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission of transmit data using a plurality of fundamental bands. The transmission device includes an error correction coding unit, a mapping unit, and a MIMO coding unit. The error correction coding unit, for each data block of predefined length, performs error correction coding and thereby generates an error correction coded frame. The mapping unit maps each predefined number of bits in the error correction coded frame to a corresponding symbol and thereby generates an error correction coded block. The MIMO coding unit performs MIMO coding with respect to the error correction coded block. Components of data included in the error correction coded block are allocated to at least two of the fundamental bands and transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SUN PATENT TRUST
    Inventors: Mikihiro Ouchi, Noritaka Iguchi, Tomohiro Kimura
  • Patent number: 10607809
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprises a first operation unit 31 and a second operation unit 41 that execute an input operation relative to an X-ray image displayed on a display element. The first operation unit comprises a touch panel and the second operation unit comprises a lever. A mounted first operation unit can change an angle relative to a rail installed relative to a table. The second operation unit is attachable to both the rail and the table, and first operation unit is and detachable therefrom for convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazunori Adachi
  • Patent number: 10334234
    Abstract: A stereo camera (1) for a vehicle includes a first camera (1.1), which has a first image sensor (1.11) and the camera field of vision (S1) of which has a first opening angle (?1), and a second camera (1.2), which has a second image sensor (1.21) and the camera field of vision (S2) of which has a second opening angle (?2). The second opening angle (?2) is greater than the first opening angle (?1). The first camera (1.1) has a first lens optical unit (1.12) and the second camera (1.2) has a second lens optical unit (1.22), which both have an angular resolution that is higher in a central region (Z1, Z2) of the field of vision (S1, S2) lying in the angular range (?11, ?21) around the optical axis (O1) than outside of the central region. The cameras are arranged so that the fields of vision (S1, S2) overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Adomat, Thomas Fechner, Dieter Kroekel, Gerhard Mueller, Martin Punke
  • Patent number: 10235871
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications and discloses an information transmission method, apparatus and computer storage medium; wherein, the method comprising: when a second device acquires a first data which will be provided to a second device, determining whether the first device is in a positioning state with the second device; when the first device is in the positioning state with the second device, generating a first merged data by merging the first data with a first positioning signal used for positioning, wherein the first positioning signal is the positioning signal to be transmitted by the first device to the second device; and transmitting the first merged data to the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: NINEBOT (BEIJING) TECH. CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xuhui Wang, Guanjiao Ren
  • Patent number: 9916753
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods in which a controllable device transfers to the remote device, such as to a remote control application (“app”) located on a smartphone, a data structure identifying various functions that can be controlled by a remote device, together with the identity of the signal type that will achieve the desired operation. The remote device, upon accepting input directly from the remote device, can then allow the remote device user to select how controls of the various functions are to be configured and presented to, or otherwise selectively arranged for a user on a user interface of the remote device. In this way, the present disclosure provides a single highly customizable system. Distributors, resellers, and/or manufacturers of various electronic devices will be able utilize the same controllable device instructions, yet visually distinguish its brand name from other solutions using the same instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: CSR Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Vladislav Aginsky, Dani Shaket
  • Patent number: 9911322
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus, control method thereof, remote control apparatus that controls the electronic apparatus, and control method thereof. The remote control apparatus includes a communication unit which communicates with the electronic apparatus; a user input unit which receives a user button selection indicating an input button; a sensing unit which senses movement of the remote control apparatus; and a control unit which controls the communication unit to transmit information about the user button selection to perform a function corresponding to the input button if the remote control apparatus is in a button input mode, and to transmit information about the movement of the remote control apparatus to the electronic apparatus to control the electronic apparatus by the movement if the remote control apparatus is in a motion recognition mode. Accordingly, controlling a game or a multimedia content is easier, and the user is provided with a new and interesting experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eun-seok Choi, Ho-june Yoo, Sang-on Choi, Byung-seok Soh
  • Patent number: 9838791
