With Independent Manual Controller Patents (Class 340/309.5)
  • Patent number: 11607020
    Abstract: A pendant system includes a pendant, a vibration element, and a controller. The pendant is configured to mount on a necklace. The pendant includes a housing. The vibration element is located within the housing and is configured generate haptic feedback when activated. The controller is located within the housing and is configured to activate the vibration element randomly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Todd Dailey
  • Patent number: 11225824
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Brett A. Walford, Stephen Kosek
  • Patent number: 9554190
    Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided including establishing a value corresponding to a particular user of a device, receiving an indication of a triggering condition of the particular user of the device, the triggering condition being enabled by the device or measurable by the device, and determining the triggering condition has been met by the user via the device. The method further includes modifying the value responsive to determining the triggering condition has been met, determining when the value crosses a particular threshold, and disabling an application or a functional component of the device responsive to the value crossing the particular threshold. A system for implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Location Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Hodges, Tasos Roumeliotis, Scott Hotes
  • Patent number: 9491307
    Abstract: A system and method for assisting with calls to public safety answering points may include receiving emergency message data from a user, and, in response to receiving an emergency call request from the user at a telecommunications device, communicating the emergency message data in an audio format to a PSAP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Amar N. Ray, John M. Heinz
  • Patent number: 8692658
    Abstract: An interactive timing system for use with a play system includes a base unit configured for mounting at a base location on the play system and a plurality of remote units each configured for mounting at a location on the play system remote from the base station. The base unit comprises a timer and a switch for activating the timer. Each remote unit comprises an indicator and a manually-activated input for controlling the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Patent number: 8344882
    Abstract: A display device includes a dial, an alarm setting member, and a warning unit. The alarm setting member includes an A/D converter, a recognition module, a storage module, and an analysis module. With rotation of the dial, a variation voltage is generated. The A/D converter converts variable voltage from analog to digital form. In contrast, the alarm time is decreased. The storage module stores the adjusted alarm time. The analysis module compares the current time with the preset alarm time and outputs a driving signal to the warning unit in the event of a match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng Xu, Yong-Qian Deng
  • Patent number: 8073570
    Abstract: An unified controller for controlling a plurality of air-conditioning systems which are capable of air-conditioning individual air-conditioning rooms of a building using different schemes. The unified controller is located under a Building Management System (BMS) controller which simultaneously manages a plurality of systems corresponding to arrangements of the building, and simultaneously controls a multiple air-conditioning system acting as one of the air-conditioning systems and a central air-conditioning system acting as the other one of the air-conditioning systems using a single control command. The unified controller performs error correction, addition of a new function, and update of pre-loaded functions upon receiving a request from the remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suhgoo Kim, Tanabe Takeshi, Hyeong Joon Seo, Gyoung Rok Kim, Jae Hyo Jeong
  • Patent number: 7839267
    Abstract: A method for starting an operating system of a handheld device includes: setting an alarm time of an alarm clock as T seconds after a current system time of the handheld device when the handheld device is in a standby mode; monitoring the current system time of the handheld device until the current system time reaches a time that is N seconds before the set alarm time; repeating the setting step and the monitoring step, until the handheld device is turned off; determining whether the current system time is equal to the alarm time of the alarm clock when the handheld device is turned on; if yes, starting the operating system of the handheld device without executing boot-strap programs and making the operating system go to the standby mode directly; otherwise starting the operating system of the handheld device by executing boot-strap programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Tzu-Hao Huang
  • Patent number: 7317803
    Abstract: The medicine administration method employs a reminder device with a digital recorder, a visual display device, an audio speaker, a microphone, a resonator and light, a power supply, a computer processor unit, and appropriate controls encased in a housing. A code signal is entered into the device to open a recording function. An oral reminder message is recorded. A time schedule for playing the reminder message is inserted into the processor. When it is time to play the reminder message, a light is illuminated and a resonator is energized. A play button is pressed and the reminder message is played. Messages that are to be played in the future can be played by entering the time the future message is to be played and then playing the reminder message. After the message is played the current month, date and time is entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventors: Indira C. Prabhakar, Bangalore Prabhakar
  • Patent number: 7146265
    Abstract: A control device with a time measuring function measures a turned-off time of an ignition switch with a low consumption current and high accuracy at a level adapted for a demand from the controlling side, as well as a turned-on time of the ignition switch. The control device also measures an accumulative turned-on time of the ignition switch. The control device comprises a battery, a microcomputer for computing a control variable to control a control target, a time measuring unit, a clock source for the microcomputer, a clock source for the time measuring unit, and a unit for changing over operation of the time measuring unit depending on an intended use. The time measuring unit operates regardless of run/stop of the microcomputer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuya Oyama, Shoji Sasaki, Mitsuhiko Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7102489