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating alerting sounds and broadcasting the same into the interior of a building so that an occupant can be made aware of an emergency, warning, etc. or of the building for various other purposes such as to greet a visitor or accept a package or sign documents from a transporter drone or robot. The sounds are generated by an exciter feature of a transducer held in a case, the exciter feature being able to be pressed against an exterior surface. The transducer vibrates its exciter feature in correspondence with audio signals transmitted to the transducer to broadcast corresponding sounds into the interior of the building by resonance induced in the door or other building member by the vibrating exciter feature. The sounds may resemble conventional alerting sounds such as a knocking or ringing sounds, and/or can be a spoken message either prerecorded in an audio source or created contemporaneously by being spoken by a user into a microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Wargon
  • Patent number: 9812004
    Abstract: The control system for a terminal device and a switch can be operated by gestures and incorporate existing infrastructure. The control system includes the wall, wiring, electricity source to the wall, the switch with a control module, and the terminal device connected to the switch. The system also includes a housing and a sensor within the housing. The control module receives gesture data from the sensor to actuate the switch corresponding to desired activity of the terminal device. The range of activities of the terminal device corresponds to the different modes of the switch. The system can retrofit a terminal device and a switch in an existing installation so that the terminal device can be controlled by gestures. The control system can also have power source based on the existing infrastructure or a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: SWAN SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yaniv Boshernitzan, Ohad Nezer
  • Patent number: 9785318
    Abstract: An application-switching program displays representations of applications, for example icons, on a screen of a device. As a user of the device navigates between the representations, a screen of the application to a representation of which the user has currently navigated is shown in the background of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: David Paul Yach, Gerhard Dietrich Klassen
  • Patent number: 9613504
    Abstract: A method and device for generating alerting sounds and broadcasting the same into the interior of a building so that an occupant can be made aware of the presence of a visitor at a door to the building. The sounds are generated by an exciter feature of a transducer held in a case, able to be gripped in one hand of a user, the exciter feature being able to be pressed against an exterior surface of the door by the user moving the case to a position adjacent to the door. The transducer vibrates its exciter feature in correspondence with audio signals transmitted to the transducer to broadcast corresponding sounds into the interior of the building by resonance induced in the door by the vibrating exciter feature. The sounds can resemble conventional alerting sounds such as a knocking or ringing sounds, and/or can be a spoken message either prerecorded in an audio source or created contemporaneously by being spoken by the user into a microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Wargon
  • Patent number: 9489985
    Abstract: A digital content operating apparatus, including: a communication unit which communicates with an external device which has a display for displaying the digital content; a user operation interface which receives a user operation to control the digital content which is displayed on the external device; a display which displays either a linear content operation panel or an interactive content operation panel; and a controller which controls the user operation interface corresponding to information on the digital content which is displayed on the external device; wherein either the linear content operation panel or the interactive content operation panel is displayed alternatively as the user operation interface on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Machida, Nobuhiro Tsutsumi, Kouji Kamogawa
  • Patent number: 9237293
    Abstract: A remote control system, including: a remote controller including one or more direction keys respectively corresponding to different directions and a confirm key; and a display device controlled by the remote controller; wherein: the remote controller is configured to transmit a direction control signal of a corresponding direction to the display device when one of the direction keys is pressed; and the display device is configured to, when the direction control signal is received by the display device in a first state of displaying sub-level content without displaying a card directory and corresponds to a predetermined direction, switch to a second state of displaying a card directory, the card directory including one selected card and at least one candidate card arranged in order, and at least one switch direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Xiaomi Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan Wang, Xijie Shen, Zhaopeng Cheng, Yongjian Sun, Chuangqi Li, Jun Wan, Yi Ru, Feng Li, Xing Yan, Qingsong Dai
  • Patent number: 9075892