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a first detector for detecting that a consumption article has reached its life, a second detector for detecting that the consumption article has reached a certain timing before its life, a third detector for detecting an application of power and/or releasing of a power saving mode of the image forming apparatus, a first controller for making a display portion display an alarm advising a replacement of the consumption article and for making the image forming apparatus inactivate, and a second controller for releasing the alarm display and enabling the use of the image forming apparatus when a specific input is operated during the displaying of the alarm on the display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihisa Motosugi, Kenichi Matsumoto, Taketoshi Yamahata, Tsuyoshi Yoneyama, Jiro Goto
  • Patent number: 7096104
    Abstract: Control unit for a load, in particular for a sliding sunroof control of a vehicle, having a microprocessor and having an integrated voltage regulator for generating the supply voltage of the microprocessor from the battery voltage of an on-board battery, in which case, in order to switch on the microprocessor the latter is fed its supply voltage by means of a wake-up pulse for a predetermined switch-on duration and said supply voltage is maintained as long as the microprocessor outputs trigger signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Herbert Stangl
  • Patent number: 7042338
    Abstract: An emergency hailing device for use by elderly, physically challenged, addicted and medically at-risk users, particularly when living alone. The device periodically interrogates the at-risk user and in absence of a prompt response to the automatic interrogation signal cue, the at-risk user is presumed to need help and an emergency service or prearranged care-provider is automatically beckoned. The device may be worn or set near the at-risk user, available for immediate manual acknowledgment after the interrogation cue signal occurs. Failure to return a prompt response within a presettable time or response absence indicates that a problematic situation may exist and an emergency signal is activated assuring the at-risk user that help will be promptly hailed even if physical or mental incapacitation occurs. Emergency signal may include a bell or siren, a flashing-light to attract neighbors, or a predetermined telephone may be auto-dialed to hail a prearranged care-provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Savvystuff Property Trust
    Inventor: Harold J. Weber
  • Patent number: 6992569
    Abstract: A safety shutdown system is provided for use with a fluid delivery system, such as used on a delivery vehicle. The safety shutdown system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing characteristics of a fluid delivery system. A controller includes a query timer function initiated in response to the sensed characteristic of the fluid delivery system and/or in response to activation of selected vehicle functions. The operator may repeatedly reset the query timer before it times out by pressing a button on a wireless transmitter. If the timer times out, however, the controller automatically shuts off a vehicle engine and/or closes a valve to prevent further fluid delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Kevin Cessac
  • Patent number: 6975226
    Abstract: A unified docking apparatus is provided. It includes a single set of controls to operate a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a barrier device, a dock seal, and a loading light. Some optional embodiments include selector switch to select which apparatus the single set of controls will control. Other optional embodiments automatically select the apparatus to be controlled by the single set of controls. A method of operating a docking apparatus using a single set of controls is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: SPX Dock Products Inc.
    Inventors: Terence Reynard, James C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6771163
    Abstract: Provided is an emergency signalling device and system by which emergency signals are transmitted for reception by an emergency authority when a user set time for the transmission elapses without cancellation or reset. The device may be a telephone or a beacon. In an example the system is a digital mobile phone messaging system using a terrestrial and/or satellite based radio communications wherein the device in the form of a mobile telephone or short messaging service (SMS) capable transceiver automatically transmits an emergency or distress signal addressed to a search and rescue (SAR) or emergency service organization within a preset time interval in the event of incapacitation of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Linlan Research and Development Company PTY LTD
    Inventors: Malcolm Robert Linnett, Ben Lancini
  • Patent number: 6351207
    Abstract: Medication Reminder Key chain with a key chain sized housing enclosing a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board supporting an integrated circuit providing timing functions and control for a piezo electric sound emitting device and a plurality of LED's, the printed circuit board also supporting a momentary switch, the printed circuit board also supporting a battery holder and associated battery. A preferred embodiment includes in said timing functions the actuation of said sound emitting device at regular intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: Cynthia J. Mik, Anna Sobrero
  • Patent number: 6326881
    Abstract: An alarm clock system for facilitating a moment of mindfulness, awareness, stress reduction and quiet at random times during the day. The inventive device includes an encasement, a display positioned within the encasement, a speaker positioned within the encasement, a plurality of control buttons positioned within the encasement, and a control unit positioned within the encasement and electrically connected to the control buttons, display and the speaker. The user may program the control unit using the control buttons as to the frequency of the random alarms, quite times, sound level of alarm and various other settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Mark V. Dahl