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method applicable to a network system for automatically inserting an embedded toolbar into a web browser directly by way of a gateway device, wherein a toolbar request instruction written in a dynamic scripting language is inserted into a web page message by the gateway device while the web page message is transmitted from a web server to a terminal device (e.g., a personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc.) through the gateway device, so as to enable the web browser of the terminal device to request an embedded toolbar serve for providing an embedded toolbar message according to the toolbar request instruction and then show an embedded toolbar corresponding to the embedded toolbar message on a web page received from the web server according to the web page message. Thus, a user of the terminal device doesn't have to install the embedded toolbar additionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: MIIICASA HOLDING (CAYMAN) INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Chiang Lin, Hung-Chun Kao, Yu-Sheng Lin, Ting-Yu Chiang, Shih-Hui Wu, Wen-Yuan Wang, Cho-Hsuan Lee, Chi-Ming Luo, Yi-Hua Liang, Min-Hui Wu, Hsiao-Yun Chen, Kuan-Yi Chang, Chi-Hsiu Huang, Jia-Bin Lai, Heng-Chang Lin, Yu-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9019085
    Abstract: An anti-disassembling device for an electronic product includes a case, a linear movement device, a circular movement device and an optical encoder. At least one retractable transmission member is connected to the case. The circular movement device is located in the case and has an encoding disk, which has multiple slots defined therethrough and teeth are defined in the periphery thereof. The at least one retractable transmission member is engaged with the teeth to rotate the encoding disk. The optical encoder has a lighting module which emits light beams through the slots of the encoding disk and a photosensitive module receives the light beams and sends a signal to the storage unit of the electronic product. The retractable device rotates when the electronic product is disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventor: Chung-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 9002264
    Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) communicator includes a housing, an NFC controller and an antenna circuit located in the housing. The antenna circuit enable inductive coupling of a near field electromagnetic signal with another antenna circuit in near field range. The antenna circuit includes an antenna element to generate the electromagnetic signal. The communicator also includes a receiver circuit located in the housing for extracting data from modulation induced in the electromagnetic signal which is caused by the inductive coupling of the near field electromagnetic signal with another antenna circuit, a transmitter circuit to generate the near field, a load modulator to modulate the near field to the reader and an energy harvesting circuit to power the rest of the circuit from the external field. A ferrite sheet is located in the housing such that a gap is maintained between the antenna element and the ferrite sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150091710
    Abstract: A handheld remote control device may have an angled directional control pad having a planar orientation that is askew from a front face control surface of the remote control device. The angled directional control pad may include a rear portion on the rear of the remote control device, which may be angled as well. The rear portion of the directional control pad may include an inductive charging circuit for charging a battery of the remote control device, and may be configured to mate with a charging base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Loretan
  • Patent number: 8994511
    Abstract: An electronic identification package and methods are disclosed. The electronic identification package comprises an electronic identifier operable to provide an identification. A ground conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to conductively couple to a conductive body. An insulator is operable to insulate the electronic identifier from the conductive body, and a reader conductive contact is coupled to the electronic identifier and is operable to electronically couple to an electronic identification reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Carl J. Hanks, James W. Fonda
  • Patent number: 8884745
    Abstract: A remote control includes a top portion with programming receiver functionality selection members and a bottom portion with a keyboard. The two portions are rotatable between a closed position (where the top portion covers the keyboard) and an open position (where portions of the keyboard project laterally out from under the top portion). When the two portions are in the open position, the selection members and the keyboard share an orientation. The remote control may transmit signals to a programming receiver. The programming receiver may update a display based on signals received from the remote control device. In some implementations, the updated display transmitted by the programming receiver may be based at least in part on a context of a previous display. In various implementations, the remote control may provide indicators to a user. These indicators may be based on signals received from a programming receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Luke VanDuyn, Henry Martch
  • Patent number: 8878655
    Abstract: An apparatus including: a user interface module, a vibration mechanism configured to move the user interface module to provide a tactile effect through the user interface module, and a counterbalancing element configured to provide a counterbalancing effect for movements of the user interface module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jouko Antero Sormunen
  • Publication number: 20140313019
    Abstract: A remote controller with magnet for ceiling fan and includes a transmitter body defining a compartment in which at least a magnet is installed. With the magnet installed therein, the transmitter body can readily attach to a flat surface of a ferric object. Alternatively, the transmitter body can be used with a holder defining a pocket in which a ferric plate is arranged. The transmitter body can magnetically attach to the ferric plate of the holder. By this arrangement, the transmitter body can readily stored within the pocket. This arrangement can effectively increase the convenience of the operation and usage. In addition, the overall configuration is simple and free from all kind of malfunction. It can be readily expected to reach its intended convenience and configurational stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: RHINE ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YI KAI CHANG
  • Patent number: 8836486
    Abstract: A portable transmitter has an inner cover, an outer cover, outer knobs, a cover, a circuit substrate, etc. The cover has projection parts made of elastic material. Each projection part projects toward a corresponding opening part of the outer cover through a corresponding penetration hole of the inner case. The front end of the projection part is contacted to the corresponding outer knob. The opposite part of the projection part is contacted to a corresponding tact switch formed on the circuit substrate while the projection part is elastically deformed and the inner case accommodates the cover. Each of the outer knobs is placed in the corresponding opening part of the outer case while the outer peripheral part of the outer knob is pushed onto the outer peripheral part of the wall surface of the opening part formed in the outer case by repulsive elastic force applied from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Saito, Mitsuru Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20140132497
    Abstract: A mobile remote control is provided. The mobile remote control includes a touch surface without a display and is adapted to an electronic device with a display. Each touch event on the touch surface is reflected on the display directly relative to the position and nature of the event on the touch surface. The size of the touch surface is small enough so that user's fingers can be around it. The sensitivity of the palm makes it possible for user to know the relatively position of his finger on the touch surface without gazing at it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Aki Kalevi Kolehmainen
  • Patent number: 8670078
    Abstract: A remote control is described that with at least two faces that have at least one touch-based input. The remote control also includes an orientation sensor that determines the orientation of the remote control. A processor on the remote ignores signals from inputs on certain faces of the remote based upon the orientation of the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: BBY Solutions
    Inventor: Nigel Waites
  • Patent number: 8604904
    Abstract: A portable device has an opening formed in one case of a dual structure, a partitioning member for partitioning the opening, a projection formed on the partitioning member so as to project to a front surface side of the case, and at least two push buttons attached from a back surface side of the case to partitions partitioned by the partitioning member. The push button has a substantially flat plate-shaped push button portion, and a locking portion formed at an outer edge of the push button portion. The locking portion contacts an outer edge of the opening to prevent slip-out of the push button when the push button is attached to the partition from the back surface side of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Fujimoto, Masahiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8508345
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a remote control accessory for a wireless communication system, including a radio frequency (RF) to infrared (IR) converter for receiving RF signals transmitted thereto and converting the RF signals to IR commands, a plurality of IR transmitters for transmitting the IR commands, and a housing assembly for carrying the RF to IR converter and the plurality of IR transmitters. The plurality of IR transmitters are integrated into the housing assembly with no exposed wires. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: David Mornhineway, Mark Hubscher
  • Patent number: 8441346
    Abstract: A vehicle user is notified of a rear gate ajar condition so that the user can take corrective action by opening and then re-closing the rear gate. The method includes the steps of determining that the rear gate latch has engaged a latch striker but has not reached a fully latched position; operating a vehicle mounted signaling device that is cognizable by a user while still standing at the rear gate so that the user will receive immediate notification that the rear gate latch has not reached the fully latched position, thereby enabling the user to take immediate corrective action by opening and then re-closing the gate to attempt a fully latched position of the rear gate latch; and then, if the vehicle is started without the lift gate operator having taken corrective action to obtain full latching of the rear gate latch, energizing a lift gate ajar light on the instrument panel so that the vehicle driver is notified to take corrective action before driving away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Altaf S. Imam
  • Publication number: 20130099906
    Abstract: A remote controller switching device is used with a smart handheld electronic device installed with a control program providing a remote controller interface. When manipulated, the remote controller interface allows the control program to generate an operation instruction for controlling remotely an intended target. The remote controller switching device includes a fixation base for fixing the smart handheld electronic device in place, and a remote control module having a transmission connection portion and a protocol portion. After creating a transmission connection to the smart handheld electronic device, the remote controller switching device generates a remote control signal based on the operation instruction to control the intended target remotely through the protocol portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: KUO-CHAN PENG, CHING-FENG HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8400258
    Abstract: A method of remotely configuring a controller responsive to wireless signals includes entering a controller programming mode from a regular mode in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a first click pattern from a switch. The controller provides a first notification to indicate a first selected configurable feature of the controller. Each of a plurality of configurable features of the controller has a different assigned notification. The controller provides a second notification to indicate a second selected configurable feature in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a second click pattern from the switch. The method also includes exiting the programming mode. The notification may be a flashing of lights, a dimming of lights, an audible sound, an adjustment of a damper position, or a combination of these things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Echoflex Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Aikens, Loren Parfitt
  • Patent number: 8310350
    Abstract: A haptic system including a compliant member which limits the direction of motion of an interface surface providing haptic feedback to motion along a single axis. The compliant member allows for easy assembly, reduced ports, lighter weight and improved longevity and performance. The compliant member typically has a longitudinal extent that is greater than its lateral extent and height, and its height is greater than its lateral extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Allen Pfau, David Michael Whitton
  • Patent number: 8310349
    Abstract: A haptic system including a plurality of mechanical buttons driven by a single haptic feedback driver. The mechanical buttons are integrated within the haptic surface and are configured to move with the haptic interface relative to said base. The haptic surface may include a touch screen interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Allen Pfau, David Michael Whitton
  • Patent number: 8269663
    Abstract: A remote control system (1) comprises a plurality of controlled devices (100, 100a, etc.), a specifying means (101) for specifying one controlled device (100) that the user desires as a remote control target, and a control device (200) for remotely controlling the one controlled device according to first identification information for identifying the one controlled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Sotomaru
  • Patent number: 8260269
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for bumping a mobile device, such as a smart phone, against a fixed poster board display at a store to initiate a download of coupons, advertisements, or other benefits to the mobile device. Products can be rated by a user's up/down bump or other bump patterns. Using accelerometer-based inertial measurements, multiple users can control multiple mouse cursors on a large display with their mobile devices in order to select information to be downloaded to their mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Visa International Service Association
    Inventors: Patrick Faith, Mark Carlson, Ayman Hammad
  • Patent number: 8248540
    Abstract: In a broadcast signal receiving apparatus, a remote controller has, as one of a plurality of buttons thereof, a state changing button for instructing to change a source to be reproduced by a main body. The main body or the remote controller has a memory storing a first state changing table indicating an order in which the source is changed. When the state changing button is operated, if the broadcast signal is being received by the tuner portion and reproduced as the source, the main body performs state change such that the first source in the first state changing table is specified as the source to be reproduced by the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Hayashi, Hiroshi Yamaga, Hirofumi Okada
  • Patent number: 7999660
    Abstract: An electronic device (100) is configured to deliver a localized haptic feedback response (101) to a user. The electronic device (100) includes a device housing (107) and an interface assembly having a display lens (202) or other user interface surface and a motion generation device (212) affixed to the interface assembly. A compliance member (204) is disposed between the device housing (107) and the interface assembly. The compliance member (204) suspends the interface assembly from the device housing (107) and permits the interface assembly to physically move relative to the device housing (107) in response to actuation of the motion generation device (212), thereby delivering a localized tactile response to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Cybart, Richard Gordecki, Ngee Lee
  • Patent number: 7969317
    Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a casing, a movable member moving from a position outside the casing to a position inside the casing upon contact of a detection object, a radio communication device disposed on the movable member and configured for radio communication with a sending and receiving unit via radio waves, a shielding member for shielding the radio communication between the radio communication device and the sending and receiving unit in a state that the movable member is located within the casing, and a controller for determining the presence of the detection object by determining whether the sending and receiving unit can communicate with the radio communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Oyumi